Chick Lit Goddess

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Country romance

BOOK REVIEW: “Forever My Girl”

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“Forever My Girl” by Heidi McLaughlin

Blurb: I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I’m going back.

After ten years.

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl.

My Review: After watching the trailer for “Forever My Girl,” I knew I had to see the movie, so when I found out that it’s based on a book, I instantly downloaded it and started reading it the following day.

This was my first time reading anything by Heidi McLaughlin, and it will not be my last. As one who loves reading country romances mixed with first loves, I knew it would be an enjoyable read. However, what I didn’t know was exactly how much I would love it. Right from the beginning, I was hooked.

Alluring, sweet, sexy, and tempting at the same time, Liam Westbury turned Liam Page is my new book boyfriend. While he did leave town, with his first love, Josie, behind, and went to follow his dreams, I believed he knew he messed up, which was why I understood the constant need to make Josie know the truth about why he left.

While to some, Josie might seem dull and weak, I found her to be not only compassionate but someone I could relate to, especially if I were put in her position.

I don’t give spoilers, but if you read the book, you will know why Liam Page has two sides to him. As for which one I loved the most, I can’t say.

Heidi McLaughlin’s writing was exquisite, and I was left wanting more (it’s a good thing this is a series, right?). The only thing about this book was that there were some editing mistakes, but being so intrigued by the characters and their storylines, it wasn’t too much of a bother.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time), then I highly recommend this quick and touching read.

I give “Forever My Girl” 5 stars!

**Click HERE to see the trailer for “Forever My Girl”

**Grab your copy of “Forever My Girl” now!: Amazon

**Note: I’m reading “My Unexpected Forever,” which is the second book in The Beaumont Series, and it’s so good! (Stay tuned for that review).

NEW RELEASE: “The Sheriff’s Christmas Angel”

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“The Sheriff’s Christmas Angels” by Debra Holt

Blurb: Angels. Emma Cramer doesn’t consider herself an angel by any stretch of the imagination. Temporarily stranded, broke and unable to pursue her dreams of working in the big city following her mother’s death, Emma’s life changes when she rescues a small child and a puppy who get trapped in a garage where Emma’s truck has finally breathed its last . The girl’s relieved and grateful grandmother believes Emma has been sent by angels because her family needs temporary help. She offers Emma a job, a good salary and a place to stay until after the holidays. It seems like a Christmas miracle for both of them.

Angels often appear when least expected, but when the most needed. Cynical sheriff and rancher Cole Drayton has heard that all his life, but he’s never been in the market for much else. He can take care of his daughter, his ranch and his family on his own without his meddling mother, but his long protected heart and desire for isolation is no match for a beautiful stranded stranger and a misfit puppy who make his daughter laugh and him feel alive again.

Can unsuspecting hearts intersect at the moment when love and trust is needed most? Anything is possible with the magic of the Christmas season and faith in the Christmas angels.

**Find “The Sheriff’s Christmas Angels” now: Goodreads   Universal Buy Link

**About Debra Holt: Born and raised in the Lone Star state of Texas, Debra grew up among horses, cowboys, wide open spaces, and real Texas Rangers. Pride in her state and ancestry knows no bounds and it is these heroes and heroines she loves to write about the most. She also draws upon a variety of life experiences including working with abused children, caring for baby animals at a major zoo, and planning high-end weddings (ah, romance!).

When she isn’t busy writing about tall Texans and feisty heroines, she can be found cheering on her Texas Tech Red Raiders, or heading off on another cruise adventure. She read her first romance…Janet Dailey’s Fiesta San Antonio, over thirty years ago and became hooked on the genre. Writing contemporary romances, is both her passion and dream come true, and she hopes her books will bring smiles…and sighs…to all who believe in happily-ever-after’s.

**Contact Debra: Email   Website   Facebook   Goodreads   Twitter   Amazon Author Page

RELEASE DAY BLITZ & REVIEW: “The Brothers of Brigadier Station”

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“The Brothers of Brigadier Station” by Sarah Williams

Blurb:

She came to the outback to marry the love of her life. She just didn’t expect him to be her fiancé’s younger brother.

When Meghan Flanagan, a vet-nurse from Townsville, moves to Brigadier Station in outback Queensland to marry the man of her dreams, she is shocked to discover that perhaps her fiancé isn’t the man she wants waiting for her at the altar. The man she’s destined to marry, just might be his younger brother.

Cautious of women after a disastrous past relationship, Darcy is happy living on his beloved cattle station, spending his spare time riding horses, going to rodeos and campdrafting. He didn’t expect the perfect woman to show up on his doorstep. Engaged to his brother.

