Kortney and Oliver's Reading Nook: July 2017

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Review of Every Little Kiss by Marina Adair

Brief Summary courtesy of Mountlake Romance

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....

My review:

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is the first book of Marina Adair's that I have read. I have always loved the covers and book summary on the back and to be honest I even have a couple of hers on my book shelf that I still need to read so when I got the opportunity to read this book I jumped at the chance. This is the second book in the Sequoia Lake series by Marina.

Having never read of Marina's books in the past I was not sure what her writing style was going to be but I found that they kept a pretty steady pace and had a mix of romance, heartbreak and humor all rolled into one. I think that Marina did a great job of developing both the characters Liv and Ford so that you would understand their reasoning for their actions but didn't go overboard where you felt like it was dragging on and you lost interest. In addition, I really enjoyed seeing Liv's character grow through out the book from being closed off from letting someone into her life to by the end opening up for more than just a man.

In regards to storyline I found this book to have a couple different ones going on which you would think would be hard to follow but Marina did a good job of intertwining them to make it one great story. I liked how she not only told you of the love story developing between Ford and Liv but also incorporated her son into the mix. It was cool to see how the soon really opened up at the end and became more social with both kids his age as well as his own grandma. Lastly, it has a dog in it. Gotta love a book with a dog in it.

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the first one in the series as well as the ones that follow. In addition, I will be definitely checking out more of Marina's book as I really enjoy her writing style. I recommend this book to readers who love the romance but also the heartwarming family stories too as I think it has that too.

Review of Deep Burn by Kimberly Kincaid

Brief Summary courtesy of Kimberly Kincaid Romance

Firefighter Shae McCullough is all-in, all the time. When her reckless response at a fire earns her a two-week penance filing paperwork for the arson investigation unit, the rules and routines are enough to bore her senseless. But the discovery of a possible arson at a murder scene has her instincts fired up, and when Shae is assigned to assist Remington’s elite intelligence unit with their investigation, she’s all too ready to jump in with both boots first.

To tech and surveillance expert James Capelli, logic isn’t just a job requirement, it’s a way of life. He’s less than thrilled to work with Shae, whose impulsiveness threatens his sanity and whose curves threaten his composure. Despite their differences, they uncover a case bigger than anyone could have expected—along with an attraction that burns deep.

But this killer is no stranger, and Capelli’s got a dark past. Can he and Shae outsmart a ruthless murderer, or will his secrets bury them both?

My review:

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is the third story of Kimberly's I have read and i enjoyed both of those books so when I got the opportunity to read her newest book I was excited. Even before starting this book my favorite part was that this book centered around a female firefighter. Yes you heard that right a female firefighter. I love to see when authors put strong, confident woman as the main part of the book but also in a protective service role like being a firefighter.

So getting down to the stuff that I liked about the book. Well I thought Kimberly did a decent job on character development. I can tell you she didn't give a ton of back story like I have read with other authors but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I think that what she gave us was enough to get a feel of why Shae and James were the way they were. In addition, I liked how to she really opened Shae's character up in the book as you went through the story. You really got to see the character not only confident but also vulnerable.

In regards to the storyline I will tell you right now I think this was my favorite romance book that I have read this summer. I think Kimberly did a phenomenal job with this story. She had the romance, mystery and thrill and a little bit of humor all in one book. She had you on the edge of the seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next and if Shae and James would make it alive to the end of the book (okay thats a little dramatic we all know for the most part romance ends in happily ever after usually)

I can't wait to read the next book in this series and also to read more books of Kimberly's. She has definitely become one of my favorite authors after this book.

Review of Until You Loved Me (Silver Springs #3) by Brenda Novak

Brief Summary Courtesy of the Publisher MIRA

Sometimes starting over means finding everything you’ve been missing…

After catching her fiancé cheating—with another man–usually straight-laced, workaholic scientist Ellie Fisher liberates her wild side just long enough to indulge in a passionate one-night-stand with a tall, dark stranger she meets at a trendy Miami bar. Embarrassed by her recklessness, she ducks out the following morning without learning the guy’s full name, something that shouldn’t have been a problem…until a pregnancy test turns positive.

Being a professional football player, Hudson King has always been cautious around women. But this one had been different—so disinterested in his celebrity, so convincingly into him. When Ellie tracks him down, claiming she’s carrying his baby, he’s stunned. And more than a little betrayed.

