Review: Tell Me by Abigail Strom

"Nothing lasts forever." - Jane Finch

Tell Me
Author: Abigail Strom
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Published: October 1, 2017
Source: Publisher for Review

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Shy bookstore owner Jane Finch grew up hiding in the margins of her own life while her vibrant, adventure-loving sister, Samantha, dominated every plotline. She’s made peace with it, unlike Sam’s business partner, Caleb, who’s always nudging Jane to go after what she really wants. Why should she care what blunt, brash Caleb thinks? They’ve never had much in common, except for Sam.

After tragedy strikes, they don’t even have that.

Caleb can’t quite remember when Sam’s little sister stopped being like a surrogate sibling to him and became just…Jane. She’s the most intriguing woman he’s ever met, and so much sexier and stronger than she thinks. On the emotional journey to honor Sam’s memory, the spark they’ve tried to deny becomes an inferno. This journey was meant to be an ending, but will they discover an unexpected new beginning?

Review: Fool Me Once (First Wives #1) by Catherine Bybee

"Love it grand, but divorce is a hundred grand." - Lori Cumberland

Fool Me Once
Series: First Wives #1
Author: Catherine Bybee
Publisher: Montlake
Published: September 19, 2017
Source: Publisher for Review

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Cynical divorce attorney Lori Cumberland lives by one motto: Love is grand, but divorce is a hundred grand. With one failed marriage under her own personal belt, Lori had fallen hard and early—and it isn’t something she plans on repeating. She’s content focusing on the temporary marriages of her rich and famous clients. When she joins some of her recent divorcées on a celebratory cruise, her only vow is fun, sun, and new friends. But Lori finds herself tempted by a jury of one.

For Reed Barlow, falling into the world of private investigation was easy. He knows the law and knows how to avoid breaking it—all while doing his job. His rule to live by? No emotion, no involvement…until Lori. His charming smile and cocky attitude distracts Lori and lowers her guard, which is exactly what Reed desires.

But what appears as a one-time-only flirtation may be a plot orchestrated by Reed. As he’s taking his investigation to a dangerous level, it’s Lori who could end up in jeopardy. Reed has only one shot for Lori to grant him a second chance. But if he comes clean with her, he blows his cover. And that just might cost him the opportunity for an alliance of family…and of love.

Review: Every Little Kiss (Sequoia Lake #2) by Marina Adair

"Finger, spot, push. We're talking life or death here." - Liv Preston

Every Little Kiss
Series: Sequoia Lake #2
Author: Marina Adair
Publisher: Montlake
Published: June 18, 2017
Source: Publisher for Review

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There’s nothing that single mom Liv Preston won’t do if it means making her six-year-old son smile again. After a heartbreaking two years, her little family is due for some fun in the sun. She just didn’t expect to find it in the big, rugged, Search and Rescue hero next door—who shows her just how exciting, and sexy, life’s adventures can be.

As head of Reno’s K-9 search division, Ford Jamison knows what it takes to make life-and-death decisions on the fly. He doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t do regrets, and has never doubted his instincts—until he makes a promise that turns his world upside down. Desperate for redemption, he returns to Sequoia Lake, only to find himself face-to-face with his past…and the one woman he can’t have. Not when his secret would destroy her—and everything she holds dear.

For Liv, finding love once was a gift. Finding it twice seems impossible, until the moment Ford’s lips meet hers. Love doesn’t always come easy, but when it’s right, it’s worth fighting for…

Review: Doing It Over (Most Likely To #1) by Catherine Bybee

"Name's Jack... Jack the Ripper. I'm on a work release program out of Sing Sing. Save little girls to keep my parole officer happy." - Wyatt Gibson

Doing It Over
Series: Most Likely To #1
Author: Catherine Bybee
Publisher: Montlake
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Source: Publisher for Review

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Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Melanie Bartlett ended up anything but. The down-on-her-luck single mom wants a complete do-over—is that too much to ask? With her family long gone from River Bend, strong, independent Mel is as surprised as anyone to end up in the quaint small town she once called home. But with her friends, Jo and Zoe, by her side, and a comfortable room at Miss Gina’s quirky bed-and-breakfast, she just might have turned the corner on a new life.

Wyatt Gibson never liked the big city. River Bend suits the ruggedly handsome builder just fine. Wyatt knows he’s home, even if that means being charmed by the appearance of Melanie and her spunky, adorable daughter. Is Wyatt’s calm devotion—even amid a coming storm—enough to convince Mel she may have found a home to call her own, a family that never leaves, and a true love to last a lifetime?

