Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Review of Don't Start Now by Tara September

Welcome to the book tour for Don't Start Now by Tara September! Today I'm sharing a review with you here and an excerpt over at Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters. Check it all out!

Don't Start Now

By Tara September

Contemporary Romantic Comedy

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 182 Pages

March 1, 2021

“If you don’t wanna see me dancing with somebody, don’t show up … don’t start caring about me now.”

What can go wrong being stuck on a cruise ship with your ex and entering into a fake relationship with a sexy coworker? It might not be the Titanic, thank goodness, but Eve Richard’s heart is sinking by the minute and love is definitely going down.

Pulitzer-prize-winning war journalist turned small-town newspaperman, Adam Seager, has given up a lot for his work, country, and family, but not this time. He knows what he wants, and it’s his coworker, Eve. Her smile is the brightest part of his day and a daily reminder that more adventures are yet to come. When they are both assigned a travel feature on board a new cruise ship, it’s the perfect opportunity to let his feelings set sail.

Eve will never date another coworker or writer again. Been there, done that. Time to pursue her own writing dreams, even if it means bunking with the infuriating and complicated Adam Seager. So what if the butterflies he sets off in her belly can rival the waves outside their cabin. She intends to keep things strictly professional … that is, as much as they can be while also pretending to be a couple. Their relationship might be fake, but the pull to get to know more of him is real. Her reporter’s gut says there is more to uncover than meets the eye. But what will happen when they are back on dry land?

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**My thoughts**

Adam is a Pulitzer prize-winning writer who now works for the local newspaper for some unknown reason. Eve is a travel writer who dreams of making it big some day. And then the two of them get paired up to do a his-n-her series about a cruise.

You know what's going to happen on a cruise. Love is going to be in the air and they will be powerless to ignore it. Of course, stupid ex-fiances can also help nudge things along.

I liked the idea of two writers getting paired off on this writing adventure. They're going to have a lot in common and be teaching each other a lot. I think I was actually surprised at how quickly Adam went after Eve. You could tell that there had been perhaps a smidge of a mutual interest before, but he really came out with guns a-blazing. I think he's triggered by jealous when Eve's ex appears, but then he overcompensates. I almost found his persistence a little off-putting at times.

Nevertheless, the cruise was an entertaining story. There is a bit of conflict that happens when they get off the boat that felt a bit rushed to me. But questions that arose during the cruise were answered.

Overall, it was an enjoyable enough read.

Thank you to the author and Prism Book Tours for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Bookstagram Tour

Check out the Bookstagram Tour here, which has its own giveaway!

August 23rd:

@mom.always.reads

@curlygrannylovestoread

August 24th:

@bookisheclectic

@rozierreadsandwine

@celiarecommends

August 25th:

@radusreads

@kepz_lovesreading - ebook

@wishfulendings

August 26th:

@minnesota_mailer

@twinreadsblog

@bookreviewvirginialee - ebook

August 27th:

@booking.with.janelle

@tea_reading_and_oz

@Simonebookstagram - ebook

Tara September is a multi-award-winning contemporary romance author living in Southwest Florida. Tara holds a master's degree in journalism from New York University. Previously, she was the Communications Manager at WWE and a PR Manager for The Walt Disney Company.

Fueled by an IV of green tea and Prosecco, Tara is finally writing the happily ever after tales she's been dreaming about. Proud mom to twins and four cats, she also blogs over at When Tara Met Blog @tarametblog, a lifestyle and parenting blog of 16 years.

Grab a free short story at --> https://bit.ly/taraseptemberfreebie

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive an audiobook of Jesse’s Girl by Tara September

One winner will receive an audiobook of It Might Be You by Tara September

One winner will receive an audiobook of Mine to Five by Tara September

Open to US and UK residents only
Ends September 1, 2021

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Review of The Inn at Summer Island by Rachel Magee

The Inn At Summer Island by Rachel Magee is out now! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today! But before you do, feel free to check out my thoughts on this heartwarming contemporary romance that I think needs to come to the screen!

