Book Review: Highland Captive by Alyson McLayne

Highland Captive by Alyson McLayne

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks, July 30, 2019

Time and setting:  Mediaeval, Scotland Highlands

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 448 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

She'd saved his son.
Could she save him as well?

Laird Gavin MacKinnon is a changed man—and not for the better. Ever since his young son, Ewan, disappeared two years ago, Gavin has grown callous and bitter. Scouring the countryside, his search leads him to a mysterious woman who maintains the boy is hers. He decides to take them both and ask questions later. 

Deirdre MacIntyre will go with the brooding laird if it will keep her son safe. Gavin has to admit that the beautiful lass has a bond with Ewan, and things aren't adding up. When Deirdre's clan comes to claim her under threat of war, Gavin has a choice to make: fight for her or let her go. 

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Highland-Captive-Sons-Gregor-MacLeod-ebook/dp/B07MZH8553

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42366191-highland-captive

Vikki’s Musings

Highland Captive by Alyson McLayne is book 4 in the Sons of Macleod series. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review this book, the premise sounded intriguing, so I accepted the offer. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I quickly became enmeshed in the story from the first page and remained thoroughly entranced until the last. The writing is emotional, and the characters are enthralling. I did have an issue with the storyline, but it did not take away from my overall enjoyment.

I enjoyed Deirdre MacIntyre’s character a great deal, but she does have flaws which makes her human. She is a nurturing mother who will do whatever is needed to protect her son. That’s clear, when she gathers their belongings and flees a gathering. I admired her determination to protect her son since her encounter with Laird Gavin McKinnon leads her to believe he’s violent and could possibly be the father of the child she’s raising as her own.

Laird Gavin McKinnon is a hero to be reckoned with, a brave, menacing warrior at first glance. However, once he has his son, his softer side comes out. He remains the fierce Laird throughout the story as he seeks vengeance against the individuals who kept his son from him for over two years. While he has reason to distrust the woman who’s been raising his son, he recognizes her deep love for Ewan. His desire for her is overwhelming, but his honor keeps him from acting on that desire.

The romance between Deidre and Gavin is complicated. I struggled with the moral dilemma of their attraction. I will refrain from stating what the moral issue is as I don’t want to give anything away, but it is the reason I can’t give a full 5 gold crowns for this remarkable story. However, the chemistry is so strong it’s palpable, and I could understand why they did come close to giving in to it. And of course, the sexual tension is amazing.

If you enjoy a highland romance with plenty of action, a fierce Scottish warrior and a compelling plot, then you will enjoy Highland Captive. While this is the first book I’ve read by Ms. McLayne, it will not be my last. Happy reading!

Book Review: Love at First Bark by Debbie Burns

Love at First Bark by Debbie Burns

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks, July 30, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, USA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 352 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Animal portrait painter Mia Chambers and architect Ben Thomas have volunteered at the High Grove Animal Shelter for years, and they share a complicated history. Ben has secretly loved Mia all this time, but she was married to his best friend. Now she's newly widowed, with a young son, and Ben doesn't know how to tell her what's in his heart. All he can do is stay close, help her as much as she'll let him, and watch for the right moment to bare his soul.

When a dozen adorable border collies get dumped in St. Louis' biggest park, everyone at the shelter mobilizes for a large-scale rescue. Rushing to the park to round up the frisky collies, Ben and Mia unexpectedly plunge into a new phase of their entangled lives. Who knew that opening their hearts and homes—to animals in need and to each other—would lead to so many upheavals...and new beginnings...?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Love-First-Bark-Rescue-Book-ebook/dp/B07NVTG5SP

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42366201-love-at-first-bark

Vikki’s Musings

Love at First Bark is the fourth book in Rescue Me series and a delightful addition. Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for a chance to read and review an advance reader copy of this book. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story from start to finish. The plot is about a woman who, while in the midst of divorcing her husband, never makes it to divorce court because he dies. He leaves her with a ton of debt and a grieving seven-year-old son. Of course, she also has a lot of guilt since she’s realized she didn’t love him. Enters, the best friend. The romance is between them.

