Book Review with Featured Author: Deep River Promise by Jackie Ashenden

Deep River Promise by Jackie Ashenden

 

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, March 30, 2021

Setting:  Deep River, Alaska

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 288 Pages

Heat Level: 1.5 Flames

Rating: 4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Welcome to Deep River, Alaska

Damon Fitzgerald takes his responsibilities very seriously. Yet now, somehow, his responsibilities include the tiny Alaska town he inherited from his late army buddy. Damon just wants to get back to LA and his ailing mother, but first he has a promise to keep: looking out for his dead friend's son. Unfortunately, the boy's mother just happens to be Deep River's mayor and the most challenging woman Damon's ever met.

Astrid James is mayor of Deep River and she intends to do right by the town and her son. The last thing she needs is an arrogant outsider coming in, no matter how attractive he is. But there's more to Damon than his charm, just as there's more to Astrid than the no-nonsense mayor she appears to be. Soon the two of them are in deeper than the Deep River itself. But Damon is haunted by a private grief and Astrid has good reasons not to trust; can either of them risk their hearts on finding love again?

"The heroes of Deep River are as rugged and wild as the landscape. Jackie Ashenden's romances will leave you breathless."—MAISEY YATES, New York Times bestselling author, for Come Home to Deep River

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Deep-River-Promise-Alaska-Homecoming-ebook/dp/B08DHHMHDN

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deep-river-promise-jackie-ashenden/1137202142

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/deep-river-promise

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jackie_Ashenden_Deep_River_Promise?id=2rgPEAAAQBAJ

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55121694-deep-river-promise

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/deep-river-promise-alaska-homecoming-book-2-by-jackie-ashenden

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the electronic copy of Deep River Promise by Jackie Ashenden. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this book prior to publication. My opinions are my own and nothing has influenced my rating.

 

Deep River Promise is a well written romance novel with engaging characters and an emotionally charged plot. The pacing pulled me in from the opening scene and kept me enmeshed until the last. After all, how does one resist a nude male on a balcony!

 

Astrid James is the heroine, and I became fully vested in her character right from the start. She has many aspects I most admire. She is a nurturer, and that comes through in her parenting of her fifteen-year-old son and how she manages the town of Deep River as the mayor.

 

Damon Fitzgerald is the yummy hero, and on his introduction, it’s clear he’s an extremely attractive male. He has some baggage from his youth that makes it difficult for him to have a meaningful relationship. While he’s not a player, he does keep tight control of his emotions. I enjoyed his back story and could understand his fears.

 

The romance between Astrid and Damon heats up fast and threatens to burn them up! The first sexual scene takes play in Astrid’s office. While I understood both the characters’ fears, I did experience some frustration with the hero. I had to do some deep thinking to fully accept why he was willing to let his past keep him so closed off. That is why I am not giving this book 5 Gold Crowns.

 

If you enjoy contemporary small-town romances, then you will love Deep River Promise as much as I did. The town folks stole my heart, especially Astrid’s son. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Ashenden, and I will certainly look at the first book in this enjoyable series. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

Jackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart - writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.  

She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax and two kids. When she's not torturing alpha males and their gutsy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, wasting time on social media, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.

 

Social Media:

Website: https://www.jackieashenden.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackie.ashenden

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JackieAshenden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackie_ashenden/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jackie-ashenden

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6577006.Jackie_Ashenden

 

Book Review with Featured Author: The Devil in her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne

The Devil in her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne

 

 

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, March 9,2021

Setting:  1872 England

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 363 Pages

Heat Level: 1.5 Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

He lives in secret service to the Crown—a man of duty, deception, and an undeniable attraction to a woman who threatens to tear his whole world apart.

They call him the Devil of Dorset. He stands alone, a man of undeniable power. Moving in and out of shadows, back alleys and ballrooms, he is unstoppable and one of the Crown’s most dangerous weapons. However, when he sets his sights on the undeniably beautiful Countess of Mont Claire, Francesca Cavendish, he doesn’t realize that he has met a match like no other.

