Review for The Girl I Used to Be by Heidi Hostetter

 The Girl I Used to Be by Heidi Hostetter

Synopsis:

In her years of acting the perfect wife to Marc, Jill had built walls around herself so high that nobody could reach her. Now she has no money, nowhere to live and a future as uncertain as it was the day Marc first asked her—the shy, trusting new assistant—to lunch. Jill hadn’t known then what sort of man he really was…

When Jill Goodman’s picture-perfect marriage implodes, she’s heartbroken. Still reeling from the shock, the only thing she receives in the hasty divorce settlement is the deed to her husband’s sprawling beach house on the New Jersey shore. Overpriced, with a dark history and a crippling mortgage far outside her means to pay—the house is a symbol of everything Jill’s lost. She hates the sight of it, but knows she must face it if she’s to move on.

With no other choice, Jill travels to Dewberry Beach intending to sell the house quickly—but the task is not as easy as she expects. Still, she can’t help but be charmed by the little town’s leafy streets, sweetly old-fashioned ways and even the unexpected attentions of a handsome local with dark eyes and a teasing smile. For the first time, she can see a path back to the girl she was before she met her husband…

Then Jill dives deeper into the house’s dark past and Marc’s part in it, and she stumbles across a terrible secret that changes everything. Torn between the right choice and the easy one, Jill realizes the key lies with her ex-husband. But he would do anything to keep the truth from coming to light…

An emotionally gripping read that will keep you turning the pages late into the night, perfect for fans of Amanda Prowse, Elin Hilderbrand and Diane Chamberlain.

My Thoughts… Jillian married Marc and thought she found her prince charming.  Until his charm wore off and she learned how much of a snake he really is.    The prenup says the divorce must be done in a certain way and Marc jumps right on that before Jillian can process it all.   It ends up with Jillian just wanting her freedom, so she agrees to the terms as long as she gets the house that was mortgaged in her name without her knowledge. 

I love the relationship with Jill and Ellie.  Even with Marc pushing them apart, Ellie never gives up on Jill.   When things are rough, they come together, figure out where Jill should be heading, and how she can get there.    Their friendship is strong, true, and real.

The Girl I Used to Be is a story of friendship and finding yourself.   There are wonderful characters, some you will like some you will hate.   This is a fun and quick read.  

Purchase links:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3aWKrUe 

Apple: http://apple.co/2NbAdqV 

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ZjYuy1 

Google: http://bit.ly/3b9TSjx

Author bio: Heidi Hostetter is a proud Jersey Girl, born and raised. Growing up, she spent summers at her grandparents' house on the shore, in a town much like the one she writes about in her novels, and it was idyllic. The New Jersey shore has a culture all its own, where every magical thing can be found: sparklers on the beach, fireflies at night, and whole days swimming in the ocean. 

She went to college in South Carolina and found inspiration for her Lowcountry Novels. After graduation, she moved to the Pacific Northwest where she developed an appreciate the rain. Trips to the Oregon coast inspired her award-winning Inlet Beach novels. She and her family have recently moved back across the country, to the DC-area, where history is everywhere. They live in a one-hundred-year-old house that's definitely haunted and feels like inspiration for a really good story.

When she's not writing, you can probably find her digging in her garden or poking around old houses for inspiration. She loves the beach, a good podcast, and is always up for a trip to a bookstore, no matter how far away.

Heidi is currently at work on her new novel. She shares office space with a labradoodle named Emmett who keeps are careful watch for errant squirrels foolish enough to wander into his yard. She loves to hear from readers and answers all her own mail. You can find her here:

Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiHostetter/

Facebook Reading Group: facebook.com/groups/636728933179573

Goodreads: Goodreads.com/HeidiHostetter

Instagram @LoveTheShore_

Twitter: @HeidiHostetter

Website: HeidiHostetter.com

Review for Maybe We Will by Melissa Foster with a Giveaway

 

NEW RELEASE........
From Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of She Loves Me, comes a sexy and heart-warming novel about finding love—and family—where you least expect it. 

