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Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Beard in Mind by Penny Reid

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Beard in Mind, an all new standalone in the bestselling, romantic comedy Winston Brothers Series by Penny Reid, is available NOW!

BIM-cover (2)

All is fair in love and auto maintenance.

Beau Winston is the nicest, most accommodating guy in the world. Usually.
Handsome as the devil and twice as charismatic, Beau lives a charmed life as everyone’s favorite Winston Brother. But since his twin decided to leave town, and his other brother hired a stunning human-porcupine hybrid as a replacement mechanic for their auto shop, Beau Winston’s charmed life has gone to hell in a handbasket.

Shelly Sullivan is not nice and is never accommodating. Ever.
She mumbles to herself, but won’t respond when asked a question. She glares at everyone, especially babies. She won’t shake hands with or touch another person, but has no problems cuddling with a dog. And her damn parrot speaks only in curse words.

Beau wants her gone. He wants her out of his auto shop, out of Tennessee, and out of his life.

The only problem is, learning why this porcupine wears her coat of spikes opens a Pandora’s box of complexity—exquisite, tempting, heartbreaking complexity—and Beau Winston soon discovers being nice and accommodating might mean losing what matters most.

  She’d taken the sofa, in her own house, and given me the bed. That didn’t make a lick of sense. I crouched next to her, threading my fingers into the silky hair at her temples. “Honey.”
  “Mmm.”
  I bent to whisper, “Shelly.”
  “Hmm?”
  “I’m going to carry you to your bed. I’ll take the sofa.”
  “Mmm.”
  I grinned at her soft noises, at the untroubled expression on her face, and how her brow—even in sleep—still looked regal and stern. Sliding my arms under her legs and shoulder, I picked her up. And, unfortunately, that woke her up.
  She jerked in my arms. “What are you doing?”
  “I’m taking you to the bed.”
  “Don’t do that.”
  “I don’t mind, I’ll take the sofa.” Our mouths were just inches apart, and hers was distracting.
  She squirmed. “Put me down.”
  Sighing unhappily, I did. I set her on her feet next to the couch. The blanket pooled at her feet and I stepped back to give her some space. It was dark, but I could see her just fine, and that meant I had to force my eyes to remain above her neck. The woman was wearing two pathetic scraps of fabric as pajamas. A thin little tank top and shorts. That’s it. I set my jaw and turned to the side, waiting for her to walk past.“Where are you?”
  I glanced at her and realized she couldn’t see at all. She didn’t have a hand out, but the way her eyes were moving about the room gave away her blindness.
  “I’m here.” I didn’t touch her, because if I did, I wouldn’t want to stop.
  Shelly turned her head in my direction and took a deep breath. Still she didn’t reach for me. I didn’t know the specifics of what to expect after her Friday session, but I recalled Dr. West saying something about Shelly doing self-guided ERP exercises over this week.
  “Can you see?” She licked her lips, her voice sandpapery. “Because I can’t see at all. It’s so dark.”
  “I can see.” Unbidden, my eyes dropped to her body, to the swell of her breasts, the panel of bare stomach, the curve of her hips. Pinpricks of heat raised over my skin and I curled my hands into fists. She shuffled forward and I caught her before she bumped into me, setting my hands gently at her waist.
  “Let me take you to your room.” My voice was rough, for obvious reasons. Saying nothing, she brought her hand to my forearm, her body gently colliding with mine. And then her hand on my arm slid up my bicep to my shoulder.
  “Shelly.” I was running out of breath.
  “I like this.”
  “What?”
  “Touching you.”
  Oh f--k.
  I held still and endured her hands moving over my body, down the front of my shirt, stopping at the hem, then pushing it up.
  “Take this off.”
  I did. I pulled the T-shirt over my head and let it drop to the floor. We stood there, facing each other in the dark, not touching. Despite the session on Friday and the progress that had been made, I realized she wasn’t quite there yet. Dr. West was right, Friday was just a step, the first step. Shelly wasn’t able to initiate contact. Not yet.
  Her hands balled into fists and she swayed forward, her breath struggling little puffs. If anything was going to happen tonight, I had to initiate it. I had to be the one to touch first. God, how I wanted her. How I wanted her above me, beneath me, surrounding me. But how could I?
  “I know why I hesitate,” her voice was breathless, “but why do you hesitate?”
  “Lots of reasons.”
  “Give me one.”
  “I don’t want to use you.”
  “I wish you would.”
  That pulled a laugh from me, just a small relief from the mounting tension. My eyes moved over her body, an undeniable impulse to devour the sight of her, her legs, stomach, chest, then up her neck to her lips.
  “You asked me on Saturday if sex was a big deal for me, or if it was you. The answer is both.”
  She held very still, and I got the sense she was holding her breath, straining to listen.  “You are a big deal to me. I don’t want a fling. I don’t want a flirtation. I want promises.”
  “What can I promise you?”
  That you’ll love me. That I’ll be your priority.
  She shifted her weight from foot to foot. A spike of anxiety that she might leave me like this had me acting without forethought. I lifted my hands to her waist again and immediately, her fingertips skimmed over the skin of my lower stomach in response, making my muscles tense in hot anticipation. She grew more assertive as she caressed my sides, abdomen, ribs, chest, shoulders, and then back down. Shelly stepped closer, a hint of thrilling contact between her breasts and my torso, and all the words and worries melted from my mind, died on my tongue, suffocated by the feel of her body, and the possibility of this moment.
  Her finger hooked in the waistband of my jeans. “Take these off.” Her hand turned, her fingers and palm cupping me over my zipper. Instinctively, I pressed myself into her touch even as I grabbed her wrist.
  “Beau, I promise—” She didn’t get to speak, because I kissed her, hard and wild, unbuttoning and unzipping my fly with one hand and bringing her palm inside my boxers with the other.


