Book Review: Smitten by the Brit

I wrote about the first book in Melonie Johnson’s “Sometimes in Love” series (Getting Hot with the Scot) not too long ago, and I was head over heels with the series then. Nothing has changed, and I actually love it a little more with the second installment, Smitten by the Brit.

You can read the blurbs and other synopses elsewhere. I’m going to tell you why I love this book on a personal level. Simply put, I could be Bonnie. Well, minus the fiancé issue, but everything else is very familiar.

I am the biggest Shakespeare nerd, and always have been. I can find Shakespeare quotes for various situations. I loved how Bonnie was a smart heroine, and made no apologies for it. That’s an unfortunately rare find in romance novels sometimes. But it’s one of the things that makes this series stand out.

The romance between Bonnie and Theo is as swoon-worthy as all of the previews and blurbs say. There’s a slow-burn that makes the reader ache right along with the “meant to be” couple. And when they finally get together…holy combustibility!

But the real reason that I love this book so much is simple and personal. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is my favorite Shakespeare play. When I taught high school drama at a predominately Hispanic high school, we mounted a version of it that is still remembered nearly 20 years later (crap, was it really that long ago?!?)

I’d always loved Shakespeare, but watching those kids learn his language and bring it to the stage was a life-changing moment for those students and for me. In other words, the author had me at Bonnie’s adaptation of the play to include bootleggers, speakeasies and 1930s gangsters.

Just for good measure, she also has me at the opening party where everyone is in costume, and then went ahead and mentioned my OTHER favorite play (The Importance of Being Earnest).

Honestly, I think Bonnie is my book doppleganger.

Anyway, go for the Shakespeare, stay for the romance. It’s another winning entry, and once again, I can’t wait for the next one!

Smitten by the Brit (Sometimes in Love, #2)

Smitten by the Brit by Melonie Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t think it was possible to beat the first book in this series, but the author did it. I absolutely loved book two in the “Sometimes in Love” series. I identified with Bonnie in the first book, and even more so in this one. I am a fellow Shakespeare nerd, and could totally relate to her quoting him and finding parts of her life that were similar to his plays. And I am jealous of the job she took in England; I would kill for that! Oh yeah, the romance is great too, but you knew it would be because Theo is the perfect Austen hero. This is one of my favorite series, and I can’t wait for the next one. To find out more about how I relate to Bonnie, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. A HUGE thank you to St. Martin’s Press (via NetGalley) for the opportunity to read a complimentary digital ARC of this book.

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May 8, 2019May 9, 2019

Blog Tour: Well Suited by Staci Hart

Well Suited, the final standalone in the Red Lipstick Coalition Series from Staci Hart, is available now!

Chemistry is my love language.

I’ve always been able to separate feelings from chemosignals. A shot of dopamine, a dash of serotonin, and a sprinkle of oxytocin—and bam. You’re in love.

And when egg meets sperm, you’re pregnant.

I couldn’t even be surprised as I stared down at the little blue plus sign, because I knew exactly when and how, and with whom it happened.

When: approximately five weeks ago. Who: one night stand. How: prophylactic malfunction.

The upside? I don’t have to go looking for a suitable mate.

Genetically, he’s the cream of the crop. His musculature is a study in symmetry and strength, his height imposing and dominant. He is a man who thrives on control and command, a man who survives on intelligence and resourcefulness. A perfect male specimen.

And the whole package is wrapped up in a flawlessly tailored suit.

I’m having this baby, and he insists we’re well-suited to have it together. And what’s worse? He wants more, in the way of love and marriage.

But love isn’t real. It’s just a product of chemistry.

And if he changes my mind about that, we’re both in trouble.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2V07dpi Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/WellSuitedSH

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2JjTzbd

About the Author

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life — a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can’t forget that. She’s also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She’s been a wife, though she’s certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She’s also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she’s been drinking whiskey.

From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

Connect with Staci:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hv5OA5 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacihartnovels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quirkybird/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/imaquirkybird Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/imaquirkybird/ Website: http://stacihartnovels.com Stay up to date with Staci by joining her mailing list: http://stacihartnovels.com/get-the-newsletter/ Join Her Reader Group Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stacihart/

May 2, 2019May 2, 2019

New Release: Well Suited

Well Suited, the final standalone in the Red Lipstick Coalition Series from Staci Hart, is available now!

Chemistry is my love language.

I’ve always been able to separate feelings from chemosignals. A shot of dopamine, a dash of serotonin, and a sprinkle of oxytocin—and bam. You’re in love.

And when egg meets sperm, you’re pregnant.

I couldn’t even be surprised as I stared down at the little blue plus sign, because I knew exactly when and how, and with whom it happened.

When: approximately five weeks ago. Who: one night stand. How: prophylactic malfunction.

The upside? I don’t have to go looking for a suitable mate.

And the whole package is wrapped up in a flawlessly tailored suit.