When chef Abby de Messiéres returns to Silver Island with her sister to get their late mother’s affairs in order, she expected to inherit her mother’s bistro along with their childhood home, not to discover a half sister they never knew existed, and a handsome vacationer camped out on her mother’s patio. 

Workaholic Aiden Aldridge has been sent to Silver Island on a work-free vacation, armed with a “Let Loose list,” and ordered to get a life by the much-younger sister he raised after the death of their parents. After years of focusing on his sister’s well-being, he’s blindsided by his intense attraction to the gorgeous, free-spirited Abby. 

Aiden might not know much about chilling out, but he’s excellent at striking deals. He helps Abby with the restaurant in exchange for her help in tackling the items on his list. Sparks fly as Aiden and Abby work, and play, side by side. Intimate conversations lead to steamy kisses and undeniable passion. But there’s more to Aiden than Abby knows, and when the truth comes out, their new romance is put to the test, as the two find out if true love really can conquer all.

My Thoughts… If you have not traveled to Silver Island, then you are missing out.    Silver Island is a wonderful community where the residents look out for each other, protect each other, and love each other.    Abby has returned after her mother passes away and realized that everything she was running away from is everything she wanted, including re-opening her father’s bistro.   Aiden has come to Silver Island for the first time as a forced vacation.   His “Let Loose List” from his sister has many items that he has never done but when he meets Abby, he knows that he wants to do everything on that list and more with Abby.   

Aiden is an extremely wealthy man with a heart of gold while Abby is a dreamer.   Their lives should be leading such different paths that they never should cross but when they come together it is how life should be.  Their lives just make sense when they are together, they hardly know each other but after one breakfast they share their lives, dreams, and heartaches. I love Aiden’s attentiveness to Abby’s need to find her own way in life and the way he offers her help with the business knowledge he has.  Abby takes Aiden’s structured life and shows him how to let go, how to have fun again, and how to live for himself. 

Melissa Foster has brought the characters and the island to life.   I want to go hang out at Silver Island.  I want to eat at Abby’s bistro.  

Available to buy from ...

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk    Barnes and Noble   Paperback    Audible

**FREE in KU
The Silver Harbor series is published by Montlake Romance and will be available in paperback and audio formats, and exclusively in digital format for Kindle and Kindle apps. Download a FREE Kindle reading app HERE (or order the paperback)

Also available in audio!

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" - NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely​

"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" - New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak 

"With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" - New York Times Bestseller J. Kenner

Releasing November 2nd!!

Maybe We Should (Silver Harbor)

An emotional and sexy novel about guarded hearts, finding love, and families lost and found by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe We Will. 

After spending years wondering who she was, tattoo artist Cait Weatherby finally found her answers on the sandy shores of Silver Island. With two half sisters she never knew existed, a group of friends she adores, and a devastatingly charming admirer who flirts with her at every turn, she’s ready to figure out her next steps. The trouble is, Cait lives in the shadows of a dark past, and she can’t afford complications that might cause her to lose the family she’s only just found―complications like blue-eyed boatbuilder Brant Remington, who is as open as she is guarded. If only the sexy charmer would take the hint… 

Brant is Cait’s opposite in every way, but he’s drawn to everything about the sexy newcomer―from the quiet strength that rivals the caution in her mossy-green eyes to her tough facade that he can’t wait to strip away. 

As Brant works his magic, Cait’s walls come down. But as sweet as that feels, Cait knows how quickly good things can turn bad. It’s going to take more than a little trust to beat the ghosts of her past and claim the future they both deserve.

Available to pre-order from ...

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk    Barnes and Noble   Paperback

**FREE in KU
The Silver Harbor series is published by Montlake Romance and will be available in paperback and audio formats, and exclusively in digital format for Kindle and Kindle apps. Download a FREE Kindle reading app HERE (or order the paperback)

About the author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance and new adult romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

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Find Melissa on the following sites....