But after growing up as an orphan, he’ll do anything to stay involved in his child’s life, so he urges Ellie to move to Silver Springs where they can co-parent. Hudson has a lot of love to give—certainly enough for his child, and when their initial spark reignites, perhaps for Ellie too...

My Review:

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is the third book in the Silver Springs series by Brenda Novak. I have been a fan of Brenda Novak's for a couple years now so when I got the opportunity to read this book I jumped at the chance. I truly feel this series gets better and better with each book that she writes.

Brenda did a great job of developing these characters from start to finish of this book. I really liked Ellie's character as you got to see her go through heartbreak and then got to see her begin to love not another person again but herself. In addition, I liked how Brenda really developed the characters through out the book and had them really grow as individuals and as a couple eventually. I honestly felt like it was a true relationship that could happen in real life and wasn't just fantasy.

In addition, I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. As you a reader you felt like you were going through each of the stages that Ellie and Hudson were going through in the book. In addition, Brenda did a great job of adding a great plot twist in the book that I will not divulge because I think that it should be something the reader should find out for themselves. I can tell you it was one of the reasons I kept on reading until the end to find out what happened.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series and to see what story Brenda decided to right next as I know it will be great!

Review of One Week to the Wedding by Olivia Miles

Brief Summary:

Kate Daniels just months ago was planning her dream wedding only for it to be canceled... now she is planning her best friends. Although she is excited for her friends upcoming wedding and helping planning it still brings up memories of what led to the cancellation of hers, her fiancé cheated on her with her little sister. So instead of just sitting on the side and wallowing she decides to jump in and help her friend plan the wedding. What she didn't count on was a grumpy best man.

Alec Montgomery has one goal for his brother, William's wedding and that is to stop it and convince his brother to come back to the firm. Ever since William decided to stay on the little Island and marry Elizabeth life has not been good for Alec. The firm is on its last leg and feels like he lost his best friend and confidant. Will Alec be able to convince William to stop playing house and come back to the family business or will he find his own happy ever after?

My Review:

I received a copy of One Week to the Wedding from the publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This is my third book that I have read of Olivia Miles and like the last two books she did not disappoint. Olivia does a great job of mixing both romance, heartbreak and a little bit of humor all into one book. This is the first in the series of Misty Point so she did a great of introducing a variety of characters into the book in addition to the main characters so that you could play around in your head with who the next story was going to be about.

In regards to character development I think Olivia did a great job of giving you enough description of what occurred in Kate's past as well as Alec's but didn't spend a huge amount of time on it where you felt like it over powered their romance developing.

With storyline and how she built Alec and Kate's romance I felt she did a good job on this as well. I am glad she didn't make them fall head over heels in love right away because that is just unrealistic with what Kate went through. It was nice to see those characters really develop through out the book.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series about Charlotte's story and get to read her fall in love but also read about her relationship mend with her sister Kate!

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Release Day Blitz for MAYBE THIS SUMMER by Jennifer Snow

Always a wingman . . .

Owen McConnell is used to being ignored. After all, it's only when he appears as the Colorado Avalanche's team mascot that he gets all the attention. When the costume is off, women tend to gravitate toward his famous hockey player friends. But after he meets lovely, damaged Paige Adams, he knows he can be the star player for her. She's raising funds for the hospital burn unit, and Owen's determined to help her out---and sweep her off her feet.

The burn unit has been near and dear to Paige's heart ever since the doctors helped her after a vicious attack. Yet the scars---both emotional and physical---haven't faded as much as she'd hoped. She's closed herself off from relationships, and the thought of opening up is terrifying. But Owen's sexy charm might be just the push Paige needs to start loving again.

Excerpt:

“Okay, I’ve got one,” Paige said, pointing to Bob Marley’s “Stir It Up.”

If anyone could help him seduce a woman, it was Bob Marley. Sliding the coins into the machine, he kept one eye on the door as she made her selection.

As the soft beat started, she smiled. “I love this song.”

He was in love with her smile. As she headed back toward the booth, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into him.

A slight look of intrigued panic flickered across her features. “What are you doing?” she asked as he drew her into him, wrapping his arms around her waist. Her soft perfume and the feel of her body beneath his hands made it impossible to let her go, even if he wanted to.

