If youâre looking for something sweet, light hearted, filled with laughter and love, then grab up Operation Meet Cute, the first book in KM Neuholdâs new Operation HEA series.
Adorable Harlow , his parents ugly divorce haunting him, decides the way to HEA and his true love is through a movie âmeet cuteâ moment. And heâs been busy staging his own for yearsâŠ.to no avail.
Teddy, his neighbor upstairs, has been watching Harlowâs search go unrewarded for 4 years, the same amount of time Teddy has been Harlowâs best friend. Only his heart wants more.
This best friends to lovers story is funny, engaging, full of great lines and captivating characters. Alternative POV work beautifully to move both the storylines and romance forward.
By the time weâve reached the ending, both the couple and reader are satisfied and ready for the next step.
What can I say? What a outstanding story! And not the least of which because every element comes across as a fully adult intelligent relationship thatâs being explored, grown, and in the end, committed to.
Hallelujah
Rainbow Cove is a terrific series, heartwarming, rainbow, and yes, kinky.
Hope on the Rocks delivers up the story of bartender/co owner of Rainbow Tavern, Adam Ringerâs, path to a very beautiful and somewhat kinky HEA.
His partner to be? Dr Quinn Strauss, the townâs GP whoâs current heartbreak leads him to Adamâs bar, a load of cocktails and a drunken confession about his secret desire for a Daddy.
Which just so happens to fit beautifully in with Adamâs need to be a Daddy, especially to the appealing man before him so in need of being taken care of.
What follows is first an agreement for a summer friends with benefits arrangement, no ties, to help Quinn explore fully his sexual/emotional desire for a Daddy.
As with the previous story. Lumber Jacked, which explored rope kink, beautifully so, Hope on the Rocks focuses its men and their burgeoning relationship around their mutual desire/need for Daddy kink. Albert expertly uses her characters and their relationship to explain exactly what this type of kink means and how it fits into a committed partnership.
Far from any sort of sex tutelage into Daddy role play, we get a sexy, moving, and meaningful story, full of adult communication on each otherâs needs, expectations, and secret desires. Safety and trust, patience and love. All seen and experienced by Quinn and Adam as their summer and relationship deepens.
What barriers there are to overcome are ones that are equally realistic and ones I appreciate as they affected their dynamic. Demands by family, fears generated by past history, even work schedulesâŠ..all that rings so true.
The men are so sympathetic and engaging, both separately and as a couple that I read this story from start to finish without stopping. Thatâs a true measure for me of how much I love a book and how fully Iâm involved in that universe and couple.
Here? It was 100 percent, I was all in and didnât want to leave them and Rainbow Cove behind at the end.
I have no idea how many more stories the author intends to write in this series but hereâs hoping that Rainbow Coveâs future is bright, as shiny and wonderful as this story and all those before it.
Tara Lainâs stories always leave me with warm, happy feelings. I certainly adore the characters she introduces her readers to in her books and series. And her storylines are well plotted and end satisfactory.
So it was with real anticipation that I started her Fuzzy Love series . The central character being a Papillon, huge bat earned tiny ball of high intelligence and energy. Yep, Iâm all in immediately as I love books with animals as main or largely secondary characters.
Can I say right now I absolutely love Bat? Thatâs Batshit Crazy, the Queen of the Universe, yes, sheâs amazing.
The rest of the universe and main couple, Em, the vet and the defense attorney, Finn Morgenstern, are so engaging and heartwarming that they not only deserve Bat but clearly each other and a HEA.
This story is full of suspense, action, character growth, romance, and dog on criminal adventures. Itâs fast paced and so much fun.
I was fully involved with everyone and their relationships, and their HEA.
That includes the delightful glimpses we get of the people in the next books who inhabit Emâs sitting room .
Iâm absolutely recommending this book and the series. The cover is on point. Look at that dog! The coloring exactly and the attitude! Pure sass! And the butterfly ears the breed is named for. Love it.
Reviewers And Dog Lover/owners note: Like tv series and movies, a book can make a breed so irresistible that it makes people want one for themselves, without exactly checking out if that breed is right for you and your lifestyle.
Tara Lain does a responsible job here in noting aspects of the Papillon breed that make it not for everyone. They are highly energetic and intelligent. They are territorial, and yes barkâŠ..a lot. Alarm barking, hey look whatâs passing by, whatâs that sound barking. Itâs part of the breed and she had her characters mention that repeatedly, albeit fondly and sometimes with exasperation.