Love at First Bark is an emotionally-charged love story. The writing flows smoothly, and the pacing is excellent, moving the story along without any sagging parts. There are also many engaging moments between the MCs and Mia’s young son, adding a great deal to the story. Then, one must add in the adorable dogs!

Mia’s character gained my empathy form the beginning. She has so many issues she’s dealing with, beyond the romance between her and Ben. No wonder that at times, it took second place. She is a fantastic mother, a loyal daughter and loves her volunteer work at the animal shelter. Her confused feelings regarding Ben, are very understandable. I could identify with her mixed-up emotions. After all, Ben was her late husband’s best friend and her son’s godfather. Then add in the guilt her mother-in-law heaps on her head, no wonder she is so torn.

Ben Thomas is a great hero. His only flaw­­–he’s almost too perfect. He saw Mia first, but due to an unfortunate circumstance, his best friend makes the first move on her, and he steps away. He never tells his friend how he feels and even becomes godfather to their child. He’s never gotten over Mia, and at last, she’s free, but now, she’s a new widow with too much on her slim shoulders. I admired his patience with Mia as she works through her difficulties.

I truly wanted Mia and Ben to find their happy ending. They are so good together as a couple and clearly love one another. While there isn’t a lot of heat between them, the love grows steadily and is very satisfying. I’m not saying the attraction is weak, it’s just not a blazing passion.

If you enjoy a romance with conflicting emotions, endearing character and several loveable dogs, then you will like Love at First Bark as much as I did. While this is part of a series, it’s a stand-alone, and it’s not necessary to read the other books in order. Happy reading!

Book Review: Cowboy Charming by Dylan Crush

Cowboy Charming by Dylann Crush

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks, July 30, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy

Length: 352 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

They call him Casanova.
But can this charming devil of a cowboy teach
a good girl how to change her ways?

Small-town preacher's daughter Dixie King is used to having a lot on her plate. Keep tabs on her flighty grandmother? No problem. Handle the honky-tonk's first ever Chili Cook-Off? In the bag. Vamp it up to charm a would-be developer into leaving Holiday, Texas for good?

...now there she might need a helping hand.

Enter Presley Walker: Holiday's own Cowboy Casanova and the perfect tutor for a good girl looking to go bad. He's got charm in spades, and he's always seemed like a terrible idea waiting to happen. But as Presley and Dixie work together to save their beloved hometown, these polar opposites might finally see the good in each other...if they can only learn to trust their hearts enough to fall.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Cowboy-Charming-Holiday-Texas-Book-ebook/dp/B07NVTYJRL

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42366193-cowboy-charming

Vikki’s Musings

This is the third book in the Holiday, Texas series. I read the first two books and loved them, so when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, I eagerly agreed to read and review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Cowboy Charming is a delightful, light-hearted romance with endearing characters and a laugh-out-loud plot. From the pot belly pigs, to the eccentric citizens of Holiday, this book will have you giggling and laughing. The pacing is excellent, so I became engaged from the first page until the last.

Dixie King’s character is a bit uptight since her father is a preacher and made sure she stayed on the right path. Fortunately, her grandmother builds her up so that balances the negativity she receives from her father. Dixie does have a fiery side to her and isn’t afraid to fight for her beliefs. I really enjoyed her character a great deal.

Presley Walker is a fantastic hero. I enjoyed his fun-loving personality. He’s known as the cowboy Casanova, but he’s now ready to settle down with the right girl. He’s known Dixie most of her life, but never spent much time with her until his sister asks him to help run things while she’s out of town. I loved how he dives right in and is willing to do whatever is needed for the chili festival. He’s blown away by Dixie and wants her more than he’s ever wanted any other woman.

Although Presley and Dixie start out at odds with each other, the chemistry between cannot be denied. The sparks that fly are amazing. The banter between them is lively and fun. I really wanted this cowboy to win his girl!

If you enjoy light-hearted romances with a great cast of characters and a humorous plot, then you will love Cowboy Charming as much as I did. I have thoroughly enjoyed the books set in Holiday, Texas and hope to read many more. Happy reading! 

