Penguin Publishing Group | September 2019 | 336 pgs
Source: Library
Emily is heartbroken after her boyfriend decided to end their relationship. They'd been through some financial hardship and Emily had helped to support her then boyfriend through law school until the ungrateful brute decided he'd be better off without her after he'd become successful in his career. With no job and nowhere to live, Emily moves to a small town in Willow Creek, Maryland, to help her older sister recover from an accident.
Emily enjoys her time at Willow Creek but she didn't expect she'd get roped into volunteering for the local annual Renaissance Faire as a tavern wench alongside with her teenage neice, who is already one of their acting participants. While Emily is sceptical with her acting skills and some other things, she feels encouraged by the other participants and the enthusiastic residents except for a man who played a pirate and he is supposed to be the love of her life in their fictitious world.
Right from the beginning Emily has get off on the wrong foot with Simon, who's also in-charge of the fair. She thinks he is too uptight and lacks flexibility; and finding faults with her unreasonably. Simon, on the other hand, has no time with Emily's lightheartedness approach towards the faire. It is no wonder he is serious in his work since he is continuing the family legacy and as much as he finds it tiresome at times, there is a reason for him to get through this annually as the reader would find out eventually. And as much as Emily finds Simon annoying, she finds herself attracted by his pirate persona -- a man who's passionate not only in his life but towards her as well. But what confuses Emily is, Simon continues his pirate-like charm outside the faire grounds sometimes and this makes her wonder if he is continuing with their act or if his feelings towards her has changed?
I really enjoyed this light and fun romcom which had me laughing at times (I've to say Simon's pirate persona was quite swoon-worthy. I don't know why, but the image of Captain Jack Sparrow kept popping into my mind while reading this. Go figure.) With the gloom surrounding us lately, this book managed to distract me from reality for a while and made me think of all the wonderful things and not to mention the power of love and family. And I loved it that Emily and Simon, this two sworn enemies, who had had their fair share of unhappiness and unfairness in life, managed to walk out of their gloom and find love again through understanding and respect. Another thing I loved is the (small community) atmosphere of Willow Creek, the Renaissance Faire element and even the supporting cast which all contributed to this delightful read. The next book, Well Played, will feature Emily's newfound friend in Willow Creek and I hope it'd be another fun, romantic read like this book.
© 2020 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
HarperCollins | January 2019 | 368 pgs
Source: Purchased
Anyone would think that Darcy Barrett is one tough woman based on her demeanour and outlook towards men and life as well as a person who values freedom. But in reality she's simply cynical about men since she has been bitten and moreover she thinks no one would measure up to her childhood crush, Tom Valeska. She has known Tom since she was eight and her family treats him like their own. As much as Darcy likes him, she also knows that he's her twin brother's best friend. And Tom, being loyal and righteous as he is, wouldn't want to cross the line and thus, Darcy's feelings for him is kept buried. Darcy goes on with her life and tries her hands on taking photography as a career but it didn't go on smoothly. By then, she has decided that bartending and learning to take life as it is is good enough until Tom appears in her life once again.
After Darcy's grandmother passed, she left the twins her tumble-down cottage, with instructions that before selling the property they'll have to bring it back to its former glory. Darcy intends to get away from the place once the restoration begins, but once she sees who has arrived at her porch bearing power tools, she changes her mind for that person is none other than Tom. Throughout the years, Darcy thought he's off limits considering he has a girlfriend (which she didn't know they'd broken off until much later) but that doesn't change how she still feels for him. On top of it, her twin brother, Jamie, doesn't make things easy for her as their personality and opinions clash. He doesn't approve of her and Tom being more than friends either, partly due to the bromance.
As the story progresses, we get to see more banter between Darcy and Tom but the signals they are sending to each other are mostly mixed and unclear. Darcy was a strong character and she could be blunt at times, but it was Tom's reactions which perplexed me because he couldn't seem to make up his mind if he should be with Darcy despite they have great chemistry together. But that is not all, I felt there isn't enough background covered for the characters but a brief mention here and there. Then there's the ending which I felt was pretty anti-climactic and a bit rushed but overall it still has some funny and sweet moments for the romantics.
