Contemporary | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

SECOND CHANCE COWBOY by A. J. Pine

April 27, 2019

Click to purchase

Crossroads Ranch Series, Book 1

From the publisher:

Ten years ago, Jack Everett left his family’s ranch without a backward glance. Now, what was supposed to be a quick trip home for his father’s funeral has suddenly become more complicated. The ranch Jack can handle—he might be a lawyer, but he still remembers how to work with his hands. But turning around the failing vineyard he’s also inherited? That requires working with the one woman he never expected to see again.

Ava Ellis broke her own heart the night she let Jack go. She was young and scared—and secretly pregnant with Jack’s baby. Now that he’s back and asking for her help, Ava sees her opportunity to right the wrongs of the past. But how will he feel about the son he’s never known? Could this be their second chance—or their final heartbreak?

I’m including an excerpt from my review of Hard Loving Cowboy, book 3 in the series, the why of which will become clear in a moment.

I read the third book in this series, Tough Luck Cowboy, which I mistook for the second book, but somehow missed the first (not unusual for me!) and the actual second book. Maybe. Apparently Amazon is as confused as I am about the order of this series! I am going to have to backtrack and find them because I know there are holes in the background that I’m missing.

So first things first, as my mother used to say, do as I say, not as I do, and read this series in order! I am investigating. Because of my little bit of confusion, I skipped reading the bonus novella but I’m sure I will get to that eventually.

So I found this book, the first book in the series, at my library. Yay, libraries! Which reminds me, do you all know about the Google Chrome and Firefox library extension? This is the coolest thing ever! I tweeted about it and facebooked and then CNET wrote about it:

This browser extension shows you which Amazon books are available free at your local library. Available for Chrome and Firefox, the insanely great Library Extension saves you time and money.

I don’t know about you all, but I am all about saving time and money. I work full time as a librarian and do this blog and I’m working on a book as well and I read about a book a day so time is definitely precious. As for saving money, well, here is one of my favorite librarian “jokes,” in quotes because, well, maybe more true than funny?

What’s the difference between a large pizza and a librarian?

A large pizza can feed a family of four.

And after all those digressions, back to my review of the first book in this terrific series.

Having read the later books, I sort of knew what was going to happen, mostly because these characters are so memorable. Nonetheless, it was fun seeing how it all got started. Why Jack, an attorney, is primarily running a winery. Why all the brothers are so close. Why they are all attracted to strong women. Well, pretty much every romance written in the past few years has strong women protagonists. The helpless female being rescued by the strong male is no longer. He may save her a time or two, but he knows damn well that she could probably have saved herself.

So great characters here. Ava is a frustrated artist who had to make a living instead of making art but she’s never given up her dream. The surprise child, a popular trope in romance, works which probably explains its popularity. The chemistry between Jack and Ava is strong and fiery, and a treat to observe. All in all, I’m very glad I hunted down this book and will stick to my assertion that this is a series that is best read in order. But do read it, especially if you like cowboys, because it is a really fun and sexy series.

Crossroads Ranch Series, in order according to Amazon, sometimes:

Second Chance Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch Book 1) Feb 27, 2018
Saved by the Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch Book 2) Aug 7, 2018 (according to the author’s website, this is book 1.5 so maybe a novella?)
Tough Luck Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch Book 3) Aug 28, 2018 (according to the author’s website, this is book 2)
Hard Loving Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch Book 4) Mar 26, 2019 (according to the author’s website, this is book 3)

So according to the author, I’ve now read books 1, 2, and 3 and there is no book 4. I can’t borrow “Saved by the Cowboy” from my library so I guess I’ll have to cough up a few bucks and buy it for my Kindle. Stay tuned…

4/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

SECOND CHANCE COWBOY by A. J. Pine. Forever (February 27, 2018). ISBN 978-1538727065. 320p.

Kindle

Comments Off on SECOND CHANCE COWBOY by A. J. Pine | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Contemporary, Cowboy | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

GOOD LUCK CHARM by Helena Hunting

April 26, 2019

Click to purchase

From the publisher:

Treat yourself to an “outrageously sexy” (Entertainment Weekly), “fabulously fun” (Jill Shalvis) second-chance romance from the New York Times bestselling queen of hockey romance!

