‘My One and Only’ by Kristan Higgins –Review-

Read and excerpt: here

Charming, emotionally-charged, and quirky as all get out; My One And Only was a heartfelt and exhilarating read! I started the book late at night so I couldn’t read it straight through and that messed with me big time; I was so anxious to read more of the story that I couldn’t stop myself from getting distracted every 20  minutes and day dreaming about how the book would play out from where I left off. You’ll need the Jaws of Life to pry yourself away from Higgins' latest. The characters worm their way into your heart before you even have a chance to say “Holy Shitake!” This one is definitely a keeper!

Being a top-notch divorce attorney certainly helps skew your view on the whole institution of marriage. Throw in a failed marriage of your own that didn’t even make it to a full year and you’ll find it very easy to look on at the world in Harper-colored lenses. Infamous and loathed by the divorcees (at least on the losing side) of a town in Martha's Vineyard, Thirty *mumbles* year old Harper James is driving even the local priest to shaking his head in hopelessness at her dry wit and second skin of cynicism. Fanciful and naive dreams of a perfect marriage were left to the just-out-of-college, newlywed Harper. But now, she has traded in the title of ‘hopeless romantic’ for ‘habitual realist’.  A much older and wiser Harper doesn’t see the point in dwelling on failed marriages and crushed dreams and has the ultimate formula to a happy life: 1 superhot, slightly wet behind the ears, rat tail having, firefighter boyfriend + 2 ½ years in a committed relationship + some wicked hot sex = time to say “I Do”.

While in the midst of laying out a very compelling marriage proposal (and when you read the book, proposal is just the word for it), Harper gets a call from her sometimes flighty but oh so loveable sister, Willa. Looks like Harper wasn’t the only one doing some proposing, because Willa calls to inform her big sis that she’s getting hitched (for the third time). She wants Harper to be her maid of honor and travel down to Montana for the wedding. Harper couldn’t be more thrilled... [insert sarcasm here]

The wedding is in a few weeks, so besides being on a time crunch to convince her sister to not marry some guy she just met, Harper won’t have a lot of time to prepare herself for seeing her ex-husband of 12 years- who also happens to be the groom’s brother and best man.

The whirl wind that swept up an ambitious Nick Lowe 12 years ago when he married Harper James may be coming back to cause more destruction as Nick travels to Montana for his brother’s wedding. Being the best man, Nick has a responsibility to his brother to make sure the next few weeks go by with as little conflict as possible; but how can anyone expect Nick to do his job when his ‘stunted’ ex-wife jumps into the fray and tries to talk her sister into backing out every chance she gets?

 The weekend of the wedding will hold a lot of fortunate happenstances. (Superhot boyfriend, meet crazy sexy ex-husband.) The best man and maid of honor are destined to butt heads during the festivities leading up to their siblings’ big day, but what sort of hazards await the not-couple when they must travel cross-country together with a dog and a horde of repressed memories?

Nick and Harper never got over one another despite how much time has passed and maybe the road trip down memory lane will be just the thing needed to convince the exes to make peace with the past and embrace their One and Only.

My Rating:

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is surprisingly enough, the road trip reflections where we get all the backstory and emotional rehash we could ever want. Usually, when books have these flashbacks, they can be lengthy and start to fell like one big info-drop after another. I can never really enjoy them. When I realized that most of the backstory would be told during the road trip, I cringed and thought “Well, there goes the book.” Higgins delightfully surprised me by executing the reflections wonderfully. I was absorbed by my interest in the characters past. I had to stop reading around these parts so I could run some errands, and a more distracted shopper at Pathmark you’d never find. The road trip reflections were well crafted and stayed with me even after I finished reading.

This book was like 27 Dresses meets Sweet Home Alabama. Higgins has an infectious writer's voice and the book was one filled with pizazz and personality. Nick was very interesting but at first, I thought he would be more of a prop than a protagonist. As the story progressed, however, his vulnerability shines through and you want to pat him on the back for knowing what he wants and going balls-to-the-wall to get it.

Harper reminded me a lot of the pragmatic, sometimes stick-up-the butt-ish women we see in romantic comedies like the ones I mentioned above. She was a BOSS. But she was also as vulnrable or even more so than Nick. Yeah, it takes balls to propose to your boyfriend and give him an ultimatum, but as you read, you see she's covering up her fear of abandonment with a mask of practicality. 
Harper was a character that you instantly liked and simultaneously rolled your eyes at when she said things like:

“Sometimes our minds just need time to accept what our hearts already know”

The book didn’t only have lovely protagonists, but a strong supporting cast and intriguing settings. If this latest is anything to go by, Higgins will be a permanent fixture on my bookshelf. Her unique style and relatable characters will certainly enchant her to romance readers everywhere.

