Book Review: Escape to Paradise by Robyn Rychards

Book: Escape to Paradise

Author: Robyn Rychards

Rock superstar Maximillian Chanteur needs to get away.  His fiancée ran off with his road manager leaving him broken hearted and unable to write the music he loves.  He escapes to the island of St. Barth,  where he meets the beautiful, sweet, and innocent Andree.  As Maximillian spends more time with Andree his muse returns.  Andree inspires him, relaxes him.  He writes enough new music to create a new album and returns to the states to begin promoting it.  Andree goes with Maximillian but the more time Andree spends in Maximillian’s world, the obvious it becomes that she’s not meant to be part of that world.  Will Andree be able to adapt to the fast paced world as the wife of a rock superstar or will their love become a casualty of their different worlds.

I liked this book. I didn't love it, but it was ok.  I liked that Maximillian recognized Andree’s naivety and tried not to contaminate her with his jaded perspective. The story of Lian (Maximillian’s real name) is sweet and refreshing. There are no steamy sex scenes and the writing is alright.  There were several typos and grammatical errors throughout the book, which is always an issue for me.  (Sorry, the teacher in me never takes any time off)

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Bargaining with the Bride: Honeybrook Love, Inc. Novel One by Allison Gatta

Book: Bargaining with the Bride: Honeybrook Love, Inc. Novel One

Author: Allison Gatta

One month before her wedding, Rachel Ford finds herself without a groom.  Knowing the drama she’ll face if her parents find out that she’s once again embarrassed them, she decides a fake marriage, followed by a quiet divorce is a better option.  Rachel’s boss and friend Garret Adams is willing to step up and play the part of devoted fiancé.  In return for his help, Rachel agrees to let Garret “study” their relationship for his matchmaking company. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book.  I did find numerous misspelled words and grammatical errors though, which is always a big deal for me. In fact, there were enough of them that I thought it deserved one less star because of the editing, or lack of.   Though several other reviewers blasted the book for its unbelievable story plot, but I liked the story. I liked the fact that Rachel and Garret had been right under each other’s noses all along.  They were both so busy with their lives that they took very little notice of each other as anything other than friends and co-workers.  To me that base of friendship makes their budding romance so much more solid and real.  And to be honest, that is much more accurate that the instant chemistry storyline that so many other books follow.  This was a 3 star read for me; 4 stars for the story line, less the 1 star deduction for poor editing. 

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Summer at the Shore (Seashell Bay) by V. K. Sykes

Book: Summer at the Shore (Seashell Bay)

Author: V K Sykes

Morgan Merrifield has loved Ryan Butler for as long as she can remember.  Currently, he’s back in Seashell Bay for another of one of his brief and infrequent visits to the island community where he grew up.  But Morgan knows Ryan won’t be around long.  Soon he’ll get the itch to move on and he’ll be gone again.

Morgan has come home and help try to save the B&B her family owns.  The B&B is everything to Morgan’s sister Sabrina, who runs it, but with the death of their father, things at the B&B have begun to fall apart.  Morgan needs someone to assist her with the ever-growing list of repairs and Ryan has agreed to help.  Ryan has made it clear that he’s not opposed to a summer fling, but is Morgan willing to throw caution to the wind, knowing Ryan will leave once summer is over? 

I enjoyed this book very much.  I definitely want to read more from these authors (they’re a husband/wife writing team).  The descriptions of the characters are rich and entertaining.  The supporting characters in the book have their own stories to tell.  And I want to know what’s going to happen with the other people of Seashell Bay. I will be looking for more in the Seashell Bay series.

Book Review: Ship of Dreams (Dreams Come True Series Book 2) by Rebecca Heflin

Book: Ship of Dreams (Dreams Come True Series Book 2)

Author: Rebecca Heflin

Giddings-Rose advertising exec Laura Armstrong has something to prove.  Her father has never forgiven her for not being born a boy.  If she can land the account for Imperial Cruise Line, she will get the VP promotion she desires. 

Nathan Maxwell works for the competition, Hawk Media.  He also is trying to land the Imperial Cruise Line account.  If Nathan wins the account for Hawk, the bonus he’ll receive will save his grandmother’s farm. 

When Laura and Nathan both book a cruise on the same ship to do a little research on Imperial, the stage is set.  Laura and Nathan begin a shipboard fling without knowing that the person they’re sleeping with is their rival. Will their relationship survive when they find out they’re both out for the same account? 

I really enjoyed this book.  I found the characters to be very likeable, and the dialog between them was interesting and fun. 

The Seduction of Madalyn by Cynthia A. Clement

Book: The Seduction of Madalyn

Author: Cynthia A. Clement

Madalyn Montgomery promised her mother she would look after her younger brother.  That promise has landed Madalyn in a compromising situation on board the ship, The Folly,which is bound for Charleston. Madalyn is forced to marry Nathan Carter.  Nathan agrees to help Madalyn find her brother.  Once that is accomplished, they can get an annulment and Madalyn and her brother can return to England.   