Lilah isn’t sure what hurt worse: the day Ethan left her to focus on his hockey career or the day he came back eight years later. He might think they can pick up just where they left off, but she’s no longer that same girl and never wants to be again.

Ethan wants his glory days back. And that includes having Lilah by his side. With her, he was magic. They were magic. All he has to do is make her see that.

Just when Lilah might finally be ready to let Ethan in, though, she finds out their reunion might have nothing to do with love and everything to do with improving his game. But Ethan’s already lost her once, and even if it costs him his career, he’ll do anything to keep from losing her again.

I had read Meet Cute by this author and really enjoyed it, so I went looking for more and found this book in my library’s ebook collection. I love the subgenre of sports romances, and this one, centered on a hockey player, was a really good one.

There is also the trope of high school sweethearts breaking up and finding each other again as adults, and Hunting does a really good job of it. Lilah is a strong woman and she is confused by the relationship that is rebuilding with Ethan. She felt like as a teen, she lost herself in that relationship. It was all about Ethan, with her needs and desires coming in second, if at all. Not that it was his fault, she allowed it. So now, as an adult who has been on her own for a while and has a failed marriage behind her, Lilah is determined to have equity in this relationship and it’s not easy for her, or for him.

As an aside, my son is getting married this summer and we recently had a conversation about the difference between equality and equity in a relationship, so I think that is probably why that stood out for me.

I liked the subplot about athletes and their superstitions. If you’ve ever known any athletes, or if you are an athlete, you can probably relate. I sure did.

I really enjoyed this romance and feel like Hunting is growing as a writer. I will be on the lookout for her next book for sure. If you like Sally Thorne or Christina Lauren as much as I do, you should enjoy Hunting as well.

4/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

GOOD LUCK CHARM by Helena Hunting. Forever (August 7, 2018). ISBN 978-1538760147. 352p.

Kindle

Audible

Comments Off on GOOD LUCK CHARM by Helena Hunting | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Contemporary | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

THE KEY TO HAPPILY EVERY AFTER by Tif Marcelo

April 23, 2019

Click to purchase

Marisol, Janelyn, and Pearl de la Rosa are sisters who just took over their parents’ wedding planning business. While mom and dad are enjoying retirement, the girls need to sort out the business, the financials are a bit of mess.

Although they are equal partners, contention arises when Pearl, the youngest sister and the social media manager, wants to be a full-fledged wedding planner like her sisters, but Mari, the eldest, is too much of a control freak to turn her baby sister loose. Jane, the middle child, is the peacemaker but it takes almost a complete break before things get back under control. Can’t have a wedding planner story without some romance and Mari is the lucky sister who finds true love.

There was a real opportunity missed here. We are told that the girls are Filipino, yet we don’t get much of the culture beyond brief mentions and I really would have liked to learn more. Instead, the story focuses on relationships between the sisters and their wedding clients.

Verdict: This sweet family story/romance will appeal to fans of Susan Mallery and RaeAnne Thayne. Especially suitable for public libraries looking for more #ownvoices authors.

©Library Journal, 2019

4/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE KEY TO HAPPILY EVER AFTER by Tif Marcelo. Gallery Books (April 23, 2019). ISBN 978-1501197581. 320p.

Kindle

Audiobook

Comments Off on THE KEY TO HAPPILY EVERY AFTER by Tif Marcelo | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Contemporary | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

UNDER THE TABLE by Stephanie Evanovich

April 16, 2019

Click to purchase

From the publisher:

The New York Times bestselling author of Big Girl Panties puts a modern twist on My Fair Lady in this funny, romantic confection in which a canny young woman makes over her awkward millionaire client . . . with some hot, sexy, and surprising results.

Suffocating in a dead-end marriage, Midwesterner Zoey Sullivan fled to New York and moved in with her older sister Ruth, a carefree, vivacious beauty with a string of eligible bachelors at her beck and call. Giving herself three months in the city to clear her head and find a direction, Zoey dodges calls from her ex Derek, and distracts herself by cooking and catering a few private dinners and parties. Pursuing her passion for cooking was never an option when she was with Derek, and now Zoey relishes her independence.