With the wedding only hours away, Meghan must make the decision of a lifetime. But, her betrayal could tear the family apart. She knows all too well the pain of losing loved ones and being alone.

Now that she has the family she so desperately wants; will she risk losing it all?

Set in the drought stricken plains of Julia Creek, North Queensland and the coastal city of Townsville this is a rural romance that will leave you asking: Will she marry the right man, for the right reasons?

The Brothers of Brigadier Station is the first in the Brigadier Station series and can easily be read as a standalone. Each of Sarah’s stories are linked so you can find out what happens to the other brothers and your favourite characters in future books.

My Review:  Some readers shy away from sticky situations like this one, though I was intrigued. I’ve been searching for a country romance for a long time and this was exactly what I wanted! “The Brothers of Brigadier Station” starts quickly and I instantly fell in love with the storyline.

Meghan has a heart, so hurting anyone is hard on her, but she can’t help how she feels, even when it comes to brother vs. brother, much less the rest of her life. I’m not going to spoil it for anyone, but this book was sweet and sexy, and, at times, nail-biting. I definitely recommend it for a great summer read. Besides, what’s sexier than a cowboy?! While this is the first book in the series, I definitely look forward to reading more of the author’s books!

I give “The Brothers of Brigadier Station” 4 stars!

**Click HERE to get your copy of “The Brothers of Brigadier Station” now!

**About the author: Sarah Williams spent her childhood chasing sheep, riding horses and picking Kiwi fruit on the family orchard in rural New Zealand. After a decade travelling, Sarah moved to tropical North Queensland to enjoy the heat and humidity and play with Crocodiles.

When she’s not absorbed in her fictional writing world, Sarah is running after her family of four kids, one husband, two dogs and a cat. She helps to run the local writers centre and supports her peers achieve their publishing dreams.Sarah is regularly checking social media when she really should be cleaning.

Sarah is regularly checking social media when she really should be cleaning.

**Contact Sarah: Website   Facebook   Twitter

*****

**Click HERE to see other stops on Sarah’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour!

BOOK REVIEW: “Learning to Ride”

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“Learning to Ride” by Erin Knightley

Blurb:

She never wanted to love a cowboy…

Rodeo king Tanner Callen doesn’t want to be tied down. When he sees Madeline Harper at a local honky-tonk and everything about her screams New York, he brings out every trick in his playbook to take her home. But soon he learns that he doesn’t just want her for a night and, instead, hopes for forever…

My Review: “Learning to Ride” was my second book from James Patterson’s BookShots Flames and it certainly did not disappoint. One of my favorite guilty pleasures is to read books about cowboys, (and it’s not just because I’m from Texas).

I loved how Madeline appears stubborn at first, but when Tanner (easily) convinces her to let her guard down, she’s easily swayed into letting him do what he wants with her, which I don’t think she minded–especially the way the author described him. There were times I laughed and got teary-eyed. When it was over, I was saddened, because I wanted more of Madeline and Tanner. Though, that being said, in the end, I was very happy with the outcome, (sorry, no spoilers).

“Learning to Ride” (a 144-page read) was romantic, funny, sexy and sweet. If you’re looking for a quick beach read or something to cuddle up by the fire, I recommend this book.

I give this book 5 stars!

EW2**About the author: Despite being an avid reader and closet writer her whole life, Erin Knightley decided to pursue a sensible career in science.  It was only after earning her B.S. and working in the field for years that she realized doing the sensible thing wasn’t any fun at all.  Following her dreams, Erin left her practical side behind and now spends her days writing. An award winning and USA Today Bestselling author, she is living her own Happily Ever After in North Carolina with her tall, dark, and handsome husband and their three spoiled mutts.

**Contact Erin: Website   Facebook   Twitter

BOOK REVIEW: “Healing Her Cowboy” by Molly Ann Wishlade

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“Healing Her Cowboy” by Molly Ann Wishlade

Blurb: Home is where the healing is.

Summer Quinn has been away from the Moonglow Dude Ranch a long time. Now she’s coming home. But is she ready for what awaits her?

Summer’s been hurt, her confidence wounded, her trust destroyed, and she has sworn never to fall for a man again. Trouble is, she’s still in love with the one man she thought would never want her.

Barrett Thorne had to quit the rodeo circuit because of injury. One more fall could be fatal. He’s certain he’s no longer desirable, especially since his wife left him for another cowboy. All he wants is manual labor to wear him out and a place to lay his head.

But beneath the Pocono moon, can Summer begin to heal her cowboy?

**Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released as part of the Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats anthology with Totally Bound Publishing.

My Review: Having been in a chick lit read kind of mood recently, I decided to switch it up a bit and accept the offer to read “Healing Her Cowboy.” I’m a huge fan of country romances, so I was eager to start on this 55-page short story.