In the first book in Catherine Bybee's new Most Likely To series, readers are introduced to three friends - Melanie, Jo, and Zoe - that were each voted to their graduating class's "Most Likely To..." As their 10 year reunion approaches, they realize that they haven't quite lived up to their high school reputations. Melanie is the first to come home to face the music, or so she thinks. Although she is somewhat ashamed that she was unable to accomplish her dreams, Melanie is still an incredibly strong woman that is determined to make things better for her and her daughter, Hope. She's embarrassed, but still holds her head up high when faced with her fellow classmates. Wyatt doesn't quite know what to think of Melanie. All he knows is that he's attracted to her and wants to do best by her. Mel grounds him and gives him a reason to look at the world with a different set of eyes. And in return, Wyatt stands by Mel when she needs him the most. He welcomes her home and gives Mel a reason to stay where she's loved.

There is a lot happening in Doing It Over and I think that is why I liked it so much. Never a dull moment in this book... What I found most interesting about this one (and something I don't recall from Catherine's previous series) was that while we're being introduced to a fabulous new cast of characters, readers are also treated to brief glimpses into each of their perspectives. Yes, this book is mainly Wyatt and Mel's story, we also get moments from almost every other character. I loved that! Catherine hooked me with those small moments and now I'm chomping at the bit for Jo and Zoe's books. I loved the suspense Catherine wove throughout story. It was just enough to add a new dimension to the story without overtaking the romance. Doing It Over was a fantastic first book for a new series. It had me hooked from the first chapter and it left me counting down the days until the next book in the series.  

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her two teenage sons in Southern California.  

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Review of It's In His Heart (Red River Valley #1) by Shelly Alexander

"Jesus, Dennings, you're such a Girl Scout." - Cooper Wells

It's In His Heart
Series: Red River Valley #1
Author: Shelly Alexander
Publisher: Montlake
Release Date: August 1, 2015
Source: Netgalley

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She has a secret. He has a scandal. And they both have an attraction they can’t deny.

Ella Dennings is furious. Soaking wet, muddy, and furious. All she wants is to enjoy a quiet summer retreat in her Red River Valley cabin. Maybe she can finish healing after the death of her husband, Bradley. Maybe she can even finish writing that third book in her anonymously written bestselling series. But when she arrives at the cabin in a raging rainstorm, who does she find holed up there but Cooper Wells, Bradley’s sexy best friend—a man capable of seducing women within seconds—and a man Ella has never liked.

Coop’s got his own baggage. He’s engulfed in a nasty legal battle, and after selling his home to cover his legal fees, he’s got nowhere to go but the cabin. He and Ella will just have to coexist under one roof...but is their heated animosity boiling over into attraction? And when Ella’s racy new book rocks the sleepy town, will her secret identity spell scandal for both of them?

Shelly Alexander's debut novel, It's In His Heart, was a heartbreaking, yet incredibly sweet romance between two characters that aren't looking for love, especially not with each other. Ella Dennings needed a change in scenery. After the death of her husband, Ella can't stand living in the city that holds so many memories. She packs up her life and heads out to spend the summer in Red River Valley. What she thinks will be a summer of solitude, quickly dissolves when she discovers that her husband's best friend is staying at the cabin they shared. Cooper Wells also needed a change of scenery while he's locked in a legal battle. People he thought were his friend's turned their backs on him as Coop lost his practice. Together in Red River Valley, they overcome first impressions as they grow closer. Time will tell if their hearts have healed enough to have a future together...

I had a little bit of a difficult time with It's In His Heart. I'm not exactly sure why, but I had a little bit of apprehension when I first started the book. In the end, I actually really enjoyed it. Maybe a little on the predictable side, but very enjoyable. I loved Coop. He was adorable and a bit slow on the uptake. And I thought his transformation was fantastic. On the other hand, I had some moments with Ella where I did not like her. Not necessarily with her as a character because I did like her transformation as well. Watching her struggle with the loss of her husband made me a bit emotional. There were, however, a few times where I didn't like what she said to Coop when they are at each other's throats. Other than the couple of times where I wanted to throttle Ella for her words, I was rooting for them from the beginning. I loved them together. I loved watching their hearts mend and meld as the book progressed. 

Congrats on your debut novel, Shelly. I'm looking forward to see what you have up your sleeve for the second Red River Valley series.

A 2014 Golden Heart finalist, Shelly Alexander grew up traveling the world, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and worked in the business world for twenty-five years. With four older brothers, she watched every Star Trek episode ever made, joined the softball team instead of ballet class, and played with G.I. Joes while the Barbie Corvette stayed tucked in the closet. When she had three sons of her own, she decided to escape her male-dominated world by reading romance novels and has been hooked ever since. Now, she spends her days writing steamy contemporary romances while tending to an obstinate English bulldog named Lola.

