Lucky Charmed (Charmed in Texas #2)

Lucky Charmed (Charmed in Texas #2)

by Sharla Lovelace

Oh my Lord what a hook this author gives this story. There is no way you can read this and not feel sorry for Carmen that is after you get over the fact she hates honey. She is something else with her dry witty sense of humor and her outlook on life you can’t help but laugh your way through turning the pages as fast as you can. As the book takes off the author grabs your attention with Carmen’s charming self complaining about the people in the grocery store and talking about her love or not so love of honey. As she takes a little walk down memory lane who does she run into but the one man she thought she would never see again. Then the story takes off from ex’s to her over bearing mother as friends take her side and others go against her she rides the tide of shame, loneness, heartbreak. Just as you get through one bump another one comes along that is bigger than the last. There are some major twists and turns and a few you won’t see coming as this author drivers you right to laughter.

When Carmen was 18 she had all her hopes on one man who would take her way from her crazy life and give her true adventure with carnival his father owned. She spent her days dreaming of the only man she has ever loved in all of her short 18 years. Oh the life they will have doing this and that seeing the world one town at a time. That is until the day came and wait she did but he never showed. Maybe she made a mistake so she drove to the next town but again she sets and waits for hours all alone as day grew to night she knew he wasn’t coming. Going home with her head hung low listening to all the things her mother had to say she married the guy her mother wanted her to. After many years of more disappointment she divorces. Just as she is about to get her life on track in walks the one man she never forgot or forgiven. From this point on it is one shock after another until she can’t be shocked any more.

Sully is done totally through with the carnival letting his brother takes it over. He has decided he is coming back to the only place that ever felt like home and the women he has always loved. When he starts his project he finds not only does his true love not forgive him but the town has a long memory as well. That is what happens when you mess with the hometown sweetheart. Not only will he have to get her to change how she feels but he has to work on the whole town as well.

I just loved Carmen who stands up and said what she thinks. Her mother is a trip with little class but a good heart. She has some major explaining when the cat gets out of the bag. Carmen has her ideas of just what everyone can do including those dang bees. I laughed and laughed. At one point I was eating ice cream and just about died when something happened and I chocked my way through it. Sully stole my heart with his classy hot self that would turn any women to mush.

The author does a wonderful job showing how the past affect everyone and how everyone deals with it. There is drama at its finest with so much emotion you aren’t sure who you feel for the most. As the author takes you along first your heart breaks for Carmen, than Sully and then Carmen by the time you have read the last page you even feel sorry for her ex husband who was really a piece of work. Stalker comes to mind but you can’t help feeling for a man who is and has always been so in love with her that he is willing to do anything to keep her.

I totally loved this story of second chances filled with romance, learning about yourself, finding how to forgive so many and finally learning that sometimes you have to swallow some crow to make your dreams come true. If you are looking for an outstanding read one that will stay with you leaving you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart this is the one for you. There is no way this cannot be added to my favorite reads of the year. So far to date I think this book is my favorite of the ones she has written.

Buy Link

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MCX9DWS/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01MCX9DWS&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

B&N

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lucky-charmed-sharla-lovelace/1124986395?ean=9781516101269

Kobo

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lucky-charmed

Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sharla_Lovelace_Lucky_Charmed?id=QI1PDQAAQBAJ

Summary

Charmed, Texas, is as warm and welcoming as it sounds. But even in a small town, when it comes to love, sometimes you’ve got to take the bitter with the sweet . . .

Carmen Frost hates honey. And bees. And in her hometown of Charmed, Texas, which practically invented the stuff, that’s a problem. The good news is that the summer Honey Festival is finally over. Even better, so is the annual Lucky Hart carnival, a road show that made off with her dreams years ago—including the boy she loved. Now she’s got a divorce behind her, and a successful law career in front of her, but in a tiny town, big memories die hard. Or they don’t die at all—as Carmen discovers when she runs into an all too familiar pair of eyes—older, wiser, and just as heart-melting as ever . . .

Sully Hart has had enough of the nomad lifestyle. Travelling with his father’s carnival gave him adventures, but it cost him much more. Now he’s home to stay, contracted to create an entertainment complex in Charmed. He wants roots, a house with a yard and all the mundane pleasures that go with it. But the girl he loved has become a woman who still wants freedom. Can she still want him? It seems he and Carmen are at each other’s throats one minute—and on each other’s lips the next. Someone’s gotta give . . .