When Zoey’s meets reclusive millionaire Tristan Malloy, she’s blown away by his kitchen—a marble and stainless steel temple worthy of the culinary gods—and charmed by his impeccable gentlemanly manners. But despite his firm body, handsome looks, and piles of cash, Tristan—a computer programmer—is shy and more than a little socially awkward. Zoey is sure that Tristan has all the right raw ingredients—and she’s the right person to spice them up turn him into a delectable dish.

But Zoey’s unprepared for just how well her makeover works. Tristan turns out to be even sexier once he’s gained a little confidence and the right wardrobe. Beneath the gorgeous package, Tristan is a great guy who deserves a woman who really appreciates him. Slowly but surely, Zoey realizes she may have found her perfect match—but does Tristan even know how her feelings have changed? Is that warm look in his eyes gratitude for the new and exciting world she’s ushered him into, or something more? And what will happen when Zoey’s ex comes to town, looking to win her back?

I was so excited that Evanovich finally had a new book coming out – it had been about three years since her last book (The Total Package) and I really loved all three of her previous books. While I enjoyed this one, I must admit that I was the tiniest bit disappointed.

This is a very short book (272 pages) and a very quick read. The basic plot line is good, but I would have liked a bit more character development, especially for Tristan, our man of the hour, and Derek, the ex. I felt like I got to know Zoey pretty well and this is definitely her story to tell, but her ex was a real mystery. He barely made a blip in the story even though a lot of the plot, Zoey’s reason for being in New York, the reason she almost loses Tristan, depended on Derek. There was just enough back story to make the major plot points feasible but I would have liked more, especially his relationship with Zoey’s family – as lifelong friends before marriage, that seemed important but is barely glossed over.

Tristan was also a bit of an enigma but definitely a man in want of a makeover. We do get most of his backstory, but some of the choices he makes throughout the book weren’t always clear to me. That said, I couldn’t help but root for Zoey and Tristan to find their way to one another so I did get my happy ending. There’s not as much sizzle as in previous books, but that really worked well for these characters in this story.

There are some really funny moments in the story, as well as some sweet ones. And of course, I loved the foodie subplot. Wishing hard for that kitchen! Ultimately, I couldn’t put the book down and read it in one sitting, despite my minor quibbles. Now I hope I don’t have to wait as long for the next book!

4/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

UNDER THE TABLE by Stephanie Evanovich. William Morrow (April 16, 2019). ISBN 978-0062415929. 272p.

Kindle

Audible

Comments Off on UNDER THE TABLE by Stephanie Evanovich | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Contemporary | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

COLORADO COWBOY by Sara Richardson

April 15, 2019

Click to purchase

Rocky Mountain Riders, Book 5

From the publisher:

Come home to Topaz Falls, Colorado where a down-on-her-luck bull rider falls for the cowboy she can’t resist in this heart-warming western romance!

As a champion barrel racer, Charity Stone has learned to hold her own in the male-dominated rodeo world. There’s no cowboy she can’t handle…except for one. Officer Dev Jenkins has made it clear he doesn’t look at her like one of the guys. He’s caught her attention but Charity doesn’t do relationships–especially not with a cowboy. When she suddenly finds herself in charge of her thirteen-year-old nephew, who’s had a few brushes with the law, Charity has no choice but to ask for the deputy’s help.

Dev hasn’t stopped fantasizing about Charity since she moved to Topaz Falls, but she’s been hell bent on keeping her distance. When she comes to him for help with her nephew, he finally has the chance to make his move. Winning her over won’t be easy, though—especially when her nephew’s mistakes start to threaten his town. How can he do his job and still convince Charity he’s the cowboy for her?

Includes the bonus story “Unbroken” by Jay Crownover!

I started this series by reading the fourth book True-Blue Cowboy, and at that time, it felt like I must have missed something by not reading the earlier books in the series. With this fifth book, I didn’t have that feeling. In fact, I didn’t even realize it was a series book until after I’d read it. To me, that says a lot about the writing – this book easily stands alone. From what I can surmise, this series is set in the town of Topaz Falls, Colorado, but beyond that, I’m not sure what else crosses over.

