Book Review: BAKING ME CRAZY by Karla Sorensen

BAKING ME CRAZY, the first in the romantic comedy Donner Bakery Series of standalones, from Karla Sorensen is available now!

ABOUT THE BOOK

I'm Levi Buchanan, and until five years ago, I thought the legend of my family's curse was a load of crazy, Southern nonsense.

No curse can make you fall in love at first sight. No curse can force a true, deep, passionate, all-consuming love that will haunt you all the days of your life.

Then I met Jocelyn Abernathy and I realized how completely wrong I was.

The problem is, Jocelyn guards her feelings like well-armed soldier. She's the most beautiful, stubborn, infuriating woman I've ever met. Every time she talks, I want to kiss the living daylights out of her. But I can't.

Because when we met, she didn't need true love. She needed a best friend. And that's what I've been to her... for five years.

But when Jocelyn meets a handsome stranger her first day working at Donner Bakery and she lets him buy her a dill pickle cupcake, I realize with ominous regret that I may have missed my window with my best friend.

If I can't get her to see past our friendship, my new curse may be to watch the love of my life move on with someone else.

'Baking Me Crazy' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#1 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

MY THOUGHTS

BAKING ME CRAZY by Karla Sorensen is a delightful new adult/coming of age novel that features an unrequited love that’s as equally frustrating as it is inspiring. These best friends are close in so many ways and a declaration of love means potentially losing the best friendship they both have.

You’ve got to feel for Levi Buchanan. He’s been in love with Jocelyn Abernathy since he met her five years ago, but he’s been firmly friend-zoned. And thanks to the Buchanan Curse that asserts Buchanan males fall in love once, and only once, Levi’s love life has been on hold ever since. If that’s not enough, he’s struggling to find a job having just finished a master’s degree. Let’s face it: Green Valley might be a great place to grow up but it’s not abundant in specialised employment opportunities.

Jocelyn is also trapped, but in ways Levi can never understand. She’s been a paraplegic since her mid-teens, and it’s only now that she’s emerging from the fogginess of having to adapt to her condition that she’s seriously starting to consider her professional future and dipping her toes into romance.

My early twenties are just a distant view in the rear vision mirror but I really enjoyed and could empathise with Levi’s and Jocelyn’s feelings and the adult decisions they needed to make. There are some beautifully touching moments between them and I wish we got more. There’s a reason why many people say marrying their best friend is the best thing they ever did and I can see Levi and Jocelyn firmly cementing their relationship as the years pass.

*****

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*****

About Karla Sorensen

Karla Sorensen has been an avid reader her entire life, preferring stories with a happily-ever-after over just about any other kind. And considering she has an entire line item in her budget for books, she realized it might just be cheaper to write her own stories. It doesn’t take much to keep her happy…a book, a really big glass of wine, and at least thirty minutes of complete silence every day. She still keeps her toes in the world of health care marketing, where she made her living pre-babies. Now she stays home, writing and mommy-ing full time (this translates to almost every day being a ‘pajama day’ at the Sorensen household…don’t judge). She lives in West Michigan with her husband, two exceptionally adorable sons and big, shaggy rescue dog.

Connect with Karla

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2lU6xAS

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2khRSPL

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2k0Yp0T

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lBNuez

Website: http://www.karlasorensen.com/

*****

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Book Review: TAKE IT OF THE MENU by Christina Hovland

About the Book

Saying “I Do” has never been such a mess.

Marlee Medford just got dumped. Yes, things have become ho-hum in her longtime relationship, but she was two days away from walking down the aisle with the man she thought was her forever when he called it off. Convincing herself that they’d be able to reignite their spark once the wedding craziness settled? That was easy. Suddenly finding herself without a fiancé? Not so much. Marlee needs to regain control of her life, and a weekend away with her friends is a solid first step.

One of Denver’s best up-and-coming chefs, perpetual bachelor Eli Howard, isn’t into serious relationships—especially the kind that ends in marriage. As if to prove his point that they aren’t worth the trouble, the wedding he was supposed to be catering just fell apart. Feeling oddly protective of the jilted bride—his little sister’s best friend—his weekend plans now involve a trip to Sin City with her group of friends. But it looks like he had a bit too much fun in Vegas when he wakes up married…wedding night included.

Marlee’s attempts at getting her life back together are failing miserably. Her ex-fiancé is taking the house, her chihuahua is intent on a love affair with Eli’s sneakers, and she’s now accidentally hitched to the guy who can't even say the word marriage. With their quickie annulment denied, Eli and Marlee just have to hang tight until the divorce goes through. It’s just a little divorce amongst friends, what’s the worst that could happen?

My Thoughts

With plenty of laughs, endearing characters and harebrained experiences, TAKE IT OFF THE MENU by Christina Hovland is certainly entertaining.

