Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain (Review)

I have to say that Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain is a cute read. Those who like their historical romance reads to be accurate might want to take a pass on this story. However, if you are looking for something light and kind of fluffy, you might enjoy Mr. Malcolm's List.

Okay we have Jeremy Malcolm who has a list of what he wants in a wife. He plans to stick with it. However, his friends sister took offense to not being even worthy to garner his attention that she cooks up a plan to use one of her friends to take down Mr. Malcolm. This is where we meet Selina Dalton. Selina is a vicar's daughter, which makes her unlikely to deceive Mr. Malcolm. Actually, she wasn't a big fan of the plan from the beginning.

Mr. Malcolm was pompous, but he did feel something for Selina. However, Julia tried to play fast on loose with her friendship with Selina, and almost cost Selina everything. I felt that Selina was a pawn throughout the book, and I felt bad for her.

Overall, I liked the story, and it's definitely not for everyone. When I opened my thoughts, those who are wanting more close to historical accurate aren't going to like this story. If you are looking for something that is light, you found it in Mr. Malcolm's List.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

The Playboy Prince and the Nanny by Donna Alward (Review)

Yes, I totally wanted to read this story for the title. I mean who doesn't want to read about playboy prince who falls for a nanny. I mean it's a fairytale in the making. So, we have Diego Navarro who is the a prince to an island I believe. Anyway, he's the spare, which he gets to live his life the way he wants. However, he needed home after tragedy hits, and he decides take responsibility. Basically, he hires a young lady to become the new nanny after his sister-in-law and the children's nanny tragically die. Rosalie Walters (Rose) is hired and she falls in love with the children and also Diego. But she needs to remember her place, she's the hire help. However, Diego makes her forget that from time to time.

Okay, The Playboy Prince and the Nanny is a very sweet story about you guess it a nanny and a prince. It's a fairly easy story to get into. We have both Diego and Rose trying to do their duties when lines get a little muddy. Yes, Diego is trying to reform his playboy image, because he wants to prove to his brother he's more than a spare. Rose is trying to upstanding nanny that she is. Of course their is something fishy going on in the background, but you don't notice until Diego does something to save the families reputation. Overall, a very sweet read with close door romance scenes. So, if you are looking for a sweet romance that will warm your heart, The Playboy Prince and the Nanny is call your name.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Playboy of Rome & Best Man for the Bridesmaid by Jennifer Faye

The Playboy of Rome / Best Man for the Bridesmaid
The DeFiore Brothers Series # 1 & 2

By: Jennifer Faye

Releasing March 1st / April 1st, 2015

Harlequin Romance

THE PLAYBOY OF ROME

March 1st

Blurb

Taming the Italian playboy…

Lizzie Addler's dream of working in Italy is about to come true—that is if she can convince passionate Italian chef Dante DeFiore to keep his side of their bargain. Dante might be hotter than the Italian sun, but he's as cool as ice toward Lizzie…

Dante hasn't the time to pander to Lizzie's dreams of culinary fame—he has a restaurant to run! But as Lizzie proves herself to be a spectacular addition to his kitchen—and to his life—Dante wonders…can he keep her forever?

My Thoughts:

The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley (Review)

Yesterday, I felt like I needed a quick read and something a little lighter. I'm glad to say that I have found with Erica Ridley's The Viscount's Christmas Temptation. Let me just say that this story was kind of fun. Cause you have Lady Amelia Pembroke who is the sister of the Duke of Ravenwood. Now she's describe in the book as a managing sort of person. However, I think of it more like Type A to the extreme. She also has other quirks I'm not going to go into. Anyway, she has decided she wants to find a husband and decides to find one at the Sheffield Seventy-Fifth Annual Christmas Eve Ball. One problem: Sheffield has decided to cancel cause of the ballroom was damage. Being the managing sort of person Amelia has decided to rectified the situation with her solution.

PUYB Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway + Excerpt: Past My Defenses by Wendy Sparrow

Book Title: Past My Defenses

Author: Wendy Sparrow

Release Date: 6/23/14

Genre: Suspense with a Paranormal slant

Tagline:  Why did he have to be human?

