Cover Reveal: Sweet Do-Over (Indigo Bay Second Chance Romance) by Melissa McClone

When architect Marley Patterson goes out with Von Ryan, she never expects her practical, cautious life to be turned upside down by the handsome contractor. Von is the definition of fun until his proposal sends her into a panic. Marriage is too serious a commitment to make after dating for only six months. Even though she cares for Von, they are too different, so she breaks up with him.

Being rejected hurts, but Von blames himself for not reading the signs and Marley better. He finds solace in work; however, his construction company's success isn't enough. He wants to share his life with a woman who'll love him as much as he loves her. She's out there. All he has to do is find her, and, this time, be patient for the relationship to develop on its own.

When Marley is assigned to Von's new project in Indigo Bay, he treats her the same as everyone else—professionally and with respect—though neither can deny a strong mutual attraction still exists. Soon Marley realizes she may have been the problem with their relationship, not just Von's proposal. She wants a second chance, but after breaking his heart once, will he give her a do-over?

Release Date May 16, 2019 

Pre-order on Apple Books

With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Melissa McClone worked for a major airline where she traveled the globe and met her husband. But analyzing jet engine performance couldn’t compete with her love of writing happily ever afters. Her first full-time writing endeavor was her first sale when she was pregnant with her first child! Since then, she has published over forty romance novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. She’s a USA Today Bestselling author and has also been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her driving her minivan to/from her children’s swim practices and other activities. Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house. They do!

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Review: The Beautiful Strangers by Camille Di Maio

A legendary hotel on the Pacific becomes a haven where dreams, love, and a beguiling mystery come alive.

1958. Kate Morgan, tethered to her family’s failing San Francisco restaurant, is looking for an escape. She gets her chance by honoring a cryptic plea from her grandfather: find the beautiful stranger. The search takes her to Hotel del Coronado, the beachfront landmark on the Southern California coast where filming is underway on the movie Some Like It Hot.

For a movie lover like Kate, it’s a fantasy come true. So is the offer of a position at the glamorous hotel. And a new romance is making her heart beat just as fast. But as sure as she is that Coronado is her future, Kate discovers it’s also where the ghosts of the past have come to stay. Sixty years ago a guest died tragically, and she still haunts the hotel’s halls.

As the lives of two women—generations apart—intertwine, Kate’s courageous journey could change more than she ever imagined. And with Coronado wending its way through her soul, she must follow her dreams…wherever they may lead.

My Review:

When I first read the premise of this book, I thought it sounded good.  But, I had no idea how good it would really be.  I was up late at night and reading at times that I normally should have been doing other things.  Who needs a clean house anyway?  I just couldn’t put this book down. 

I love anything to do with the glamorous 50s era of Hollywood and a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe and ghost stories.  So, those parts caught my attention first.  But, Kate’s story is what really hooked me.  She runs away from home after her grandfather hands her an ad for a job working in the restaurant at the Hotel Del Coronado while a movie is being filmed there.  Then, he tells her to find the beautiful stranger.  Kate has no idea who she is looking for or why. 

The story takes Kate on a journey she never could have expected.  She finds herself meeting and working with movie stars and learning about a ghost in the hotel that shares her name.  Then, Kate finds a picture of her grandfather with a woman she doesn’t know and this woman is wearing her grandmother’s wedding ring.  This takes the story in a different direction.  Kate sets out to learn more about her grandfather and why he never spoke of this woman or his life in Coronado.  And, of course Kate finding love at the hotel just wraps this story up perfectly.  This is one of the most memorable books I have read in a while.  It’s one of those that you can easily picture on the big screen. 

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Review: Untamed (Hotel Temptation) by Caitlin Crews

Buttons are made to be undone

One wicked touch at a time…

Self-made businesswoman Lucinda Graves is determined to add a tropical hotel to her company’s empire. Devastatingly handsome owner Jason Kaoki is willing to negotiate—but only if Lucinda rises to the challenges he sets! Lucinda passes every test, but as each dare grows hotter and wilder than the last, will she be able to keep her eyes on the prize?

My Review:

Lucinda Graves is a woman on a mission.  And, she will do anything to get what she wants.  Lucinda’s mission is to convince Jason Kaoki to agree on opening a resort on the private island he inherited from his estranged father. 

Lucinda and Jason’s business meeting is anything but formal.  In fact, it eventually leads to the bedroom and becomes a one night affair that changes both of their lives. 

This is one steamy book set on a tropical private island in the Pacific Ocean.  Both characters are incredibly strong willed and used to getting their way.  They clash at first, but when they both give in to each other’s desires, the story really heats up. And, I’m talking very hot scenes, not for the faint of heart.  There are also some funny parts like when Jason refers to Lucinda’s suit as funeral clothes and there are serious moments as well when they open up about their pasts.  It is a well-rounded book and a great story.  I won’t forget these characters for a long time.      

Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.