Isabella Martenson never expected to be a runaway bride. She never expected to be a bride, period. She simply has the wrong DNA to do the whole happily married thing. Until one night in Vegas with a handsome winemaker changes everything...

A year later, Harry Harrison’s bride is still a mystery. Who was she? Where was she? And why did she run? When Harry flies to a Australia for his best friend's wedding, he runs straight into the woman he’s never been able to forget.

All she asks is for their marriage to be kept a secret. All he asks is for a divorce. But after a week together, Harry and Isabella are forced to face what they really want.

Title: Belle's Secret
Author: Victoria Purman
Series: Outback Brides
Pages: 220
Genre(s): Contemporary, Australia
Hot Buttons: /

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Despite this being book number 2 of a multi-author book series, this is the first of the Outback Brides novels that I have read. So I’m well qualified to tell you that you don’t have to have read the first book in the series (Maggie’s Run by Kelly Hunter) to understand and enjoy this story. And this story is wrapped up in this book, complete with HEA, so you don’t have to worry that you’re only being sold part of a book!

I was gripped by this story from the get go. I do love a second chance romance and this added a little international twist (the story takes place in Australia with an Ozzie heroine and an American hero) and a runaway bride vibe. The writing is vibrant, interesting and kept me turning those pages. You can tell that the author has a true love for the Australian outback and the world that she helped to create. The detail in the book transports you to the dusty, vibrant Wirralong community that sets the scene for, I’m assuming, all the Outback Bride stories.

As the story progresses, I really got to like Isabella/Bella. She was smart and bold while just having just enough baggage to make her vulnerable and likeable.

And then of course there’s Harry. Who doesn’t love a man that’s so dedicated to winning the love of his life back - even if they’d only known each other for a few hours? And he was tall, too. Yum!

I just wished that we delved a little more into the background feelings and motivations of the characters. I believed that they fell in love quickly. I understood why Bella felt she had no choice but to run. I just wanted a little bit more as they rekindled their romance and fell in love all over again.

I also enjoyed the fact that there was a nice about of steam in the book. I always want more but I’m greedy that way. And yes, this book does use the f-word a number of times and I loved that, too.

If I’ve occasion to pick up another Outback Brides book I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to do so. But I definitely will be looking out for more by Victoria Purman as I enjoyed her storytelling, her characters and the passion she puts into her stories.

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* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

The Outback Brides' Series:

         

Click to see other books by Victoria Purman

Rusty Walker has spent her entire life trying to earn her tough, ranching father’s respect and approval by learning the business inside and out. But now her uncompromising parent has decreed she must marry if she wants to inherit. Worse, her husband has to be someone who can help her run the business. As if she needs it!

Williams Hill kissed Rusty in a bar in an act of temporary insanity, and lost his heart to her on the spot. Despite the complications to his own rodeo stock business, he agrees to marry the feisty red-head, hoping to woo her once they’re hitched. But she only views him with suspicion and resentment.

Can this soft-spoken Texas cowboy convince his proud wife, who’s never known unconditional love, that she is everything he wants?

Title: Resisting the Rancher
Author: Kadie Scott
Series: Hills of Texas
Pages: 261
Genre(s): Contemporary, US
Hot Buttons: Cancer, previous death of sibling & parent <-- highlight to reveal (may contain spoilers)
 
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This is the first Kadie Scott novel that I have read but it definitely won’t be the last. In this story, she takes a prickly and feisty heroine, Ruth “Rusty” Walker, and pairs her with easy-going, slow and smooth Texas cowboy, Williams “Will” Hill.

There’s always a worry when you have a feisty, tough woman who’s holding her own with a bunch of rodeo cowboys - will she be someone I can like? Will she show enough vulnerability? The answer to both is yes. Sure Rusty was sassy and sharp - and even then, I noticed a little bit of myself in her even at her grumpiest! - but she knew when she’d been wrong and apologised, and the emotional baggage due to her father was easy to see and just as easily justifiable.

Will is my kind of hero. Slow talking, smooth and easy-going - a cowboy with a huge heart. He’s so sweet and patient with Rusty but he still feels and loves fiercely and that makes my heart go pitty patter. Oh and did I mention that Will just happens to constantly be wearing daft slogan t-shirts? A sexy Texan cowboy who also happens to be a bit of a geek? Count me in!

I wondered if this might be more of a ‘behind closed doors’ kind of romance - more sweet than sexy. I suppose it’s a bit of both. There’s some sexy times and a few f-bombs but even then, it comes across as more calm and pleasant more than sensual and erotic. There was definitely a slow burn with the romantic relationship between Rusty and Will, despite them meeting and marrying within a few short days of meeting. There’s an anticipation in this that kept the pages turning and enough Texas sizzle to keep you happy, if not completely satisfied!

