Review: Hate Notes by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

Hate Notes by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

It all started with a mysterious blue note sewn into a wedding dress.

Something blue.

I’d gone to sell my own unworn bridal gown at a vintage clothing store. That’s when I found another bride’s “something old.”

Stitched into the lining of a fabulously feathered design was the loveliest message I’d ever read: Thank you for making all of my dreams come true.

The name embossed on the blue stationery: Reed Eastwood, obviously the most romantic man who ever lived. I also discovered he’s the most gorgeous. If only my true-love fantasies had stopped there. Because I’ve since found out something else about Mr. Starry-Eyed.

He’s arrogant, cynical, and demanding. I should know. Thanks to a twist of fate, he’s my new boss. But that’s not going to stop me from discovering the story behind his last love letter. A love letter that did not result in a happily ever after.

But that story is nothing compared to the one unfolding between us. It’s getting hotter, sweeter, and more surprising than anything I could have imagined.

Something new.

But I have no idea how this one is going to end...

Quick Review:
I enjoyed listening to the audio version. Great dual male/female narrators. I probably enjoyed the first half more than the second because I loved their banter and fun. The second half moved in a sad direction I wasn't expecting. I'm not a huge fan of the sad town blindside some authors enjoy tormenting their readers with. But I was able to compartmentalize this one and really enjoy Reed and Charlotte's story. Charlotte was so much fun. Reed was annoyingly stubborn. But together they were a delight. And this one had a lovely ending to boot.


Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited (including the audiobook): 
https://amzn.to/2Eh1ken

Review: Dr Strange Beard by Penny Reid

Dr. Strange Beard by Penny Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review:
The more Penny Reid books I read, the less prepared I am for them. Except that I am prepared to be taken on a ride into a new direction. I know that I'm getting a romance, but how I'm getting there with the newest couple is going to be journey into likely little explored dimensions. And I love that. I love that she takes risks and gives us more than just a love story. How does this relate to Roscoe and Simone's story? Because Roscoe and Simone explore new territory with their lives and their relationship, and Penny writes it so well.

Let me first say that I loved this book. I loved getting to know Roscoe and Simone. Roscoe was a fairly one-dimensional brother in the previous books of this series. I didn't know much about him except he was the baby of the family. But here he is fully exposed. And this takes us into the unknown areas of Penny's writing. Because Roscoe has a special memory situation that we learn more about. Wow, I really loved being in Roscoe's head. I felt for the guy and had so much compassion for him. He definitely became a multi-dimensional person to me. He's this sensitive, kindhearted, gentle, yet loyal and protective soul. But then to finally see him step out of his comfort zone and be vulnerable. Now that was the Roscoe I really fell in love with. And I really loved Roscoe.

Simone is also wonderful, but in her own way. I was heartbroken for her (and for Roscoe) with the abrupt way their friendship ended 10 years ago. Learning the reasonings why were understandable from a 16-year-old's up-close perspective, but from an adult stepping back from the situation perspective, I felt sad about it. But thankfully, they grew up and life brought them back together. And speaking of life, Simone's life is fascinating. The things we learn about her are fantastic, and I loved her focus and determination in career and life. She also grew in her vulnerability, which was also a beautiful thing when she and Roscoe could tackle those hurdles together.

And there are a lot of hurdles to tackle here! Simone's job is crazy town. Roscoe's memory is beyond fascinating. Roscoe is having some majorly unexpected family stuff hitting the fan. And then a whole bunch of stuff I can't even talk about for fear of spoilers. Oh man, there are things that happen here that hit me in the feels. So many things.

But let's not forget to mention the realistic and sensitive way that Penny dealt with real-life race issues in this book. I'm glad she used sensitivity readers during her writing process to give Simone's story as honest a perspective as possible. The situations Simone deals with were so well done and I loved their incorporation in a real and honest way.

I can't leave this review without once again saying how much I loved Roscoe and Simone as a couple. They have a beautiful second chance romance and I loved reading their sweet story.


**LINKS **
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2yCyB0v
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2Be0r4m
Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/2NuVyXi
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2M2xVVJ
iBooks: https://apple.co/2ijIN7t
Nook: https://bit.ly/2LwwIKa
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2yU5zdo
Google Play: goo.gl/sGvHH3
Smashwords: https://bit.ly/2ilmIFu
Paperback: Coming August 14th!
Audiobook: Coming Soon!

Giveaway & Review: Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid

Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid

Knitting in the City #7

March 6, 2018

There are three things you need to know about Kat Tanner (aka Kathleen Tyson. . . and yes, she is *that* Kathleen Tyson): 1) She’s determined to make good decisions, 2) She must get married ASAP, and 3) She knows how to knit.

Being a billionaire heiress isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it sucks. Determined to live a quiet life, Kat Tanner changed her identity years ago and eschewed her family’s legacy. But now, Kat’s silver spoon past has finally caught up with her, and so have her youthful mistakes. To avoid imminent disaster, she must marry immediately; it is essential that the person she chooses have no romantic feelings for her whatsoever and be completely trustworthy.

Fortunately, she knows exactly who to ask. Dan O’Malley checks all the boxes: single, romantically indifferent to her, completely trustworthy. Sure, she might have a wee little crush on Dan the Security Man, but with clear rules, expectations, and a legally binding contract, Kat is certain she can make it through this debacle with her sanity—and heart—all in one piece.

Except, what happens when Dan O’Malley isn’t as indifferent—or as trustworthy—as she thought?

I'm so sad that the 'Knitting in the City' series is over, but I'm so happy it is out in the world in completion for all to fall in love with. 'Marriage of Inconvenience' was not only the highly anticipated love story of Kat and Dan (swoon, Dan), but also a love letter to the amazing characters of this series. The knitting ladies and their guys have stolen my heart, and I loved seeing them pop up throughout this story (especially Sandra and Alex, because I love them so much!).

Kat and Dan's story was a sweet, slow-building romance, that started with attraction and miscommunication, but ended in the best of ways. I'm not normally a huge fan of miscommunications and time gaps, but I really felt that these characters (especially Kat) had some growth and self-exploration to do on their own before they could be in a place for their epic romance. And they have an epic romance. These two have hearts of gold, and I loved watching their journey (though I wanted to speed things along at times, just because). I could feel their growth and love building over the pages. I especially loved Dan! I mean, he's just so dang awesome! Even stoic Quinn has a bromance with Dan, that's how awesome he is.

Reid also takes on some bigger issues beyond romance in this story, and I felt that she made the issues and points relevant and particularly treated Kat's situation with sensitivity and respect. You know when you're reading a Penny Reid book, you're going to get a little something extra in your story.

So the KitC series is over. We finally got Kat and Dan's epic love story, and yes, there is an epilogue. But the feeling is bittersweet. Kat and Dan are the sweetest! It's KitC cameo heaven! But it's also over. Good thing there's a little something called re-reading.

Read Today!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2GjPbU1

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/MarriageofInconvenience

iBooks: https://apple.co/2FjtjGW

Nook: http://bit.ly/2yycreU

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2zRl42J

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2neqv6k

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Meet Penny Reid:

Penny Reid is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances, Penny works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyReidWriter/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lakzsD

Twitter: @ReidRomance

Newsletter: http://pennyreid.ninja/newsletter/

www.pennyreid.ninja