First Star I See Tonight

first star

 

Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source:  BEA 2016

 

Goodreads:  A star quarterback and a feisty detective play for keeps in this sporty, sexy, sassy novel—a long-awaited new entry in the beloved, award-winning, New York Times bestselling author’s fan-favorite Chicago Stars football series.

Piper Dove is a woman with a dream—to become the best detective in the city of Chicago. First job? Trail former Chicago Stars quarterback, Cooper Graham. Problem? Graham’s spotted her, and he’s not happy.

Which is why a good detective needs to think on her feet. “The fact is…I’m your stalker. Not full-out barmy. Just…mildly unhinged.”

Piper soon finds herself working for Graham himself, although not as the bodyguard he refuses to admit he so desperately needs. Instead, he’s hired her to keep an eye on the employees at his exclusive new nightclub. But Coop’s life might be in danger, and Piper’s determined to protect him, whether he wants it or not. (Hint: Not!) If only she weren’t also dealing with a bevy of Middle Eastern princesses, a Pakistani servant girl yearning for freedom, a teenager who just wants to fit in, and an elderly neighbor demanding Piper find her very dead husband.

And then there’s Cooper Graham himself, a legendary sports hero who always gets what he wants—even if what he wants is a feisty detective hell bent on proving she’s as tough as he is.

From the bustling streets of Chicago to a windswept lighthouse on Lake Superior to the glistening waters of Biscayne Bay, two people who can’t stand to lose will test themselves and each other to discover what matters most.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the first Susan Elizabeth Phillips I have read, so I was a bit concerned that I might have missed something from one through seven.  It did not feel at all like it was part of a series.  It could have been a stand alone from my perspective. I do like to pick up new to me authors at BEA – and Susan Elizabeth Phillips is one of the reasons.

The book started out slow for me, but that is part of what I think helped me not feel like I came in the middle of series. There were a lot of people to get to know.  Piper is a interesting woman.  She sure can think fast on her feet!

Although I thoroughly enjoyed this one, I am not sure I will follow this series as closely as her fan base does.  But I do think I would read a stand alone by SEP.

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Family Tree

family tree

Author: Susan Wiggs
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: HarperCollins

Goodreads:  For readers of Kristin Hannah and Jodi Picoult comes a powerful, emotionally complex story of love, loss, the pain of the past—and the promise of the future.

Sometimes the greatest dream starts with the smallest element. A single cell, joining with another. And then dividing. And just like that, the world changes.

Annie Harlow knows how lucky she is. The producer of a popular television cooking show, she loves her handsome husband and the beautiful Manhattan home they share. And now, she’s pregnant with their first child.

But in an instant, her life is shattered. And when Annie awakes from a year-long coma, she discovers that time isn’t the only thing she’s lost.

Grieving and wounded, Annie retreats to her old family home in Switchback, Vermont, a maple farm generations old. There, surrounded by her free-spirited brother, their divorced mother, and four young nieces and nephews, Annie slowly emerges into a world she left behind years ago: the town where she grew up, the people she knew before, the high-school boyfriend turned ex-cop. And with the discovery of a cookbook her grandmother wrote in the distant past, Annie unearths an age-old mystery that might prove the salvation of the family farm.

Family Tree is the story of one woman’s triumph over betrayal, and how she eventually comes to terms with her past. It is the story of joys unrealized and opportunities regained. Complex, clear-eyed and big-hearted, funny, sad, and wise, it is a novel to cherish and to remember.

Ope’s Opinion:  I was enjoying this book so much, I slowed my reading down just so I could savor each page.  The whole story was wonderful, the characters are amazing and the writing just flows. I have read Susan Wiggs before, this is one of her best.

It was fun to see Annie travel outside her family home to find her happiness back at her family home.  It was a long journey, with a lot of turns along the way.

The ending is predictable and that is a good thing as far as I am concerned.  It was a sweet love story.

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Can I See You Again?

can i see you again?

Author: Allison Morgan
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source:  Berkley

Goodreads:  From the author of The Someday Jar comes a witty and warm novel about a matchmaker who’s an expert at matters of the heart—except when it comes to her own…

Matchmaker Bree Caxton has a 98% success rate, a book about to hit the stands, and an amazing boyfriend. Until, that is, he gets cold feet about their future and runs from their relationship.

Afraid no one will buy a book on love from a woman whose love life is a mess, Bree begs her one matchmaking failure, Nixon Voss, to pose as her boyfriend. But when they become a hit with readers, they must carry on their charade just a little longer. Fortunately, they’re both having fun…

But then Bree’s ex decides he wants her back and a newspaper presents a challenge that could expose the truth about her rocky love life. Now she must find the courage to embrace what is, or risk losing something much bigger than her reputation: her heart…

Ope’s Opinion:  This book should be made into a Hallmark movie.  It is an adorable, fun, easy, summer read.  I love the characters!  The situations is probably unlikely, but so much fun to read.  