Book Synopsis:

Vanessa is the fastest Lycan around. In wolf form, the only threat she can’t outrun is her allergies. After a feline dander-bomb takes her down, she wakes up naked in a cage staring at a hot park ranger who had no idea what he’d trapped. But ooooh, he smells so good. Mine.

Dane hoped to tame the silver wolf in his kennel, but all bets are off with the deliciously sweet Vanessa on two legs. Her temper makes his pulse race, and he can’t escape the feeling they belong together.

They’re hot as a forest fire even before they scent-match, but Glacier Peak’s Alpha considers Dane a danger to the pack. Meanwhile, Lycans are being poached, and Vanessa has been targeted. Dane will have to keep her close to protect her, but with Vanessa in heat and mad to mate, who will protect him?

Snow on Magnolias Book Tour: Review + Fun Facts

About the Book :
Rose Fabre has just been dumped at the altar, and not by just any man but the star quarterback of San Antonio’s Wranglers. To make matters worse, the embarrassing event is spread all over the news, and her own mother blames her. Though that is nothing new, after all Rose is never right about anything, according to her mother. She has to get out of Texas. Somewhere where maybe the news hasn’t reached.

So she heads for Bon Amie Louisiana where her aunt Odelia has been a live-in housekeeper for some rice farmers for years. If she remembers right Bon Amie is so small she doubts it even has a newspaper. The last time she was there she was thirteen years old and remembers having a great time with the farmer’s five boys.

Arriving at the LeBlanc Manor after midnight was not in her plan, but her spur-of-the-moment trip didn’t allow for wretched traffic or the herd of cattle who refused to get off the road. She is met on the lawn by one of the brothers, Sam, who mistakes her for an intruder. Once she explains her reason for a visit and he puts away his shotgun, and shows her to a room.

What do you get when you have a city girl living in a house full of superstitious farmers? Chaos, and plenty of it. Add in two kids, several lazy dogs and her lovesick aunt and Rose has her hands full.

Sam doesn’t like Rose very much and neither do his two young daughters. Rose learns that his wife took off years ago leaving Sam to raise the two girls. And for someone wanting to find a place to regain her peace of mind and forget about men, Rose has walked into a mess of them. Five LeBlanc brothers, all grown up.

Rose has some changes to make. She can continue trying to please her mother and trying to be someone she’s not, or she can embrace this new life she’s discovered and settle in. Bon Amie might not have a Starbucks, but the friendly smiles and unique characters not to mention the slower lifestyle. With this change of pace will Rose finally trust herself and to fall in love, this time its forever. But which brother will win her heart?


My Thoughts:

I enjoyed the first book, but I love Snow on Magnolias. I truly found the story amazing.

When we first meet Rose her life is in shamble and she decides to go visit her aunt in Bon Amie and put her life in order. There are a few things I learned about Rose: 1) She's a people pleaser. 2) She doesn't know her real self. I love that she's a people pleaser, because I could relate to her. She gives her whole heart, yet she's afraid she'll get trample on. In away the story is about Rose's self-discovery, and she learns a lot about herself.

Sam LeBlanc is a great guy. However, he has a couple of flaws: 1) He doesn't trust easily 2) He gives his whole self to his family. You are wondering how could that be a bad thing. Well, it's a bad thing when you don't take time to do something you want.

Anyway, I can't tell you how much I loved this story. I love the flow of the story and I love how these two slowly drift closer. However, Hattie mange to add a little conflict to story which helps Sam realize what's important to him. I need to mention Rose's mother, she's a horrible person. Even though she's not in story, but you see how she tore peoples lives apart. I love how Rose stands up to her.

Basically, if you are looking for a clean, sweet read that's not inspirational, you should definitely give Snow on Magnolias a try.