TRUE LOVE WEARS NO DISGUISE

Francesca is a countess by day and stalks her prey—those responsible for the death of her family—by night. What she does not expect is to be thrown into the path of the devil himself, the Earl of Devlin. She has secrets of her own and he seems determined to lay them bare. Can her heart survive finding the love of her life and losing him when all is revealed?

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Devil-Her-Bed-Know-Book-ebook/dp/B0893SGC4H

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-devil-in-her-bed-kerrigan-byrne/1136846444

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-devil-in-her-bed-1

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kerrigan_Byrne_The_Devil_in_Her_Bed?id=55_mDwAAQBAJ

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53470811-the-devil-in-her-bed

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-devil-in-her-bed-by-kerrigan-byrne

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the electronic copy of The Devil in her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this book prior to publication. My opinions are my own and nothing has influenced them.

 

The Devil in her Bed is a steamy historical with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. The pacing kept me enmeshed in the story from the start to the end. There’s plenty of action and suspense in this book.

 

I enjoyed the romance between Francesca and Chandler. The sexual tension between the couple is excellent. Their need to work together greatly added to the plot, and I really wanted them to find their happy ending.

 

If you enjoy historical romances with spies, exciting scenes and a fiery love affair, then you will love The Devil in her Bed. This is definitely not the normal historical romance. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Byrne, and I am sure it won’t be the last. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

Kerrigan Byrne is the USA Today Bestselling and award winning author of several novels in both the romance and mystery genre. Her 2020 releases include A Dark and Stormy Knight in June, All Scot and Bothered in September, and A Treacherous Trade in December.

She lives on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington with her wonderful husband and Willow the Writer Dog. When she's not writing and researching, you'll find her on the beach, kayaking, or on land eating, drinking, shopping, and attending live comedy, ballet, or too many movies.

 

Social Media:

Website: https://kerriganbyrne.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kerrigan_Byrne

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerriganbyrne/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kerbyrne/_saved/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kerrigan-byrne

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5808498.Kerrigan_Byrne

 

Audiobook review with featured author: Blackburn by Brynne Asher

Blackburn by Brynne Asher

 

 

Publisher & Release: Spectrum Audiobooks, November 18, 2020

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length:  2 hours and 35 minutes

Heat Level: 1.5 Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

She’s my employee.

I’m her boss’s boss. Hell, I own the company.

Pursuing Lillian Burkette was a line I shouldn’t cross.

Until a work trip from hell changed everything.

I didn’t just step over the line. I annihilated the damn thing.  

When it comes to her, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do.  I’d even kill for her.

When they say the corporate world is a jungle … they have no idea.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Blackburn-Special-Forces-Operation-Alpha/dp/B08KVS7CQJ

Audible: https://www.audible.com/search?keywords=blackburn+brynne

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blackburn-brynne-asher

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/blackburn-special-forces-operation-alpha

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Brynne_Asher_Blackburn

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55687671-blackburn

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/blackburn-special-forces-operation-alpha-by-brynne-asher

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary audiobook of Blackburn by Brynne Asher, read by Virginia Rose and Aaron Shedlock. My opinions are my own, and no one has influence my unbiased review.

 

Blackburn is a fast-paced audiobook that grabbed me form the beginning and kept me listening until the last word. The suspenseful scenes are exciting, and the characters are compelling. This is a great romantic suspense romance that had me biting my nails. 

 

Virginia Rose has an amazing voice and brings Lillian Burke’s character to life. She shows the heroine’s lovely southern accent perfectly, and she gives an incredible performance with matching her voice to how I imagined the hero would sound.

 

Aaron Shedlock is one of the best male narrators I’ve listening to recently. His tone for Lillian is so spot on, I’ve didn’t realize I was listening to the male narrator. I will definitely look for other audiobooks read by him!

 

The romance between Lillian and Gabe burns hot from the start. There is no doubt the lust is ready to combust, and when it does, it happens in a most delightful way. I thoroughly enjoyed the way their lust grows into love, and Ms. Asher solidifies their love story by including a satisfying epilogue showing them four years in the future. 

