Slow Cooker Potato Soup (With Video)

Slow Cooker Potato Soup (With Video)



 

BOOK REVIEW- On The List (Club Undercover Book 4) by Patricia Rosemoor

Description

No cover charged... no ID required... safety guaranteed...
Agent Renata Fox knew the Feds killed the wrong person they believed to be the cold-blooded Chicago Sniper, but her persistence angers her S.A.F.E. co-workers, who think she’s trying to make them look bad. The real killer is now determined to silence her, and the only man she can turn to is Gabriel Connor. Gabe has his own dark reason for wanting to track down the sniper. He befriends Renata and involves Team Undercover despite her objections. Renata knows she can trust Gabe with her life and heart, but why did this mysterious stranger force her to accept his help?
 AMAZON LINK
 4.5  STARS

I really liked this book.  It had great main characters and a really well written story. Another good one in the series. 
It was a plus that this book could be read as a stand-alone.  It had enough of the background included so that you could understand the people of Team Underground. 

The romance between Gabe and Renata was low key for a while.  Mainly because of trust issues for both of them.  Renata was the one who didn't know who Gabe really was and she was more than suspicious of him and his motives for quite a while.  That got in the way of her attraction to him as you can well imagine.

 The story had plenty of action and kept you guessing on who was behind everything.  The big reveal was super well done and comes to a good conclusion.  More than one secret was revealed as well.
 There is also a quick look into Book #5  "Red Carpet Christmas" .  It's Gideon's story, the main man of Club Undercover. Someone who I've wondered about throughout the series.  A story I would really like to read and the excerpt made me even more interested.
In other reviews on books of this series I mentioned that I felt like the covers needed updating.  But this one I actually thought was pretty good. 

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
 

BOOK REVIEW- Wind River Wrangler (Wind River Series Book 1) by Lindsay McKenna *

 Still waters run deep . . .From the moment Roan Taggart picked up the pretty redhead at the Jackson Hole airport, his training and experience told him she was spooked. She’s left New York City to visit the Wind River Ranch, where Roan is a wrangler, and just as he can pick up a horse’s mood, he can feel the tension coming off her body. And that vulnerability is triggering all his protective instincts. . .

Shiloh Gallagher likes the gray-eyed cowboy’s dry humor—and the Special Forces background that lends him a stoic, powerful presence. But she’s been scarred by trauma and her mother’s murder . . . and knows a strong man can be dangerous. She came to wide-open Wyoming to flee a threat that’s left her unable to write her novels. Now, as she rides horses with Roan and helps him build an isolated cabin, she’s slowly letting down her guard. But danger has followed her west, and they won’t have a future together unless they defeat a killer from her past. . .AMAZON LINK

I had mixed feelings on this book. Although I do have to say that the opening chapter did feel on expressing the terror that Shiloh has been living under. 
The story was detailed and at times it felt a bit over-detailed for me.  A lot of descriptions helped paint the pictures of areas, so the author put the work in.  It just made it slow the story for me.  I'm about the characters and their stories so that's were my interest comes in.  I did like both of the main characters.  Shiloh had quite the varied life experiences and reason for some nightmares too. Roan?  What wasn't there to like about him.  He was there for Shiloh as she tries to get back to who she really is.  He's tough, a skilled warrior but with a gentle, protective heart towards Shiloh.  They also reach a point in the story where they can't and don't keep their "hands" off each other. 
I did like the idea of the author of this book letting us "see" into the world of authors through the eyes of Shiloh. 
There is a good, dramatic and somewhat ironic twist as the story comes to a dangerous conclusion. 
Roan and Shiloh get their H.E.A. as the story wraps up.  While this book was not a favorite it did have some good points.  

 

BOOK REVIEW -DEVOTED (Eternal Brethren Book 5). by Shirleen Davies

Nathan “Tracker” Calderon Kincaid excels as a Navy SEAL. Since joining Eternal Brethren, he’d become a valued member of the undercover motorcycle club made up of active duty military. Quiet and unassuming, he handled each assignment with the precision of an expert, proud of the missions his team completed. His job didn’t keep him awake at night. That honor was reserved for the woman who’d stolen his heart. The woman who’d shoved him from her life after a perceived betrayal.
Juliana Stanifer Quintero’s life has been torn apart twice. Once as a young child when she and her sister were orphaned after a deadly airplane crash. The second as an adult when the man she loved shattered her trust. She hadn’t seen the decorated Navy SEAL who’d shredded her heart since the most painful night of her life. Not until she’d traveled to Liberty Lake to interview for a position at a local clinic.

Nate couldn’t do this again. He’d never refused an order until his commander, Wrath McCord, explained his next assignment. For a second time, he’d been assigned to a task force ordered to bring down the Quintero Cartel. He either accepts the order or kisses his career goodbye—the same choice he’d been given once before. Nate had chosen wrong.

He’ll not make the same mistake a second time.     AMAZON
                                                                                  5 STARS

Devoted is book five in the Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Series by best seller Shirleen Davies. It is a stand-alone, full-length novel with no cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA.

PLEASE NOTE: This series contains strong language common within the military. It is also a steamy romance with open door love scenes.

Mmm, Mmm good!  I hardly know where to start.  It was a story that I was waiting for and it didn't disappoint.  
Nate you have " a lot of 'splaining to do" but there are things that even he didn't know.  Six years of misery for these two just because they were cruelly separated. And the agent that helped screw up their lives is involved in this new op too.   But there is even another twist about that too.  One I didn't see coming. 
If you are looking for a story with a lot of high intensity action, this would be the book for you.  I enjoyed meeting up with the Eternal Brethren Team again.  And the way that Petty Officer Lane was introduced into the team made me smile.  I see some good times ahead story-wise with this new person. 
I mentioned the high octane adventures but I also liked that the people in the story are not written in a shallow way.