Book Review: Million Dollar Marriage by Katy Evans

Million Dollar Marriage by Katy Evans

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, July 23, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Atlanta, GA

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy

Length: 266 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

From New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans comes a hot romance about two strangers and their race to fall in love.

If someone had bet Nell a million dollars that she would be saying “I do” to a complete stranger on national television, she’d have called them crazy, but with her crushing student loan payments sending her deep into the red, she’s out of options. This should be nothing more than a business transaction—until she sets eyes on her groom, and everything changes.

The game is on the instant Luke spots Penelope “Nell” Carpenter. He’s out for the money, yes, but getting a little dirty with Nell doesn’t sound too bad either. Everyone knows he’s not the marrying kind, so it’s a good thing it’s just for show. God knows he’s the worst guy his pretty wife should pick for real.

They have nothing in common, but if they want the grand prize, they’ll have to beat out eight other couples. Proving that total opposites attract should be easy enough…as long as they don’t fall in love in the process.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Million-Dollar-Marriage-Katy-Evans-ebook/dp/B07LF41XLN

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43266663-million-dollar-marriage

Vikki’s Musings

Million Dollar Marriage is a light-hearted, humorous romance by Katy Evans. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, the book description intrigued me, so I agreed to read and review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

This is the first book I’ve read by Katy Evans, but it will not be the last. In fact, I just downloaded the first book, Million Dollar Devil, in the series. The banter between Penelope and Luke is delightful and pulled me in from the beginning then kept me enmeshed until the end. The pacing is great, keeping the plot moving forward.

Penelope “Nell” Carpenter’s character is endearing. I loved her quirky personality. She has so much debt from getting her degrees, she’s so desperate, she enters a contest. The best thing she ever did was become a contestant on the game show. She’s paired up with a guy totally opposite of anyone she’s ever met before. Nell’s so reserved, she needs a mate who will bring her out of her shell and let her shine. 

Luke Cross is a yummy hero. While his exterior is rough and rugged, underneath, he’s a marshmallow. I adored his character. He’s so sweet with Nell and accepting of her insecurities. He encourages her to be strong and brings out her competitive side she never knew she possessed. He’s the perfect mate for her. I love that he doesn’t allow his head to be turned by a chance at stardom.

The chemistry between Nell and Luke is amazing. The sexual tension is excellent because Luke wants his relationship with her to be different from any other he’s had with the women from his past. That makes him a true hero for me. He not only falls in love with Nell, he respects her. He also has a very forgiving nature. For me that is as sexy as it can be!

If you enjoy romantic comedies with plenty of heart, and one with engaging characters, then you will love Million Dollar Marriage as much as I did. I can’t wait to read the first book in this series. Happy reading!

Book Review: All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst

All Roads Lead to You (Stay Book 3) by Jennifer Probst

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, July 23, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, New York

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Length: 329 Pages

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

All bets are off in this heartfelt romance by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true. And with his irresistible brogue, warm smile, and soothing touch, he’s a major distraction.

After a bitter betrayal, horse trainer Aidan O’Connor has fled Ireland for a vacation in New York’s Hudson Valley. When he sees the horse with the fighting spirit, he’s inspired with a new goal: to train Phoenix to win. He’s also facing an unexpected new challenge: his feelings for Harper.

How can she dare to open her heart to a man who’ll be there only long enough to break it?

So Harper and Aidan agree: try to keep it professional, and focus only on Phoenix and the finish line. But along the way, they could also learn a few lessons in love, trust, and taking chances. And, as painful as it promises to be, saying goodbye.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/All-Roads-Lead-Stay-Book-ebook/dp/B07MMMWCSC

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43681342-all-roads-lead-to-you

Vikki’s Musings

All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst is a great addition to the Stay series. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, I eagerly accepted since I’ve read the first two in the series. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I quickly became engaged in the story. I remembered the heroine from the previous books, and I was so glad when I realized All Roads Lead to You was Harper’s story. The novel follows her desire to heal Phoenix, an abused race horse she believes has the ability to win the triple crown. The story is well written and emotionally charged. The pacing is excellent and kept me engaged from the first page to the last.

