Book Review with featured author, Lucy Gilmore: Puppy Kisses

Puppy Kisses by Lucy Gilmore

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks, Casablanca, June 30, 2020

Time and setting:  Present Day, USA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 352 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

These adorable service puppies
are matchmakers in the making...

Dawn Vasquez never takes life too seriously. But when she rescues a golden retriever named Gigi, Dawn begins to imagine what it'd be like to settle down and let someone rely on her for a change. Unfortunately, Adam Dearborn—a handsome, hopelessly buttoned-up cattle rancher in need of a guide dog—has also fallen in love with the little ball of fluff and stubbornly insists that no other animal will do.

Adam isn't sure what drives him to fight to keep Gigi for himself, but he suspects it has something to do with his growing—and unfortunate—attachment to Dawn. Her whirlwind spirit and sunny disposition might make her a delight to be around, but they also make her unsuited for the difficult life of a rancher. He should be able to put her out of his head. But what's a love-struck cowboy to do when what he wants and what he needs have never seemed so far apart? And can he allow himself to take a chance on everything Dawn has to offer: puppy kisses, puppy love...and her.

Service Puppies Series:
Puppy Love (Book 1)
Puppy Christmas (Book 2)
Puppy Kisses (Book 3)

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Puppy-Kisses-Forever-Home-Book-ebook/dp/B083ZMHDRR

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/puppy-kisses-lucy-gilmore

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/puppy-kisses-2

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50199655-puppy-kisses

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/puppy-kisses-forever-home-book-3-by-lucy-gilmore

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of Puppy Kisses by Lucy Gilmore for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced me in any way.

Puppy Kisses is the third book in Ms. Gilmore’s Forever Home series. It’s a light-hearted romance with plenty of carefree moments and delightful banter between the hero and heroine. The pacing kept me engaged from the first page to the last.

Dawn Vasquez’s character is footloose and fancy free. She lives life on her own terms with no filter. She flits from one brief relationship to another until she meets the hero. He is the game changer for her, but she doesn’t want to admit it. 

Adam Dearborn is an endearing hero. His blindness makes him vulnerable without making him weak. His surprising attraction to the quirky Dawn blows him away, but her offer of a no strings attached affair is too tempting to pass up. I thoroughly enjoyed his confusion over where he wants his feelings for her to go.

The romance between Dawn and Adam blazes to life early in the story and burns hot. The sexual scenes are visceral, yet filled with emotions. Although more graphic, especially in the early part of the story than my personal preference, they are absorbing. I truly wanted this great couple to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy lighted-hearted contemporary romances with engaging characters and a unique plot, then you will love Puppy Kisses as much as I did. I’ve enjoyed this delightful series and highly recommend these enjoyable novels. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Lucy Gilmore is a contemporary romance author with a love of puppies, rainbows, and happily ever afters. She began her reading (and writing) career as an English literature major and ended as a die-hard fan of romance in all forms. When she's not rolling around with her two Akitas, she can be found hiking, biking, or with her nose buried in a book. She also writes under the penname Tamara Morgan.

Social Media:

Website: https://www.lucygilmore.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Words_by_Lucy

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-gilmore

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18573441.Lucy_Gilmore

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorlucygilmore/

Book Review: Cowboy Firefighter Heat by Kim Redford

Cowboy Firefighter Heat by Kim Redford

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, March 31, 2020

Time and setting:  Contemporary setting, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Western

Length: 352 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

She's back and hotter than ever. Good thing this firefighting cowboy can handle the sparks.

When country singer Fern Bryant returns to her cabin in Wildcat Hall Park, the last thing she expects to find is Craig Thorne in her home...asleep in her bed. Fern had big dreams, and chasing those dreams required sacrifices. Unfortunately, Craig was the cowboy singer and firefighter she left behind. Much to her surprise, now they're the co-owners of her beloved Wildcat Hall Park.

Craig hasn't seen Fern since she left Wildcat Bluff County—and him—to sing on a cruise ship. When she storms back into town, the sparks between the two aren't only rekindled but burn hotter than ever. As long days turn into long nights, Craig is determined to show Fern that she belongs in Wildcat Bluff...and his arms.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Cowboy-Firefighter-Heat-Smokin-Cowboys-ebook/dp/B07YZTLV3P/ref=pd_sim_351_5

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cowboy-firefighter-heat-kim-redford

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cowboy-firefighter-heat

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50022046-cowboy-firefighter-heat

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review Cowboy Firefighter Heat by Kim Redford before publication. The gift of a complimentary copy has not influenced my opinion in any way.

