Tag: BookReview

Review of ‘Stay Here with Me’–East Wilder Meets His Match

16
Aug
2023

Welcome back to the Wilder Retreat and Winery, located within the Hill Country of Texas.

Stay Here with Me is East’s and Lark’s story, and takes place shortly after Coming Home to Us (Elijah’s & Maddie’s story).

Lark is an award-winning singer-songwriter, and a good friend of Bethany (Everett’s fiancée). 

She’s currently working on songs for her latest album…problem—she promised never to write about him…and he seems to be all she can think about.

She’s shared a night (or two) of passion with East previously, and they always seem to be like oil-and-water outside of the bedroom…

East still struggles with issues related to his time in the service…

Lark decides to head to Wilder Retreat & Winery to spend some time with Bethany, and to try to get some songs written…

She’s also asked to help with getting their new spa up and going….East is helping to oversee the construction…and Lark’s parents have their own spa…and Lark worked there as a teenager…

While they may not get along in public…they agreed to be ‘enemies-with-benefits’, as they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other…

East’s issues come to a head as a former teammate booked some time at the resort with his family, and another shows up ‘uninvited’…

How does he handle them?

How long does it take for him to realize that he’s fallen head over heels for Lark? How long for Lark to realize the same thing?

The answers lie within the pages of Stay Here with Me…along with a Wilder wedding, and the usual cheese, wine, and other Wilder shenanigans.

The ‘enemies-to-lovers’, ‘oil and water’, romances are some of my favorite—because they prove that there is someone out there for everyone—even a grumpy Wilder male. All it takes is a little risk, a lot of love, and a good amount of chocolate, wine, and cheese.

Stay Here with Me is now available everywhere, and is a great place to jump in to meet the Wilder family, and all their friends (and even a few ‘enemies’).

It’s a five out of five star read, and I’m eagerly awaiting Elliot’s story…though I don’t know if I can then actually pick a favorite Wilder brother or not.

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Finding his way: Review of Coming Home for Us

07
Aug
2023

Welcome back to Texas, and the Wilder brothers.

Coming Home to Us is Elijah’s and Maddie’s story, and takes place a couple of years after The Path to You (Everett’s & Bethany’s story).

Wait…wasn’t Elijah dating Joy?

Yes…and to understand things—one should read at least the last few chapters of The Path to You…

Anyway, let’s jump a few years…

Maddie is thinking of leaving Wilder Retreat & Winery for a ‘new’ start with a different company…

But before she breaks it to the Wilders…they surprise her with the offer of partnership within Wilder Retreat & Winery…

While asking for time to think on the offer, she and Elijah head off for a brief business trip trying to schedule the first festival at Wilder Retreat & Winery.

On the way back, there is a downpour that delays them…and forces them to share a hotel room.

She just broke up with her boyfriend, and Elijah is still dealing with his issues.

They share a night, and decide to try to be couple (along with staying friends).

There are bumps in the road…flower girls arguing at a wedding, and roll down a hill.

Then comes the flash flooding, a brief ‘swim’ in a swollen river, and a massive fight.

But…

There is nothing like ‘brotherly love’ Wilder style to get Elijah to see things straight.

Want to see exactly how Elijah and Maddie work things out?

Want to go to a good old fashion barbecue?

Want to catch up with the rest of the Wilder family?

Then grab your copy of Coming Home to Us—it’s a five star read, and does require a few tissues as well.

I loved seeing Elijah coming back to the ‘living’, and Maddie getting her happily-ever-after. I’m sure they’ll still have bumps in the road—after all, Elijah is a Wilder…and a stubborn one at that.

Still need to stories for the last two Wilder brothers (East and Elliot) before I can even start to decide which Wilder brother is my favorite.

So, grab a nice cold drink, some chips and dip (or cheese), and settle in with some friends…

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At First Meet: A blend of friends, travel & cheese

31
Jul
2023

Welcome back to the Montgomery Ink world and the children of the original Montgomery Ink families….

