Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker

Title:         Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride Publisher:  Abingdon Press Pub Date: October 03, 2011 ISBN:      9781426731600 Author:     Sandra D. Bricker As a wedding planner, you'd think she would have the perfect wedding experience... Sherilyn Caine has left Chicago behind to marry Andrew Drummond IV, an Atlanta native with a family name that tops all the social registers. Landing the job as The Tanglewood’s wedding planner is a piece of cake for someone with a Type A personality; she’s the perfect fit for a wedding destination hotel known for its attention to even the tiniest details. But when everything else is going along swimmingly, why are her own wedding plans drowning right before her eyes? One way or the other, Sherilyn is determined to make this wedding work—until the latest development threatens to call the whole thing off. Is it possible that Sherilyn is allergic to her fiance? About the Author For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles and, while writing in every spare moment, worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. Since then she has written three novels for middle-grade readers and several romance novels, including unWANTED: Husband, Change of Heart, Sins of the Past, Wish I Weren't Here, Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas and The Big 5-0h!. Visit Sandra on the web at www.sandradbricker.com.  Follow Sandie on her blog at http://sandradbricker.blogspot.com.

This is a rather sweet story. As Sherilyn and Andrew do not get to know each others for long before they are engaged, they knew they are right for each other, but they are unsure if the other party are ready to settle down. Moreover they are moving to another town, starting the new life there. In this story, we see how they work out those insecurities, dealing with the new life in new town, and their past too. Actually it's not really a new town to them, but they both have left the place many years ago. I like the way how Andrew handles the issues, especially dealing with his mom and his ex-girl friend, very mature and letting them know about his thoughts very clearly. Sherilyn has her moments too but she handles herself very well. I like Emma. She plays this best friend's role very well. :)

Overall it is light-hearted and I enjoy reading it very much despite the pace is slightly on the slow side. I did not read the first book of the series, but I do not have any problem following this second book. And I certainly looking forward for the next book in the series.

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital copy of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Scrumptious by Amanda Usen

Title:         Scrumptious Publisher:  Sourcebooks Imprint:     Sourcebooks Casablanca Pub Date: January 01, 2012 ISBN:      9781402259821 Author:     Usen, Amanda Sparks fly between love 'em and leave 'em pastry chef and poker sharp Marlene Bennet and traveling chef-for-hire Joe Rafferty when the two culinary perfectionists are forced to share a kitchen. But several suspicious accidents at the restaurant convince Marlene and Joe to work together to uncover the saboteur. Maybe a little intrigue and high-stakes poker will be the perfect ingredients for these commitment-phobic foodies to whip up a happily ever after.

This is light-hearted and easy read, and fun too. And reading the yummy food that they make really made me mouth watering. Due to their background and history, they thought the other one is not the right person for them despite the chemistry between them. They are definitely good cooking partner for the restaurant. I like to see both of them "in action" on handling the orders from the diners. And how cool they are when reacting to those incidents that come up unexpectedly. On the other hand, I don't quite like Olivia. If she's Marlene's best friend, how come she's not telling everything to Marlene. In fact, she's sharing more of her issues to Joe than to Marlene.

The story is well written consider this is the author's debut novel. The character is well developed too. The ending may be a little rush, but nevertheless is a good ending. I enjoy reading it very much.

I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital copy of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

One Perfect Night by Rachael Johns

Title:         One Perfect Night Publisher:     Carina Press Pub Date:     December 19, 2011 ISBN:         9781426892912 Author:     Johns, Rachael Peppa Grant's fellow employees may call their new CEO Mr. McSexy, but she's also heard that he's aloof and distant. Cameron McCormac certainly seems cold toward Christmas when she meets him at the company's annual party...but he's also the sexiest man Peppa has ever seen. And when he offers to forgive the damage she accidentally caused to his expensive car in exchange for accompanying him to his family's holiday get-together, she agrees. Cameron needs a date to the family party to get his matchmaking relatives off his back. Their chemistry is instant and undeniable, leading to an incredible one-night stand. But Peppa wants love and family, while Cameron's only interested in temporary pleasure. When their relationship takes an unexpectedly serious turn, will he run the other way-or will he give love a second chance?

The story is kind of romantic and sweet. And yet both main characters were dealing with pain and loss. Both were struggling with their own emotion and hurt. Both enjoy each other accompaniment so much that, they did not realize they have actually fall in love with each other unintentionally.  And the incredible night together just made them crave for more, until things started getting out of control.