Title: The Inn At Summer Island

Author: Rachel Magee

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About The Inn At Summer Island

Millie Leclair is a mess, complete with a dead-end career and a flat-lining love life. So when she inherits her great aunt’s oceanfront B&B in a resort town in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, she doesn’t hesitate to pack up her car and set off on a new adventure. It’ll be fun.

Of course, life seldom goes according to plan. The B&B is barely habitable for one person, let alone ready to open for business. With dwindling funds, Millie has no choice but to roll up her sleeves and tackle the repairs by herself. Yeah, so much fun.

Ex-pro golfer Braxton Channing thought being a full-time single parent kept him on his toes. That was before he spotted his new neighbor teetering on her rooftop—which is only the beginning of her long list of renovations for the old house—and he added keeping her safe to his to-do list.

But Millie is determined to dive headfirst into repairs regardless of the risk, and suddenly, battling with his daughter over brushing her teeth seems easier than winning an argument with Millie. She’s exasperating. And oddly delightful. And most definitely shouldn’t be let anywhere near a tall ladder.

For a guy who’s sworn off romantic relationships, why does he suddenly want to be the one who gets the privilege of watching Millie conquer not just the B&B but his heart as well?

Get Your Copy Today!

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(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

This was one of those books that would be perfect to adapt into a Hallmark or Netflix romance movie. You have the city girl, Millie, who returns to the small town – in this case on Summer Island – who has these grandiose ideas for the former inn that she has inherited. And of course, she has bitten off more than she can chew. But the beautiful residents step up to help her and you get that warm and fuzzy feeling of community that feels lacking in normal society.

And then you have Braxton, the handsome celebrity golf player widower who lives next door with his young daughter. He wants to help his lovely neighbor, but is also President of the HOA that is causing roadblocks in Millie’s plans. You pretty much know what is going to happen, but you find yourself completely engrossed, savoring all of the chaos and funny scenes. It made me want to move to Summer Island or a comparable locale, to try to start over as well. I just loved it.

And then you have the bonus of a mystery romance that Mille’s great aunt had back in the day that is slowly revealed through old letters. There’s just something so incredibly romantic about old love letters.

I do want to give a heads up to readers that there is a character who has Alzheimer’s. I know that for me, having lost my mother a few years ago to the disease, it can sometimes be difficult to read about. But it is handled well, and I do adore the character who has it.

So if you are looking for a feel-good romance, I definitely recommend this one.

Thank you to the author and Inkslinger for the requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Rachel wrote her first novel when she was twelve and entered it into a contest for young author/illustrators. Unfortunately, the judges weren’t impressed with her stick figures. So she dropped the dream of becoming a world famous illustrator and stuck to spinning stories. When she’s not busy working on her latest book, she loves to travel with her family and friends. By far, her favorite destination is the beach, which tends to work its way into most of her stories. Between vacations, you can find her at home in The Woodlands, TX with her wonderful husband, their two adventurous kids and a couple of spirited pets, all of whom share Rachel’s love of the ocean. Well, except the cat and dog. They’re both afraid of water. Find out more about what Rachel has been up to at rachelmageebooks.com.

Connect with the Authors:

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Available Now! You May Kiss the Groomsman by Samantha Chase

We are so excited to be bringing you the release of YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN by New York Times bestselling author Samantha Chase. If you're a sucker for a marriage of convenience romance with a fun twist, you won't want to miss this one!

About YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN

It seemed like a good idea at the time…

When Josie Sullivan agrees to marry her friend Tyler, it’s just so he’ll get a promotion at work. That’s what friends do, right? But what should have been a quick, quiet affair starts to look like the real thing when his family shows up in the middle of the “proposal.” Now, it’s no longer a quick stop at the courthouse during a lunch break, but a full-blown wedding and there’s nothing Josie can do to stop it.

