One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a good read! The story line is precious. Anytime I can root for a single momma finding a happy ending, I know I’m going to love it.
Skylar reaches out to her close friends to spend some time together for the last few weeks of her maternity leave. Unexpectedly, she finds and old “friend” from her past.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the fourth book in the series. This book, as with the others in the series, can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed Skylar’s story.
Skylar recently had a baby. She’s been on her own taking care of Gabriella but feels bad about shutting her sisters out so she travels to spend the rest of her maternity leave with them. She’s kept Gabriella’s father a secret this whole time. Running the summer camp with her sisters sounds just like what Skylar needs as she tries to maneuver motherhood. Nick runs a bowling alley and couldn’t be more thrilled to see Skylar walk in. He hasn’t seen her since they hooked up about a year ago. Skylar and Nick reconnecting brings up secrets from the past. Can these two face the challenges that will come their way?
Skylar is so independent and strong. She knows what she wants and she’ll figure out how to get it. I also enjoyed that in this book, Skylar is the one in the military. Guys are always portrayed as military so it was a nice change. Nick has his flaws, but doesn’t everyone. I really enjoyed these characters. The story was well written and the characters were genuine.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This contemporary romance has to be one of the best romances I have read this year. While I have not read the other books in this series trust me when I say that I will be reading them and hoping that they are as good as Nick and Skylars story. Full of fantastic characters, a great story, romance and more you wont want to put this story down.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One Unexpected Gift (Band of Sisters)
I really enjoyed this book, my favorite person being Gabriella but I also really liked Nick and Skylar and two places near and dear to me were mentioned. Virginia is where I was born and raised and Austin which is home now.
Some of my favorite parts of the book involve spoilers I can’t go too much into it, but watching the relationship between Skylar and Nick grow and change as each challenge is thrown their way was very heartwarming to me.
I always get a little too invested when it’s a group of friends that I really like and that is what has happened. I love these girls and their friendship and love for one another. I’m lucky enough to have a similar relationship two friends, but we aren’t a trio.
I really hope these ladies pop up again in a different series mostly because I’m nosey and want to know what happens next.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Living in a military community and being a military ex-wife this book I could relate to and understand since I am now a single mother of 4. Sky is an incredibly independent woman and just wants to do what’s best for her baby. Nick is a generous man who still has a childish streak but don’t we all, it’s what keeps us young. I loved reading this book not only because I could relate to the characters but because Sky’s family wasn’t blood, they were her sisters and I admire that! I loved the communication and honesty no matter how hard it was between her and nick. All the passion as well and how they were instantly drawn to one another and I could just visualize them and no, they did not match the cover of the book. The ending took me for a turn though when he was surprised and with his condition, I thought the book was going to take a turn. I would love to read a sequel of this or the ones around it.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A heartwarming contemporary military romance which I thoroughly enjoyed. Needing the support of her best friends, Army Medic Skylar heads to Maine to think about her future. Her hook-up with a sexy stranger, in his office and in the supply closet, brought up some major consequences. Nick Pierce’s life had been boring since receiving some devastating news, which resulting in him having to stop his crazy, wild adventures. So when a gorgeous, funny, witty redhead walked into his bar he was instantly captivated, so much so he does not want to see her leave. Only problem is, Skylar does not seem interested in him, but this only makes him want her more. Meanwhile, Skylar is finding Nick pretty hard to resist, especially when he makes her feel protected and desired. But, she’s afraid to get to involved as her life and career are in Virginia with the Army. I loved Nick and Skylar and wanted them to get their HEA. The chemistry between them really came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. An entertaining and engaging read, which can be read either as a standalone story or as part of the series.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Skylar is an active duty military nurse and a new single mom. The baby is a result of a “two night stand.” She finds that she needs her sisters and heads to see them for the last few weeks of her maternity leave. She hasn’t shared with anyone who the father of her sweet baby girl is.
Nick finds himself in a medical emergency and the only person he can think to call is Skylar. She takes him to the hospital and this is where he meets his daughter for the first time. Unsure if she wants to let Nick in, she realizes that he does want to be part of their lives. Skylar is going to have to decide if she can let him in.
With lots of decisions to make, Skylar heads back to active duty and Nick begins traveling back and forth. But is this what they both want?
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book gave me all the emotions. I have read the other 3 Band of Sister books by Marianne Rice and will say this one was my favorite. You do not need to read the other three, but they are amazing and you should do it anyways! There is just something about a single independent mom finding her person that hits close to home and gives me the warm fuzzies.
