Review - - Finding Mr. Purrfect

Finding Mr. Purrfect

by Codi Gary

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: January 16, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

Frenemies + Fake Dating = Falling for the wrong person…for all the right reasons
 
Charity Simmons may have great taste in friends, felines, and fruit tarts, but if there’s one thing the baker and co-owner of Meow and Furever Cat Café knows, it’s that she has horrible taste in men. Case in point: Will Schwartz. He may be the best friend of her best friend’s boyfriend, but after their one night together, Charity is positive Will’s nothing but a womanizing charmer—despite his nice-guy persona and adorable, crooked smile. So why then did she pick him to pretend date to get her parents off her back about being single?

Will Schwartz may give relationships a hard pass, but he’s not about to say no to fake dating Charity. She’s brilliant, hilarious, and best of all, she’ll put an end to his mother’s interrogations about his love life. And maybe, after all this time giving him the cold shoulder, Charity will finally warm up to him.  But it’s not long before Will and Charity realize they got much more than they bargained for--and they’re freaking out. What if what they have isn't make believe but the real, forever kind of love?

PJ's Thoughts:

I have mixed feeling about this one. I liked the Cat Café. Any story that spotlights rescue animals is a plus with me. The marketing menu blurbs at the start of each chapter were fun and more than a few had me drooling. I want recipes! 

The first few chapters of this book were light and fun, setting up what I thought was going to be the vibe for the rest of the book. But then the story took a hard left and, whoa, dysfunction city. Suddenly we're knee deep into toxic family relationships (Charity), work stress, looming financial crises, misunderstandings, childhood emotional trauma (carried into adulthood), health crises, family secrets (Will), a fake relationship with physical attraction but a decided lack of understanding and compromise (from both main characters), and more. For me, all the side issues kept getting in the way of connecting with the two main characters as a couple. Others may not have that issue but I wanted more development of their relationship without all the extraneous issues. It's not that I didn't like the book - it has a lot of positives going for it - it's just that I wanted a deeper connection with the characters and less noise steering me away from their romantic journey. 

If you enjoy a frenemies-to-lovers romcom with flawed characters, a fair number of romantic obstacles, family you'd just as soon toss off a cliff, but also solid friends and rescue cats, this book might be a good fit for you. 

Review & Giveaway - - Bookshop Cinderella

Bookshop Cinderella

by Laura Lee Guhrke

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: June 20, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Evie Harlow runs a quaint little bookshop in London, which is the biggest adventure an unmarried woman with no prospects could hope for. Until Maximillian Shaw, Duke of Westbourne, saunters into her shop with a proposition: to win a bet with his friends, he’ll turn her into the diamond of the season. The duke might be devilishly attractive, but Evie has no intention of accepting his ludicrous offer. When disaster strikes her shop, however, she’s left with little choice but to let herself be whisked into his high-society world.

Always happy to help a lady in distress, Max thinks he’s saving Evie from her dull spinster’s life. He’ll help her find a husband and congratulate himself on a job well done. But as shy Evie becomes the shining star he always knew she could be, she somehow steals his heart. And when her reputation is threatened, can Max convince her to choose a glittering, aristocratic life with him over the cozy comfort of her bookshop?

PJ's Thoughts:

I enjoy a good makeover story but I'm not much of a fan of makeovers that are the result of a bet or heroes who don't see the qualities of a heroine until after the change. Thankfully, Laura Lee Guhrke's Bookshop Cinderella takes a different path that hit all the right makeover bet notes for me. 

I love that Max saw the important qualities in Evie from the start and only took the bet to show young entitled men how wrong they were. I appreciated that he was upfront with her about the bet and gave her the choice whether or not to participate, making them fully informed partners in the quest.

Evie is the kind of "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" heroine I love reading about and Guhrke does well. It was so much fun to watch her grow in social confidence as the makeover process progressed without ever losing the qualities that made her special and unique. Even more fun was watching Max, a man who after having his heart destroyed by a cross-class marriage and being determined to only marry within his class the next time, finds himself falling for Evie. 

If you're looking for a fresh, fun, Victorian romance with sparkling banter, endearing characters, and a hard-won happily ever after, give Bookshop Cinderella a try. I happily recommend it.

Have you read Laura Lee Guhrke?

Do you enjoy cross-class romance?

Do you have a favorite bookshop you enjoy visiting?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, June 22 will receive a print copy of Bookshop Cinderella. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Thank you to Forever Romance for the giveaway. 