'Beard in Mind' is the fifth Winston sibling book (after Ashley, Duane, Jethro, and Cletus's books). Of course, you can read this as a standalone. It's a rich and full-bodied story all on its own. But I will say that you will get an even fuller appreciation for it, and the Winston universe, if you have read the other previous books (and parts of the Knitting in the City series).

'Beard in Mind' may be Penny Reid's deepest book yet. It's a rich exploration of life and love, mental health and family, truth and trust. There was so much research and heart put into this book, giving these characters and their storylines more than just a superficial stereotyping, and instead making them whole and real and unjudged.

Shelly suffers from OCD. Not a flippant "you're so OCD because you're a neat freak." No, her OCD is the real deal. It's been a lifelong struggle, and she has only started treatment in recent months. Now, if you remember Shelly from previous books, she was not painted in a pretty picture. She has hurt her family in terrible ways. And on first impression, Shelly is completely rude and off-putting, despite her beauty. And yet here we finally get to know who the real Shelly is. And what a layered character she is. So many levels, so much depth beyond the gorgeous surface, and yet so difficult to get to know without putting in the effort. Thankfully, Beau and his genuine nature is just the person to reach past the superficial.

Beau's recent struggles are much different than Shelly's. His twin brother, Duane, is preparing to leave the country with his girlfriend, Jess, to travel for an extended period of time. Beau and Duane have never been apart. And Beau is crushed to be losing his other half. Then he has a new co-worker, Shelly, who is as rude as Beau is nice. Despite her attitude, however, Beau can't help but want to get to know her more and get past her prickly exterior. And that's a good thing, too, because Beau and Shelly have even more struggles and surprises to come, and they are going to need each other's support to get through it all.

There are so many things I loved about this book that I can't list them all (too lengthy and too many spoilers). But let me narrow my thoughts down to a few:

1.) I loved the relationship development between Beau and Shelly. It wasn't insta-love. It was a hard-fought, knocking-down-walls, looking-past-the-superficial, and traversing the "for worse" parts of love. It was a mature love, looking at all the parts of a partner, not just the sweet honeymoon period. And it was deep, digging into parts of each other that in a "normal" relationship may not come up until much later in a relationship.

2.) I loved how honest and real, genuine and loving, Beau and Shelly treated one another. The road was not easy, and things were not always resolved quickly, but these two weren't quitters. They genuinely cared about the other, and you could feel that love through the pages.

3.) Oh, and there's heat. I'd say this is the hottest of the Winston brothers series. Yes, Beau and Shelly are dealing with some intense issues. But these two have no shortage of sexy times. Beau is not only sweet, but sexy.

4.) I need to reiterate the caring and real way that OCD was handled in this book. There are some beautiful scenes between Shelly and her therapist, and I loved how tenderly yet honestly this disorder was handled. It allowed us to see Shelly as more than just her disorder, and allowed us to see Beau in an incredibly supportive light. And yet Shelly was not limited to her OCD. We also see her in so many other dimensions, in particular as a crucial player in Beau's journey.