Copy provided by author

Buy Links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble



20 fun facts About Hattie Mae

1. I’m an only child.

2. I married my high school sweetheart (we were both so young our mom’s had to sign for us)

3. Still married to the same man (52 years)

4. I was raised in Louisiana: the state with many lakes, bayous, and rivers. (I can’t swim)

5. I once caught a gator on a crab line.

6. Met Michael Jackson once, had a long conversation with him, (I didn’t recognize him).

7. We have 2 daughters, one son, 5 granddaughters, 1 grandson.

8. I’m a reality TV junky.

9. Mom was German, Dad Cajun.  (Cajun spoken in my home growing up)

10. I’m a very good cook. (So everyone tells me.)

11. Family called me Hatsy.  (Still do.)

12. I make the best pralines around.

13. Husband and I love Romantic Comedies

14. I HATE SPIDERS.

15. I LOVE RAIN STORMS

16. My motto is “You Only Regret Things You Don’t Buy”

17. My love of children made me want to be a teacher.  

18. I never got my degree so I wrote 7 children stories. (They are still in a drawer)

19. I love slot machines

20. Every year at Christmas I give our grandchildren a box of books.  I start when they are 6 months old and give them their box each year.  It has become the gift they look for.  Our oldest is 21 and the youngest is 3. They are all big readers.

Other books in the series :

With Under the Sassafras, award-winning author Hattie Mae introduces you to Bon Amie, a small town in the bayous of Louisiana full of delightful characters and sweet romance.

Nestled between the Atchafalaya Basin and Sugar Island lies Bon Amie, a friendly, quiet town, where nothing exciting ever happens. Until Joelette Benoit’s two sons find a man washed up in the murky water at the edge of the swamp.

Joelette Benoit, a widowed single mother, has sworn to never believe the promises of another sweet talking man. Fiercely independent and determined, she’s hidden away her heart, while struggling to provide for her two sons and lively mother-in-law. She swears the stranger will stay one night, and one night only, until she discovers he has no memory. Now duty-bound to aid him, Joelette decides to offer him a place to heal in exchange for his labor.

Against the colorful backdrop of life on the bayou, she watches as he immerses himself not only in her family but also in her town. She can do little to prevent her sons from bonding with the only man they’ve come to trust since the death of their father. Though she, too, is drawn to his kindness and vulnerability, she will not risk the heart of her family because without a past, this man cannot promise a future. But when his memory returns and he realizes he has blood on his hands, he knows he has unfinished business to attend to before he can claim the family he has grown to love.

Buy links -  Amazon  Barnes & Noble

About the Author :

Award-winning author, Hattie Mae was born and bred southern, cutting her teeth on cornbread and greens and running barefoot through the canals of her small Louisiana town. So when it came to writing, there was no question as to where to set her books. She's now writing her fourth book set in Bon Amie, a busy little town nestled in the heart of Cajun country.
She's also published a short story in The Cup Of Comfort For Teachers. The love of books and writing runs in her family, Hattie's daughter is award-winning historical romance author, Robyn DeHart. When not writing you can usually find her playing with her grandchildren or cooking up some healthy versions of tasty southern fare. She lives in central Texas with her husband and one crazy cat.
Fans of sweet small-town romance will fall in love with the characters of Bon Amie. Upcoming titles include Snow on Magnolias and Sweet Tea & Mayhaw Pie.
Sign up for Hattie Mae's newsletter here www.hattiemaeauthor.com/newsletter/
You can find her online at www.hattiemaeauthor.com
Hattie on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hattieleger.ratliff
Hattie on Twitter https://twitter.com/HattieMaeAuthor
Hattie on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7172437.Hattie_Mae

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In the Stars by Ava Stone

So, I got a chance to read Ava Stone's In the Stars. This will be her new novella on April 15. I know tax day, but be on the lookout if you are a fan of hers. Anyway, I went into this totally blind. All I knew it was about a guy and a girl and they get together.

