WHISKERS & SUNSHINE by Sarah Skye – Featured New Release

WHISKERS & SUNSHINE

Unlikely Pairings #3

Sarah Skye

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Harmony Daniels always dreamed of getting married, having babies, and living the “big house with a white picket fence” fantasy. But after a broken engagement and a pregnancy scare, she has to admit that she has no idea what she truly wants. When her great-aunt dies and leaves her dog rescue to Harmony’s family, Harmony jumps at the chance to take it over. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to find out who she really is.

Lucas Mallender isn’t happy when he finds out that glam girl Harmony is his new boss. As the gruff and no-nonsense head trainer at Fido’s Farm dog rescue, he’s certain this high-maintenance city girl is going to drive the place into the ground with her lack of experience–and he’s not afraid to let her know what exactly he thinks of her.

Lucas and Harmony clash as they struggle to keep the rescue afloat, but there’s an undeniable attraction between these two polar opposites. The more time they spend together–both in and out of bed–the deeper their feelings grow. But Lucas wants to be a dad someday, and Harmony has discovered that dog mom is her true calling. Can they find a way to compromise? Or will they have to call it quits?

Purchase Links:

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ABOUT SARAH AND SKYE

Sarah Skye is the nom de plume of romance authors Sarah Smith and Skye McDonald. Sarah and Skye met on Twitter as fledgling authors seeking critique partners. That turned into a brilliant friendship, a joint podcast (Quick & Dirty Romance Podcast), and now a novel.

Sarah Smith (Faker; If You Never Come Back; Simmer Down) is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie’s stash of romance novels. She’s been hooked ever since. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe.

Skye McDonald (The Anti-Belle Series) is an author and personal development coach. Skye’s Anti-Belle series feature sassy GRITS (Girls Raised In the South) learning to love themselves before they can claim their happily ever after. (Spoiler: they always do!) Her coaching method uses fitness and life skills to teach individuals to do the same. When not writing sexy books or cheering for you to live your best life, Skye can be found out on a new adventure, usually with her pup at her side.

Author links:

https://twitter.com/authorsarahskye

https://www.instagram.com/quickndirtyromance/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21206854.Sarah_Skye

MOONSTRUCK AT MARDI GRAS by Aurora Paige – Featured New Release

MOONSTRUCK AT MARDI GRAS

Holidates Series Book 16

Aurora Paige

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Juliana

Who knew a dating app would match me up with my long-time crush–my big brother’s best friend?

After my best friend bailed on me for my birthday trip to Mardi Gras, I was stuck with two options–go alone or find someone to accompany me using the Holidates app. Lo and behold, I find myself on vacation with the man who’s been the star of more than one of my naughty fantasies–Easton Hawthorne.

That sinful smile, those soulful brown eyes, that delicious dark scruff. For as long as I can remember, Easton has been completely off-limits.

But not anymore. Not after we’ve shared more than just the most epic kiss and an unforgettable night in the same bed.

But when life brings us both back to reality–with our pasts hellbent on keeping us apart–will Easton and I be strong enough to be more than just a holiday fling?

Easton

Who knew Juliana Delarosa, my best friend’s little sister, was the one I’ve been searching for?

She’s been under my nose this whole time. Hell, she even sold me Girl Scout cookies when we were kids!

Gone is the chubby-cheeked little girl with pigtails and braces. In her place is a curvy, classy, and compassionate woman who knows exactly what she’s looking for. Don’t even get me started on what those dimples do to me!

We made a deal–take a fun trip as nothing but friends. No kissing, no touching, and definitely no sharing a bed.

But when we broke that promise, all hell would break loose, too.

Who knew I’d be moonstruck at Mardi Gras?

Buy Now! Amazon

ABOUT AURORA

Aurora Paige is a healthcare professional by day and a Filipina-American writer of steamy contemporary romance with sassy heroines and sexy heroes at night. Each Aurora Paige story delivers a variety of Curvy Heroines, Multicultural relationships, Alpha Heroes, Steamy Heat, and a Guaranteed Happily Ever After.

Website: www.aurorapaige.com

Newsletter: www.aurorapaige.com/newsletter-sign-up

Facebook: www.facebook.com/xoaurorapaige

Smitten Squad FB group: https://www.Facebook.com/groups/thesmittensquad/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/xoaurorapaige

Twitter: www.twitter.com/xoaurorapaige

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@xoaurorapaige

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/20700755.Aurora_Paige

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aurora-paige

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Paige/e/B08M91XPXB

FULL EXPOSURE by Thien-Kim Lam — Happy Book Birthday!