5.) And of course, let's not forget the Winston bunch, their significant others, and the residents of Green Valley. I loved the inter-weaving of storylines (did you read Beard Science?). I love the Winston family in general, and gobbled up all their interactions throughout the novel. Hank and Beau had a particularly fun friendship, and I liked seeing more glimpses of Hank (whom I'm intrigued by, despite my dislike for The Pink Pony). And my interest was peaked about many of the townsfolk popping up here and there, hoping they'll pop up more in future books.

I hadn't planned on such a lengthy review, but I can't help but sing the praises of this story. It may not be for everyone. If you're looking for a typical romance, with a typical hero and heroine, you may be disappointed. Beau and Shelly are not typical, but for me that made them even more special. Take a chance on this story, and let your heart and mind be moved.



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Read Today!

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Enter the Giveaway!


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. PennyReid

Connect with Penny:

Twitter: @ReidRomance

Review: Shear Heaven by Katy Regnery

Shear Heaven by Katy Regnery
~a Modern Fairytale novella~
August 22, 2017
~Find on the Royally Mine anthology~

In this "Rapunzel" retelling, Bella Capelli, a hair stylist who works on the 32nd floor of the New York Metro Tower Hotel, meets His Serene Highness Prince Nico De'Medici, in town for the wedding of his twin sister, Valentina. Though the two come from vastly different worlds, and Nico is promised to another, the handsome prince can't seem to stay away from sweet Bella. After a whirlwind week of romance, will they manage to find their happily-ever-after?

SHEAR HEAVEN is a 30,000 word standalone novella based on "Rapunzel." Intended for readers 18+ due to scenes of graphic intimacy.

'Shear Heaven' was such a treat! This is a sweet novella that packs a heartfelt punch. I loved this creative twist on the story of Rapunzel. Bella is this lovely girl, inside and out, "trapped" in a tower, and Nico is this dashing prince, trapped in his life as well. When these two meet, the chemistry cannot be denied. But in true fairy tale form, there might be true love, but there are also true obstacles stacked against them. I found their story touching (seriously, they were so sweet and lovely and perfect for each other), and frustrating (because, you know, in every fairy tale there has to be a villain, and this one was a real meanie), and the perfect ending (awww, I love them!). Rapunzel and her sweet Prince were a delightful, romantic treat.

Amazon ~ Kobo ~ iBooks ~ B&N 

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Review: Beard in Mind by Penny Reid

Beard in Mind by Penny Reid
(Winston Brothers #4)
August 1, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+
Contains: language, sex

All's fair in love and auto maintenance.

Beau Winston is the nicest, most accommodating guy in the world. Usually.
Handsome as the devil and twice as charismatic, Beau lives a charmed life as everyone’s favorite Winston Brother. But since his twin decided to leave town, and his other brother hired a stunning human-porcupine hybrid as a replacement mechanic for their auto shop, Beau Winston’s charmed life has gone to hell in a handbasket.

Shelly Sullivan is not nice and is never accommodating. Ever.
She mumbles to herself, but won’t respond when asked a question. She glares at everyone, especially babies. She won’t shake hands with or touch another person, but has no problems cuddling with a dog. And her damn parrot speaks only in curse words.

Beau wants her gone. He wants her out of his auto shop, out of Tennessee, and out of his life.

The only problem is, learning why this porcupine wears her coat of spikes opens a Pandora’s box of complexity—exquisite, tempting, heartbreaking complexity—and Beau Winston soon discovers being nice and accommodating might mean missing out on what matters most.

'Beard in Mind' is the fifth Winston sibling book (after Ashley, Duane, Jethro, and Cletus's books). Of course, you can read this as a standalone. It's a rich and full-bodied story all on its own. But I will say that you will get an even fuller appreciation for it, and the Winston universe, if you have read the other previous books (and parts of the Knitting in the City series).

'Beard in Mind' may be Penny Reid's deepest book yet. It's a rich exploration of life and love, mental health and family, truth and trust. There was so much research and heart put into this book, giving these characters and their storylines more than just a superficial stereotyping, and instead making them whole and real and unjudged.

Shelly suffers from OCD. Not a flippant "you're so OCD because you're a neat freak." No, her OCD is the real deal. It's been a lifelong struggle, and she has only started treatment in recent months. Now, if you remember Shelly from previous books, she was not painted in a pretty picture. She has hurt her family in terrible ways. And on first impression, Shelly is completely rude and off-putting, despite her beauty. And yet here we finally get to know who the real Shelly is. And what a layered character she is. So many levels, so much depth beyond the gorgeous surface, and yet so difficult to get to know without putting in the effort. Thankfully, Beau and his genuine nature is just the person to reach past the superficial.