The storytelling overall is very good. I was a wee bit peeved about the passage of time between some chapters. I continued reading from one chapter to the next thinking it was maybe the same day or possibly the next, only to be told half way through the new chapter that 3 months had passed. 3 months? What have y’all been doing? What did I miss? But anyway, I did love the writing style of Ms Scott, especially her descriptions of Will’s family. That family is #goals. A good, old-fashioned storybook type family that I really would love to read more about. Hell, I want to be one of them!

And speaking of that, this book is the second in the Hills of Texas series all about that large and loveable family - the first, Saving the Sheriff, features Will’s brother, Cash. I haven’t read that one and you definitely don’t need to read it to understand and enjoy this story as each stands alone.

I have to also pay homage to the beauty of this cover. Normally I’m all about the man on a romance cover but, to be honest, I barely see the man on this cover because the girl is so gorgeous. Love it.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It’s compelling, interesting and has a great couple of leads in a love story that I’m happy to recommend. 4 stars.

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* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

The Hills of Texas Series:

      

       

Click to see other books by Kadie Scott

They all said it wouldn’t last….

Sierra McArthur never could have imagined they were right, but ever since her husband’s world was rocked by a family secret, it’s clear that their happily ever after isn’t to be. But one last night of passion with her husband creates a lasting consequence neither of them planned on….

Or is it?

Carter McArthur doesn’t want a divorce. But he doesn’t know how to fix all the mistakes he’s made in the wake of his family’s betrayal. But when a surprise pregnancy gives them one last chance at forever, Carter is determined to make her understand, she’s not his bride by accident. She’s his bride

Title: Bride for Keeps
Author: Nicole Helm
Series: Big Sky Brides
Pages: 212
Genre(s): Contemporary, US
Hot Buttons: Divorce <-- highlight to reveal (may contain spoilers)

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I was a bit worried when I started this book as I’d (stupidly) read the reviews and didn’t want them to sway my opinion - I’m a bit of a sucker for a second chance romance, you see.

I shouldn’t have worried, within the first chapter of the book the characters had already convinced me, regardless of the other reviews, that this book was not one that I was going to enjoy. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever disliked a heroine more.

Carter is 31 and Sierra is younger. I didn’t catch her actual age (I did go back and try to see if it was mentioned but I just got myself angry all over again) but she acts like a spoiled, petulant child all throughout the book. I still wouldn’t have liked the book had Sierra’s character grown-up and evolved throughout the book - but she didn’t. She was a brat from beginning to end.

Here are just some of the ways that the author explained Sierra’s character and her relationship with her husband.

“…she usually threw a little fit, and he’d come after her trying to make things right. It was the pattern of their relationship. Sierra didn’t know that it was the best pattern, but it was always how they’d worked.”

“She’d thrown she didn’t know how many fits lately, and Carter had simply let her.”

“Her flouncing wasn’t even enjoyable anymore, but she didn’t know how else to get Carter’s attention.”

“Usually a good fit got his attention, pulled him out of all he kept himself caught up in.”

Honestly, I could go on.

Why would staid, stand-up guy Carter be interested in such a girl?

No really - I just didn’t get it.

And since this is a romance book, my intense dislike of Sierra and my scorn of Carter’s actions and feelings, made this book a complete dud for me. I’m sorry to say, I didn’t care if they got together at the end - or stayed together. I’m adding my voice to those that said that their marriage won’t last!

I did give the book 2 stars since I did force myself to the end - even if some skim-reading was involved. I also don’t think that the writing was terrible - it was just the subject matter, or more accurately, the characters and the situations they were in, that was.

Sorry to say - but I recommend that you avoid this book at all costs.

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* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

Click to see other books by Nicole Helm

For chef-in-training Chloe Madison, a new job in Sugar Creek, Vermont is the perfect way to get over an ex. What could be more tempting than cooking for an eccentric lady who's crazy for desserts and joining a club called the Cupcake Lovers? Just one thing: local business-hunk Devlin Monroe...

The grandson of Chloe's fun-loving boss, Devlin Monroe is all work and no play. That is until he meets the vibrant, beautiful Chloe. But when old grudges and secrets threaten to destroy the Cupcake Lovers, Devlin must decide if his feelings for Chloe are a recipe for disaster - or could be a sinfully delicious ever-after...

Title: Fool for Love
Author: Beth Ciotta
Series: Cupcake Lovers
Pages: 368
Genre(s): Contemporary, US
Hot Buttons: /

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This is the first book I’ve read by Beth Ciotta but it will definitely be the first of many. From the very first page I just fell in love with the story and the characters.