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Instgram   Pinterest   Goodreads   Bookbub   Amazon Author Page

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Release Blitz for BLITZ by A.M. Williams

 

In a blink of an eye, I turned her whole world upside down. I messed up and will do anything to make things right. Is there any chance of a happily ever after for a football star and librarian? Fans of the Boston Terriers Series by Jacob Chance will devour Blitz by A.M. Williams, a light and humorous, enemies to lovers romance.

Blurb

One sexy football player. One sassy small town librarian.

Is there any hope for happily ever after?

Charlie

HEA? No way.

Jasper Sutton is the reason I watched my dream go up in smoke.

I don’t care that he’s ridiculously hot and the night we met was one of the best of my life. The fact that he’s also funny and easy to talk to means next to nothing. 

He tore all my hopes to shreds when he bought the old library to turn it into a gym.

I can’t forgive him. 

Jasper

Charlotte “Charlie” Drake is something else. And I don’t mean that as a compliment.

She might be gorgeous and sexy, but she’s also headstrong and stubborn.

I get it--I messed up. I didn’t have all the facts and took things too far.

But I’m crazy about her. She’s the only woman who looked past my name and reputation to see the real me. I want to prove to her that I’m serious, I’m sorry, and we could be good together.

What does it take to get over the ultimate fumble and still win the game?

Add to Goodreads Here! 

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Excerpt 

Copyright 2021 @ A.M. Williams

“So,” I said after a few minutes of silence where we each sipped our coffee and ate what was in front of us, “are you vacationing near here?”

Jasper tilted his head, and a smile curled the edges of his mouth. “You could say that. I’m staying with my dad.”

I blinked at him. “And your dad is renting a house near here?”

He laughed. Laughed! “Uh, no. He owns it.”

I blinked at him again. “Oh. Did he move here recently?”

Jasper tilted his head and I caught what looked like surprise widening his eyes slightly. “Do you know who I am?”

I considered his question for a few moments, knowing that if he was asking me that then he was probably someone that was well known around here.

But I was drawing a blank.

Besides my friendship with Ruby and Vicky, I didn’t get out in town too much. I knew people, of course, because of going to events, working in the library, and being drug out to different festivals.

But I wouldn’t consider anyone that I met in that way to be a friend.

“You’re Jasper?” I finally said, not sure what else I should say. My tone was definitely questioning.

He gave one sharp, quick laugh before shaking his head. “I’m Jasper Sutton.”

I stared at him after his declaration. “I’m Charlie Drake.”

If he was going to introduce himself like that, then I could too.

His eyes narrowed. “No, I’m Jasper Sutton.”

I wasn’t sure why he was putting emphasis on his name, but I was also realizing that his name did sound familiar. I just wasn’t sure why.

“Okay…” I said slowly. “Nice to meet you.”

Silence stretched between us before he asked, “You know, the name on the sign coming into town?”

I studied him as I tried to recall the sign. I passed it every day, but I was to the point of not even noticing it anymore.

But I remembered what he was referring to. The Welcome to Spring Hills sign also had a part that said Home of Jasper Sutton on it.

My brow furrowed. “Were you named after someone famous?”

He said nothing for a few moments before he started laughing. Hard. 

I shifted in my seat as he laughed, watching as he rubbed a hand over his face and hunched over the table. I wasn’t too sure why he was laughing; I just knew it was at me.

I glanced around the cafe and saw that people were staring at him laughing and grew even more uncomfortable.

Jasper slowly stopped laughing and shook his head, wheezing. “Are you for real?”

“About what?” I asked, though I wasn’t too sure I wanted to know what he was asking. At this point, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be on this date or whatever it was for too much longer.

“You really don’t know who I am?”

I shook my head.

He blinked at me before saying, “I’m Jasper Sutton. The name on the sign is mine. It was put there when I got drafted.”