"Fans of the first installment (A Charmed Little Lie) will enjoy this second one just as much and be clamoring for the third." — Library Journal on Lucky Charmed

Daisy Does It All

Daisy Does It All: Clover Park, Book 2

Written by: Kylie Gilmore

Narrated by: Charles Lawrence

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Series: Clover Park, Book 2

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:07-14-16

Publisher: Extra Fancy Books

My Review

I really understood where Daisy comes from with her fantasy blog what I had trouble understanding was how she thought she would get away with what she did and the whole family and friends going along with it. Too many people in town know her it would have come out sooner or later. So for me this was a little over the top but it sure made for a good listen even if I didn’t find it believable lol. I really enjoyed this from the narration to the plot I enjoyed the humor the bickering between Daisy and Travis. This story takes off where book 1 stops. Daisy is having a hard time being a single mother she starts a blog on being a new mother with it getting out of control telling how wonderful being a mother and wife is. What a wonderful baby and husband she has. When it grabs so much attention a talk show wants to come interview her. Before she knows what she has done she has agreed wow she has really messed up and goes back and forwards whether she should go it or not. It doesn’t take long for things to get out of control first one things and then another happens. You will not believe all the bad luck one women can have as the author puts a few twists in the way spinning story of humor and mayhem.

The narration of Mr. Lawrence is outstanding as he brings the characters to life for me with his many wonderful character voices. I could really feel the frustration in Daisy as she comes to terms on her life what she wants, needs and desires along with a few home truths. Travis you can really feel what he is going through as he supports Daisy but uses a little blackmail to get what he wants. I really enjoyed all his characters voices. I am amazed that he knew which voice went to which character from book 1. His male voices are just as great as his female ones. He has the right tone for each emotion that you can really feel what each character is going through. I did not hear any background noise if any breaks were taken you could not tell. There was not anywhere the volume was higher or lower than the chapters before what he deliverers is a clear, clean audio that you really get into. Between him and the author they had me laughing out loud a few times. This is one narrator that can pull me in giving me a very highly entertaining listen that keeps me invested in the characters. I can’t wait to listen to more from this narrator I hope you will take the time to check out his work.

I did enjoy this I thought it was a little much but truly made a delightful story. It wasn’t long before I was taken in with the humor as the author takes you through each road block that comes their way. The throws a few surprises in. Not everything is coming up roses for this couple as it looks like the I do’s will be coming soon the author throws a twist that brings much pain. The past comes back to haunt Daisy in the worst way at the worse time. Not everyone here is likable there are a few you would like to harm, give them a piece of your mind as you drag them from the book to give them a taste of reality. I really loved seeing the past characters. That grandmother is up to her old tricks keeping you on your toes with her many over the top ways. You are so going to love this lady as you find what she keeps in her kitchen as well as around her home. I know I had my mouth fall open a few times as I laughed my way through shaking my head. My heart really went out to Daisy as I look back and remember my time of being a new mother. The author sure hits the emotions right on the head with the feelings of not being good enough, being too tired, the scream and so much more. The reason for the 4.5 stars is I can’t buy into Daisy really going through with the interview. The blog fantasy yes I can believe that but the rest no. It does make a very good listen and very entertaining with an audio I could not put down. Nothing wrong with a little fantasy. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I have I can’t wait to see what the next book in this series is all about.

Buy Links

Audible

http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Daisy-Does-It-All-Audiobook/B01IDZ029C

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JZWI90C/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JZWI90C&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

B&N

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daisy-does-it-all-kylie-gilmore/1119338908?ean=2940149376612

Kobo

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/daisy-does-it-all

Summary

Reality is overrated.
Exhausted single mom Daisy Garner is shocked when her blog about life with Darling Husband and Baby Delight in their charming Victorian home brings a national talk show to her door.
Amazing! Except she made the whole thing up.
Panic! Now she needs to borrow a Victorian house and find a man to play her fake husband on TV.
Travis O'Hare steps up for the role, as long as she'll marry him for real. He wants their son to have the stable home life Travis never had.
But before the wedding can happen, Travis and Daisy have to get through the interview with a ratings hungry host and a slick producer with ties to Daisy's troubled past. When a winter storm traps them all, it begs the question: can two people pretending at love finally discover the real thing?

