Title: Heartstrings and Diamond Rings
Series: No
Author: Jane Graves | Website
Available: 9/27
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reading Level: Adult
Description from Goodreads:
HE'S THE MAN OF HER DREAMS . . .
In a world full of frogs, Alison Carter is determined to find her prince. Maybe her dating past is more Titanic than Love Boat, but she's seen enough happy marriages to know that true love is possible. No matter what, she won't give up on happily-ever-after. If she can't find Mr. Right, she'll simply hire someone who can.
SHE JUST DOESN'T KNOW IT YET
When Brandon Scott inherits a successful matchmaking business, he thinks his prayers have been answered. Set up a few lonely ladies, collect the fee, how hard can it be? No one needs to know he's not really a professional matchmaker-especially not his first client, the beautiful, spirited Alison. Soon he's falling for her-and her dreams of kids and carpools. But Alison is getting close to figuring out his secret, and if she learns he's deceived her too, she'll walk right out the door, taking Brandon's heart with her.
My thoughts:
Heartstrings and Diamond Rings was such a cute book! While I did find Alison’s desperation to meet Mr. Right made me slightly uncomfortable at times, the crazy dates she went on over the course of the book had me laughing out loud despite the uncomfortable moments. Brandon played the role of hunky love interest perfectly. I loved how much chemistry they had. I did really like Alison, but at times she was a little overwhelming. She was just so hard on herself. When she finally relaxed and we got a glimpse of the real Alison, I quickly discovered what an amazing and genuine character she is. Bonus points for Alison owning multiple cats even though I discovered in this novel I’ve reached the quantity of cats that classify me as “crazy” ;)
This novel also stars a fab cast of secondary characters. I especially loved Alison’s dad, Charlie. The interaction between the two was so sweet and heartwarming. I really loved all the quirky characters in Alison’s life. It had that small town, close knit vibe I just can’t get enough of.
The dialogue in Heartstrings and Diamond Rings was so much fun. I adore Jane Graves’s sense of humor and how it shines in her novels. This is only the second book of hers I have read, and it will definitely not be the last.
Cover thoughts: Alison was especially obsessed with the size of her derrière. It would have been nice to see a cover model with a little more junk in the trunk. Just saying ;)
My Rating:
Title: Don't Mess With Texas
Series: Debut!
Author: Christie Craig | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reading Level: Adult
Description from Goodreads:
Nikki Hunt thought her night couldn't get worse when her no-good, cheating ex ditched her at dinner, sticking her with the bill. Then she found his body stuffed in the trunk of her car and lost her two-hundred-dollar meal all over his three-thousand-dollar suit. Now not only is Nikki nearly broke, she's a murder suspect.
Former cop turned PI, Dallas O'Connor knows what it's like to be unjustly accused. But one look at the sexy-though skittish-suspect tells him she couldn't hurt anyone. The lead detective, Dallas's own brother, has the wrong woman and Dallas hopes a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove it . . .
My thoughts:
Loved it! Don’t Mess With Texas was my first Christie Craig adult novel. I read the first book in her YA series, Born at Midnight, and found I loved the style of writing she displayed. I was eager to check out some of her romance novels aimed at adults.
Don’t Mess With Texas showcases a perfect combination of humor, wit, and tender moments that actually had me in tears. The POV shifts between numerous characters. While the primary focus is on Dallas and Nikki, we also get to know Dallas’s brother who is trying to win back his wife. Their story will break your heart. Then there is Nikki’s grandmother. I love books with eccentric old folks! I knew she was my kind of character from the moment she showed up in her Annie Oakley costume.
Dallas and Nikki’s relationship actually starts when she barfs on him in a parking lot after she discovers her ex-husband’s body in her trunk. The craziness doesn’t stop there. This novel was so not like any other romance I’ve ever read. How could I not love it? Dallas was smoking hot and Nikki was so sweet, but a little naïve. At times I couldn’t understand why she wasn’t more upset about what was happening to her. It isn’t everyday she was accused of murder. I think that was just part of her personality though. She is the kind of character who worries more about other people than herself. I really liked both of them and the chemistry was sizzling!
This was a fantastic series debut. The character development was some of the best I’ve ever seen and the plot progressed at a nicely moving pace. I’m always impressed when an author can introduce us to so many characters and still produce a book that doesn’t feel overwhelming and manage to wrap up all the loose ends. Christie Craig did just that. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Giveaway Details:
I have 3 sets of Heartstrings and Diamond Rings & Don't Mess With Texas up for grabs courtesy of Hachette.
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Ends 10/10
