Count Your Blessings (Curl Up and Dye .05) by Sharon Sala

In Count Your Blessings (formerly Color Me Bad) we are introduced to a group of women in Blessings, a small town in Georgia. Curl Up and Dye is the hair salon in Blessings, run by 4 women. It is a hub of activity, change, and friendship. It is in Curl Up and Dye that customer Patty finally admits to herself the direction her life is taking and the changes she's going to have to make. She's suspected her husband, the preacher, is having an affair ... and it is in Curl Up and Dye that she confronts not only this reality, but the other woman!

This sets in motion change and new beginnings for not only Patty, but many of the women in Blessings. When Patty takes charge of her life and her future, she is at first ostracized, but soon admired. But her acceptance and friendship from the ladie's in Curl Up and Dye is never changing.

Sharon Sala gives us a fast paced, witty novella with Count Your Blessings. Count Your Blessings is a novella about change, hope and new beginnings. Patty demonstrates well that you can either curl up and cry, or move on to greater adventures when your life takes an unexpected turn. Patty unexpectedly turns out to be someone others can learn from...ok, not from everything she did, but who wouldn't want to do what she did if given the opportunity?

4/5 stars

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Where There's a Will (Whiskey River Series, #1) by Katherine Garbera and Eve Gaddy

Book Blurb:

Where There’s A Will…

Sexy attorney Ryder Ford always knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. But Addison Wells, his gorgeous secretary, is one woman he wants but can’t have. Or can he? One scorching, unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe is all that either have allowed. Addison is focused on her studies and becoming a lawyer herself and she plans to leave the dust of Whiskey River behind. Unless…

There’s A Way…

Addison has mastered ignoring her hotter than sin boss until one stormy day when a threatening tornado forces them to find shelter from the storm. Despite the fact that Addison is weeks from moving to another city, she finds herself breaking her own “no office romance” rule. She’s not meant to settle down—but how can she resist someone as persuasive and tempting as Ryder? She’s determined that he should be her going away present but will Ryder let her go that easily? 

My Review:

Where's There's a Will is a great, fast paced novella that leaves me highly anticipating the rest of the Whiskey River Series!

I really liked Ryder and Addison's story.   From the scorching storm to the boardroom, Katherine and Eve kept things intense and intriguing.  Ryder and Addison already know each other and are both attracted, so the speed of their new relationship is very believable.  The indecision and inner conflict they both face made them real, and the lack of angst only made me like them more.  I'm sure we'll see more of them in future Whiskey Creek books!

Katherine and Eve set up the series well in Where There's a Will with a very enticing, strong sub plot and I will definitely be reading this series!

Where There's a Will is fast paced, steamy, and left me feeling good and wanting more!  I'd recommend Where There's a Will to any romance reader looking for a quick read.

4/5 stars

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Off the Edge (The Associates #2) by Carolyn Crane

Book Blurb:

SHE MAY BE HIS WORST ENEMY…
For deadly secret agent Peter Macmillan, language is a weapon—one he uses to hunt criminals, destroy plots, and charm enemies. Seducing information out of a beautiful singer in Bangkok hotel should be easy…except this particular singer has the power to destroy his cool façade, and with it, his last defense against a dark past.

HE MAY BE HER ONLY HOPE…
He tricked her. He helped himself to her body and her secrets. He has enemies everywhere. Laney Lancaster should hate Peter, but when she discovers him shirtless, sweaty, and chained up in the hotel’s dungeon, all she can think about is freeing him. Because she knows what it’s like to be trapped and alone. And she could use a dangerous friend.

They may be wrong for each other, but the instant they join forces, Laney and Peter are plunged into an odyssey of hot sex and dark danger. To survive, they must trust each other with their lives—and their hearts.

My Review:

Carolyn Crane takes us to Bangkok for fast paced danger and adventure in Off The Edge.