So, this is what I gather about the story. Nathaniel Carrick severed his country and was awarded for bravery a viscountcy and some dilapidated home. He became the first Viscount Healeyfield. Now he needs to marry someone with a money to help restore his crumbling estates. His commander came up with a brilliant plan to marry off his daughter to Nathaniel. After all she does come with a nice dowery that could help his estates. However, there is one problem. Now Wilhemina Throssell (Mina) is a bit odd. Better yet she's unique. She's not like an ordinary miss. Oh no, she believes all sorts of magical creatures and other stuff. Good thing it's not the 1600s. So, we have this potential couple who are opposite from one another. Anyway, Mina goes to a fortune teller to find out what lies in her future. She was given a piece of information that's suppose to help guide her to find the right guy. Now this causes problems for Nathaniel, and isn't all about money. No, he actually starts to fall for Mina. Now will Mina focus on what was told to her or will take a look in her heart?

In the Stars is a quick sweet story about destiny and being open to new possibilities. I adore how Nathaniel actually kept an open mind when it came to Mina. I had to chuckle a couple times, because Nathaniel is so level-headed and having a conversation with Mina was an interesting event. In the Stars is a cute charming reading. So, if you are looking a quick read that fits the bill, you might consider giving it a try.

Copy provided by the author

Rating:

Cursed by Cupid by Wendy Sparrow

How many of you remember getting those email chained letters? I know I have gotten a few. Of course, I did what they said, but eventually I quit. I think eventually the whole fad died out, who knows. Anyway, in Wendy Sparrow's new novella Cursed by Cupid we meet a Tilly Morrow who decided to break a chain email. It has been three years since she's had any luck in love. Seriously, the girl is unlucky. Tilly believes its all due to the broken chain. Then she finally meets a guy, Bryant Murphy who's willing to take a chance on Tilly. Even if it means sacrificing a limb.

Cursed by Cupid is adorable. I love that the story centers around a broken chain letter and Tilly truly believe she's cursed. Then she meets Bryant and he's willing to take a chance. Even their date ends in disaster, but he still wants to see her. Although he gets a few injuries during this time, he still thinks Tilly is swell. Yes, adorable is a great word to describe this story. I personally thought it was a fun quick read. Overall, a light fun read. So, if you are like Tilly and believe in curses from chain letters, give Cursed by Cupid a chance. Who knows you might be able to undo your bad luck.

Copy provided by the publisher

Rating:

The Earl's Christmas Colt by Rebecca Thomas

Last night, I finished The Earl's Christmas Colt by Rebecca Thomas. First off, this is a very sweet innocent story about a young woman whose brother basically arranges a marriage for her.

All right, this story is short and sweet. Lady Arabella Sutton tends to love horses a little more than people. So, she's a little different. Oliver Westwyck, the Earl of Marsdale is basically just looking for a wife and doesn't really want to go through the bout of courting another lady, since the first time didn't go so well. So, he agrees to marry Arabella no question ask. Seriously, that is the gist of the story. If I give any more than that, it will be the whole story. Here is the bottom line if you are still in the mood for a Christmas that is short, sweet and clean, you might give The Earl's Christmas Colt a try.

Copy provided by the publisher

Rating:

How to Bring Your Love Life Back From the Dead by Wendy Sparrow

So, I started reading How to Bring Your Love Life from the Dead by Wendy Sparrow. Let just stress that these stories are more a heart-warming read than scary, so here are my thoughts on each of the stories:

How to Bring Your Love Life Back from the Dead in Ten Easy Steps

First you need to know the 10 Steps:
1) Know What You Want in a Significant Other
2) Be Social. Get Out of Your House
3) Go to Events That Will Appeal to Those With Similar Interests.
4) Be Bold. Go After What an Who You Want.
5) Don't be Afraid of Rejection. Live in the Moment.
6) Don't Let Small Obstructions Trick you into Giving up.
7) Don't Rush. A Lon-Term Commitment is an investment.
8) Little Misunderstandings Can Cause Huge Rifts. BE a Good Communicator.
9) Learn Balance. Make Time for Others and Yourself.
10) Love is Worth it.

I love that Lauren is willing to try these steps in the story. I had a good little chuckle on how Daniel played a part in these steps.