This book is a buddy read with Lark so do check out her review as well. (Thanks, Lark, for being such a wonderful book buddy! Here's to another great year of buddy reads!)
Below is my answers to her book questions:
1. If you had to sum up Darcy in just three words, what three words would you choose?
Independent, opinionated and witty.
2. And if you had to describe the romance between Tom and Darcy in just three words, what three words would you choose?
Roller coaster romance (Both of them experienced the ups and downs before reaching the destination.)
© 2020 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Gallery Books | May 2019 | 432 pgs
Source: Library
Olive and Ami are identical twin sisters but aside from their looks, everything about them is very different from each other. Olive is more reserved and her luck in life equals to zero, whatwith her losing of her job recently and anything else. Ami is the opposite though; she's positive and is always lucky when it comes to winning things. Why, she didn't even have much to worry about her wedding since she'd most of them covered by winning a series of Internet contests, and that includes her honeymoon to Maui. Olive is envious but is happy for Ami and Dane, but she's definitely not pleased to pair up with Dane's older brother, Ethan, who is the best man. Olive knows him briefly on a few occasions but both didn't really leave a good impression on each other. She figured she'd get through the wedding day and get on with her pitiful life once everything is over but it seems like fate has other plans for her.
What happens to be a wonderful wedding event turns out a nightmare as the buffet has made everyone ill, excluding Olive and Ethan since they've their own food preferences. With Ami and Dane down from food poisoning, it seems their all-expenses-paid honeymoon will go to waste unless they find someone to go in their place. With the new couple's coaxing and encouragement, Olive and Ethan set for their trip to Maui though how they're going to fake as newlyweds, they've no idea except avoiding each other at all costs if possible. But when both of them meet the people they know in the hotel where they're staying, they've no choice but to act lovey-dovey. As the days go by, Olive finds another side of Ethan which leads her into thinking that perhaps being with him isn't that bad after all.
You know, I could imagine The Unhoneymooners being played on the big screen because it's funny, dramatic and not to mention the chemistry between Olive and Ethan are palpable and I enjoyed their banters. While some scenes may seemed cheesy and unbelievable, I found them entertaining and most of all, they made me laugh and root for them. A great romcom to indulge in if you're looking for something light and an escapism.
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Avon Books | January 2019 | 384 pgs
Source: Library
This is the seventh book of A Heartbreaker Bay series but each installment works as a stand-alone, too.
The book opens with our two leading protagonists co-rescue an abandoned dog from a storm. Sadie Lane is a tattoo artist who work two jobs to make ends meet. Caleb Parker is a venture capitalist who has learned the hard way of climbing up the corporate ladder. Sadie and Caleb have seen each other around since their workplace is nearby but they rarely talk though they've a few common friends. Sadie doesn't believe in love after being burned from her previous relationship three years ago, while Caleb's focus is on his business. Plus, his three over-protective sisters drive him crazy through their tight scrutiny of his past or potential girlfriends. So when the two meet up close for the first time, love is the last thing on their mind. However, as they co-owned the dog thereafter, which they later named her Lollipop, they couldn't help seeing more of each other and each meeting brings them closer and enable them to see the other's vulnerable side. It didn't take long for Caleb to have his wall comes crumbling down but for Sadie, it's another matter since she has so many things and issues on her plate. How and what'd Caleb do to break down that strong wall she's built?
This is such a romantic story about two different people finding each other. Plus, there're so many things to like about this book. For starters, there's Lollipop. She's adorable and made me want to hug her tighter after reading her sad, pathetic days before Caleb and Sadie. Then, there's Caleb. He has personality and charisma, though perhaps he doesn't notice the latter since he was a victim to bullies and was so insecure when he was a boy. I loved reading about his past and seeing how he's changed with the help of his mentor. Finally, there's Sadie and although I liked her strong spirit and her independency, they're times she frustrated me due to her insecurities and her sense of inferiority.
Anyway, it is satisfying reading how they overcome their own inner obstacles and accepting each other. I think my favourite of all is reading the dialogues because they can be so witty. Jill Shalvis is one of my favourite romance authors and I'd recommend her books anytime should you're in need of a romance fix.
© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Harlequin | November 2018 | 384 pgs
Source: Library
There was a phase which I read nothing but romance genre; and Lori Foster is one of my favourite authors among this genre. I remember devouring her books once they were out; and joining her forum so that I could get the book news as well as discussing her books with other readers as well. Those were the days... and even though I hardly participate in any of the reading forums now, reading this book has brought back many memories.
Onto the book: When Mary Daniels and Brodie Crews first met, their first impression of each other is tainted by stereotypes and prejudice. Mary wants to look for a courier for her next assignment and her employer has sent her to Brodie's address. Her elderly boss is a collector of all sorts and Mary's job is to acquire the items on his behalf. Brodie's job is simple; all he has to do is to chauffeur her around and to ensure that all things run smoothly. And during the trips they've travelled so far together, he finds her reserved and hardly talk about herself, making herself clear that what goes between them is strictly business. This leave Brodie perplexed and curious to find out the real her behind that stiff demeanour.
Mary, on the other end, thinks Brodie is nothing but a huge distraction. It's not like she hates Brodie; on the contrary she is afraid of getting too close to someone. After all, her past has sort of robbed off her faith in people and also what others thought of her. Although she keeps her emotional distance from Brodie, she couldn't help but to notice of his protectiveness around her wherever they go. Brodie believes both of them have chemistry and that Mary will drop her defense against him given some time and his patience and concern. As they go about their tasks, they soon come across a deal which will threaten their safety and this time round Brodie won't allow Mary to keep her distance from him, physically or emotionally.
Right, so this is the first book of "Road to Love" series and although this is very much about Brodie's and Mary's story I felt I've known the Crews family already. Lori Foster has a knack of creating fleshed out characters and sizzling romance and in this story I liked the exchanges between Brodie and Mary and how Brodie exude his charm not only through his alpha physique but his gentle protectiveness towards Mary as well. The only drawback is I find some parts to be dragging but other than this it was overall an enjoyable read. The next book of this series, Slow Ride, is Brodie's brother's story and given the brief introduction of him in this book, I'm already curious of him as he is so much different from Brodie.
© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Gallery Books | September 2018 | 320 pgs
Source: Library
I've not read anything by Christina Lauren but I've heard a lot of good things about this book. For readers who love a friends-to-lovers kind of story, you'll probably love this.
Hazel Bradford first knew Josh Im when they were in college. Ten years later, she still thinks he's good-looking and proper in all sense while he thinks of her as wild, crazy and funny at times. Needless to say, their personality clashes and Josh doesn't think Hazel as his kind of gal. Plus, he has gone out with Tabitha for two years although it's a long distance relationship. It is strange how fate has once again brought this two together. Hazel is an elementary school teacher and when her good friend, Emily, invited her to her house as a get-together, she doesn't have much thoughts until she saw Josh there. It turns out that Josh is Emily's brother.
Despite the awkwardness, Hazel continues to hang out with Josh like any other friends. And when Josh later found out that his girlfriend is cheating on him, Hazel thinks it isn't a bad idea to go on a double date. However, no matter how many dates they've gone, they just didn't click with each other's friends. But of course by that time their connection and tacit understanding struck them both that they may have a chance with each other after all.
This book was a great escapism after all the thrillers I read. On top of that, I loved it that the relationship was based from the foundation of friends first and that Hazel and Josh are two interesting characters who're relatable; the former who was not afraid of being herself while the latter was kind, sensitive and stable. They're the typical opposite-attract type of couple and I couldn't like them more because of who they are and how comfortable they're with each other. Their witty dialogues, Josh's Korean heritage and the different situations they were in made this such an entertaining read and I enjoyed the whole book in spite of the predictability. I'll definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
HarperCollins Publishers | June 2017 | 400 pgs
Source: Library
If you're familiar with Jill Shalvis's books, you should know that her contemporary romances alway showcase a great cast of characters, witty dialogues and sweet heartwarming moments that would melt your heart. She is one of my go-to authors should I need a romance read fix. This is the first book of the Wildstone series; which is also her first women's fiction novel and although the genre is different, I'm glad to say her signature remains and yes, there's still some romance element in it.