The drafted statement made me pause, but I couldn’t dwell on it too long because he kept talking.

“You’ve been to the Tasty Freeze? Ever seen the Jasper on the menu? It’s the milkshake they named after me because it’s my favorite. What about the Burger Barn? The Jasper there is my favorite meal.”

I stared at him. I probably shouldn’t have said what I said next, but my mind was short circuiting because all I could think of was the fact that he said he’d been drafted. Drafted for what?

“I thought Jasper Sutton was some old guy that had died in a war sometime.” 

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

About A.M. Williams 

A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living abroad. When she’s not annoying her cat or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and traveling as much as possible. She has a serious case of wanderlust and wants to go as many places as possible while she can. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as those crystal clear waters on the North Carolina coast.

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Review for A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin

 

A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin 

Kindle Edition

publication: May 11th 2021

Genre:  Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

 

It's a club like no other. Only the most important women receive an invitation. But one daring young reporter is about to infiltrate this female-run secret society, whose beguiling members are caught up in a dark and treacherous business.

For years, rumors have swirled about an exclusive, women-only social club where the elite tastemakers of NYC meet. People in the know whisper all sorts of claims: Membership dues cost $1,000 a month. Last time Rihanna was in town, she stopped by and got her aura read. The women even handpicked the city's first female mayor. But no one knows for sure.

That is, until journalist Jillian Beckley decides she's going to break into the club. With her career in freefall, Jillian needs a juicy scoop, and she has a personal interest in bringing these women down. But the deeper she gets into this new world--where billionaire "girlbosses" mingle with the astrology-obsessed--the more Jillian learns that bad things happen to those who dare to question the club's motives or giggle at its outlandish rituals.

The select group of women who populate the club may be far more powerful than she ever imagined.

And far more dangerous too. 

 

My Thoughts… READ THIS BOOK!   I loved everything about this story.   The fun New York setting, the crazy women who think they could rule the world, and the amazing writer who was just looking for a story to get her back on track.  

Jillian has had a rough go lately and is looking for a way back into the writing world.   Her in is joining a private club of women who think they are in charge.   These women have money and power, and Jillian has neither of those but somehow, she does what she sets out to do.  She joins this club to write a tell all and learns so much more than what she expected.

The relationship of Jillian and her best friend had me hoping for what was to come.  I loved how much they had each other’s backs and did what they had to help them succeed in their dreams.  A friendship that stands through the years is one that is special and Jillian is lucky to have that person. 

Just over halfway into the book a twist was thrown, and it was perfect.   I stopped for just a second to think about what was happening and then dug right back into the story and never put it back down.   As I finish the book, I am still thinking about it.  

Add to your MUST-READ list on Goodreads

Meet Laura Hankin…Laura Hankin is the author of HAPPY & YOU KNOW IT and the upcoming A SPECIAL PLACE FOR WOMEN. She's written for outlets like McSweeney's and HuffPost, while her musical comedy has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more. She splits her time between New York, where she has performed off-Broadway and on onscreen, and Washington, DC, where she once fell off a treadmill twice in one day.

 Instagram/Twitter: @LauraHankin

 

     

Excerpt for Finding Our Someday by M.M Koenig

 

Today we have the blog tour for FINDING OUR SOMEDAY by M.M. Koenig! This is the last title in her NA romantic suspense series-- grab yours and catch up on the series today!

Title: Finding Our Someday

Author: M.M. Koenig

Genre: Romantic Suspense

About Finding Our Someday:

The past should be behind her, but for Bri McAndrews, it keeps sneaking up in the worst ways. Lies, vicious plots, and manipulation follow Bri everywhere she turns. All she wants is to pick up the pieces and move on with her life, but the mistakes she’s made continue to haunt her, hurt her, pull her under. And with the sting of Trey’s latest betrayal still very fresh, Bri doesn’t know if she can truly trust him with her heart, leaving her at a crossroads she’s not ready to face. The future should be bright, but for Trey Donovan, that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Trey has more regrets than he can count on one hand. To find atonement, he’s had to own up to the things he’s done, creating a rift with Bri he can’t seem to mend. Trey only wants the life with Bri he sees in his mind, but it keeps evading him, remaining just out of reach—especially when they find themselves standing between two of the most important people in their lives. You need darkness in order to see the stars shine, but when a storm blows in, leaving a thunder cloud that blocks any semblance of hope, will two hearts become one, or have they become too tarnished to find their someday?