Review & Giveaway - - West End Earl

West End Earl

by Bethany Bennett

Misfits of Mayfair - Book 2

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: June 29, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

While most young ladies attend balls and hunt for husbands, Ophelia Hardwick has spent the last ten years in disguise. As the land steward for the Earl of Carlyle, she’s found safety from the uncle determined to kill her and freedoms a lady could only dream of. Ophelia’s situation would be perfect—if only she wasn’t hopelessly attracted to her employer.

Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, is determined to see his sister married this season. And he’ll do it with the help of his trusted right-hand man. But when he finds out Ophelia's secret, and that her life is in danger, his priorities change. Their attraction is passionate, all-consuming, and if they aren’t careful, it could turn downright deadly—for both of them.

PJ's Thoughts:

I was dazzled by Bethany Bennett's debut, Any Rogue Will Do (click to read my review) and eager to learn more about Ethan's friend, Cal in Bennett's second book, West End Earl. Once again, Bennett pulled me into a story from the start and held me spellbound until the end. She's making a habit of that dazzle.

Bennett excels at creating fully-dimensional characters who come to life on the page. I adored Cal and was right there with him as he worked through a plethora of emotions regarding his family, his unexpected relationship with Ophelia (Phee), and the future he yearned for as opposed to the one he felt resigned to. He has a significant growth arc that tests his beliefs as well as his close relationships before he ultimately takes control of his life and learns to fight for his happiness. I loved that Ethan and Lottie (Any Rogue Will Do) were there to help him along the way. Lottie, especially, really shines in this book. 

Cal's younger sister, who also has a significant role in the book, has quite the growth arc as well. I didn't like her at all during the first half of the book but the evolution of her character was very satisfying and left me eager for her story in the third book of the series. 

And then there's Phee, who is without doubt the undisputed star of this book. I'm usually pretty good at ferreting out characters' secrets but not this time. There's a major twist with her character that I did not suspect at any point while reading Any Rogue Will Do. I love when an author is able to surprise me and Bennett certainly did. Phee is one of my favorite characters I've "met" this year. I love her strength, determination, cleverness, and confidence, but also her vulnerability. Bennett took her story in directions I did not expect but, in retrospect, I understood that the decisions she made were the only ones that could have ultimately brought about happy endings for multiple characters. Doesn't mean they didn't make me sweat, wondering how it would all work out. ;-)

If you're a fan of historical romance, give this new author with her fresh, sparkling, page-turning stories a try. I highly recommend both West End Earl and Any Rogue Will Do. Both books can be read as a standalone but I think reading them in order will deepen your understanding of the characters and pleasure in their journeys. 

If you haven't read Any Rogue Will Do yet, it is currently $1.99 on Kindle for a limited time. 

Do you enjoy characters in disguise?

Have you read Bethany Bennett yet?

What's the last book that took characters in a direction that surprised you?

One randomly chosen person who comments before 11:00 PM, June 27 will receive a print copy of West End Earl.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Review & Giveaway - - The Summer Cottage

The Summer Cottage

by Annie Rains

Somerset Lake - Book 1

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: May 25, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

 

This summer, they’ll learn that home is where the heart is.

Somerset Lake is the perfect place for Trisha Langly and her son to start over. As the new manager for the Somerset Cottages, Trisha is instantly charmed by the property’s elderly residents and her firecracker of a new boss, Vi Fletcher. But Trisha is less enchanted by Vi’s protective grandson Jake. No matter how tempting she finds the handsome lawyer, Trisha knows that if Jake discovers the truth about her past, she’ll lose the new life she’s worked so hard to build. 

Jake Fletcher left Somerset Lake after a tragic loss, but he’s returning for the summer to care for his beloved grandmother, hoping Vi will sell the run-down cottages and finally slow down. There’s just one problem: Trisha, Vi’s new employee. She’s smart, beautiful, and kind, but Jake’s job is to protect his grandmother’s interests, and his gut is telling him Trisha’s hiding something that could jeopardize Vi’s future. However, as they spend summer days renovating the property and bonding over their love for the town, Jake realizes that Trisha is a risk worth taking—if only she can trust him with her secrets . . . and her heart. 
 
Includes the bonus novella Kiss Me in Sweetwater Springs!

