Review: Judd's Vow (The Harlow Brothers Book 3) by Kaylie Newell

His heart has been grounded for so long. But she’s about to give it wings...

Captain Judd Harlow is happiest in the air. It’s only when he’s flying that he can leave his childhood memories behind. But when he and his brothers find themselves the guardians of their 12-year-old half-sister, he knows moving back to the small Montana town where he grew up is the right thing.

When Savannah Casteele learns that a local pilot has agreed to fly her and her little boy to Chicago for a long-awaited surgery, she’s overcome with gratitude. A young, single mother, her first priority has always been raising her son the best way she knows how. But when she sees Judd for the first time, she’s unprepared for the affect he has on her heart: He’s stoic, guarded, and a little out of reach, reminding her that she’s not the only one who’s trying to put aside a broken past.

As they begin falling for one another, brought together by the children in their lives, they start seeing family not just as something you’re given, but something you create. And that the heart, no matter how scarred, is always capable of a tender, new beginning. But are they both willing to take a leap of faith to get there?

My Review:

Let me start by saying, I was hooked right from the start of this book.  Savannah Casteele and Judd Harlow met when Judd flew Savannah and her four year old son, Wyatt, to Chicago for Wyatt’s cleft lip surgery.  Savannah had given up on men when her ex left shortly after Wyatt was born.  She wanted to be the best mother possible, so she worked hard and didn’t date.  But when she met Judd, she was surprised by the instant attraction she had for him. 

Judd was a pilot who had returned to Marietta to help his brothers raise his half-sister.  Judd didn’t have relationships.  He didn’t believe in love.  But, when he started spending time with Savannah, everything changed.  He tried to fight the feelings at first, but just couldn’t get her out of his mind.  It was a quick start to a relationship, and there were some rocky parts, but in the end, they found their happily ever after.

This was one of those books that I just didn’t want to end.  I became emotionally attached to the characters, especially Wyatt.  The writing felt so real.  This story reminds me of one of those Hallmark TV Channel movies.  I can easily visualize it now.  Even though this book is part of a series, it can definitely be read on its own. 

 

Review: An Impossible Attraction (The Cavallo Brothers Book 1) by Elsa Winckler

He was Mr. Wrong until he did everything right.

When Interior Decorator Zoe Sutherland is offered the career-building opportunity of a life time – working on super star architect David Cavallo’s glamorous new hotel – she’s thrilled...until she meets David. He may be the most handsome and sexy man she’s ever met, but he’s also the most arrogant and mysterious. He denies her access to the hotel’s floor plans, interfering with her ability to work. And when she stands her ground and challenges him, his smoldering looks threaten to derail her focus and remind her that there is more to life than work.

David’s life is his career. He enjoys women, but has a love 'em and leave 'em attitude, which has worked until Zoe. She fires up more than his libido and one night of loving is not nearly enough. He wants more. That she might be out to steal the plans of his more daring project to date, has him thinking that perhaps he should keep this potential enemy even closer…in his bed.

My Review:

Zoe and Dale were meant to be together.  It just took some time, and a little nudge from some family members, for them to figure it out.

They shared a dance and a kiss when Zoe’s sister married Dale’s brother.  It was enough to make sparks fly.  But, Zoe didn’t trust men and she would never date Dale.  So, how could she have gotten caught up in the moment?  Dale was a rich man with a reputation of dating women and then dumping them when he got bored with them.  Ever since that kiss, Dale couldn’t get Zoe out of his mind and he was willing to do anything to have her as his own. 

This was a fun book to read.  I could feel the tension between Zoe and Dale from the start.  But, when they got together, look out!  They were a steamy couple.  I enjoyed the family drama in the book too.  There were quite a few characters in this book as both families have lots of siblings, but they didn’t confuse me while reading the book like I have experienced in the past.  I really liked Zoe’s mother too.  She was a hoot.  I just wish the ending had been written out with a little more detail.  It felt rushed and I really would have loved seeing Zoe and Dale come together on their own terms.  This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. 

 

Review: A Dog Called Valentine by Roxanne Snopek

No good deed goes unpunished.

When an unwanted Valentine’s Day present is dumped at the shelter, volunteer Lily decides to foster the poor dog herself. A little attention is all he needs to blossom into a loving pet, ready for his forever home. Plus, helping a poor, rejected animal will distract her from her own problems. Win, win. Right? Wrong. Valentine needs more than a makeover if he’s going to be adopted. He destroys her home, hates to be groomed and when he behaves better for a perfect stranger than he does her, Lily swallows her pride and begs the good looking but quiet stranger for help

After losing his canine partner in a horrific moment that upended his future, sexy and stoic Shane turns to books, walks in the park and remodeling his grandmother’s home. No more intense K9 officer career, no more dogs, no more risks. But it’s hard to ignore the misunderstood mutt at the park and his well-intentioned, but clueless, handler. Shane reluctantly agrees to give her a few tips and tricks, but that’s all. He won’t care. He won’t get invested. And once Valentine finds his new home, his life can go back to normal.

But Shane doesn’t bargain on a new normal in town and, suddenly, Valentine’s Day will never be the same.

My Review:

A sweet and heartfelt story.

Shane is a police officer who is preparing his grandmother’s house to sell while he is recovering from a career ending injury.  His meddling grandmother is determined to get him dating again even if she has to submit his picture to the reality show, The Bachelorette.