Skylar is a strong independent army medic who just happens to get the greatest gift of her life after the greatest fifteen minutes of her life.
At first look Nick is your typical small-town playboy, carefree, business owner. After getting devastating news ending his adventures, he has no idea that his biggest adventure is about to walk through the door!
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Skyler is a new mom that has made the trek to Maine to see her sisters. She has spent the past few months on her own…adjusting to being a single mom, a soldier, and not wanting to face her family just yet. But, when she shows up on their doorstep, they welcome her with open arms. Offering her a place to stay while she finishes out her maternity leave. Bonding time with her sisters and daughter and working at their summer camp sounds like a great way to spend the next eight weeks.
Nick runs the local bowling alley and is so happy to see Skyler walk in. He hasn’t seen her in almost a year…since they shared two hot hookups. He does what he can to be her friend, despite her constantly brining up his reckless and thrill-seeking behavior. But, when a trip to the doctor reveals a secret, his whole life is changed.
Skyler and Nick’s relationship felt so real…like they could be two friends you know. They had their ups and downs…laughs and tears…frustration and understanding….lust and love. It’s all there. Reading the story of them navigating their way through a new relationship with everything else going on was entertaining. Skyler is emotional and determined to do right by Gabby…while Nick is flawed and puts his foot in his mouth more times than I can remember…but it felt genuine. Overall, a good book that kept me entertained from beginning to end.
One Unexpected Gift by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a story that will melt your heart and bring out all the emotional feelers. Skylar has to find her way in single motherhood. With the help of her band of sisters, she will tell Gabriela’s father about her and work through the intricacies of a relationship. She and Nick both bring baggage. Can that love survive? A beautifully written story with real struggles that just makes you smile. The characters are wonderful and feel like family. You’ll find youurself relating to them. The plot is very smooth, just like a flowing river. A romance that I would recommend to all contemporary romance lovers.
Nearly a year ago, Army medic Skylar spent fifteen glorious minutes with a sexy stranger in his office. And then again in his supply closet. But this little hook-up brought some major consequences. Needing the support of her best friends, she heads to Maine to re-evaluate her future.
Since receiving the devastating news that put his wild and crazy adventures to a screeching halt, Nick Pierce’s life has been tame, too tame. Until a gorgeous redhead walks into his bar and captivates him with her sense of humor and sharp wit. Skylar sparks the light which dimmed two years ago, and he isn’t about to let her slip away. He wants her. Bad. Only she doesn’t seem interested. But with every push back she gives, he only wants her more.
Nick’s sense of humor and devilish good looks are too hard to resist. He makes her feel protected, cherished, desired. But she’s afraid to get too close. Her life and her career are in Virginia with the Army.
Only it’s not the distance that will tear them apart. It’s their secrets.
Marianne Rice is the author of more than twenty-five small-town romance novels set in rural New England towns. She loves high heels, reading romance, scarfing down dark chocolate, gulping wine, and Chris Hemsworth. Oh, and her husband and three children. You can follow her all over social media and keep up to date with her latest releases on her website.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book gave me all the feels! Sweet and sassy Gina Fisher “Fish” meets Bryce Cambridge and sparks fly! When they first meet, Gina thinks he is married so when he shows interest and starts flirting she treats him horribly. When that gets cleared up is when it really gets good! He is gorgeous and he has his sights set on her. Gina was a Sergeant in the Army and she has a secret… after a heroic act overseas she was burned over a big portion of her body. She hides her scars very well, but is very self conscious about them. Will her insecurities hold her back from what could be an amazing relationship? This book touched me in very different ways and I was very impressed by the writer. I can’t wait to read the next one! Definitely recommend!
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love stories like these where life and love collide in the most beautiful of ways. This book is no different in the way it uniquely ties it altogether. Love always prevails in the sense of imperfections, embracing love, and finding the strength to do it all again with love like these two have found. I found the story romantic, sweet, and charming.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gina was injured while serving in the army. While she has physically healed, She has closed in on herself. She has learned to proactively protect herself to avoid the stings of rejection. While at a craft fair she meets Bryce, who asks her out but she turns him down. After running into each other again Bryce is still interested and asks again. She turns him down. After some misunderstandings are cleared up the two begin spending time together. They each have their own issues that they must work through. Will Gina and Bryce be able to overcome their issues and find their happily ever after?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it is the third in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. I loved that the characters had depth and felt like someone you might know in your own life. The relationships between the sisters is amazing to see. While this is the first book in the series I have read I can’t wait to go back and read the previous while I wait to see what comes next. Totally worth the read!
