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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Candice Estes

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is book 3 of this series, but absolutely can be read as a standalone, but I’ve enjoyed all 3 of them and would definitely recommend them.

Six years ago, Saskia and Jeff had a one night stand that created their son, Max. Saskia wanted to tell Jeff, but by the time she found out she was pregnant, Jeff had disappeared. When she meets Max’s baseball coach for t-ball, she is surprised to find Jeff is the man that her son has been telling her so much about. Jeff is surprised to see Saskia again after so long, and even more surprised to learn that he has a son he didn’t know about. While the pair get to know each other, and Jeff gets to know his son, there are many things to sort out, including how to make their relationship work for the long haul.

With some steamy scenes, an adorable kid, and a guaranteed happily ever after, this is a great book, and a quick read. I didn’t want to put it down!

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Trista Martin

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a cute second-chance romance. Two college kids made a pact that they would marry each other if they weren’t married by age 40. Theresa has put her own spin on this trope, Phoebe has many fears regarding relationships due to her parents failed marriage and runs. There is great character development, the characters are relatable, and they bicker but still love each other hard. Recommend to anyone who enjoys second-chance romance stories.

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Trish Ann

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a quick, cute read! I loved the setting and the overall plot. I thought that the characters were relatable and you could connect with them. They had good chemistry and it made you invest in what they had. I thought the ex was an interesting plot addition and found the overall story entertaining. I would read others by this author.

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series. While I haven’t read the previous book this does well as a stand alone story. The author weaves plenty of back story so you don’t feel lost with the characters. This store offers plenty of charged emotions, twisted adventures, strong women, and plenty of romance to keep you turning the pages. The author did a wonderful job with healing from trauma and the feelings of sexual abuse. This is a poignant yet heart-warming, story about friendship and finding love.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Daryian Lucas

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5/5 stars
This was my first read by this author. This is a great first book for the series. I think it is well written with descriptive detail that allowed me to picture the scenes in the book very easily. Looking forward to book 2!

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Cindy Mayberry MI

This has to be one of my favorite romances. It’s honest, it’s laid back and accidental love does happen, or can it? Joe is recovering from throat surgery. He can not say one single word. So he isolates himself in a small cabin off the grid. Somewhere his fans will not find him. He is happy and content. Ali is walking around in her twin brother’s secret places in hopes of finding clues as to where he really is. She has been told he had died in an accident. She can’t believe them. Getting lost in a rain shower, she stumbles her way on to a cabin. Thinking it abandoned she approaches the porch when the door opens. So that is all you get! This author writes with her heart on her sleeve. She is also the narrator of the book and you can tell she loves her story. It is fast paced and with all the events going on in these two very different characters, you just can’t tell how it will end. As for me it ended too soon. I have questions that I bet they will be in book 2.

Review@cinful

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Rayne East

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging contemporary romance
This is a well written romance that centres on Ali and JJ as they work towards their HEA. This book has it all – drama, secrets, chemistry and mystery along with well developed characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptive writing and storyline. Recommend.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book #1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Angela Hayes

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

The Silent Woodsman is the first book in The Olympic Peninsula series by Cat Treadgold. This appears to be Ms. Treadgold’s debut novel, so I will be keeping an eye out for more of her work in the future.
This is a sweet contemporary romance with a secret identity element, grief, loss, a wilderness rainforest, a might storm, a cozy cabin in the woods, chemistry, connection, and two truly unforgettable days.
Ms. Treadgold has crafted a touching story woven with plenty of emotion and enough angst and drama to keep things interesting. I did feel that the story was a little slow to get going and while the pace did pick up a bit it still tended to lag a bit in places, but then the ‘ending’ seemed to be rushed. I put this down to being a debut novel and it didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
I am interested in seeing what the author has in store for us in ‘The Guardsman” (Book #2)- which is Ali’s twin brother Liam’s story.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Cat Treadgold!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Torey Foster

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Toast for Laurent is about a couple of kids (22 y/o) making a pact to marry each other if no neither of them are married by age 40.
Fast forward 20 years and sure enough Laurent is not married but he never expected Phoebe to waltz in and hold him to their silly pact.
This was a great story. Both have had their hearts broken in the past and as a result, are afraid to trust in the new love blooming. I would definitely recommend giving it a try.

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Bared (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson- Review by- Heather Goodman

Bared. (Green St. Girls #1)Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Athena and Tru’s story bring you in from the very beginning. This is a great romance. The way the writer portrays the characters it feels like you are right there with them going through everything they are going through. I love that this isn’t one of those fairytale romances that portrays life and relationships as all sunshine’s and rainbows. It’s real and gritty.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 1) By Cat Treadgold – Review by Tabitha Montero

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Country music singer Joe is recovering in a remote cabin after surgery with strict orders of not a single peep. During a storm, Ali seeks refuge in the cabin and Joe is very surprised, and pleased that Ali doesn’t recognize him. Ali is looking for clues for her brother and Joe is not sure where is Current “relationship” stands. With so much going on in both their lives, they both fight to ignore the sparks that are between them. After they part ways, a year and a half goes by and neither can shake those days they spent together in the cabin

This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to the next books in the series.