PJ's Thoughts:

Annie Rains is an author I discovered only a few years ago but she's quickly become one of my favorites in the genre of sweet but deeply emotional, small-town romance. With The Summer Cottage, Rains launches her new Somerset Lake series, just in time for those lazy summer reading days, and I couldn't be happier. As she did with her long-running Sweetwater Springs series, this first Somerset Lake book introduces us to a community of characters who are vibrant, interesting, and ready to have their stories told. I'm excited to read them all.

Trisha and Jake are compelling, authentic, and relatable characters with whom I connected right away. Jake is such a good guy who deserves a happy ending and after all Trisha and her young son Petey have been through they really deserve a good guy, and a happy ending of their own. Jake and Petey's evolving relationship made my heart so happy and Jake and Trisha's slow-burn journey to love made me smile, sigh, and, yes, shed some tears. It's sweet, fun, and deeply emotional...an Annie Rains' trademark.  

As important to Trisha's life as her relationship with Jake is, the friendships she forms with the women of the Somerset Lake book club are equally important in a different way. I loved the interactions among these women and especially their response when the truth of what Trish's ex-husband did is revealed. And speaking of her ex, I think Rains handles that situation, and especially the impact on young Petey, with sensitivity and care. I appreciate the fact that it's not swept under the rug but dealt with openly and honestly. 

Sweetwater Springs fans will recognize Trisha and her young son, Petey from the last book in that series, Reunited on Dragonfly Lane. It's not necessary to have read that book in order to enjoy The Summer Cottage though I do think it provides an added depth of  understanding of what they faced in their hometown and why a new beginning at Somerset Lake was so necessary for both of them. 

I enthusiastically recommend adding The Summer Cottage to your summer reading list. I'm already looking forward to the second Somerset Lake book, The Christmas Village, which releases October 12, 2021. You best believe I already have it on pre-order. 😀

I love quirky secondary characters in the books I read and there's an exceptionally good one in The Summer Cottage. Tell me about a secondary character who brightened one of your reading experiences.

Have you read any Annie Rains books? Do you have a favorite?

Reading The Summer Cottage took me back to my childhood summers and the lake we lived on. What are your favorite memories from your childhood summers?

The scenes in this book that take place in Jake's plane evoked memories of my first plane rides in my uncle's two-seater. Have you ever flown in a two-seat or four-seat plane? Were you enthralled, like Petey, or terrified, like Trisha?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, June 2, will receive a print copy of The Summer Cottage. 

*Must be 18

*U.S. and Canada only

*Void where prohibited

Review & Giveaway - - Coming Home to Seashell Harbor

Coming Home to Seashell Harbor

by Miranda Liasson

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: May 4, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

 

Hadley Wells swapped her dreams of saving the planet for the glamour of Hollywood. But when a very public breakup reveals cracks in her not-so-perfect life, she returns to her hometown to reassess what it is she truly wants. Unfortunately, Seashell Harbor has some trouble of its own—including the first man to ever break her heart.

A serious injury forced footballer Tony Cammareri into early retirement—now he’s determined to reboot his life with a splashy new restaurant venture. He knows better than to expect a happy reunion with Hadley, but he’s determined to make up for the way things ended between them. Yet when Tony and Hadley end up vying for control of the town’s future, they find themselves once again on opposing sides.

As their rivalry intensifies, they must decide what’s worth fighting for—and what it truly means to be happy.

PJ's Thoughts:

Miranda Liasson is an auto-buy author for me. Her well-developed characters always feel like friends and her stories are filled with humor and heart. Add an abundance of less-than-perfect rescue dogs (you know I adore them), a matchmaking grandmother, delicious family recipes (I cannot resist Italian food), life-long girlfriends, and a second chance with a first love, and I am sold on Liasson's newest, Coming Home to Seashell Harbor. Did I mention the trope? Young sweethearts to enemies to friends to lovers? Yes, please! 

As someone who grew up in a small town, left after graduation, and didn't return for several years, I know both how hard it is to come back home and also how easy it can be to fall into the patterns of one's youth when you do. Hadley and Tony (a/k/a Cam) are both at crossroads in their lives. Returning to Seashell Harbor at the same time puts them at odds while at the same time reminding them of the closeness they once shared, in a high school relationship that did not end well. And one that, much to their surprise, neither has quite put behind them. I think Liasson does a great job of showing the push and pull between them as they each grapple with where they go from here, both individually and as a couple. I found their relationship - and the obstacles they face, both emotional and professional - to be very realistic and relatable. I was invested in these two from the get-go and remained so throughout their journey.