 

If you enjoy romantic suspense novels with great characters, steamy love scenes ready by two amazing narrators, then you will love Blackburn as much as I did. This is a novel that can be enjoyed whether you read it or listen to the audiobook. This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by Ms. Asher, and it will not be the last. Happy reading and listening!

 

Author Bio:

 

Brynne Asher lives in the Midwest with her husband, three children and her perfect dog. When she isn't creating pretend people and relationships in her head, she's running her kids around and doing laundry. She enjoys cooking, decorating, and shopping, always seeking the best deal. A perfect day in "Brynne World" ends in front of an outdoor fire with family, friends, s'mores, and a delicious cocktail.

 

Social Media:

Website: https://brynneasher.com/about-me/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrynneAsher

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brynneasher/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brynne-asher

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8842946.Brynne_Asher

 

 

Book Review: The Seduction of Lady Phoebe by Ella Quinn

The Seduction of Phoebe by Ella Quinn

Publisher & Release: Zebra Books, October 29, 2019

Time and setting:  Regency period, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 303 Pages

Heat Level: 1.5 Flames

Rating:  5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Polite society has its rules for marriage. But for Ella Quinn’s eligible bachelors, their brides will show them that rules are for the faint of heart . . .
 
Phoebe Stanhope is not a typical Lady. As feisty as she is quick witted, no one can catch her, especially when she is driving her dashing phaeton with its perfectly matched horses.  And unlike her peers, experience has guarded her against a growing list of would-be suitors. But when she encounters Marcus Finley, what she fears most burns deep within his blue-eyed gaze . . .
 
For Lord Marcus, the spark of recognition is but a moment in the love he has held these many years. Now that he’s returned to England, all the happiness he desires rests on Lady Phoebe never finding out that he was the one who turned her heart so cold and distant. He must work fast to gain the advantage—to convince her what she wants is exactly what she denies—but in order to seduce her into his arms, he must be willing to give up more than he can control . . .

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seduction-Lady-Phoebe-Marriage-Game-ebook/dp/B00CA6YYGS

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-seduction-of-lady-phoebe-ella-quinn

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-seduction-of-lady-phoebe-1

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-seduction-of-lady-phoebe/id633556712

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44047278-the-seduction-of-lady-phoebe

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the invitation to read and review The Seduction of Lady Phoebe prior to the re-release of Ella Quinn’s first book in her Marriage Games series. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The Seduction of Lady Phoebe is well-written and character-driven as opposed to a plot-driven novel. The writing is emotional, and the dialogue is realistic for the time period. The pacing is good, keeping me engaged throughout the book.

Phoebe Standhope, the heroine of this romantic tale, is not the typical debutante of the Regency period. She’s fiercely independent and determined to wed only if she falls in love, a tradition within her family. Her attitude toward men is greatly influenced by an encounter with a drunken, young lord when she was only fifteen. It leaves her mistrustful of men, especially the brazen lord who accosted her. 

I can imagine why such an encounter could color her future opinion of men. A fifteen-year-old tends to be overly dramatic, and one must also consider how sheltered she would have been during the Regency period.  

Lord Marcus, the hero, is a changed man from the reckless youth who accosted Lady Phoebe and was banished to the West Indies. Now returned from his exile, he has never forgotten the wrong he’d committed, not the lady either. I could feel his remorse for his behavior and his driving need to prove he was no longer that callow youth. I loved his drive and determination to win Phoebe’s heart.

The romance between Phoebe and Marcus seems ill-fated in the beginning, but I loved how the author turns that around. I thoroughly enjoyed their courtship which does turn passionate quickly. The attraction between them is fierce and cannot be denied, even though Phoebe is bewildered by it at first. Marcus is so contrite over what happened years before, I could understand why Phoebe forgave his youthful indiscretion. I truly wanted her to give Marcus a second chance.

If you enjoy Regency romance with plenty of sensuality, and characters you’ll fall in love with, then you will love The Seduction of Lady Phoebe as much as I did. This is a re-release and I suspect it went through a great many revisions based on some of the reviews from the original edition since I didn’t find any of the issues mentioned in this updated edition. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living on a sailboat. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.