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Heather Goodman

Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Indy and Gideons story is so sweet. This books has lots of twists and turns in it. It has romance, comedy, suspense all rolled into a great package. The author really has a great way of drawing you in and keeping you going until the last page and then you want more. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Silent Woodsman is Book One in The Olympic Peninsula Series. It is an unlikely romance story that focuses on the characters of Ali Ryan and Joe Bob Blade. Ali has gone to the woods to seek solace after the loss of her brother. She gets caught in a bad storm and falls on the deck of a cabin in the woods. The owner of the cabin, JJ, takes her in and the two spend the next couple of days getting to know each other. The tricky part is in the fact that they can only communicate by writing because JJ is recovering from a serious surgery. What Ali does not know is that JJ is really a famous country music singer. Over the course of their time together Ali and JJ begin to develop feelings for each other. Unfortunately, they both must return to their lives in the real world. Is there any hope for Ali and Joe Bob to find their way back to one another and have a relationship? This was a beautifully written story that fully immerses the reader in the lives of the main characters of Ali and Joe Bob, while also introducing us to other characters for future stories. The author writes in vivid detail that makes you feel as though you are there in the story along with the characters. This book will pull you in from the beginning and have you hooked until the end.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Silent Woodsman is book 1 of the new Olympic Peninsula series which is set in the 1990’s. It was an interesting and heartfelt tale will have you falling in love with our MC’s as they navigate their feelings.
A storm brought them together, but their worlds keep them apart.
Cat’s vivid narrative definitely bring this story to life. There are many small storylines and an interesting supporting cast of many, but the overarching story is about JJ a country music superstar and Ali a down on her luck kind of gal.
She believes that her twin is still alive and refuses to believe otherwise. He struggles with his world, surgery and relationship with his music partner. She is too good to be taken down by his world and she has no idea who he is. With one song he hopes to find what is missing and she dreams of a man and two days in the woods.
With pressures, fame, jealousy, frustrations, hopelessness, hope, passion and sparks the story has a little of everything for romance lovers.
The Silent Woodsman is a well-written fun romance tale, but you will have to read the book to have all your questions answered.
With surprising plot developments and some emotional twists, A Silent Woodsman, should be a must on your reading list.
Whilst I really enjoyed the story there were times where the pace seemed a little slow and towards the end it felt a little rushed. But I cannot wait to see what Cat brings to the second book in the series.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Country music heartthrob Joe Bob Blade is under strict doctors orders to not speak, and so takes himself off to an isolated cabin in the Hoh Rain Forest. He didn’t expect to find a woman collapsed on his doorstep during a freak storm, however he takes Ali in to look after her. Joe is surprised when it is obvious that Ali does not recognise him, and so decides to keep his identity a secret, as he’s enjoying being treated like a ‘normal’ guy. Even though Joe can only communicate by writing the connection between the pair is obvious, however they both resist as the timing is awful. It’s not until they are both back in the real world again that Joe realises that Ali never told him her surname. Both of them struggle to move on, and even a year and a half later they have not forgotten the two magical days they spent together. No spoilers as to whether they find each other again! I loved the original storyline with the main male character not being able to speak, as this added a different dimension to the story. The chemistry between Ali and Joe really came across in the story and the descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting to life.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Jessie Hopkins

Annie is not looking to settle down. She is over the entire aspect of getting married. Craig doesn’t have any interest in being serious with anyone, ever. But for whatever reason, they have an unquenchable, undeniable attraction to one another. After an agreement to just let the next 2 weeks run their course and then be done. But will 2 weeks really be enough when all they can think about is one another?

 

This book has it all – the emotions, the turmoil, the “fun” of small town drama, and steamy scenes.

 

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first in the Olympic Peninsula series focusing on Ali and Joe.

The beginning chapters were very sweet and started the story well. The writing was very descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the rainforest and log cabins. The chemistry builds between Ali and Joe quite well and I began rooting for the couple.

My heart went out to Ali and what she was going through (and what she previously went through) but admired the strength she displayed in surviving and moving forward.

Following the initial chapters, we are shown the pair separately which started well, however I personally felt this went on a little longer than necessary and slowed the pace of the book right down. This did then pick up again in part 2 but then there were a couple of things thrown in which felt a little random. Despite this, the story was still very interesting, and I enjoyed reading.