There was no way he could hold his peace…

Daniel Alexander hasn’t been home in years. After fifteen years as a Navy SEAL, he’s more than ready to return to civilian life. Being away for so long, he’s missed a lot of his younger brother’s life and it seems like he’s back just in time to stop him from making the biggest mistake of his life. No matter how he breaks it down, something’s just not adding up about this wedding and he’s determined to figure out why. And he’s not just trying to stop it from happening because he’s finding himself wildly attracted to the bride-to-be.

Or because they can’t stop kissing each other.

Josie had given up on finding her own happily ever after and as her attraction to Daniel keeps growing, she’s suddenly regretting her decision to help out a friend. Now she just needs to decide if she wants to kiss the groom…or the groomsman.

Add YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN to your TBR!

Get your copy of YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN!

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | GooglePlay

(affiliate link included)

About SAMANTHA CHASE

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than forty titles under her belt! When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

Seventeen Butterflies by Anna Katmore

Welcome to today's blitz for Seventeen Butterflies by Anna Katmore! Find out more about the author and the book and be sure to download your very own copy of this contemporary young adult romance novel.

About the Book

Title: Seventeen Butterflies

Author: Anna Katmore

Genre: Contemporary Teen Romance

The embarrassment of being the only unkissed girl in high school is something Sandy Cardington refuses to accept. The first kiss project is her foolproof plan to finally get rid of the status at her 17^th birthday party, while her parents are out of town.

With several kissable boys on her guest list, this should be a walk in the park. But she didn’t count on her older brother returning from college and throwing a wrench into her plans. To make matters even more complicated, he has a friend in tow, and the cute hockey player stirs unexpected butterflies in her stomach every time their paths cross.

While Sandy moves heaven and earth to make her party and project come true, it looks as if Thane Griffyn has his own plans to teach her the real meaning of a first kiss…

Buy on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

(affiliate link included)

Author Bio

The nitty-gritty:

I’ve been a storyteller all my life, building bridges into different worlds. Already in kindergarten, I’ve seen the most fantastical things and wanted to share them with everyone. My teacher called me a liar back then. Today, I call it the first real flash of my spiritual gift and the cornerstone of my writing career.

When I got older, I’ve had many visions of a perfect career, while writing has always been more of a hobby and kind of a therapy for me when the longing for more magic in this world once again caught up with me in a crushing way. When my first book was finished, I couldn’t even imagine sharing one of my stories with others, ever. In fact, I only got used to the idea while I wrote my second book and learned in a very miraculous way where the many stories in this world really come from.

It’s funny how, at that point, everyone told me I can’t possibly make a living with writing. They even warned me not to quit my job. But after my debut novella PLAY WITH ME came out and sales skyrocketed within the first week, I knew I could do anything I wanted if only I never stopped dreaming.

That’s also part of what I teach my students in writing and spiritual workshops today. Always dream big! If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

Some personal stuff:

“I’m writing stories because I can’t breathe without.”

Disney is my attitude to life, and if I could I’d save the world from itself. My Patronus is a wolf, my wand the broken twig of an apple tree, 13 ¾ inches with a unicorn hair core. I can’t deny that on some days, I prefer my book characters over real people, but there’s not a single day going by where I wouldn’t try to find magic in reality. And when I’m alone, I love to listen to the many stories of the wind in a mystic mid-summer night.

So you see, I’m lucky enough to live in an enchanting world of my own. It’s peaceful there and full of magical things, fairies and wonders. You’re welcome to follow me there – if you’re ready to open up your mind and leave everything you learned about reality behind. But beware, if you dare to step through this door, you may never want to leave again…

Author Links

Website:

www.annakatmore.com

Facebook:

German: www.facebook.com/annakatmore

English (brand new) www.facebook.com/annakatmorebooks

Monday, August 23, 2021

The Inn at Summer Island by Rachel Magee Release Day Blitz!