Liasson has assembled a wonderful secondary cast of characters who add depth, complexity, rich emotion, and humor to the story, as well as glimpses into future romantic journeys in this series. There are already several I'm eager to learn more about. I love the friendship among Hadley and her two best childhood friends. Their banter, honesty with, and unwavering support of one another speaks to a lifelong foundation of friendship and trust. Cam and his siblings, raised by a single father, have an interesting dynamic that I really enjoyed, especially the evolving relationship between Cam and his dad. I'm hoping to see more of all of them in future books. Then there's the relationship between Hadley and her gran, which spoke to me on so many levels and reminded me of the one I shared with my own grandmother. So many feels in this story. 

If you're looking for an engaging, feel-good, contemporary romance for your summer reading, take a trip to the beach with Miranda Liasson's Coming Home to Seashell Harbor. 

Have you read Miranda Liasson yet? 

What constitutes a "beach read" for you?

I cannot say no to Italian food. What type of food has your taste buds happy dancing?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, May 16 will receive a signed, print copy of Coming Home to Seashell Harbor.

*Must be 18

*U.S. only

Review - - A Rogue to Remember

A Rogue to Remember

by Emily Sullivan

League of Scoundrels - Book 1

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: March 9, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

After enduring five interminable seasons, Lottie Carlisle has had enough of shallow London society, her boring little life, and her uncle Alfred's meddling. When he demands she accept a proposal by the end of next season or else he will choose a husband for her, she devises a plan: create a scandal shocking enough to make her unmarriageable and spend her spinsterhood far enough away in the countryside where no one will ever recognize her.

Alec Gresham hasn't seen Lottie since he left his childhood friend without a word five years ago. So he's not surprised to find her furious when he appears on her doorstep. Especially bearing the news he brings: her uncle is dying, her blasted reputation is still intact, and Lottie must return home. As they make the journey back to her family estate, it becomes increasingly clear that the last five years hasn't erased their history, nor their explosive chemistry. Can Lottie look past her old heartache and trust Alec, or will his secrets doom their relationship once again?

PJ's Thoughts:

The first thing that drew me to this book is the fact that it's set in Italy. Any book set in Italy is going to set my heart to happy dancing, especially when written by an author who, through her words, immerses you in this unique, richly atmospheric setting. The scenes in Venice, in particular, are very authentic, especially at night when the back alleys and canals of this city by the sea can take on a mysterious, slightly sinister tone. She brought it all to life and put me right back in that country that speaks to my soul. 

I also enjoy a friends-to-lovers trope and this one, with a reunion/second chance plot added in, was right up my alley. Both Lottie and Alec are well-developed characters who pulled me into their stories. I was in Lottie's corner the whole way, cheering her on in her bid for independence from her controlling uncle. I loved her intelligence, her wit, her determination, and her hard-won self confidence. Alec, on the other hand, had to work for my approval, as well as Lottie's. I understood his reasons for the decisions he made years earlier, the ones that broke Lottie's heart, but I wasn't going to forgive him too easily. I enjoyed his evolution, hurt for him when certain details of his early life were revealed, ached at his yearning for Lottie and celebrated when he finally realized what was most important in his life. 

Secondary characters, as well as Alec's occupation, add a bit of suspense and action to the story that devolves into danger for Lottie. There's a twist near the end that took me by surprise as well as a mea culpa and forgiveness that seemed a bit too easy considering the pain and heartache the person's actions had caused. I would have liked to have seen that facet expanded a bit but it's a small quibble in the overall scheme of things. 

I enjoyed my first Emily Sullivan novel and am looking forward to seeing what this debut author brings readers next. I hope it will be more action, adventure, and romance in continental Europe. Another book set in Italy would be just fine with me. 

Review and Giveaway - - Reunited on Dragonfly Lane

Reunited on Dragonfly Lane

by Annie Rains

Sweetwater Springs - Book 7

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: January 26, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

 

Boutique owner Sophie Daniels certainly isn't looking to adopt a dog the day veterinarian Chase Lewis convinces her to take in Comet. A rambunctious puppy with a broken leg may not be the best choice for a first-time pet owner. And house calls from the handsome doctor -- her high school sweetheart who's just moved back to Sweetwater Springs -- may not be the best choice for her heart either.

