The Dancing Groom by Taylor Hart

Get Book

Synopsis:

A football player who trying to save his brother! A dancer who's trying to forget her past! Will they save each other?
Boston Brady, running back for the Miami Surf, only wanted three things from his month at a beach resort- to take care of his brother, train for football, and forget his ex-girlfriend! When he is suckered into taking dance classes by his brother, he never expected to get stuck with the one woman he'd accidentally infuriated upon arriving.
The beautiful and talented Addison Adair, former coach from Dancing With the Stars only wants two things-a spot on Jive International, a prestigious dance company, and to erase the pain and loneliness of losing her husband. When her dance partner falls through and Boston Brady agrees to fill in, and she suddenly finds her world turned upside down. He's intense and gives the Brady Guarantee that she'll get that spot-no matter what!
After long days of training, dips in the ocean at night, and an attraction for the football player that scares her, she finds herself getting lost in those blue eyes and lost in the kindness of the man she didn't think was possible and isn't sure she's ready for.
Just when Boston's family has an emergency, a dark part of his past shows up, derailing her audition. Now they're left with a choice-believe the worst and walk away, or believe in the power of second chances.

Review:

I was excited to read this one because I am a big fan of dancing and beaches so this book sounded like a win! I am loving this Brady family. They are all such tough guys but deep down they are great guys who are there for each other and those around them. Boston is struggling with some things in life and agrees to a beach vacation with Ty and to his surprise it turned out a lot differently than he planned. Addison is a dancer trying to make it again after the death of her husband and she never would have guessed where her path would take her. Boston enjoys dancing and helps Addison to prepare for her audition and planned to dance with her. I loved this book and it was a beautiful story about learning to trust. The characters had great chemistry and it was a sweet clean romance.

Stars: 4.5

Love Bytes by Melanie Jacobson

Get Book

Synopsis:

Jessica Riley would do anything for her best friend Addison, including be her maid of honor and meet all her increasingly crazy wedding demands. But that's because Jessica has Dallen, the best man, helping her navigate the trouble their respective best friends keep stirring up. Even though she and Dallen have only spoken online or in texts, their friendship forms fast and easy, and Jessica is beginning to hope that the wedding in Hawaii will become the start of something special for her and Dallen too, Except...Dallen dates brainiac supermodels. And while Jessica is a Brainiac, she has a bad feeling she won't be his type. Will their connection survive in real life?

Review:

This was a fun short and sweet novella that was witty and drew you in from the beginning. Jessica and Dallen have a great connection from a distance and you can't wait for them to finally meet in person at their friends wedding. The characters seemed very real and I loved the humor in this book. I loved the storyline and it left me wanting to read more. I love Melanie's books and once again it was another great one! Super Cute!

Stars: 5

Love in Bloom by Lisa Swinton

Get Book

Synopsis:

Following a collapse at Lakr, her makeup company, workaholic Camille is sent to the French Riviera to reshape her health habits. The beach is beautiful, but boring, until Camille reunites with university chum Tristan. He does things to her heart her doctor wouldn't approve of.
When he offers her the chance to attend the exclusive French Royal Chateau and Garden Tour, Camille jumps at this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However they'll have to enter into a fake marriage to go on the tour.
On holiday from his research lab in India, Tristan is delighted to be reunited with Camille, his university crush. With each passing day, his feelings for her grow. Self doubt convinces him that he's unworthy of her love. Tristan must protect her from the secrets of his past, even if it means breaking both of their hearts.

Review:

I am loving this series because I love to travel and Lisa puts such great details in to her books that you feel like you are there experiencing what the characters are experiencing. I loved this one because I have been to Paris and Versailles so I loved knowing some of what they were experiencing in France. This is about two people who's lives needed a vacation even though they didn't really want it. I loved Camille's character and Tristan's character and I was cheering them on from the start. They had great chemistry and a lot in common. Mrs. Chan though... Lisa did a great job of making me not like her. This was a great book about being honest with each other and not letting gossip change the way you think of someone. This was a very sweet and clean contemporary romance book. Loved it!