I don't have ten reasons why I love this story, but I have a few. For one thing, I love how each chapter is a pinpoint on how to bring your love life back. I think these can apply to real life situation, but this is a story. Second, the story had me laughing and evening cause a tear or two. This story is short, sweet and leaves satisfy in the end.

Anna and the Apparition

All right, when I started Anna and Shane's story, I thought it moved a little slow in the beginning. I found myself trying to get through the story. However, it did start to pick of the pace when we start to dive more in to Shane's "death". Once things started to unravel I found myself wanting to finish the story to see what happen. So, I was surprise by my reaction to the story and I loved the ending.

All Bets Are Off

All right this story was ultra cute. What can I say,  I love the story. Yes, it centers around a "haunted house" and bet. Granted Clay was an idiot when it comes to Cory. However, he believe he was being transparent with his feelings. I guess he was wrong, because he scared off the girl. Now he aims to win the girl with the house that cause it all. Seriously, an adorable read.

All the stories in How to Bring Your Love Life Back from the Dead were really cute and sweet. None of the stories were scary, but left you more with a heart warming feeling. So, you looking for some feel good stories with some spooky elements, you might want to read How to Bring Your Love Life Back From the Dead.

Copy provided by author

Rating:

On His List by Wendy Sparrow

All right, I finished reading On His List by Wendy Sparrow. This story is super cute. You have Remy Maison who is filling in for her brother who happens to be a driver. Well, Denny ends up with a migraine and Remy has to drive Owen Savoy around. Owen tends to be a tad bit particular how things should go. Ok, he's a bit OCD.

This might be a bit off topic, but when I was reading the name Remy I thought of the rat in Ratatouille. No, she didn't look like a rat, but that's what popped in my head.

Anyway. Remy, I would consider her a bit ADHD. I have my reasons to believe this, so she's stuck in a car with Owen who might be a bit OCD. Yeah, that makes a fantastic combination. However, somehow it all works. As they get to know each other Owen starts to relax around her. Every person has that go to person that seems to calm them down, Remy and Owen seem to do that for each other.

Overall, On His List is a really sweet little story. It's a feel good read that makes you smile at the end. So, if you are looking for that feel story that leave a smile on your face, you might want to give On His List a try.

Copy provided by the publisher

Rating:

A Little Moon Madness by Wendy Sparrow

Yesterday I started A Little Moon Madness by Wendy Sparrow, which contains two short stories. 

The first one is The Cold and Lovely Moon which is about a woman who was in prison then she moved to a facility. Then once the full moon starts to emerge she notices she's turning into a strange creature. Tiberius and her escape and basically they journey to meet with his clan to warn them. 

The second one is Unmatched Grace is about two creatures who are suppose to be at odds with each other. However, Silas (Lycan) is to protect Grace (Manumitter). Grace feels some connection to Silas, but is afraid to trust him cause of what she was taught. So, basically they are to learn to trust one another and survive the night. 

They were both quick short reads. Each of them had something to do with change with moon. Each one had a little romance with them trying to survive the danger that was present in each story. 

In The Cold and Lovely Moon, you have Tiberius who is a bit of a jerk and the heroine calls him on it. The only thing is you don't learn the females name towards the name. Throughout the story I was wondering what her name was. I guess it really important, because it was from her prospective and her trying to decide if she wants to stay with Tiberius after everything. Overall, it was it was cute story even if the hero was alpha-hole.

In Unmatched Grace, we have a story about a Lycan protecting his woman even thought it would go against all he was taught. I actually really like this really short story. It showed Silas's protective side and willing to go against odds to save the woman he loves. Really like this one. 

So, the plan was to finish this Halloween night. Obviously this didn't happen, but I manage to finish these cute stories. I did like one more than the other, but still good clean read. So, if you are looking for a paranormal read that is clean, you might want to check these short stories in A Little Moon Madness

Copy provided by author

Rating:

Snowbound with the Soldier by Jennifer Faye

Christmas is the time of year where miracles and forgiveness. In Jennifer Faye's new book Snowbound with the Soldier, we find a Christmas miracle and forgiveness.