30-year-old Quinn Weller works as a sous-chef in one of L.A.'s hottest eateries. She has a loving family and a great boyfriend, Brock. She's known Brock since kindergarten so their relationship is more like close friends than a couple. Despite her wonderful life, she's been feeling empty especially after she'd lost her sister, Beth, in a car accident. Then when a lawyer from Wildstone delivers a shocking news to her, she realises that her life has been all a lie. To seek the truth and to claim an inheritance meant for her, she left her everything in L.A. to a small hometown in Wildstone, California.
There in Wildstone, Quinn soon finds that the residents are charming and easy-going. As Quinn tries to settle down, she encounters Mick Hennessey who is humorous and is quick to help her whenever she runs into trouble; like fixing her dripping sink and chasing away bugs in a B&B where she is staying. What Quinn doesn't know about Mick is that he's a structural engineer working in San Francisco who is staying in the same B&B and he is there in Wildstone to check on his mother once in a while and to make sure all things are well and taken care of since his mother isn't keen on moving.
As Quinn and Mick get to know each other, this is also the beginning where Quinn starts to question herself about the route and the responsibility she is going to take after knowing that she has a teenage sister, Tilly, living in Wildstone. At its core of the story, it is basically about Quinn's self discovery and what she'd do if given a new life in a much smaller and slower paced Wildstone yet a place she could feel at ease and be contented with.
Lost and Found Sisters was an enjoyable read and I found myself swept away by all the characters in this book, including Coop the dog. Coop is Mick's dog and throughout the book you'll find that he always stick by Mick wherever he goes. Tilly's story is a sad one, but she is a strong character and I liked the feisty spirit in her at times. And oh, there are a few scenarios where we read about Quinn's exchanges with Beth when Quinn stays in that rundown B&B. Whether if Quinn really communicates with a ghost or if it's all in her head, I was never sure but at least those little moments gave her some reminiscent of their happier times. This was a great first installment of a new series and it could be read as a standalone, too.
© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Gallery Books | January 2018 | 336 pgs
Source: Library
Eve is a dreamer. She is also quirky, sensitive to emotions, likes
having fun with her girlfriends and a worrier, too. She finds herself attracted
to a guy in class due to his poetic charms and his talent in song writing and
they hit it off quickly. They continue their relationship even after they
graduated from Columbia University but both are brought
down by the harshness of reality as Jesse struggles with his music band and Eve
finds herself miserable with his hot and cold treatment and on top of that, the dread of him being
caught as a drug runner. Their relationship finally ended but Eve still feels
she is missing something in her life.
Ben is an engineer who likes order and facts. He is a man of few
words but that doesn't mean he has no opinions and ideas. He is usually calm
unless something annoys or irritates him. He knew Eve when they were both
students at the University but they were never close and there were no sparks
between them as they have no common ground. But fate is a strange thing and
they find themselves crossing paths again and again. Their friendship gradually
leads to a connection they've not thought before, but it is fragile as Ben
later finds out the truth regarding their parents' life-and-death encounters
during the 9/11 attacks. However, Eve has this trust issue which stemmed from
her unhappy tween years and one can say she is a pessimist. Adding her clashing
personality with Ben's, she doesn't think they've a future and thus she finds
herself destructing the relationship she has with Ben.
Part coming-of-age and part romance, this book chronicle two different people's meeting and their falling in love. We first follow Ben and
Eve in their 20s and we learn about their ups and downs as youths and thereafter
the challenges in life and work as adults. Truth be told, I never felt a
connection with Eve throughout the book while Ben, who seemed insignificant and
non-existent from the beginning grown on me instead. The story was simple and
common enough, but Ms. Cohen has a way of writing that will draw you in to her
characters and into their stories. I'd have liked this story more if not
because of Eve (she got on my nerves) and that being said, I'll still look forward to
Ms. Cohen's next release.
© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
St. Martin's Press | October 2017 | 240 pgs
Source: Library
There are quite a number of books on retelling or reimagination with a different twist and Pride and Prejudice is among those top of the list and I can see why considering it is a well loved classic by many readers. While there are some which fall under the fresh, creative category, there are also some which are simply disappointing.
In this gender-swapping set in contemporary America, 29-year-old Darcy Fitzwilliam is a beautiful and a successful hedge fund partner in a well known firm in New York. She hasn't set foot in her homeland in Ohio for almost eight years, not even for Christmas until news of her sick mother made her go home to spend the season with her family.
As in Fitzwilliam tradition, they always hold their annual Christmas party and this year is no exceptional. Darcy is "forced" to reunite with her friends considering she has left quite an impression leaving home for New York. On the top of her "not-to-see" list is Luke Bennet, the smart and sardonic slacker son of their neighbour. They don't hate each other, but they don't like each other too. After a night of too many eggnogs, they found themselves in a compromise situation and although Darcy brushed it aside as just another one-night stand, she couldn't help thinking of him thereafter. But could they fall in love given her pride and his prejudice against big-city girls like her?
To begin with, I thought this book has lots of potential. I always love a retelling and I'd read one or two of those of P&P in the past and enjoyed them but unfortunately I couldn't find myself liking this one although I wished I did. I think the main reason is the characterisation and also the emotional depth wasn't enough to entice me. I liked Elizabeth from P&P, but Darcy (never mind the gender swap and everything else) didn't really leave too much of an impression on me other than that she was super wealthy and she behaved like a teenager at times; which I hate to say it but alas that was how I viewed it. Overall I think this book didn't work for me but if you don't mind something light and entertaining then this book may probably fit your reading preference.
© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
HarperCollins Publishers | September 2017 | 384 pgs
Source: Library
[I know Christmas was long over, but this is a library copy which I'd been eyeing for a while. Plus the story wasn't too Christmas-y so...]
Although this is the fourth book in the Heartbreaker Bay series, it could be read as a stand-alone.
Colbie Albright is a bestselling author of a YA fantasy series by the pen name of CE Crown. With the stress of writing another manuscript and dealing with her family who is always in need of her, she feels a break is in order and thus she decided to book herself a trip to somewhere where she can relax and be herself. A place where it's away from New York and no one would be able to reach her easily. San Francisco isn't her first choice but it is the next best option since a number of flights are either delayed or cancelled due to the hurricane. Within an hour of arrival, she is shoved into the waters of a historic San Francisco fountain, thanks to a dog named Daisy.
Spencer Baldwin is doing his friend a favor by walking her dog when Daisy pounced onto a gorgeous woman. Fortunately for him, the woman waves it off and has a good laugh over the situation. Attracted by her warm and easygoing demeanour, he has a good chat with her and after learning that she is looking for a place to settle, he tells her that there is a studio apartment available in the building where he is staying. But he leave out the fact that he is the owner of the building and that he is working on a huge project involving apps and drones. In short, Spencer is a tech geek who has both the look and wealth but is staying low profile due to an article which has exposed his private life and a past failed relationship.
Colbie and Spencer do not know about each other's real identity initially and this is what made this book such a fun read. Both introverts and devoted of their work, they are in many ways similar to each other. Due to this reason and the fact that Colbie wouldn't stay long and that Spencer is more into his work than in relationship, they become comfortable with each other as the days go by until they began to realise that they wanted each other to be part of their life. Are they able to make their relationship work despite their job demand and the long distance?
I've enjoyed most of Jill Shalvis's books and this is no exceptional. She writes fleshed out characters who are relatable and it is so much fun reading about them and their life experiences.
© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Michael Joseph | January 2018 | 480 pgs
Source: Purchased
If you've read Me Before You and After You, you'll be familiar with Louisa Clark and this book continues her story, in which she left for New York from London to work with the wealthy Gopniks family. Although this book still read as a stand-alone, I'd suggest you start with Me Before You first for the backstory so you'd have a better understanding while reading this book.
To avoid any spoilers for readers who haven't read Me Before You and After You (in which why I didn't link up my reviews but you may search for them on my blog homepage if you're interested), my review for this book will be vague but I'd share my thoughts and how this book made me feel without revealing too much details.