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story of Gina and Bryce. They way they initially meet totally made me chuckle especially over a misunderstanding. My heart really ached at times for Gina, what she had to endure and the walls that she had around her heart and rightfully so. Bryce is hardworking arson investigator and I loved his banter trying to get to know Gina. There are sparks, sizzle, secrets but also moments that just capture you….Bryce trying to break Gina’s walls down and the trauma. Overall I really loved Gina and Bryce’s story and I highly recommend this book!
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was such a sweet, cute, empowering romance read. I really, really loved it! The instant attraction between Gina and Bryce was nothing short of amazing! The first chapter had me hooked, I couldn’t set the book aside until I read ALL of their story. It was that great honest! The awkward misunderstanding of what Gina first thought of Bryce, priceless. LOL….Definitely one of my top fave reads of the year!!
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book captured a piece of my heart and I’ll remember Gina and Bryce for a lone time. I read this without reading the previous books with no problems whatsoever. I will say the characters from previous books definitely play a major role still so I’ll definitely be going back and reading the others. This story just got me in all the feels, Gina was a character that was so easy to connect with, and she may just be my favorite female character so far this year. The chemistry her and Bryce have is so easy to see they truly bring you into their world. It’s a story that hit close to home for me and I loved everything about it. Five huge stars and highly recommended! Excited to read the rest!
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really sweet read. It’s definitely out of the norm for me to read this kind of romance but I really enjoyed it. Gina’s character is so emotional to read and Bryce turned out to be wonderful. (I never know what to expect from the book description- if I’ll like the MC or not, but both characters were fleshed out and i loved reading their story) I messed up and read this as the first book in a series (instead of as the third) but I didn’t feel like I was out of place at all. I’m eager that I have a couple more to read now!
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is technically the third book in the band of sisters series but they all seem to be stand alone novels. It was also my first book by Marianne Rice but will most certainly not be my last. I’m really looking forward to reading the other books in this series. A hundred wishes follows ex army sergeant Regina (fish) Fisher and arson investigator Bryce Cambridge’s complicated journey of falling in love. Gina was so broken when she met Bryce and he had his own set of issues but he slowly helped Gina rebuild herself, gain her confidence back, and they built a great relationship together taking all the right steps. This book pulled me in and I didn’t want to put it down. I neglected everything just to read this book, there just never seemed to be a good stopping point, I just wanted to keep reading. I would definitely recommend this to romance lovers.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Really well written characters. It’s not often you see character development this well made. Very angsty, very emotional. You could feel everything with these characters and I just wanted to bundle them up and protect them from everything that was going on. Definitely an author I’m going to keep an eye on in the future.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Band of Sisters series. This book hit me in all the feels in so many ways. The story of Gina and Bryce hit so close to home for me in so many ways. I couldn’t put the story down and absorbed it in one sitting. This story gives hope to those who suffer with PTSD and have yet to journey into the dating field. I really hope that this series continues as there is so much more story to tell.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story is an absolutely delightful read! Gina is a veteran that survives a road-side bomb. She recovered and rebuilt her life while living with her friends. Bryce is an arson inspector that seems triggered by Gina shooting him down. Gina becomes a challenge for Bryce.
The chemistry between them is intense, and no matter how hard she tries to resist, the spark between them is too strong to ignore. Bryce seems to want to tear down all the walls that Gina has built for her own safety.
I loved this book and the way romance blossoms. The author developed the characters so well. They all had depth and were multifaceted. I love how the story includes more than just outer issues. The depth of the pain and scars of Gina was so very well written.
Reviewed by @danihoneycutt
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was great from start to finish.
Gina had a dark past that she carries with herself every day when she wakes up. She has a fear of letting people see her for who she is now. No one outside her group knows what happened. Her close group of friends are amazing.
Bryce comes along and falls for Gina instantly. Gina falls for Bryce but still keeps him at arms length. She won’t tell him what happened and she’s afraid he will see it for himself eventually. Things seem to be going great until Gina meets Bryce’s family and after that she thinks she needs to end this relationship because Bryce will never be able to handle her secret. Gina has a lot of walls that Bryce has to power thru but he thinks it is worth it. Will he be able to power thru all of them? Will he want to? I thought this book was well written and a great storyline.
review by @xchellex
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bryce and Gina get off to a bit of a rocky start but thank goodness Bryce is persistent and eventually he wins Gina over ….
So Gina has sisters by choice not by blood and they’re tight , they’re soooooo good for her and I’m grateful they’re in each other’s lives !
