contemporary romance

Huntley, by Stacy Eaton

Loving a Young series, book 3.

Sometimes when I’m reading a contemporary romance and everything is going great between the couple, but I can’t relax because I know something bad is going to happen and I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop. That’s how I felt reading Huntley.

Daniella is an author. Just when she’s about a chapter from finishing her book her dog goes nuts and takes her outside. She realizes that her house is on fire and calls 911. This is the catalyst that drives the story. At the scene of the fire she meets a paramedic and later Huntley, one of the firefighters. They insist she come stay with their parents since their small town has no lodging available.

It’s clear from the beginning that a Daniella has a traumatic past and many secrets that she is unwilling to reveal, even as a relationship begins to develop between Daniella and Huntley. This is where I felt like shaking Daniella and telling her to tell the truth because secrets can destroy trust. Oh. well. Characters in novels never listen to me.

I don’t want to give the impression that I didn’t enjoy the book. I did and I plan to read more of the series. The combination of the large Young family and the suspenseful plots is captivating and you feel like you know everybody in the small town. The frustration with the characters was all me.

Overall I recommend the book. The mystery is revealed slowly giving you time to figure things out along with the characters in a satisfying way. The romance is believable and the Young family characters are a hoot. It was a fun experience despite wanting to give Dani a talking to early on.

I received a review copy of this book. My opinions are always my own. Who else would claim them?

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Rise Again Warrior: Mission Accept by Stacy Eaton

Dana is a spoiled rich girl who is cut off by her parents because she is directionless.  Derek is a homeless veteran who carries a lot of guilt around for what happened when he was a Navy Seal sniper.

Dana meets Derek by accident on the streets and they keep running back into each other as Dana begins to realize that there is a lot more going on around her than worries about shoes and penthouse apartments.  

When her dad cuts her off, he suggests she approach her cousin Shane about a job.  Shane founded Rise again warrior, and he offers Dana a job at the ground floor, literally.  Rise Again Warrior is a project to help veterans accept and overcome the baggage of war and move on to re-join society.  Gradually, Dana begins to learn about the problems the veterans have and the need for a place like Rise Again Warrior. 

I enjoyed the book.  It is challenging in places because of all the hurt and emotional scars of the numerous characters, but rewarding with more than one happy ending.  This book is well worth your time.  

I received a review copy from the author.

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Rekindling Christmas by Rebekah Ganiere

No sooner had Jesse set foot in his old college town than her ran into the reason for his return.  Annika and Jesse had been engaged when he got an offer from the NFL.  Jesse left town to pursue his football dreams and Annika finished her degree and went on to teach at the same college.  Fifteen years later, Jesse is retired from football and realizes what he missed out on: the family he always wanted with Anna.

Anna resists his advances. She’s been hurt badly by Jesse’s departure and by other men.  If Jesse wants to win her back, he’s got a long road ahead of him.  Fortunately he has some allies:  Anna’s son T. J and a little blond girl who keeps popping up with advice.

This book Rebekah Ganiere’s first contemporary romance.  She does a great job.  The characters are deep and the conversation is snappy.  An enjoyable read.

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Omega Mu Alpha Box Set-Books 1-4, by Kimberly Loth

I love, love this series. The well-researched locations make me feel like I’ve been there, and the situations are varied and interesting.

The series is based in the romantic exploits of Omega Mu Alpha fraternity brothers who decided to each buy a Doberman when they made their first million. The brothers and dogs play prominently in each other’s stories and each story clearly shows the brothers regard for each other, even years after college. Each heroine is different with her own backstory and situations. The locations are so vividly drawn that they feel like another character in the story. From a few miles down the road to halfway across the world, the series’ scope is unlimited.

Kasey Briggs Leave a comment