I listened to the audiobook of this book.  I really liked that there was both a male and female voice.

This is a nice southern romance involving college-aged adults.  It’s a two-for romance where the relationships between Gunner/Ellie and Jeff/Ari flourish.  There was a mix of innocence, stupidity, highly-charged sexuality, protectiveness, immaturity, and responsibility.  I liked how the characters were flawed.  In Particular, I appreciated how Gunner, a seemly infinitely patient guy, finally reached his limit with Ellie’s insecurities.

Beware, ends in a cliffhanger.

I plan to continue with next in the series.

 to Kelly Elliot! 

I believe that there is always a book out there to read no matter your mood.  If you get into a fight with someone you love, this is a great book to read.  It’s literally a quick reminder (only 24 pages) about forgiveness.  It’s done in a modern, believable, and most importantly a romantic way.

I’m not a huge fan of short stories and novellas, but this is one I know that I’ll read again in the future.

 to P J Haynie!

This story takes during the 1950’s when many Americans were highly suspicious of Russians living in the U.S.  The disdain to which Ivan’s family has endured has scared him and turned him into a hard and bitter man.  At first, his gruff nature was very off-putting.  Despite this, some continue to offer him kindness that he fails to see.  It isn’t until June starts chipping away at his attitude does he find a way to smile.

Ivan is attracted to June. “Why was she so embedded inside of him? This woman with whom he’d shared a handful of heated words.  Maybe because she hadn’t balked.  She hadn’t backed away from his hard glare.  There was determination in her face, courage in her eyes.”

June is not without her own personal challenges.  She must break away from her ever pleasing attitude and not constantly succumb to other’s expectations.

Like many other romances, misunderstandings tear the lovers apart.  But what was unique here was the deeply rooted understanding between them that wills them together.

The “superhero” aspect in this book becomes a more prominent piece of the story.  Sorry but I’m not going to spoil the story line and give away too much.

I do love the romantic use of Ivan’s ability to make flowers grow.  He wants to bring flowers to June, but not just any ordinary flower.  He puts a lot of thought into what would be a perfect flower choice.  “June’s flower wasn’t anything he’d find in a greenhouse, or a florist’s shop, or even in a meadow.  June was singular, and she could only be contained in the bloom of his power.”

A man willing to put that much thought into a gift for a woman is the epitome of romance!

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Lily Cahill – Sparked   

 to Lily Cahill!

Who wouldn’t fall in love after just one first date with Xavier Townsend?  He’s attractive, gracious, sweet, and romantic?  Not exactly what you would expect from the bad boy playboy, which makes him all the more alluring.

Lila is a strong young woman that is not easily impressed by good looking men.  But she can’t deny the chemistry that she feels for Xavier.  It’s too strong for her not to take a chance.

Let’s talk romance.  Romance isn’t all about roses and chocolates, but this book brings the use of roses to an entirely new level.  It all begins with a date to a garden in Las Vegas (unique due to the climate of the area) where Xavier purchases a rose bush for Lila.  I love the use of roses as a continuing theme throughout the story.

While this story fades to black for all the intimate scenes, it is still hot.  The attraction between Lila and Xavier is expressive.

 to Jennifer Milliken!

Not all romance novels have to break sacrements in order to stir up scintillating taboo passion.  In Kissing Cassie, Cassie is in the final stages of a bad marriage: they hardly converse, don’t do anything together, and don’t engage in sex.  Even the last ditch effort of a romantic get-away doesn’t reignite their relationship.  But when Cassie literally falls into the arms of a gorgeous Hollywood actor, Jared, she doesn’t break her vows and sleep with him.

The pace of this book is extraordinary.  The kindness, respect, and patience that Jared and Cassie show each other is the root of what makes their passion hot.

This book is full of surprises that left me saying, “Wow, I didn’t see that one coming.”  That is something that I rarely find in romance books, but is a treasure.

 to L.T. Kelly!

This is a sweet and romantic Romeo and Juliet story.  The setting is in the 1950’s in Colorado.  The details that define the time period are lovely.  I truly appreciated the unexpected twists in this happily-ever-after story.

Clayton, the rich boy from the good family, acquires the power to extract energy from living things and then dispose of the power.  He’s good looking, well educated, but also a risk taker that goes for what he wants.  It’s heart-warming to read about how he learns to earn the affections of Cora without offending her with money.

Cora, the poor girl from the shunned family, acquires the power to move and control water.  But more than that, she is independent and extremely protective of her younger sister.

Their unique skills only serve as a commonality for the two lovers to share.  Their true connection is on a much more organic level.

This is the first in a series of books, which promises to explore the powers of the characters more in future books.

 to Lily Cahill!

This is a very romantic novel in the truest sense.  The setting of Cape May is described in extreme detail and is utterly charming.  If you are interested in a book about a love affair where the characters are 60 years old, this would be a great pick.  After Michael finally kisses Joanna, it was nearly impossible to put down the book.  The author uncovers every emotional aspect in the novel.  The characters’ feelings felt very real and justified.  I was pleased how the story ended for all of the characters.

 to Holly Caster!