Laney and Peter make an unexpected pair in Off The Edge by Carolyn Crane.  Peter is on the job, and doesn't expect the attraction and pull he immediately feels for Laney when she sings.  Despite the attraction and the heat they create together the night they meet, Peter has a job to do and will use Laney to get the job done if he needs to...Laney is hiding in Bangkok from a past of danger of it's own kind.  Little do they expect that her past and his present will intertwine, and soon they are on the run for their lives.

Laney was an interesting heroine.  In some way she was so brave and strong, but in other ways she was frustrating because she takes so many chances, and relies on others who she just trusts without question.  Off The Edge only takes place over a few days, but even in these days I saw so much growth in Laney's characters, it was like she'd finally opened her eyes and decided to do something.  I didn't love her, but I liked her and she really grew on me.

Peter is a man whose past haunts him and the way he's dealt with it has lead him to where he is today.  I felt like I got to know him a lot better than I got to know Laney.  I found his linguistic talent fascinating!  I liked how despite the job he still tried to protect Laney.  And I liked how despite it all Laney and Peter still felt for each other and wanted to help each other.  The suspenseful story line is unique and adds a lot of edge to the plot and the brewing romance.  Carolyn has blended it all together well and relevantly in Off The Edge.

With a subtle injection of humor from Peter, Off The Edge is a catchy read I'd recommend to romantic suspense readers.

4/5 stars

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Retribution by Katie Reus

Book Blurb:

She sees brief glimpses of the future…

Nika and Alena Brennan will do anything to kill a vicious Russian crime boss and they’re using his only son to get to him. Yet when the time comes to execute their plan, psychic Nika hesitates due to an unexpected entanglement with sexy security expert Declan Gallagher. When her sister is kidnapped and all their carefully laid plans go awry, Nika must depend on Declan and her mortal enemy’s son to get her sister back.

He invades her dreams and teases her with sensual pleasures…

As a dream walker, Declan is capable of seeing anyone’s innermost thoughts as they sleep. With Nika, however, he finds himself playing a deadly, seductive game. He knows she’s not who she says she is and he’s determined to find out the real reason she’s in Miami before she gets herself or someone else killed.

Time is running out…

Nika’s window of opportunity is closing to save her sister and find a way to protect their secrets without landing them both in jail. With innocent lives at stake, Nika must decide if the retribution she’s waited a lifetime for is worth losing the man who has won her heart.

My Review:

Katie Reus drew me in to Retribution with the unique plot of two females out for deadly revenge.  I couldn't wait to see what would happen!  There is a lot going on in Retribution, but a multi layered plot and Katie's smooth writing made Retribution easy to be absorbed into.

Nika and Alena are sisters seeking vengeance on a Russian mobster.  They have their secrets (many of them!) and have to tread very carefully.  I liked that Katie didn't give all the details about why Alena and Nika were doing what they were right away, instead she gives the pieces of their lives along the way...enough to satisfy me and keep me on edge.  I liked that I knew what they were doing, but the why was a mystery for a long time.  They are a very different pair, but stand together strongly, and I really felt for them.  I felt the sadness, the anger, the hurt...and I hoped they would find a way to move on from that.  Nika is the main heroine, but Alena is a very strong secondary heroine.  

Declan is former CIA who now has a private security firm.  Hired to protect a mobster's son, he also has an ulterior motive...  This puts him in direct contact with Alena and Nika.  Almost against his will, he is immediately drawn to Nika...what starts off as a dream soon turns into a startling reality for both of them.  Nika feels the pull to Declan also, but they both have a job to do.  The chemistry between them is very hot, but can they mix the personal and professional without risking everything else?  I liked these two together, the tension, the inner conflict and the danger kept things very interesting!  Declan is a strong, protective hero who I'd let protect me any day!

Andre is a strong secondary character who falls into a relationship of sorts with Alena...he'll do anything to keep her safe when danger threatens them all, but when all is said and done can he forgive the secrets?

Katie really gave us a good mix of characters in Retribution, from good to evil, all of whom strengthen the plot and keep things tense.  The mix of what Katie puts into the plot from a taste of the paranormal, to law enforcement, security, mobsters, romance and sizzle all blend well together for a fast paced, thrilling adventure.  There is just enough of everything to make things believable and have me thinking anything is possible.

