Review: Second Chance on Cypress Lane

Second Chance on Cypress Lane by Reese Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reporter Dakota Jones has high dreams for her career but all that ends when she finds herself embroiled in a scandal that ruins her reputation. After losing her weekend anchor position, Dakota decides to return home to Holly Grove, out of the spotlight. The only problem is in a small town, she is bound to run into the man who was once her first love.

Dexter Roberts ended his relationship with Dakota when they were teens but he has never forgotten his first love. When he learns Dakota has returned home, Dex knows he has to grab this second chance to make things right. He has never loved anyone like her and hopes they can move forward from the past to an even better future.

Reese Ryan delivered in this second chance romance! I loved Dakota and Dexter's story and found them believable. I love small town reads and how she was able to effortlessly bring the town and beach to life using her descriptions. Dexter was such a great and well-written character. I could feel his sincerity and I found myself rooting for him. I could see how he changed from a youth to a man and there is nothing sexier than a man who goes after what he wants--respectfully, of course.

I think readers who love sweet readers will eat this up. This is the first in this series and I believe the other books will be just as good. Reese Ryan has set up the supporting characters to provide for so many good tales. I look forward to more in this series.
Thank you #Netgalley and #Forever

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Review: Off Limits Attraction

Off Limits Attraction by Jayci Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jihae Park keeps a cool face no matter what is happening. Yet, she has a hard time keeping it together when she meets film producer, Colin Song. He recruits her to invest in his movie and the two vow to remain professional though there is an almost immediate attraction. An attraction that grows into a hot affair which might become something more. If only Colin didn't have a secret that could destroy their romance.
Off Limits Attraction is my second read by Jayci Lee, and I have seen so much growth in this work. I felt like she took the time to build the right setting and plot points that made this a strong story. The descriptions made me feel like I was in the story. On another note, I loved that this featured Asian characters and the cover is simply beautiful.
Colin and Jihae were hot together and I read this in hours. I loved how each character came into their own and I felt for Jihae's character. I was so glad to see her development and empowerment.
I look forward to reading more from this author. I feel she is going to get better with each book she writes.
Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin for the chance to read and provide a honest review.

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Review: Back in the Texan's Bed

Back in the Texan's Bed by Naima Simone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ross Edmond is shocked to learn the only woman who he loved has given him a son. He is eager to know his child and suggests they move in together to coparent. Charlotte Jarrett, a chef, returns home after three years to take a job at the restaurant Sheen to further her career. Soon, she runs into her old love and she discovers the fire between them hasn't died. Both Ross and Charlotte rekindle their relationship though past hurt and pain still lingers. Pretty soon, they have to decide if they can have a future or if a common enemy will come between them once again.
Whew!
This is my second Harlequin read by Naima Simone. Ross struggled with his parents' rejection and I worried he would never come into his own. Fortunately, he has met the right woman in Charlotte and his son has given him the impetus to be a better man. This conflict with Ross and his parents drove a lot of the storyline and Naima Simone's talent kept me reading until I was done. This author is a whiz at writing insanely hot love scenes and brings quality to Harlequin's Desire line. I loved her use of descriptives and she has a creative flair that makes me want to read more of her work. I look forward to reading whatever she pens because I know I will not just be entertained but I'll be sucked into the story until the very end.
Fans of second chances will not be disappointed in this read. And, can I take a moment and rave about the cover? It is beautiful like most of the Desire line. Kudos to the designer!
Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin

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Review: Scandal in the VIP Suite

Scandal in the VIP Suite by Nadine Gonzalez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nina Taylor ventures to Miami to celebrate her mother's death. She arrives at the Sand Castle only to learn that the two bedroom suite that should have been hers has been given to actor, Julian Knight. Because of a mix-up, she gets a chance to peek into the suite and encounters the actor. Once they realize that the hotel is booked, Julian offers for her to stay in the guest room. She accepts his offer and soon they share a scorching kiss.

From the moment they met, the electricity between them could not be denied. This is my first time reading this author. She brings a vivid description of Miami and Florida life. I enjoyed the storyline and thought the attraction between Nina and Julian sizzled. I finished this read really quickly and would recommend it to others. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you, #Netgalley and #Harlequin

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Review: The Wife He Needs

The Wife He Needs by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Wife He Needs is the first in the Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws.

Years after his wife's death, Garth Outlaw is finally ready to get married again. He is seeking a partnership and a woman willing to accept that his heart will always belong to his wife. He thinks he has found that woman but when she does not show up for their getaway, Garth invites Regan to vacation with him.

Regan Fairchild is a private pilot who has worked for the Outlaw family for years. She has been in love with Garth for a long time and jumps at the chance to spend two weeks with him though she knows she is a replacement. She hopes to convince Garth to see her, not just as a friend, but as the woman he needs.

Both Garth and Regan are likeable and relatable. I loved the story overall and I found their passion believable. Regan remained true the entire book and I am all for putting yourself out there when it comes for love. Garth's story seemed to shift from the beginning. At first, it seemed as if he wasn't aware of his feelings but then later on, that changed where he was well aware of how he felt. I didn't get that part but it didn't detract from the overall storyline.

As usual, Brenda Jackson had me engaged. I love how she crafts her stories. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin

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Review: How to Catch a Queen

How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How to Catch a Queen is the first book in Alyssa Cole's Runaway Royals series and my first read from this author.

Shanti Mohapi agrees to wed Sanyu, king of Njaza to fulfill her lifelong dream to become a queen. After working all her life and preparing for this role, the reality is not what she expected. She is immediately physically attracted to her new husband but she is viewed as an outsider and her marriage has an end date before it has even began.

Sanyu is an unwilling king and only marries Shanti because it is required. He wants to run away from the kingship which he feels stifles him. Sanyu will never be the king his father was. Njaza is in trouble and Sanyu doubts he will be able to help his country out of their political struggle. He desires his wife but has been taught love should not be a part of this equation.

This story was a slow build. Both characters had issues to work on and it was good to see their development. Shanti was a brilliant woman and I did wonder why she would have such a goal to be a queen. But, I loved her wit and her skill and the fact that she learned to rely on her personal strength.

Sanyu had the physical but not the mental brawn. It was good to him come to accept and view himself as king and act accordingly. But he did try my patience as times. Though I loved him.

The passion between the characters was believable and I absolutely loved reading about them working together.

My biggest issue was another character. He was positively evil and a perfectly crafted bad guy. I would have liked to see him really get his comeuppance. But, I guess, everyone deserves a second chance.

Alyssa Cole is a dynamic and masterful writer. I was sucked into the story. I will definitely read more from this author.

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Review: A Home for Her Daughter

A Home for Her Daughter by Jill Weatherholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Janie Edmiston returned home to Whispering Slopes for a fresh start with her daughter and to claim a surprising inheritance. Janie is thrilled to learn she now has a home, money and a camp but there is a catch. She must work with her past crush, Drew Brenner, to get the camp back in business. If she doesn't, she will lose everything.
Drew Brenner is a widower and recluse. He has to come out of his self-imposed shell in order to help his childhood friend and her daughter, Riley. Riley brings back past crippling memories but Drew knows Janie could use his help. So he agrees.
I truly enjoyed this read, falling in love with each of the character. From the first page, I was grabbed into the storyline. I felt both Janie and Drew's pain and it was good to see their broken hearts find healing with God's love and with each other. Jill Weatherholt tackled issues such as abuse and loss of loved ones with sensitivity and depth. Riley's personality shone through and my heart smiled reading about her. A great story of second chance, of grace and of faith.

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