Juliana's sister Tory is a part of this story as well. Please tell me that there is a story coming about Tori and Moses .  I can relax I'm pretty sure there will be one and I'll be watching for it. 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”  

BOOK REVIEW- Texas Forever (The Tylers of Texas Book 6) by Janet Dailey *

Description

The one woman he didn’t dare touch …

From the moment Luke Maddox sets eyes on Erin Tyler, he can think of nothing else but laying claim to
Rimrock’s reigning beauty. But Erin is his boss’s daughter, and Luke knows Will Tyler has bigger plans for Erin’s future than a rough and tumble ranch hand with a brutal history and a talent for breaking hearts. Still, that can’t stop Luke from wanting her …

The one man she shouldn’t fall in love with …

As Rimrock Ranch’s heir apparent, Erin Tyler is expected to do the right thing, marry the right man, and take the reins of her family’s legacy when the time comes. Which is why she’s completely shaken by her attraction to her father’s latest hire. There’s something about the rugged, solitary stranger that calls to her soul. Is restless, independent Erin just feeling the familiar pull of her rebellious heart? Or is there something real happening between her and Luke? Something worth risking everything for …
AMAZON LINK
4 STARS


Slow start but with good details.  Details of the land and the families and how they fit. The main characters were good and had an excellent cast of supporting people too. 
After the slow start, the book does start to pick up at about 33% or so on my kindle.  When this story took off it really did. I'm glad that I stuck with it because things really got interesting and with a whole lot of action. Then it begin to really keep me riveted to the story. 
I enjoyed the quiet romance between Erin and Luke.  People and situations kept trying to get in the way.  But after they climb over all of that there is a H.E.A. headed their way.  I know that might have given part of the story away.  But you really don't know how all of that was worked out, now do you? 
I had to shake my head over Erin a time or two.  The things that she is keeping secret so that it doesn't overload her father.  I get it but still it's a dumb move.  Almost guaranteed to come back and bite her in the butt. Of course, her father hasn't exactly been totally upfront with some important things either.  
I do give Erin credit for being knowledgeable when it comes to the ranch and her love for breeding and training her horses. 

There is some irony when it comes to who the "trigger" is in this story.  But there is also a whole lot more danger hanging around this family.   And responsibility after responsibility keeps coming down on Erin's shoulders all at once.   Good thing that she comes from tough stock and was raised to be that way no matter what.  She's going to need every ounce of that.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
 

BOOK REVIEW- All He'll Ever Need A Little Child Shall Lead Them #1) by Loree Lough *

For Amish widower Phillip Baker, providing for his family in the wake of his wife's death means back-breaking work and renewed dedication to his faith. Still, his strength can’t help him relate to his little son’s struggles. It seems a godsend when new doctor Emily White is able to treat Gabe’s shyness and fear even as she helps heal him. But no matter how strongly Phillip is drawn to the caring Englisher from the city, their differences may be too great to overcome . . .

Reeling from her own tragic loss, Emily keeps loneliness at bay through her clinic work. Somehow, though, Gabe and his gentle, sad-eyed father are making her want to risk opening her heart again. But can she find acceptance in their Plain world—and a way to turn their separate lives into a family forever? . . .  AMAZON  4 STARS


I took a chance on this book.   Why you might ask? Because I could probably count on one hand the books I liked that had a Amish background to it.  I didn't want to be disappointed again.  I think that I can safely say that I wasn't disappointed.
The main characters were really good.  It wasn't hard to like Emily and Phillip.  Both individually and as two people who were interacting together.  The attraction developed very quickly but they were also in some pretty serious situations with his son Gabe too.  Now, Gabe there was another really good main character as well.  He was sweet, smart and also incredibly ill.
  I liked that Emily had a heart as big as all outdoors and continually showed it.  She has a loving family and she is especially close to Pete, Pete is one interesting guy who is fun, charming and skilled at his job.  He is also Emily's best friend.   Emily was so tender and professional with Gabe and she was also being drawn towards Phillip more and more.  She sure wasn't sure how that could ever work out if it ended up going anywhere at all.
Gabe was such a hardworking, honest man with a huge struggle with his faith in God  and the rules that his community were always trying to put on him.   They didn't fit and I have to say that even though they were the New Order of their faith, the Bishop sure tried to force  people into his image and his way of doing things. The thing is that Phillip had some legitimate questions that continually got pushed aside. Even his mother was constantly harping on him to do things HER way. .  He was practically working himself almost to death and he was so unappreciated!  I have to say that I really dislike bullies and that's what the Bishop and Sarah his mother came across as.  She was so negative at first that it made ME want to scream.  But hold on, she does have redeeming qualities, so not all is lost. 
Hannah who is his sister is more in Phillip's corner than I expected.  I guess I figured she would follow the party line really close.  But we get to see there are some things that they agree on and the love for each other shines through. 
There is a totally unexpected twist towards the end that really is a tearjerker. But there is also a good H.E.A. for Emily, Phillip and Gabe. It made for a good ending.  
 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Hold On to Me (Return to Haven Book 3) by Jules Bennett

 

 Description

When three best friends decide to stretch their wings and revamp the local airport in small-town Haven, Georgia, the destination is laughter and love . . .

Jade McKenzie left her high-society family’s expectations behind when she came back to cozy Haven, and she’s never been happier. But what’s supposed to be a quick trip to Nashville for a cousin’s wedding turns into a disaster when one of the airport’s pilots offers to fly her there. One crash landing and a shared room later, and tattooed, bearded Cash Miller is standing in as her gorgeously unsuitable plus-one—and turning her on in ways she can’t deny. But a relationship? A real one? That’s definitely in the no-fly zone. 

Vincent “Cash” Miller doesn’t have much in the world, but he does have pride—and a strict policy not to let anyone trash-talk his friends, not even their mothers. Standing up for sexy, headstrong Jade comes naturally—but so does the bone-deep itch for her he’s always wanted to scratch. Giving in to attraction is one thing, but commitment is another. So why does it feel like together, love might take them to breathtaking heights? AMAZON LINK   4 STARS

What great main characters.  I adored them both!  There were so different from each other but still they also kept finding some things that they were alike or at least similar.    Both of them were also so deep in the Denial Trench that they could barely see other the rim!  You know that Denial Trench about this being just a fling.  
They had some really good support from close friends that they shared.  Of course, they are hiding and lying to those same beloved friends (and some family) so that they can keep things secret.
Another part of the story was the fact that each one of the friends including Jade and Cash were building something great together.  Something that would not only keep Haven, Georgia alive but to cause it to grow and prosper. 
Something that I found interesting but didn't really understand at first was  Jade's asking people close to her "would you rather ___or would you rather___?  She offered up two options with those questions.  It seemed odd to me at first until I realized it was a childhood coping measure.  She called it the "would you rather game."  After seeing her interactions with her domineering mother I could see why she needed it.  
I ended up enjoying this book.  The snarky interactions when Cash was pushing "Red's" buttons were often funny.  Man, she hated being called Red and he knew it but didn't back off about it either.  He wasn't being mean but they really did annoy each other.  They just hadn't realized that there was more to it than that.  
The emotional challenges were easy to understand and I liked the way the story ended.   