When Marlee Medford is dumped 48 hours before her wedding day, her best friends rally around her and decide the best first step in her newly single life means a trip to Las Vegas. Now I’ve never been to Vegas but even I know this route comes is fraught with danger. So it proves when Marlee finds herself well and truly married to Eli Howard after a night of drunken shenanigans. The same Eli Howard she’s been friends with for years. The same Eli Howard who is so commitment shy he refuses to say the word marriage. With an annulment ruled impossible, Marlee and Eli find themselves counting down the 90 days needed for their divorce to come through.

There is a lot to like in this book. I enjoyed the relationship between Eli and Marlee. Previously, a romance between them may not have occurred to either of them, but a spark was lit, and I was glad they decided to explore it. I enjoyed the conversations between them. I liked how they supported one another, and I loved the attraction between them.

In addition to a romance, there’s a strong theme of friendship that is apparent throughout the book. Old friends, new friends, shallow friends; they all make an appearance, and it’s the perfect time for Marlee especially to realise who she can and can’t rely on.

TAKE IT OFF THE MENU is an overall light read but it does come with genuine romance, plenty of humour and wisdom.

About the Author

Christina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale—an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award-winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, and the sweetest dog around.

https://christinahovland.com/

Book Review: THE WORK WIFE by C.J. Martín

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE WORK WIFE

by

C.J. Martín

We’ve all been there before: wanting something—or someone—we can’t have. Whether it’s a decadent slice of chocolate cake that will blow a diet, the too expensive yet oh-so-cute shoes that cost more than an entire paycheck, or the drool-worthy barista who whips up this morning’s macchiato…the point is, we can relate.

Meet Charli. A slightly awkward, forever single twenty-eight-year-old woman who definitely wants what she can’t have.
Enter Oliver. A thirty-eight-year-old executive chef who can’t stop thinking about his quirky co-worker, even though he’s engaged. Life is about choices, and saying “yes” to one person means saying “no” to another. But what if Charli and Oliver have been saying yes to the wrong people?

The timing isn’t right. The place isn’t right. But is it ever?

They say if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Charli and Oliver just may set the kitchen on fire.

The Work Wife is a standalone romantic comedy. Equal parts cocky and self-assured, a pinch of awkward sprinkled with a dash of sass, topped with a whole lot of sizzlin’ heat, you'll love this laugh-out-loud romance by best-selling author CJ Martín.

MY THOUGHTS

I thoroughly enjoyed THE WORK WIFE by C.J. Martín. The story was highly engaging and I finished it in one sitting.

Charli and Oliver are a fabulous couple. It’s been a long time since I’ve read about a couple whose attraction is this intense, this devoted and this loving: they truly are a perfect match.  The magnetism between them is incredible; they are sizzling hot when they come together. Among all this they are so down to earth; Charli and Oliver are relatable, sincere and genuine.

Let’s not forget that Oliver is engaged, people! I know this might be a turn off for readers but I didn’t find it so at all. I think the author did a first-rate job in showing the turmoil of two people who are struggling to fight the attraction between them. They are imperfect as any person is yet Oliver and Charli had definite ideas of where the line never to be crossed was and when they found themselves wavering, they were adult in their response.

The writing flowed effortlessly for the most part but there were several times I was jolted out of the story due to errors. The book needs another round of proofreading.

This was the first C.J. Martín I’ve read and I’ll definitely be looking out for other works by the author.

Purchase Links

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2U8y7GX 

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2H8dWoG 

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2UeC8K9 

 Amazon AU:https://amzn.to/2KZGDHB 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CJ Martín spends the majority of her days daydreaming, procrastinating, and longing for the day when she can quit her day job and write full time.

She loves all things romance and is a sucker for a happily-ever-after. She also loves traveling, yoga, avocados, and music. She has about a million and one playlists on Spotify that are as random as her personality.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her sweet husband (Literally! He owns an ice cream shoppe!) and twelve year-old Jug dog, Albert, who is more spoiled than most humans.

One day she will move to Paris and eat all of the wine and cheese, but until then...she dreams. 

CJ Martín on Goodreads

Book Review: PLUS ONE by Mae Wood

ABOUT THE BOOK

If you can stand the heat, there's a lickable single dad in the kitchen.

1 part tatted-up single dad restaurateur 
1 part effervescent younger wine rep 
Spice generously with sexual tension
Combine at a foodie conference
Serve steaming hot


At not-quite forty and with his son in his last year of high school, Bert's going to be dining alone.

His restaurant's wine rep has a few ideas on how he might sate all of his appetites.

He hasn't been buying what she's been selling, but she’s only in Memphis for a few months before moving back home to California…and he is only mortal.