Lily is an heiress who desperately wants to live life on her own terms.  Her dream is to start an interior design company with her friends.  But, her mother just wants her to dedicate her time to charity and settle down with one of the many so-called perfect men she knows.  When Lily fosters a dog from the shelter she volunteers at, she has no idea how much her life will change.  She didn’t expect to fall in love with the dog or Shane, who helps her train him. 

I loved this book.  I went through all the emotions while reading it, but mostly I laughed because of Valentine’s silly antics.  Lily and Shane were the perfect couple.  They were so good for each other, but they just didn’t see it at first.  I enjoyed the fake dating part of the story and watching Valentine heal their broken hearts and lives.  Shane’s grandmother was a fun part of the story too.  I almost think she needs her own book.

 

Review: Cowboy to the Rescue (The Hansen Brothers Book 1) by Ann B. Harrison

Can the twisted road to redemption lead to love?

Jethro Hansen knows how it feels to let down those he loves. Before his grandfather passed, he tried to make amends for his wild youth and has devoted his future to bringing the family ranch back to financial health. The last thing the confirmed bachelor expects is to stand in as a labor coach for his attorney, and enemy’s wife. Even more awkward, the attentive and attractive woman at the expectant mother's side is making it nearly impossible to keep his focus on his ranch and family legacy.

Sadie St. Martin interned in Denver for Layla Cox and followed her to Marietta, Montana, to run her law practice while she's on maternity leave. Sadie has some major decisions to make about her future and they become even tougher after she helps Layla through labor alongside a sexy, confident cowboy who is also a client.

Sadie’s fought hard for her career. Jethro is everything she shouldn’t want, but can this big city girl’s head overrule her heart in small town Montana?

My Review:

A sweet romance with two people who are looking for a change in their lives.

Jethro Hansen was trying hard to keep from losing his grandfather’s ranch.  If he wanted to keep it in the family and keep his grandfather’s legacy alive, he needed to put everything he had into it.  He was also trying to put his troubled past behind him and become a valuable citizen of Marietta.  But some people just didn’t seem to want to believe he had changed.   

Sadie St. Martin came to Marietta to help her friend Layla run her law practice while she is on maternity leave.  The first thing Sadie encounters is her friend going into early labor and having to rush to the hospital along with Jethro to help Layla through the birth.  Sadie didn’t expect to be attracted to a man she would be working for. 

Jethro and Sadie hit it off pretty quick, but will their newly found romance be enough to keep Sadie in Marietta when it’s time for her to leave? 

This book took a couple chapters to hook me.  But, I really enjoyed it once I got into it.  I felt a connection with the characters and really liked who they were and where the story took me.  I look forward to reading more of this series.

 

Review: The Secret Life of Mac by Melinda Metz

Inspired by the true story of a kleptomaniac cat who stole his way into America’s heart . . .

HE’S THE CAT THIEF OF LOVE
MacGyver the tabby is feeling very pleased with himself. His human, Jamie Snyder, has found the perfect packmate—and it’s all thanks to Mac. By stealing personal items from the home of Jamie’s handsome neighbor David, the matchmaking cat brought these two L.A. singles together. Now, while the newlyweds are off on their honeymoon, MacGyver is ready for a well-deserved cat nap. That is, until he meets his cat sitter Briony. Like most humans, she’s hopeless when it comes to romance. And Mac can’t resist a challenge . . .

SHE’S FOUND THE  ESCAPE CLAWS
Briony feels terrible about leaving her fiancé at the altar. When her cousin Jamie offers her the chance to cat sit MacGyver, the runaway bride leaps at the chance to cuddle up with the only male creature she trusts herself around. But MacGyver has other plans. He lures Briony to a friendly neighborhood retirement community—run by a charming young hottie named Nate. Briony and Nate hit it off instantly. But Briony’s still not sure she’s ready for a relationship. And Nate’s got problems of his own—someone is sabotaging his community.

Crazy humans. Why can’t they follow their instincts and go after the love they deserve? MacGyver is on the case. And this time, he’s not pussyfooting around . . .

My Review: 

If you enjoyed Talk to the Paw, you are going to love Mac’s next adventure.  In this book, Mac is up to his matchmaking again.  This time, Mac sets his goal on Jamie’s cousin Briony.

What was supposed to be the happiest day of her life turned out to be Briony’s worst.  She had a panic attack walking down the aisle on her wedding day.  Turns out her body knew Caleb wasn’t the right man for her even though her brain said he was perfect.  Briony left town as quick as she could, heading for Los Angeles to Jamie’s house, to lick her wounds and care of MacGyver “Mac” the cat and Diogee the dog, while Jamie and David went on their honeymoon.  Mischievous Mac, the matchmaking cat, can tell from the start that Briony is sad.  Mac sets out to find her a mate.  After all, it worked for his people and some of the residents of Storybook Court.   This time Mac heads to The Gardens, a senior community that is near Storybook Court.  Along the way, Mac finds mates for more than just Briony and Nate, the owner of The Gardens, he also helps some other residents find love.

I really liked this book.  There is more to the story than just Mac’s match making, there is also a mystery to be solved.  I read Talk to the Paw a while back and fell in love with Mac.  When I saw there was a new book coming out, I couldn’t wait to find out what Mac would be up to next.  Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading Talk to the Paw first so you can get to know Mac’s story.  I blew through this book quick as it was so entertaining.  This book is perfect for any cat lover or someone who enjoys a sweet women’s fiction story. 

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.