Chloe is in Sugar Creek to get over an ex and get her life back on track. While she’s a tad flighty and artistic - her huge heart and wonderful personality made me love her instantly and want the best for her.

And then there was Devlin. I’m pretty sure Ms Ciotta went right into my brain and pulled out everything I love about a leading man. He’s grumpy, gorgeous, thinks his way is the best way and is just so intrigued - and infuriated - by the way Chloe breezes into his world and knocks his socks off. And Devlin is also one of my favourite names for book boyfriends. Perfection all round.

As I said, Devlin and Chloe infuriate and spark up against each other from the very second they meet. There’s a lot of sexual tension and you’ll likely get that delicious jump in your tummy each time their passion runs away with them. There’s some sexy times thrown in for good measures. I do enjoy the sexy times.

I also have to give a special mention for Daisy the naughty grandma. She was absolutely the coolest and I loved it her and her craziness and meddling.

Alongside the main love story between Dev and Chloe, we also get a bit of background into Rocky’s love life and some of her history with Dev’s best friend, Jayce. This is a teaser for the next book in the series, The Trouble with Love.

At the end of the book you also get a few cupcake recipes which is a nice bonus. I love my cupcakes almost as much as the sexy times. While a few ‘recipes’ are bake a boxed cake mix and add a pre-bought frosting, I suppose that’s not the main reason for the book so I shouldn’t complain and this won’t affect my rating of the book - just the cupcakes themselves!

I genuinely adored every moment of this story. I fell hard for Chloe and Devlin and their delightful romance. But I also fell in love with Daisy, Rocky, Monica, Luke, Sam and the whole Cupcake Lovers crew. And don’t forget Sugar Creek. I want to move to this (fictional, dammit) Vermont town and live there with the whole colourful, messy bunch. And I cannot wait to get my greedy little paws on the rest of the Cupcake Lovers series and visit with everyone in Sugar Creek all over again. 5 well-deserved stars.

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Buy this book now:

* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

The Cupcake Lovers Series:

         

Click to see other books by Beth Ciotta

Now anyone that reads this blog, or follows me on Insta or Twitter will know how much I’m becoming a fan of Avery Laval and her swoon worthy Sin City Tycoon series.

So it was a little bittersweet that the Sin City Tycoon’s series was wrapped up just this month with the excellent - and my personal sheikh fantasy - A Tycoon’s Secret.

Surely it can’t be the end…

…and I’m delighted to tell you that it’s not!

Ms Laval is releasing a Sin City Tycoon novella!

YAY! YAY! YAY!

And I have the cover reveal for you right here, right now.

MORE YAYS!

Without further ado, here it is…

Holy moly! These guys really know how to craft a hot cover.

And the book sounds equally hot.

At a society bachelorette auction, a hedge fund king gets more than he bargained for…

When Cassie Harris squeezes herself into a too-small neon designer dress for a bachelorette charity auction, she realizes there’s nothing she won’t do for her landscape design business. Her biggest client is hosting the New York society event solely to show off her own filthy-rich, dead-sexy Australian boyfriend. And she’s using Cassie to make herself look good. Cassie steps on stage, humiliated. But an unexpected bidder spends an enormous sum on her, causing gasps throughout the gala. The winner? Thom King, her biggest client’s boyfriend. Cassie can kiss that account goodbye—and her fledgling business along with it.

Thom King has no interest in society girls with grand designs on his wallet. But he has a huge interest in getting that ridiculous gown off of the hourglass figure of Cassie Harris. And once he gets to know her, his interest only grows. She’s as hardworking as he is, as focused, and as smart. Before he met Cassie, women were mere distractions from his hedge fund. Now, Cassie’s the only thing Thom can think about.

But Cassie doesn’t believe a man like Thom can love at all, let alone love a woman like her. And that means Thom will have to use all of the charm and seduction at his disposal to prove her wrong.

I. Cannot. Wait. How good does this sound? Squeee.

The book comes out on the 3rd of September. (It’s nearly July so fear not, that’s not too far away!)

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Even better news - the pre-order links are up on Amazon.

Pre-order your copy here:

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And even better news than that. There are more Sin City Tycoons planned. Not sure my little heart can handle all the excitement. 💗

About Avery

Avery writes romantic fiction for Blue Crow Books. Her SIN CITY TYCOONS series includes A Tycoon’s Jewel, A Tycoon’s Rush, and A Tycoon’s Secret. A Tycoon’s Bargain comes out in fall 2018, and A Tycoon’s Deception in spring of 2019.

Avery lives in the midwest and teaches creative writing when she’s not writing novels. She loves reading big stories and hanging out with small groups of friends.

Subscribe to Avery’s TinyLetter to receive author updates: tinyletter.com/averylaval.

The Sin City Tycoons Series:

      

         

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