Beau's recent struggles are much different than Shelly's. His twin brother, Duane, is preparing to leave the country with his girlfriend, Jess, to travel for an extended period of time. Beau and Duane have never been apart. And Beau is crushed to be losing his other half. Then he has a new co-worker, Shelly, who is as rude as Beau is nice. Despite her attitude, however, Beau can't help but want to get to know her more and get past her prickly exterior. And that's a good thing, too, because Beau and Shelly have even more struggles and surprises to come, and they are going to need each other's support to get through it all.

There are so many things I loved about this book that I can't list them all (too lengthy and too many spoilers). But let me narrow my thoughts down to a few:

1.) I loved the relationship development between Beau and Shelly. It wasn't insta-love. It was a hard-fought, knocking-down-walls, looking-past-the-superficial, and traversing the "for worse" parts of love. It was a mature love, looking at all the parts of a partner, not just the sweet honeymoon period. And it was deep, digging into parts of each other that in a "normal" relationship may not come up until much later in a relationship.

2.) I loved how honest and real, genuine and loving, Beau and Shelly treated one another. The road was not easy, and things were not always resolved quickly, but these two weren't quitters. They genuinely cared about the other, and you could feel that love through the pages.

3.) Oh, and there's heat. I'd say this is the hottest of the Winston brothers series. Yes, Beau and Shelly are dealing with some intense issues. But these two have no shortage of sexy times. Beau is not only sweet, but sexy.

4.) I need to reiterate the caring and real way that OCD was handled in this book. There are some beautiful scenes between Shelly and her therapist, and I loved how tenderly yet honestly this disorder was handled. It allowed us to see Shelly as more than just her disorder, and allowed us to see Beau in an incredibly supportive light. And yet Shelly was not limited to her OCD. We also see her in so many other dimensions, in particular as a crucial player in Beau's journey.

5.) And of course, let's not forget the Winston bunch, their significant others, and the residents of Green Valley. I loved the inter-weaving of storylines (did you read Beard Science?). I love the Winston family in general, and gobbled up all their interactions throughout the novel. Hank and Beau had a particularly fun friendship, and I liked seeing more glimpses of Hank (whom I'm intrigued by, despite my dislike for The Pink Pony). And my interest was peaked about many of the townsfolk popping up here and there, hoping they'll pop up more in future books.

I hadn't planned on such a lengthy review, but I can't help but sing the praises of this story. It may not be for everyone. If you're looking for a typical romance, with a typical hero and heroine, you may be disappointed. Beau and Shelly are not typical, but for me that made them even more special. Take a chance on this story, and let your heart and mind be moved.

Monday, July 24, 2017

Review: Making It Right by Catherine Bybee

Making It Right by Catherine Bybee
(Most Likely To #3)
May 9, 2017
350 pages

In the final book in bestselling author Catherine Bybee’s Most Likely To trilogy, River Bend’s rebel follows in her father’s footsteps to become sheriff. But it might be time to forge her own path…

Some kids inherit a family business; Jo Ward inherited a badge. Once voted Most Likely to End Up in Jail, the town wild child has become sheriff—hell-bent on uncovering the truth about her father’s mysterious death. Life is quiet in rustic River Bend, but Jo longs for something beyond her small hometown and the painful memories it holds. All that keeps her sane is the support of her best friends, Melanie and Zoe.

But when Jo signs up for an expert law enforcement training seminar, she meets Gill Clausen, whose haunting eyes and dangerously sexy vibe just may challenge her single-minded focus. Commitment-phobic Jo can’t deny her attraction to the arrogant federal agent, and when odd things start happening around River Bend and danger surrounds her, she realizes she’ll need his help to discover who’s out to remove her from River Bend…permanently.

As Jo and Gill work together, it’s clear they make a great team. But can Jo loosen her grip on the past enough to let love in and reach for the future?

I've really enjoyed this trilogy, following the friendships, hardships, and romantic lives of Mel, Zoe, and Jo. And this third story brought everything together, finally bringing us Jo's story. It was a beautiful thing to see Jo come into herself. Living in her father's shadow and unresolved death, we didn't quite know who Jo was as an adult. And this story brought Jo to the forefront. She became her true self. And she fought for the truth. And during all this she found her perfect match in Gill. I loved them together, and loved what Bybee did with their story and their future. I'm sad to see these ladies go, but this series was a delight and Jo's story was a touching ending.