FULL EXPOSURE

Thien-Kim Lam

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In FULL EXPOSURE, Thien-Kim serves up a piping hot dish of a romance featuring a boudoir photographer and an aspiring filmmaker finding love in the middle of Mardi Gras—can a Big Easy fling become the real thing?!

Boudoir photographer Josie Parks never ever takes a vacation. But when a client cancels a New Orleans shoot at the last minute, she decides to fly out from her Washington, D.C., studio anyway. Maybe the trip will reawaken her recently stagnant muse. After all, it’s Mardi Gras season…

Spencer Pham has come home after twelve soul-sucking years in corporate hell to pursue his passion: making a docu-film on his family’s history as the first Vietnamese Mardi Gras krewe. The last thing he expects is getting whacked in the head by a beautiful woman trying to snag some parade beads.

Over some beignets and coffee, Spencer and Josie connect over their artistic pursuits. He offers to show her the real New Orleans, if she’ll help him with the camerawork for his film. Despite Josie’s type-A personality clashing with Spencer’s laissez-faire attitude, they seem to make a great team, and soon, the good times are rolling both on and off camera. But Josie has a life in D.C., and they both have big dreams they’re chasing. When this Big Easy fling starts feeling awfully serious, can they find a way to choose between personal and professional passion?

Buy links:

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ABOUT THIEN-KIM

Thien-Kim Lam writes stories about Vietnamese characters who smash stereotypes and find their happy endings. A recovering Type-Asian, she guzzles cà phê sữa đá, makes art, and bakes her feelings to stay sane.

Thien-Kim is also the founder of Bawdy Bookworms, a subscription box that pairs sexy romances with erotic toys. She’s been featured on Jezebel, Bustle, Entertainment Weekly, and Oprah Daily.

Social links:

Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

REVIEW

An adorable meet-cute, a fantastic sense of place, fascinating history of Vietnamese Americans in New Orleans, and an interesting multicultural pairing. I loved that both main characters have tight bonds with their families and they have lifelong friendships.

A much-improved hero compared to the previous book. Being the eldest child, I related to both MCs’ overdeveloped sense of responsibility towards their families. With my Carpe Diem motto, I am not too bothered by their insta-lust and quick attainment of a deep connection after only a few days together. When you know, you know.

I found it odd that there was no interconnection between Spencer’s family and Trixie’s (the heroine of the previous book who is also Vietnamese American).

THE BEST MAN’S PROBLEM by Sera Taíno – Featured New Release

THE BEST MAN’S PROBLEM

Sera Taíno

He can’t forget the kiss he shared with the best man.

But is he the best man for him?

His sister’s wedding isn’t the ideal place for Rafael Navarro to reconnect with the man he kissed in a moment of reckless abandon. But it’s impossible to avoid best man Étienne Galois! The gorgeous Haitian photographer hasn’t forgotten the intimate moment they shared, even if Rafi is the most maddening person he’s ever met. Can the two find common ground, proving opposites not only attract—they can become lovers for life?

The Navarros

Book 1: A Delicious Dilemma
Book 2: The Best Man’s Problem
Book 3: The Trouble with Exes

Purchase from your favorite retailer here: https://serataino.com/thebestmansproblem

Sera Taíno writes romances exploring the joy of love in the context of community and family in all its rich diversity with an emphasis on inclusiveness.

She was selected for the Harlequin Romance Includes You Mentorship, an initiative launched in 2019 to reach out to diverse communities of writers and bring more own voices stories to romance readers.

Her debut novel, A Delicious Dilemma, published with Harlequin Special Edition, is now available.

When she is not writing, Sera can be found teaching her high school English class, reading, or wrangling her husband and two children.

Sign up for Sera’s newsletter here, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, or BookBub to stay up to date.

I am so happy the Familia Navarro is back! I felt an affinity with this family (especially Papi Enrique) since Sera introduced them in A Delicious Dilemma and I’d been impatiently waiting for Val’s siblings to have their own stories. And now, they’re here beginning with Rafi’s story in The Best Man’s Problem.

Grab the moment because life is too short to waste any of it.”

I knew from the start that I would like this story because opposites attract is one of my favorite Romance tropes. And boy, are Rafi and Étienne opposites. Rafi is so controlled, super organized, and a lot uptight while Étienne is a little chaotic, seize-the-day kind of person. This is the main reason for all the pushing away that happens in the story. And the pull? It’s the physical attraction between them plus the similarity in their love of their respective families and fierce loyalty–Rafi to Val and Étienne to Philip.