I'm really hoping there will be a follow up book, but even if there is not I am felt very satisfied after reading Retribution.  I'd recommend Retribution to any romantic suspense reader who likes a sliver of paranormal mixed in.

4/5 stars

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His Blushing Bride by Dani Collins

Book Blurb:

Wedding fever has hit the little town of Marietta... 

Piper Tierney is busy wrapping up the school year and planning the music for Marietta’s Wedding Of The Century. She does not need one of her parents’ backpacking hippies under foot. Except the guy they let stay in their house is so much more than the California couch-surfer he resembles. Before she knows it, she’s making time to make time, even though he’s only in town for a couple of weeks. 

Taking a break from working on his doctorate in political science, Sebastian Bloom wants to reassure himself his sister isn’t making another mistake with her upcoming wedding to a Marietta rancher. He’s definitely not looking for a bride for himself. Marriage and family are a trap. But Piper is cute, funny, and wants to move on from her ex. 

They agree to a no strings affair, but will they wind up tying the knot? 

My Review:

His Blushing Bride is a quick read about instant attraction between two people who look at relationships through different lenses.

I enjoyed this novella about Piper, who has always been the 'good girl'.  She faces challenged head on, she's secure in herself even if she is a bit lonely sometimes.  I liked that she has no desire to change who she is for someone else.  She hopes to one day meet a special some one, but is resigned to the fact that it's not happening anytime soon in Marietta, Montana.  She sure didn't expect her a man her parents let stay in their house to make her insides melt!  Sebastion is much more than he first appears...but he's only in town for a brief time for his sister's wedding.  The instant connection Piper feels is shared by Sebastion, even if definitely does not believe a long term relationship is in his future.  He is just as hot for Piper as she is for him, and he tries so hard to ignore it.  That will only work for so long though.  Piper is thinking maybe she can have a fun fling with him, the chemistry they have is so hot!  But suddenly both are feeling more emotions than they expected or know what to do with. 

Will they make things work between them, or when Sebastion leaves Marietta will he be leaving for good?

I liked both of these characters and felt like I got to know them fairly well in the span of this novella.  I felt like Dani gave just enough background at the right times so I could understand the characters but not be overwhelmed by their pasts.  This worked well for the story being told.  At different times Dani made me feel for and care about Piper and Sebastion.  She also made me laugh and feel like these two people were real and could be anyone I might meet!

I really enjoyed being back in Marietta again and seeing characters from other books TULE has published that are based in Marietta.  I love how they all fit together with glimpses of characters you can have a quick catch up with, but never feel lost if you read them as stand alones.

His Blushing Bride is well paced with strong characters who are well developed in this novella.  I'd recommend His Blushing Bride to any romance reader looking for a quick, feel good read.

4/5 stars

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How I Wonder What You Are by Jane Lovering

Book Blurb:

“Maybe he wasn’t here because of the lights – maybe they were here because of him …”

It’s been over eighteen months since Molly Gilchrist has had a man (as her best friend, Caro, is so fond of reminding her) so when she as good as stumbles upon one on the moors one bitterly cold morning, it seems like the Universe is having a laugh at her expense.

But Phinn Baxter (that’s Doctor Phinneas Baxter) is no common drunkard, as Molly is soon to discover; with a PhD in astrophysics and a tortured past that is a match for Molly’s own disastrous love life.

Finding mysterious men on the moors isn’t the weirdest thing Molly has to contend with, however. There’s also those strange lights she keeps seeing in the sky. The ones she’s only started seeing since meeting Phinn … 

My Review:

How I Wonder What You Are is a unique, entertaining, and heart felt story about two people who are hiding from their pasts, unable to move on.

I really liked the English country side setting Jane took me to in How I Wonder What You Are.  Her descriptions of the small town of Riverdale, the stars, and the moors are so vivid.  As I read I got the sense that this is the perfect place for Molly and Phinn to be at this point in their lives.