Social Media:

Website: https://www.ellaquinnauthor.com/biography.html

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ella-quinn

Book Review: The Cowboy's Daughter by Jamie K. Schmidt

The Cowboy’s Daughter, Three Sisters Ranch, Book 1 by Jamie K. Schmidt

Publisher & Release: Tule Publishing, June 06, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 1.5 Flame

Page Count: 178 Pages

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

She’s moved home, but can she move on?

One night with professional bull rider Trent Campbell had been everything that Kelly Sullivan had fantasized about. Unfortunately, it cost her everything. When she became pregnant, her father threw her out because she wouldn’t tell him the baby's father was his rodeo hero—the hero who ghosted her when she tried so many times to tell him about their daughter.

Trent Campbell never forgot the best night of his life. It was what kept him going when a 2,000-lbs bull ended his career and almost his life. Throughout his long recovery, thinking of Kelly and wishing he still had his stolen phone so he could contact her, were what got him through the tough days—that, and his bull-headed stubbornness that he’d not only walk again, he’d ride.

When Kelly returns to Last Stand, Texas, in a last-ditch effort to keep her family from selling the Three Sisters Ranch, she has a plan to make her father proud of her again by turning part of the land into a portrait studio location. Her father, however, has already temporary leased Trent some land for a rodeo school. Kelly and Trent still have the same explosive chemistry, but now the stakes are higher. If she lets Trent into her life, it won’t only be her heart he breaks this time if he leaves, it will be their daughter’s.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Cowboys-Daughter-Three-Sisters-Ranch-ebook/dp/B07QMP2VQF

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45180382-the-cowboy-s-daughter

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I’ve read by Jamie K. Schmidt, but it will not be the last! Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for giving me the chance to read and review The Cowboy’s Daughter prior to publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The Cowboy’s Daughter is a heartwarming romance with an adorable five-year-old, and a unique plot involving a second chance at love between a bull rider and the woman he could never forget. The writing is emotional, bringing tears on more than one occasion. I loved Kelly’s irascible father. He’s so stubborn but loveable! In fact, I enjoyed all the characters. Ms. Schmidt is very good at character development.

Kelly is such a sweetheart! I fell in love with her from the first page. She’s smart, determined and is will willing to return to Three sisters Ranch to help save it, even though her father turned his back on her when she needed him the most. There’s so much to admire! She truly deserves to find her happy ending.

Trent is an awesome hero. He’s so forgiving and accepting. Most men would not have been so understanding when he finds out his mentor’s decisions kept him away from his daughter. His determination to put his hurt aside and accept Kelly and his daughter into his life is amazing. 

The chemistry is swift and powerful when Kelly and Trent see each other again. Even though there’s plenty of hot, sexual scenes, their underlying love is emotional and added to the enjoyment tremendously.

If you’re looking for a romance that will put a smile on your face, you will love The Cowboy’s Daughter as much as I. I can’t wait to read the next book in this outstanding series. Happy reading!

Book Review: The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne

The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, August 28, 2018

Time and setting:  Victorian, England

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length:   336 Pages

Heat Level: 1.5 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The bravest of heroes. The brashest of rebels. The boldest of lovers. These are the men who risk their hearts and their souls—for the passionate women who dare to love them…

He is known only as The Rook. A man with no name, no past, no memories. He awakens in a mass grave, a magnificent dragon tattoo on his muscled forearm the sole clue to his mysterious origins. His only hope for survival—and salvation—lies in the deep, fiery eyes of the beautiful stranger who finds him. Who nurses him back to health. And who calms the restless demons in his soul…

A LEGENDARY LOVE

Lorelai will never forget the night she rescued the broken dark angel in the woods, a devilishly handsome man who haunts her dreams to this day. Crippled as a child, she devoted herself to healing the poor tortured man. And when he left, he took a piece of her heart with him. Now, after all these years, The Rook has returned. Like a phantom, he sweeps back into her life and avenges those who wronged her. But can she trust a man who’s been branded a rebel, a thief, and a killer? And can she trust herself to resist him when he takes her in his arms?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Duke-Dragon-Tattoo-Victorian-Rebels-ebook/dp/B079DW9B41

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35817296-the-duke-with-the-dragon-tattoo

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I have read by Kerrigan Byrne, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks go the publisher, via Net-Galley, for providing an e-copy in advance of publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo is set in Victorian England. It’s a novel of deep emotional connection between the heroine and hero. The writing is smooth and flows well. The action scenes are vivid and exciting. Overall, an enjoyable read.