Merried (Misfit Brides, #5)

Merried (Misfit Brides, #5)

by Jamie Farrell

My Review

Ms. Farrell is one of my go to authors when one of her books comes out I am usually begging to review it. She bring such humor, love to her characters she hooks you from the first page with her wonderful writing talent.  With this addition to the Misfit series poor Merry cannot get a break from her famous jewel thief father to her mother going through husband like there is no bodies business. She so wants to have a normal life but it is hard when you father pulls you in to his line of business from a young age. It was many years before she truly knew what she had been pulled into. Her mother who has always been totally in love with her father did the only thing she could to save Merry she divorce him giving her daughter she hopes to be a better life. The only thing is her mother cannot find happiness and begins a wedding marathon changing men faster than you can say jackrabbit.  Which brings us to a wedding in Bliss and back to the man Merry ran from who she is madly in love with the kick is he owns a jewelry store. As soon as she found this out she had no choice but to run which left Max guessing what happen running around town like a chicken with his head cut off looking like a fool. The people in Bliss are not happy with Merry for breaking their precious Max’s heart.  Merry just has to get through this wedding and she will be on the run again that is if Max can’t catch her this time.

What made this a great read for me is the humor, the fun characters, a little mystery, characters which keep it entertaining, her mother who is a delight nothing gets this lady down, getting to check in with past characters, the town of Bliss anyone would want to live here it’s a small town where everyone knows everyone and their business. I even grew to like her father. There is a BIG surprise at the end that will wow you. This is just a few of the reason I LOVED this book there are tons of other reasons.

My heart really went out to both Merry and Max for so many reasons. Merry just wants to find love, have a family and get away from her father’s   influence that somehow he always seems to pull her in as an innocent by stander.  She just has to get through one more of her mother’s wedding and she is off to France. Max just wants some answers things were going to wonderful this was the women of his dreams here one day gone the next with no explaining he wants answers, really he is demanding them. I totally enjoyed the baiting back afford between these two. I loved the messes Merry finds herself in as she dig herself in deep when trying to dig herself out.  For such a small town Max still finds his self running around hunting down this woman who is driving him to drink.

Ms. Farrell puts a twist on romance with me reading so many sometimes they kind of blend into the same mold. Ms. Farrell she keeps her stories highly entertaining grabbing you attention from the first page pulling you in taking you to a fun place full of drama you love as she gives you a wonderful read that keeps you laughing, shaking your head and loving every word.  Every book in this series is unique, with heartbreak, fun, sweet, loving, shocking at times all set in my crazy humorous town.  I really recommend any book in this series I love them all it is so hard to pick my favorite but “Merry “is right up there at the top. If you are looking for a new author one you can relate to not only in her writing but her characters this is one you should pick up. Every book in this series are standalone but you don’t want to miss one single one.

Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IRRM5JG/

iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/misfit-brides-5/id1114391266?mt=11&at=11l9jN

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1124127666?ean=2940153400075

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/merried

Summary

He’s the Spare Heir of Bliss’s most famous jewelry shop
Max Gregory’s family is best known for creating and displaying the infamous Mrs. Claus diamond ring, but here in the bridal capital of the world, Max is best known for having a cursed love life. Not that he believes in curses. Or he didn’t, until he met her.

She’s the daughter of a notorious jewel thief
Merry Silver's parents have wreaked havoc on her life. After her last romantic disaster—thanks, Daddy—she’s fleeing the country for a chance at normal. But first, she has to avoid her favorite ex-boyfriend while she gets her mom married off. Again.

And their Christmas miracle might be a second chance at love
Max was horrified when he discovered why Merry disappeared last year. Now she's back in Bliss for a wedding, and her father may be after his family’s most prized possession. But is it the diamond Max is worried about? Or is he afraid of losing the only woman who’s ever made him want to settle down?

Wishing in Wisconsin: (audio)

Wishing in Wisconsin: At the Altar, Book 3

Written by: Kirsten Osbourne

Narrated by: Tiffany Williams

Length: 4 hrs and 15 mins

Series: At the Altar, Book 3

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:05-25-16

Publisher: Unlimited Dreams, Kirsten Osbourne

My Review

This was such a delightful refreshing listen from the author to the narrator it was a pleasure to listen to. It is kind of like a modern day mail order bride with a twist. The match maker has her hands in a little of this along with her own practice but likes to find the perfect match for her clients. She comes and interviews you, finds out your likes and dislikes than goes off to find your mate.  Once she finds the perfect person for you, you do not get to meet them, know there name or anything about them until you say I do at the altar. Trey gets into a little trouble when he tries to see his bride before the I dos with is really funny.