At First Meet is Lake and Nick’s story…

It takes place several months after the end of Bittersweet Promises (Lief & Brooke’s story)…

Lake Montgomery is still recovering from a previous bad relationship, when she gets an invite to the ‘Elite 40 Under 40’ retreat in New York…feels like she needs the ‘plus one’…

Nick, is a family friend and co-owner of Montgomery Ink Legacy tattoo parlor along with Leif, Lake, and Sebastian…and he offers to go along as her ‘plus one’…

They head out to New York, with the assumption that they’ll have connecting rooms—but separate beds….

Well, things don’t go as planned….they end up with a single room and bed…

So, what happens when they both admit to having feelings for the other??

They sure a night of passion before heading back to Colorado…claiming the night hasn’t changed their friendship…but things are ‘awkward’ for awhile—especially when it seems that Lake has a ‘secret’ admirer as well.

Can they make a go with a real (everyone knows) relationship?

What happens when Lake’s ex pops back into the picture?

Answers to those and more, plus cheese (of course) are in the pages of ‘At First Meet’…in addition—have some tissues handy…

I’m loving seeing how the next generation of Montgomerys have grown up; in addition to having a reason to go back and binge read all of the earlier Montgomery Ink series and spin-offs.

At First Meet is a five out of five star read, and highly recommended. Plus—if you’ve never read a previous book, it is a perfect place to jump in and meet some new friends…

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Second-chance Romance: Everett & Bethany’s chance…Review of The Path to You

10
Feb
2023

Welcome back to Texas, and the Wilder brothers.

The Path to You is Everett’s and Bethany’s story.

Bethany was briefly introduced in ‘Always the One for Me’ as a guest at one of the weddings held at Wilder Resorts.

Everett has the feeling that he’s met Bethany before…but that ‘couldn’t have happened’…he’s just a Wilder and she’s a movie star.

Now, Bethany is back at the resort hiding out after her current relationship crashes and burns.

She confronts Everett—and they both get some startling news…

Him—they had met before and shared a wonderful weekend together…

Her—he suffered a traumatic brain injury overseas, that resulted in loss of memory of basically anything that occurred within a few months prior to his injury—including their time together.

Can they now make a run at being a couple…or will Bethany’s stalker get in the way…

The answers and more can be found within the pages of ‘The Path to You’.

I absolutely loved Everett’s and Bethany’s story, and can’t wait for the stories for the last three Wilder brothers—therefore, I’m going to have to wait until I’ve read all of them before I can chose my absolute favorite story.

If you like growly, slightly grumpy heroes and heroines that can also save the day—I suggest picking up a copy of The Path to You (or really any of Carrie Ann Ryan’s books).

The Path to You is a five out of five star, and highly recommended read.

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What ties the Montgomery generations together? Cheese, ink, & family

28
Oct
2022

Welcome back to Colorado, and the next generation of Montgomerys.

Bittersweet Promises is the ‘kick-off’ book for Montgomery Ink Legacy series—which will be following all the ‘kids’ of the original Montgomerys as they navigate adulthood—honoring their parents’ legacy—but at the same time carving their own paths.

Bittersweet Promises is Leif and Brooke’s story.

Leif is all grown up, and while he’s opened another tattoo shop—he’s still figuring out life…

Like will he find the type of connection he had years ago in Paris??

Brooke is now a single mother, who packed everything up and moved back to Denver—taking a professor position at the local university.

As they start to unpack, a neighbor offers to rope her cousin into helping them unpack—and who is the cousin—none other than Leif Montgomery…

Their paths haven’t crossed in years…since Paris…can they talk and find their way back to each other?

They both have issues to work through…

Leif still struggles with early childhood memories, and trying to figure out who is sending him ‘odd messages’.

Brooke is trying to her son settled, and get a lab up and running…and not everyone is happy to see her…

Will they overcome their obstacles and find their way back to each other?