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Sapphire Flames (A Hidden Legacy Novel #4) by Ilona Andrews

Description

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrew comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…
In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.
But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.
To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.   AMAZON LINK
                                                          5+ STARS

What great world-building.  I barely got into it and was finding it really easy to be pulled into the story. And what about the people you ask?  They were really good but especially Catalina who I thought was outstanding.   She wasn't anything like I expected.  She was way better.
Catalina wasn't the only great character.  There was depth of description of each person and magical skills with each one.  Even the "monsters" were really well done  and scary.    A couple of times I wondered if I had been dropped into  the Twilight Zone.  But I mean that in the best possible way.  Because the emotions and interactions were good and there was humor too.  Some of the interactions between Catalina and Alessandro made me grin.  The whole part where Catalina was making salsa for the family and swaggering Alessandro shows up is really funny! The other people who were there and witnessed it was almost as funny.  I know I giggled right along with them. 
 I have to admit more than once I was right there with Catalina when it came to "who is the real Alessandro?"    It was fun with the different names that Catalina had for his persona's.  "Instagram Alessandro" was one of my favorites.
Is it unpredictable, you ask?   Absolutely!  And I loved every minute of that!!
There is a huge twist at the end.  One I was half-afraid was coming. But in the end, all it did was make me want to see MORE of Catalina and Alessandro.  But I do have ask, how in the world could this author top this book with other adventures?
By the way, the cover for this eBook was one of the reasons I stopped along the way to find out more about this book.  I'm so glad it caught my eye and I read the book.


   “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Infiltration (Omega Sector Book 1) by Janie Crouch

 Part 1 of the Omega Sector series

She never expected to see her old flame again. Or be kidnapped by him. The wrong place at the wrong timethat's the only way Sophia Reardon could explain her predicament. She wasn't even an FBI field agent and now she was being taken hostage. By her ex-boyfriend Cameron Branson. The moment Sophia walked into his undercover operation, Cameron warned her that his employers would want to break her. So keeping her by his side, pretending not to have feelings for her, was the best way to maintain his role in the dangerous organization, and the only way to keep them both safe. Because if they got their hands on her, she could expose him and his secrets. And then they'd no longer have any reason to keep her around   AMAZON LINK
                                                                         5 STARS

The book had a dramatic start and the tension just kept on going.  Edge of the seat reading would be a really good way to put it. 
I liked how realistic most of it was.

Great main characters who pulled me in right away.  Unpredictable things happened and each time as "situation" came up I was thinking, "how are they going to get out of this one?"  They came up with creative thinking and actions to pull them out of one danger after another.  Every once in a while Cam would do something that made me think it was odd and a bit stupid.  Odd that a seasoned undercover pro hadn't thought to check on that.  But I'm not saying that endangered my enjoyment of the story because it didn't. 
About the time you think it couldn't get more intense, it totally does.  It ends even more dramatically than when it started.  
I liked the list of the cast of characters that was included in the book.  That was a nice touch.

There is also an excerpt for a book by Joanna Wayne titled, " Midnight Rider."

 

BOOK REVIEW- The Sheikh's Instant Family (The Safar Sheikhs Series Book 2) Leslie North *

 Sheikh Amad has always gone with his gut, which is why his ventures abroad have multiplied his tribe’s wealth and business connections. But with his 30th birthday approaching—and with expectations that he be married by then—he’s got to go home soon...That means leaving his life in Las Vegas, and Vanessa, the sexy waitress he’s falling for, behind.

Vanessa Hammerman has had to work for everything she’s ever had, left by every man from her father on up. Sheikh Amad has been fun, but she’s not thinking of a long-term commitment with a Middle Eastern prince. She’d rather keep it fun…until the pregnancy test comes back positive. Now she’s out on the biggest limb of her life: Will this man run from her, too? Or will he be the one to stay?

It seems like fate when Vanessa tells Amad he’s going to be a father, and his marriage proposal is instantaneous. It’s the perfect solution for fulfilling his duty while at the same time satisfying his heart. But when he brings her home to his tribe, he realizes his independent, Western bride might not work so well in the traditional structure of the Middle East.

Vanessa has put everything on the line for this: her heart, her career, and her life. So when she refuses to fall in line with Amad’s expectations, they begin to doubt if they can make it work. But if they take the chance, love could become the biggest win of their lives.

 AMAZON LINK   3.5 STARS

This was a fun, fast story, with not real deep but good main characters.  I liked both Vanessa and Amad and the jokes that they shared between them.  They were cute and funny. 
 Amad was the businessman who loved being in Las Vegas and even when he returned home was still in non-traditional suits.  He was fun loving and out-going.  So, he's one progressive Sheikh right?  Well, he is until something happens to point out that he has more pride in traditional roles between men and women.  Oh, oh.  This going to be a problem that they didn't see coming.  Especially for Vanessa who thought she was getting a solid, fun loving equal.  A teammate, someone to work together with to build a life with.  Of course, she is also putting it all on the line for him,  even though she doesn't really believe in fairy tale endings.
There are fairly good secondary characters although the story doesn't  get super deep with them. 
 As you would expect there is sex between Amed and Vanessa, both before and after they got married.  
There is a H.E.A. with a welcome Epilogue. 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Margo & George Forever?: a Romantic Comedy by Stephanie Queen *

 There was no question in Margo's heart of hearts that she loved George. She really did want to marry him--scratch that--she really did want to be married to him.
There was a difference.
She hoped to heaven that the teeny-tiny distinction wouldn't be their undoing...