Ms. Williams does a wonderful job with the narration from her many different voices to her tones and emotions of each character. I did not hear any background noises or changes in the volume just a clear clean audio with I totally enjoyed.  Her male voices were as pleasant as her female ones. You have no trouble knowing who is talking or what they are feeling.  What really adds to this audio is when a character laughs, yawns etc so does the narrator. This makes the whole audio so much more believable and enjoyable. Ms. Williams gives so much to this audio as she brings the characters alive before your eyes. You have no trouble picturing the scenes in your mind as she takes you a way to a very enjoyable listen.  She has a very pleasant voice that you have to trouble getting into and enjoying. I found myself looking for things to do so I could listen longer. I really hated for this audio to come to the end.  I have not listened to anything by this narrator and I am really looking forward to listening to more of her work.

Cindy is lonely and on a dry spell, there just isn’t anyone to date in this little town. Her friend decides she needs to use a matchmaker. That is fine but her friend will be using one as well. Cindy is excited but a little scared of not meeting her mate until the wedding.  With one look she is totally hook on this hot hunk of a man. With one kiss she is ready to jump his bones and take her marriage very seriously. The attraction is fast the pull is great. With the bread and breakfast she cannot take time off from work which leads to a few problems between them. With being raised by her very protective grandparents she has a lot to learn and wants to take a step back to learn them only she has put the cart before the horse and is back peddling fast.  As a character I really liked her, she is strong , knows what she wants, but very giving and loving. I love the friendships she has and how important her little town is to her. This has not always been the case. She is living her grandmothers dream which has becomes hers.

Trey isn’t the boy next door he is more of a nerd which no women really wants. He has to trouble finding women just none who wants to be with him for more than a few minutes. Once they see his nerdy side off they go. He decides to go with the match maker this way he knows he will get a fresh start with a women who has to stick around after the I dos.  He really has got a bum rap with his family being the way they are.  Just wait until you meet his sister that girl is something else. He has a few strange practices which will get him in a little hot water.  All it took was one look for him to be hook on his wife, once their lips met he wanted to throw her over his shoulder and run right to the bedroom.

The author gives you wonderful characters you can relate with along with an outstanding plot that will have you turning the pages. I love the humor it really adds to the characters making the feel more down to earth.  This is a story about starting over getting to really know the person you married, learning to get along and finding your way to happiness. Like with all marriages you have to work out the problems and learn to meet half way. There are many misunderstandings that must be worked out as well as finding away to work in friendships with others into your marriage. Both must give and take as these two will learn. Some people are not happy with this marriage and will try to throw road blocks up. This was a very well written story that is well balanced between friendship, love, humor and getting along. There is a little drama to keep it interesting as well as some very hot steamy scenes. It was a pleasure watching these two falls in love. I just can’t wait to read the next one oh Bob sure has something up his sleeves and I believe Trey gave him a helping hand. I loved the interaction between characters, finding their way was highly entertaining. This is as story full of humor, as the characters make choices not always the right ones. This is one author who knows how to entertain her readers giving you a story you are hanging on too and do not want to end. The ending is outstanding which also leads into the next book which looks to be as much of a wonderful read as this one was. If you really are looking for something that holds you attention and entertains you, you will not go wrong with this audio. From the author to the narrator there is no doubt you will be laughing your way through this delightful story.

Buy Links

Audible

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

Summary

 

Cindy Lambert thought she was done with the small town of Blevins, Wisconsin, but here she is, back in her hometown, managing a bed and breakfast and following her grandmother's dream. The problem is, she's tired of being alone, and there are no single men for miles that she's interested in. Plus, with her busy schedule, she has no time to date anyway. When her best friend coerces her into contacting a matchmaker, she decides to make it work for her.
Trey Zayne, a web designer from Texas, is sick of his sister constantly trying to set him up with women he has no interest in. When he's contracted to do a website for a company called Matchrimony, he finds himself fascinated by the concept. A relational psychologist will interview him and find him a match. The only catch? They will meet at the altar. Can a techie from Texas fit in with a small town girl from Wisconsin? Will they find more than companionship and move straight to love?