Gina was in the army and a bomb cut her career short , she managed to save a few lives but some were lost , her scars are both physical and emotional , she sews and makes quilts which she sells at fairs and she tutors on line , a girl of many talents that deserves her own happily ever after ….
Bryce is a fire inspector and I think he’s set Gina’s heart on fire ❤️🔥 ( I couldn’t resist 😂) and won me over in a heartbeat 💓 I love how he sees Gina for Gina and reassures her without focusing on the obvious, if that makes sense !?
I loved watching Bryce and Gina discover each other and themselves , what really hit me was when she met his family , being an orphan this must’ve been something so beautiful that we so often take for granted ….
A feel good read that had me fanning myself when they got hot and heavy and the next minute I would be reaching for the Kleenex !
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and she blew me away. I love a good military romance but this story exceeded all my expectations. This is the third book in the band of sisters series. It can be read as a stand alone but there are previous characters in this story as well. I fell in love with these characters right from the start. Once I started to read it, I could not put it down until the end. I can’t wait to see what she will write about next.
Army sergeant Gina Fisher is ready to move on with her life. She was involved in a roadside bombing and lost most of her fleet. It has been two years and she has some serious burns that will never heal. She now wears clothes to hide herself. Gina has found a passion in crafting. She teaches kids how to sew and other crafts online. Gina is at a show one day and she sees this guy that she can’t keep her eyes off. In the beginning they had a miscommunication that almost made them not meet. She is falling for Bryce fast but will he be able to see the real her or will it be too much for him?
Review by @heatherbass
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is such a beautiful honest story.
I believe all women should read this.
A journey of loving yourself before you can love someone else.
Gina is a soldier and that touched me,
Bryce made me think of dear John but with a happy ending.
This story was so well written that I was transported into the love story.
What would you wish for if you had 100 wishes?!
That is what I thought of when I saw the cover.
A love story and a battle of truth and identity.
This story is the perfect pace and seemed very original with the character development.
This can be triggering for soldiers and their families.
I am so excited to read more from this author, add her to my collection because this could has won my heart.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters)
I fell in love with Gina and Bryce the moment I met them. There was something about them that drew me in and refused to let me go.
Gina is a hero in so many ways, the fact that she’s humble about it makes her more of a hero in my opinion. She is also a crafter who does a little bit over everything which made my crafting heart very happy.
Bryce didn’t give the greatest 1st impression but thankfully that was all a misunderstanding. He loves his family, job and dogs which are all endearing but the dogs are my favorite.
I’m not sure how this author escaped me before but now that I have found her I will be looking at getting caught up with her catalog.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a quick, easy read! Marianne Rice had me laughing, crying, and everything in between! The interactions between the two main characters, Gina and Bryce, are awkward, humorous, witty, and often electrically charged. A Hundred Wishes combines a picturesque setting with great, realistic characters and an excellent story. This is the only book I have read from the Band of Sisters series, but did not need the other books to follow along. The ending of the book makes me want to read more though! I can’t wait to read more from Marianne Rice.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love love love this book! Gina and Bryce don’t quite get off to a good start, mostly because of Gina. She is afraid to open up to someone, she has confidence issues and so much more. She is a strong woman who holds her own and makes a wonderful female lead. There’s not many books that have a strong and able to handle herself heroine. This book has you relating to the emotions and rooting for the romance. I loved it.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Things always warm up quickly when a firefighter or an arson investigator are involved!! Bryce loves his work, so much that he often times becomes consumed by it. He’s used to seeing some pretty traumatic things as a result of fires but often doesn’t give them a second thought.
Gina, or as her friends like to call her, “Fish”, has seen some pretty traumatic things in life too. After all, she did a stent in the service and has the wounds to show it. Since returning to civilian life, Fish enjoys her online teaching job, as well as sewing and craftwork. She finds a lot of purpose in her work and is doing all she can to get on her feet and be the best she can be.
When Fish and Bryce meet up, the fireworks aren’t on display right away but hold on to your seat…they will come quicker than you might expect!!
I loved the character of Gina as she reminds me a little bit of myself. I am a crafter and love teaching children as well. Gina loves doing craft shows every weekend and having new items to display. Her house is covered in supplies and creations. I can identify with her!
This was a fun and rather quick read for me by a new-to-me author! I understand that this book is part of a series but I didn’t feel like I was missing information by not reading the books that came before it. I do plan on reading the other books to learn the back stories of Gina’s friends, who she calls her sisters.