Monday, July 17, 2017

Review: Defender by Leia Stone & ST Bende

Defender by Leia Stone & ST Bende
(Night War Saga #2)
July 16, 2017
Genre: Fantasy, mythology, new adult

Allie Rydell left her life behind to protect the world from the Goddess of Night. But after weeks of training, hunting, and learning to use the life-giving power that inexplicably chose her, saving Midgard seems more impossible than ever. Nott’s followers have eyes across the realms, and they’re determined to collect the bounty on Allie’s soul. And the closer Allie and her protectors get to the pieces of the immortal weapon that could save them all, the more destruction Nott manages to unleash—not only on the world Allie loves, but on the friends she’d give her life to save.

Darkness is coming. And this time, it won’t leave any survivors.

'Defender' was a fantastic, exciting, action-packed sequel to 'Protector'. We pick up right where book one left off. I loved following along as Allie and the gang try to recover more pieces of the Gud Morder in order to defeat wicked Nott and save Midgard. And let me tell you, I love this group of characters. I could easily hang out with them on a boring day, just playing cards at home drinking hot cocoa in my PJs. But there's not much sitting around for this crew. Instead of downtime, we get thrust into action, suspense, and death-defying moments. There was one moment in particular (which you will recognize when you get there), that I was like "Nooooo!" But I hung in there, loving the story and biting my fingernails at the same time, until the very end. And that ending. Just wow! I have so many theories! But let's also remember it's not just all action all the time. We get romance, friendship, drama (don't all families have drama?), dragons, twists, turns, and wonderful character development. I absolutely love this series and cannot wait for the next book, 'Redeemer.'


Don't Forget Book One: Protector


Thursday, July 6, 2017

Review: The Director and the Don Juan by Katy Regnery

The Director and the Don Juan
By: Katy Regnery
Series: The Story Sisters #2
Release Date: June 30, 2017

AMAZON US AMAZON UK ♥

From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a brand new series set on Blueberry Lane!

The Director and Don Juan is the second of four books about the Philadelphia-based Story sisters who are all on the look-out for love.

Heiress Alice Story left her father's company three years ago in a blaze of glory, inviting all of his employees to jump ship and join her, but only one accepted her offer: mail room clerk, Carlos Vega.

While Alice spent the next three years getting her own company off the ground, Carlos became her indispensable right-hand man -- executive assistant and office manager, loyal counsel and trusted co-worker.

And all the while, they were quietly falling in love with each other.

When Alice is offered a lucrative business deal in Puerto Rico, island-born Carlos is the perfect person to accompany her on her trip as translator, but as they travel together from Philadelphia to Santo Domingo to Ponce, two unlikely co-workers will discover that during their three years working together, their feelings for each other have grown far deeper than they ever could have guessed.

And though business-minded, proper Alice will try her very best to ignore the longings of her heart, scorching hot, insanely sexy Boricua, Carlos, has no intention of letting her go.
'The Director and the Don Juan' was an enchanting read that I flew through in a day. I didn't want to put it down. Alice and Carlos have been working together for three years since she jumped ship from her father's business and started her own company - with Carlos faithfully by her side, sharing the ups and downs. Never have the two mixed business with pleasure, though their mutual respect has only gotten better. Unbeknownst to them, deeper feelings of love have also been growing and developing. And with an unexpected business trip, the two must finally face their feelings, and the risks involved with actually pursuing a relationship or not.

I loved Carlos and Alice's love story. Sure, there were some hiccups along the way. Three years seems like a long time to develop hidden feelings, but really, they both needed to grow on their own, and mature in their own ways. There is an age gap, but for me it was not a problem. Carlos had the opportunity to see the different options for his life, despite his younger age, and I loved his perspective and maturity in deciding what he really wanted. Alice had to take risks as well, holding the responsibilty of being Carlos's boss as well as older than him. But put these two together, with their mutual respect, all-encompassing trust, and deep love for the other, and you get a perfect match. Their love story was sweet and spicy and I loved them. I needed a second epilogue, because I like them so much as a couple and want to see their future.


Friday, June 30, 2017

New Release: The Director and the Don Juan by Katy Regnery

DIRECTOR_RBBANNER
The Director and Don Juan by Katy Regnery is LIVE! FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
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♥ AMAZON US ♥ AMAZON UK ♥

young couple in love, studio shot

 From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a brand new series set on Blueberry Lane! 

 The Director and Don Juan is the second of four books about the Philadelphia-based Story sisters who are all on the look-out for love. 