The answers…plus guest appearances by numerous Montgomerys can be found within the pages of Bittersweet Promises—which is now available for purchase everywhere.

I absolutely loved this book and the premise for the series—the next generation of Montgomery kids all grown up and making their own paths. What I really love—is the glimpse of the original Montgomerys—because lets face it, I don’t see any of the Montgomerys just sitting back and letting their kids face the unknown and possible dangers.

Of course, there is cheese, snarkiness, and just a feeling of coming home when you start reading any book within the Montgomery Ink World.

I’m looking forward to the next several books in the series, and can’t wait to read Lake’s story.

Bittersweet Promises, Montgomery Ink Legacy #1 is a five out five star book

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Review: Resilience After Dark–A Friends to Lovers Tale

26
Jul
2022

Welcome back to Gansett Island!

The summer is slowly winding down, tourists are still around—but the year-round residents are eagerly waiting for things to get ‘dull’….

But let’s face it—things are never ‘dull’ on Gansett Island.

Resilience After Dark is Cindy and Jace’s story and picks up shortly after Blackout After Dark and Temptation after Dark.

Cindy is looking for a new roommate to help cover the cost of living on the island year-round, since Julia moved out…

Jace moved to the island to be closer to his sons, and now needs to find a place since the end of summer means the end of the free room at the Beachcomber…

Cindy and Jace both have ‘troubled’ pasts…but they may be the exact person the other needs…

So, grab a cold drink and a comfortable chair and sail back to Gansett Island…

In addition to seeing how Cindy and Jace’s relationship pans out, you can check in with the rest of the year-round residents…

See how Maddie and Mac are handling their crew, and how Mac handles the snip…

Are the younger Lawry brothers sticking around for the winter?

How are Jared and Lizzie handling parenthood?

To find out—pick up Resilience After Dark, now available everywhere…

I absolutely love this series, as each book is stand-alone but at the same time allows you to check-in with other characters and couples that had been featured in previous books.

So, if you haven’t checked out the Gansett Island series—here is your little nudge to do so…there are now twenty-five books to binge read, and they’re perfect for either a hot summers day read, or a cold winter days read.

Resilience after Dark is a five out of five star read

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A Review of UNLIKE A BOSS: Positive Leadership Skills for Everyone

11
Jul
2022

I absolutely loved this book.

A book on positive leadership, but one that also ‘highlighted’ the ‘bad’ leadership qualities as well, and it is a book I think should be mandatory reading for anyone heading into any type of leadership role.

While the author was drawing on his years in the financial industry—I saw the parallels of academia…

Truthfully, the book highlighted things that seem like ‘common’ sense…but also seem to be lacking in society.

I also think this would make a wonderful book for just about anyone to read…because lets face—we’re all leaders at one point in our lives…

I give UNLIKE A BOSS five out five stars and recommend it for any book club to read and talk about.

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What make the Montgomery Ink World go round? Family and Food….

20
Jun
2022

Welcome back to Denver and the Montgomery Ink world!

Montgomery Ink Bites is a anthology and cookbook collaboration between Carrie Ann Ryan and Suzanne M. Johnson.

It is a time to check-in with the ‘original’ Montgomery siblings that kick-started the Montgomery Ink world, and get some tasty recipes with each story.

So what’s the latest with the Denver crew?

Are Austin and Sierra ready to send Leif to college??

Spend Valentine’s Day with Decker, Miranda, and their crew…

Then spend some quality time with Montgomery-Dodds…

See what brings Griffin and Autumn to New Orleans…

Catch up with Maya, Jake, and Border on vacation…

Spend some time with Tabby, Alex, and their twins…and of course cheese…

Can Storm and the rest of the family pull off his surprise for Everly?

Then finally check in with Wes and Jillian, and the ‘surprise’ they find when they work to fix a plumbing leak….

I loved checking in with the original Montgomery crew and seeing how everyone was doing.

Plus—the recipes!!

