If you like sweet romance thats non-explicit involving books, knitting, archery and camping, I highly recommend this book
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An eARC of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who really enjoys reading books, and enjoys in particular the relationships, romances and friendships in books this book was right in my wheelhouse! Its a cute YA about a girl who likes reading and knitting having a crush, being crushed on and figuring out real life romance for the first time. I really like that Phoebe was both curious about and a bit bewildered by the contrast between real life romance and the romances in the books she was reading. I loved that she saw herself in the heroine protagonists role time and again, and that she aspired to romance as awesome as those she was reading about.

I really loved the naive fantasy at play here  nothing bad happened to Phoebe! I found the way the story unfolded to be really believable for me because shes a teen girl with her first real life romance experience. She was clumsy, so was the boy she liked. I liked all the supporting characters actually, her friends were varied and interesting, I liked the happy queer romance that her friend was enjoying, I liked that Dev was Indian and heavily involved with his cultural background, including travelling back to India during the story. There were just nice touches that made it a bit more real for me.

That said, I have minor complaints about the story becoming clunky in the second half, the way the romance unfolded was believable  but it was an effort to keep reading in some places because while I hate insta-romance in most cases, things here also seemed to just take forever  but not in a slow burn awesome kind of way, there were slow places that were a little boring and the let down the pacing a little. This is a minor criticism, and as a debut novel its a great beginning.

If you like sweet romance thats non-explicit involving books, knitting, archery and camping, I highly recommend this book, it was great fun, the characters were endearing and I enjoyed reading it a lot. This book stands alone really well. However, I understand that there is also second book in the series forthcoming, Ill definitely be looking forward to that when it comes out.
77250
Back to us is a very sweet romance. The author doesnt rush things, and the story flows organically. As I made my way through the book, I got to know Jessica and Justin, their past, their present and their aspirations. I could easily relate to these young people and to their growing feelings for each other. Unlike so many stories in which the main characters fall madly in love overnight, for no obvious reason, the protagonists of Back to US do it slowly, naturally--and take the reader along on their journey.
3673809
This is the first book I've read by Catherine Lloyd, and I truly enjoyed it. Scout, the heroine, is, on the surface, a simple character. As you read, however, you begin to see that she's actually smart, funny, vulnerable, and sweet. I found myself rooting for her even knowing she was making a mistake in her choice of groom.

Ryder, the hero ... I have to admit, I wanted to smack him a couple of times. It's clear he loves Scout--really loves her, not just the best friend thing he thinks he has going on. At the same time, though, when Scout asked him to marry her at Christmas, he said some really hurtful things. And at one point in the book, I really thought Ms. Lloyd was going to let him disappoint me completely, but never fear.

In addition to the story between Scout and Ryder, there's the mystery surrounding the money and Scout's "other" guy, her fianc. Both stories wrapped up nicely, and the only reason I didn't give five stars is that I felt Ryder needed to do a little more groveling. He said the cruel (and not quite accurate) things to Scout when he turned down her proposal because he didn't feel he was good enough (that's totally my take on it, mind you), then he disappeared for months. He owed Scout a lot more explanation and apology than he gave her.

Overall, I enjoyed The Jilting, and will look for more of Ms. Lloyd's work. I loved her writer's voice. I'd recommend this to those who enjoy a sweet romance set in a small town. Does have some language and sex scenes.
898363
I am completely smitten! Liora Blake is a new author to me, and receiving the opportunity to review True Divide was a lucky windfall.  Reading the last in series FIRST is not ideal, but I read the synopsis and figured Id give it a go. And Im so very glad I did. True Divide is one of those smartly sweet contemporary romances where the characters are so wonderfully written thats it easy to fall into the story and latch on.

True Divide explores life in a small town in Crowley Montana. Our heroine Lacey has been coasting along, running the town Beauty Parlor ( as its named) and living an existence that she calls ...safe and stifling Things get exciting for her when her very secret high school boyfriend lands back in town and the draw they feel toward each other is unstoppable.  What we get to watch is just how the two start weaving themselves in a togetherness they never knew.

Liora Blake seems to have a knack for creating genuine characters who have crazy reasoning skills, who may or may not be able to cook, and with whom I share the  same attraction with animal cracker cookies (unfrosted for me).  The story is from Laceys point of view and I was immediately endeared to her. I bonded with her silliness and in fact learned some new terms; mope-tasically and lumbersexual delicious. But my favorite thing about Lacey is her magical thinking and her Mantra: Its simple: nothing bad can happen to you as long as you're wearing a cute outfit. Shes got a lot of nothing going on, then bam, shes got the boy turned boy back in her life and everything goes off course..