As Nathan and Madalyn spend more time together though, Madalyn falls in love with Nathan.  But Nathan, having already loved and lost once, is convinced he will never love again. 

I enjoyed this book.  Other than a few grammatical errors, the writing was very good.  I liked Madalyn’s strong personality and Nathan’s desire to protect her.  I found it interesting that the kidnapping of Madalyn’s brother was based on events that the author discovered while researching her family genealogy. 

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Going Rogue (Ribbons and Rogues Book 1) by Jessica Jefferson

Book: Going Rogue (Ribbons and Rogues Book 1)

Author: Jessica Jefferson

Meredith Castle and Derek Weston grew up together as best friends.  When Meredith’s great aunt Catherine offers Meredith the opportunity to leave behind her small farming community for the glitz of London society, she’s reluctant to go. But Derek realizes how important this is for Meredith’s future, so he encourages her to leave.  Not long after Meredith’s departure for London, Derek realizes his mistake in letting her go. He goes to London and seeks her out at her aunt’s to ask her to marry him. But the Meredith he discovers is not the same Meredith who left him several months earlier. This Meredith is a spoiled, shallow debutante. A broken hearted Derek leaves London seeking a new life at sea.

For five years Aunt Catherine grooms Meredith to head “The Ribbons”, an exclusive club for girls that Catherine started many years before.  Meredith attends all the right parties and balls, but her reputation has suffered due to her partying lifestyle.  Meredith must repair her reputation and attract a husband before she reaches the age of twenty-four, when she’ll no longer be eligible to be a Ribbon.  In a calculated move, Meredith attaches herself to Ophelia Marshall.  This friendship will help repair Meredith’s reputation and put her in the company of Ophelia’s very handsome brother.

Ophelia has attracted the attention of the very rich, very handsome Lord Sutherland.  When Meredith is introduced to Lord Sutherland, she realizes he is actually her old friend Derek Weston.  But her sweet, thoughtful Derek has turned into an arrogant rogue.  The animosity and tension between the two is instantaneous.  But, the more the two are thrown together, the harder it is for them to maintain their hostility toward one another.  It’s obvious that Meredith and Derek love one another.  Will they be able to get over past hurts or will they be victims of their circumstances?

I enjoyed reading this book.  The author’s rich and thorough character developments provided insight into the personalities and motivations of the people in the novel. I look forward to future books from this author on other Ribbons, including Alex and Ophelia. 

Book Review: Finding Mr. Right Now (Salt Box Trilogy) by Meg Benjamin

Book: Finding Mr. Right Now (Salt Box Trilogy)

Author: Meg Benjamin

Finding Mr. Right Now takes you behind the scenes of a reality TV show.  Monica McKellar is the associate producer for the show, Finding Mr. Right.  Among Monica’s many duties, is that of babysitting the show’s bachelorette, Ronnie.  This proves to be a full time responsibility for Monica.  Naïve Ronnie is sure that she will find true love on the show.  When one of the bachelor contestants walks out at the last moment, show writer Paul Dewitt is cast as his replacement.  From the very beginning, the attraction between Monica and Paul is evident.  Working together on the show gives Monica and Paul the opportunity to grow their relationship as they heat things up in some very unusual places.  

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.   I liked the uniqueness of the story plot.  I thought the author did a great job of giving the reader an idea of what happens on the set of a reality TV series.  I would have liked to see a little bit more in the development of some of the minor characters.  There were several supporting characters and, at times, it was hard to keep them separated in my mind.  I think a little bit more information on these characters would have made them more memorable.

Book Review- Haunting You by Viola Estrella

Dr. August Kline is the guardian of two teenage boys.  He’s doing the best he can to raise the boys, but the household chores have gotten to be more than he can handle.  So, when a stunning woman who claims to have been a friend of his late sister shows up, he happily lets her into their life to help him around the house. Enter Rachel Spencer.

Rachel Spencer can see ghosts. She’s not happy to possess such a talent; it’s actually very counterproductive to her plans to become a lawyer. But, Rachel can indeed see ghosts and no amount of pretending she can’t or ignoring their presence changes this fact. What’s the saying? If you can’t beat them, join them? That’s just the opportunity Rachel finds in joining ranks with Ella. Ella is a ghost. Ella needs someone to check on her brother who has been raising her two sons. Rachel needs a ghostly bodyguard to keep the other ghosts away so that she can study for the bar exam; seems like a fair trade right? All Rachel has to do is convince Dr. August Kline that his sister, Ella, was a good friend of hers when she was alive. She can’t very well tell him that she’s only befriended his sister since she has been dead, can she? Especially not once she starts to, inevitably, fall for August. She certainly hadn’t expected that! What will happen when August discovers Rachel’s secret after he allowed her into his already complicated life? Will he understand? Or will he think she’s crazy?