They do outstanding as agility dogs because they need an outlet for that intelligence and energy. Donât confuse this breed with that of a lap dog. Uh no. đ
Want to explore more ? YouTube Papillon in agility and Papillon dog facts. They are a fantastic breedâŠ.for the right people.
This story has such amazing energy! And Iâm not just talking about that great title.
From the start I fell in love with the plot, characters, and settings for Prancing of a Papillon.
It was effortless to fall so throughly into the lives and relationships of the people here.
From the sad, vulnerable moment we meet Jericho Jones , with his motherâs Cairn terrier, Killer, and , of course, Batshit. Heâs on a blind date and itâs awful. Jericho is sweet and gentle and introverted. The exact opposite of what his huge âExterminator â exterior projects. That sets up an immediate conflict between what the men he meets assumes heâs going to be and the withdrawing âold maid â he considers himself. That chasm in expectations leads once more to disaster.
And a broken-hearted harshly rejected Jericho.
Fear not! Because this man and romance has a super Papillon on his side!
Bringing back Batâs owners from Passions of a Papillon, Finn and Em, our gentle hearted first grade teacher Jericho proceeds to get involved in the wildly entertaining business of the professional dog show world. A former Best in Show and Champion in her former life, Bat has been missed on the circuit and whoâs better to accompany Bat on her return as her handler then Jericho! But he needs training.
Enter Ichiko the trainer/handler for well known Papillon breeder and downright gorgeous Brees Apollonia., Rodolfo , his Champion Papillon in tow. Soon thereâs romance, mystery, suspense, and fabulous dogs prancing their hearts out in show rings to cheers from the crowd. Thereâs even another wonderful secondary character, Kathy ⊠new owner/handler of Papillon White Trash, to join in on the action..
Prancing of a Papillon! You got that right! If youâve ever seen Westminster or Crufts Dog Show then youâve seen this breed. All high energy, enormous butterfly ears at attention, the brightest eyes totally focused on the job and handler. Ah but put them down and let them start around the ring? Magic! Those tiny legs pumping , flying up high, prancing as fancy as anything imaginable, head held like royalty. And barking to let everyone know they are THERE! Always to the huge enjoyment of the people watching. YouTube it.
Tara Lain has captured this perfectly. The flow of communication between dog and handler. The judging and the various owners/ handlers. Itâs quite the show and not just in the ring.
In fact everything about this story is just so fine. The characters that pour themselves into your heart ,
(Jericho Jones I truly adore), the many layered plot, the venue. The romance which swung from fragile to sexy to perfection âŠ..woof!
And yes, the humor, bravery, and cheers for Bat and all the dogs involved.
Yes, this turned out to be my favorite after all.
Thatâs hard in a series I loved this much. Grab them all up and find your own.
A note about that outstanding cover! Yup thatâs both Jericho and Brees to perfection. But the best? That Batshit Crazy is accurately pictured as fawn Papillon. Thatâs the brown and white coloring. Rodolfo is black and white , similar to the dog pictured on the other covers. Just one more reason this is the Best in Show!
Reviewers And Dog Lover/owners note: Like tv series and movies, a book can make a breed so irresistible that it makes people want one for themselves, without exactly checking out if that breed is right for you and your lifestyle.
Tara Lain does a responsible job here in noting aspects of the Papillon breed that make it not for everyone. They are highly energetic and intelligent. They are territorial, and yes barkâŠ..a lot. Alarm barking, hey look whatâs passing by, whatâs that sound barking. Itâs part of the breed and she had her characters mention that repeatedly, albeit fondly and sometimes with exasperation.
They do outstanding as agility dogs because they need an outlet for that intelligence and energy. Donât confuse this breed with that of a lap dog. Uh no. đ
Want to explore more ? YouTube Papillon in agility and Papillon dog facts. They are a fantastic breedâŠ.for the right people.
Thereâs no literary voice like BA Tortugaâs . As I read one of her stories, the richness of the regional dialect that rolls out from the mouths of her characters rings with such authenticity that I can still hear those words and sentences even now.
Itâs not just a muttered âsweet baby Jesusâ or a âall you allâ. Nor is it all the many local dishes eaten, barbecue grilled ( btw Iâm definitely taking up the pickled mustard seed tyvm), or even the Tex mex delicious drool worthy food her characters devour, nope, itâs more. Itâs small town Texas itself, the good, the heartwarming, and yes, the ugly. BA Tortuga knows the land and itâs people on a truly cellular level and is able to take that knowledge and love and pour it into her books.