Excerpt...Shoving the last ten minutes out of my mind, I grabbed another glass of wine from a waiter and headed toward the stage.

Once we were up there, I found my family’s table. Trey slid out a chair for me before sitting down and anxiously rubbing his tattoo. As I sipped on my wine, the pressure in my chest disappeared even more. After I spotted more than a few familiar faces in the crowd, the tightness in my muscles lessened.

Two servers appeared with more wine and appetizers. Trey glimpsed between the platter and me, his nose scrunched up. Caviar canapes weren’t my first choice either. I pointed at the crab canapes, smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail, oysters, and sushi cakes. Plates were quickly dished up and placed in front of us.

“I didn’t recognize half the things on that tray. Thanks for choosing for us,” Trey murmured, taking a bite of the crab.

He gave it a nod of approval before gobbling up another one and washing it down with a swig of wine. I eyed the oysters. My nerves took an indefinite sidebar and my libido kicked in. I seductively licked my lips before popping an oyster into my mouth.

A low rumble sounded from Trey’s chest. “Still dead set on pressing my buttons I see. Tread lightly, my dear. I’ve yet to show you what I have planned for the evening.”

I arched an eyebrow in challenge. “Maybe that’s why I keep doing it. I’m not so sure you have anything planned at all.”

His mouth curled into his cocky smirk. “Would you look at that? I dropped my napkin on the floor. I bet the linen is worth several hundred. I should retrieve it before one of Chicago’s finest realizes what I’ve done.”

It was a predictable pretense to dive under the table, but if it meant he’d actually touch me, I was all for it. My clit ached for just a flick of his finger. Almost as though he’d read my mind, Trey pushed my underwear to the side and plunged two fingers inside me while using his thumb to massage my nub.

Biting back a groan, I gripped the side of the table to remain upright. As his fingers swirled around at a relentless rate, my body reached the point of explosion, and I trembled, preparing for a powerful orgasm. My pulse quickened as he took me higher. Just as I was about to climax, he retracted his fingers.

“I can’t believe you just did that, only to leave me high and dry,” I snapped, chagrined.

He rolled his shoulders, a smug grin on his face. “I think you’ll experience more pleasure soon enough. You shouldn’t have selected the oysters. You’re not going to need an aphrodisiac.”

I gaped at him. “I don’t know whether to smack the shit out of you or kiss you senseless so you have no choice but to drag me off to the bathroom and fuck me.”

   

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Catch Up on the Series:

Fighting for Someday:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Google Play | Itunes

Waiting for Someday:

US | UK | CA | AU | B&N | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play

 

About M.M. Koenig:

M. M. Koenig enjoys being active and has a variety of interests that coincide with her passion for life. Always one to try new things, she has acquired a variety of skills. Her sarcastic nature and multitude of experiences tend to find their way into her novels.   When she has free time and isn't writing, she spends as much time as she can with friends and family. To fuel her soul, she is constantly looking for new music, movies, and books to keep the writer's block at bay.

Connect with M.M.:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | Pinterest

 

Blog Tour for Good Girl by Stacy Gail

 

GOOD GIRL, a standalone contemporary romance in the House of Payne World by Stacy Gail, is available now!