Wounded war hero Jason Greene never planned on returning to his hometown after he left. However, circumstances forces him home to face the past. Bitter about things that happen seven years early, Jason has a hard time forgiving his father and refuses to see the man that sent his life into a tailspin.

Kara Jameson could have held onto her grudge and not forgive Jason for jilting her seven years early. However, she has manage to forgive him and has been trying to move forward since that time. She was picture Jason and herself travel the world. Yet, events changed everything for Kara.

Yes, Snowbound with the Soldier is a story about forgiving the past and moving forward. Kara is a sweet young woman who made a mistake after Jason left and she has a fear that he won't forgive her when he learns the truth. Jason tends to be a tad bit unforgiving and can hold a grudge. Jason has the opportunity to repeat the past if he's willing to take a chance.

Overall, Snowbound with the Soldier is a sweet story that brings two ex-lovers back together during a time where hope abounds. Yes, heart-warming as these two slowly learn to trust one another again. So, if you are looking for a christmas story with miracles and forgiveness, you might want to give Snowbound with the Soldier a try.

Copy provided by author

Rating:

Her Gentleman Thief by Robyn DeHart

A few days ago, I read and finished Her Gentleman Thief by Robyn DeHart. This novella is a quick read that won't take too much time out of your schedule. I personally liked it for a couple of reasons: 1) Quick read 2) Sweet and innocent.

Yes, this innocent story is about a young woman, Annalise Petty, who her fiancé, Griffin Hartwell, Viscount Benning. Annalise is afraid that Griffin and her will have a loveless marriage. Granted she's practically on the shelf she would like a little passion. However, she ends up getting taken by a thief. Believing she will escape the marriage. Yet, circumstances are not what they may seem.

Seriously, a sweet little story about two people who basically hide their feelings. Plus, you Annalise gets a quick little adventure. So, if you are looking for a sweet novella to read, you might want to checkout Her Gentleman Thief.

Copy provided by author

Rating:

eARC: Flirting with Danger by Claire Baxter

We all know how much I love the Bliss line for it's happy sappy romance. Well, Claire Baxter's Flirting with Danger is no exception. Yes, this story will warm your heart and fill it with ooey-gooey goodness.

In Flirting with Danger, we meet Jasmine Mackinnon who has always been consider as one of the guys. Which is probably pretty important when you're a firefighter, we can't have the other guys treating Jasmine differently cause she's a girl. However, behind that tough facade hides a vulnerable side of Jasmine, and she doesn't even realize it's there. When the guys see her all gussy up for a friend's wedding that tough exterior is shatter and guys view her more like a woman. Especially, the man-whore of the group, Aaron Parkes.

I found Jasmine character quite unique, because she wants to hide the fact she's a girl. There are some mommy issues that were never resolve, which factors into the reason Jasmine plays up the Tomboy card. However, once she starts hanging out with Aaron, the issues start to dissolve. Now Aaron has a lot of issues too. Those issues play into the factor why he's view as a player of the fire house. Yet, he slowly starts to change because of Jasmine. Not only that, he starts to realize he really doesn't want to be like the player anymore. So, he has to overcome his abandonment issues.

Seriously, a heart warming story that will leave you all mushy inside. Of course, you are going to fall in love with the bad boy and tomboy girl. Basically, if you are looking for a warm fuzzy feeling story, you will find it in Flirting with Danger.

Copy provide by publisher

Rating:

eARC: The Matchbaker by Jerrica-Knight Catania

So, last night I finished The Matchbaker by Jerrica Knight-Catania. If any of you are familiar with Jerrica's work would know she tends to write regency romance. However, she has been spreading her wings and start writing contemporary romance. I adore her regency books, and I'm so glad I got a chance to read The Matchbaker.