I always feel as though I honestly know these people, these flawed human beings she writes so well. Here itâs Jericho and his children, a rancher neighbor of Baileyâs. Sheâs got a stalker and called her brother Anderson back in California for help. A brother bullied as a youth in school there in that small Texas town and now reborn as Logic, a highly successful tv robotics Star, writer, and robot builder. The renewal of acquaintance sparking more, being in town pulling up old memories.
Both the sister and Jericho have children and again, these kids are so well written. Perfect for their ages, each voice memorable and funny, engaging and sweet. When Travis meets his hero Logic for the first time and thinks heâs being punked? Perfection!
I could read that and enjoy their relationship over and over.
In fact all the interplay between the families just draws you into this incredible dynamic and makes you want to be a huge part of it as well.
Thereâs drama, hurt/comfort elements. But also for me thereâs that great ending..
Iâve really debated with myself over how much to say here about it. Because at one point I thought BA was going to go a certain way with it ( shame on me, should have known better) because hey, isnât that what happens with romances like this.
I know I know. Wet noodle time. Trust in the Tortuga.
So yep, fantastic endingâŠ.. ok I wanted more but I say that about all her stories. Canât stop now. Thatâs because I never want them to end. Sue me.
But this one? Itâs so special. One of my favorites out of so many of hers. Read it and I think youâll agree.l
A series thatâs centered around the smarts of a Papillon? One called the Queen of The Universe, aka Batshit Crazy? Love it!
As someone familiar with the breed ( a groomer of mine had 3 he brought to work with him), the author captured their high intelligence and marvelous personality to perfection. Loved the way Lain wove the antics of this wonder dog into her plot of suspense and mystery. With its aspects of academia job applicants , stress/joy of teaching and then the romance with all the characters, human and animalâŠwell, itâs is just so entertaining and quite wonderful.
Animals done well in books always add that extra layer of warmth and layers for me. Here Bat, Harry, and Cat were the perfect characters and plot foils time after time. Paired with their humans, their dynamics allows us a window into each personâs character and sometimes current emotional state, showing us a vulnerability we might not see otherwise.
Cat the abandoned Abyssinian works so beautifully with Jack Sparks, a human being, isolated by history and need. Harry the ingratiating pit bull in love with Bat works perfectly as a foil for the twins, the adorable Toby Albertine and his sister Molly. Toby the twin in need of a fake boyfriend and a real love life. And Batshit the super Papillon who brings everything and everyone together.
Humor is also a lovely part of the storyline, especially with regard to the animals and their association with each other . Bat is after all Harryâs true â€ïž.
Itâs a fast paced, emotionally satisfying, well written story. And it ties up the 3-book series in a way that everyone will love. Including me.
This is a marvelous story. Read them all and see for yourself which of Batâs capers come the closest to your heart.
Reviewers And Dog Lover/owners note: Like tv series and movies, a book can make a breed so irresistible that it makes people want one for themselves, without exactly checking out if that breed is right for you and your lifestyle.
Tara Lain does a responsible job here in noting aspects of the Papillon breed that make it not for everyone. They are highly energetic and intelligent. They are territorial, and yes barkâŠ..a lot. Alarm barking, hey look whatâs passing by, whatâs that sound barking. Itâs part of the breed and she had her characters mention that repeatedly, albeit fondly and sometimes with exasperation.
They do outstanding as agility dogs because they need an outlet for that intelligence and energy. Donât confuse this breed with that of a lap dog. Uh no. đ
Want to explore more ? YouTube Papillon in agility and Papillon dog facts. They are a fantastic breedâŠ.for the right people.
I adore this author and eagerly grab up each new offering as she releases it. Doesnât matter what trope or character type, Iâll know that the authorâs engaging style, her well layered characters and terrific plot will have me deeply entertained and throughly meshed with whatever universe and romance sheâs created.
So it was with real interest that I saw a chance to read Albertâs very first story and series. I wanted to see what her first book and couple looks like and how much I could learn about the beginnings of a author I admire.
Here we have the story of a tv singing competition, a cobbled-together singing group and the two wildly different young men in it who go on to romance and hopefully a HEA . One flamboyant, desperately competitive and definitely out gay. The other quiet, from a conservative religious family that accepts heâs homosexual but only within a strict set of guidelines. And away from home for the first time.
Thatâs the barest story framework. Then Albert works a lovely sort of magic.
All the elements I expect from Annabeth Albert now in her series I can see here. Not fully . Not yet but the rough, lovely start of the complex, flawed people who we will meet in all the stories and series to come.
The messy personal dynamics? Check. The personal growth and self revelation? Check. Here the epiphany and hard choices seem to arrive and resolve themselves too quickly for all the history that both the men have and the sea changes each has to undergo.