 Heiress Alice Story left her father's company three years ago in a blaze of glory, inviting all of his employees to jump ship and join her, but only one accepted her offer: mail room clerk, Carlos Vega. 

 While Alice spent the next three years getting her own company off the ground, Carlos became her indispensable right-hand man -- executive assistant and office manager, loyal counsel and trusted co-worker. 

 And all the while, they were quietly falling in love with each other. 

 When Alice is offered a lucrative business deal in Puerto Rico, island-born Carlos is the perfect person to accompany her on her trip as translator, but as they travel together from Philadelphia to Santo Domingo to Ponce, two unlikely co-workers will discover that during their three years working together, their feelings for each other have grown far deeper than they ever could have guessed.  

And though business-minded, proper Alice will try her very best to ignore the longings of her heart, scorching hot, insanely sexy Boricua, Carlos, has no intention of letting her go. 

DIRECTOR_LIVE_KU

Don't forget to preorder The Flirt and the Fox! RELEASE DATE: September 21st
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About the Author: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract and Katy’s first novel was published in September 2013. Twenty-five books later, Katy claims authorship of the multi-titled, New York Times and USA Today Blueberry Lane Series, which follows the English, Winslow, Rousseau, Story, and Ambler families of Philadelphia; the six-book, bestselling ~a modern fairytale~ series; and several other standalone novels and novellas. Katy’s first modern fairytale romance, The Vixen and the Vet, was nominated for a RITA® in 2015 and won the 2015 Kindle Book Award for romance. Katy’s boxed set, The English Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1–4, hit the USA Today bestseller list in 2015, and her Christmas story, Marrying Mr. English, appeared on the list a week later. In May 2016, Katy’s Blueberry Lane collection, The Winslow Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1-4, became a New York Times E-book bestseller. In 2016, Katy signed a print-only agreement with Spencerhill Press. As a result, her Blueberry Lane paperback books will now be distributed to brick and mortar bookstores all over the United States. Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, two dogs, and one Blue Tonkinese kitten create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

  Author Links: Website/Newsletter Signup: http://katyregnery.com/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211470.Katy_Regnery Amazon: http://amzn.to/2dqySsy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyRegnery Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatyRegnery Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/katharineregner/

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Review: Until It Fades by KA Tucker

Until It Fades by KA Tucker
June 27, 2017
368 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Women's Fiction

Twenty-four-year-old truck stop waitress and single mother Catherine Wright has simple goals: to give her five-year-old daughter a happy life and to never again be the talk of the town in Balsam, Pennsylvania: population two thousand outside of tourist season.

And then one foggy night, on a lonely road back from another failed attempt at a relationship, Catherine saves a man’s life. It isn’t until after the police have arrived that Catherine realizes exactly who it is she has saved: Brett Madden, hockey icon and media darling.

Catherine has already had her fifteen minutes of fame and the last thing she wants is to have her past dragged back into the spotlight, only this time on a national stage. So she hides her identity. It works.

For a time.

But when she finds the man she saved standing on her doorstep, desperate to thank her, all that changes. What begins as an immediate friendship quickly turns into something neither of them expected. Something that Catherine isn’t sure she can handle; something that Catherine is afraid to trust.

Because how long can an extraordinary man like Brett be interested in an ordinary woman like Catherine…before the spark fades?

'Until It Fades' is an incredibly sweet love story about a single mom, Catherine, who has not had it easy. Not in the least. Some of her challenges were the result of youthful foolishness and its repercussions; many challenges were from the deceptions, hurts, and judgments of others. But Catherine is a fighter. Instead of wallowing in misery, she gets back on her feet, with a couple of strong hands in her corner, and takes charge of her life, challenges and all.

But despite all of Cathrine's challenges, they don't stop her from being a caring, gentle soul, who not only learned from her past, but has become a better person for it. Which leads her to risking her life to save a complete stranger. But her quiet life of staying under the radar is quickly interrupted when that stranger turns out to be hockey icon, Brett Madden.

What I really enjoyed about this story was the slow burn. You can feel the connection between Catherine and Brett right away, but there are a number of obstacles to overcome. So instead of insta-love, we get the beautiful building of a relationship, friendship, and more. I loved getting to know Catherine and Brett, and Catherine's daughter. All the things Cathrine had to consider were thoughtfully examined. And the chemistry between these two was palpable. I only wished there was a bit more focus on Brett and his time with Cathrine, as Cathrine's life and struggles tended to take center stage. But overall a sweet, touching story of overcoming the past, and finding someone who truly appreciates and loves all of who you are.