I loved, loved, loved the strong female protagonist in this book. Charity isn’t looking for a cowboy, she is one. Cowgirl. Whatever. She’s a rodeo star in her own right which was a refreshing change to me. I’ve read a lot of cowboy romances and while there have been some strong women for sure, I don’t remember one that felt turned on its head like this one. The man in the other half of this equation is a cop, not a cowboy; well, not a rodeo star at any rate. He does help work his family ranch so he can wear the cowboy hat without irony.

There are a lot of family dynamics at play here, the subplots are as interesting as the main romance. This was a terrific story and I highly recommend it.

If you’d like to read them in order (and tell me what I’m missing!) here you go:

4/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

COLORADO COWBOY by Sara Richardson. Forever (April 2, 2019). ISBN 978-1538712276. 448p.

Kindle

Comments Off on COLORADO COWBOY by Sara Richardson | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Contemporary, Cowboy | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

MEET CUTE by Helena Hunting

April 15, 2019

Click to purchase

From the publisher:

The New York Times bestselling author of Pucked and The Good Luck Charm delivers a Hollywood happily-ever-after where a famous heartthrob falls for his ultimate fangirl.

“As charming as its title, but it’s also so much more… Fans of Jasmine Guillory’s The Wedding Date and Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient will love Meet Cute.” —The Washington Independent Review of Books

Kailyn Flowers was always calm, rational, and controlled–until she ended up sprawled all over Daxton Hughes, the former actor she totally crushed on as a teenager. Then she did the unthinkable: She became a mortifying fangirl in five seconds flat, which may or may not have included professing her undying love. And oddly, he didn’t run away. In fact, their meet cute led to a friendship she never saw coming. Of course, she never saw his betrayal coming, either…

Now Dax needs her help. As guardian to his thirteen-year-old sister, he’s in way over his head. And though Kailyn hasn’t forgiven Dax, she isn’t heartless enough to make him fend for himself, either. Soon their friendly meetings turn into flirty dinner dates, and Kailyn can feel their chemistry is as explosive as ever. But how can she possibly let down her guard again to a guy who has heartbreak written all over him?

Goodreads Hottest Romances of 2019

Featured in Entertainment Weekly

Featured on PopSugar

SheReads Most Anticipated Reads of 2019

Heroes & Heartbreakers Anticipated Books of 2019

Chatelaine’s Hottest Romances of 2019

This was the first book I’ve read from this author and I immediately put her last book, Good Luck Charm, on reserve at my library. I really liked this book – it lives up to its “meet cute” title. In a delicious twist, it’s the male protagonist, Dax, who explains what a meet cute is to our heroine.

I loved these characters. Kailyn is a smart cookie, and even though she’s definitely a fangirl, her anger over a perceived slight from their law school days keeps her emotions in check. That is, until she starts having to spend time with Dax and his teenage sister. As their relationship deepens, there is a secret that Kailyn is keeping. Yes, that old trope rears its ugly head again. But it almost works here, the rationale seems fairly logical even though it’s dragged out a little too long. But then again, they need a good hurdle to make the ending worthwhile. I could live with it because I liked both of these characters and wanted them to work out. And of course they do, with enough sex thrown in to keep it interesting.

My only (minor) quibble is with the subplot that deals with a custody battle between Dax and his aunt over his little sister. It was pretty obvious what was going on but the why was at least interesting. The denouement could have been a little less obvious, too – it seemed like Hunting got to that point and said okay, time to fix this and boom, there you have it.

Give me great characters, a decent storyline, and enough drama to keep me turning the pages. Throw in some laughs and I’m a happy reader. Well done.

4/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

MEET CUTE by Helena Hunting. Forever (April 9, 2019). ISBN 978-1538760185. 384p.

Kindle

Comments Off on MEET CUTE by Helena Hunting | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Contemporary | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

HARD LOVING COWBOY by A. J. Pine

April 12, 2019

Click to purchase

Crossroads Ranch Series, Book 4

From the publisher:

This cowboy’s handsome, sexy, and definitely off limits . . .

Walker Everett spends his days at the Crossroads Ranch wrangling cattle-and steering clear of anything that would complicate his already too-complicated life. Until Violet Chastain, the ranch’s newest employee, asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend for her parents’ anniversary party. She’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever met and needs his help. How can he refuse?Violet isn’t about to fall for a brooding bad-boy cowboy, no matter how sizzling their chemistry. But she also never expected Walker to go along with the charade. Before long, he’s charming her parents at their weekly dinners and kissing her way more than necessary. Spending so much time together tests the limits of their “just friends” relationship, but what happens when their game of pretend becomes all too real?