The stage is set for the wedding of the year in New York City featuring poor sweet beautiful Margo marrying the most eligible (read that: handsome and wealthy) bachelor, Regal Stores heir and CEO, George Regal, III. The Regal family has long presided over the social and fashion scene in Manhattan and they have embraced the marriage with enough enthusiasm to create a circus.
That could be why Margo feels like she's in the center ring and about to be swallowed by a lion.
But the best things about George, the strong powerful CEO, are the ones he's not known for, like his small thoughtful gifts, the crystal angel Christmas tree ornament he'd given her, the way he holds her hand at odd moments, the way he bear-hugs his grandma whenever he sees her and the way he speaks with misty eyes about his late mother.
Of course Margo wants to spend the rest of her life with him... if she could just get past the family’s ‘enthusiasm’ and THE WEDDING.   AMAZON LINK
                                                             4 STARS

This book was even better than I had hoped for.
It was a fast story that was charming, funny and emotional.  If you ever wanted to get a good look into wedding nerves, this one did a great job of showing it.
True love, that's what both Margo and George had going for them.  Margo also has great friends.  Now if only George's family would back it up a bit.  Oh, she loved having more family now but they were a bit over the top when it came to "helping" her plan her wedding.  What she wanted went by the way side some time ago.   This gal really needed to learn how to say no and say it effectively.  Although I do understand her reasons why she found that hard.   The one family member that Margo really felt the best being around was George's grandmother and she seemed really down to earth.  
This really was a smile-worthy story that I enjoyed.  It really flew by fast but with a good ending.  
By the way, what an attractive eBook cover! 

BOOK REVIEW- Pacific Blue A Coastal Romance by Kristina Luckey *

 
 Description
Art first. Love later…or so she thought.
Sea life sculptor Piper Diaz is tired of being pressured to conform. She is never marrying, joining her family’s investment firm, or moving from her tiny industrial loft. Her sole focus is getting her artwork shown. And screw anyone who’s told her to drop the hobby. Nothing will stop her now that Pacific Blue Fine Art Gallery has agreed to show her sculptures. Things are finally going her way…
That is until entrepreneur and businessman Alex Hutton purchases the gallery and has zero interest in unknown artists. He gives her a choice to work for him or quit.
Alex has sunk all his money into reimagining Pacific Blue and turning it into a premier gallery. He won’t be distracted and certainly not by the beautiful Latina glaring at him. Still, there’s something about Piper he can’t shake, regardless of his heart-shattering past. Pacific Blue must open in a month or he loses everything. Working alongside Piper might just cause him to lose his heart along with his investment.  AMAZON LINK
                      4 STARS

The  main characters were good ones.  They each had their own challenges of course.  Petite Piper had huge passion but just couldn't seem to catch a break professionally.  Even though her art was top flight.  She defined the phrase of struggling artist.
Alex was trying his best to get his premier gallery off the ground.  He needed known, established, money making artist to make that work.  He had no time for the work of unknown artist Piper.   Oh, you know they are going to butt heads.  
This was an emotional story with several other issues but with also some good secondary people in the story. I liked Alex's brother Nick and the hovering health question.  Piper's mother and father loved her but man could they push their agenda's.  I liked how well Alex understood how Piper was feeling. He observed  that on one hand her father called her his princess and then proceeded to then verbally tear her down.  To him that was NOT okay.
 There is also well detailed locales, well detailed food and drink.  Also some underwater adventures as well.   
I liked how the story ended, complete with a good Epilogue.   

  “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Temptation (Bad Angels Book 2) by Inara Scott

Description

As close friends and coworkers, attorney Zoe Riva and tech genius Connor Ashton know they can never get involved.
Never.
Ever.
Until a scooter accident lands Zoe in Connor's arms—and his overnight custody—and she starts to see a man she's never seen before. With her career and her heart on the line, Zoe can't afford to take any chances. But when combustible chemistry takes over, even the smartest people in the room can make the biggest of mistakes…
Each book in the Bad Angels series is STANDALONE:  AMAZON LINK
                                                                                                5+ STARS

I think I just fell in love.  No, wait.  I KNOW that I fell in love with this story!!  I'm still kind of reeling from how much I enjoyed it!  It's a keeper! It was quirky and yet so much deeper and different than I was even expecting it to be.  Oh and I don't want to forget to mention that it was also funny at times.  And that picture on the front of the eBook was kind of misleading but in a good way.  Here I was thinking that from the picture Connor was going to be a bad boy biker and possibly a player. Don't get me wrong though, the picture is accurate but my assumptions weren't.   This book just kept bringing me surprise after surprise. 
 The depth of the main characters was excellent.  I liked sassy, spunk, smart, energetic Zoe.  She fought the odds in business and she usually won!   I liked how one friend told a newcomer to the group that if he found himself in court opposite Zoe..run don't walk. He wasn't fully kidding either.  Connor was uncomfortable in social situations and made them as few as possible.  But boy did he have some good qualities though.   
The supporting cast of secondary people kept things interesting.  There was a mix of friends between Connor and Zoe, which KEPT things interesting.   Speaking of that Connor's mother Leticia was not anything like you would expect.   But it explains a lot of why Connor is like how he is.  Leticia and her "gang" of GPG's brought more than one smile as well.  
This is of course an emotional story at times but it ends extremely well.  The Epilogue at the end shows how things are moving forward to the ...H.E.A. 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

 

BOOK REVIEW- What a Scot Wants (Tartans and Titans, #3) by Amalie Howard

Description

Highlander Ronan Maclaren must marry, but he’s in no particular hurry. He’s perfectly happy as the laird of his clan, running the Maclaren Whisky Distillery, and besides, he just hasn’t found the right woman.
Lady Imogen Kinley has cleverly avoided wedlock for years. Men, she has learned from painful experience, are not to be trusted. Determined to remain independent, she takes an indecent amount of pleasure in making herself as unattractive to potential suitors as possible.
When desperate measures are taken by their parents and a betrothal contract is signed, it’s loathing at first sight. They each vow to make the other cry off—by any means necessary. But what starts out as a battle of wits...quickly dissolves into a battle of wills.     AMAZON LINK
                                                                                                  4 STARS


I really liked this book. It was also hysterically funny!   These two were SO creative when it came to how they were trying to chase off the other.  There were more than a couple of times when I laughed out loud at their  shenanigans.  And the way the author described some it made it even funnier. I'm thinking about Imogen and her showing up with a draft horse to a park filled with society people.  "A massive horse about nine hundred yeas old, plodded along the street, slower than ice could freeze."  Yes, that one did make me laugh out loud for sure.  I think I might have even giggled for a while too!

It's not all fun and games though because there are some unscrupulous people lurking around both Imogen and Ronan.  And they are dead serious on getting what they want. All of that leads to a whole lot of action.  It also caused me to wonder how in the world Imogene was going to escape an ex-fiance Silas and his obsession with her.  
It all comes to a dramatic end and with a sweet Epilogue.