Stars: 5

Kiss & Makeup by Lisa Swinton

Get Book

Synopsis:

One kiss is all they need to go from friends to lovers. Who will cross the line first?
Maddie regrets putting Connor in the friendzone by kissing another man. Her chance at redemption comes when she's hired as a makeup artist on a film in London, Connor's city. All she needs to do is apologize, and coax him across the friendship line--if Connor still wants her.
Connor should've moved on from Maddie when she made it clear she wasn't interested in a relationship with a stuffy British banker. With her arrival in London, Connor plans to make the most of his second chance. But his secrets will either win her heart or drive her back across the Atlantic for good.

Review:

First off I love the cover and the clever title. So cute! I have never been to London and with the amazing descriptions it felt like you were exploring London too. It is a standalone novel but you have met Maddie and Connor before if you've read 12 Days to Love and I love that their story continued. Maddie got a job on a movie in London and was excited to spend time with her friend Connor. I love Connor! Everything he did and planned for Maddie was so sweet. I loved the characters, the writing was fabulous and the chemistry was oooo la la! I was so bummed towards the end but I am so happy about how it ended. I know I've said it before but I love books about friends becoming lovers. Such a cute book!

Stars: 5

The ABC's of Dating by Brenna Jacobs

Get Book

Synopsis:

Can he persuade her to see him as something more than just her best friend?
Allie Carmichael is dating the wrong kind of man. To help Allie out of her dating rut, Allie's sister, Cassie, challenges her to date 26 new men, all that have 26 different careers- one for every letter of the alphabet.
When Eric's neighbor, Allie,  asks him for help with her new dating challenge, he's reluctant to get involved. Mostly because he'd really like Allie to fall in love with him. She's determined to finish out her dating challenge, but he's a veterinarian. And V is at the end of the alphabet.
Can Eric persuade Allie to abandon the list and see him as something more than just her best friend?

Review:

This was such a sweet novella. Allie is challenged to spice up her dating life by dating guys with 26  different careers. I loved the idea of that but man that would be tough to accomplish. Allie's friend/ neighbor helps her find dates for the first few but, oh boy, they were gems... all because his feelings for her was more than friends. I love stories about friends becoming lovers! Their story was so cute and I loved how they treated each other. It was very well written and made me excited for more books by this new author.

Stars: 5

The No Regrets Groom by Taylor Hart

Get Book

Synopsis:

A hot football player and a bet- what more could you want for Valentine's day?
Ziggy Brady, center for the Denver Storm, doesn't expect to dance with the woman who broke his heart ten years ago. But a bet issued by the owner of the Storm, is the catalyst for asking her. He certainly can't believe she slaps him, and he really doesn't know what to do when she throws in his face the fact her boyfriend is proposing later that night. The truth, is that Sophia Charles will always be his biggest regret.
Sophia Charles doesn't want to dance with Ziggy Brady at a fundraiser, but his brother has ALS and she actually likes Ty. Ziggy, on the other hand, has serious ego issues and the media doesn't help them by calling him Aquaman. When Ziggy shows up at her office asking her to go on a 'bucket list' trip for Ty to help create awareness and raise money to find a cure for ALS, she reluctantly agrees.
The No Regrets Tour consists of: driving cross country in a Retro RV, visiting an old Prison, staying at a Haunted Mansion, rafting the Snake River, and putting Graffiti Art on Devil's Tower- which will most-likely land them in jail.
Sophia and Ziggy find themselves unable to stay away from one another. When Ty confesses to writing a bogus break up letter from Ziggy to Sophia ten years ago, all the reasons they should stay away from one another melt away. And they find themselves, laughing and talking and kissing and catching up for all the time they missed out on.
When Ty has a break down and the tour comes to a halt, they must make a choice--walk away from it all or forgive and have No Regrets!

Review:

I am loving these books about the Brady Brother's. I love how they come off as such strong-willed and kind of full of themselves yet deep down there is a softer side of them. They are trying to raise money for ASL and to help their brother Ty so they are setting out on a "no regrets tour." This is Ty's idea and there are some crazy things he would like to do. Ziggy goes along with Ty along with a long time friend Sophia and when some truth comes out things get turned upside down. I loved this book and the twists and turns that happen. It was a great book about love, family and forgiveness. The chemistry between Ziggy and Sophia is magical and the love between the family members is heartwarming. It was well written and I loved the characters. It draws you in to the end and leaves you smiling! I'm excited to read about the next brother and his crazy life.