The Inn At Summer Island by Rachel Magee is out now! Check out this excerpt and be sure to grab your copy today!

Title: The Inn At Summer Island

Author: Rachel Magee

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About The Inn At Summer Island

For a guy who’s sworn off romantic relationships, why does he suddenly want to be the one who gets the privilege of watching Millie conquer not just the B&B but his heart as well?

Get Your Copy Today!

Amazon | B&N | AppleBooks | Kobo

(affiliate link)

Exclusive Excerpt:

“She’s a bit of a mess right now, but the plan is to restore her to her former glory,” she said, adding mildew check to the ever-growing fix-it list. “I guess we won’t be taking guests yet, but before the summer is over, she’ll be the thriving inn she once was.”

“Inn?”

Millie turned to him. “Yeah. I’ll probably run it more like a bed and breakfast than an inn. My aunt never really liked the B&B title because she—”

“You’re not selling?” Braxton cut her off, his eyebrows knitted together.

“Selling?” The question caught her off guard. “Of course I’m not selling Seascape. Why would I want to sell something that’s been in my family for generations?”

“You live in Chicago, so I guess we all assumed…” He let his voice trail off.

“I used to live in Chicago.” She tried to sound patient, but why was she having to explain herself to this man? “Now I live here at 121 East Shore Drive where I’ll be running Seascape Inn.” She didn’t want to be rude to her new neighbor on her first day in the neighborhood, but she couldn’t help the hint of bite behind the words.

“Huh.” Braxton said as he looked past her, his eyes sweeping across the front of the house. “You realize you can’t turn this property into any sort of hotel, right? Using it for commercial business is against Oceanside Estates HOA regulations.”

Her new neighbor might have once been known as America’s most charming bachelor, but he was starting to get on her nerves. “I’m not turning it into a hotel. It is a hotel. Since it was built in the fifties, Seascape Inn has been a commercial business. This isn’t something new.”

“Perhaps in the past. But it’s been vacant for a while.” His gaze returned to her, no longer sparkling and friendly. “I can tell you with good authority that the current HOA rules are very clear. No businesses. Especially hotels.”

“How can you make a rule prohibiting something that is already here?” She’d quit her whole life in Chicago and moved here to start over, to have the sort of life she dreamed about as a kid when she spent her summers here with her aunt. Reviving Seascape and running the inn wasn’t just going to be her livelihood, it was a chance to keep her family’s legacy alive.

Sensing her growing frustration, Bear abandoned his spot next to their new neighbor and sat next to Millie, his ears perked on full alert.

Braxton offered another polite smile. She was growing to hate them. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the rules were designed to benefit everyone in the community.”

Millie crossed her arms in front of her chest, defiance swelling insider her. “Well, I’m part of the community now, and I’m meeting with my lawyer later today. We’ll see what he has to say about this.”

It sounded a bit like ‘I’m telling my mom on you,’ but it was the best she could come up with after all the surprises she’d dealt with today.

“I always find a lawyer’s opinion helpful.” There was a bit of snark in his voice that only made the fire in her belly burn brighter. “And if you need any further clarification or want to file a complaint, you’re always welcome to attend one of the HOA general meetings.”

Braxton backed down the steps to where his slick, new sports car sat on the crumbling and cracked driveway. He had gone from handsome celebrity to uptight know-it-all faster than that car went from zero to sixty.

“Great,” Millie called out after him. “I’ll be there.”

He hesitated as he opened the door. “Then I’ll see you there.” He offered her one of his Braxton Channing famous grins, just as empty as his polite smiles. “And since you’re moving in, I guess I should say welcome to the neighborhood.” He slid into the driver’s seat and the engine purred to life.

She stood there with her arms crossed in front of her chest and glared until his car pulled down and through the rusted gate to turn onto the street.