Since there isn't a lot of buzz about this book. Yes, there is a contest on Facebook about her new book. Unless, you are a current fan of her's or know someone who is, you probably haven't heard much about the book. So, here is the actual book blurb:

Ingredients

1C Chaos
1Tbsp Romance
3tsp Betrayal
2C Comedy
1 Pinch Magic 

Candace Cooper is living the life she set out to live. With a posh apartment in Manhattan, a  high-powered job that takes her all over the world, and designer clothes that most women would kill to have in their closet, she's definitely living the high life. But when her best friend drags her to a seedy section of Paris to meet with a crack-pot fortune teller, she hears things she doesn't want to hear. She desperately tries to ignore the unsolicited advice, but that becomes nearly impossible when her perfect life starts to unravel.

"Filled with comedic catastrophes, magical mishaps, romantic blunders, and tasty recipes, The Matchbaker will have you laughing, crying and reaching for the nearest box of baked goods!" Ava Stone, Amazon Best Selling Author

**Includes Cupcake Recipes from Erin Knightley, Polkadot Cupcake Shop & Sugarcain Cupcakes** 

Honestly, I didn't know much about the book. Here are the things I did know: 1) It was about a baker. 2) It's release soon. 3) I love the author 4) Loved the cover. So, you can say I was going to the book with a clean slate,  open to whatever might happen.

First off you need to read this like you are watching a romantic comedy. Here are the cast of characters you need to keep an eye out:

Candace Cooper: our leading lady. The one with her career is about to take a major change. Learns the hard way that she might have magical powers.
Holly Cooper: little sister, also recruit to work in the baker with her sister.
Colin Hawthorne: he's going out with Holly, but Candace thinks he's for her.
Her Parents: They basically leave without telling her anything, which gets Candace in trouble.
Joe: Works at Latte Joe and will be owner once his father passes.
Of course there are other characters, but I pretty much brought up the important characters.

The more I start to think about The Matchmaker, the more it reminds me of 27 Dresses in some ways. For instance, little sister sees Colin and basically makes a play for him. Candace kind of resents her sister for making the first move. So, in a way Candace is trying to figure a way to get Colin from her sister. Well, she kind of uses magic and it goes way, way, way wrong. Part of the problem was her parents kind of left her high and dry to figure things out for herself. Oh dear. However, Candace finds her knight and shining arm guy to help her solve her problem, which cause another slew of problems. This what I say in the book.

I really liked The Matchbaker. The story had me laughing out loud and going "oh my goodness". There were times where it just broke my little heart. I even bawled my little eyes out, because I felt so bad for Candace. I was starting to wonder if she would find her match. However, I have one tiny little gripe and that was the ending. I was happy, but at the same time a little upset on how the story ended. Yet the ending leaves an opening for more books to come, and I hope that the problem at the end rectify itself *fingers cross*.

This story isn't for everyone. The Matchbaker is a charming story with crazy situations that can put a smile on your face. So, if you are person who loves whimsical and charming with a dash of magic, you might enjoy The Matchbaker. Which will leave you warm and fuzzy and possibly craving a cupcake.

Be on the lookout for this cupcake caper on August 27th.

Copy provided by author

Rating:

Under The Sassafras by Hattie Mae

I received an opportunity to read Under the Sassafras by Hattie Mae. I must say that this was a really sweet story about love and learning to trust again.

Joelette Benoit and her sons find an injured man in the swamp and take him back to their home. They help him nurse him back to somewhat health. After all, he can't remember who he is or where he came from. Joelette and her family take care of him, and he slowly worms his way into their hearts.

Joelette is a stubborn, strong-willed cajun woman who has been hurt in the past. So, he's a bit leery when it comes to the man. Poor guy, can't remember who he is, so they end up calling him Mansir. Mansir starts to tear down their fortress around their hearts. Even though Mansir would like to know where he came from, but at the same time he's a little afraid of what he might remember.

Overall, a wholesome read. A sweet story about two people learning to trust once again and healing past scars. So, if you are looking for a clean sweet read, you might want to give Under the Sassafras a try.