Harper Bishop’s character is endearing. Her tenacity and determination to save abused and neglected animals is amazing. While she has always guarded her heart and never expected to fall in love, she can’t resist her new horse trainer with dark Irish good looks and his gentle manner with her beloved animals.

Aidan O’Connor is a great hero. His determination to train Phoenix so he can race, borders on obsession, but in a good way. He doesn’t give up when the horse bulks in his first race. Instead, he is driven to find out what is causing his issues, and he does. He’s no more ready for a relationship than Harper is. Afterall, he’s been betrayed by his ex-lover, and his best friend. 

The chemistry is strong between Harper and Aidan and sparks fly from their first meeting and only grow stronger as the story progresses. They might have wanted to only have a professional relationship, but the passion is way too strong for either of them to deny. I really wanted them to find a way to make it work.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with plenty of heart and great characters, then you will love All Roads Lead to You. Not only is it a great love story, the animals will steal your heart, especially the goat. Happy reading!

Book Review: Someone to Honor by Mary Balogh

Someone to Honor by Mary Balogh

Publisher & Release: Berkley, July 02, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, New York

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

Length: 396 Pages

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

First appearances deceive in the newest charming and heartwarming Regency romance in the Westcott series from beloved New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.

Abigail Westcott's dreams for her future were lost when her father died and she discovered her parents were not legally married. But now, six years later, she enjoys the independence a life without expectation provides a wealthy single woman. Indeed, she's grown confident enough to scold the careless servant chopping wood outside without his shirt on in the proximity of ladies.

But the man is not a servant. He is Gilbert Bennington, the lieutenant colonel and superior officer who has escorted her wounded brother, Harry, home from the wars with Napoleon. Gil has come to help his friend and junior officer recover, and he doesn't take lightly to being condescended to--secretly because of his own humble beginnings.

If at first Gil and Abigail seem to embody what the other most despises, each will soon discover how wrong first impressions can be. For behind the appearances of the once-grand lady and the once-humble man are two people who share an understanding of what true honor means, and how only with it can one find love.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Someone-Honor-Westcott-Book-6-ebook/dp/B07NK4K5L2

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43597185-someone-to-honor

Vikki’s Musings

Someone to Honor has all the ingredients that makes Mary Balogh the queen of Regency romance. While the story starts slowly, it grows into a gorgeous love story with memorable characters and a unique plot.

At first, there were thing about Abigail Wescott’s character that didn’t appeal to me, but as she softens toward Gil definitely earned my favor. What came through was her love and loyalty, her ability to look beyond his rough surface to the honorable man he is. 

Gilbert Bennington is an amazing character. He has overcome so much and while he was not born a gentleman, he embodies all the admirable characteristics. My heart ached for the pain he feels for the loss of his daughter. He is willing to give up the only career he’s ever known for the chance to win custody of his child.

The love between Abigail and Gil grows from their friendship, and Abigail’s desire to help him win custody of his daughter. While there isn’t the burning passion between, what they grow to feel is a love that moves beyond the physical. It’s deep and true and will stand the test of time.

One of the aspects of Ms. Balogh’s romance I love the most is how she ties everything up in a pretty bow at the end without any dangling points left for the reader to wonder about. That gave Someone to Honor a tear-jerking ending.

If you’re a fan of Regency romance with complex characters and an emotionally-charged plot, then you will love Someone to Honor as much as I did. This is the sixth book in the Wescott series, and I’ve loved each book. I can’t wait to read the next one. Happy reading!

Book Review: Only Ever You by C.D. Reiss

Only Ever You by C.D. Reiss

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, July 09, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 316 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

From New York Times bestselling author CD Reiss comes a story of friendship, romance, and growing into a love that was always there.

Rachel knew exactly what turning thirty would be like. She had a plan, after all. First college, then a climb up the professional ladder. Love, marriage, children. All of it was on the schedule.