Molly has been hurt and keeps her past private, even from her close friend Caro.  She has a heart of gold though, and this is is evident from the hilarious start to the story.  Molly was very intriguing and Jane did a great job of bringing her past up at the right times in the story, and I felt like I got to know her well.  Molly starts off kind of stuck in where she is, but as the story grows, so does Molly's character.

Phinn is so different from most hero's in romance books!  He is very scarred emotionally from his past, so scarred that he is kind of stuck there too.  He is brilliant but insecure, and certainly doesn't feel like he will ever be good enough for anyone.  It was sad but I liked this unique hero.

Both characters come together in Riverdale, and very slowly individually they grow and together a tenuous bond is formed.  As the stars dance around them though, so do their emotions and the misunderstandings of people who have been hurt before.  I felt very vested in watching Phinn and Molly heal and finally start to move forward.  I felt like they were a couple who would be good together if only they could take the chance again.  Neither of them are perfect and the road to the future is very bumpy which makes what they are going through realistic.

I really liked Caro!  She is an incredible secondary character who tells it like it is, is hilarious, and tries to help Molly put things into perspective.  I would love to read more about her!

Family dynamics are explored which adds even more dimension to How I Wonder What You Are as you learn more and more as the story progresses.

I also really liked the way Jane wrote in both first person POV and third person POV!  She did this seamlessly and I felt like it really brought the characters to life, and drew me into the story easily.

How I Wonder What You Are kept me laughing but it also made my heart ache a little for Molly and Phinn.  The glimpse of supernatural was a unique addition and done in just a way to make me think of the possibilities.  Jane wrapped up my heart in How I Wonder What You Are with great character dynamics in a great setting with so many interesting scenarios.  I'd recommend How I Wonder What You Are to any romance reader!

4/5 stars

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There Goes the Bride (Runaway Brides #3) by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock

Book Blurb:

Hair stylist Lindsey Ballard hates answering questions about her family’s country music roots in Nashville. She’s been avoiding music producer, Myles Emery, at all costs, who’s trying to write a book on her famous relative. But he can’t get to her today. It’s her wedding day. Or so she thought…

When Lindsey suddenly needs to call off the ceremony to Atlanta’s popular mayoral candidate, she makes her getaway with the persuasive producer, all the while trying to ignore the chemistry between them that had never existed with her ex.

Myles Emery has his own reasons for needing the truth about a country music legend–secrets the Ballard family keeps closely guarded. But when he happens to catch Lindsey running out on her wedding, he knows his luck is about to change. Too bad Myles wants Lindsey on first sight and the attraction is making it complicated to stay on task. “Uncovering her secrets” begins to take on a whole new, delectable meaning…

My Review:

There Goes The Bride by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock is a well paced and easy to follow book.

Lindsey and Myles meet in an unusual way and end up spending a lot of time together as he tries to unearth her family secret...  There is chemistry between them, for Myles is was instantaneous.  Lindsey finds herself drawn more and more to this man who makes her feel what she never felt with her former fiancee...but she's just had her life up ended.  I liked how open Myles was with Lindsey.  He never hid who he was or what he wanted.  They connect well, but there is conflict because of what Myles is trying to do.  As he makes his way into Lindsey's life and heart it could end very easily.  Will Lindsey take the chance?

I liked the family dynamics that Catherine and Joanne write about in There Goes The Bride.  Lindsey's family is certainly a unique one, even if at times difficult to understand.  I liked the growth of relationships here, and within this the growth of the characters.  I felt for Sam, Lindsey's sister.

I didn't feel an intense connection to either Lindsey or Miles, and I felt like the story could have used more depth to really get to know them both.  I really would have liked to see more resolution between Lindsey and her former fiancee.  I did like Lindsey and Myles together, the feelings they had and the tension that was inevitable between them made them realistic even as Lindsey struggled with what had happened.  The mystery of the secret and if Myles would figure it out was intriguing.

I'd recommend There Goes The Bride to romance readers looking for a quick, light read.

3/5 stars

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