I was enamored with Jake immediately and that feeling just kept growing. He was pretty damn perfect (well, until he wasnt).  But while he was, I found him to be funny, sweet, and sexy and I loved his passion life. Lacey and Jake are such contrasting characters who fit together so well. Jake and Lacey don't really know what they are, what they have, but why label it? I was good with that. But, relationships being what they are, life-event changes impact the natural direction that seem to be on and without a charted path, with a map ( especially for these two), things easily get mucked up.  They really have led completely different lives so it goes reason there will be some drama. Blake gets us through this by ensuring that Lacey and Jake share in the blame. I like that I didn't have to chose one over the other (although I was strongly leaning towards Jakes side).

Finally, the secondary characters really stand out and drive the storyline.  First theres Laceys ex named Dusty (idiot), Ruth Ann (shrewd motherly figure to Lacey) and finally Kate and Trevor, (sister and brother-in-law respectively). What I learn about  Kate and Trevor in this book led me to purchase books 1 and 2 in the series Truth North and True Devotion that tells you that you can read each of these as stand-alones. It also tells you Liora Blake's story-telling is solid. I have no doubt I will love these stories as well.

I highly recommend True Divide - its a great romance, the type that made me feel every range in emotion with characters that are easy to adore.  The storyline flows so well you're likely to find you're going through it quicker than you might want. I was happy to spend time with Lacey and Jake and you will be too.
991368
Just Over the Horizon is a sweet romance with a couple of great twists. The author follows the genre faithfully with the romantic couple meeting early in the story under quirky circumstances, theres a rival, and there are conflicts which keep them apart. The great twists happen with advice from Sarahs past, and biggest conflict is in Nates past. I also love that the story was allowed to progress past the natural happily ever ending to the wedding and beyond a year. It felt natural and although there wasn't a problem that forced the couple to reexamine their relationship and themselves, there was a serious issue that Sarah shouldnt have faced alone. This issue certainly could have been handled before the wedding to create that evaluating issue and may have made the structure of the story more typical genre romance, but thats a problem in itselftypical genre romance. Sometimes it's nice to break out.

Sarah is a hospice nurse, a career I admire from a great distance. The author writes based on her own chosen career, and the details makes the character realistic. If you have trouble with end of life issues, this story may be difficult for you. It certainly isn't easy for Sarah, and her grandmother, the woman who raised her, helps Sarah with sage advice left in an old recipe box before. At times it started to feel as though Sarah was relying on this advice to guide her, though it never fell into the realm of spiritism. Even Nate came to appreciate the wisdom of Sarahs grandmother, and they were both blessed and comforted. The advice was sprinkled with life lessons that Grandmother shared while raising Sarah.

If Id read this book at any other time in my life, I would have thought, oh, its just a sweet story. Like it, move on. But I recently became a grandmother and my greatest desire is to leave a lasting impression on my grandchildren that is positive and loving, joyful, and godly wise. The life lessons and teachable moments are ones that I hope to build upon, so Ill definitely be reading this book again and looking for more stories from this author.
3343630
This was a cute, unexpectedly sweet romance that is 100% wish fulfillment for me. It's my DREAM to have a handsome British spy waltz into my life, flirt a bit and then become so impressed by my mad research skills he embroils me in an international mission. I wrote this in my dream journal when I was TEN.

That said, this being a light hearted romance, the stakes never reach a point of "stuff got real" for which I'm glad. Quinn is just enough of my idealized version of the perfect adult that I didn't want her to be in serious harm's way. James meanwhile is alternately charming as the dickens and a few shades too mysterious, but honestly I'll forgive him anything, the man knows how to set aside ego and be impressed and supportive.

Another adventure awaits the duo and if the last line of this books and short excerpt for next is any indication it'll be just as much fun.
1470941
***I received this book as a gift

Anya and the Shy Guy is a special, heart-warming romance. Its sweet, playful, and powerful.

PROS:
Anya is a wonderful character. Spunky, honest, she always says whats on her mind, is quick-witted, and adorable when flustered. A sweetheart with a strong voice, Anya uses her words to make a difference. Living on the streets has made Anya wary of trusting anyone. She pushes away romantic feelings for fear of sinister intentions. Anya cant open her heart, its a matter of survival that carried through from her time on the streets. Anyas anxiety, her constant scanning of her surroundings, how she treats food as something that needs to be stored for later, is all powerful and written extremely well. You get the feeling that though Anya suffered, her past is horrible, that she will not let it break her. Anya is incredibly strong and a wonderful role model. Anya is willing to work hard to succeed.