 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- How To Love A Duke in Ten Days (Devil You Know, #1) by Kerrigan Byrne

Description

These men are dark, bold, and brave. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...
Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past—one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.
LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.   AMAZON LINK 5 STARS


Just letting you know that you might need to brace yourself for the opening scenes in the opening chapter.  But it also sets the scene for a secret the rest of the book.  A secret that is mentioned  that Alexandra was being blackmailed for. 
The Red Rogues was made up of three redheaded young women at a posh girl's academy.  Alexandra, Cecelia and Francesca were intelligent young women who wanted to learn more than just deportment and all the "skills" that society wanted them to learn.  They yearned to pursue subjects that boys were allowed but girls were not.  They also began to teach themselves languages, to drink like gentlemen did among other things.   The bond was strong and became even stronger after "The Incident".    They never called it that but I am using that phrase so I don't give too much away.  These girls were so different in personalities but so much the same when it came to loyalty.  I enjoyed that a lot.  After having read this book I now want to know each of their stories too! 
 I'll admit about  mid-way through the book I had a suspicion of who the blackmailer was.  And I wanted to rush through to see if I was right.  But I held myself back because the story was just too good to rush through.  I'm sure glad that I waited, the blackmailer wasn't who I thought it was and turned out to be a surprise. 

 Other twists, turns, and surprises are included in the story.  And also a lot of emotions and mistrust which made this a really good story. So often Alexandra and Piers would make a good step forward and then doubts would come in and they would be back 3 steps and have to start all over. Piers was huge and fierce but that's not all that he was.   But he'd also been hurt emotionally and not just from his facial scarring.  He's used to being suspicious of people because of his title and wealth.  Women especially had proved unfaithful beginning with his mother.  So, you can see there is a strike against Alexandra before things even get started. 
Am I satisfied with the ending though?  You betcha!

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Tangled Threat by Heather Graham *

Description

Some things you can’t forget.

A body hanging from the infamous History Tree unraveled their teenage love. Now Maura Antrim is again tangled up with Brock McGovern. Twelve years later, they’re back where that murder occurred—where Brock had been arrested and then released, where Maura had run, too scared to stand by his side. But with two women missing, and Brock now an FBI agent, Maura is determined to help. Together, they’ll have to confront a threat that never died and see if their passion has withstood the test of time.   AMAZON
                        3.5 STARS

This book was kind of hard to rate.  I admired how well written it was. It was very detailed. It also had some pretty good world building too.  The major players of the book were pretty well fleshed out as well.  However for me, I found the pace slow and so filled with historical places and legends.   Like I said , that was well done but I could  have done with less of that.  
Maura and Brock were both good main characters and I would  have liked to see more of them and less of the legends.   They could have used a bit more depth to their characters interactions with each other.

It does get extra points though for a few startling twists towards the end of the book.  The mysteries gets solved and everything tied up with nothing left undone. 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- How to Marry a Princess (Bravo Royales Series #5) by Christine Rimmer *

 
 A Bravo princess always gets her man—and she'll settle for nothing less than true love in the newest addition to USA TODAY bestselling author Christine Rimmer's popular miniseries, The Bravo Royales!
Alice Bravo-Calabretti was expected to conduct herself like a proper princess. No more impulsive jaunts to neighboring countries. No more tabloid escapades. But the hot new stable hand was a scandal waiting to happen. His bold blue eyes and come-hither smile could tempt a Bravo Royale to misbehave. Until Alice discovered her "penniless groom" was an American tycoon looking for a princess bride!
Alice was everything Noah Cordell wanted in a wife. But his royal heartthrob refused to say "I do" until he gave up his most carefully guarded secret. And she wouldn't settle for anything less than everything he had to give. Only then could they share a true meeting of minds and hearts—Bravo-Cordell style! AMAZON LINK
                        3 STARS

I liked it.  It was different. Also emotional with good main characters and good world building.  It was also a fairly fast story to read.

 There were also members of Alice's family included.  Her brother Damien (or Dami as Alice called him) in particular was a minor person in the book.  But it also looks like he gets his story in a book after this one.   A person who plays a fairly big part of the story is Noah's sister  Lucy.   The way that Noah and Lucy grew up explains a lot about how Noah tries to control things.   The "L" word is not something that trips off his tongue.  He's used to laying down the law and people get in line.  He's not abusive but he is determined and skilled at getting what he wants.  
Alice is attracted to Noah and cares about him but nobody is going to tell her how to live.  You can see where some of the fireworks are going to come from. 
There is a H.E.A. to the story as situations are worked through.
 

BOOK REVIEW- All He Wants for Christmas (American Heroes: The Firefighters #3) .by Jill Shalvis

 
Heat up your holidays with this reader-favorite novella by New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis!

EMT Dustin Mauer has made it clear that his Christmas mission is to convince tough firefighter Cristina Lewis that she’s in love with him. But Cristina lives and breathes her job, and there’s no place in her life for a relationship—though she has to admit that Dustin’s lean, chiseled body and low, whiskey-thick voice still tempt her. But even Dustin can only take so much rejection. Can she admit that all she wants this Christmas—and every Christmas—is him, before it’s too late?
AMAZON LINK
3.5 STARS

I liked this book but I wouldn't say that it dug in very deep into all of Cristina's issues.  You get a glimpse of some of them.  But considering that it's a novella with a low number of pages, I enjoyed what was there. 
It had good main characters, supporting secondary people and a fought for H.E.A.  

I'm still a fan of this author's work but this probably wasn't a favorite one for me.  It needed a bit more time.  

BOOK REVIEW- The Sheikh's Wife Arrangement (The Safar Sheikhs Series Book 1) by Leslie North*

 Ancient law dictates that Sheikh Fatim Safar has to marry or be disinherited by his 30th birthday. Fatim isn’t worried—he married years earlier and had two children with his wife before she died. But there’s a catch: the law states he must be married at age 30. Two weeks from his 30th birthday, there’s no time to change it or fight it...it’s more expedient to marry.

Calla Clark is out to prove her parents wrong. Instead of marrying well like her mother wanted, Calla’s in the Middle East to prove her design prowess. And what better way to do that then becoming seamstress for the royal family and getting to drape fabric over the sexy Sheikh’s rock-hard body. She can’t act on her temptations, of course. She’s got goals to crush. Still, when she watches the way the Sheikh commands his tribe, and cares for his kids, she can’t help but feel an undeniable attraction.

