I hadn’t read the first books in the series, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What I got was a mixed bag of a book. I thought that the plot was interesting and ultimately, that is what kept me turning the pages. For once, a tag line is accurate because it is not for the faint of heart. There were only a few grotesquely detailed scenes, but they were vital to understanding the motivations of the characters, so I didn’t mind them. I will say, however, that there was a lot of backstory and references to previous events that kept me a little bit confused at times–even though this could be read as a standalone, it would have been much more enjoyable had I read the others first, so readers may want to take that into consideration. The only real disappointment was with the reveal of the ultimate bad guy–I thought it fell flat and came out of nowhere. I was hoping for more of a twist. But otherwise, it was a good crime novel that explores the evil nature of man and how easy it is to manipulate people. I would recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and the author for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of this book.
I wasn’t sure what to think about this book at first. The set-up seemed a little bit far-fetched, even for a RomCom. But the more I read, the more I was swept up in the story. It is quite apparent whom the hero is based on, solely by name if not description, but that didn’t bother me too much. There were some genuinely funny moments, but also a couple of passages of political commentary areas that added nothing to the story but took me right out of the comedy – wasn’t a fan of that. Overall, however, it was a fun read with some genuinely heartfelt moments, and I do recommend it, especially as a summer beach read. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Mira Publishing, and the author for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of this book.
This was a unique twist on an “opposites attract” romance. I liked the setup and that the two twins were opposites. I particularly enjoyed reading about Holly and how she struggled to find her place. I thought the romance was well-done, with the banter between Julian and Holly especially true-to-life. The overall concept that the heart knows what it wants was a great message. I only wish that Holly’s father got a bit more of what he deserved. Overall, it was a good read, and I would recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of this book.
I am totally new to this series and this author, and count me in as a total convert! I absolutely loved the setting and the characters.
As always, you can get plot spoilers from the blurbs and other reviews. I want to talk about what really stood out to me in this book.
The camaraderie: The early scenes with the cousins (Jackson, Boone, and Tucker) had me chuckling from their first meeting up with each other. I liked how the author rolled out the stories as the cousins re-told them; instead of just telling the reader what happened, the reader got to reminisce right along with the guys (I’m thinking about why their great-aunt remembered them so well).
The interplay between cousins Celeste and Angelica (excellent names) is another example. Their totally opposite demeanors caused some friction, but when they worked off of each other, it was magical.
The author also hits on the small-town feel, from the secret list of contractors (and how carefully it’s guarded) to the support for the newly opened businesses, it is all accurate and endearing.
The setting: Her descriptions of Enchanted Canyon made me want to jump a plane and go find a place in Texas that was at least a little bit like what she was describing. (Kudos to the cover design for adding to that desire)
The literary allusions: The Last Chance Saloon is at the halfway mark on the road between the towns of Redemption and Ruin. C’mon, could it be any more Dante-ish? I loved the little references like this, as well as the naming of the Inn and other things (the Blessing cousins mentioned above). I appreciate the thought that went into the consistency of the names.
The overall story: It was natural and organic and everything made sense. The plot moved right along and didn’t waste time with superfluous events. Everything happened for a reason. I love when an author crafts a straightforward plot.
There was obviously a lot to like about this book. I, for one, cannot wait to dive into the previous books and get to know the McBrides better!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I hadn’t read any of the Eternity Springs series by this author, so all the characters were new to me, but that didn’t matter in the bigger scheme of things. There were times that it was apparent that there was backstory somewhere, but I never felt lost in the plot or like I was missing anything. I got caught up in the descriptions of Enchanted Canyon and its surrounding area. They were so vivid that I found myself wishing that I could go there on vacation. I love it when an author brings a region and its inhabitants to life like that. I liked Jackson’s description of his music as well (I could relate), and the romance part of the plot was charming. It was a soothing read, and I look forward to more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of this book.
Emily March is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the heartwarming Eternity Springs series. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.
I love a book that allows the reader to journey with the characters. And I love an author who takes the time to build the romance between the characters, instead of just jumping from one point to another in the characters’ relationship. Save the Date by Monica Murphy has both of these aspects, and that’s one reason I recommend this book.
I liked the “meet-cute-with-a-twist” set up worked very well. It did not come across as heavy-handed or manipulative. Caroline is genuine, and it shows in all of her interactions throughout the book. From hanging out with her friends to her dealings with Tiffany, I could see myself having the same thoughts as her. I do like when I can relate to a character that strongly.
As usual, I don’t want to reveal plot points here, so I can’t talk about a few events in detail. Suffice to say that I felt like one of the gals hanging out at brunch, and I loved the “Pretty Woman” vibe of the shopping spree scene. I also enjoyed the descriptions of another location, because my family and I recently visited there, and my son had some of the same reactions Caroline did to seeing places for the first time.
But it is the slow-building romance that kept me turning the pages of this book. As a reader of many romances, it is easy to get jaded and think “Oh, just get together already, would you?” Or know that the couple is destined to be together anyway (wouldn’t be romance otherwise, now, would it?)
That makes the journey to the HEA important. When an author can build it so that I get that same swoop in my stomach that the heroine gets when there is a first kiss or first touch? That’s romance magic, right there. And this book delivers on that, big time. Hearts and romance galore….
This is listed as the first in a series, and with the number of friends Caroline has, I will be happy to visit with them as they take their journeys. I do hope that we get to see more of Caroline and Alex’s story play out, if even in the background of the others.
Right off the top, the author had me at “Carmel-by-the-Sea,” which is one of my favorite places on Earth. I loved the descriptions of the real locations she included in the story because I was able to picture them as they looked when I visited there. But beyond that, the whole book was enjoyable. I liked Caroline’s periodic awkwardness – it was enough to make her realistic without being cartoonish or over the top. I also liked how the plot built; nothing was given away too early, which allowed the reader to journey with the characters. For more thoughts, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.