Stars: 4.5

Goodnight Kiss by Ranee' S. Clark

Get Book

Synopsis:

When Chase sees Clare during her brief Christmas visit to their hometown, he knows it's his chance to make things right between them. Considering he all but ignored her while on his mission, it's a tough task.

After having her heart broken by him before, Clare is wary of a holiday romance. But a long-awaited goodnight kiss might change her mind. 

Review:

I sure love me a sweet holiday romance story and this one was just that! This is a cute quick read, filled with descriptions and info to help you know exactly what you needed to. Chase and Clare haven't seen each other for years and thought any kind of relationship was lost. When they happen to see each other while Clare was home for Christmas the sparks were still there. This short story was well written and I definitely enjoyed!

Stars: 4

The Refugee's Billionaire by Rachelle J. Christensen

Get Book

Synopsis:

Shawn Halstrom has an assignment: travel to Atlanta, Georgia to investigate the Heart of Atlanta refugee center so that Burke Enterprises can make a donation. The job should take two weeks tops, but he wasn't planning on falling for a Cuban refugee named Carolina Diaz. She's a single mother who isn't interested in dating, even if the guy might be a billionaire.

When work pairs the unlikely duo together, Shawn and Carolina see a different side to each other and the world. Carolina's son, Daniel, captures Shawn's heart and the possibilities for a different future unfold. But when the refugee center where Carolina works faces closure, the two must decide if they are strong enough to work through the difficulties ahead and if love is a risk they're willing to take.

Review:

I really enjoyed this book because it had a different storyline than I had read before. Carolina is a single Mom who moved here from Cuba as a refugee and has now tried so hard to make a good life for she and her son. Shawn works for Burke Enterprises and came to Atlanta to do research of the refugee center so they can make a donation. As Carolina and Shawn work together the unlikely couple have a strong connection and the chemistry is undeniable. This was well written and kept me interested in what was going to happen with their relationship and the center. It was a quick read filled with hope, love, and swoony romance. I enjoyed how they worked together so that they could help others too. It was a heartwarming contemporary romance novella. 

Stars: 4

The Good Groom by Taylor Hart

Get Book

Synopsis:

Dax Brady, quarterback for the Texas Titans, only wants to be left alone after losing the championship game to go on his annual fishing trip. He doesn't want to attend a Bachelor Auction, he doesn't want to deal with his family issues, and he really doesn't want to be forced into working with some woman who clearly doesn't know how to help him.

Sky Brooks only came back to Dallas to collect the money her father left for her after he passed a year ago. Too bad the man in charge of the trust won't let her have it--unless she agreed to take on one last patient--Dax Brady. Pfft! What is she supposed to do with a cocky football player who keeps telling her to take her he doesn't need help?

When Dax and Sky end up in Puerto Rico doing 'untraditional' therapy in the form of building houses for Hurricane victims, Dax is surprised that Sky isn't like any other woman he's ever known. When finds himself pouring out his heart to her, he's even more surprised, when she shares some of her own secrets. 

When the past comes back to haunt them, they are left with a choice--give up on forgiveness or let love conquer all.

Review:

You get pulled right into this sweet romance from the first meeting in the office. Dax is the quarterback of the Texas Titans who has a lot going on in his life and to stay the quarterback the coach would like him to see a therapist. Sky is the therapist that is given the job to try and help Dax. It is pretty hopeless and Dax doesn't want her trying her "voodoo" on him so instead of giving up Sky takes him to Puerto Rico to help rebuild after the hurricane. They end up being exactly what the other needs to help them though their life trials. I love each of these characters and their strong personalities. The chemistry between the two was so strong that even though they were not going to cave you could feel how caring each of them were. Dax comes from a family with lots of brothers and he is a twin. I love reading stories about twins since I have twin boys and I hope my boys never go through a situation like Dax and his twin because it will make my momma heart sad. I loved this story of forgiveness and healing and being there for your family and those around you. 

Stars: 4.5

Let's Begin Again by Heather B. Moore

Get Book

Synopsis:

When Maurie Ledbetter moves back to her hometown to open her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant Shelton shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job. Seeing Grant again brings back Maurie's memories of her troubled childhood, and she doesn't know if spending time around Grant is the best way to move on. But when she discovers Grant has gone through difficulties of his own, Maurie realizes that he might be the key to her own healing.