“I’m glad we didn’t ask him for a picture,” she said to Bear. “It would’ve ruined our Instagram feed. And if I need a cup of sugar, I am not going to ask him for it.”

Bear’s tail wagged in what she assumed was agreement.

About the Author:

Connect with the Authors:

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Happy Release Day! Rob Starr by JA Howard is here!

ROB STARR by JA Howard is out now! Check out this excerpt and be sure to grab your copy of this feminist driven YA today!

Title: Rob Starr

Author: JA Howard

Genre: YA Contemporary

About Rob Starr:

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬? Rob Starr (sigh) was out of Mia Morgan's league. Of course, she had a crush on him. Everyone did. But in her case, it would just be way too weird to admit that. For starters, their moms were best friends and Mia had known Rob since she was five. But while Mia was now a demi-geek with relentlessly frizzy hair, Rob had become a demi-god and Ellsworth High's basketball superstar. Besides, he’d been going out with the totally perfect Chloe Olsen since, like, forever. But one October afternoon, a terrible accident changes everything. Suddenly, Mia and Rob are living in the same house and spending a lot of time alone together. Soon, Mia’s world was different in ways she never thought possible: new clothes, new friends, and an incredibly hot boyfriend. But was any of it real? Would any of it last? And did getting everything she thought she ever wanted mean giving up who she really was?

Get Your Copy Today!

Amazon | Paperback | Apple | Barnes & Noble | Scribd

(affiliate links included)

About JA Howard:

J.A. Howard is an author, business executive, and podcaster in New York. As the mother of two daughters, Howard is focused on the healthy development and empowerment of women in all of her work. The Third Coin, her first novel, aims to encourage sisterhood, compassion, and leadership among middle-grade girls. Howard is also a podcaster. Her podcast, Sisters Cracking Up, (sisterscrackingup.com) which she does with her real-life sister, psychotherapist Abby Rodman, is focused on women in midlife; what’s “cracking them” and what’s cracking them up. On it, they talk openly and honestly about social and psychological topics that really matter like relationships, careers, aging beauty, stress, sex, health, and mental health. As well as being a writer and podcaster, Howard is a beauty executive and consultant with more than 20 years of experience working in Marketing, Innovation, and Strategy for some of the world’s most loved and respected brands including Clinique, Estee Lauder, Bath and Body Works, MAC and more.

Connect with JA Howard:

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Review of Bidding on Her Brit (Wayward Brits #3) by Poppy Parkes

We're celebrating the release of Bidding on Her Brit by Poppy Parkes! You can download an excerpt and read my review, plus check out the other three books and my thoughts on all of those!

Title: Bidding on Her Brit

Series: Wayward Brits #3

Author: Poppy Parkes

Genre: Small Town Romance

Release Date: August 19, 2021

BLURB

April is a city girl who moved to the London countryside in search of something new.

Zane is a small town local toying with the idea of trading his bachelor life for something meaningful.

The instant their eyes meet, sparks fly.

Yet when Zane volunteers to be auctioned off at the annual picnic basket benefit, April fears his affections are reserved for the highest bidder. Will she take a chance at winning his love? Or deny her desires and play it safe?

Bidding on Her Brit is a steamy contemporary instalove story set in the rolling hills of Somerset, England. Come for hot AF yoga teacher Zane, stay for the unexpected sexy-sweet romance he discovers with schoolteacher April. You’ll swoon over this couple as much as they do for each other. ;)

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

This is the fourth installment of Poppy's Wayward Brits series. And I was excited to be getting Zane's story! I am not sure why, but I really attached to him in the second book when we met him.

I mention that this book is part of a series. Note that all of these are indeed standalones. If you have not read the others, you will still be fine with this one.

In this story, I can understand the woman moving for money. April is relocating relatively nearby for a teaching job that pays better than where she was currently working. I did that many years ago. Meeting Zane, the hottie local yoga instructor, is just an added bonus.