Shelly's Links

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Coming November 3rd

Review for Montana Cherries by Kim Law

"I love you, Dani." - Ben Denton

Montana Cherries
Author: Kim Law
Publisher: Montlake
Release Date: July 28, 2015
Source: Netgalley

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After her mother’s tragic death, Dani Wilde had no choice but to abandon her dreams. She left Columbia University and returned to her family’s Montana cherry farm, intent on being a maternal figure to her brothers. Now the kids are grown, and it’s finally her time to fly. Her sights are on New York City, and nothing will stop her—not even an old flame with gorgeous green eyes.

Celebrity photographer Ben Denton hasn’t seen Montana in years—and hasn’t spoken to Dani since “that night” so long ago. When he discovers he’s a dad to a four-year-old—and the child’s mother refuses to care for her—Montana and the Wilde farm spring to mind. The orchard is the only place that’s ever felt like home, but will the warmth of the Wilde family be enough to help Ben figure out how to be a father?

As the Wilde family gathers for the yearly cherry harvest and Dani struggles to figure out what she really wants in life, she discovers the shocking truth about her own mother—and learns that following her heart may lead her to her dreams after all.drama, his own family may be hiding something that could ruin their rekindled romance for good.

Kim Law's Montana Cherries is a beautifully complex story of love, family, and the emotions that bind to two. Kim's characters are so very real and lovable. My heart crumbled for Dani. She'll do anything for her family, even if it means putting her own life on hold. Now, just when she is ready to step out on her own, she is blindsided by the truth about her mom. As her true memories come flooding back, she's rocked to her core and left breathless. After his four year old daughter is left on his doorstep, Ben is clueless about how to raise her. All he knows is that he is determined to do a better job with her than his mother did with him. Back under the same roof, Ben and Dani can't resist the attraction that still lingers between them even after so many years. Ben helps Dani heal and rebuild the relationship with her family, while Dani helps Ben become a loving parent. As time passes, hearts are healed and the bonds of family are strengthened. 

I adored Montana Cherries. I loved the real portrayal of the Wilde family. Things are not good for them for the most part, but you get a feeling that it will get better as the book progresses. I didn't realize this until I was almost finished with the book, but it reminded me a lot of the relationship between my mom and my grandmother. That made me really connect with Dani as she starts to remember more about her childhood. I cried along with her as she confronted her brothers and father. I cheered her on as she made the steps to freedom. And as she realizes that dreams change, I was right there with her. I loved watching her reconnect with not only Ben, but also with her own family. I have a inkling that Montana Cherries will stay with me for quite some time. 

As a child, award-winning author Kim Law cultivated a love for chocolate, anything purple, and creative writing. She penned her debut work, “The Gigantic Talking Raisin,” in the sixth grade and got hooked on the delights of creating stories. Before settling into the writing life, however, she earned a college degree in mathematics and then worked as a computer programmer. Now she’s living out her lifelong dream of writing romance novels. She’s won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award, has been a finalist for the prestigious RWA RITA Award, and has served in varied positions for her local RWA chapter. A native of Kentucky, Kim lives with her husband and an assortment of animals in Middle Tennessee.

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Review of Seduced by Sunday (Weekday Brides #6) by Catherine Bybee

"You made love to everyone in the room with your voice. I was jealous of everyone there." - Valentino Masini

Seduced by Sunday
Series: Weekday Brides #6
Author: Catherine Bybee
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Release Date: April 14, 2015
Source: Netgalley

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Meg Rosenthal: Matchmaker by day, realist by night, Meg is not about to get swept away by a charming, darkly handsome businessman in a designer suit.

She’s come to a beautiful secluded resort to evaluate the private island’s potential for her agency, not to ogle its owner. But there’s something about the magnetic man that’s hard to resist, even for a woman who refuses to fall in love.

Valentino Masini: A successful and drop-dead sexy businessman, Valentino is used to having the finer things in life. Yet he’s never wanted someone the way he wants Meg, who’s stirring up a hurricane of trouble in his heart. But just as he decides to convince her to stay, someone else decides it might be time to get Meg off the island...permanently.

Before jumping into my review for Seduced by Sunday, I feel a confession coming on. A couple years ago, I picked up the first book in Catherine's Weekday Bride series and fell in love. Then I had the pleasure of meeting Catherine at the 2012 RWA in Anaheim and totally fangirl'd. So one would think I've read every book in this fabulous series right? Well... I read the second book... And that's where I stopped. Could someone please whack me with a paperback? 