Fern Bryant’s character had big plans and left her sister in charge of Wildcat Hall Park. Now she’s returned a little dissolute because her plans didn’t work as she’d wanted. She is ready to take over the hall in time for the big festival. I liked her character and enjoyed her loyalty to her employees and to her town.

Craig Thorne is a fantastic, hot hero. Not only is he a hot firefighter, he’s a rancher and a talented singer. He’s in love with Fern and never moved on when she left for her stint as a performer on a cruise ship. Her return is his chance to get her back. I loved his determination to win her heart.

This is a second chance romance, one of my favorite troupes. They are much more realistic because the relationship, the established sexual pull, makes this a yummy reading experience. The chemistry between Fern and Craig makes for a sensual reading experience.

Cowboy Firefighter has plenty of substance that kept me flipping the pages of my Kindle as fast as I could read. At no time did I feel that the story dragged, which is always great. I also loved the array of endearing characters of Wildcat Hall. Just love the bull and the little girl!

If you enjoy a romance with plenty of heat, along with great humor that will have you chuckling with a smile on your face, then you will love Cowboy Firefighter Heat. I look forward to reading your next book. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Kim Redford is the bestselling author of Western romance novels. She grew up in Texas with cowboys, cowgirls, horses, cattle, and rodeos for inspiration. She divides her time between homes in Texas and Oklahoma, where she's a rescue cat wrangler and horseback rider--when she takes a break from her keyboard.

Social Media:

Website: http://www.kimredford.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kim-Redford/100009526147060

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kim_redford

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/59d32e9fb8ec96359ab7c7416c8dd9/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim.redford/

Book Review: A Chance for a Rancher by Brenda Harlen

A Chance for a Rancher by Brenda Harlen

Publisher & Release: Harlequin Special Edition, February 01, 2020

Time and setting:  Present Day, Nevada

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 288 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Would you take a risk on a cowboy’s kiss?

Dating a single mom? Patrick Stafford would never break that rule…

Patrick Stafford trades his suit for a Stetson and boots and risks it all on a dude ranch. But it’s the veterinarian in Haven, Nevada, who really challenges him. Dr. Brooke Langley is all business, a devoted single mom who is off-limits to a fun-loving bachelor like him. But Patrick should have taken his own advice, because after just one kiss, he’s ready to make the biggest gamble of his life…with his heart.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Chance-Rancher-Match-Made-Haven-ebook/dp/B07X3XBJDV

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-chance-for-the-rancher-brenda-harlen

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48546419-a-chance-for-the-rancher

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the chance to read and review A Chance for a Rancher by Brenda Harlen prior to publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

A Chance for a Rancher is a light-hearted romance with great characters and a heartwarming plot. There are some fantastic secondary characters in this novel, and they added a great deal to my enjoyment. The pacing is perfect for the story, and the descriptive writing is excellent, painting a good picture of the setting, yet still leaving room for my imagination.

Brooke Langley is an endearing character. She loves her son, and she’s a good daughter. She’s joined her father’s vet practice and is determined to fill his shoes when needed. When she meets the hero, she feels the pull of attraction, but once burned twice shy. I felt her confusion over her strong feelings for another man with more money than sense.

Patrick Stafford is a great hero with plenty of motivation, even though he has a lot to learn. He walked away from a corporate position with his family to own and operate a dude ranch. When he meets the new vet, Brooke, he’s immediately attracted to her, but when he discovers she has a child, he stumbles but doesn’t fall. I liked his determination to pursue Brooke even after she gives him the cold shoulder and throws up plenty of roadblocks.

The romance between Brooke and Patrick is electric from the first encounter. Both have baggage from past relationships, and that has both of them questioning the wisdom of being physical, but the chemistry is so powerful, they cannot resist. I enjoyed them as a couple and wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy a romance with a great lineup of characters, and with plenty of emotions running high, then you will like A Chance for a Rancher as much as I did. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Harlen, but it will not be the last. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Brenda’s first love was reading.