[I received the galley  for

 this book through Netgalley]

*Check out another Higgins novel, ‘The Next Best Thing’

*And in the spirit of second chance romance and movies, check out the classic movie ‘The Philadelphia Story’. One of my all-time favorites with some debonair 1940’s Man Candy (Mmm, James Stewart)

'The Christmas Fantasy' by KT Grant -Review-

Read an excerpt: here

Firefighters, hot bathroom sex, and "Happy Hard-On" Mancini... Yep, this is going to be one hell of a holiday!

Being in love with her brother’s best friend isn’t an ideal situation for Mandy Lockeheart, but she can’t help the feelings she has for sexy firefighter Jackson Montgomery (and his glasses). She’s determined to change his ‘fraternal’ opinions about her by showing him just how much of a woman she really is; and what’s more womanly than taking charge and kissing the man senseless?
At her brother’s annual Christmas Party, Mandy decides to take matters into her own hands (quite literally) and go after the perfect Christmas/30th Birthday gift; losing her virginity to the love of her life.

When Mandy pretty much manhandles Jackson into the bathroom of her brother’s house during his Christmas party and tells him what she wants, the floodgates of passion are released; Jackson has tried to suppress his growing attraction to Mandy lately, but the task proves a bit too difficult when she has her legs wrapped around him. However, Jackson has more class than to take the virginity of his best friend’s sister in the bathroom of the guy’s house (during a party, no less!). So now that the attraction is out in the open, Jackson decides to wine and dine Mandy like a true gentleman before giving her some mind-blowing, Tarzan-and-Jane-in-the-jungle sex!

Suffice to say, Mandy’s brother Chris isn’t too happy with Jackson, and the two come to blows once the issue is brought to light. Jackson doesn’t care what objections Chris has about the match and wants to take things past Christmas/Birthday present sex with Mandy. That would be all well and good if she didn’t catch an attack of body insecurity and started pushing Jackson away. Mandy worked really hard to get rid of her extra weight and gain the confidence to start feeling as beautiful as she looked, but the trials of weight loss have left its mark. She and Jackson have gotten pretty hot and heavy a few times, but he’s never seen her completely in the nude; Will his heated gazes turn cold once he sees what’s under the mini skirt and cardigan?

Instead of facing the issue head-on, Mandy all of the sudden turns icy on Jackson and ignores his repeated attempts to reach out to her. Everything seems lost, but when Jackson’s safety is put in jeopardy on the job, Mandy will be forced to learn that trusting the beautiful person she is inside and out and grabbing at the chances life present is the only way to make her fantasies a reality.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Mandy and Jackson are getting intimate and Mandy begins to feel self-conscious about the stretch marks on her stomach. I mean, how many of us DON’T have stretch marks? (*stares daggers at the -3 of you who rose your hands!*). I loved when Jackson senses the change in her, and tries to soothe/comfort her.
Excerpt from the book:
          “Amanda,” Jackson whispered in longing. He reached out and touched her stomach with a warm steady hand.
         She flinched. That part of her body had the most stretch marks. How could he miss them? “Don’t mind the stretch marks. I know they look disgusting.” She couldn’t stop the tremor in her words and looked away.
          His touch, feathered over her skin, so light that it tickled. “Hey there.” Jackson cupped her cheek, turning her face back toward him. “These marks aren’t that bad. Honestly, if you hadn’t pointed them out, I probably wouldn’t have noticed. Later on I can show you a few of my scars."

This novella was really sweet and packed tons of spice. I mean, it was pretty HOT! Even though Mandy had some residual insecurity after her inspiring weight loss, she was a character with strength. It takes guts to push a guy onto a toilet seat and ‘grab’ his attention (among other things). Actually, all of the characters had life to them and I felt like I could bump into a few of them on the street any given day.
Chris was way too jerky for my tastes, but I found myself wanting to see more from him as well as a few other characters-which was impossible to do in 69 pages. The book could have been longer and there could have been a bit more added to both the main plot and the subplots to make the book even better. It started to get predictable in certain spots, but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment by much.
Also, I really liked the hero, Jackson. Truth to tell, anything with abs and skin tight suspenders would be on its back in no time around me, but Jackson was more than just a man with bulges in all the right places. Sure he was a hot firefighter, but he was also adorably geeky and considerate. Something makes me feel like I’d really enjoy having conversations with him.

But don’t let the title fool you; This truly is a story you can read any time of year and always find yourself smiling; in fact, I’ll probably be re-read it one day soon.