I look forward to reading more in the series.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Kerry Baker

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is fun and entertaining from the get go and the perfect afternoon type read. The main characters are so well written and are so easy to like. I loved watching their initial connection develop, even if it wasn’t the most conventional start. Their relationship felt so natural and unforced, it was a joy to read.
This is another new author I will be adding to my list as I enjoyed every moment of reading this book. I love that it is the first book of a new series and I am excited to see what else will come.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123238823-a-match-made-in-montana” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1678729959l/123238823._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123238823-a-match-made-in-montana”>A Match Made in Montana</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6557709.Elsa_Winckler”>Elsa Winckler</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5699408220″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Annie has always dreamed of running a b&b, but isn’t getting enough business. Craig is a Savy marketing expert. Craig offers his services to get Annie some business going, but she couldn’t afford it nor focus with having Craig around. They meet when paths crossed during a wedding and Craig’s aunt is a matchmaker.<br />This was such a cute book, a little spice. But so much romance! Can’t wait for the next one!!
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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Chelsea Foster

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. The age setting and the love hate and back and forth. Laurent and Phoebe’s story is great. He doesn’t give up on her as she continues to runaway from him after returning 18 years later to use a pact they made in college. I definitely recommend reading this!

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this a romantic and charming story. The flirting between these two was fun and quite witty. When one can’t talk and the communication must be done by writing it makes it so much fun. The miscommunication can be fun and quite enticing. Blushing abounds because errors can be made. These two are quite fun characters. I enjoyed their story. It kind of reminded me of a Pretty Woman vibe. I couldn’t put the story down. I had to finish it in one sitting. A quick read that will have you giggling.

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Nakyshia Leger

Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved book one in this series and book two did not disappoint! In this story we met Indigo, another of the Green Street Girls. Indigo’s story is complex, but the details are portrayed beautifully as you get to know her and her story comes to life. The connection between Indigo and Gideon is undeniably romantic. I was captivated by their chemistry. If you haven’t checked out this series, or this author, you are missing out! Though this book does read well as a stand alone, it’s even better if read along with the first!

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Tonya Merritt

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Silent Woodsman is a fun tale of finding love when you least expect it but there is so much suspense and twists in it as well. Ali needed help during a storm and Joe Bob’s cabin is what she found. This story was fun to read. Cat Treadgold is an excellent storyteller.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 1) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold

💕..••°°°°••..💕 AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 💕..••°°°°••..💕
The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 1) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold
Genre – Contemporary Romance
Listening Length – 11 hours 6 Minutes
Cover Designer – Cat Treadgold

Holed up in an isolated cabin in the Hoh Rain Forest, county music heartthrob Joe Bob Blade is under strict doctor’s orders not to utter a sound. During a freak storm, a beautiful woman collapses at his door. Ali’s gentle humor and hard-luck story captivate Joe, raised in privilege and until recently, sailing smoothly to the top of the charts. Surprised that she doesn’t recognize him, he decides to keep his identity a secret. It’s a novelty being treated like a normal guy, and besides, Joe can communicate only in writing. Ali doesn’t reveal her last name, either. Sparks fly, but both resist the heat. Their timing couldn’t be worse.
Back in civilization, Ali and Joe struggle to move on. Over the next year and a half, neither can forget those two magical days.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 1) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold

Cat Treadgold has been a publisher and editor, a classical singer, an Equity actress, a coordinator in Newsweek’s External Relations Department, a legal secretary, a voice teacher at Shoreline CC, a receptionist at a major recording studio, a cater-waiter with Glorious Foods, a restaurant hostess, a member of an opera quartet, and a coat-check girl at a fancy New York nightclub.

Cat has an AB cum laude in German Literature from Princeton University, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington, and a certificate in Technical Writing and Editing from the UW.

Two of her unpublished novels made it to the finals in their categories (mystery and romance) in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Annual Contest.

Three of her adaptations of operas (original translations and dialogue) were performed by Shoreline students while she was a teacher there.

She and her husband Jeff divide their time between Washington and Arizona.

Author Interview with Cat Treadgold

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold

💕..••°°°°••..💕 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 💕..••°°°°••..💕
The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold
Genre – Contemporary Romance
Page Count – 276
Cover Designer – Cat Treadgold

Holed up in an isolated cabin in the Hoh Rain Forest, county music heartthrob Joe Bob Blade is under strict doctor’s orders not to utter a sound. During a freak storm, a beautiful woman collapses at his door. Ali’s gentle humor and hard-luck story captivate Joe, raised in privilege and until recently, sailing smoothly to the top of the charts. Surprised that she doesn’t recognize him, he decides to keep his identity a secret. It’s a novelty being treated like a normal guy, and besides, Joe can communicate only in writing. Ali doesn’t reveal her last name, either. Sparks fly, but both resist the heat. Their timing couldn’t be worse.
Back in civilization, Ali and Joe struggle to move on. Over the next year and a half, neither can forget those two magical days.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold

Cat Treadgold has been a publisher and editor, a classical singer, an Equity actress, a coordinator in Newsweek’s External Relations Department, a legal secretary, a voice teacher at Shoreline CC, a receptionist at a major recording studio, a cater-waiter with Glorious Foods, a restaurant hostess, a member of an opera quartet, and a coat-check girl at a fancy New York nightclub.