Chase has come home to help his nephew but finds that he's forgotten just how much he enjoys small-town life. However, sooner or later, he's going to have to face the past and his unresolved feelings for Sophie. Now that Comet needs both their help, Chase is going to let the four-legged matchmaker work his canine magic. Then Chase will prove to Sophie that first love is even better the second time around.

PJ's Thoughts:

Over the past few years, Sweetwater Springs has become one of my favorite fictional small towns to visit. With each book in the series I read I feel like I come home for a visit with old friends and leave with new ones. 

As Annie Rains has done with each book in this series, Reunited on Dragonfly Lane features a likeable main couple readers will find it easy to cheer for. High school sweethearts who were in love but too young to handle the strain of a life-threatening accident, Chase and Sophie went their separate ways when they were eighteen. Now, ten years later, Chase has returned to town and they're both dealing with the fact that those feelings they thought had been left behind in their teens are, in fact, ready to flare to life once again. But each of them has unresolved emotional baggage to overcome for this second chance at love to succeed. Their journey is poignant and heartfelt, with forgiveness and acceptance at its core. I was with them every step of the way.

Sophie and Chase are both fully developed characters with layers, flaws, and relatable obstacles to overcome. The yearning between them is palpable but I appreciate the fact that Rains takes her time with them this second time around, allowing them to slowly rebuild their foundation of friendship and trust before taking their emotions deeper. She also surrounds them with a supportive cast of secondary characters, enhancing the community feel of the story. I especially enjoyed Sophie's best friend Trisha and Trisha's young son, Petey (Chase's former sister-in-law and nephew) who have key roles in this book. I'm hoping Rains has plans for them in her next series.  Creating a sense of community is something this author does well. But while her ensemble cast gives fans of the series a "welcome home" feeling with every new book, she crafts each story in such a way that a reader is able to begin with any of the seven books in the series without feeling lost or confused. 

If you enjoy sweet, small-town, contemporary romance with relatable characters, heart-tugging, emotional depth, satisfying sexual chemistry (without on-page sex), and a feel-good happy ending, I enthusiastically recommend Reunited on Dragonfly Lane, along with the rest of the books in the Sweetwater Springs series. I'm sad to bid farewell to Sweetwater Springs but I'm already looking forward to whatever Annie Rains has planned for readers next. 

 

Have you read any of Annie Rains' books?

Do you enjoy your contemporary romance sweet or spicy? Or do you like both?

A cute dog on the cover of a book is an automatic magnet for me. How do you feel about pets in romance? 

Thank you to Forever Romance for this fantastic giveaway.

Two randomly chosen readers who post a comment before 11:00 PM, January 29 will each receive a bundle containing the four Sweetwater Springs books pictured above. 

*Must be 18

*U.S. and Canada only

Review & Giveaway - - Someday My Duke Will Come

Someday My Duke Will Come

by Christina Britton

Isle of Synne - Book 2

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: January 12, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Lady Clara Ashford had no intention of ever getting married. A rogue took advantage of her innocence when she was young, and she's spent her whole life trying to make sure no one finds out. But now that her sister is engaged, Clara's well-meaning aunt has set her sights on Clara. Desperate to avoid the matchmaking schemes, Clara's not sure what to do -- until her neighbor, the new Duke of Reigate, shows up on her doorstep in need of her help.

Quincy Nesbitt reluctantly accepted the dukedom after his brother's death, but he'll be damned if he accepts his brother's fiancée as well. The only polite way to decline is to become engaged to someone else -- quickly. Lady Clara has the right connections and happens to need him as much as he needs her. But he soon discovers she's also witty and selfless, and if he's not careful, he just might lose his heart.

PJ's Thoughts:

Since meeting Quincy and Clara in book one of this series, I have been eagerly anticipating their story and I'm happy to say Someday My Duke Will Come did not disappoint. 

I loved these two and their friends-to-lovers/fake engagement romance. Clara has given so much of herself to ensuring the happiness of those she loves, without any thought for her own. At thirty-one, she's firmly on the shelf, even if she does occasionally long for a family of her own. She's also calm, selfless, and nurturing but with an intriguing bit of fire she keeps well hidden. It was such a pleasure to watch those simmering coals ignite, first in her defense of Quincy then later when their friendship takes a deeper turn. There are also emotional depths to her that she has suppressed over the years. Watching her come to terms with the events of her past was both heart-wrenching and empowering. 