I like the story. It's very well written; especially this is the author's debut. Characters are well developed too. It's an easy read. I enjoy reading it very much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.



Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Ruby Kiss by Helen Scott Taylor

Title:         The Ruby Kiss Publisher:     Dorchester Publishing Imprint:     Dorchester Publishing Pub Date:     November 01, 2011 ISBN:         9781428511774 Author:     Helen Scott Taylor A POWERFUL NIGHTSTALKER Nightshade hungers to bring the strong and beautiful to their knees beneath the ecstasy of his bite, but he has never known sexual lust—not until he meets Ruby McDonald, the curvy redhead who wields attitude and strength like an ax, and who would be the perfect mother of his children. Caught in a clash between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, he vows not only her survival but also to win her heart. A MORTAL WITH A SECRET Plagued by magic inherited from a father she never knew, Ruby wants answers. Nightshade has them. And when he crashes into her bedroom late one night, the fairy’s silvery eyes, dark intensity, and striking black wings tempt her with a whole lot more: a mysterious world waiting to be explored, a dangerous love that binds her in body, mind, and spirit…and the children she thought she could never have. Ahead looms a choice between freedom and a power some would kill to possess. Should she deny her desires, or succumb to the seduction of… THE RUBY KISS

This is actually book 4 of The Magic Knot series. I actually have never read other books in the same series, but I don't really have much problem picking up this book. It is mostly about Nightshade and Ruby. How they met, and then how their relationship developed from then. There are lots of actions and adventure on this story. At times, I feel a little frustrated with Ruby. She is a goddess, she has power and yet she could not use her power. Each time she has to rely on others to protect her, to help her. And so coincidence, both Nightshade and Ruby have very selfish father, who only care about themselves and not the children. I like Troy and Devin though. Nightshade is so lucky to have them as his friend. As they are willing to do anything to help Nightshade and Ruby, even if require them to sacrifice themselves. The ending is good. If you like fantasy and paranormal, you may like this book.

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble

Title:         Lonestar Angel Publisher:  Thomas Nelson Pub Date:  November 08, 2011 ISBN:       9781595542694 Author:     Colleen Coble Eden’s hope is rekindled when Clay delivers astounding news: their baby girl has been found. Five years ago Eden and Clay Larson’s baby was stolen. When they went to pay the ransom, what happened changed their lives forever—the kidnapper’s car with Baby Brianna inside sunk deep into the river. Eden blamed herself, Clay lost himself in work. Their young and rocky marriage ended. Or so Eden thought. Now Eden’s moved to a new town. She’s found faith and is trying to rebuild her life. She’s even dating again—a sweet guy named Kent who plans to marry her. But then Clay arrives out of the blue and delivers shocking news: he never signed their divorce papers, so they’re still married. What’s more, Clay has been searching for Brianna all this time.  And he believes he’s found her: their daughter is in Bluebird, Texas, at a youth ranch. All five little girls there are the right age—he’s just not sure which one is Brianna. Or how she survived. To uncover the truth, Eden and Clay sign on as counselors at Bluebird Ranch. They move into small quarters in the bunkhouse and oversee the kids as they try to find out more. Working together, they rediscover their love for each other. But danger is closing in—Eden, Clay, and all their young charges are in jeopardy. As they fight to save their family, Eden realizes that God has been fighting for them all along. And His plans are for a more abundant life than they’d ever hoped.

I always love Christian fiction and this is another good read. It is a very touching story. A father who refused to give up hope searching on his child; a husband who refused to sign the divorce paper as he still loves his wife. And yet the wife did not know about this, until 5 years later. Actually both Clay and Eden love each other. However due to their shotgun marriage, and the nature of Clay's job required him to travel around the places, they didn't spend enough time with each other to understand each other well. Spending their time in Bluebird ranch now give them a very good chance to know more about each other. I'm really glad that at that important moment, Clay told Eden about his feeling.

I like the pace of the story; it is not too fast and yet not too slow. We are able to see the interactions between Clay and Eden, and their interactions with the 5 children, and the constant guessing which girl actually is their daughter. I was captivated by the story right from page 1 and besides guessing who's Brianna, I also keep on thinking who could be the kidnapper. There are few twists which adding more suspense to the story, and making things more complicated. As usual, I could not get my guesses right and the answers are revealed at the end.

I enjoy reading this book very much and I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.



Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.