While some parts were predictable, Summer and Barrett exuded heat when they were around each other. While we didn’t get a glimpse of them as teenagers, the author made it believable that they had chemistry between them, even if they didn’t act on it–that is until they can finally no longer deny each other. I loved the honesty between Summer and Barrett, who both admitted how they felt for each other. As for Summer’s character, she seemed to shine, not just in Barrett’s eyes, but also played a part as the glue that had been waiting for her back home. I loved the ending and was touched how Summer’s mother treated Barrett as one of her own.

If you’re looking for a quickie, I recommend this sexy read, which will have you wishing you had a cowboy of your own!

I give “Healing Her Cowboy” 5 stars!

**Buy your copy of “Healing Her Cowboy” now!: Amazon   Barnes & Noble

About the author: Molly Ann Wishlade has always been an avid reader and writer of stories. Her lifetime of reading has taken her from the magical worlds of The Faraway Tree and The Borrowers, to the Greek myths and legends, to Sweet Valley High and Judy Blume’s Forever, to Asimov’s science fiction, Jane Eyre’s torment and Stephen King’s masterpieces. More recently she has wandered through the vivid historicals of Philippa Gregory; the bubbly, gritty delights of Adele Parks and the fast paced thrillers of James Patterson. She loves getting lost in a novel and often regrets finishing one as the characters are usually missed like old friends. She regularly indulges her insatiable hunger for romance and passion in the delicious worlds created by romantic novelists and is working on several of her own!

What precious spare time she has is spent with her family (one gorgeous husband and two bright and beautiful children), taking long walks around the beautiful Welsh countryside (although she’s still waiting for the rescue greyhound she wants to accompany her), cooking her own secret recipe curries, drinking Earl Grey (in copious amounts) and discovering delicious wines. Oh, and she also loves to ski and can’t wait to go again! And buying shoes!

She wants to take readers on the rollercoaster that is life through the creation of her own characters, relationships and worlds.

She appreciates feedback, recipes and wine recommendations.

**Click HERE to find out more about Molly Ann Wishlade!

Somewhere Down In Texas — Prologue

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This is a prologue to my third book, “Somewhere Down In Texas.”  The following is a first draft and hasn’t been edited, so please ignore any mistakes.

*****

My graduation dinner with my granny ended early so I decided to surprise my boyfriend, Clay, at his house.  His parents were out of town and we were planning on spending the night in each other’s arms.  We had made love only a few times, but we had never just spent the night with each other.

His Chevrolet truck was in the driveway and I smiled, remembering all the fun and memorable times we shared in that old beat up thing.  After checking myself in the mirror and adding some lip gloss, I got out of my car, quietly closing the door on my new BMW convertible and walked up to the porch.  When I reached the knob, I slowly twisted it, opening the Dennis’ home.  They never locked their doors.  Hell, nobody did, in Amarillo, Texas.

When I didn’t see him watching the blaring television in the family room, I tiptoed into the kitchen.  There was no sight of him.  He must be in the bedroom, waiting for me, I thought, as I felt heat rush to my cheeks.  I walked down the dark hallway that was covered with pictures of Clay and his younger sister, Caroline.  His door was cracked, so I pushed it open.  What I saw was horrifying!  My high school sweetheart and my worst enemy, Lila, were in bed together.  The door banged against the wall, startling them, as they both jumped and faced me.  To my surprise, Clay just sat there, as Lila covered herself up with Clay’s sheets — the same light green sheets that I had been tangled up in after a passionate lovemaking session with “Amarillo’s Sexiest Cowboy,” quoting the magazine cover of The Amarillo Man.

“Addie!” Clay said, finally jumping out of bed and putting on his jeans.  “This isn’t what it looks like,” he said as he stumbled his way across the room towards me.

My eyes were filled with tears and I could barely speak.  “What…what is this?”  I looked at him and then at Lila, who looked pleased with herself for causing trouble.  I just stood there and glared at them, not knowing what to do or say.

When Clay tried to reach for me and try to explain, I wouldn’t let him.  “Don’t you touch me,” I said firmly.  “It’s over,” and walked out of his house, as he chased behind me.

“She means nothing to me, love.  It’s you I want.”  He pulled my arm and turned me around to face him.  “It was a mistake.  Baby, please forgive me.”  His eyes squinted together and the fear of losing me covered his face.  “I need you, Adalina, I love you.  Please, don’t leave me.”  His voice sounded desperate.

I ignored his puppy dog look, the one I never could resist.  “I hope Lila was worth it,” I said in a cold tone.  I pressed the key remote to unlock my door, got in my car and sped away.  I didn’t bother to look in my rearview mirror, or to the life that with him that we had planned.