Instead of an arranged marriage, this story is one of Fate stepping in. The two have an undeniable attraction. They just have to follow the signs and nudges to be together.

I think this one is my favorite of the four. It probably helps that familiar characters returned, but this one really felt more developed as a complete story to me.

Thank you to the author and Give Me Books for the requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

DOWNLOAD AN EXCERPT HERE

ALSO AVAILABLE

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Always free in Kindle Unlimited

Read my review here.

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Read my review here.

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Read my review here.

AUTHOR BIO

Poppy Parkes is the author of sweet and hot love stories. Poppy writes, paints, and dreams in the mountains, where she raises her two boys. She is in love with luscious color, moon-gazing, and dancing wild. And coffee. And wine. And chocolate. You know how it is.

AUTHOR LINKS

WEBSITE

AMAZON

PATREON

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

TIKTOK

GOODREADS

BOOKBUB

Read an excerpt from Written for You by Robin Bielman

Written For You by Robin Bielman is out now! I have an exclusive excerpt for you to read today. Check it out and be sure to order your copy today!

Title: Written for You

Author: Robin Bielman

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Written for You:

Cam Radcliffe is on a deadline to write his next blockbuster action film, but all he can think about lately is writing romance. The inspiration? His best friend, Reese.

They’ve known each other for years, but suddenly working in the same office has given him a whole new appreciation of her. Reese is driving him wild in the best possible way, and Cam only hopes it isn’t obvious. If she knew, he’s certain their friendship would reach The End.

So, of course, Reese figures it out. But the awkward, negative response he expected is nothing like the reality—like they’re living their own romcom.

A romcom that’s giving him the worst case of writer’s block at the absolute worst time in his career. Especially when the secret Reese has been forced to keep comes out…and threatens to ruin everything.

Get Your Copy Today:

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | iBooks | Amazon UK | Amazon Aus | Amazon CA

(affiliate link included)

Exclusive Excerpt:

She didn’t push him away.

Or seal her lips together in shock.

She didn’t shout “What the hell are you doing?” Or knee him in the groin.

No.

She took. And then she gave back. Fisting her hands in his shirt. Moving her luscious mouth against his. Letting him sweep his tongue inside with barely a coax.

Jesus, she tasted good. Like cupcakes and sunshine. Like nothing he’d ever tasted before, her lips so soft and arousing, and pliable, that this had to be a slice of heaven.

His body wanted more. Wanted everything.

He abruptly pulled back. Took a step waayy back. He’d not asked for permission. Or inched his way closer so she had time to retreat. He’d been so overcome with desire for her—for gorgeous and cheerful Reese—that he hadn’t given a second thought to crushing his mouth to hers.

“Shit. I’m sorry,” he said, noting a well-kissed Reese was even more beautiful. He stifled a groan. “I don’t know what came over me.” Except I’ve been craving your mouth for months.

She blinked, stunned or swept away or pissed at him, he wasn’t sure.

“I got caught up in the moment. It won’t happen again.”

She covered her mouth with her hand. Stayed silent. Time slowed.

“Please say something. Tell me I didn’t just ruin us.” His heart beat an unsteady rhythm and his cheeks burned hot with shame.

“It won’t?” she asked softly.

“Was that a question or a statement? I couldn’t tell.” He swallowed thickly, shifted from foot to foot. “I’m being tortured here, Reese.”

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her awesome family and her very cute dog, Harry. She writes both sweet and sexy contemporary romances with one goal in mind: to leave you with a smile on your face. When not attached to her laptop, she loves to read, go to the beach, and frequent coffee shops with friends. She also dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers. Keep in touch on social! Xoxo

Connect with the Author:

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Sunday, August 22, 2021

Review of Her Midnight Engagement (Wayward Brits #2.5) by Poppy Parkes

Can a modern-day marriage of convenience turn into true love?

Curvy single mom January Jett never thought it would come to this — selling herself as a mail-order bride.