Anya and Will are deliciously awkward together. Theyve both got huge secrets and aren't sure who to trust. They fumble and make mistakes, its embarrassing, sometimes weird, and yeah the flirting gets a little lost but its more endearing than anything else. Once they start to learn each other, it heats up crazy quick. The chemistry is not overwhelming, its a nice, easy exploration that is laugh out loud hilarious and full of cute blunders.

Secondary characters are fully developed and memorable. The S2J guys are edgy, sexualized, sarcastic, and playful, everything youd expect from a bus full of boys. Natasha is a dazzling, inspiration lady who makes a great friend for Anya. I would have loved a whole book just on her.

Will (Matt) is flirty, sometimes shy, clumsy, and attentive. The way he moons over Anya is enough to make you melt. Will (Matt) is a kind guy who will go to any lengths to save his family and fool the band. Its laughable how bad he is at time sometimes, the mistaken lyrics are hilarious, and hes a romantic. The star-gazing, his casual touching, its a tasty combination that draws you in and doesnt let up.

CONS:
The ending felt rushed and conflict was easily resolved. There was hardly any resistance. The fact that Anya didn't at least pretend to reject the offer wasn't like her and conflicted with her character. Issues with Jude, the Cherry members sort of fizzled out at the end without much follow through though they were major plot instigators.

Sometimes Ellas character was a little confused. The phrasing made her sound British and other times Will (Matt) had an almost Southern accent. Yeah, hes from Jacksonville, so thats okay but it wasn't consistent for either character.
4774842
The Courtship Basket was a sweet Amish romance that shows readers a different side of the culture.  We don't often get to see characters who struggle with "English" problems like school struggles or dire medical issues.  In this book, though, author Amy Clipston holds a candle to those facing obstacles.  It made me connect with the plot in a way that I don't normally experience in Amish romance.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions shared are mine.
2709775
Love in a Snow Storm is actually a small town romance, not technically a snow storm. It utilized the "my best friends' little sister" trope quite well, as well as the reverse, "my brother's best friend I've always wanted", to full effectiveness. Add a few b-plots, and it turned into a satisfying romance.

Jake Foster knew he should never get involved with his best friend's little sister, Dani Minelli. There was too much of an age gap between them, despite knowing each other since they were children. Dani knew Jake would not pay attention to her due to her brothers, but that didn't stop her pining. Years later, Jake owned his construction company... and Dani is back in town as the EMT. When circumstances are finally right, Jake and Dani started their secret liaisons. But when Jake's one-time-stand arrived in town pregnant, things got very very complicated indeed...

It's not too serious, and it was sigh-worthy, to swoon. You should read this sweet, cute, and fun small-town romance
2028287
"How (Not) to Fall in Love" by Lisa Brown Roberts was a very sweet read that was fast and easy to read. I found myself to be addicted with this story. Darcy Covington's dad disappears and causes Darcy's world to go into chaos. Darcy seems to have a level head on her shoulders because she deals with everything going on in her life so well. I really wish I personally could handle things as well as Darcy.

I think this story was written really well. It was creative and fun. I loved the characters. I thought they were great. I felt like this was more of a coming of age story than anything. Each character has to go through something and has to conquer whatever is going on in their lives. I loved being able to watch the characters grow and become more mature versions of themselves.

It was very lovely to read a story that is pretty realistic. This story is so sweet. I just loved it. Getting to know each character was great. They were so much fun. Roberts is great at writing characters. I think the characters really made this book so I hope Roberts continues focusing on having fantastic characters.
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<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Learning-to-Lean/dp/B004WKUUIQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Learning to Lean</a>
Abandoned Hearts is a touching, sweet romance. Sparks fly between Ann and Jacob from their first encounter when she insists on taking care of herself and he steps back to give her just enough leeway to get in trouble before he rescues her. Her independence gets Ann stranded on the Durham farm with Jacob, his father, and Jacob's two children. Ann loves the kids right off, thinks their grandfather is a wonderful man, but she's far too attracted to their father than she wants to be.

After that, a mountain lion, as well as an unusual neighboring family with a rebellious older son, keep Ann and Jacob busy sorting out the affairs of their hearts. Have they been abandoned one time too many to come together and beat as one?