Cat has an AB cum laude in German Literature from Princeton University, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington, and a certificate in Technical Writing and Editing from the UW.

Two of her unpublished novels made it to the finals in their categories (mystery and romance) in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Annual Contest.

Three of her adaptations of operas (original translations and dialogue) were performed by Shoreline students while she was a teacher there.

She and her husband Jeff divide their time between Washington and Arizona.

Author Interview with Cat Treadgold

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER ~ GOODREADS ~ WEBSITE ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Kelli Harper

Smooth Hoperator: A Fake-Relationship Romance (Love on Tap)Smooth Hoperator: A Fake-Relationship Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The 2nd book in the Love on Tap series does not disappoint!
This story has even more mystery but just as many laughs. Sylvie Stewart has definitely become one of my favorite independent authors! Sunny and Carter will take you on quite the adventure. Watch out for Duke though, he may just steal the story and your heart!

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the second book in the Green St. Girls series and while I didn’t read book one, this was definitely able to stand alone, but I will absolutely be checking out book one to get more of the back story on the four girls. I absolutely love Indigo and Gideon together. They were so adorable together and I loved how patient and supportive Gideon was with Indigo. I also loved the multiple POV’s so we could get into the minds of both of the main characters. Indigo has overcome so much and the author did an amazing job of balancing her accomplishments and her feelings of inadequacy perfectly. This was a fast paced book that had not only the romance, but also elements of suspense and danger. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series!

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Lyndsey fairley

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn’t too sure with this book to start as i went in blind, but so so glad i kept reading. Laurent and Phoebe had a pact that if they werent married by 40, they would marry each other. Funny thing was, they haven’t spoken in 18 years when Phoebe decides to cash in on their pact.

I really felt for both of these characters but also understood to a point of what happened years ago.

i really hope we get to see more from everyone in these families as i think there are some good stories to be had.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Heather Hoke

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So let me start this review off by saying! That is the BEST dedication I have ever read! Some days I feel like some things wouldn’t be possible without wine!
This story is catchy from the very beginning. I could not wait for a few minutes between my kids to sit down and read. I just needed to know what was going to happen next. And more times then not I looked bug eyed reading the next event!
Ir really hope that there is another book because I will definitely read it I enjoyed this one eminsly.

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Christie Mitchum

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brutal Nights is my favorite book out of the Hidden Valley Elite Series so far!!!

The story opens right where it left off in the first book with a MAJOR cliffhanger. Now, Damon and Skylar will have to face the consequences of their decisions that not only affect others but affect themselves. Both of them will need to explore their very COMPLICATED feelings for each other.

As expected, there are horrible things done and said to Skylar in the aftermath, and her relationship with her best friend, Gia, is in tatters. I kept hoping that Gia would have a hard look at herself and accept her part in everything that happened. No spoilers here, you will have to find that out yourself. With all the complexities that happened, you would think this would make Damon and Skylar stay away from one another, but it only draws them closer. The two come up with another arrangement because the first one worked out so well, but this one has the potential to really allow them to get to know one another and become a real couple.

There was some angst between them and some back and forth, but all in all, they didn’t push each other away. They actually became friends, of course with benefits, but there were some really tender moments between them when they each let their walls down and trusted the other.

I enjoyed seeing the softer side of Damon and discovered that a lot of the things he did were to protect himself from becoming what he perceived his father to be and that impacted his feelings for Skylar.

“The noose tightened around my throat. If I told her how much I cared about her and thought about her constantly, she would gain too much power. And unequal power in a relationship was a very bad thing–it struck a chord that pointed at what my dad held over my mom.” ~DAMON

I was happy to see that Vaughn delved deeper into his complicated relationship with his father and stepmom. There was some real progress made there. I’m glad that Vaughn included that in the book because it played a huge role in Damon’s character.

Skylar was just a great all-around character. I loved her in the first book, but Vaughn showed a more vulnerable part of her, and she just illustrated how loyal she was, especially in regard to Gia. As with Damon, I saw why she felt like she did towards athletes, but she learned you can’t always lump one group of people together. You have to see them as individuals, not what you label them as.

“Damon was becoming a human being rather than just what he represented–an athlete. The thought alone should have made me run away, but it didn’t.” ~SKYLAR

I have loved every book in this series, but this one is my favorite and a 5-star read!!! Vaughn blended together so many components that make a book so good…angst, spice, a little bit of humor in a dark romance, and real emotion. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

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