I’m having this baby, and he insists we’re well-suited to have it together. And what’s worse? He wants more, in the way of love and marriage.

But love isn’t real. It’s just a product of chemistry.

And if he changes my mind about that, we’re both in trouble.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2V07dpi Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/WellSuitedSH

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2JjTzbd

About the Author

Connect with Staci:

April 29, 2019April 29, 2019

COVER REVEAL: Making Up

I’m reading this one as an ARC right now, so keep an eye out for my review in the future!

Making Up, an all-new laugh-out-loud romantic comedy standalone from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is coming July 16th, and we have the smoking hot cover!

Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.

Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.

As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GEt63s

AppleBooks: Coming Soon!

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MakingUp

Nook: http://bit.ly/2IPLTvV

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ZIrFcH

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2GFTD0b

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/MakingUpHH

About Helena

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Connect with Helena

Instagram: http://instagram.com/helenahunting Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaHunting Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5 Facebook Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/385795934890523/ Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/ Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena’s mailing list: http://bit.ly/2MlRKq6

March 18, 2019March 18, 2019

NEW RELEASE: First Love by Gillian Jones

It’s Monday, and it’s a new release!!!

Presents : New Release

First Love

by Gillian Jones

Amazon

US | UK | CA

Series: Winning at Love; Book 2

Genre: RomCom / Contemporary Romance

GOODREADS

Kami Sutherland is gorgeous and – if the rumours are true – a virgin.

That – and the fact she’s my sister Eastlyn’s best friend – should be enough to keep a guy like me from crossing any lines.

However, our glances, subtle touches, and feelings are evolving beyond just friendship and being running buddies.

Despite my sister’s attempts to keep us apart, I only want Kami more.

I know I shouldn’t crave her like I do, but she’s too damn hard to resist.

Kami has an infectious smile, one I look for whenever she’s near, one I want all to myself.

And as the years pass, it’s all clicking into place: Kami wants me, too.

So, all bets are off.

There’s no way I can resist making her mine.

Read Book 1: Love Won for 99 cents

Amazon

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GOODREADS

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About the Author

Wife, mother, shoe collector, pun lover, and proud Canadian. Teach by day, pantser of words by night.

Connoisseur of red wine, and a lover of a good IPA.

A firm believer in that forever kind of love.

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February 24, 2019February 24, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: The Right Guy by Kate O’Keeffe

Guys, I love this author, and this is a departure for her. It’s the first time she has written an “alternating pov” story. I think she did a neat job of it. It’s set in San Francisco, and while I would have loved to have seen a few more landmarks and recognizable areas to really identify it, I liked the shout outs to Fisherman’s Wharf and Marin County with the redwoods. If you are looking for a light romance, grab this one. You won’t be disappointed. Below is my Goodreads review.

The Right Guy: A romantic comedy by Kate O’Keeffe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I love Kate O’Keeffe, and while different from her other books, it was a nice departure that I thought she did very well. Told from alternating points of view, it’s the story of Jake and Taylor. Taylor is best friends with Jake’s sister and has practically been a part of the family forever. Of course, there are going to be doubts as Jake and Taylor face their actual feelings for each other. Add in an ill-timed psychic prediction that causes more doubts, and a few odd encounters and it makes for a fun, light read. I didn’t think that Jake’s “playboy” past was fleshed out enough to truly believe it, which in turn made Taylor’s wavering back and forth seem a little bit much. But it wasn’t enough to stop me from enjoying the story. The electricity between the two was expressive and real. A four-star read from me because it let me escape and enjoy their story. I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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February 20, 2019February 20, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: First Corpse, The Appetizer

In re-reading this review before posting, I am not sure that I did it justice. In total, this was not an awful book. The heroine was endearing. Her klutziness was amusing and her disbelief at the situation she found herself in was real. The scenes with her family were actually pretty funny. I think that the author just overshot the goals for the plot; there were two characters who had similar names that I had trouble keeping straight, and I am still unsure about the motivations of a couple of others.

It is the first in a series, all in the theme of “Corpses,” which is a play on words for “Courses.” It is entirely possible that future books will clarify some of the characters and the motivations will become more apparent. As I say below, the characters were enough that I would give the second book a try to see where it goes. Below is my Goodreads review.

First Corpse: The Appetizer by Carie Toeller

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have mixed reactions to this book. On the one hand, I liked the premise: Highly recognizable TV personality gets involved in some international intrigue and has her life taken over by the FBI investigation. There was a good balance between amusing and exciting moments. However, I thought that it took too long to get to a reason for all of the FBI involvement. There were several chapters at the beginning where I felt lost because enough wasn’t revealed in a timely manner. Even when I got a handle on the plot, there were still some murky international connections. The big reveal of the reason for the international intrigue also felt a little bit heavy-handed; I didn’t think there was enough build up to have it make sense. That being said, I liked the main characters enough to probably read follow up books in the series. I’ll give 3.5 stars for a hunky FBI agent and a likable heroine. Tightening the plot would have made it a solid 4.

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