Copy provided by the author

Rating:

Bikers and Pearls by Vicki Wilkerson

I just finished one of the sweetest romance from the Bliss collection  which is Bikers and Pearls by Vicki Wilkerson. So, lets jump into my thoughts.

We all know the saying, "Never judge a book by it's cover." Yet at times we tend to judge people by the way they look or act. At the beginning of the story we meet April Church whose a bit apprehensive when it comes to bikers. A lot has to do with what happen to her when she was younger, which had shaped her fear around bikers.

Of course April misjudges Bullworth Clayton (Bull), because all she sees is a biker dude. However, there is more than meets the eye. All she has to do is get pass her prejudice and learn to overcome her fears. Sounds like an easy, right? Not so much. Plus, she's trying to impress this snooty group of women, the Ladies League, so she may become like them.

In all seriousness, I adore Bikers and Pearls. I found the story cute and fun. I love how April learns to overcome her fears as she gets to know Bull and his friends. Plus, she starts to realize she shouldn't have judge these guys, because of their appearance. So, if you are looking for a story that's sweet and cute, you might want to give Bikers and Pearls a try. Who knows you might want to ride off in the sunset with a biker dude yourself.

Copy provided by publisher

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Love At First Date by Susan Hatler

Last month I did a book blast for Love At First Date by Susan Hatler. At the time I just didn't get a chance to read the story yet. Let me just say I really enjoyed this quick read. So, I'm going to share the story and my thoughts together.

Dating can be pretty rough with so many factors that can wreak havoc on humankind. Which is the reason Ellen decided to forgo looking for someone in the bar or coffee shop, no she decided to take her chances on an online dating site. With so many of those sites up and running the chances of finding your ideal mate seems likely to happen, right? This is Helen's thinking. She believes that she has found her possible Mr. Right between these two guys she has been chatting up a storm on line: jusUnME and lookn4luv. Sounds like winners.

However, life doesn't always play fair or the heart. When she ends up dog sitting for a friend, she meets Henry. Henry just seems to make her heart go pitter-patter. Yet, she's dead set on finding her ideal mate using the online website. Let's forgo what feels right and go for statistics, like that always works when it comes to love.

Honestly, I thought this story was really cute. I adore Ellen her goal to avoid being like her mother who hasn't had too much love in love. Then you have adorable Henry who is adorable and not even sure he has a chance with Ellen. So, if you are looking for a cute quick read, you might want to read Love At First Date.

Rating:
1/2

eARC: Friday Night Alibi by Cassie Mae

A few days ago I read Friday Night Alibi which happens to be Cassie Mae newest New Adult book. I must say that I enjoyed the story. So, lets get to know the characters of this particular story and my thoughts.

We Kelli Pinkins, who happens to live in affluent Sundale. Where the boys and girls of this town only concern is being good until their mummies and daddies give them trust funds. Oh joy. However, some have trouble staying out of trouble, so they turn to Kelli for help. Kelli gives them an alibi to help them out. However, the alibi gig is about to change when she meets Chase Maroney. Chase isn't one of the those uppity-ups from Sundale. He's a bit different and who knows might something special.

The story may sound a tad bit superficial, but it wasn't a bad read. I actually enjoyed the story and I found myself sucked into the story. I would start to put the book down, but couldn't resist the urge to put it down. In the story you learn that Kelli is lonely and truly wants to find friends. However, she is going about it the wrong way. Then she meets Chase, who becomes her real friend. Actually their relationship reminds me a brother and sister relationship at first. As they slowly get to know each their friendship starts to evolve and becomes more. Yet, Kelli alibi gig starts to jeopardizes her budding relationship with Chase, she realizes she needs to decide if she wants to continue her life as it is or make a go of a real life.

The story was a pretty easy read. It kind of reminded me of a young adult book, but still a sweet read. Here is the bottom line about Friday Night Alibi: If you have been reading young adult books and have been wanting to make the transition to more grown up books, Friday Night Alibi would be a good transition book for this goal. Or if you are looking for a quick read that has some witty lines, you might like this book.

Copy provided by Random House via NetGalley

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