When I was offered an ARC of Seduced by Sunday, I jumped on the chance because I've been wanting to come back to the series that I fell in love with and this was the perfect opportunity. I loved Seduced by Sunday. From the moment I opened it on my Kindle, I was immediately sucked back into the world of romance mixed with a little bit of intrigue. Meg sort of feels out of place. She's surrounded by millionaires looking for an arrange married and, if she's being honest with herself, that has made her a little jaded towards love. When she starts communicating with Valentino, Meg is inexplicably drawn to him. Once they meet face to face, Valentino is just as drawn and attracted to Meg as she is with him. They love to push each other's buttons and soon they find themselves falling for each other when it just might cost them dearly.

Seduced by Sunday lured me in and wouldn't let me go until I finished it a couple hours later. The characters were fantastic. It was such a joy meeting new friends (characters that I need to go back and read their books) and reminiscing with old friends. I loved the setting of a secluded island where you can turn off the world... An island where not everything is as it seems. The intrigue behind the mysterious photos kept my attention. Now that I'm back with the Weekday Brides, I know that I'll be going back to read the books I missed while I patiently wait for the next book. And I'm hoping it is Gabi's turn. 

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Southern California.

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Spotlight & Excerpt from NOT QUIET FOREVER (Not Quite #4) by Catherine Bybee

 Not Quiet Forever 

Not Quite #4 

Catherine Bybee

Montlake Romance

November 04, 2014

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The touching and heartwarming fourth novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series from New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee. 

Romance author Dakota Laurens believes that happily-ever-afters exist only between the covers of her sexy novels. But to her surprise, she finds a real-life hero when she meets a handsome emergency room doctor. The outspoken author feels an instant and intense attraction to Dr. Walt Eddy, and the feeling is mutual. When the globetrotting doctor pulls a disappearing act on Dakota, she’s prepared to write him off…until fate brings a blindsiding twist to her story. 

Still scarred from a past tragedy, Walt may have disappeared on Dakota, but now he’s determined to win her back. For the first time in years, he knows he’s ready for a new chance at love. Yet between Dakota’s doubts and two sets of meddling parents, can the once-blissful couple finally create the bright, loving future they desperately want?

Not Quiet Forever

© 2014 Catherine Bybee

“You find this amusing Miss…” 

Her eyes met his and she leaned over the table, planting both hands firmly in place. “Laurens. And yeah, I do.” 

The blonde rapped her knuckles on her friends arm. “Dakota!” 

Dakota…snazzy, a landmark more than a name…a beautiful woman full of life. Yeah, the name suited her. 

“What?” 

“Maybe we should move to another room.” The blonde was in a much more agreeable state than Miss Laurens. 

“I’m guessing there are more women out there here to listen to me than professionals here to listen to the good doctor.” 

Walt envisioned the women standing in line, knew without a doubt Dakota was right. 

In any other situation, Walt would have simply smiled and left the room, but something about Dakota Laurens sparked inside and made him want to get under her skin. Something made him want her to stop laughing and to take notice…of him. 

Robert turned away from them when the phone in his hand buzzed and he talked in hushed tones. 

“You’re part of the romance convention?” Walt asked, already knowing she was. 

Dakota removed a stack of papers from her bag and tapped the edges together to align them. “You say romance convention as if it’s a disease, Dr…Eddy is it?” 

“Walt. And I didn’t know they had conventions based on bodice-ripping novels.” 

The blonde’s agreeable grin slid and Dakota blew out a sigh. Her lips kept her snarky grin, but Walt knew his words dug deep. His own mother wore that look whenever his father said something just to piss Mom off. 

“What are you presenting today, Dr. Eddy?” Dakota stood tall, her shoulders back with a chin out in defiance. 

“I’m sharing the art of improvising medical tools and equipment when all you have is dental floss and a toothpick. What about you?” 

Her eyes would be classified as brown, but damn they looked nearly black when she was ticked. And although Walt didn’t know her well… he knew enough to know she didn’t look happy. In a second, those eyes took on a softer shade, almost liquid chocolate mixed with honey. A wicked smile tilted one side of her lips. 

Walt had to remind himself not to lick his own in response. 

“The art of crafting a gratifying sexual love scene.” 

Walt did lick his lips…blinked twice, and drew his brows together. “Excuse me?” He pulled on his collar, knew the room wasn’t warm. 

Dakota leaned a hip against the table that separated them and leaned in just enough for him to see the depth of her cleavage. 

“I write bodice rippers as you so eloquently labeled them, Dr. Eddy. Safe to say there are a couple of satisfying ripping of bodices in them…don’t you think?”  

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Southern California.   

Contact Links 

www.catherinebybe.com 

catherinebybee@yahoo.com 

catherinebybee.blogspot.com 

twitter.com/catherinebybee

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