About Good Girl:

“I’m what you’d call a good girl.” Though “boring girl” might be more accurate, as far as Serena Daniels is concerned. Working as a pediatric nurse, she’s not exactly knee-deep in eligible bachelors, and the most exciting thing she’s done lately is mix her colors with her whites. The last time she asked a man out, he stood her up, then didn’t bother to contact her for weeks. Clearly, she isn’t the only one who thinks she’s boring. “Just how bad could this good girl get?” Life is a string of crazy messes and brilliant moments for real estate mogul Lorenzo Salvatore, and he never knows which one he’s going to get next. On the one hand, he’s got a traumatized son who is his whole world. On the other, he’s got the smart-mouthed nurse he stood up. Getting back into Serena’s good graces will be tough, but with those bedroom eyes and killer legs becoming the center of his fantasies, he won’t stop until he gets her right where he wants her—in bed. The bad and the good Getting together with Lorenzo would definitely liven up Serena’s life, but Lorenzo’s made it clear that he and his son are a package deal. When it seems that all Lorenzo wants is a new mother for his boy, will Serena be willing to settle for that, when her heart wants so much more? *This novel is a standalone romance featuring characters first introduced in HOUSE OF PAYNE: SAGE. While an ex-wife is mentioned, there are no love triangles (because I frigging hate them and they make me stabby), no cheating, and no cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed. Due to adult language and sexual content, this novel is not intended for people under the age of eighteen.

Purchase today!

Amazon | Apple Books | B&N | Kobo

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

“I'll say this much,” Serena managed while the fever of lust lit her whole body up so fiercely it was a wonder she didn’t glow. “You’re definitely the boldest thing that's ever hit my life.”

“Is that a complaint?”

“No.” It was out before he'd finished the question, but she didn't mind. There was nothing wrong with telling the truth. “If anything, it's an encouragement for you to do your best to impress the hell out of me. Think you can do it?”

His low laugh sent a shiver down her spine. “I like my chances.”

By damn, so did she. “Maybe I'll even get a chance to impress you.”

“You already have, but don't let that stop you from pushing the envelope.” Paying no attention to the delicacies on the table, Lorenzo rested his arm on the back of her chair and leaned in to catch her mouth with his.

Finally.

If she were completely honest with herself, she'd been aching for him to kiss her again from the moment he'd stopped kissing her the day before. To actually hunger for a man's kiss was new territory for her. But just because it was new, that didn't mean she couldn’t recognize it for what it was.

Addiction.

Somehow, she was becoming hopelessly addicted to this man.

That thought was insane all by itself. But what was really crazy was that she didn't even give a damn if she did become hooked. All that mattered was Lorenzo and what came next. His next smile. His next touch. His next kiss.

She wanted it all.

And she would have it.

Her hands were in his thick hair without her being conscious of how they got there, and she closed her eyes as her lips opened under his. His tongue stroked into her mouth in a way that made her think of sex, that sweet invasion that filled all her emptiness. Delight bloomed as she danced her tongue with his, and pure feminine power rushed through her when he groaned deep in his throat.

That sound was something she could get addicted to as well.

 

About the Author

A competitive figure skater from the age of eight, Stacy Gail began writing stories in between events to pass the time. By fourteen, she told her parents she was either going to be a figure skating coach who was also a published romance author, or a romance author who was also a figure skating pro. Now, with a day job of playing on the ice with her students, and writing everything from steampunk to cyberpunk, contemporary to paranormal at night, both dreams have come true.

Connect with Stacy!

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Review for Long Walk Home by Ellyn Oaksmith

 

Long Walk Home by Ellyn Oaksmith

ebook, 290 pages                                                                                                                                                        

  publication: April 30th 2021 by Bookouture

Genre:  Second Chance Romance

Synopsis:

Lola was struck by just how quickly she recognized him. It had been ten long years since she’d seen him; ten years of thinking that maybe she hadn't really loved him. But there he was. And he still took her breath away.

Lola has turned her life around since her wild teenage years, but one thing hasn’t changed: how her sister sees her. Her sister Carmen only remembers the mistakes she’s made and can’t see the potential of Lola’s plans to expand the family vineyard business at Blue Hills. But Lola is determined to win Carmen round—and gain her respect once and for all.