But when she receives the massive hospital bill for the medical procedure that saved her daughter’s life, she’s fresh out of money — and options.

She’s not happy about this turn of events . . . until she meets young British billionaire Samson North, her husband-to-be. He’s dark, protective, and so damn handsome.

Suddenly, with Samson by her side, it seems possible that her marriage of convenience won’t be the end of her life as she knows it.

It just might be the beginning of everything she’s ever longed for . . . if Samson’s family doesn’t destroy everything.

Amazon * Goodreads

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts*

January is struggling to make ends meet. She got pregnant just out of high school. And of course, the baby daddy disappeared. At the age of 2, Emma required open heart surgery for a congenital heart defect. So she goes in search of a financial solution and finds one in Samson.

Samson is in need of a wife if he wants to inherit the family estate. He only has two weeks to find someone. So being matched by Kels, who orchestrated the original match in Book 1, is able to do it again.

They also match because Samson has a soft spot for single mothers and plans to use the estate to support an organization that he has created to help.

I cannot imagine being so desperate for money that I would move halfway across the world with my sick child. But then again, I know parents will do just about anything for their sick child. As expected, the two are very attracted to each other right away. And it isn't necessarily going to be smooth sailing getting this platonic marriage off the ground.

I'm still not sure how I feel about the whole mail-order bride type thing in a contemporary romance. But I liked this one a bit more than the first one because I felt like there was actually more of a story in this one, even though this is another shorter one. And it was a quick and entertaining read.

And real quick for the sex police, there is an open-door love scene. It doesn't bother me, but I know it bothers some people who would probably actually otherwise enjoy this story.

I do plan to continue with this series, though, because I am curious to see what happens with other characters.

Thank you to Give Me Books and the author for the requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Merry Brit-mas (Wayward Brits #2) by Poppy Parkes

She got laid off from her posh London job just in time for the holidays and has nowhere else to turn but her eccentric grandmother’s home in the country.

He’s a wealthy romantic tired of watching from the sidelines as everyone around him finds love.

She’d rather be anywhere for Christmas than the countryside. He only wants to be by her side, all year long, if she’ll have him.

But when disaster strikes, she learns first-hand that there’s lots to love in the frosty hills of Somerset.

Merry Brit-mas is a steamy contemporary holiday romance set in rural England. Come for the over-the-top new adult instalove, stay for the very merry British holiday traditions.

Come meet the heart-melting men of The Wayward Brits series! They might not be proper but that doesn’t mean they’re not absolutely brilliant. These spiffing mostly-standalone romances will light your fire and make you smile. Happily ever afters guaranteed!

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**My thoughts**

This is the second book in the Wayward Brits series and it totally works as a standalone. We were briefly introduced to Teddy in the first book and he briefly mentions the love story in that book. And while I find that I tend to prefer reading all books in a series, it is not necessary to have read the first one to enjoy this one.

I definitely liked this story a lot more than the first one. This one just simply felt more plausible to me. Zara has been made redundant due to budget cuts and now has no idea what to do. It does mean that she has time to go visit her grandmother and twin brother for the holidays, though.

[Side note: I'm totally intrigued by her brother Zane and want to get to know him better!]

And of course, she meets Teddy. I'm not sure if you could really call it a "Meet Cute," but it definitely made an impact on them both!

I get their quick ease with each other and can see why they would quickly fall for each other. They have both suffered a lot of grief in their lives and are looking for change. Plus you have the inevitable Christmas magic happening. Again, there is an open door love scene that closed-door fanatics will not like. I always like to give that heads up to people because I hate when people freak out and then leave negative reviews (especially when you already know you are picking up a steamy romance).

Also, the length of this one worked just fine. My only question was the timing of this one compared to the first book.

Anyway, more to come in this series and I'm intrigued to see what happens next in this series.

Thank you to Give Me Books and the author for a requested review process. All thoughts and opinions are my own.