Besides, it's not like he's going to fall in love for the first time in his life or anything crazy like that, right?

MY THOUGHTS

I am reviewing PLUS ONE after a reread. I never reviewed it the first time around because [insert reason no one really cares about here] and since I love the book and have reread it, it’s time I do so.

My Mae Wood journey began with THIS TIME IS DIFFERENT, so I read the books in reverse order of publication. There are several significant cross-overs but the books stand on their own, so feel free to just dive in!

I love books that feature food and drink, and it’s a bonus that they feature heavily in this book. Yet what makes this a fantastic read are our diverse protagonists. Bert, a father and husband at a young age, finds his several-years-divorced self coming to grips with the knowledge his son is soon heading off to college and for the first time in decades, Bert Forsythe will be on his own and free. Drennan McCutcheon is temporarily working as a wine sales representative. She is spreading her wings and learning new skills before heading home to California to take up the mantle of co-owner of a vineyard. This was always the plan, but a family tragedy means that this needs to happen sooner than anyone wanted or anticipated. Individually, they both have interesting lives and backgrounds. I enjoyed the way Wood gave us ample internal dialogue to let us really get to know both Bert and Drennan.

Together, Bert, 39, and Drennan, 26, are marvelous. They have similar interests, the physical attraction between them is scorching, and they both agree theirs is a short term term relationship. Well, we all know how that’s going to go down in a romance novel, don’t we? I loved the way they never took their time together for granted, I sighed with delight at their happiness, I was sad and frustrated for them when life’s commitments got in their way, and I cheered when they worked to join their two lives. 

This ‘Lickable Man’ and his ‘Wine Girl’ are people I wish I knew in real life. They and their story are an absolute treat! Highly recommended.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Professional sassypants and novelist, Mae Wood has been a bookworm her entire life.

She loves cheeses, complicated crafts that she'll start but never complete, and puns.

A while ago Mae decided that she needed to give up the fear that she couldn't write "great literature" and write what she wants to read.

And she wants romance. And laughter. And real life.

She wants heroines who are brave. Brave enough to be themselves and brave enough to fall in love. She wants men who are strong and kind.

Mae is married, and has two darling children and an old dog who naps at her feet while she writes.

https://www.maewood.com/

Cover Reveal: The Vintner's Vixen by Rebecca Norinne & Jamaila Brinkley

Today we are celebrating the cover reveal for THE VINTNER'S VIXEN by Rebecca Norinne and Jamaila Brinkley. 

This book kicks off the brand new River Hill contemporary romance series and it will release on March 14th. 

Pre-order Now!

Amazon US | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

 

THE VINTNER'S VIXEN by Rebecca Norinne & Jamaila Brinkley

Coming on March 14th

Blurb

Welcome to River Hill, where the only thing more intoxicating than the wine is the man who makes it. 

  With movie roles for "curvy best friend" drying up fast, actress Angelica Travis is happy to be leaving Hollywood behind for a project she's truly passionate about: renovating an historic bed and breakfast in peaceful wine country. She's got plans and power tools ready, but an inconvenient attraction to her obnoxious new neighbor is NOT on the agenda. 

  Winemaker Noah Bradstone wants nothing more than to cultivate his grapes and win awards for his wine. But when construction on the B&B next door threatens his vines, Noah goes on a rampage - and comes up hard against the sexiest starlet he's ever seen. 

Exactly the sort of woman he's vowed never to get involved with again. Angelica and Noah might be able to resolve their differences over a glass of some very fine wine, but when her opportunity at breakout stardom comes calling, all bets are off.

 

Pre-order Now!

Amazon US | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

 

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About the Authors

USA TODAY bestselling author Rebecca Norinne writes steamy contemporary romance featuring strong, determined heroines and sexy, dominant heroes. If you love books filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters, she's got a story for you.

When not writing, Rebecca is watching rugby, drinking craft beer, and traveling the globe in search of inspiration for her next story. She lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband, but is originally from California.

You can reach Rebecca at email@rebeccanorinne.com or at any of the social media sites listed below. You can also subscribe to her newsletter by clicking here.

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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Jamaila Brinkley writes historical romance with a hint of magic. Her Wizards of London series features thieves, duchesses, witches, and more indulging in mayhem and romance in Regency England. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and was a finalist in the Romance Through the Ages contest in 2015.

Jamaila came to romance as an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction, and found that her favorite historical romances seemed ripe for an injection of magic. Her favorite historical period is currently the Victorian era, and she’s never happier than when immersed in a multi-book family series.

Jamaila lives outside Baltimore, Maryland in a house that is perpetually under renovation with her husband and twin toddlers. You can find her blogging about romance, writing, parenting, cooking, and more on her website at www.jamailabrinkley.com, and posting pictures of her lunch on Twitter as @jamaila.

