When Love Arrives By Johnnie Alexander

Back of the book

Dani Prescott came to the children's hospital to spy on Brett Somers--so how did she end up on a date with him? Weeks earlier she'd seen an interview in which he blamed her mother for the plane crash that had killed his parents. But the crash had killed her mother as well, so Dani can't believe the story Brett's trying to sell to the media.

Vowing to find a way to discredit the privileged--and maddeningly handsome--Brett, Dani has been following him and taking photos, hoping to find something she can use against him. But when she catches his eye instead, she quickly finds herself offering up a fake name and agreeing to a date. Brett knows this mystery girl is hiding something--but he's got his own secrets to keep. What will happen when he discovers who she really is? Will Dani and Brett look beyond their own heartaches to discover a love that could heal their deepest pain?

Fresh, flirty, and fast-paced, When Love Arrives is an engaging story that will have readers falling in love with the characters as they navigate the tricky waters between romance and revenge.

My Thoughts

If you are looking for a sweet Hallmark type book this is not the book for you. Johnnie Alexander has no qualms addressing Brett's less than christian values in his past regarding morality, and the many relationships he has.  Dani is well aware of his past and has no desire of becoming one of many.  As Dani and Brett become friends you get the sense of changes Brett has made in his life, and his true desire to become a better person.  When Love Arrives is a unique plot and fresh story line.  This is definitely NOT a stand alone book, so be sure to read Where She Belongs or you will be totally lost.  I would still say this book is a clean novel, but if you are looking for squeaky clean, It might not be for you.

I was given this book free from Revell Publishing for my honest review.

A Lady Unrivaled By: Roseanna M. White

Back of the Book

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

My Thoughts

Perfection! It would be hard to find a better historical romance than A Lady Unrivaled.  Lady Ella's character is a wonderful blend of curiosity and pure happiness.  Ella's has decided to take matters into her own hands and find a way to rid her family and friends of the curse of the fire eye.  Lord Cayton has made huge changes in his personality and  has become a likable yet misunderstood person.  Together they must find a way to break the curse.  Like every good series, this one too must come to an end, but not before every question gets answered and some in the most shocking way.  Now that I have finished the series I can't wait to start it again and see if I missed some clues along the way.

I was given this book free from Bethany House Publishing for my honest review.

Just A Kiss (A Summer Harbor Novel) By: Denise Hunter

Back of the Book

Riley Callahan’s plans to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend are derailed when his life is drastically altered in Afghanistan.

Watching the love of his life fall for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.

But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.

Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances Riley is adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up with the money needed to save it.

As the weeks wear on, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into uncharted territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?

My Thoughts

  Just A Kiss has so much depth as Riley comes home injured and heart broken, and as the reason he enlisted starts to come to light, dealing with his permanent injuries takes a difficult turn.  Hunter's depth and knowledge of PTSD and the other issues vets deal with was perfect.  Paige is her usual kind self, but as their struggles progress so do her personal issues.  As Riley and Paige tug of war with their relationship, and the rest of the family work to help Riley find purpose in life, you really get an idea of what families of injured vets deal with.  

Just A Kiss is a perfect wrap up for the series and left nothing unfinished.

I was given this book free from Net Gallery for my honest review.

A Love Transformed By: Tracie Peterson

Back of the Book

When Clara Vesper's husband, Adolph, dies suddenly, Clara is stunned--but not grief-stricken. Her marriage to Adolph had been arranged, their primary interaction revolving around the sapphire jewelry Clara designed and Adolph produced and sold. Widowed and penniless, with two small children, Clara decides to return to her aunt and uncle's ranch in Montana, the only place she has ever been happy.

Curtis Billingham, injured in a sapphire mine collapse, is recuperating at the ranch of his friends, Paul and Madeline Sersland. But when the Serslands' niece returns from New York City, Curtis curses both his broken body and his broken past. Clara, the love of his life, has come back to him, but he is no longer worthy of her love.

Clara's brother-in-law Otto Vesper, Adolph's business partner, fears that the loss of Clara's design skills will doom the company's prospects. Following her to Montana, Otto is prepared to do whatever it takes to get Clara to return with him to New York. 

As Clara fights for love and freedom, a dangerous secret in her late husband's life comes to light, threatening everyone she loves.

My Thoughts

Peterson's novels have always captivated me and A Love Transformed is no exception.   Clara is a spunky character who seems to fit in where ever she goes, while Curtis fears his past bad choices could damage her reputation.  The plot is intriguing, inventive, and looks at a unique time in history rarely discussed.  While the romance was wonderful, I must mention how perfectly the villain of the story keeps you on your toes to the very end. A Love Transformed is the final novel in the Sapphire Brides series, all the novels are worth reading but they aren't connected so this one could easily be a stand alone novel.

I was given this book free from Bethany House Publishing fro my honest review.