The cheap Hollywood apartment wasn’t on the list. Neither was the string of heartbreaks. Or the effect her mother’s cancer had on her career.

It’s hard to stay practical and on point when everything takes a left turn.

Enter Sebastian, the nerd across the street. The boy she defended when he couldn’t defend himself. The best friend she promised she’d marry if life didn’t go according to plan.

Not only is he successful, confident, and gorgeous, but he also still has their handwritten marriage contract.

No one goes through with childhood wedding pacts.

That’s crazy.

But their families might just be crazy enough to rent a hall and set a date. All Rachel and Sebastian have to do is fall in love.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Only-Ever-You-CD-Reiss-ebook/dp/B07MBFS57W

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43531342-only-ever-you

Author Interview: CD Reiss 

Please introduce your newest release. 

Only Ever You is about a girl who planned for everything but never got what she hoped for, and a dweeb who hoped he’d to marry the girl, but never planned for it.

Rachel and Sebastian have an interesting history. They were friends as kids, but have lost touch as adults... 

They’re really strangers when they reunite at 30, but they’re burdened by what they think they know about each other. Sebastian was supposed to be an artist and Rachel was supposed to be a screenwriter. They have to shake all that stuff loose before they can see each other. When they do, they’re strangers. 

I think attraction between strangers is real. Sexual heat is real. But "hearts and flowers" are earned. (I know that sounds like I’m your dad telling you to mow lawns, but that’s where the magic is. Not the lawns.) In the time just before you’re struck by lightning there’s a real electricity. It’s pure potential and anything can go wrong. It’s the best thing ever.

When they were kids they made up a 'contract' to get married at 30—which is pretty much panned when they do meet up and have the most awkward first kiss EVER. How do they overcome such an incredibly uncomfortable situation?

They overcome it by running away!

Sebastian is thinking “now or never” because he thinks Rachel’s never going to think he’s any cooler than when she sees him in the office of his own company. And she isn’t ready because her whole idea of herself is tied up in what a failure she is. Neither one of them is feeling good enough about themselves to have a really hot first kiss, which is the same reason they’re not ready to get married.

***

Excerpt: Only Ever You by CD Reiss

After I left her and CJ with Lucinda, I spent the weekly staff meeting wondering if Rachel was the same warrior I’d loved or if she was more the woman who’d held her laptop to her chest as if she needed protection.

I was obsessed.

I had to know.

Her text came in as I was leaving the meeting.

I need to check that we’re kidding

Before I could finish typing a response, I caught her coming out of the bathroom with her laptop under her arm.

Alone. Me and her. Nothing between us but the question of who we were and how we fit.

“Seb, I—”

She didn’t have a chance to finish. I crowded her back into the bathroom and locked the door behind us.

“Kidding about what?” I said.

“About getting married.”

“Why would that even be a question?”

“Our parents have been in negotiations about it.”

My mother couldn’t keep herself from talking if she tried, and I was her favorite subject. 

“It might be a little soon for marriage, but—”

“Soon? I don’t like you seeing what I do for a living while you’re in a glass-walled office overlooking the ocean. I mean, I’m not marriage material, and the odds are that’s never going to change.”

“I don’t see why a date’s off the table.”

“Do you know what’s going to happen if we date?”

The list of possibilities was as long as my arm. I could have counted them off, from “We decide we hate each other” to “We end up in bed.” But I didn’t, because I was still trying to figure her out.

What did she want to hear?

With her wide eyes and parted lips, what did she want? Did she have a fondest wish where I was concerned? Was she leaning forward? Was her expression soft and yielding?

My mind spent too long deciding what to say, so my body spoke for me.

I kissed her hard and was met with teeth and stiff resistance. It was a kiss I’d wanted since I’d had hairless armpits and a voice somewhere in the low soprano range. I’d dreamed about it. Fantasized about it. Thought about it so hard in the middle of the night I could practically feel it.

But never, ever in my fantasies did she push me away so hard I fell back against a towel dispenser, watching her face twist into surprised rage as the machine spit out a ragged rectangle of brown paper.

“That was—”

“Messed up. I know.”