According to her mother, she fell in love with books even before she could read and was always content when she had a book in her hands. It didn’t surprise anyone when she decided that she wanted to be a writer, but she was encouraged to pursue “a real job” first.

So she did—she became a lawyer. Two years of practicing law taught her a lot about the world—and reinforced her determination to become a writer. Because in fiction, she could promise a happy ending!

Thankfully, she had already met and married a wonderful man to inspire her fictional heroes. And when she was on maternity leave after the birth of their first son, he encouraged her to take a romance writing course at the local community college. It was while enrolled in this class that she completed her first (still unpublished) manuscript.

Three more manuscripts and another baby followed. And then, in June 2002, she finally got the call from Susan Litman—an editorial assistant and contest judge—offering to buy the manuscript she’d submitted to RWA’s Golden Heart® contest as “From This Moment.” This story was re-titled McIver’s Mission and released by Silhouette Intimate Moments in May 2003. 

Social Media:

Website: http://www.brendaharlen.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brenda.harlen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrendaHarlen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/brendaharlen/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bharlen0110/

Book Review: Dare Me Again by Shelly Alexander

Dare Me Again by Shelly Alexander

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, January 15, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, USA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length:  285 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Hot-wired and restless, financial wizard Elliott Remington doesn’t turn down a dare. This time it’s to coordinate a service-dog boot camp for veterans at his family’s resort. Success means a one-way ticket to the West Coast to pursue his dream career. But it comes with a hitch: teaming up with his ex, who vanished on him ten years ago with nothing more than a kiss-off note.

As fiery as her hair and as stubborn as her name, Rebel Tate did what she had to do—for Elliott’s sake and her own. A dog whisperer with a keen sense of survival, she’s lived a tough life. Here she is, back in Angel Fire Falls, doing what she loves, next to a man she’s never forgotten. While the flame between them still smolders, neither is ready to get burned.

For Elliott, trusting Rebel is a gamble. For Rebel, sharing the secrets that sent her running is a risk. Now, while finishing a job that could define both their futures, two hearts are about to collide—and a second chance at true romance could be the greatest dare of all.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Dare-Again-Angel-Fire-Falls-ebook/dp/B07FD9PWDD

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40787260-dare-me-again

Vikki’s Musings

This is the second book in the Angel Falls series. I read the Dare Me Once and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I eagerly looked forward to reading Dare Me Again. Thanks goes the publisher, via Net Galley, for the opportunity to read and review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The premise for this book is very interesting, and I enjoyed the characters a great deal. Ms. Alexander did a great job giving enough detail regarding the dog training without becoming too technical. The pacing is good, and the dialogue is realistic and flows well.

 Rebel Tate is an intriguing character, and I liked her a lot. She had a rough start in life, but her perseverance has carried her through. Her love for rescue animals is commendable and came through loud and clear. Although she left Angel Falls on bad terms, she is brave enough to return and try to make it right.

Elliott Remington is a drool-worthy hero, and while he’s driven, he’s open minded and is willing to reveal his secrets to Rebel as she opens up to her. Theirs is a give and take relationship, and I enjoyed it tremendously.

The romance between Rebel and Elliott is great with plenty of sparks flying in all directions from their first meeting. The chemistry is strong, and the love scenes are satisfying. I really wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with engaging characters and an interesting plot, along with a bit of humor, then you will enjoy Dare Me Again. I look forward to the next book in this great series. Happy reading!

Book Review: Burning Up by Jennifer Blackwood

Burning Up by Jennifer Blackwood

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, May 8, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, USA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 253 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 3 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Blackwood fans the flames of desire in her smoking-hot series about firefighters and the women who want them…

Unemployed schoolteacher Erin Jenkins is back in Portland, the town she hasn’t called home for more than a decade. It’s not the way she wants to spend her last days of summer: in between jobs and avoiding her mother’s snooping by escaping to the ice-cream aisle. But when the opportunity arises for her to accompany her brother’s best friend—her lifetime crush—to a wedding, summer gets a whole lot more interesting.

Firefighter and single dad Jake Bennett has built a nice, safe wall around his heart—no romance, no getting burned. That doesn’t mean he’s ruling out a fling. Considering Erin’s visit is temporary, they’re the perfect fit for a scorching no-strings one-night stand. Or two. Or five. Until the worst thing happens: Erin and Jake are feeling more. Damn that four-letter word.

