Tuesday 25 September 2018

Make Me Fall by Sara Rider

Title:  Make Me Fall
Author: Sara Rider
Release Date: September 24, 2018
Publisher: Self-published
Series: Books & Brews #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 226

Synopsis:

After losing her job, her home, and her friends in her divorce, Nora Pitts is determined not to make the same mistakes when she starts over in the small town of Shadow Creek, Washington. No more toiling away in the lab at the expense of her social life, and definitely no more men. Ever. But making friends in her thirties is so much harder than she anticipated. And when it comes to her gorgeous yet obnoxious neighbor, it’s a whole lot easier to make enemies.

Eli Hardin doesn’t have a lot of sympathy for his uptight neighbor, until he overhears her so-called new friends making fun of her un-datable status. Suddenly he finds himself volunteering for a date with a woman who’s been leaving angry hate-notes in his mailbox, and in way over his head. Because all it takes is one disastrous date with Nora for Eli to fall hard.

But falling for Eli isn’t something Nora’s ready for—not when he’s her complete opposite, and especially not when he turns out to be the best friend she’s made in Shadow Creek. But as her attraction and her feelings for Eli grow hotter, resisting him might just lead to heartbreak anyway.


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Review: 

I read the first book in this series (Real Kind of Love) a few months ago - you can find the review here - and it was a solid fake romance about Eli's best friend Jake.

Make Me Fall is even better. Nora and Eli seem to have nothing in common but the fence diving their homes. He's a laidback womanizer, the co-owner of a bar. She's the uptight teacher next door.

It's a small victory when they discover the first thing they have in common is chemistry. No, not that type of chemistry, though they later have that in spades. They both studied chemistry at college, though it has taken them in very different directions.

I really loved how while they did find things to share, both of them also learnt to compromise and adjust to each other's differences - because they really are at completely opposite ends of the spectrum. I enjoyed Eli stepping up and taking the responsibility he's dodged as a matter of course, and Nora learning she doesn't have to organise everything and everyone. 

I especially enjoyed that Nora's arc was dually focussed on her relationship with Eli and her growing friendships in Shadow Creek - there's a whole host of characters screaming for their own books! I do wish her ex received some sort of comeuppance, but I suppose you can't have everything.

Overall, an enjoyable and believable opposites attract romance.

Five feel-good stars

I received an advanced reading copy from Barclays Publishing

About Sara Rider:

Sara Rider writes contemporary romance full of heart, heat, and happily ever after. She lives in British Columbia with her husband and daughters. She spends far too much time in public libraries and never leaves the home without her e-reader stuffed in her purse.

Tuesday 18 September 2018

Siren's Calling by Piper J Drake

Title: Siren’s Calling
Author: Piper J. Drake
Series: The Sea King’s Daughters
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: September 18, 2018
Publisher: Independent
Print Length: 22,000 words
ASIN: B07FWSWV5T

Amae Waters will never live up to her father's expectations--she's not a leader and she's not a soldier. Rather than live with his disappointment, she's left his realm and built a life for herself in Seattle, a mermaid blending in with humankind. Her mission? To prepare the oceans for the return of her people. But she's not sure she's cut out to accomplish that either.

A new predator has entered the waters of the Puget Sound, ravaging orcas and leaving their carcasses to wash ashore for humans to find. Whatever is killing them is beyond human understanding and Amae must find it before it irrevocably damages the complex balance of the ocean ecosystems.

But a greater danger lurks in the deep. Amae is done evading traps. She'll defend her territory and prove she needn't be a soldier to be a warrior or become the sacrifice used to end her people.

Look for other stories in this exciting Urban Fantasy series from Philippa Ballantine, Stacia D. Kelly, Lauren Harris, Katee Robert, and Asa Maria Bradley.

Get More information at: Goodreads   Amazon

Review:

The fourth in a series of novellas about mermaids, Siren's Calling still manages to stand on its own. Perhaps it uses a bit too much exposition to get there - Amae sure does like to ruminate on herself - but no matter. The story is fast paced and the two main characters are interesting in their own rights. I can't say too much without spoiling the story, but if you're looking for urban fantasy that isn't vampires or werewolves, this is a great place to dip your toes.

Three and a half stars

I received an ARC from Barclay Publicity; all opinions are my own.

Saturday 8 September 2018

Catch Him if You Can by Jennifer Shirk

Two weeks ago, I posted about this book, but due to administrative troubles, was not able to review it in time for my post. However, I finally had some time this morning, so here goes...

This is such a cute book.

It's a clean friends-to-lovers fake romance, with animals and weddings and unabashed love of the colour pink. It's cosy and happy and filled with good people who do nice things.

It's the story of Arden, a wedding planner who has been gun shy since her own fiance left her at the altar, but who needs a new fiance to shore up her struggling business. It's also the story of Wade, widowed young and heartily sick of their small town playing matchmaker.

If any of the above appeals to you, pick up this book and snuggle in.

My only complaint is that it felt like there were bits of plot that were left hanging that could've been chopped to give me more cute animals and job-based characterisation.

Four and a half pink stars

I received an ARC from Barclay Publicity, but my opinions are my own.