Fatim has taken a liking to Calla, too. She’s smart, thoughtful, and good with his children. With his birthday right around the corner, Fatim offers her the position as his wife. It’s only temporary, and in return for marrying him and helping with his children, he’ll give her everything she needs for the upcoming Fashion Week. Calla agrees...so long as he helps keep her dream alive.

With so many differences between them, Fatim and Calla’s powerful pairing could raise the tribe up to modern heights, or send it to the bin like last season’s cast-offs.
AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

This book had it's charming moments with fairly good main characters.   The ancient law was an odd requirement but there really wasn't any way around it.
Calla had a lot of skills other than just her unique style and brilliance as a clothing designer.  One that started to shine was her ability and enjoyment of problem solving and coming up with wise ideas.  
Fatim was beginning to enjoy his time with Calla as his wife, his Queen.  That had him backpedaling many times, times that hurt Calla.  He had this thought, this fear that love would destroy his life and his being a good ruler.  He loved his children, his family and his people.  But a woman in that position?  He had drawn some erroneous ideas about that.  And a lot of that had to do with his own pride.
Fatim's children of course, add to the story without taking over the whole story.  Something that I felt did kind of take over parts of the story was the marital sex.  And there was quite a bit of that.  
The story includes an Epilogue which I enjoyed. The story also had  some humor in it. Overall, I would say that most of the story was somewhat predictable.  If you are looking for a fast, not real deep story with a H.E.A. then this one is for you.

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.” 

BOOK REVIEW- Fast by Gillian Archer *

Description

Family means everything to this tattooed bad boy--good thing since he's about to start his own.
I wanted her the first time I laid eyes on her. But what starts as a fun time, quickly gets serious when the stick turns pink a month later. My life is already chaos with my recently paroled father popping up and the usual drama at the family business building custom motorcycles. Plus our reality show just got picked up for a full season.
But it really hits the fan when I discover that the new woman in my life is the daughter of the President of the West Coast Kings, the baddest motorcycle club in Sacramento--and our biggest client. Think he'll like being called Grandpa?
Life just got hella complicated.
A standalone book in the Burns Brothers series    AMAZON LINK
                                                                                      3 STARS

If you haven't figured it out already this is definitely an adult story.  The language was filled with a whole lot of "F's" which I didn't really enjoy all that much.  So I had to skim over that as best as I could.  Yes, I guess I should have expected some of that but still...

Both Hope and Ryan each share their P.O.V.'s  which was good.  However, maybe I am too old for this story.  Because Hope's naivety was so strong that it almost made my back teeth ache. She's a nice enough girl with a few problems before this deal of getting pregnant.  I did begin to like her better although it didn't feel like her character ever really got that deep. 
Hope and Ryan also had their moments of being awkward with each other.  Let's face it they were attracted to each other but didn't really know each other either. 
Ryan was a whole lot more interesting person. Even with some of his wild ways he was a whole lot mature than Hope.   Of course seeing how he grew up, he had to grow up fast.  It was good to see that his Aunt Wendy and his oldest brother was there to hep him when he was young.  There is a lot of friction between his brother and himself though and Ryan was tired of being seen as the screw up.
Yes, daddy dearest is one huge problem looking for a  place to explode.  Ryan sees that crystal clear but his youngest brother Dylan is getting pulled in.  Both Ryan and Dylan were too young to remember their father but Ryan knew enough about people to get his dad's number. 
 The secondary people in the story are good ones and that includes both Hope and Ryan's families.  
Things hit the fan in an unexpected way towards the end but the conclusion was a good one.  Things are dealt with all except what to do about Ryan's dad, who I think of as "Daddy Dearest".  I'm thinking that will probably happen in another book.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”


 

BOOK REVIEW- Shadow (Linear Tactical #6) by Janie Crouch

 Heath Kavanaugh lost years of his life working for a covert agency that ended up being the enemy. Knowing they put something inside his head—constant, incomprehensible whispers—is driving him crazy.

He needs answers, but they’re nowhere to be found.

What he definitely doesn't need is to fall hard for his Linear teammate's younger sister, Jacquelyn—the adorable linguistics doctoral student who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Especially when Heath’s attention puts her directly in the path of a danger he thought was gone for good. To stop it, they’ll have to figure out what’s in his head. And hope it doesn’t destroy them all.
AMAZON LINK
5+ STARS

I just finished reading this book and loved it so much that I hardly know where to start.  I do know that it rates a 5+ Star rating from me when Amazon opens up for the reviews.
Let me start with the woman in this story....Lyn Norris.  Well, there's more to her name just like there is more to this story.  I'm not going to ruin it by explaining that because you can discover it just like I did.  Just let me say that this woman was one interesting person and I can say that I have never encountered a main character like her..  Because yes, she will be a main character in this story as well.  Boy, can she keeps secrets and she has been keeping them from her overprotective family.  She was so shy and bookish in the beginning but just watch her grow.  She can be my best friend any day! 
Heath now there was another great main character.  Every time he thinks he's getting close to the answers he needs "Poof" something happens to the source and he's right back where he started.  Which is frustratingly nowhere. 
There is plenty of secrets, action, twists and turns and the surprises just keep coming.  You won't get confused but you will stay involved. 
I enjoyed the game of how many languages can we swear in game that played out between Lyn and Heath.  That was fun and different.  I also enjoyed how Lyn picked up on the non-verbal code that the was second nature to both her brother Gavin and the guys with all the specialized training.  That included her cousin Noah and some of the team members who were all working together to make things right.
What about the romance, you ask?   Sweet, tender and a relationship that is growing even amidst all the danger. 
The story comes to a rip-roaring conclusion with a very good Epilogue.  Which to be honest I ALWAYS want to see. 

  “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

 



 

BOOK REVIEW- Mommy Loves the IT Guy (Mommy's Little Matchmakers Book 3) by Joanne Dannon

 Her life is in Australia. His is in small-town USA. Can a newfound love overcome the oceans between them? Read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Abby Morgan’s whole life turned upside down when she adopted her ten-year-old daughter, Skylah. So when her best friend calls her back to her hometown thousands of miles away, she jumps at the chance to ground herself in her roots… and maybe run into her old flame while she’s at it.

Noah Marshall always liked Abby, but as his little sister’s best friend, she was always way off limits. Now she’s back in town and looking better than ever, but her harried lifestyle just doesn’t seem to mesh with the structured order he needs to get through his days. Spending time with Abby and Skylah, however, slowly begins to change his mind—and his heart.

