REVIEW: Bet the Farm by Staci Hart

Bet the Farm is LIVE and available from your favorite online book retailer! This heartfelt, flirty story of opposites attract from Staci Hart is just what you need. Happy reading! 💕

OUR REVIEW:

Shel: Bet the Farm is the novel I didn't know I needed. Seriously. I wasn't absolutely convinced I was in the mood for a quiet, small town-farm romance until I dove in and found that I could not resist the charms of Olivia and Jake. 

Court: Girl, same. I thought I knew what I was expecting with what we've read from Staci Hart before, and with this blurb. I am blown away by the world building that I just encountered myself in and did not want to leave! I really enjoyed this story, and how much I fell in love with each character. I did not want it to end.

Shel: Their romance featured a grumbly, moody Jake and a ever-hopeful, brightsider Olivia--a perfect odd couple, made even more perfect with their banter and chemistry that just seems to build with every interaction. Of course nothing was super easy for these two. He was territorial over every single farm related decision and she was equally stubborn about ignoring his insistence about any and everything and barreled through any obstacle that he put in her way, making for even more hilarious, grumbly banter. Add in a long-standing feud with a neighboring ranch and some nefarious deeds, and I was hooked and reading on every break.

Court: Yes. I read this in every single spare moment. I devoured this book. But...wanted to savor it. And then, my usual tearful self just was in love with how the whole story arc played out. These two, and their history, really made the journey so much fun, as did Annie (the cow) and every other farm animal that had a totally rockin' name did and really captured out hearts.

Shel: I found myself surprised at how invested I was in this small town/farm romance. The descriptions of the farm were detailed and rich and the way that Olivia tackled her vision for the farm was inventive and fun. You could tell how much Staci Hart loved this novel with the care and warmth she infused in the characters and the plot and I'm so glad that I didn't allow my initial mood deter me from opening this book.

Court: Me too! I am so glad you loved it as much as I did! It is a lot of fun, the writing is beautiful...the acknowledgements will just make you love Staci even more, and we're so glad that through everything that happened to us in the last year we have this book and we have the hope that love and life is like this still and is worth living! 

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Olivia Brent has one summer to save the dairy farm she just inherited.

But there’s one problem, and it’s not her lactose intolerance.

Jake Milovic.

The brooding farmhand has inherited exactly fifty percent of Brent Farm, and he’s so convinced the city girl can’t work the land, he bets she can’t save it in a summer. 

Determined to prove him wrong, Olivia accepts what might be the dumbest wager of her life.

His strategy to win seems simple: follow her around, shirtlessly distracting her between bouts of relentless taunting. And it’s effective—if his dark eyes and rare smiles aren’t enough to sidetrack her, the sweaty, rolling topography of the manbeast’s body would do the trick.

What they don’t know: they’ll have to weather more than each other. 

Mysterious circumstances throw the farm into disarray, and with the dairy farm in danger, Olivia and Jake have to work together. But when they do, there’s more to fear than either of them imagined.

Because now their hearts are on the line, and the farm won’t be the only casualty if they fail.

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

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REVIEW: The Heiress Hunt by Joanna Shupe

OUR REVIEW:

I first discovered Joanna Shupe in an anthology and am so excited to add another historical romance writer to my reading mix. The Heiress Hunt is a delightful escape into another time-where the women are strong and pushing every boundary to acquire the rights we currently have and the men are enlightened and yet still so deeply flawed. I very much enjoyed the interactions and banter between Harrison and Maddie--learning their history and 'seeing' their growth from friendship to spouses.

I zoomed through this novel in no time and I am excited to see which heiress goes down next. There were some hints and a few unresolved plot points that I hope to see carry through in the next books and I can't wait to get my hands on them. 

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High society reprobate.
An unconventional heiress.
Childhood friends.

Is it too late...
Knickerbocker scoundrel Harrison Archer returns to New York to discover that his deceased father has bankrupted his estranged family. To save them from ruin, he's forced to quickly find and marry an heiress. For a matchmaker, Harrison turns to the one woman he wishes he could marry: his childhood friend and true love, Maddie, who once broke his heart and is now engaged to a duke.

For true love? 
When her best friend Harrison left for Paris without a word, Maddie Webster took refuge in her infatuation with tennis. Now Harrison is back and needs her help in finding a bride. Begrudgingly, Maddie arranges a house party in Newport with a guest list of eligible heiresses. But watching Harrison flirt with potential brides is more than she can bear.

When Harrison and Maddie reunite, the passion between them ignites. But with their marriages to others looming, time is running out. Is their fate inescapable . . .or can love set them free?

Dancing with Danger by Kerrigan Byrne

OUR REVIEW:

 I’m pretty powerless when it comes to Kerrigan Byrne. I find her heroines fierce and interesting and fun (and sometimes funny) to read and her heroes are a good balance of feminist and smart, with a dash of snarling alpha thrown in for good measure.

In this short novel, Mercy and Raphael are given the Kerrigan Byrne treatment. There’s a problem to be solved, love to be realized (but only after being denied, of course), and a chaotic moment that throws everything into relief and realization. I enjoyed this quick read—the story, the banter, and the set up for the next Goode sister’s story (one I’m dying to read).