I know my worth … I deserve to have someone love me with their whole chest.”

As always, Sera’s writing is lush. Her prose is lyrical and evocative. She makes me relate to the characters and feel for them. I may have related too much to Étienne because, during the point of high conflict, I wanted to kick Rafi’s stubborn ass. Oops!

Life has no loyalty to anyone, so you must live it without remorse.”

I love the diversity, the rich multicultural background, and the steam in Sera’s stories. The first two books in the series have been excellent. I can’t wait for Nati’s turn!

DOUBLE HAPPINESS by Jen Trinh — Featured New Release

DOUBLE HAPPINESS

Jen Trinh

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A pickle-loving industrial designer sets out to prove that the only man worthy of her younger sister is their cute-AF childhood best friend. Forced proximity/one-bed/friends-to-lovers awesomeness ensues in this romantic comedy novella.

Winnie’s sister Nancy is engaged to The Wrong Person. Anyone who isn’t Steven Yi is The Wrong Person. He’s a cute, silly doctor with a crisp, yummy voice, and the two of them were born in the same hospital on the same day. How much clearer could the Universe be?

A recovering divorcee, Winnie knows all too well what it means to marry badly. She’ll do anything to prove that Steven is The Only Person for Nancy, even if she has to throw them together over and over again herself. But her plotting pulls her closer to Steven, close enough where she begins to suspect that The Only Wrong Person is her. She could be happy, so much happier than she is now … but is it worth risking a life-long friendship and utter heartbreak?

Hint: Yes, yes it is. HEA guaranteed!

Buy Links:

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ABOUT JEN

A PhD in Physics, Jen left the tech world to write funny, heartfelt contemporary romances with diverse Asian American characters. Her debut novel, Crushing on You, was a finalist in two categories of the 2020 NJRW Golden Leaf contest.

She lives in a pile of blankets near a pretty nice Wawa, with her husband and multiple tropical plants.

Website: jentrinhwrites.com
Instagram: instagram.com/jentrinhwrites
TikTok: tiktok.com/@jentrinhwrites
Twitter: twitter.com/jentrinhwrites

REVIEW

An utterly delightful novella by a new-to-me author, Double Happiness lives up to its title by delivering a funny and low-conflict friends-to-lovers story that’s filled with witty banter between lovable characters. A true rom-com.

As an older sister, I related so much to Winnie and her “I know best” attitude. She wasn’t overbearing at all. Everything she did came from a place of caring. I love her and Nancy’s relationship. It reminds me of the same closeness between my younger sister and me.

I was charmed by Steven. He was adorable. Jen wrote him so well. Despite not knowing his POV, the reader can tell his feelings through the dialogue.

Jen incorporated Chinese wedding traditions so seamlessly into the story. The groom’s challenges in the wedding door games were highly creative and really hilarious.

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read and will now catch up on Jen Trinh’s book catalog.

PALM SPRINGS KING by Claire Marti – Featured New Release

PALM SPRINGS KING

A California Suits Novel

Claire Marti

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A former rockstar. A perfectionistic yoga teacher. Opposites attract?

Rockstar Austin Michaels never took much seriously—other than his music. But tragedy thrust him out of the spotlight and into the boardroom. Now, he’s helping his brother run a luxury hotel chain and he couldn’t be farther out of his comfort zone. He’s doing his best––until his beautiful new spa manager arrives.

Yoga teacher Kenzie Banks earned her reputation as the best in the spa business by being a hyper-efficient perfectionist. Ready to plant roots after too many years on the road, she’s thrilled to land her dream job working for the Hotel Kings — they’re literally the family she always wished for. Except, her sexy boss Austin Michaels is driving her nuts with his impulsive decisions and smoldering glances.

The sparks between these two opposites burn so hot it’s a wonder they don’t spontaneously combust. But Kenzie knows what they say about fire…and she’s come too far and worked too hard to get burned. Can the pair find a way to work together, or will everything they’re building go up in flames?

*Palm Springs King is the sixth book in award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Claire Marti’s new spin-off contemporary romance series, California Suits. The series follows the adventures of five best friends who are opening a string of luxury boutique hotels from La Jolla to Monterey to Beverly Hills as each one finds true love…usually where he least expects it. Each book is a standalone.