Includes the bonus story Rocky Mountain Cowboy by Sara Richardson!

The fake boyfriend is a good romance standby, and it works really well here. Violet has some serious family issues, and when Walker fakes it for her parents, too, she is really happy. Especially as she’s falling for him, despite all her reasons not to.

Walker is a good man, even if he is a cowboy. I lived in Dallas for five years in the early 80’s and rarely saw cowboys like the ones in these books. I think I mostly saw urban cowboys, thanks to the movie (John Travolta) and the TV series, “Dallas.” I lived just a few miles from Southfork and never saw them filming. I did see Susan Howard (“Donna Krebs”) in the hair salon once. But I digress.

I love this contemporary cowboy romance subgenre, and this one is pretty good. But I think it will be better once I read the other books in the series!

Crossroads Ranch Series, in order according to Amazon, sometimes:

Second Chance Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch Book 1) Feb 27, 2018
Saved by the Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch Book 2) Aug 7, 2018 (according to the author’s website, this is book 1.5 so maybe a novella?)
Tough Luck Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch Book 3) Aug 28, 2018 (according to the author’s website, this is book 2)
Hard Loving Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch Book 4) Mar 26, 2019 (according to the author’s website, this is book 3)

So according to the author, I read books 2 and book 3 and there is no book 4. And I can’t borrow Saved by the Cowboy from my library so I guess I’ll just be missing that one. Sigh.

4/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

HARD LOVING COWBOY by A. J. Pine. Forever (March 26, 2019). ISBN 978-1538727119. 480p.

Kindle

Comments Off on HARD LOVING COWBOY by A. J. Pine | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Contemporary, Cowboy | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS by Victoria James

April 8, 2019

Click to purchase

From the publisher:

From New York Times bestseller Victoria James comes a poignant and heartfelt romance that wraps you in a warm embrace…

Eight years ago, Tyler Donnelly left Wishing River, Montana, after a terrible fight with his father and swore he’d never return. But when his father has a stroke, guilt and duty drive him home, and nothing is as he remembers––from the run-down ranch to Lainey Sullivan, who is all grown up now. And darn if he can’t seem to stay away.

Lainey’s late grandma left her two things: the family diner and a deep-seated mistrust of cowboys. So when Tyler quietly rides back into town looking better than hot apple pie, she knows she’s in trouble. But she owes his dad everything, and she’s determined to show Ty what it means to be part of a small town…and part of a family.

Lainey’s courage pushes Ty to want to make Wishing River into a home again―together. But one of them is harboring a secret that could change everything.

This was the first book I read by this author, and it was pretty good. It is a sweet romance, centered around family dynamics and has just enough drama to keep the pages turning. The characters are well developed, even the secondary ones, and I liked getting to know them all and the small town that is pretty much another character in this story. There is a bit of mystery surrounding the family feud between Ty and his dad which makes sense as it unfolds.

Lainey’s keeping a secret from Ty. This is a common trope in romances, and not my favorite. She knows she should tell him yet there never seems to be a good time until it blows up. I guess I’m too blunt in my own life to truly understand why people do this. You’re in a relationship, be honest or get out. Just my opinion, for what it’s worth.

That is a minor quibble though. The story moves along nicely, and it is always good to end a book with a smile. I love the happily ever after found here.

4/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS by Victoria James. Entangled: Amara (March 26, 2019). ISBN 978-1640635418. 320p.

Kindle

Comments Off on THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS by Victoria James | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Contemporary, Cowboy | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

CRASHING INTO HER by Mia Sosa

April 2, 2019

Click to purchase

Love on Cue, Book 3

From the publisher:

Relationships are a thing of the past for Eva Montgomery. Her current motto? You can’t spell “manipulative” without man. But Eva has needs, and a one-night-stand at her best friend’s wedding is the perfect way to kick off her new approach to singledom. Then a job opportunity puts her in the same city with the guy she can’t forget.