[Special thanks to the author

for sending e-copy for review]

*Want more KT? Check out her next release with Decadent Publishing coming soon; 'Xavier's Loving Arms'

'The Claiming Of Suzy' by KT Grant -Review-

   A delicious read, perfect for some Friday night indulging! 'The Claiming Of Suzy' is filled to the brim with lovable characters, interesting storyline, and all the driver-seat sexcapades you could ever want.
   Sassy and sensuous Suzy Bean is ready to make her move on the guy she’s always had a ‘thing’ for. He may be one hunky, tall, dark and handsome Alejandro of a masseuse with ab’s of steel and bedroom eyes that could send grandma into cardiac arrest, but Suzy is confident in her own skin and plans to drive one J.C Mosino absolutely wild.
   When she finally confronts her attraction to Mosino, Suzy is optimistic at the idea of where their spontaneous living room activities will end up. But once J.C. opens his mouth and says some incendiary comments, Suzy isn't sure how they will be able to move forward.
   And then, in walk Xavier Marks- new partner at Suzy's job, and an irresistible smooth-talker who reins in his attentions and focuses on Suzy! Now the choices have been laid out and someone’s got some 'Claiming' to do.

[Read an excerpt: here]

Major aspect to the plot in a sentence: Suzy Bean knows what she wants, or at least, she thought she did.
   At the thirty-fifth wedding anniversary celebration for her parents, Suzy Bean gets slightly tipsy and the gallant J.C. Mosino whisks her back to her apartment to recuperate. From there, quite simply: it is ON! This is all a part of Suzy’s grand master plan to take her flirtatious friendship with J.C. to the next level. Back at the apartment, Suzy finally makes her move and to her overwhelming joy, J.C. couldn’t be more enthusiastic. They share passionate kiss after steamy, passionate kiss; or perhaps it’s that same kiss that started it all, just deliciously prolonged.
   Eventually they find their way to the living room couch and as J.C. helps himself to Suzy’s ‘honey pot’, he can’t help himself and spills passionate words of praise that leave Suzy a little less than flattered. If you made a move on the man you’ve had the hugest crush on, and he actually kisses you back and THEN some-only to liken your stomach to a ‘soft, downy pillow', wouldn’t you be a little disappointed as well? J.C. further makes an ass out of himself, believing he’s done nothing wrong, and can only vaguely imagine why Suzy would slam the door in his face and refuse to open up-in more ways than one!
   While Suzy gives J.C. the silent treatment, she is also quitting smoking (cold-turkey) and giving up caffeine. Suzy, a woman accustomed to never deny herself a good smoke, a double espresso latte, or a good screw, now finds herself without any of her vices.
   Luckily-or maybe frustratingly- for Suzy, her sufferings are tempered by the flirtation and attentions of a sexy new man in the office building. A fine, tall glass of chocolate milk indeed, Xavier Marks is not only looking in Suzy’s direction for some fun, he’s also her BOSS!
   Xavier’s intentions, while often joked upon, are sincere and he makes Suzy feel great about herself during a time when everything’s confusing the hell out of her. She still can’t seem to get over J.C.’s insensitive words or figure out what to do regarding their relationship. All the while, Xavier wants to move in where J.C. dropped the ball, but Suzy can’t  help hesitating when her heart screams for another. Misunderstandings aside, can Suzy truly give up something that could be potentially wonderful in exchange for what her confused little heart has always wanted?
   At the end of the day- or Halloween gala- the best man will win and Suzy will get thoroughly claimed.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Suzy first meets Xavier in a coffee shop and doesn't know he's her soon-to-be boss. He's flirting with a barista who doesn't give-in to his charms, then he sets his sights on Suzy. It was just a generally cute scene because it's so obvious Xavier enjoys flirting, and Suzy calls him out on his crap, but she can't help feeling hooked-lined-and sinkered by his suave words.

   If you’re looking for that patented KT Grant heat, you'll definitely find it in this novella. If you’ve read, 'For The Love Of Mollie', you are familiar with Suzy's character and probably expect nothing but sexual bliss throughout the 129 pages. Think again! While it does get hot and heavy (just the way we like it), there was a considerable amount of restraint that you wouldn’t anticipate. It was story, not a karma sutra. I admit to looking out for sex scene upon sex scene, but Grant put more depth into her characters and plot than I expected to see. Suzy is confidence personified, but when J.C. made a comment about her stomach, you saw her tough wall come down a bit. She had insecurities and indecision plaguing her left and right, but when everything came together at the end, you had a smile on your face because you realize you were rooting for her the whole time. The only thing that had me wincing a bit was the dirty talk. I am a little miss-ish and sentimental when it comes to bedroom vernacular and Grant's will definitely go outside the box and around the corner! But just like any great roller coaster -you'll enjoy the ride, regardless if you're a little faint-hearted ;).  I read this on a Friday night with tons of chips ahoy and it felt luxurious! Indulge yourself and read this one!

[Special thanks to the author

for sending the PDF for review]

* And if Xavier left an impression on you like he did with me, prepare for his story! 'Xavier's Loving Arms' will be released by Decadent Publishing soon (will keep you posted with a date!)