Review:

Maurie came back to Pine Valley to start over after a rough childhood growing up in this small town. She was taken away by bad choices made by her mother and was raised in foster care. She came back stronger and ready to take on the world. I love her strength and her willingness to face her past so she can make the best life for her. Grant is a single dad living life by not getting attached to anyone. When Grant shows up on Maurie's door step to look at her home for renovations all the memories come back and little did they know their life was going to be forever changed. This was such a sweet story about overcoming trials, being you and love. I love the theme that everyone has trials and has gone through hard things and that doesn't have to define you. This was very well written and you feel like these people could be your friends in your everyday life. Their chemistry was amazing and all those sweet kisses make you smile. I love these books and how they are their own stories but the characters make appearances throughout the series. Pine Valley is such a cute small town that I wish it was a tv show! I sure hope there are more Pine Valley Novels to come.

Stars: 5

Under the Mistletoe- Timeless Romance Anthology

Get Book

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology Series. Six contemporary novellas, all adding sweet romance to the Christmas season.

Forgotten Kisses by Cindy Roland Anderson
The Last Christmas by Annette Lyon
Truth or Dare by Julie Coulter Bellon
Holiday Bucket List by Sarah M. Eden
Christmas Every Day by Heather B. Moore
First and Last Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith

Review:

This was an engaging, relatable and heartwarming Christmas book. I enjoyed each of the novella's. They were all very different but full of love and the magic of the holiday season. The stories were well written and enjoyed the storylines.

Forgotten Kisses is about a costume designer who's ex-boyfriend gets cast in the show she is working on. It's a great second chances book centered on always being honest with each other. I loved this novella! I'm always impressed with Cindy's books and want to read more. 5

The Last Christmas is about a couple on the verge of divorce and hiding it until Christmas is over. I enjoyed this book and the main lessoned learned is communication is key and especially in a marriage. I enjoyed how it was written and I'm glad they took a second chance on love. 4.5

Truth or Dare is a novella about life's challenges and that if you let people into your lives they can help you have hope and happiness. Jonah is a war veteran that lost his leg and is struggling and when a blizzard hit he was stranded with his long time friend Cami. He hasn't seen Cami for a long time and he wasn't the nicest at first but as they spent time together and opened up magic happened. I enjoyed this book and how they were able to help each other. 4.5

Holiday Bucket List is about two long time neighbor friends and the memories they make at Christmas time. It is Celeste's first time being alone for Christmas and Mike helps her not feel lonely by creating silly bucket lists for them to achieve. Their friendship is very strong but at this special time of year they realize how much they would love more than just friendship. After seven years the sparks fly and it could be the end of their being alone. 4.5

Christmas Everyday is a sweet Christmas novella full of forgiveness, hope and the magic of the Christmas season. Monica is excited to buy the Christmas store where she works but her boyfriend is not happy about it. Eww I am not a fan of Monica's boyfriend... what a jerk! Jaxon comes to town to repair his relationship with his parents and before he makes it home helps a girl from her rude boyfriend. I loved his caring nature and his willingness to help and give Monica hope. This was a sweet story and I enjoyed the relationship they begin to develop. 5

First and Last Christmas Date is a funny Christmas novella about two friends who went on a terrible first date and then didn't go out again for ten years! And once again their date was quite the adventure but oh boy did the sparks fly. There were so many mishaps that occurred on their date that you found yourself hoping things get worked out quick. It was a fun quick read. 4

Stars: 4.5

Kiss Me At Midnight by Lucinda Whitney

Get Book

Synopsis:

When Filipe Romano arrives at the SoliMar beach resort, his newest acquisition, he plans to complete renovations quickly before moving on to his next property. But a stumbling block arises when he discovers Celeste, the sister of his deceased best friend, is an employee at the resort's aquarium, which he intends to sell. To complicate matters more, he has unresolved feelings for Celeste and blames himself for the accident that killed her brother.
Celeste Ferreira, a stressed single mom, needs a miracle. Without any means to start over,  she clings to the job she loves as aquarist at the SoliMar Aquarium. After she discovers the new owner is Filipe, an old family friend, their history makes it hard for Celeste to trust him, especially with her position in peril. Though closing down the aquarium makes good financial sense, Filipe finds himself reluctant to disappoint Celeste and decides to help her with the repairs for the upcoming inspection. But is working side by side enough to forget the past and build a new future, or is the pain between them too deep to move on?