Lorelai’s character drew me in from the start. She is a gentle, timid young girl, who has been abused by her elder brother, a truly evil individual to say the least. Her heart aches for the tormented, injured young man she finds in the woods. It’s her kind and loving heart that touched me so much.

The rook, also known as Ash, is truly a tortured soul with no real sense of who he is until the end of the book. When he awakens and sees Lorelai, he craves her goodness, but although he has no memories, he is convicted that he is undeserving of her tender care yet craves it anyway. His nightmares are horrific, and Lorelai is the only one who can pull him away from them.

While love grows between them, it isn’t physical attraction because after all, he is a young man on the cusp of adulthood and she is barely fourteen. When he returns many years later to claim her, the passion ignites between them quickly, and it frightens her to such a degree she faints. She fears that the Ash she knew no longer exists, but she does not give up. She is determined to resurrect him. Fortunately, she does.

The Duke with the Dragon Tattookept me enmeshed until near the end. For some reason, I was slightly disappointed with the conclusion. Everything happens very fast when Ash’s memory returns, and I found it a little confusing, and that is why I gave this book 4 stars.

Nonetheless, it’s an intriguing, emotional read. If you like novels with plenty of deep emotions and terrific action, then you will enjoy The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo. I’m intrigued by characters from previous books in this series so I may seek them out. Happy reading!

Book Review: Second Time Around by Nancy Herkness

Second Time Around by Nancy Herkness

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, July 24, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, NYC

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length:   329 Pages

Heat Level: 1.5 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A former love makes a lasting impression in a warm and sexy romance from Nancy Herkness.

Kyra Dixon, a blue-collar girl from the boondocks, is dedicated to her job at a community center that matches underprivileged kids with rescue dogs. When she runs into Will Chase—Connecticut blue blood, billionaire CEO, and her old college crush—she’s surprised that he asks a favor from her: to be his date for his uptight family’s dreaded annual garden party. If his parents don’t approve, all the better.

Kyra’s not about to say no. It’ll give her a chance to be oh-so-close to her unrequited love. What begins as a little fling turns so mad hot, so fast, that Kyra finds herself falling all over again for a fantasy that won’t come true. How can it? She doesn’t belong in Will’s world. She doesn’t want to. But Will does want to belong in hers.

All he has to do now is prove it. Will is prepared to give up whatever is necessary to get what his heart most desires.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Second-Time-Around-Glances-ebook/dp/B0786C6FDH

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37654798-second-time-around

Vikki’s Musings

Second Time Around is the first book in Second Glances series and a great start on this new series. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review, I eagerly accepted since I enjoyed Ms. Herkness’s last series a great deal. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I thoroughly enjoyed Second Time Around from the first page to the last. Ms. Herkness’s writing is emotional and pulled at my heartstrings a lot. The plot is realistic and kept me flipping the pages on my Kindle, breathlessly waiting for what would come next.

Kyra’s Character is an engaging one. She has a bit of the tough girl exterior, but underneath, she has a great heart. Her loving care of the children at the center and their beloved animal’s touched my heart in a big way.

I thoroughly enjoyed Will’s charismatic personality. He adores Kyra and is determined to win her over. He quickly becomes enamored with the children and their dogs and jumps in when one of them is threatened.

The romance between Kyra and Will sizzles from their reunion and remains that way throughout the book. The scene on the boat is blazing hot and very well-written. Ms. Herkness certainly knows how to write heat.

If you enjoy a romance with engaging characters and a fast-paced plot with a lot of endearing secondary characters, then you will love Second Time Around a great deal. I can’t wait for the next book in this great series. Happy reading!