The “Beauty and the Beast” trope is one that gets lots of action, especially in romance novels. Who doesn’t love a story where the bookish, nerdy gal tames the beastly, hunky guy, amiright? The problem is that it is SO popular, it becomes difficult to find a new way to use the trope.
Erika Wilde does an excellent job in Total Surrender, the first in her “Dirty Sexy Fairy Tales” series.
No plot spoilers here, but Arabella attends an annual charity ball put on by Maddux and his siblings. She’s excited to do something new; little does she know that her father was only invited so Maddux can settle an old score between him and Arabella’s father (and his sidekick Gavin, who is an awesome up-to-date version of Gaston).
I liked how the author continued the set-up between Arabella and Maddux, and how it wasn’t an instantaneous thing. The build of the story was well-paced. The struggle Maddux had with himself seemed real, and I loved Arabella’s attitude toward the whole situation. (Her conversations with the cameras had me giggling along with her).
I did think that the whole story wrapped up rather quickly, and I would have been happy to keep reading more about how Arabella charmed Maddux. And I really would have liked to have seen more repercussions for her father and Gavin (especially him, because he was slime). On the other hand, I appreciated that the author didn’t draw things out unnecessarily, and got right to the point.
A scene between Hunter (brother of Maddux) and Arabella reminded me a lot of the scene in “Pretty Woman” when the lawyer confronts Vivian about Edward’s attention. But it worked for the story here as well. I can’t wait for his story next, and I am really looking forward to Tempest’s story – mainly because I can’t quite figure out which fairy tale that one is going to be yet.
Oh, and the sexy times are super-sexy!
I definitely recommend this new series. It’s a quick read with interesting characters and a unique twist on a familiar theme. Looking forward to the rest of the series
This is one of the best “beauty and the beast” novels I have read in a long time. The characters were realistic, the set-up was plausible, and the action moved right along. I was drawn in especially by Arabella’s nature – even though she was the bookish “Bella,” she was still a strong female who knew herself. It was refreshing to see her go toe to toe with the beast (Maddux). I also enjoyed how the author set up the siblings’ stories and can’t wait to read Hunter’s, which looks to be “Cinderella” based. It was a quick read, but it kept me engaged the entire time. For more thoughts, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.
Hey guys, you don’t want to miss this RomCom that is now available. My review is coming soon!
Save the Date, an all-new standalone contemporary romance in a new series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is LIVE!
Caroline Abbott loves her job—helping engaged couples pick out the perfect save the date cards and invitations for their dream wedding. Working at Noteworthy means she has to deal with the occasional bridezilla, but Caroline’s always up for the challenge.
Until one particular bridezilla walks into the stationery store who’s fiancé happens to be the boy Caroline shared her first kiss with. Alexander Wilder is all grown up now, helping run his family’s successful luxury hotel chain, and is somehow even better looking than she remembers.
When Caroline just happens to catch Alex’s fiancée half naked with another man well, of course she has to tell Alex. Of course, he breaks off his engagement.
And of course, the ex-bridezilla has gone completely bonkers.
At least Caroline has her friends to save her from crazy ex-fiancées. But she also has the sudden interest of…Alex? Caroline knows they share a connection, but is he on the rebound? Or after seeing her all these years later, does he really want something more?
Kaah Maah had been the reaper for over a millennia. The mundane repetition of collecting souls night after night from an ever-increasing population was beginning to grind on him. Kaah had witnessed an ocean of unique faces, all confronted with their final moments on earth. Though different in appearance they all showed one final emotion — fear.
Kaah wanted a change. He craved quiet serenity, where he could perfect his yoga poses while listening to his favorite singer Michael Buble. Kaah wanted nothing more than to retire and become a ‘no-one special’ in a ‘nowhere special’ town.
When strange things began happening in Deadend, Ohio, the question had to be asked.
You might be able to take the reaper away from death, but can you ever actually take death away from the reaper?
My name is Dzintra Sullivan and I am an international best selling author based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. I fell in love with books as a young girl, reading Judy Blume and Enid Blyton. Progressing onto loving the supernatural genre as a teenager and never left. I write paranormal romance, romantic comedy and cozy mysteries. I love to laugh and making my readers laughsnortfart is my primary goal. I won’t apologise for who I am, I was born to stand out.
Promoter Kayla Barnes just scored her first real job, creating buzz for the Bear Creak Rodeo. Looking to make a name for herself and increase attendance numbers like never before, she talks the star bull rider, Casey Jennings, into being the prize in her biggest contest yet.
One lucky winner gets a date with Casey, but as they work out the details and grow closer Kayla realizes she wants to be the number one contestant.
USA Today Bestselling author Amy L. Gale is a romance author by night, pharmacist by day, who loves rock music and the feel of sand between her toes. She’s the author of USA Today Bestseller Resisting Darkness, and Resisting Moonlight. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking, scary movies, rock concerts, and reading books at the beach. She lives in the lush forest of northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, seven cats, and golden retriever.
T.M. (Tracey Marie) Frazier never dreamed that a single person would ever read a word she wrote when she published her first book. Now, she is a five-time USA Today bestselling author and her books have been translated into numerous languages and published all around the world. T.M. enjoys writing what she calls sexy‘wrongside of the tracks romance’ with morally corrupt anti-heroes and ballsy heroines. Her books have been described as raw, dark and gritty. Basically, what that means, is while some authors are great at describing a flower as it blooms, T.M. is better at describing it in the final stages of decay. She loves meeting her readers, but if you see her at an event please don’t pinch her because she’s not ready to wake up from this amazing dream.
Truth or Die by Katerina Diamond