One-click this opposites-attract, forced proximity standalone romance today!

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EXCERPT

She wiped her now slick palms on her jeans and struggled to regulate her breath because her pulse had kicked up the moment he’d said motorcycle. It wasn’t like she was a chicken; she wasn’t the only person who thought they were dangerous.

Her brilliant plan to flee to the desert and avoid him had just floated off into the wind. Now she’d be pressed against Austin, hurtling down the highway on a death machine.

But he was right, the practical thing to do––and she prided herself on being practical––was to put on her big girl panties and deal. How bad could it be?

“Fine. But you’ll drive the speed limit and no tricks.”

His lips twitched and he held up both hands. “I promise. Come on, let’s get on the road. And I’ll only pop a few wheelies.”

She rolled her eyes and couldn’t resist smiling. “Yeah right. Not on my watch, Michaels.”

“I’m in the hotel garage,” He turned and glanced at her apologetically. “Benefit of the bike is that there’s almost always room to park. They’ll find your car, don’t worry.”

She fell into step next to him, easily matching his long stride. They descended to the first level of the garage and there sat a shiny cream and black Harley. She had no clue about models or makes but this looked sturdy at least. After opening up the saddlebags and pulling out two silver metallic helmets, he reached for her bag and stowed their stuff.

She placed the helmet on her head and fiddled with the strap. It was kind of like a snowboarding helmet, so she managed to get it on. But she hesitated, nibbling on the inside of her cheek.

Austin got on the bike and patted the ebony leather seat behind him. “Did you want to get back to Palm Springs today or?”

“I’m coming. Just hold on.” Thank god she’d worn her high tops and a pair of old jeans instead of shorts or a sundress. She was always preaching the benefits of trying something new so here was her chance to take her own advice.

She crossed to the motorcycle and swung one leg over, placing one hand lightly on his shoulder for balance. A now familiar jolt of energy shot up her arm and as she settled onto the seat behind him, heat flared in her belly. She was nestled up against all those lean muscles, her inner thighs framing his legs.

“Wrap your arms around me. You’re going to enjoy the ride, I promise. The Heritage Classic is the best.” His strong artist’s hands gripped the handlebars and with a roar, they were cruising out of the dimly lit garage into the sunny California morning.

Once he hit the road, he revved the engine and they were soaring past rows of closed restaurants and clubs, toward Highway 10. She slid closer and did as she was told, using all her yogic skills to direct her attention to the beautiful morning and divert it from the feel of being plastered against him. At least they couldn’t really have a conversation on the drive home and maybe in a hundred miles or so she’d have found her equilibrium.

Once he eased onto the freeway, she closed her eyes because she really didn’t want to see all the cars and 18-wheelers whizzing by. Instead, she rested her cheek against his back and held on to his hot, hard body and chose to trust him. And damn if the roar of the engine between her legs combined with being plastered to Austin like a barnacle didn’t turn her on. As if she needed more incentive to jump his bones.

No way would she ever admit she found riding his bike sexy. But ohmygod, between the humming of the bike and the feel of him, she could probably orgasm before they arrived back at the hotel. So much for her brilliant plan to avoid him at all costs.

ABOUT CLAIRE

Claire Marti is an award-winning and USA Today Bestselling author of swoon-worthy Contemporary Romance novels set in Southern California, including the Pacific Vista Ranch series and the California Suits series. She lives in San Diego with her husband, silly dog, and three clever cats.

Claire started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature and French, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.

Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga.

Social Media Links:

Website: clairemarti.com
Facebook: ClaireMartiAuthor
Twitter: @clairepmarti
Instagram: clairepmarti
Goodreads: Claire_Marti
Bookbub: claire-marti
Amazon: Claire-Marti

STROKED by Linda G. Hill – Featured New Release

STROKED

Once a Week at Woody’s #3

by

Linda G. Hill

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A stripper and a lawyer walk into a bar …

Casper thinks of Woody O’Flanagan’s Pub as home, but he has a shadier stripping job to supplement his income. One he’d quit if he could just sell his artwork. Enter Tristan, the handsome lawyer who’s itching to see Casper’s etchings…

Tristan is an up-and-comer at his law firm, but his speech impediment and sidetracked dreams are holding him back in career and love. Until he meets Casper, a gorgeous stripper who understands every word he says…

When Casper and Tristan are caught in a compromising position by the police due to Casper’s questionable job, the first thing out of Tristan’s mouth ensures their arrest. Getting thrown in jail teaches them that it’s time to follow their passions. But will their passions include each other?