Now their hearts are on the line, and when their smoldering summer comes to a close, it’s going to be harder than ever to put out the fire.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Burning-Up-Flirting-Fire-Book-ebook/dp/B076H5GLY9

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36561006-burning-up

Vikki’s Musings

I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review Burning Up, and since the book description peeked my curiosity, I accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Blackwood. The story has decent pacing and an intriguing concept. The writing flows smoothly and has the right amount of description to give me a clear picture without taking it too far where nothing is left to my imagination.

Erin Jenkins’ character is a mixed bag for me. I would have liked more depth to her character. I did not understand why she felt so strongly about leaving Portland in the first place, and why she is so determined to get out of Dodge as soon as possible. Overall, I never became vested in her character.

The best part of Jake’s character is his overwhelming love for his daughter, and that he is not a player, just a nice guy. Unfortunately, that did not give me much insight into personality. I’m not even sure why he falls in love with Erin, especially since I did not care for her. Again, his character needs more depth.

Let’s talk the romance element. It is the central theme of this novel. There is sexual chemistry between Jake and Erin. There is no doubt they are physically attracted to each other, but for me, the emotional connection is not strong, and that’s what is most important to me when I’m reading a romance.

Unfortunately, Burning Up was not my cup of tea, but I could appreciate the author’s witty banter and humor. Opinions are always subjective, and other will love this book. I would have liked a bit more action and emotional romance. Happy reading!

Book Review: Sweet Southern Trouble by Michele Summers

Sweet Southern Trouble by Michele Summers

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, May 2, 2017

Time and setting:  Present Day, Raleigh, NC

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 352 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

An ambitious Southern belle 

Marabelle Fairchild knows she's a gal who can get things done. Feeling unappreciated at the exclusive private school where she's a kindergarten aide and varsity tennis coach, Marabelle determines to score with the next big fundraiser. What she doesn't expect? A smokin' hot football coach to throw her off her game...

A reclusive NFL bachelor...
NFL coach Nick Frasier is Raleigh's most eligible bachelor, but he wants to focus on his career...not his playboy status. He doesn't need a smart-mouthed, pint-sized kindergarten teacher pestering him. So he cuts Marabelle a deal—in exchange for Nick sponsoring a bachelor auction starring him and his gorgeous celebrity pals, Marabelle will pose as his fiancée to ward off unwanted advances. 

What could possibly go wrong?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Sweet-Southern-Trouble-Michele-Summers-ebook/dp/B01MY0NYMD

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31408165-sweet-southern-trouble

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first novel I have read by Michele Summers, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. When I received an invitation from the publisher via Net-Galley to read and review, I hesitated, because I was not sure I would like the heroine. I’m so glad the sexy hero enticed me to accept.

Marabelle Fairchild wants to be accepted by her peers and agrees to manage the upcoming fundraiser for her school. She knows she can gain their approval because she gets things done. What she does not expect is a startling attraction the coach of the NFL football team.

Nick Frasier needs to clean up his playboy image quickly. When he meets the pint-sized Marabelle, she is the perfect answer to his dilemma. Who better than a kindergarten teacher to have as a pretend fiancée?

Can he convince her to go along with his plan to redeem his reputation, and while they are playacting, will she heat up the sheets with him as well?

I thoroughly enjoyed Sweet Southern Trouble from the first page to the last. All the characters are great from the hero and heroine to the teammates on Nick’s team, even the villain of the story adds a lot of humor to this entertaining read.

Much to my surprise, I fell in love with Marabelle immediately. She’s just so darn cute! Her insecurities due to her narcissistic mother called to me in a big way. No wonder she has issues with a mother like that. It did not help that her father goes along with whatever his ex-wife wants!

Nick is a great hero. He’s a fun-loving character who truly wants to change his image, and not just so he keeps his job. He really cares for his team, and he cannot resist his little dynamo. The banter between him and the other characters had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion.

If you are looking for a light-hearted romance with surprising depth of character, then you will enjoy Sweet Southern Trouble as much as I did. While this is the first book I have read by this author, it will not be the last. Happy reading!