 

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter | Goodreads

Book Review: Taking Charge by Rebecca Barber

About the Book

Beau McIntyre knew the party had to end sometime – he just didn’t realise it would end so soon. After receiving a frantic phone call from his younger brother, Beau is forced to face his responsibilities and return to the small country town and the farm he grew up on.

After finding her fiancé in bed with another woman, Payton packs up her life and her livelihood and escapes her personal torment by fleeing to the country. Settling in a small town, she works her butt off to establish her bakery and turn her dream into everything she ever wanted.

The moment Beau meets the voluptuous Payton, there's an instant spark and he quickly decides that despite the drama facing his family, Payton could be the one good thing in his life. The only problem is that Payton clearly has no interest in anything more than a night or two of uninhibited passion.

Will Beau be able to convince Payton to give him a chance of something more, by letting go of her painful past?

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. Rebecca Barber is a new-to-me author and I was pleasantly surprised to discover she is Australian.

This book takes place in small town country Australia and is a great introduction for readers wanting to experience a slice of Aussie life and unique vernacular.

Both Beau and Payton find themselves restarting their lives somewhat unwillingly. Beau has been called back to the family farm to take up the mantle and responsibilities of a first son, while Payton is rebuilding hers after a painful break-up with the man she thought was ‘the one’.

I found their back stories interesting, with the details plotted out well as the story progressed. Together, Beau and Payton offer a great balance of fun, romance and steamy times.

This is the first book in a series about the McIntyre siblings. We learn a little about all of them but the siblings never over take Beau and Payton’s story.

My one irritation with this book was that as Australian-focused as the writing is, there are times American words (ass, faucet, porch etc.) are used that dilute the Aussie flavour.

I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Picturing Perfect, book 2 in the Meet the Mcintyres series releases late January 2018.

About the Author

I’m just me. A clumsy, introverted, bubble bath loving, chocoholic who would rather read a book than go shopping. And god forbid if you try and make me shoe shop!

I’m one of four kids to school teacher parents. A wife to a football obsessed husband. Mother to a fur-baby who isn’t aware of how big he is. Aunt to the most crazy/adorable little girls. And sister to two very determined sisters and one easy going brother.

I live in Canberra Australia and work too many hours a day at my day job.

I’m a book whore who can easily (and happily) read a book from start to finish in a day and when I do have spare time, you’ll find me in the writing cave.

http://www.rebeccabarberauthor.com/

Book Review: Baker’s Dozen by Wendy Smith

About the Book

Owen Campbell is more than the town baker—he’s also the player out of all the Campbell boys. A tragic accident brings a secret to light that turns his world on its head and forces him to reconsider his lifestyle.

Ginny Robinson is alone, and that’s the way she likes it. While she loves teaching, the circumstances of her employment leave her thinking about leaving town. Until she meets Owen.

When Owen asks her to move in, Ginny’s afraid it’s for all the wrong reasons.

Can he work out what the right reasons are?

The third book in the Copper Creek series continues the story of the Campbell family.

My Thoughts

Baker’s Dozen is Book 3 in the Wendy Smith’s Copper Creek series. This book features Owen Campbell, baker extraordinaire and Ginny, a local school teacher.

The book is well plotted and it’s easy to follow. I liked the writing style. It’s nicely paced and there’s a relaxed feel about it that is reminiscent of my knowledge of New Zealanders. I liked that the setting and characters live everyday lives; No one’s a billionaire ready to throw piles of money at a problem. And I liked the small town feel and it would have been nice to know more about the town and its inhabitants in general.  The sexy moments are at times descriptive but not overly steamy.

Owen Campbell is a man-whore. His reputation precedes him and this causes problems when he falls for Ginny. Ginny, is also attracted to Owen but she has her own issues to contend with in addition to people around her continuously telling her Owen will never stick around. Even though there were a few wobbly moments, I liked than neither Owen nor Ginny played games. They were honest and communicated with each other.

The book is set over several months so we get to see Owen and Ginny as they tackle individual issues they both need to address and we also get to see them grow as couple.

I did feel the continuing story of Drew & Hayley (Copper Creek Book 2) was an intrusion. While Owen and Ginny’s story can be read as a standalone, at least 3 chapters in this book are told from Drew’s point of view and the focus is on him and Hayley. This more than likely appeals to readers of the previous books in the series but as a first time reader, I felt like I was missing out.  

About the Author

Wendy Smith published as Ariadne Wayne for 3 years before deciding she didn’t want to be someone else all the time. Heavily influenced by stories in the media, she decided to try something new, and the Copper Creek series was born. With lots of love and a touch of darkness, her stories will twist their way into your heart.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendysmithauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wsmithwrites