Louisa Clark has changed so much the last I read her from Me Before Me; and with each book she becomes a better person yet she is who she is deep down. In this book, it is all about people's connections (no matter if it's long distance or the neighbours living in a posh apartment building) and also about following one's dreams. Here, we also read about the mega wealthy people and their lifestyle, as well as their mentality and insights on a few certain things, like friendship and of course, what power and money could do to right the wrongs, in some way or another depending on one's perspective.
I especially liked the second part of the story, whereby Louisa interacts with an elderly woman who is a bit grumpy yet generous in so many ways. She also has a pup named Dean Martin, which she dotes on him like a baby. As much as I loved Me Before You (which will always remains as my favourite), I find the strength of this book is about not losing yourself while finding a new you. I loved how this book made me laugh, cry and inspire me in so manys. A must-read for all the romantics and for anyone who needs a uplifting read.
© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Harlequin | September 2017 | 256 pgs
Source: Library
What a delightful read this is, set in a snow-covered country ranch in Wyoming.
Raine McCall is a simple, free spirited woman who lives in Mustang Creek with her daughter, Daisy; a dog named Samson and a Maine coon cat named Mr. Bojangles. The day before Christmas Eve, she receives an email from Mick Branson who proposed a dinner with her to discuss a work opportunity as well as to catch up on old times. Mick is a hotshot movie executive and he had worked with her ex-boyfriend, Slater Carson, on a documentary featuring the historical and the present Mustang Creek. Since no eateries will open on Christmas Eve, Mick will go to Raine's place and discuss the plans over her homecooked chili cheeseburgers and a bottle of wine. Raine has no problem having Mick at close proximity, after all they are friends and most of all they are different in so many ways. She is more of a country girl while Mick lives a sophisticated lifestyle given his status and his work. Surely there wouldn't be any romantic sparks between them.
On the other end, Mick is finding an opportunity to spend more time with Raine aside from the business talk. He also likes the serene ambience and the beauty nature of Mustang Creek which allows him some distance from his busy life. Despite their differences, Mick is attracted by Raine's simplicity and her straightforwardness and he is interested in a relationship with her but is Raine willing to give him a chance?
With a beautiful snow-covered setting and an interesting cast of characters, A Snow Country Christmas is a delightful read filled with many heartwarming moments. For starters, I was captivated by the beauty of Mustang Creek through the author's detailed description. Living in a small country with summer all year around, I could only imagine the beauty of winter through books and pictures and not to mention choosing a place during the year end for our vacation, if possible.
Back to the book, this was a light read with lots of warm moments and the sentimental value of friends and family as there is absolutely no conflicts to the story (not that I wished there was but everything was nice and perfect here; even Raine's relationship with his ex-boyfriend and his wife was a cordial one and they were often kept in touch and still visited each other's house occasionally.) The relationship between Raine and Mick may seemed to progress a bit fast to me but I suppose it is because they have been friends earlier and that this is a holiday romance after all. A lovely read during this festive period and this will mark as my last book review of the year. I'll be taking a short break off of blogging until the end of the year but I do have two posts scheduled for next week for my top twelve reads of 2017.
Last but not least, here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
© 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
HarperCollins Publishers | September 2017 | 368 pgs
Source: Library
Candis Terry's Tangled Up in Tinsel is the third book of her Sunshine Creek Vineyard series and despite I haven't read any of Terry's books I'm glad this works well as a stand-alone although I'm quite curious of the backstories of a few characters who made their appearance in this book. I suppose I'll have to catch up on the previous installments someday.
This book features one of the Kincade brothers whose family owns a vineyard which was passed down by their late parents. Parker Kincade has been stressing over his new restaurant despite it is still under renovation. He has decided to remodel and revamp their old barn as a restaurant not only as a new concept but also to continue the legacy of their late parents who had worked hard in building and running the vineyard. Aside from this, Parker also needs to consider having the revamp done before his brother's wedding as the latter wants the place for his perfect Christmas wedding. But the biggest problem of all is having a stunning woman who appoints herself as his new chef before he's ready to hire one.