This was a great book; a lot of fun to read!  Though the description above seems rather lengthy, there’s so much more to discover in this charming book.  The funny and refreshing dialog will have you laughing out loud. 

Book Review: Those Red High Heels by Katherine May

Having one of “those” days, Emma Walker tries a little ‘retail therapy’ and purchases an outrageously expensive pair of red high heels.  Those red high heels become Emma’s good luck charm landing her an interview for the job of her dreams in New York City.  On her way to her interview Emma has a chance encounter with a super hot, sexy guy.  The super hot, sexy guy is Greyson Lyons.  The chemistry between Emma and Greyson is instantaneous and off the charts. There is no doubt that Emma and Greyson are perfect for each other. There’s just one problem; Greyson is engaged to be married to someone else.  Emma and Greyson try to stay away from each other but fate keeps throwing them together and eventually the temptation is just too great.  Just when it appears that Emma and Greyson will get their happy ending..... surprise, another curve ball!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  It was an absolute fabulous read.  It is a light-hearted romantic comedy with several very likeable characters and a few not so likeable ones.  The author does a great job of developing the characters.  If you’re looking for a quick, entertaining read, I would definitely recommend this book. Treat yourself to this one.  It’s worth it.

Book Review: Rue Toulouse by Debby Grahl

Wealthy socialite and fashion designer Caterine Doucette is tired of playing it safe and always doing what’s expected of her.  After all, so far all that’s gotten her is a lying, cheating boyfriend and an extended family that hates her.  So when fate presents Caterine the opportunity to have a wild encounter with a dangerous pirate at a costume ball, she goes for it.  Later that same sexy pirate, former cop, Remi Michaud will be the one to protect Caterine when it becomes apparent that someone is trying to kill her.

I loved this book.  It was a quick read, mainly because I couldn’t put it down.  It had everything, a feisty heroine and a sexy guy who gets several opportunities to step in and save the girl. Insert sigh.

This was my first book by this author, but hopefully not my last.  Her descriptions of New Orleans and Mardi Gras were spot on.  And whereas I can normally identify ‘whodunit’ before the end of the book, the author kept me guessing right up until the very end.   I recommend this book to anyone who loves southern romances or a story that shows that social classes cannot separate true love. 

Why this blog exists

This summer I took my love of reading to the next level.  I decided to start reviewing books. There are 4 reasons I decided to do this. First, in the past I left reviews for very few books.  Previously I only left one review for a book that I did not know the author* (more about the * in a bit).  In this case it was because the grammar and spellings errors were so prolific that it was almost impossible to finish the book.  I would literally have to put the book down at times because I was so frustrated.  Maybe it's the teacher in me, but really people, if you're going to write professionally, get someone to proofread your book before you publish it!
Secondly, when deciding on whether or not to purchase a book (or even download a free book), I first read the book description.  A lot of times, this is enough for me to decide whether or not I want to read the book.  (Look, I don't have a lot of free time during the school year, so I want to make sure that the books I'm reading are worth being read.) Sometimes however, even after reading the book description, I may still be undecided.  If that is the case, the next step is to look at the ratings the book has received.  If there are any low ratings, I want to know why.  So I then read the reader reviews that gave the lowest ratings. What was it the reviewer didn't like about the book?  If the reasons, seem petty or unreasonable, I read some of the reviews that gave the book a high rating.  At this point, I know have enough information to make my final decision and take a chance on the book.
The third reason I decided to start posting reviews for books has to do with that asterisk (*) I mentioned earlier.  Remember how I said I used to not post a review unless I knew the author? Well, my baby sister is an author.  I'm so proud of her and I really think she's an amazing author.  And before you say, "Well of course you think that, she's your sister" let me say I don't think the fact that she's my sister has any bearing on my opinion of her talent (OK, maybe it has a tiny bit of influence). But seriously,  she's a great author.  I mean it, really she is! Anyway, when she first made it onto Amazon's website, the reviews left by her readers made it possible for her to make it onto their top 100 best sellers list.  Since this is where I go to find the books I read, I know how important this is to an author.  So of course I was going to review my sister's books.
The fourth and final reason that I decided to do this and the reason for this page is because I recently found out that authors will send you free copies of their book in exchange for an honest review.  What?!? Free books?? I'm all over that!  With the amount of books that I read, free is very important to me.  And honestly, I've read some really awesome free books.  I've found a few websites that have helped me in my search for free books.  Maybe I'll create another post about these websites since this post has already gotten too long.  Happy Reading!