And then there's Quincy. ::Sigh:: He's the hero many of our hearts seek. Charming, fun-loving, steadfast, loyal, a gentleman to his core, incredibly sexy, and endearingly vulnerable. I adored him. His life experiences (as a young boy in England and as a man in America) have given him emotional depths that he also keeps well hidden. My heart ached for him as his story unfolded but rejoiced as certain truths were brought to light. He's the kind of hero who makes you want to laugh with him, play with him, hug him, and drag him off to have your way with him. Did I mention how much I adored him? 

I love the path Britton took with Quincy and Clara, bringing them together first as partners to defeat the villainous duchess, then evolving into friends with lively banter and subtle flirting, building their chemistry until it ignites, then finally guiding them to a deep, abiding love. I like that they each have an individual journey and growth arc within the journey they take as a couple and that those individual lessons help bring them closer to one another. I turned the final page of their story with a heartfelt smile and a happy sigh. It doesn't get much better than that.

While Someday My Duke Will Come can be read as a standalone, it does feature several characters from book one, A Good Duke is Hard to Find. You can absolutely start with book two and enjoy it but I believe you'll enjoy it more if you read the books in order. The third book in the series, A Duke Worth Fighting For (Margery's story), is scheduled for release in August 2021. I already have it on pre-order and am counting down the days until my next visit to Christina Britton's Isle of Synne. 

Have you read Christina Britton yet?

Tell me about a fictional hero you've fallen in love with recently.

Do you enjoy historical romances that take the characters out of London?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, January 15 will receive a print copy of Someday My Duke Will Come. 

*Must be 18

*U.S. addresses only

Review - - Second Chance on Cypress Lane

Second Chance on Cypress Lane

by Reese Ryan

Holly Grove Island - Book 1

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: December 1, 2020

Reviewed by PJ

Rising-star reporter Dakota Jones is usually the one breaking the news---until an inadvertent scandal wrecks her career. The only place she can go to regroup is Holly Grove Island. But her small South Carolina hometown comes with a major catch: Dexter Roberts, the first man to break Dakota's heart, is her new boss. Working alongside Dexter, who is more attractive than he has a right to be, shows Dakota what might have been . . . but she isn't giving him another chance to break her heart.

Dexter has always regretted the way things ended between him and Dakota. Her return could be his opportunity to finally make amends. But the more time he spends with Dakota, the more he realizes his feelings for her never went away. Now he has just a few months to convince her to give their love a second chance. But for Dakota to agree to stay, Dexter will have to reveal the devastating truth about why he let Dakota go all those years ago.

PJ's Thoughts:

Second Chance on Cypress Lane launches what I hope will be a long-running series as I have fallen hard for all of these characters and their small town in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Ryan brings them all to life with her vibrant descriptions of both people and place.

I love a second-chance romance and this one is filled with all the goodness I hope to find in this trope. Dexter has had a long time to regret breaking up with his high school sweetheart. Yes, his motives were pure but that sure hasn't lessened the heartache they caused. I was in his corner cheering him on to win her back. He's such a good guy, was in a no-win situation back then, and his heart still knows what it wants. He was really not much more than a boy the last time they saw one another but now, boy howdy, now he is a man. Successful, sexy, thoughtful, loyal, and he plays alto sax in a local band, staring soulfully into Dakota's eyes from the stage? If she didn't want him I was more than willing to drive over to the coast and claim him for myself! 

For Dakota, raised to believe her small town had nothing to offer and she would only find success in the big city, coming home is not what she expected. There are revelations around every corner, both professional and personal. I enjoyed her assimilation back into the town; reconnecting with her childhood best friend (everyone should be lucky enough to have a friend like Sinclair), learning to be more accepting, discovering a professional path that's both fulfilling and brings her joy, and rekindling the sizzling chemistry she'd always shared with her first love. The new, adult relationships she forges with her father and with Dexter show how much she's grown as does her emotional navigation of the secret both men have been carrying. By the end of the book, I was fully confident that Dakota was where she was meant to be and would continue to flourish with Dexter by her side.

Now, on to the next couple and the next chapter of life in the charming, seaside town of Holly Grove Island. I don't know when book two will be released but I am all in!

~~~~~~~~~~

Have you read any of Reese Ryan's books?

Do you enjoy small-town romance?

I love the sand, surf, and seaside breezes of Holly Grove Island. What's your favorite small-town setting? 

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, January 8 will receive a print copy of Second Chance on Cypress Lane. 

*Must be 18

*U.S. addresses only