Gabriella Montani has been watching Parker serving food to his customers at his food truck for some time. When she knew he is opening up his own restaurant soon, she took the initiative and apply for the chef position since being the first stands a higher chance of succeeding, right? Plus, she needs this job and a chance to prove to herself as well as her father that she could do it without his fame and reputation as a well-known chef. She managed to impress Parker through her enthusiasm and her skills but she is also attracted to him (and vice versa) even though she has not met any man who has ever lived up to her expectations. As Gabriella sees more of Parker she also sees a new side of him which he rarely show to people, not even his family members. Will Gabriella allow herself to be swept up by this attractive man, ever?
Truth be told, I'm a little skeptical about holiday romances (in real life anyway). It's so easy to fall in love and be sentimental especially during the festive season; after all Christmas is about giving love and it's hard not to be affected by that "love is in the air" aura. That said, I'm still a romantic and it's especially heartwarming to see two people who are so different in their family background and personalities find the courage and abandon whatever their fears or insecurities to accept a relationship with the other person. This story is such a case as Gabriella and Parker are so different when their family background are concerned. Parker comes from a big family while Gabriella is living all by herself with no siblings. Parker has some issues with his past while Gabriella is trying to find her own feet without feeling she has to live by her father's fame and reputation; and most of all she has not much faith when relationship is concerned after seeing through their parents divorced. Although it was desire which has brought them together in the first place, ultimately they discover something more of each other as the days go by but are they willing to put away their issues? There are many books with similar plots but the point is it is about the characters as well as the "feel" and the concept of "love" which is essential in a holiday romance book and I'm glad the author is able to capture my attention with that holiday magic moments with elements of family bonds, friendship and love in this story. And the bonus is the book adds in a few recipes, too (Ricotta cheese cookies with lemon icing, Sweet onion carbonara, Mascarpone sorbetto with rosemary honey and Mac and Cheese.)
© 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
HarperCollins Publishers | June 2016 | 384 pgs
Source: Library
Jill Shalvis' books are well known to be witty, fun and filled with hearts and I'm glad Sweet Little Lies is no exceptional.
Pru Harris is one extraordinary heroine. As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, she has met all kinds of people and has handled the boat swiftly under dire weather, but yet it sets her heart flutter whenever she set her eyes on pub owner, Finn O'Riley. Not a person to believe in love and destiny, Pru simply brushes her 'heart pounding syndrome' away to plain silliness and continues her plans to help a few people in which a drunk-driving accident years ago had altered their lives. Pru's parents were social drinkers and although what they'd caused to other people's lives isn't Pru's fault, she couldn't help feeling guilty after what it has caused those affected families. Finn and his younger brother, Sean, are one of the affected families and since the death of their father, Finn has to abandon his baseball scholarship and take up the role and responsibility to support Sean. Their mother had left them since they were young and due to all these, Finn doesn't do anything fun anymore but to focus on his pub business and his younger brother.
Although Pru feels bad for the O'Rileys siblings, it isn't the reason why she is attracted to Finn. She likes the way how he handles things smoothly, and not to mention his seriousness and responsibility in running his business and taking good care of Sean. And things are definitely looking bright for Pru and Finn the more they spend more time with each other, although Pru initially hasn't have any thoughts about them being romantically linked eventually. She knew she has to tell Finn about what happened and who caused his father's death at some point before their relationship goes deeper, but she isn't ready for that little happiness to end.
Filled with witty dialogues and interesting supporting characters, this is a wonderful first book of the Heartbreaker Bay series which warmed and touched me in many ways. During my reading journey, I'd been thinking about Pru's dilemma and thinking what a girl should do under this circumstances. Of course the truth is always the best policy, but for Pru it is always the lack of good timing and most of all, the fear of losing a good man and a friend.
I can see why Jill Shalvis is a popular author when it comes to contemporary romance as her characters come to life under her skilful hands and her stories are always heartwarming and yes, filled with sizzling romances, too. Now I've to add her other books of this series to my wishlist and also to catch up on her Lucky Harbor series, too. Oh, so many books so little time!
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