Unfortunately, little Skylah wants nothing to do with Noah or the small Virginia town he calls home. Can he win over the daughter, and convince the mother that the three of them were always meant for each other? Or will they bid him farewell once and for all?  AMAZON LINK
                                                                                                   3 STARS


This was a quick, fun story with interesting main characters.   A good summer read.
Skylar adds so much to the story.  Even though she has been loved by Abby for 2 years she still struggles with abandonment issues.  She lives in semi-fear of being returned to her neglectful family or even go to to a foster system.  
I liked that we got to read both Noah and Abby's point of view.
Noah had such a supportive family.  One that Abby has known and loved for years.  Emma was her best friend growing up.  And the friendship is still strong. 
The romance between Noah and Abby is slow and sure which was nice.  
There is a sweet H.E.A. 
 

BOOK REVIEW- There goes the Bride by Jami Albright

This was  good, solid quick story that I enjoyed.  It was a pretty full story too considering that it was a novella.  I liked the main characters and that they had a love that was worth fighting for.
Paige had turned her life around so dramatically starting over practically from scratch.   Will was such a good guy who loved her with every fiber of his body and soul.  And Paige was set to protect him and his family in any way that she could from HER family.
Good conclusion with a sweet ending.  

I received a free copy of this book from the author with no requirement to leave a review. 

BOOK REVIEW- The Bushranger's Wife by Cheryl Adnams *

Description

How do you tame a wild colonial boy? With an even wilder colonial girl.
Central Highlands of Victoria 1861
Jack the Devil's reputation precedes him. The most notorious bushranger on the Central Highlands, nothing throws him off his game-until he holds up Prudence Stanforth and her grandmother. Jack can't help but be captivated by the feisty Pru and her lack of fear in the face of danger.
Weeks later, Pru crosses paths with the respectable businessman Jack Fairweather, and it's not long before she recognises him as the bushranger who stole her favourite necklace. His price for the locket's return is a kiss-a kiss that ignites sparks in them both.
When Pru discovers her grandmother has been keeping a devastating secret, running away with Jack the Devil is the perfect escape for her broken heart. The dangerous nature of his less than salubrious occupation is a poetic contradiction to her sheltered upbringing, and only fuels their passion.
But as life becomes more complicated, will the return of dark elements from Jack's past ruin their chance at happiness?  AMAZON 3 STARS

Charming, different and unusual would be some pretty good ways to describe this book.
This book also had interesting main characters in unusual circumstances. Jack and Pru couldn't be more different than if they had tried.  One thing they did have in common was the desire for adventure. Oh, and of course their mutual attraction.  And what a way for them to first meet.
The secret that Pru's grandmother has kept from her is a cruel one.   And is quite the surprise for Pru and quite the plot twist for me, the reader.   
As gentle as Pru could be, she could also be fierce, determined and clever. Of course, that's not counting some of the STUPID things that she did.  Some of those had me shaking my head. 
Jack came up the hard way learning to be a thief as a teenager to survive.  When he held up people he was also especially charming and non-violent.  That last part is especially important to the story.
There are a few good secondary people; like Bobby and Katie add to the story. 
Things hit the fan in an unexpected way as does the conclusion of the story.



 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- His Sweet Hellion (The Marriage Maker Book 26) by Tarah Scott*

 Branded a deserter, Rhys Macleod has been stripped of his command, his title, and has been dishonorably discharged from the army. He has retreated to the quiet solitude of Blackstone Abbey in hopes of forgetting the country and family that has abandoned him. But his peace is shattered when his best friend’s sister shows up to avenge her brother’s death and Rhys comes face to face with his broken promise to care for his friends beautiful sister.

Emma Bamfield refuses to let her brother’s death go unpunished. The deserter who got him and the rest of his unit slaughtered on the battlefield must die. When Emma discovers Captain Rhys Macleod is but an hour’s ride from Inverness, she sets out to shoot him. But shooting a man in the back turns out to be more difficult than Emma expected.   AMAZON Link  4 STARS

This is a fast moving story with really good main characters.  Emma is just struggling to stay alive.  She is is mourning the death of her brother.  She is practically poverty stricken but so far is managing to just keep her ahead above water.  Not that people are stepping up to try to help her.  That doesn't stop her from wanting to punish the man responsible for her brother's death.  The rumor says that is Rhys Macleod.  And his cowardice has caused the death of many others as well.
When the two meet, he isn't exactly what she expected. But then again neither is she. It doesn't take Emma long to realize Rhys has more honor in his little finger than most men. 

Everything comes to a good conclusion.  I enjoyed this fully packed shorter novel.  
It never did come out what the motive was for one woman.  She was pressuring Emma to sell her shop and move into a tiny room in her boardinghouse.  I can honestly say it didn't really matter that much in the end.  You got the feeling that the woman wasn't doing it out of the goodness of her heart.  But Emma comes out on top anyway.  
There is a bit of steam in the story, just to let you know.  

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.” 

BOOK REVIEW- KEEPING LUCY by T. Greenwood

From the author of Rust & Stardust comes this heartbreaking story, inspired by true events, of how far one mother must go to protect her daughter.
Dover, Massachusetts, 1969. Ginny Richardson's heart was torn open when her baby girl, Lucy, born with Down Syndrome, was taken from her. Under pressure from his powerful family, her husband, Ab, sent Lucy away to Willowridge, a special school for the “feeble-minded." Ab tried to convince Ginny it was for the best. That they should grieve for their daughter as though she were dead. That they should try to move on.
But two years later, when Ginny's best friend, Marsha, shows her a series of articles exposing Willowridge as a hell-on-earth--its squalid hallways filled with neglected children--she knows she can't leave her daughter there. With Ginny's six-year-old son in tow, Ginny and Marsha drive to the school to see Lucy for themselves. What they find sets their course on a heart-racing journey across state lines—turning Ginny into a fugitive.
For the first time, Ginny must test her own strength and face the world head-on as she fights Ab and his domineering father for the right to keep Lucy. Racing from Massachusetts to the beaches of Atlantic City, through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to a roadside mermaid show in Florida, Keeping Lucy is a searing portrait of just how far a mother’s love can take her.
AMAZON LINK  
5 STARS