“Then why? What is wrong with you?”

She was livid, just like she would have been. Just like she should have been.

The tiger within Rachel was in there, and my attempt to tease her out had probably alienated her. She’d be right to never speak to me again.

“I’m sorry,” I said with my hand on the door lock. “I misread you. It won’t happen again.”

I started to open the door, but she held it closed.

“If we date, my mother’s going to get her hopes up that I’m going to settle down. And I’m sorry, Seb, but if we break up while she’s in chemo, it’s going to crush her.”

“You don’t even know if she’s sick again.”

“You’re right.” She pointed a rigid finger at me as if I were her mother. “I’m going to make her tell me.”

“You’re really beautiful when you’re telling it like it is.”

She slid her hand off the door. Having been called out, the warrior was sent into hiding.

No. I wouldn’t accept that. I wouldn’t allow it.

“Let’s just go out and catch up,” I said. “Saturday.”

“Can’t. Saturday’s the soonest I can talk to Mom.”

I unlocked the door. “I’m sorry about . . . the thing.”

“Kissing me?”

“No, wasting paper towels. Of course kissing you.”

“Next time, give a girl a little warning.”

Next time? Her eyes darted to the door. Was she calculating the distance to her getaway? Or making sure it was closed?

“How about now?” I asked.

“Now what?”

“Fair warning. Now.”

I stepped a little closer and put my hands on her arms. Not right away. I let them hover an inch away before touching her to give her the chance to move away. A chance I was sure she’d take.

“Seb, really?”

But she didn’t move away.

Not this time. When I laid my hands on her biceps, she leaned in to me just a little. I smelled the floral lotion on her skin and a hint of cool water on her breath.

“Really.” I slid the laptop from her arms and placed it on the counter. “This is your warning.”

You’re doing this. I cannot believe you’re doing this.

“It doesn’t feel like a warning,” she said, and again—I noted—she didn’t move away.

“Flashing red lights.” My lips brushed her cheek, heading for her mouth. She felt better than I ever imagined. “A buzzer, maybe.”

“Just a kiss?” she asked, her lips moving against mine.

Before I could consummate what she was agreeing to, I was smacked by a swinging door.

“Oh!” CJ said. “I’m sorry! I was looking for you.”

Rachel snatched up her laptop and walked out. CJ raised an eyebrow with good reason, since I was in the ladies’ room. I left, and we all gathered in the hall.

Awkward.

“Well,” Rachel said. “Thanks for showing us your tedious financial-sector company.”

“Thank you for coming,” I said and let them walk away. I could have done or said much more, but not without getting her into trouble. She glanced back at me when they turned the corner, as if she wanted to make sure I was still there.

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I’ve read by C.D. Reiss, and it will not be the last! I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review, and I’m so glad I accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Only Ever You pulled into the story right away. The characters are real and engaging, and the plot is unique. I found the pacing excellent and read this book quickly, flipped the pages on my Kindle, wanting to find out what would happen next. Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, and this one is awesome.

Rachel’s character has plenty of flaws which makes her very real, and at times, irritating, while at other times, endearing. She has lots of goals professionally and personally, which she hasn’t achieved, and she’s turning thirty. She recalls a pact she made with her bestie in high school and goes home, hoping to see him. I could feel her desperation over not reaching any of her goals. I liked her insecurities because, again, it’s realistic. 

Sebastian is a hero to love. He’s a beta, definitely not an alpha male. This makes him so adorable. I just wanted to hug him close and cheer him along. He so deserves to win the hot girl from his teenage dreams. He’s so willing to help Rachel, even though it does put him in a delicate situation with his family.

The romance between Rachel and Sebastian is sizzling hot, yet sweet at the same time. I loved how they pick up where they left off as if the years had never been. I really rooted for them to make it.

If you enjoy a romantic comedy with great characters and an engaging plot, you’ll love Only Ever You as much as I did. I will be looking for more books by this talented author. Happy reading!

Social Media Links

Website: https://cdreiss.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CDReiss.writer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CDReisswriter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6896405.C_D_Reiss

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