Review:

I love the Romano Family and all their stories so this one was no exception! I loved this story of second chance love for Filipe Romano and didn't want to put it down. Filipe is getting ready to open his beach resort and wants to finalize the selling of the aquarium when... there she was Celeste the girl he walked away from years ago. Celeste and Filipe run into each other occasionally and easily fell back into a friendship thanks to her son Lucas. Filipe is just what Lucas needs and I love their connection. The relationship that develops was a connection that was lost many years ago but the love never was. Oooo lala there were some butterflies in your stomach kisses. This was such a sweet story of hope, forgiveness and love. I loved the book and I loved how it ended!

Stars: 5

Risking It All by Cami Checketts

Get Book

Synopsis:

Bridger Hawk has been in love with Avalyn Shaman since childhood. He knows he'll never be worthy of her charitable heart so he throws himself into a life-threatening extreme sports career. When they reconnect at his brother's wedding, he can't resist kissing her at every opportunity. She demands he stay away from her and her heart. After multiple rejections, he gathers what's left of his pride and leaves. Avalyn has always loved Bridger but he shredded her heart in high school and she knows given a chance, he'll do it again. When she's kidnapped and forced to be the pawn and prize in dangerous events that risk her life and her virtue, Bridger is forced to compete in the deranged challenges and is the only hope she has a survive. Can Bridger win and prove to her that his love isn't just a show for his fans? Bridger knows he has to save Avalyn at all costs... even if it means he can't have her. 

Review:

Whoa!!! Talk about an intense book! Hawk brother Bridger finally gets his own book and man was it full of CRAZY adventure! Avalyn has always loved Bridger Hawk from a far knowing he would never choose her knowing his womanizing past. Little does Avalyn know he has always loved her too! A so called "friend" of Bridger kidnaps he and Avalyn and forces them to take part in some life-threatening crazy challenges. Wow these extreme challenges are wild and had me scared for them too! This book was filled with suspense and swoony clean romance and had me hooked to the very end. And speaking of the end...not what I was expecting! It was very well written and I loved the characters. Definitely a great read!

Stars: 4.5

The Echo Ridge Romance Collection by Rachelle J. Christensen

Get Book

Synopsis:

Come back to Echo Ridge and delight in 4 contemporary romances! Each heartwarming, inspirational story is set in beautiful upstate New York. This box set includes bonus epilogues and a sneak peak of Rachelle's new book! Savor a recipe with each of the stories and come back for more.

Review:

I love that these books are all together now. They were all released in the Echo Ridge Anthologies but having all of Rachelle's Echo Ridge books in one place is so great. These were all very different but all take place in the same small town so it brings them all together. They were all quick sweet and very well written. For my more detailed review of each book click on the links below.
Hope For Christmas
Coming Home To Love
The Princess Bride of Riodan
The Kiss Thief

Stars: 4.5

First & Last Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith

Get Book

Synopsis:

Juliet's life is in a holding pattern of dating wrong guy after wrong guy. When childhood friend Taggart messages to ask for a second date-after a ten-year wait-she gets a holiday shakeup.

Their first Christmas date a decade ago was an unmitigated disaster, ending with Pepto-Bismol and the police. They both probably needed the full ten years to recover. 

Now that he's back in touch, Juliet must decide whether she will say yes. If this is just a one-time thing, she risks carrying a torch for him for another decade.

Juliet is desperate for a second chance with Taggart, the one who got away.

Review:

This is a funny Christmas novella about two friends who went on a terrible first date and then didn't go out again for ten years! And once again their date was quite the adventure but oh boy did the sparks fly. There were so many mishaps that occurred on their date that you found yourself hoping things get worked out quick because it was a bit much. It was a quick read and they finally got their happily ever after so that was good! I liked it but wasn't crazy about it.

Stars: 3.5

Goodbye 2018... Hello 2019!

I can't believe it's a New Year and I'm excited for what 2019 has in store for me and my little family! I had a fun year reading so many sweet and clean romances and look forward to all the new books coming out this year. To start the new year out right Storytellers in Zion is holding a reading challenge where you can read and review books and the best part WIN BOOKS. I already won a book and it's only the 4th of the month! YAHOO! Go check out the challenge and enjoy reading!Polar Bear Plunge Challenge