Awesome story.  One that I have to admit scared me a bit.  Yes, the book blurb made me want to read it.  But I was also a bit afraid that it might be totally depressing and make me blubber all the way through.    It didn't do any of those things but it definitely was an emotional story.  One that kept me totally involved all the way through.  
I don't always like it when a story goes back and forth between the past and the current times.  But this one did it so well, that I didn't mind at all.  Mainly the years 1969 (when Lucy was born) and the then current year of 1971 was dealt with. There is also a few looks back at the years prior to those dates.  But it gave a great look into who the main characters were and who they HAD been.   1971 was the year when the truth finally hit Ginny.  It was a dramatic, painful hit that her best friend, Marsha brought to her attention.  It changes everything.   
Ab and Ginny were living lives that they had NEVER dreamed of.  And they were both trapped in their own ways.  They do have a precious little boy Peyton who hardly gets to see his father.  Because Ab's father practically has his whole life controlled in the ways that he wants.  And guilt holds Ab in place with a ferocious way.   Ab had never really won an argument with his father.  He ruled with his iron control, wealth and power.  
As you read the book, you can get the gist of some of what sweet Lucy's  story has been.
This was such a well written story with surprises along the way.  Even with people who surprisingly supported them as they ran for Lucy's life.  No it wasn't an underground railroad or anything like that.  But kind, loving people along the way.
I liked the way the story ended and how Ginny fought as hard as she did to protect the child she had been grieving over.  The betrayals that she had gone through were outrageous.  But she did end up growing a backbone because of that fight for Lucy.




“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Paris, Actually (3 sizzling summer reads) by Alix Nichols

 This box set includes 3 standalone romances set around a Parisian coffee shop:

THE DEVIL’S OWN CHLOE — Patient and strong, Hugo prides himself on being able to fix anything. Will his love save his high-school crush Chloe from herself, or will fixing her leave him broken?

“Few authors possess the ability to make a book both somber and funny the way Alix Nichols has done with this one.” (Up Close and Literal, a book blog)

AMANDA'S GUIDE TO LOVE — Maverick gambler Kes knows he's in trouble when he falls for It-girl Amanda after a one-night stand. Can he convince the snarky belle they're right for each other?

AN AUTUMN IN PARIS — For single mom Daniela, passion has come and gone. When she meets handsome vet Thomas, will she dare to love again?  AMAZON LINK  4 STARS

My thoughts on each:
 
THE DEVIL'S OWN CHLOE- -     I found this book to be different, quirky, charming and unusual. Part of that quirkiness I think comes from the main character, Chloe. She has some really twisted way of looking at things. That definitely keeps everything interesting. It also helps her go through men like they are water. No strings, no attachments, no real relationships. As I read the story I realized that Hugo was the eternal optimist, and Chloe is the master of doom and Murphy's Law. She's always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Even with all of that, I still really liked her. A lot. And Hugo? What's not to like about him? He's a good guy, in fact he's a great guy. He's never given up on Chloe although at times he doesn't totally understand what makes her tick.
I also have to make mention of there being other interesting secondary people in the story as well.

AMANDA'S GUIDE TO LOVE-   A different kind of love story. I liked both of the Main Characters but there was also times when Amanda was such a snot ( I mean snob) that I wanted to smack her in the head. Sometimes she was just trying to protect herself but oh she could be kind of mean. Of course I guess that where the Taming of the Shrew part comes in, right? Kes, was such a great guy, who puts up with all her snide comments and put downs with grace and goodness. To me, he was a "saint" with his ability to deal with her and still come out wanting her. He really "got" her, one of the few people who really did. There were several places in their interactions when I caught myself laughing right out loud. He actually thought a lot of the things she said were pretty funny. He wasn't looking for a nice, boring, carbon copy of a woman. And she was far from that, the only thing I can say is that he liked the challenge of a complicated woman.
Each chapter starts with a cute numbered Guideline, Rationale, Word of caution, Permissible Exceptions, Damage Control, and Pitfalls to Avoid. All of this is in Amanda's "Guide to Perfection". Sounds innocent enough doesn't it?
It is nice to be being back at LaBoheme again though. I've read several, maybe all in the Series and enjoyed them. One thing I will say about this book is that a few times, it did feel like it dragged a bit. But then when it began to pick back up again, things did begin to really move. I was very happy with the ending and it did end. No cliffhangers here.

AN AUTUMN IN PARIS by Alix Nichols
There are three different divided sections in this book.  It beginnings with Part 1 Daniela who is often called Dana.  Part 2 is the voice of Thomas; his point of view.  There is also a Part 3- which is BOTH of them each sharing their P.O.V.'s back and forth.  I found that was different but I did like it. 
Dana's son, Liviu had such an unusual name.  Well at least to me an American reader.  It also caused me to wonder about what the right pronunciation of his name was. And so I went and searched it and came up with several choices.   Liviu also has a dog; a fluff ball named Baloo who helps introduce Dana and Thomas originally.  Dana left quite the first impression.....*sigh how embarrassing and surprising. 
Thomas was quite the guy.  He was funny, loyal to a fault and he was a softie when it came to both animals and people.  He is a regular "Marshmallow Man".
 The relationship between Thomas and Dana was being slowly built but not in a way that was painfully slow.  As a reader, they exposed me to differing cultures, and some slang in languages.  It was a fun trip and I also ended up feeling like I had taken a romantic European trip from their adventure.  I also felt like the emotional parts of the story was handled well and felt realistic.  But not only was there emotions but the story made me smile more than once.  Some of that humor was provided by Liviu but Dana was no slouch when it came to witty humor.
I really liked that Liviu was part of this story because he also added so much.  His interactions with Dana and Thomas and even his grandmother were an enjoyable, believable thing.  So suited to his age and you got a pretty good look into his personality. 
Manon, a woman friend of Dana's adds some color and humor to the story.  She was a great friend. She also added a HUGE misunderstanding on the part of Thomas in the beginning.  It makes me smile again just remembering it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dana's Romanian mother, Ioana, the times that she showed up in the story. She was kind of flamboyant in a good way. I think Thomas put it best.  He realized that the way she dressed matched her personality.  That was so discerning  of him and kind too. 
Yes, the main characters do get together for world rocking sex.  And of course that is before the past shows up to rock their worlds in an unexpected not quite as good way.
Epilogue anyone?  Oh yes, I always want one of those.  And Daniela provides a good one from her P.O.V. 
It was kind of nostalgic to have some time spent at La Boheme since I have read some of the other books by Alix Nichols that featured it.
I just have to add how attractive I thought the eBook cover is.
 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”