Each short story also includes at the end—several original recipes by Suzanne Johnson that fit each family.

I have several ‘bookmarked’ to try—including the cheesy chicken enchiladas, the cheesesteak stuffed peppers, raspberry dark chocolate fudge, s’mores cinnamon rolls, and peanut butter and chocolate cupcakes.

I loved being able to check back in with the Denver branch of the family, and while I know we’ll be seeing everyone in various spin-offs—I would love to see each ‘branch’ get their own cookbook…..

So, pull up seat, grab a drink, and possibly a pad of paper and an pen (to start the grocery list) and enjoy spending time with the various members of the Denver branch of the family.

Carrie Ann never disappoints, and I’ll be checking out Suzanne Johnson’s other collaborative cookbooks with other authors…

I give Montgomery Ink Bites five out of five stars and highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read or to cook…

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Etched in Honor: Mix together: a lioness, a wolf, and a dash of ‘mystic villainy’

24
May
2022

Welcome back to the west coast and the packs: Redwood, Talon, and Aspen.

Etched in Honor is the first in the Aspen Pack series, and we’ll be seeing friends from the Redwood and Talon packs popping in and out of the series.

Etched in Honor is Audrey and Gavin’s story, and it’s a doozy…

The Aspen pack is slowly recovering from their past.

The hierarchy is being rebuilt…

Audrey is the beta, only lioness, and sole ‘survivor’ of the former Aspen hierarchy.

Gavin is a lone wolf, and soon to be the Aspen tracker.

He looks like someone Audrey lost decades ago…

Throw in some foes from lore…and you have the recipe for Etched in Honor.

I loved Audrey and Gavin’s story, including all the little twists and turns throughout the book.

Etched in Honor is the perfect introduction to the shifter world created by Carrie Ann Ryan, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of the hierarchy and pack.

I look forward to reading Chase’s story next…

I give Etched in Honor five out of five stars and highly recommend it to anyone who loves Carrie Ann Ryan’s books, paranormal romance, or those just looking for a new series to start.

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Introducing the first of the Wilder Brothers: Eli

17
Apr
2022

Welcome to Texas, and the Wilder brothers series.

This is a ‘spin-off’ series focusing on Eliza’s brothers (who were first briefly introduced in Inked Obsession [book two of the Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins mini-series]).

One Way Back to Me is the first in the series and focuses on Eli and Alexis and takes place about two years after ‘A Night for Us’ (the free prequel to the series).

Eli and his brothers bought land from a retired Air Force general, and are slowly figuring out the ‘civilian’ life—including how to run a resort and winery.

Each brother has their own little piece, and the resort and winery are going well—but they need a wedding coordinator.

They’ve gone through two wedding coordinators in two years, and are desperate for one that will last.

Who should apply for the job—the one woman that Eli didn’t think he’d ever see again—Alexis.

Alexis applies for the job, as she is need of a new beginning after the disastrous end to her marriage.

The brothers hire her on as the new wedding coordinator for the Wilder Retreat and Winery.

Alexis and Eli realize that their attraction to each other wasn’t just a ‘one-night’ thing.

While they’re trying to figure out their relationship—someone comes ‘knocking’.

What does Alexis’s ex want? How big of a pain will the Dodge family be, and who is being hired as the top chef???

The answers to those questions, and a ‘surprise’ visit from a few familiar faces from Colorado can be found within the pages of ‘One Way Back to Me’.

I absolutely loved this book and the introduction of Eliza’s brothers. I will freely admit that when I read she had six brothers—I had my fingers crossed that there would be another spinoff series.

Carrie Ann did not disappoint with this book. I loved Eli and Alexis’s story, and am going to have to hold off until all of the Wilder boys get their happily-ever-after before I can decide on my ‘favorite’.

So, grab a drink, pull up a chair and settle in to find out what the Wilder boys are up to and I’m hoping to see a glimpse of Eliza and family in each additional book.

I give ‘One Way Back to Me’ five out of five stars and highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

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