'For The Love Of Mollie' by KT Grant -Review-

   A devastatingly sensual, yet heartfelt story that can resonate somewhere with ladies of all shapes and sizes. We all have our own insecurities and can sympathize and even empathize with the heroine. Several times while reading this novella, I caught myself thinking, "OMG, I would just die if that happen to me!" and "That's what I would think, too!" Mollie speaks to the second-guesser in all of us and when she wins, it feels like we all won!
   At thirty-something years old, Mollie McGree has a stable career, trustworthy friends, and a crush on a man she feels she's not good enough for. The sexy Juan Carlos (J.C) is the masseuse built to perfection who doesn't seem to notice plus-sized Mollie as more than just a friend. In a bid to lose weight and snare some of J.C's attentions, Mollie joins a gym run by the physically-honed sex god, Conner Bean. After-hour's work out sessions leads to steamy sexual encounters and then tender feelings begin to develop between the couple. Conner is determined to refocus Mollie's sights to him and convince her that she is perfect just the way she is. But how do you combat the almighty ideals society has placed upon women? With lots of sex, that how!!.. (and with love, too!)

[Read an excerpt: here]

   Mollie McGree isn't stick-skinny, and her C-cup bust is definitely real. She believes that by losing weight, she will make her sexy friend, J.C., notice her in a more sexually way. She does crash diets and works out as much as she can, but she’s finding the transition into something she’s not a very difficult one.
   When she joins World Class Gym, run by a modern day David, Conner Bean, she can’t believe he’s paying attention to her. She continues to doubt herself, but Conner is persistent in his attempts to get to know her (and get in her panties) and successfully lays down a foundation for something deeper. They share INTENSE sexual gratification and Conner’s sincere intentions towards Mollie begin to bring down her wall of insecurities.
   But when an attractive (and much thinner) whore-woman (yes…I said whore-woman! LOL) hits on Conner, and Mollie walks in on them, it’ll take something big to convince Mollie to trust in Conner’s love for her and to love herself.

Rating: 4 ½ Red Roses

   My Favorite Part in the Book: Mollie is at the wedding anniversary party for the parents of her best friend, Suzy Bean. She’s been crash dieting and all the food at the party is just taunting her. Conner is there (since he’s Suzy’s cousin) and convinces Mollie to dance with him. While they are dancing, her stomach starts to grumble. She is so embarrassed by it, but Conner-Mr.Sex God himself- handles it well and shows us what we all need in a man. He doesn’t laugh at her, or try to play it off. He blames himself for fast-tracking her to the dance floor without seeing if she wanted something to eat. I choose this scene because I know how embarrassing it is when you have a hungry belly attack in front of a cute guy. Connor’s concern just made me swoon!

   This novella was a real pleaser while sending a message at the same time. You'll connect with the characters and fell empowered by the time you finish reading. I loved the way Grant used the body issues and insecurities we all feel to show how silly we can all be. Girls, this is my message to you: EAT BITCH! Do you like McGriddles? Then eat McGriddles. Point blank. Some of us aren’t meant to see the number 2 on our clothing unless we’re playing softball or something. ‘For The Love Of Mollie’ is all about embracing your size, but also being conscious of your health. Eat healthy, but don’t feel like you’re inferior just because you like your cake and eat it too every now and then.
   Oh and did I mention how frecking HOT this story is? When I say Connor is a Sex-God.. I MEAN IT! Keep a bottle of water handy as you read this story. You’ll need it!

[A special thanks to the author

for sending the PDF for review]

*You fell in love with her 'tell it like it is' style in 'For The Love Of Mollie'. Now, find out why Suzy Bean just disappered at the end of the story. 'The Claiming Of Suzy' will be avalible from Decadent Publishing on 9/25/2010!

'Crossing Oceans' by Gina Holmes -Review-

   A singularly incredible book! 'Crossing Oceans' was a deeply affecting and moving story about limitless and unconditional love. This debut novel by author Gina Holmes is a must-read. There was a ball in my throat for the majority of this book, and once I finished it, I couldn't believe the degree of emotions I experienced.
   Genevieve Lucas thought she left behind her troubled past and dysfunctional relationships in North Carolina for good. But when circumstances beyond her control forces her to return home and settle some things, almost nothing goes according to plan. Terminally ill, with just a few months left to live and her 'father-less' 5 year-old  daughter's future to secure, Jenny will have to reluctantly rely on her none-to-perfect family.
   The past threatens the future, an unlikely relationship will form, and lessons in forgiveness and letting go will take center stage. But when it comes down to it, all you need to know is that a mother's love is ever-lasting; even from across the ocean.