But itâs her first book. So yes I get it. All that is a new author, one whoâs works will , one after another, settle, show growth themselves, a strength and depth that here glimmers as promise.
Is this still a very sweet and lovely story to read. Absolutely. A must is the list of songs from the author at the end. Donât miss them or any of the videos she listed. They enrich the story and will make you smile.
So a definite yes. Iâm recommending it and will finish the series.
A Case for Christmas is just plain amazing. Sumptuous in period details, incredibly well written, and so full of clever scintillating dialogue that a review could easily be filled with one quote after another, itâs one to remember.
From the unusual cast of characters, to a twisting, devious mystery, and a romance that the reader is never quite sure is actually going to come together, along with the misgivings , miscommunications, and overall misunderstandings by our main leading men. Both of whom feel genuine and genuinely so completely flummoxed by their feelings for each other that it threatens to derail the investigation and the romance.
All the while the reader is steadily pulled into this universe and relationship. We learn to love the Gales, what a mad, wild, incredible bunch they are, the urchins, even the dogs. Itâs the whole of the dynamics here that have you not only entertained but emotionally involved.
Iâm so heavily invested in the proceedings that I couldnât stop reading. I needed to finish and then I was sorry I had because it meant leaving everyone behind before I knew what happened next.
I honestly want more. Another in their story, the next stage, another case. Perhaps a marriage. But definitely more.
After this, youâll feel the same.
Now for the others in the series. Yes need those too.
Winter Cowboy, the first story in a new series by RJ Scott, has a full and varied narrative plot/theme list.
As the first book in the series, itâs required (and does) set in place the history and universe for Whisper Ridge and itâs foundation characters.
We start with Micah Lennox and his sister, Rachel, and her children. The Lennox ranch. The town and its people. Daniel, now the townâs doctor, along with Micah and Danielâs deeply troubled past. A past that includes a traumatic accident, prison, death, and more.
Thatâs the past. Turns thereâs the present with much for multiple characters to deal with on a daily basis. We see elements of PTSD, past evidence of domestic violence, child battery (never seen but referred to), cults, and murder. The aftermath all that takes on a person, no matter the age. As well as everyone, including Danielâs family, dealing still with the ramifications of that car accident years ago that shattered lives.
I havenât even mentioned therapy (thankfully and responsibly the author shows the importance of getting help for all involved).
And we havenât we begun to talk romance yet. We can talk lovers reunited, enemies to lovers, second chance at love? All fav tropes of mine. Yep. All here. Even hurt/comfort. A bit of that too.
Yes, Winter Cowboy carries a full load but in the very capable hands of RJ Scott it all melds together in a cohesive and moving story.
If I had a wish , it would be that Daniel and Micah had more time as a reconciled couple in the story, well yes maybe more than a bit more. I really wanted to get more a feel of them as a couple as we spent so much time on the deep traumatized past that kept them apart and broke up their lives. It was brutal constantly revisiting that accident while no one had really moved on. When they finally forgave themselves and each other the story was almost over. And I wanted more of them new and exploring what it meant to have a âusâ again.
There is a âbridgeâ chapter/prequel after the end of Winter Cowboy that leads us into Summer Drifter, book 2 , in the Whisper Ridge, Wyoming series.
After reading it, I can see we will be getting deeper into the past events mentioned in Winter Cowboy. Hopefully we will see Micah and Daniel too at the next stage in their relationship.
Iâm now looking forward to the next in the series and more of the Lennox Ranch and the tantalizing glimpse I saw of one of the main characters.
Read Winter Cowboy, Daniel and Micah and all the friends and family thatâs making Lennox Ranch home!
I started this series with the second book , A Case for Christmas, which was Lord Christmas Galeâs rocky path to love. So my introduction here to that complicated character through his friendâs perspective was a welcome one.
I actually enjoyed the backwards path I took. I knew of course the ending and some of the vaguest details ( that of Gales involvement) but of the depth of the plot and the emotional journey both Hartwell and Warry must take before they get their HEA, as well as Warryâs sister, that is rolled out here in a high-spirited and heartwarming tale.
What a rollicking romance it is. Lusty, entertaining, full of moments of sheer anticipation and angst. Plus those elements of humor Iâve come to expect from Henry and Rock. Just a outstanding combination.
Itâs all beautifully laid out before us and we are engaged in the characters as the maneuver themselves through and over all the obstacles in their paths to true love and happiness.
I enjoyed everything about this couple and universe. Especially a new viewpoint on Lord Gales. Fascinating.
Now to wait for the release of book 3 in August. It canât come soon enough. Consider me heavily in love with this series.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 