Dancing with Danger did not disappoint.

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SYNOPSIS:

A brand-new deliciously wicked romance series from USA Today Bestselling Author Kerrigan Byrne. The Goode Girls aren't simply good, they're stunning.

Mercy Goode is only truly good at one thing: finding mischief wherever she goes. Such as getting arrested at a murder scene with Raphael Sauvageau, a brutally handsome, ruthless smuggler with a dangerous past and a dubious future. The silver-tongued devil doesn’t deserve a lick of her confidence, but she has evidence that he’s not the killer.

She can’t deny that he’s relentlessly wicked.

Raphael has no time for obsession. He’s an empire to run, a murder to avenge, and a plan to save his brother that is likely a suicide mission. But this clever, infuriating bluestocking--who insists she’s an amateur sleuth--keeps showing up where she doesn’t belong. And for some bloody reason they can’t seem to be in the same room without him yanking her into his arms and kissing her until they’re both breathless.

Power, prestige, and a staggering fortune hasn’t filled the abysmal void where Raphael’s heart should be...

Perhaps what he needs is a night with her.

Perhaps what he needs is redemption.

Perhaps what he needs is a bit of Mercy.

REVIEW: Much Ado About You by Samantha Young

OUR REVIEW:

 Much Ado About You was a perfectly delightful escape. I zoomed through this novel in a blink and I was sad to get to the end--as usual, with Samantha Young novels, I am hoping that we get another look at this cast of characters in another novel because it was just such a comforting place to visit in my head that I would love to go back. Evie and Roane had the best build up -- the instant attraction that they both sorta kinda ignore as it really just simmers between them, their friendship and swoony ooey gooey romance once they finally capitulated?! So good. And the heartbreak and resulting make up? *chef's kiss* Additionally, the secondary characters and their stories were interesting and enhanced everything that was happening.

The novel was packed with scenes of the most picturesque and quaint setting and I could vividly imagine it...and found myself wanting to visit. I truly hope we see one or two more couples come out of this novel but if not, I am equally eager to see what Samantha Young does next. 

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At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling’s life in Chicago is missing that special something. And when she’s passed over for promotion at work, Evie realizes she needs to make a change. Some time away to regain perspective might be just the thing. In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village. The holiday package comes with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. There’s no better dream vacation for the bookish Evie, a life-long Shakespeare lover.

Not only is Evie swept up in running the delightful store as soon as she arrives, she’s drawn into the lives, loves and drama of the friendly villagers. Including Roane Robson, the charismatic and sexy farmer who tempts Evie every day with his friendly flirtations. Evie is determined to keep him at bay because a holiday romance can only end in heartbreak, right? But Evie can’t deny their connection and longs to trust in her handsome farmer that their whirlwind romance could turn in to the forever kind of love.

REVIEW: Dream Chaser by Kristen Ashley

 

OUR REVIEW:

As Hurricane Zeta was barreling down the Gulf to eventually knock out power, you know what I was concerned with? Does my i-Pad have enough juice to get me through it because I've just started Dream Chaser and there is NO WAY I can stop reading. So what did I do? I charged my i-pad, forgot to charge my phone, and found myself absolutely content without the normal conveniences of life because Ryn and Boone had my complete and full attention.

I knew from reading Dream Maker that all of the couples in this series would be absolutely fun to read and so far, they are. Ryn and Boone had the trademark Kristen Ashley hilarity, fashion, and banter that I've come to know and love. Between Ryn's insane family situation and Boone's ability to see her through it, some nutty run ins with Cisco, appearances by all of the favorite Kristen Ashley characters, and the on-going drama with a situation that was first discovered in Dream Maker not a one of us stands a chance at resisting this series. 

I love all of the things that Kristen Ashley's characters stand for--goodness, kindness, and warmth. I love how she tests them with various obstacles and painful experiences and even when they aren't perfect, their flaws are what make us understand them, root for them, and can't wait to see them succeed. They may be prettier or smarter or funnier than us, but somehow we see a little of them in us or a little of us in them and I think it's that humanity and hope to be as good as her characters are that will always keep me coming back for more.

Great read and I absolutely am dying for Pepper and Hattie's books!

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SYNOPSIS:

In this steamy, addictive contemporary romance spinning off the New York Times bestselling Dream Man and Rock Chick series, Ryn Jansen must put her trust in the one man she wants -- and the one man she can't let herself have.
Ryn Jansen has no interest in taking a risk on Boone Sadler. Thanks to a long list of men who've done nothing but let her down, Ryn vows to stay far away from the caring, protective commando. And when Boone confronts Ryn with evidence that her loved ones are conning her, Ryn is less than thrilled -- with her family and Boone. But even as Boone proves he's the kind of guy to meet her every need, she doesn't trust him to stay when life gets hard . . .
Boone Sadler's never been one to back down from a challenge. He's determined to show the funny, sexy Ryn that the irresistible connection between them is worth exploring. But caring for Ryn's heart and body becomes a matter of life and death when Ryn's beloved niece and nephew are put in danger and dirty cops begin gunning for Ryn. Soon Boone realizes their romance is in danger of more than heartbreak -- and to have any future together, they'll have to put their trust in each other.