Read an excerpt: here

Book Trailer:
                        

   Nearly six years ago, Jenny Lucas had her heart broken by her ex-boyfriend David Preston. He said it just wouldn't work out for them, but little did he know, she was carrying his child. Sooner or later SOMETHING would have to work between them, but as determined as Jenny was to keep David out of little Isabella's life, circumstances would ultimately force her hand on the matter.
   She left behind all that hurt, both David's rejection and  her father's emotional neglect, and re-established her life elsewhere. But now, six years later, she has to go back to the place that harbors so many unpleasant memories.
   The fact of the matter is that Jenny was dying. Diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, a form of cancer that had already begun to spread throughout her body, Jenny knew she would soon face the same fate as her own mother had. She hadn't told anyone besides her 'Mama Peg' about her illness and didn't know how she would go about informing her father. She knew Jack Lucas hadn't been the same man he was once he lost his beloved wife to cancer, his stoic and guarded demeanor driving a wedge between father and daughter ever since, but unless she wanted to tell David of the child she had bared and hidden from him for all these years, her father was her only choice.
   Initial cynical of his daughter's sudden reappearance, and curious about the granddaughter he didn't get the chance to know before they both left,  Jack probes for answers and eventually storms out of the family home in a temper. He knows David would be the only logical guess for being Isabella's father, and having blamed David's father for misdiagnosing his wife and causing her death, he was not happy about the revelation whatsoever. When he returns home hours later all battered-up and it's discovered that he had went to speak with David's father about Isabella, Jenny knows that it is only a matter of time before David finds out. She sets out to find him so she can tell him the truth before his father can reach him, but the meeting doesn't bode well. She briefly encounters David with his wife at their home, has a nasty argument with him, and leaves before she has a chance to tell him about Isabella. Eventually, David starts to seek out Jenny and learn more about the daughter he never knew he had.
   Even with all that drama going on, the persistent, yet soothing presences of Jenny's old high school friend starts to take a turn toward something more than a renewed friendship. Craig Allen, now living in the saddle barn on her father's property, has always had a crush on Jenny. Even though he knows she's dying, he can't help but be attracted to her and want to be with her. The relationship is hard on Jenny, because she wants him just as badly, but knows she will never have him. While Craig tries to coax Jenny into living the last few months of her life to the fullest, David proves to be a huge distraction, as he fights for visitation and soon custody of his daughter.
   The final months of Jenny Lucas' life are filled with trials and acceptance, new experiences and harsh realities, and when given the chance to do one last thing to ease Isabella's transition into her new life without her mommy, Jenny makes the ultimate sacrifice and then we all will understand the real meaning of love.

-Rating- 5 Smooches -Rating-

My Favorite Part of the Book: (not my favorite because its so sad, but most memorable) Is when Jenny is explaining that she will die soon to her daughter. Isabella's  innocence and confusion just make the difficult talk almost unbearable. The analogy and purpose for the title 'Crossing Oceans' comes into play here as well. It was beautifully done and emotionally jarring to read through.

   This is a romance blog, and you should be use to my recounting of sexy tales filled with sensual bliss. But the main reason why we read romances is because, at the end of the day, through all of the grouping and caressing, the Hero LOVES the heroine and it's beautiful in it's genuineness. This book brought us through many forms of love, most specifically that of a mother for her daughter. Jenny and Craig's relationship was short lived but poignant, and Jenny's love for her daughter was the catalyst of the story that will bring tears to your eyes. 'Crossing Oceans' was more than just a book; it was a lesson on life. After reading this novel, I wanted to be a better person. Only great novels can evoke that feeling in a reader. Whether the lessons from this book stay with me forever or not is an indeterminable question, but its importance is indisputable. It was inspiring and tear-jerking and amazingly liberating. This book will make you reevaluate the priorities in your life and appreciate the blessings you have today. Do yourself a favor and read this book!

[special thanks to Gina Holmes for sending a review copy]

*More from Gina Holmes will be coming in Spring 2011! 'Dry As Rain'

'Smooth-Talking Stranger' by Lisa Kleypas -Review-

   Well done. Alright, let's be honest. This is Lisa Kleypas, all of her books are automatically good reads (this one was no exception). I found this book to be a refreshing and lighter counterpart to its predecessors in the Travis series (Sugar Daddy and Blue-Eyed Devil). Ella Varner, an 'alternative' lifestyle leading, damaged-past having, 'open-relationship' partner to her boyfriend Dane, never expected to become a parent or snare the interest of one of Houston's most notorious playboys. Jack Travis, who leads the fast life with fast women, never believed the sweatpants wearing, stand-in mom with sleep depervation would turn him on so thoroughly. All this and more takes place in this excellent contemporary novel.