Then Lola’s high school sweetheart Gus arrives back in town, and everything changes. He was her first love, the bad boy she used to climb out of windows to see. But he’d broken her heart when he left town suddenly, without so much as a goodbye. And after that, she’d never seen him again. Until now.

Gus isn’t that same rebel anymore. It’s taken everything he has to come back to this town full of bittersweet memories, but he owes it to himself, and to Lola, to make amends. But she’s not that lovesick girl anymore and she knows she can’t let him turn her head again. So why can’t she stop thinking about how his strong arms would feel wrapped around her?

Then fate intervenes, and they’re forced to work together on Lola’s biggest project—and the sparks begin to fly once more…

As the sun sets over the mountains and meadows of Blue Hills, can two people who’d thought they could never be together find their way home to each other?

 An utterly romantic feel-good read about being true to yourself and becoming the person you were always meant to be, Long Walk Home will make you laugh, make you cry and show you that true love always finds a way. For fans of Robyn Carr, Carolyn Brown and Mary Ellen Taylor.

 

My Thoughts…A feel-good romance set in a small town is the perfect easy read.   I enjoyed the setting of the small-town winery run by a family that has drama but truly love each other.  Carmen is the typical older sister, the one in charge, and the one who has all the answers.   I am the oldest child in my family and could see some of her characteristics in myself and hope that I have never treated my siblings as she treats Lola.    Lola is the youngest, a free flying child.   She has ideas, some not so great ones, but good or bad they never get heard.   Her family does not see that she has so much to give to the winery and that they should give her a chance.  I loved how Lola started to stand up for herself and pushed everyone to respect her and her ideas.  

The relationship of Gus and Lola was interesting.   Their relationship had a bumpy end during their younger days and now that Gus is back the sparks are flying again.  Gus is a wonderful character that is just trying to make amends for the mistakes of his past, Lola being one of those mistakes.   Lola does not know the whole story, it was kept from her, and when Gus returns she is torn on whether to forgive him or push him away.  I like how their story is slow.   They do not just jump back together, but they fight their feelings wanting to be sure that no one gets hurt again. 

This is the first book by Ellyn Oaksmith that I have read and I will be looking for more of her fun romances.  

Add to your MUST-READ list on Goodreads

 

Author bio:

Ellyn Oaksmith is the USA Today and Kindle bestselling author of addictively fun love stories. She has never run a winery, been attacked by drones or nearly drowned someone but she loves putting her characters in challenging situations. Ellyn also enjoys chatting with readers on social media. Especially when she should be writing.

Ellyn began her writing life as a screenwriter in Los Angeles which, outside of writing hours, is exactly as crazy as it seems in the movies. After hightailing it back to her native Seattle, Ellyn began writing comedic romances and never looked back.

Ellyn lives in Seattle with her husband. She's part of a competitive rowing team. You can often find her on Lake Sammamish rowing in the dark.

Author website: www.EllynOaksmith.com
Facebook: @EllynOaksmith
Instagram: @EllynOaksmith

 

 

              

Review for Off to the Races by Elsie Silver

 

I’m the new racehorse trainer at Gold Rush Ranch and I’ve got three months to turn a problem stallion into a winner. Working with horses is easy, but contending with Vaughn Harding, my moody new boss, is a whole other story. He can’t decide if he hates me or wants me—not that it matters, I swore off men like him years ago. Readers who enjoy Melanie Harlow and Kelly Elliott will love this slow burn, enemies to lovers, contemporary romance.

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He can’t decide if he hates me or wants me.

Vaughn Harding is my new boss. Getting close to him would be career suicide for a female racehorse trainer, and plain old gossip fuel in this small town. I get a kick out of our verbal sparring, but I swore off his type years ago.

And I’ve got plans.

I’m the new trainer at Gold Rush Ranch and I’ve just been handed a problem horse that I promised to make a winner. I want to put down roots, and I’m not about to let a man distract me. No matter how electric it feels when we lock eyes, or how my body ignites when we touch.