I enjoyed this full-length book very much and would recommend it to anyone looking for a clean, well-written story. The characters will touch your heart with emotions you'll recognize.
604347
*This review is being written under my husband's account as that is how my Kindle is linked. Unfortunately, he does not read sweet, contemporary romance. Fortunately, he is a sweet, contemporary romantic.*
From the first page, I was drawn into the atypical life of Felicity (known as Fliss) Everdene. As a glob-trotting executive for her family's hotel empire, one would think Fliss would be a spoiled rich girl. Instead, she is down-to-earth and unafraid of hard work. This comes in handy when she sets out to help a family friend. Jilly Cross, the friend, is struggling to save her family's small hotel in the beautiful Lake District. No big chain here, the Cross Hotel is facing failure if Fliss can't help turn it around. Unfortunately, Jilly's son Patrick seems bent on rejecting Fliss's help.
Between staffing issues, Patrick's grumpiness, and those dreaded puce curtains, can Fliss work the miracle needed at the Cross Hotel? I thoroughly enjoyed following along on Fliss's adventures, and look forward to more from Ms. Fairfax!
1461394
Safe in His Arms is a sweet and heartwarming romance and I loved it!  Anna has run from danger and landed in a small west Texas town.  Joel is a product of the foster system and he has fulfilled his dream of taking control of his life by opening a cafe that is so successful he is now looking to expand into Dallas. He is also a natural care gives so when Anna comes looking for a job without references or experience he gives her a chance. I love the home that he and his friends have built from a foundation of mutual need and Anna fits into that group perfectly.  Danger still stalks her even as her life settles into a pleasant pattern. I will be reading more books by this author.

While Anna and Joel both believe in God and prayer, the book is not religious and is not preachy.

I won a copy of this book from the author during a Facebook launch party for another book.  The review is completely voluntary; I always review books that I love and I love this beautiful, sweet, romance.
3445840
Unchained Melody by Cynthia Roberts is the first book in the Love Song Standards series. The book is a cozy, warm romance so beautifully woven that it is sure to melt hearts.

Pamela Landers is a highly successful partner in a law firm. But what she possesses materialistically, she lacks emotionally. She is more than ready to find someone and settle down. Pamela is on her way to a well deserved weekend getaway at the Sugar Run when she runs into Gavin Templeton, the owner of the resort. Both are instantly drawn to each other and feel a connection going on and that multiplies many folds when Pamela is the one who saves Gavin's life after an accident. They get involved and Pamela discovers that Gavin has got it all, the loving family that she always craved for. Everything seems to be working for them when an ugly accident veers their lives off the perfect path.

I really liked this book. It is quick, gives you the warm feeling and also has some teary moments. It is a complete romance, I would say. The story is short and sweet. The narrative is so absorbing that I finished the book in a few hours. The writing style is commendable, didn't allow me to put the book down. With perfectly rounded characters and a well thought out plot, this book is a joy to read.

What I loved about the story was that the emotions and feelings Pamela and Gavin have for each other are so honest. Even Gavin's family members come off as regular, lovable people, so easy to relate to. I do like some emotional moments in a romance, and Unchained Melody definitely has a few. I loved the farm background and the perfect description of the house there, so cozy.

Overall, a quick romantic read that will remain in your heart for a long time.
2819338
This is a sweet western romance, with a likeable couple. I liked that the H was the only person who didn't see the h's handicap as a problem, but just as a difference that she could handle. I was also really glad when her mother finally got what she deserved, after years of mistreating her daughter.

One note, there is a sex scene (within marriage) in this book. It is not explicit at all, but actually very sweet. However, if you don't want any sex scenes at all, this is not the book for you.
3270114
>Book Review  Bear No Loss 

>This is the second book in the Puck Bear Brides series and ends in an HEA. Memphis and April hook up once and text each other after. Memphis thinks April may be his mate and wants her to come to Shifter Grove to watch him play hockey. April and her friend, Nicky, go to visit and Nicky shows her true colors.

>This story has a very sweet romance. I would have liked some instances of Memphis going all alpha in order to claim or protect April. There is a bit of a threat with Nicky, but the conflict is quickly cleared up in this very short book.  These stories are all very unique and would be even better with more backstory on the main characters.

>This book is appropriate for an adult audience.  I am a reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock and I am giving the story 4 hearts.
4283960
It's not the best time for reading a christmas novella, I know, but I just finished this one.
And I have to say, I was enchanted.

The writting is really good, as I expected, since I liked this author's work in a ya novel I read previously, entitled 'Roadside Assistance'. But on top of that, the story although brief, was very well thought-out, with diverse and very realistic characters.
The romance was sweet but deep, both the hero and heroine having to overcome struggles before they could be together. There is a little girl in the story, whom I didn't find at all annoying, as I usually do, and quite cute actually. There is a jealous girl who wants to subotage our heroine, which added spice to the story. And there is the hero's and heroine's persoanl relationships with God, which is what guides them throughout the story.

I really enjoyed this beautiful, Amish novella, and although I strongly disagree with the amish way of life, I found some things it could teach me about trusting God's will for my life.

Rating: 4/5

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

review first posted at: bookshelfstories dot blogspot dot com