Read an excerpt: here

Book Trailer:

     
    Ella was finally doing things her way. She moved to Austin to live with her boyfriend, Dane, and escaped the constant limbo of inadequacy she felt while with her family back in Houston.She writes an advice column for Vibe magazine, where her alter ego (Miss Independent) gives advice on life, love and our favorite subject, sex. It's ironic, seeing as how she is as emotionally messed up as most of her readers. She suffered a dysfunctional childhood where she always had to step-up, protect her younger sister, Tara, from the sexual abuse of one of their step-father, and have her self-esteem constantly torn down by their perfectionist of a mother.
   It is no surprise that when inconvenience befalls her mothers strenuous social life, that she receives the call of a lifetime. Her sister, in need of psychological help to battle the demons of her hazy past, has a son whom she promptly drops-off and leaves at their mother house. The mother threatens to call social services and have the child taken away because she isn't willing to look after it; so the task falls to Ella. Reluctant at first, because her boyfriend is apprehensive to children in general and tells her not to come back to Austin with the child, Ella makes the 3 hour drive to Houston and has her heart stolen in a flash.
   It is at first believed that business-savvy, Jack Travis, is Ella's nephew, Luke's, father. Ella goes to Jack's office building and manages a meeting with him. Surprisingly, he not only agrees to the DNA test, but helps Ella find a hotel to stay in (because most were booked to capacity due to a convention being held in town). He follows up on his word, and even sets up the doctors appointment, when it is revealed that Tara had an affair with a very married, very public figure, and that he was currently footing the bill for her stay at a mental health clinic. Ella relieves Jack of any further obligation and promises to never bother him again.
   Jack is ever-persistent though and manages a dinner with Ella; where he charms her silly. Other interactions and dates follow, including Jack's assistance in getting her an apartment in his family-owned building. Although she couldn't afford it, she strikes a deal with the previous owner; Jack's sister Haven, and the ladies become fast friends. Although marriage has been off the table in her relationship with Dane, Jack begins to fall hard for Ella and experiences difficulty in getting her to take the risk necessary for something deeper than bedtime attraction. Ella learns to take leaps of faith and trust in a love that is so precious and was almost snatched away from her.

Rating: 4 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Ella and Haven are having a casual drink night in Haven's apartment with her fiancee (Hardy)-the sanagria is plentiful- and in passing, Hardy invites Jack to come up for dinner. The group convinces Ella to stay too, and need-for-sleep mixed with alcohol leads the mother of all knock outs. She's sitting on the couch with Jack as the influences start to take effect  and wakes up practically drooling on his lap. He just sat there, enjoying the way she forgot herself around him and felt comfortable enough to sleep on him. It was a really sweet moment.

   All in all, this book didn't really lack as much as it gave. We got the fiery passion (see sexy, first-time in the parking garage love scene), character growth (slowly, but surly), and that classic Kleypas conflict which made each chapter a page turner. It's simple enough; if you'd like to read a good book, pick up this one!

*The first book in the Travis Series, 'Sugar Daddy' is a must read/ My Review can be found: here

* Second in the series is 'Blue-Eyed Devil'/ My Review can be found: here

* A four-part interview by borders with Lisa Kleypas, where she discuss' 'Smooth-Talking Stranger' and touches on her other contemporaries, can be found:
-here for part 1
-here for part 2
-here for part 3
-here for part 4

'Blue-Eyed Devil' by Lisa Kleypas -Review-

   Intense. Incredible. Gratifying Beyond Measure. Yep, that's what 'Blue-Eyed Devil' has me saying. I thought 'Sugar Daddy' was too outstanding for words; 'Blue-Eyed Devil' robbed me of breath and ruined me for any other novel! When I finished this particular book, I knew I was spoiled. Any other contemporary I had read up to that point, and every contemporary I am destined to read after this one will pale in comparison. You will fall in love with this amazing novel, I guarantee it!

Read an excerpt: here

 Book Trailer:


   She thought she was in love. Even a dizzying kiss with a relative stranger and her family's disapproval couldn't stop Haven Travis from marrying her boyfriend, Nick. Two years in a declining marriage, and the marks to show for it, have our heroine returning to her family in Houston to rebuild her life. She's always seen her family's wealth as a reason to prove herself as a competent, hard-working individual as appose to the spoiled-brat society would like to believe she is. While trying to work her way to the top in her brothers property-management company, she crosses paths with the familiar stranger whom set her senses on fire when she mistakenly kissed him 2 year previous at her brother's wedding.
   Hardy Cates was dealt a low hand in life, and had to work his way to the top. His ever-ambition and persistence can be off-putting to people, especially when its directed at them to Hardy's personal gain; but when the enchanting Haven Travis appears in his line of vision a second time, with no ring on her finger, Hardy will go all out to claim what he should of 2 years ago.
   The animosity between Hardy and Haven's family, brought on by the long-ago relationship between him and Liberty, Haven's brother Gage's wife, and his trying to win her back (see 'Sugar Daddy' review), is nothing compared to the inner demons Hardy must help Haven overcome.
   Hardy moves into Haven's apartment building, a Travis-owned glass-and-metal structure that is the epitome of high-class style, and his 'wooing' begins to take shape. Haven is apprehensive to the whole idea of Hardy, but even after some embarrassing amorous interludes which end with her freaking out at the intimacy, she still feels drawn to him. Hardy helps her work out her intimacy issues and they share some steamy scenes and form a connection that grabs your attention and shows you what real love is. There's a terrifying twist towards the end of the book (as if my nerves weren't shot by chapter 4) when the past (her ex-husband) tries to work his way back into Haven's life. All is resolved and this masterpiece of a novel comes to it's conclusion.

