Review: The Wedding Crush (The Fortemani Family Book 2) by Mia Heintzelman

 

Stefano Fortemani is starting over. The eldest of four, he’s always led by example—business school, marriage, homeownership, and now… divorce. He spends his days managing the family’s vineyard, listening to self-help podcasts, and lamenting his gray hair. He should be moving on like his ex-wife. Unfortunately, he has no idea how.

Avery Ellis, event planner, widow, and single mom, has learned the hard way to find the flowers among the weeds. When her best friend taps Avery for wedding planner and maid of honor, she’s thrilled. Until she learns the best man is none other than the fiancé’s prickly, albeit sexy, silver fox of an older brother.

As the two work together to create a magical wedding day on the Fortemani vineyard, one-word spats, sweet wine, and unexpected fun lead to glimpses of shared passion, purpose, and old wounds. But, just as Stefano embraces the silver lining of his clouded past, Avery harbors a new secret that could change everything. Will these two guarded hearts open up to let love in again?

 

My Review:

Every time I read one of Mia Heintzelman’s books, it becomes a new favorite.  She knows how to write characters that I instantly become attached to and want to be friends with.  The settings are just the special, they make me want to visit there. 

In this book, we meet Stefano, who can be a bit grumpy at first, and Avery, with her sunshiny personality, who can’t stand Stefano.  But they have to find a common ground, when they are forced to work together on the wedding for Stefano’s brother and Avery’s best friend.  The more time they spend together and learn about each other, the more they realize they have something in common.  That’s when the sparks start to fly in a steamy romantic way. 

When I say I was a little sad for this book to end, I’m not kidding.  It is that good.  I recommend reading book one, The Accidental Crush, prior to this one, so you will get to know all of the characters better.    

 

 

Review: Paws, Claws, and Curses (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery, Book 1) by DeAnna Drake

 

What are cursed artifacts, a talking cat, and a dead body doing in the sweet little town of Citrus Grove? That’s what spirited shopkeeper Rebecca Cuthbert wants to find out, and she had better do it fast because she’s the prime suspect in the murder of the town’s shadiest antiquities dealer.

It’s a troubling start to her reunion with her long-lost grandfather and a far cry from the Southern California vacation she was expecting. So far, nothing in Citrus Grove is quite what it seems. Not her grandfather, who suspiciously disappears at the strangest times, not his curious antique shop, which has more secrets than customers, and certainly not the oddball neighbors, with their hidden motives and questionable connections.

As Rebecca races against time with her new feline friend to uncover the truth behind a mysterious murder, she finds herself tangled in a web of danger and deceit as captivating as Queen Cleopatra herself. With help from unexpected allies and an often-exasperating, yet undeniably handsome detective, Rebecca must outwit the cunning killer before she becomes the next victim.

Dig into this delightful series of cozy mysteries filled with quirky humor, friendships, ancient mysteries, and magic.

 

My Review: 

Hooked from the start.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I am hooked.  I enjoyed her writing style and the story she wrote.  Citrus Grove’s newest resident, Rebecca, will do anything to prove her innocence when she discovers a dead man.  The book has lots of twists and turns and some interesting family secrets.  And, who can resist the sassy talking cat?  I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.    

Review: The Cowboy’s Untamed Heart (Sweethearts of the Rodeo Book 2) by Jamie K. Schmidt

 

Veterinarian Reba Keller has dedicated her life to ensuring her patients’ health and comfort, but when a prized bull under her watch becomes a pawn in a sinister game, Reba’s reputation hangs by a thread. Reluctantly, she asks the brooding, sexy cowboy she’s been avoiding for help.

Former rodeo star Shane Calland, may carry scars from his shattered career and broken engagement, but he’s poured his heart and soul into building a bucking bull breeding program he’s proud of. When tragedy strikes at the rodeo, Shane’s world teeters on the edge of disaster. With both of their careers on the line, Shane helps Reba’s investigation, confident he can resist his unwanted attraction to the pretty vet.

But as they work together to unravel the rodeo’s secrets, the protective walls around their hearts start to crumble.

 

My Review:

Love at the rodeo.

This book has a good mix of everything.  Lots of romance and rodeo excitement.  Plus, there are some shady things taking place behind the scenes at the rodeo that need to be stopped immediately.  

I enjoyed seeing Reba and Shane fall in love and catching up with the rest of the Keller sisters. This book is a wonderful addition to the Sweethearts of the Rodeo series.