Anthony Castillo is a perpetual bachelor—no strings, just flings—a status he maintains by being honest about his intentions and never looking back. So why is he still thinking about the firecracker of a woman who rocked his world at his cousin’s wedding? It’s a question he refuses to answer, until she comes crashing back into his life, taking his emotional walls down with her.

When her father doubts her ability to make it in LA, Eva vows to go big and prove him wrong. With her athletic background, she’s an ideal candidate for stunt work. But first she’ll need training, and the instructor is none other than her former hookup, Anthony Castillo. Except he’s not as cocky as she remembers and he’s definitely still sexy as sin. The only problem is . . . Anthony doesn’t want her anywhere near his stunt school—or his heart.

“Snappy writing imbued with a deliciously acerbic sense of humor . . . the new go-to author for fans of sassy and sexy contemporary romances.” —Booklist

This was a fun and interesting read. I admit I don’t know much about stunt work, so that was a very interesting aspect of the story. The romance was good, too. I liked these characters and was rooting for them to get together. But of course, it wouldn’t be a romance without some real obstacles in the way. But they work past what they can and everyone gets their happily ever after, just like in life. (I wish.)

This is the third book of a series, so if you’ve read the previous two you will feel right at home. But if you haven’t, no worries, Sosa does a great job of making you feel like you haven’t missed a thing. Sosa is also really good at writing family drama and relationships, making it all seem so real and believable.

This is another good entry into a terrific, sexy series.

4/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

CRASHING INTO HER by Mia Sosa. Avon Impulse; Reissue edition (April 2, 2019). ISBN 978-0062878762. 400p.

Kindle

Comments Off on CRASHING INTO HER by Mia Sosa | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: #ownvoices, Contemporary | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

THE CHANCE by Robyn Carr

March 18, 2019

Click to purchase

Thunder Point, Book 4

From the publisher:

Share the joys, heartbreaks, challenges and triumphs of the people who inhabit the small Oregon town of Thunder Point with #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr

With its breathtaking vistas and down-to-earth people, Thunder Point is the perfect place for FBI agent Laine Carrington to recuperate from a gunshot wound and contemplate her future. The locals embraced Laine as one of their own after she risked her life to save a young girl from a dangerous cult. Knowing her wounds go beyond the physical, Laine hopes she’ll fit in for a while and find her true self in a town that feels safe. She may even learn to open her heart to others, something an undercover agent has little time to indulge.

Eric Gentry is also new to Thunder Point. Although he’s a man with a dark past, he’s determined to put down roots and get to know the daughter he only recently discovered. When Laine and Eric meet, their attraction is obvious to everyone. But while the law enforcement agent and the reformed criminal want to make things work, their differences may run too deep…unless they take a chance on each other and find that deep and mysterious bond that belongs to those who choose love over fear.

We met Laine briefly in The Hero. She was an FBI agent working undercover at the commune who helped Devon (and others) escape. Spoiler alert: if you haven’t read The Hero, stop reading now!

Laine was shot and rescued by Rawley, Cooper, Devon and Spencer and ended up with a fairly serious shoulder injury due to the gunshot. This book opens as she has taken a leave of absence from the FBI to recover more fully. It’s only been a few months but she needs some space from her job and her family back in Boston. She moves to Thunder Point because she wants to get as far away from her father as possible. Laine is from a family of doctors, and her father’s disapproval of her career choice comes to a head after she is shot. Thunder Point is always welcoming to strangers, especially when one of their own, Devon, is a friend.

We also met Eric briefly when he found out that his high school girlfriend did, in fact, have the baby she told him she was carrying. He ran at the time, and didn’t give her a whole lot of thought. But now that he’s found her, Eric is grateful to start a relationship with her. That leads him to buying the service station in Thunder Point, and to meeting Laine.

You couldn’t find two more different people if you tried. Eric is an uneducated former felon who grew up with very little, and Laine is FBI and Boston Brahmin, not exactly a match you’d expect. But they find their way to each other, one step at a time, and it’s a terrific romance. Laine is also dealing with family stuff that adds another layer to the story.

Another rather abrupt ending forced me to start book five in the series, The Promise. I am thoroughly enjoying this series!

3/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE CHANCE by Robyn Carr. MIRA; 1st edition (February 25, 2014). ISBN 978-0778315995. 360p.