Rating: 5 Aww's

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Hardy saves Haven from drowning in an elevator. Sounds far-out, I know, but it works. Haven is on her way down to the parking garage after an important meeting and there is a storm going on that's flooding parts of the town. As it descends, the elevator stops and begins to take on water. Haven tries not to panic as she makes calls which don't prove fruitful. As her phone is dying out, she finds herself on the recent calls list and Hardy's number is there; he had called to discuss the embarrassing scene that took place as they were making out at a theater opening. Being so close to Hardy brought back a none-to-pleasant flashback from when she was with her husband; she freaked out and ran away, leaving Hardy hard and confused. She calls him and tells him shes trapped in an elevator and he comes to rescue her. The really funny part of this scene is when the roof of the elevator is pried open by Hardy and Haven says "I am so sorry I didn't have sex with you". Hardy informs her that he's sorry too and that everything they're saying is being overheard by two maintenance guys. I just loved how this scene meshed with the whole story and it was pretty funny considering the context.

   Is there any such thing as a perfect book? Maybe not, seeing as there are an unlimited amount of different preferences and possibilities, it would be hard to please all the people all the time. But 'Blue-Eyed Devil' would top my proverbial 'perfect' list. It was so emotional and triumphant and vulnerable and passionate that I found a little bit of myself falling in love with Hardy too. His masculinity oozes from the paper, and Haven's insecurities and vulnerability speak to that fragile female in all of us. There is high conflict, high action and high sensuality. There aren't enough words to describe how this book just makes you feel. Whether your a fan of contemporaries, historicals, paranormals; whatever the case may be, this book will convert you. I've never been a real glutton for contemporaries, but this book has sparked a hunger for the genre in me I may never be able to quell.

*Check out the first and equally amazing book in Kleypas' contemporary series, 'Sugar Daddy', Gage and Liberty's story/ My Review can be found: here

Read an excerpt from 'Sugar Daddy': here

*Also give the third book in the series, 'Smooth-Talking Stranger' a read./ My Review can be found: here

 Read an excerpt from 'Smooth-Talking Stranger': here

*And watch Lisa Kleypas talk about 'Blue-Eyed Devil' in this interview: here

'Sugar Daddy' by Lisa Kleypas -Review-

Amazing!
There, I said it. This book was WAY more than I expected. Being a Lisa Kleypas novel, there were certain expectations I had before I even turned over the front-cover. Even though this is a contemporary, and even more so that I hardly EVER dip into contemporaries without good reason, this book was all the reason I could ever need to add a new sub-genre to my repertoire. Wittiness, endearing strength and courage, trying times and immaculate triumph are all reigning supreme as you follow Liberty Jones on her journey of perseverance and '68'-less romance.


 