Vaughn’s a vivid reminder of every guy I grew up around. Handsome, rich, entitled--a total media darling. But there’s a sadness in him that I can’t seem to turn my back on. A sensitive side hidden beneath brooding good looks.

The last thing I need is a broken man to put back together, and the last thing he needs is more scandal.

Teasing him for kicks is one thing, but handing over my heart?

I should have known better.

My Thoughts…Quick, fun, and easy.   The book was quick to read, I fell into the easy story and could not stop reading.    The characters and their lives were fun to learn about, even with the drama.   The heat between Vaughn and Billie had me hoping that it would never fizzle.   I loved feeling the sparks fly with each look and was excited to see how they would come together without combusting. 

I know nothing about horse racing or all the hard work that comes with that career.   As I read more about DD and Gold Rush Ranch I found myself wanting to learn more.  I wanted to know what some of the terms meant and was excited to figure it all out.   While the book is set around horse racing and the ranch, I felt that my lack of knowledge had no bearing on how much I enjoyed the story.   I loved the people who worked on the ranch, Violet being on my most favorites.  I could picture the beautiful horses, the barns, and the cottage that Vaughn and Billie spent much of their time. 

Elsie Silver is a new to me author and I will look forward to reading more of her books.   This one is  light, fun, sexy, and steamy. 

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Goodreads → https://bit.ly/3cmeyGx

Excerpt 

Copyright @ Elsie Silver

“No, Billie,” his voice is dangerously low as he angles his head so close to my ear that I can feel his breath fan across my throat, “women usually go out of their way to endear themselves to me. Not piss me off.”

Time to teach this prick a lesson.

His words set me off and without thinking I reach out towards him and hook my index finger into his crisp white dress shirt, right between the buttons. I can feel the muscles in his abdomen clench under my touch as I gently trace the tip of my finger across his hot skin, feeling the firm ridges I knew would be there. 

To anyone loitering at the stables, our silhouettes would almost look like he was a vampire going in for a quick taste with the way he towers over me. I send up a silent prayer that no one can see us and close my finger around the fabric that’s brushing against my hand, pulling his torso closer to mine so that I straddle his thigh. 

I hear his sharp intake of air and feel a familiar ache just below my hip bones. This is such a bad idea.

I look up, taking in the dark shadows falling across his brow and his almost pained facial expression. We hold each other in this limbo, facing off for a few seconds before I move so close I can feel the scruff on his jaw lightly scratch my cheek. His hands squeeze my ribs, trying to hold me in place.

At the increase in pressure, my nipples harden and goosebumps bloom across my arms unbidden. This is fine. A totally typical reaction to absolutely anyone touching me like this. 

Disturbed by the way my body responds to his, I opt to up the stakes, fingering the collar of his shirt with my opposite hand and gently running my teeth along the lobe of his ear. I’m pressed so close to him I can feel more than hear the grunt that breaks loose from his chest. 

For a moment I let myself imagine us together under different circumstances, all the delicious noises he would make as he moved above me, pressing into me so hard that our bodies would sink right into the mattress beneath us. Coming completely undone just for me. 

It’s with that image in my mind that I slide my fingers up his neck and through his hair before grabbing a handful firmly. He stands stock still. Frozen.“Well then, let me be the one to deflower you on this one, Boss Man,” I whisper against his ear. “You are absolutely insufferable.” I bite down onto his earlobe again, a little harder this time, which causes the air to leave his lungs in a loud hiss. “Now get your hands off of me, I’m not one of your playthings,” I finish, essentially dousing us both with a bucket of cold water and firmly pushing him away.

About Elsie Silver 

Canadian author who loves book boyfriends and the sassy heroines who bring them to their knees. Connoisseur of charged looks and lingering touches. Fan of witty banter. Horse girl through and through. Fully convinced that it’s always wine o’clock somewhere.

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