This is definitely one you want to take on vacation.  It is a relaxing read that will make you laugh a little and just enjoy it.  The ending is somewhat predictable, but that just made me like the story more.

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Riverbend Road

Author: RaeAnne Thayne                                  river
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Little Bird Publicity

 

 

Goodreads:  Return to Haven Point, where New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne proves there’s no sweeter place to fall in love

Protecting the streets of Haven Point isn’t just a job for police officer Wyn Bailey, it’s a family tradition. But lately she’s found herself wanting more, especially from her boss—and overprotective brother’s best friend—sexy chief of police, Cade Emmett. The only problem is getting Cade to view her as more than just a little sister.

Cade’s hands-off approach with Wyn isn’t from lack of attraction. But his complicated past has forced him to conceal his desire. When Wyn is harmed in the line of duty, Cade realizes the depth of his feelings, but can he let his guard down long enough to embrace the love he secretly craves?

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the fourth in the Haven Point series, but you could read this one alone.  Characters from previous books are visited, but you don’t need to know them to enjoy this book. 

Riverbend Road is enjoyably predictable.  There are a few new things revealed along the way, but you know how it will end.  It was a sweet read.

The slow build of Wyn and Cade’s relationship made the book a delight to read.  I liked that they were friends for a long time and didn’t act on their feelings until they were older.  I also liked that the physical part of their relationship was not the focal point.

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What We Find

what we findAuthor: Robyn Carr
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Little Bird Publicity

Goodreads:  Join Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as she explores the healing powers of rural Colorado in a brand-new story of fresh starts, budding relationships and one woman’s journey to finding the happiness she’s long been missing

Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency, high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a malpractice lawsuit—and experiencing levels of anxiety she’s never faced before. It’s in this desperate moment that Maggie’s boyfriend decides he can’t handle her emotional baggage, and she’s left alone, exhausted and unsure of what her future holds. One thing is certain, though: she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan’s Crossing.

Named for Maggie’s great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide trails have been passed down through the generations and now belong to Maggie’s estranged father, Sully. Though raised by her mother and stepfather after her parents divorced, Maggie has always adored Sully—despite his hands-off approach to fatherhood. When she shows up unannounced in Sullivan’s Crossing, he welcomes her with opens arms, and she relishes the opportunity to rebuild their relationship.

But when Sully has a sudden heart attack, Maggie’s world is rocked once again. Consumed with his care, she’s relieved to find that Cal Jones, a quiet and serious-looking camper, has been taking over many of Sully’s responsibilities as he recuperates. Still, Maggie is suspicious of this mysterious man’s eagerness to help—until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation.

Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon…if only they can learn to find peace and healing—and perhaps love—with each other.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the beginning of a new series for Robyn Carr, so there was a lot of details in this book.  It really helps the reader to be able to see the surrounds and get to know the people that you will see again.

I really liked Maggie and Cal’s story.  They are mature adults, who each had hardships before they met each other.  They took their relationship slow – I liked their friendship.

Even though Robyn Carr writes predictable stories, there are always twists along that way that keep me reading.  Now I am looking forward to the next one in this series.

Thank you Katie from Little Bird Publicity for sending me this book.

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Worth the Wait

Worth the Wait (St. James, #1)

Author: Jamie Beck
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Source:  BEA

Goodreads: Thirteen years ago, Vivi LeBrun was sketching a rooster and eating Oreos when she first met—and fell for—her friend’s brother, David St. James. Since then, her love for David has only intensified thanks to years of friendship with his family, who rescued her from a lonely, tumultuous childhood. As she travels to Block Island to vacation with the St. James siblings, Vivi daydreams about reuniting with David, hoping he’ll finally see her as his soul mate.

After his mother’s death, David distanced himself from his siblings, determined to hide a devastating family secret. Now, he’s brought a new girlfriend along to his homecoming—one who’s pushing for a serious commitment. The last thing he needs on his growing list of problems is his budding attraction to Vivi.

With tensions running high, David’s behavior triggers a series of events that might cost him the love he’s always taken for granted and Vivi the only real family she’s ever known.

Ope’s Opinion:  This story was intense from the beginning to the end.  All the characters had tense relationships with each other.  I wish the females had been a bit stronger in their relationships.  They seem to just take whatever the men in their lives were willing to give.

The details in the intimate scenes were too explicit for my taste.

Also,  I felt like the “f” word was placed in there after the story was written.  It did not add anything to the story and was actually kind of distracting.

The ending is predictable – which is not always a bad thing.  I just wish Vivi had more of a backbone.

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Anything For You

anything for you

Author: Kristin Higgins
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Little Bird Publicity

Goodreads:  Before you get down on bended knee…

…you should be pretty darn sure the answer will be yes. For ten years, Connor O’Rourke has been waiting for Jessica Dunn to take their on-again, off-again relationship public, and he thinks the time has come. His restaurant is thriving, she’s got her dream job at Blue Heron Vineyard—it’s the perfect time to get married.

