Deep in the Valley (Grace Valley Trilogy #1) by Robyn Carr

From Goodreads: - Welcome to Grace Valley, California---where blood runs thicker...ties bind stronger...and love is all the more sweet. Visitors to the town often remark about the valley's peace and beauty---both of which are plentiful. Unlocked doors, front porches, pies cooling in the windows---this is country life at its finest. But visitors don't always see what lies at the heart of a community. Or just beyond... June Hudson grew up in Grace Valley, the daughter of the town doctor. Leaving only to get her medical training, she returned home and followed in her father's footsteps. Some might say she chose the easy, comfortable route...but June knows better. For June, her emergency room is wherever she's needed---or wherever a patient finds her. Always on call, her work is her life, these people her extended family. Which is a good thing, since this is a town where you should have picked your husband in the ninth grade. Grace Valley is not exactly the place to meet eligible men---until an undercover DEA agent suddenly starts appearing at all sorts of strange hours. Everybody has secrets down in the valley. Now June has one of her own.

This is my very first book by Robyn Carr. It took me a while to get to the story. As this book is mostly about people and life of small town. The pace is a little on the slow side. Since the setting is in small town, there are lots of mundane byt interesting details. It's not so much a romance, though the whole series is about how June met with her other half, Jim. June met Jim while Jim was still an undercover DEA agent in Grace Valley. There are not many occurence of Jim in this first book. However sufficient to explain both of them attracted to each other and had fallen in love. But due to Jim's undercover identity, they were forced to stay separated most of the time. And June had to keep his existence a secret.

Though this book is lack of romance, but I find myself quite enjoy reading the life and what's happening around Grace Valley, which are quite interesting. I'm looking forward for the next book in the series, hoping to find out more about June and Jim.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Starring Me by Krista McGee

Title:         Starring Me Publisher:  Thomas Nelson Pub Date:  July 10, 2012 ISBN:        9781401684891 Author:     Krista McGee Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life. The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is. Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together. Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment. And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.

This is a light and easy read. Kara and Chad both are very likable characters. Both Kara and Chad are down to earth people and brought up well by their parents. I like the way Kara handles the other participants. I'm also amazed by Chad on his faith at the God, who believe the God will choose the right girl for his show. The story is a little similar to First Date, the first book in the series, but nonetheless I enjoy it very much. It is an easy read, and yet a page turner. Though Starring Me is more on how Kara finally turn to become a Christian, the story is not preachy at all. And I enjoy reading those audition scene very much. If you need something simple to read and relax, this is a book for you.

I rate this book 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.

If You Were Mine (The Sullivans #5) by Bella Andre

From Goodreads: The last thing Zach Sullivan wants is to take care of his brother's new puppy for two weeks. Until he meets the dog trainer, that is. Heather is bright, beautiful, and he can't stop thinking about her. Unfortunately, she just might be the only woman on earth who wants nothing to do with him. Heather Linsey can't believe she's stuck working with one of the city’s top dogs, auto-shop mogul Zach Sullivan. Especially when his focus is clear from the start—not only to learn how to deal with his temporary puppy...but also to make her his. Having sworn off love at seventeen when she realized it was nothing more than a pack of lies, Heather has stuck to her vow never to fall for a charming man. The last thing she expects is for Zach to be the one to tempt her into believing again. But as Heather's determination to push Zach away only fuels his determination to get closer—and the sensual and emotional connection between them grows more and more undeniable—can two people who've both sworn off love find forever in each other's arms?

This is one of my favorite from the whole Sullivans series. Zach and Heather are very likable characters. Not to mention their pets, Cuddles and Atlas, oh they are so adorable! Zach lost his father when he was still very young and seeing the sadness from his mother after losing her husband, Zach vowed not to fall in love and get married. Heather found out her father has been lying to her mom many years ago and since then, she never trust any man. She becomes not interested in getting into any relationship.

Zach and Heather are attracted to each other even during the very first meeting. But since both swear not to fall in love, not to get involve into any relationship, they agree to become friend with benefit. However they have actually fallen in love with each other without realise about it. And do they really think they can guard their heart and resist each other?

This is a very sweet story and easy read. I love to see the interaction between Zach and Cuddles as well as Atlas. The puppy is so sweet and cute! I enjoy reading it very much. And I'm looking forward for the next book in the series.

I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Taste by Kate Evangelista

From Goodreads: - At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans. When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn't realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

I was attracted to the book cover and the storyline of this book. And as I started reading, I just could not put it down. I was drawn into their world and both Demitri and Luka were irresistible.

The book is quite an easy read. The story is very original. And the pace is good, except I feel that it's rather rush towards the ending. Characters are well developed. While it shows how attractive Demitri is to Phoenix, but I don't think it shows or explains how Demitri has developed deep feeling for Phoenix. I wonder is there any sequel to this book.  

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