“Dancing with you. I knew if I asked, you’d say no,” he said, swaying slowly to the beat. Every other thought left him as he enjoyed the moment, knowing he may not get this opportunity again. Nothing else mattered except the woman in his arms.

She glanced around the bar, which had gotten busier while he’d been caught up completely in her. “No one else is dancing…”

“That’s okay. I don’t want to dance with anyone else.”

She sighed and reluctantly slid her arms around his neck. “This isn’t exactly a dance floor.”

“Any floor can be a dance floor,” he said, drawing her even closer as his hands slid a fraction lower. His thumbs gently massaged as his grip tightened at her hips.

She shot him a warning look as she readjusted his hands higher on her back.

But she didn’t remove them completely. “Sorry. I felt a vibe and went for it.”

She laughed. “Maybe not the right choice in songs,” she said, though finally swaying in sync with him.

His gaze fell to her hips in her tight-fitting jeans and he had to force a breath. “I think it’s the perfect choice in song. Now, it’s our song.”

“Our song?”

“Yeah. Whenever we go to a wedding and they play it, we can say ‘hey, it’s our song,’ or when we’re driving through the mountains in the winter on the way to the cabin with the kids asleep in the back and it comes on the radio, we can crank it higher and sing along to…”

“Our song?” she finished shaking her head. “You really get ahead of yourself, don’t you?”

“You have no idea,” he said, his gaze locked on hers. The drinks, the beat of the music, the dim lighting in that corner of the bar, her soft, sweet smile made it impossible not to want to kiss her…but he held back. Too soon, too fast was not the way with this one, and that was the only speed he really knew. Not this time. This time it was her speed, her timing. He had no other choice—he was completely hooked on her.

But that didn’t stop him from taking her hand and kissing it, savoring the silky soft skin against his lips.

A conflicted look appeared on her face for just a brief second before she was leaning toward him. When her lips brushed his, his eyes widened. His grip tightened at her waist as her arms circled his neck once more.

Her height made her perfect to kiss. He didn’t need to bend at the knees or crank his neck. Her lips were soft, and she tasted like a mixture of gin and watermelon. Her hands crept into his hair, and she pressed her body to his. He could sense her give into the moment, all tension and apprehension disappearing. His hands cupped her face as he responded with an urgency he couldn’t control. Since the first day he’d met her, he’d wanted to kiss her, and now she was continuing to shock the hell out of him with the passion and heat that she’d initiated. Gone was the cool, guarded woman who’d walked into the bar two hours before. Now she was soft and dangerously seductive as her fingers tangled in his hair and her tongue parted his lips, demanding entry.

His fingers dug into her waist and only the beat of the music kept him grounded in their surroundings, preventing him from taking the kiss to an even more intoxicating level. He wanted so much more than a kiss…

Breathless, she pushed away slightly, her eyes snapping open as her hand flew to her lips.

He couldn’t not to take the opportunity to tease her. “That was a little forward, don’t you think?” He fought to calm his thundering pulse and hoped she couldn’t see the effect the kiss had had on him. His pants felt a whole hell of a lot tighter in the front, and resisting the urge to drag her out of there and back to his place was taking all his strength.

“Well, since you’d already planned family vacations, I took a chance that you wouldn’t mind,” she murmured against his lips as she moved in closer again. “And maybe the alcohol and the music went to my head a little.”

He touched her cheek as they continued to sway. Never in a million years had he expected this evening to turn out the way it was. She’d stayed beyond a quick drink. She’d actually taken the time to get to know him, and she’d let him in. The kiss had told him she was every bit as interested in him as he was in her. And he was feeling pretty damn good.

But a second later he knew he was screwed as her gaze wandered past him to the door. “Hey isn’t that your friend, Ben Westmore?"

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Maybe This Summer

Author: Jennifer Snow

Series: Colorado Ice #2.5

On Sale: July 11, 2017

Publisher: Forever

Formats: E-Book

Price: $2.99 (mass market)

Add to Goodreads

COLORADE ICE SERIES

Colorado Ice # 2.5

Series Page on Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Snow lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her husband and son. She writes sweet and sexy contemporary romance stories set everywhere from small towns to big cities. After stating in her high school yearbook bio that she wanted to be an author, she set off on the winding, twisting road to make her dream a reality. She is a member of RWA, the Writers' Guild of Alberta, the Canadian Authors Association, and the Film and Visual Arts Association in Edmonton. She has published over ten novels and novellas with many more on the way.

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