When he pops the question, however, her answer is a fond but firm no. If it ain’t broke, why fix it? Jess has her hands full with her younger brother, who’s now living with her full-time, and a great career after years of waitressing. What she and Connor have is perfect: friends with an excellent benefits package. Besides, with her difficult past (and reputation), she’s positive married life isn’t for her.

But this time, Connor says it’s all or nothing. If she doesn’t want to marry him, he’ll find someone who does. Easier said than done, given that he’s never loved anyone but her. And maybe Jessica isn’t quite as sure as she thinks…

Ope’s Opinion:  Kristan Higgins did it again.  She wrote captivating characters that you just can’t help but care about.  

As I was reading this book, I was moving into my new home and the holidays were keeping us busy.  Even with all that, I found myself wanting to come back and have the quiet time to read this book.  It was a real escape for me.  Kristan Higgins made it a relaxing time.

This can be read alone, but I really do suggest starting from the beginning.  Each book adds to the characters you already know.

Rating:  

Coming Soon….

…. On a Bookshelf near you!

In December I hope to read….

anything for you

Publication Date: December 29, 2015
Publisher: HQN Books

Goodreads:  Before you get down on bended knee…

…you should be pretty darn sure the answer will be yes. For ten years, Connor O’Rourke has been waiting for Jessica Dunn to take their on-again, off-again relationship public, and he thinks the time has come. His restaurant is thriving, she’s got her dream job at Blue Heron Vineyard—it’s the perfect time to get married.

When he pops the question, however, her answer is a fond but firm no. If it ain’t broke, why fix it? Jess has her hands full with her younger brother, who’s now living with her full-time, and a great career after years of waitressing. What she and Connor have is perfect: friends with an excellent benefits package. Besides, with her difficult past (and reputation), she’s positive married life isn’t for her.

But this time, Connor says it’s all or nothing. If she doesn’t want to marry him, he’ll find someone who does. Easier said than done, given that he’s never loved anyone but her. And maybe Jessica isn’t quite as sure as she thinks…

What is coming soon …. to a bookshelf near you?

Let me know – I am always looking for a good read!

Life After Perfect

Author: Nancy Naigle
Publisher: Montlake Romancelife after
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: BEA

 

 

Goodreads:  Katherine Barclift had it all: the perfect job, the perfect car, and what she thought was the perfect marriage. But when her entire world collapses in one stomach-churning instant, she hits the road and keeps driving until that so-called “perfect life” is just a dot in her rearview mirror.

A chance encounter leads her to make a pit stop in Boot Creek, a drowsy little North Carolina town where she can call herself Katy, soak up the peace and quiet…and drink in the bluer-than-blue eyes of Derek Hansen, a local doctor still wrestling with his own painful past. Both Katy and Derek are wary about giving romance another shot, but they can’t deny the intense attraction between them. And if being in Boot Creek has taught them anything, it’s to take life as it comes and never pass up a chance at true love…no matter how wounded your heart may be.

Ope’s Opinion:  This book started out a little on the sad side, but moved quickly forward from there.  The pace was awesome – constantly moving the story along.  Most of the book only took place in a couple of weeks, but it felt like so much was packed into that time period.

I am definitely going to look for more books by Nancy Naigle.  She didn’t use much of any foul language, the characters prayed at their meal times and they gave God credit. This was not a christian book in any way and was not preachy.  These characters felt very real with real reactions to difficult situations.

The woman in this story were amazingly independent.  I wanted them to be my friends.

Rating:  4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

I Always Cry at Weddings

Author: Sara Goff
Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing             i always cry
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Larrisa Ackerman
Claire McKinney PR, LLC

Publication Date:  September 15, 2015

 

Amazon:  Ava Larson is going to bring all the other brides to tears. 

Engaged to a wealthy NYC socialite’s son, Ava is ready to set the city abuzz with her glamorous wedding. At least until she realizes her relationship isn’t what it should be. Then, in a move as daring as a red satin dress, she does the unthinkable–she calls it all off and makes a promise to God that from now on, she’ll save sex for marriage.

She’s convinced the future is hers for the taking, especially when an undercover cop promises a new romance…and an unexpected friendship with the homeless guy under her stoop brightens her days.

But when her carefully balanced life teeters out of control, weddings aren’t the only thing to make her cry. Ava has to figure out what life she really wants to live…and what in the world love really means.

Ope’s Opinion:  When you read the synopsis you know that Ava calls off her wedding.  So I thought that would be the down part of the book and you would see Ava work her way out of a bad relationship into a good place.  Well, it did happen, but it took almost the whole book before the good stuff happened.

I didn’t think Ava could have anymore trouble or make any more bad decisions, yet another came along.  I was starting to think no one person could have this many bad things in their life.

Slowly and I do mean slowly Ava figured out who she was and what she should be doing.  I thought end was very good, it just took a long time to get there.

Rating: 3 – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.