   In the beginning of the story, we find fourteen year old Liberty Jones adjusting herself to her new town of Welcome, Texas. On her first day at the her new single-wide trailer home, she is sent on an errand to deliver a check to Mr.Sadlek, Manager of the 'Bluebonnet Ranch'. On her way there she is attacked by two crazy pit-bulls and ultimately saved by one of her new neighbors; Hardy Cates. After the gallant rescue, Hardy takes Liberty back to his family's trailer and hoses her knees down, which she scratched up in her attempt to flee from the dogs. They converse for a little while and Liberty is instantly attracted to the 17 year old Hardy. Although she is a plain looking, half-Mexican teenager, Liberty can't help but want to become all the woman Hardy could ever want.
   Shortly after 'befriending' the savage pit-bulls who attacked her, at Hardy's insistence, and their owner, Miss Marva, big changes start to happen in Liberty's life. Her mother kicks out her lazy, slacker, live-in boyfriend, FINALLY, and Liberty begins to resign herself to life with just her mom. But that thought is short lived when Liberty finds out that her mother, Diana, is pregnant. Liberty reacts in the exact opposite way her mother had predicted; "Because now I wont be alone anymore" she tells her mother, and quickly assures Diana that she will shoulder as much responsibility as needed.
   As a fifteenth birthday present, Liberty's friend Lucy gives her a makeover which even Hardy can't believe (or resist). During a 'tips & technique' sessions of basketball, subtle move are made that leave Liberty wanting more; even though she is provoked beyond comprehension at Hardy's assured confidences in her never kissing a boy before. After some study-dates with a classmate that disproves Hardy's claims, Liberty feels ready to put all the 'practice' to the test. Opportunity presences itself as Liberty is visiting Miss Marva and Hardy is there picking up some artwork she wanted conveyed to the local gallery. Hardy asks if she would like him to help her practice basketball again and soon they are embracing on the asphalt.
   Among Hardy's many reasons for forgoing any further overtures, he lists his age and his determination to get out of Welcome, which he couldn't jeopardize by coming to care for Liberty and then not wanting to leave her behind.
   They are able to keep their distance from one another until a storm blows a few months later while Diana is in labor. Hardy is called to drive both mother and daughter to the hospital in his pick-up truck. Baby Carrington is born and Liberty takes on a more-than-ordinary role in her life. Mother Diana is slow to warm up to Carrington; choosing to hang out with friends and let Liberty take care of the baby. During one of these 'baby-sittings', the pressure wells up in Liberty and she starts to breakdown; all while Carrington is crying in her arms. Hardy hears the baby's wails and comes to the rescue once again, taking the baby to his mothers trailer to be looked after while giving Liberty time to sleep and then tutoring her in Math so she can pass her test the next day. As Hardy departs, he shares a painfully sweet moment with our heroine, telling her "Don't you know I'd do anything for you", when she asks why he did what he did. Their moment is interrupted by Diana's arrival home and her insistence that Hardy shouldn't spend anymore time alone with her daughter. He agrees and makes his exit, staying away this time for much longer.
   In the subsequent years that followed, Liberty gets a boyfriend named Luke whom she tries to substitute for Hardy. Its doesn't work as she plans and after spotting Hardy making out with a girl at some party, Liberty gives her virginity to Luke and it leaves her feeling her loneliness and longing even more keenly. She clings to Carrington like a buoy to stay afloat in the ocean of her disappointments in life. At nineteen years old, Hardy decides to follow a job lead that will take him away from Welcome once and for all, but not before he gives Liberty the goodbye that sent the rest of her life spiraling out of control. They didn't do more than kiss, but those achingly bittersweet kisses brought home the fact that she may never see the love of her life ever again.
   After Hardy left, Liberty was dealt another devastating blow. Her mother died in a car crash, and Carrington was now completely and legally her responsibility. She had a hard time getting though the first few months after her mothers death, but with the help of her friends and the lovely Miss Marva, Liberty find a rhythm that isn't ideal, but works. She gets a part-time job at her friend's family pawn shop, went to cosmetology school and took care of Carrington until she receive her licenses and got referred to work at an exclusive hair salon in the ritzier districts of Houston. She dated a few frogs, got a boyfriend who was a total '68' (likes for a girl to go down but doesn't return the favor), and meets a 'Sugar Babies' wet dream in Churchill Travis; an older, wealthy business tycoon.
   Churchill took an immediate interest in Liberty, but not for the reasons everyone else assumed. They became friends, confided in each other their deepest thoughts and within the span of the four year acquaintanceship, Churchill convinced Liberty to move into his home (River Oaks-which is luxurious on excess). she met with adversity right-off-the-bat, namely in the form of Churchill's eldest son Gage, whom disliked Liberty whole-heartedly and thought she was sleeping with his father. It comes to pass that Liberty must nurse a stubborn Gage back to health and it is then, where we see a budding romance begin.
   Gage is the first man in Liberty's life that she wasn't constantly comparing to Hardy. Gage was extravagant and business-minded and soon became everything Liberty could ever want. That is, however, until an older, more financial sound Hardy waltzes back into her life. She asks Gage to be patient with her while she tries to sort out her feelings for both men; and after some shocking family revelations, she learns from the past mistakes of others and chooses the one whom can give her everything she wants and needs. (Highlight the text in between the >><< if you want to know whom she chooses) >>>GAGE!!!<<<

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Liberty nurses Gage back to health. She goes to his apartment, at his fathers request, and discovers a sickly little kitten of man opening the front door. She sees the house is decorated and stocked in the most minimal of fashion and heads out to fetch some groceries; telling him he needs to shower before she departs. She comes back 45 minuets later with the groceries and starts to prepare Chicken and Dumplings. They converse for a little while and you can see the beginnings of a formidable relationship start to form. He offers her a guest room to stay in overnight since its past midnight by the time they finish eating, but she refuses the invite and another layer (Liberty's resistance to her attraction to Gage) is added to an already deep book.

Rating: 5 Aww's

This is the first 5 out of 5 Aww review on the blog and with great reason. This book was a Journey! We sat back and watched as a naive, self-conscious 14 year-old is transformed by life and grows into a strong young woman. The first half of the book was a look at lost innocents; of a girl who was quickly realizing that life wasn't going to give her break unless she worked hard and kept her eyes on the prize. The second half of the book was her acceptance of her new, mature self and her discovery of unconditional love. This book was just GOLD. plainly, and simply, gold.

* The next book in Lisa Kleypas' contemporary series is Blue-eyed Devil. It's the story of Gage's sister Haven and another character we know well ;)/ My Review can be found: here

* The book after 'Blue-Eyed Devil" in the series is 'Smooth Talking Stranger', Gage's brother Jack's story!/ My Review can be found: here