Opposites attract in this hilarious and steamy m/m romance, the third standalone book in Linda G. Hill’s “Once a Week at Woody’s” series.

Grab it now!

Author’s note: This story includes a parent with dementia.

Buy links:

Universal Link: books2read.com/Stroked-A-Romantic-Comedy

Apple: books.apple.com/us/book/stroked-a-romantic-comedy/id6445560563

Kindle US: amazon.com/dp/B0BSHY1GJR
Kindle CA: amazon.ca/dp/B0BSHY1GJR
Kindle UK: amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BSHY1GJR
Kindle AU: amazon.com.au/dp/B0BSHY1GJR
Kobo: kobo.com/en/ebook/stroked-1

ABOUT LINDA

Award-winning author Linda G. Hill was born and raised an only child in Southern Ontario, Canada. She credits the time she spent alone when she was growing up, reading books and building worlds and characters of her own to keep her company, as the reason she became a writer.

A stay-at-home mom of three beautiful boys, Linda is a graduate of the Writing Program at St. Lawrence College in Brockville, Ontario. Aside from caring for her family, she enjoys traveling the world, eating trout cooked on the barbecue, and, of course, reading.

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THE YEAR OF CECILY by Lisa Lin — Featured New Release

THE YEAR OF CECILY

Lisa Lin

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This is the year of Cecily Chang.

San Francisco attorney Cecily Chang is ready to tackle the New Year heads on. So, she makes a list of resolutions that will guarantee it’ll be the best year ever. Doing her filial duty, she prepares to head back to her Brooklyn family home to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Cecily prepares herself for nosy meddling relatives, stuffing herself with food, and the chaos family togetherness can bring. All she asks is that she avoids the boy next door-the one who broke her heart ten years ago. So of course she runs into him. Literally. Which really wreaks havoc with her resolution to avoid drama.

Jeffrey Lee has always regretted how he ended things with Cecily ten years ago. But seeing her again at New Year’s, he’s sure that this is a sign, and is ready to do whatever it takes to persuade Cecily to give him, and them, another chance. Now a successful screenwriter, he will need all the help he can get to make sure this love story gets the Hollywood ending it deserves. Will he be able to convince Cecily that her list of resolutions won’t be complete without him and that love is a resolution worth keeping?

Buy Links:

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ABOUT LISA

Lisa has been an avid romance reader and fan since she read her first Nora Roberts novel at the age of 13 after wandering the aisles of her local bookstore. Lisa loves that romance has the power to inspire, and believes that HEAs are for everyone.

Lisa writes light contemporary romantic comedies with a liberal dash of snark and banter. She enjoys delving into the complexity of Asian and immigrant family experiences, and celebrates female friendships in her trademark dry, witty style. As an Asian-American author writing own voices Asian American stories, Lisa hopes that her books will show the diversity of the Asian-American experience, and the importance of every reader being able to see themselves represented on the page.

Having grown up in Pennsylvania and helping out at her parents’ restaurant, Lisa has never bothered to learn to cook. She has two liberal arts undergraduate degrees and a J.D, and in her former life she was an intern, then Legislative Assistant for a PA State Representative. She also worked as a paralegal at a boutique law firm. Lisa is a politics junkie (don’t get her started on the wonder that is The West Wing!), indulges in naps whenever possible, and believes Netflixing in her pajamas and ordering take out qualifies as the perfect weekend. As a self-described Twitter addict, you can tweet her @laforesta1!

REVIEW

An outstanding debut by Lisa Lin. The author seems to be a student of the “write what you know” school of thought because The Year of Cecily came out super authentic and immensely relatable. Ms. Lin’s love of reading Romance shows in her writing as well. The beats and tropes are present in this second-chance, homecoming story that’s infused with a rich Chinese cultural background.

INDISCREET by Cara Dion – Featured New Release

INDISCREET

Cara Dion

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How do you choose between the career you thought you lived for and the love you can’t live without?

For Dr. Liam Jacobs, becoming the chair of a prestigious university opera program is one step closer to his dream of having his own opera company. Getting involved with a student could cost him everything he’s ever worked for. But once he hears Melynda sing, he knows he’ll never want anyone else.

Melynda Taylor’s dedication to becoming an opera singer takes her directly to Liam, her professor, and the one man with the power to make her come undone and risk everything. But in her experience, men don’t give, they take – sometimes without permission. And they definitely don’t fall in love with women like her.

When a dark shadow from Melynda’s past makes their entanglement even more complicated, they are each forced to decide how much they are willing to sacrifice for love. Now the music that drove them both forward and bound them together, could also be the thing to tear them apart.

Indiscreet is a standalone, high-heat, forbidden romance with a guaranteed HEA, and the first book in the Love Song series.

Buy Link: amazon.com/dp/B0BMHYKHPP

ABOUT CARA

Cara has always had an overactive imagination. Her aunt tells the story of 4-year-old Cara demanding that she pretend to “be a doctor who’s really a wolf who’s pretending to be bad but is really good.” Now she knows, she was just a romance reader at heart!

She has been an English teacher, professional musician, and nonprofit administrator. When she’s not reading or writing romance, Cara loves cooking, Broadway musicals, and all things Disney.

She lives in a small town in New England with her family and two cats (who want all the attention).

Author Links:
Website: caradion.com
Instagram: @caradion.author
Facebook: @caradionauthor
Linktree: caradion

FINDING MY DESTYNEE – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

FINDING MY DESTYNEE

Rafter O Ranch, Book 3

NATALIE CLINE BRIGHT & DENISE F. McALLISTER

Holiday Romance / Country Music Romance / Wholesome
Publisher: CKN Christian Publishing
Publication Date: October 18, 2022
Page Count: 245 pages

SCROLL DOWN FOR A GIVEAWAY!

True heart’s desire cannot be ignored.

Destynee Olsen has always done what her mother asked, but the road to stardom could mean leaving behind a piece of her heart.

Travis Olsen tries desperately to honor his vow to support his wife. Watching their son grow up without a mother is asking too much and his resentment builds. A marriage alone and single parenting is not what he signed up for.

The line has been drawn between a woman who has been told that her destiny to be a star is more important than she is and a cowboy who refuses to destroy his wife’s dream. Destynee and Travis have to decide what’s important. Can they discover the life they were meant to have at the risk of denying their own hearts?

PRAISE FROM AMAZON REVIEWERS:

“The dialog brings the story to life, and the stage scenes are intriguing and vivid as Destynee decides just how much fame is worth, and the cost to her heart and family.”

“…an emotional read about a young couple, each trying to survive their marriage. The storyline brings heartache, forgiveness, and reconciliation as God works to bring peace and contentment back to their marriage.”

“Another great read with excellent characters.”

CLICK TO PURCHASE!

Discerning God’s will is never easy. For young couple Destynee and Travis, following God’s plan becomes a struggle when separated by distance and ambition. That they’re miles apart during the holidays, having their faith–in God and in each other–shaken by doubts makes Finding My Destynee an affecting read.

Ms. Bright and Ms. McAllister created realistic and sympathetic characters in Destynee and Travis, infusing them with both insecurities and resolve. I couldn’t help but feel for them, young and misguided though they were at the beginning. I appreciate how much they’ve grown at the end of the story. They were at times frustrating but I found myself rooting for them to overcome their problems, which happen to reflect real life.

The supporting characters, for the most part, were wonderful, especially Travis’s family. Baby Wyatt was a particular favorite of mine, having been described in the most adorable way possible by the authors. The one I had trouble with was Destynee’s mother Julee Rae. She was a villainess through and through with no redeeming qualities. I would have liked a stronger argument for Destynee following Julee Rae’s every demand if her mother was shown to really care about her daughter. Unfortunately, she was one-note heinous and that was disappointing.

Another aspect I consider lacking in the story was Romance. Destynee and Travis only had three scenes together. Four, if I count the phone call. In two of those scenes, they were fighting. That is not incredibly romantic. I wish more of their backstory were included here and I don’t have to read the first two books in the series to find out how they got together and fell in love.

What the co-authors got right most was in telling a seamless story. Readers more familiar with their individual works might be able to distinguish which parts each wrote, but I couldn’t. That speaks very well of their talents.

Finding My Destynee invokes the spirit of Christmas and I am thankful to the authors for the gift of their story and to Lone Star Lit for including me in the blog tour.

Texas author Natalie Bright writes novels for kids and adults that combine her passion of the American West with a small-town vibe. She calls the wide-open land and endless sky of the Texas Panhandle home, which inspires her work. Her co-author is a Georgia writer and editor. Denise F. McAllister credits a love of horseback riding and 15 years in equestrian showmanship for her heartfelt connection to all things western.

Natalie’s Social Media & Author Pages