Book Review: The Rules of Falling for You by Mollie Rushmeyer

About the Book:

She thought she knew the rules of love. Turns out, love makes its own.

The perfect match can't be far--certainly not at a Regency-themed singles' retreat--or so podcaster Zoe Dufour believes. After years of creating content for her relationship podcast inspired by Regency etiquette and era-appropriate rules for romance, she knows her listeners have anticipated this retreat. But she also attends with expectations of her own: finding the ideal modern-day gentleman who can meet every one of the nonnegotiables on her checklist.

Harrison Lundquist, Zoe's podcast producer and best friend's brother, reluctantly agrees to tag along on the retreat to capture footage while seeking a career-advancing promotion. He views the retreat as ridiculous. And Zoe's methods for finding her real-life Mr. Darcy? Downright absurd! But as he films her whirlwind dates, his growing feelings for her are sidelined by suitors vying for her attention. When Zoe realizes her checklist for the man of her dreams might be holding her back, she must decide if she's willing to rewrite her rules and take a chance on the person who has been there all along.

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My Thoughts:

The Rules of Falling for You by Mollie Rushmeyer delivered entertaining, romcom fun while holding space for serious issues, namely perfectionism and control. Both Harrison and Zoe learned good lessons and challenged each other to embrace growth and change. This budding couple held good chemistry from the start, though it simmered lower during certain times. It was fun to see them grow closer, though the “third-act breakup” was predictable and my least favorite part of the story. Overall, I enjoyed the novel, and I would read other books by the author. Four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon

About the Book:

Can a librarian’s matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn’t convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection–even if it’s not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn’t surprise him when the town’s quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can’t help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline’s secret matchmaking scheme, he’s not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can’t judge a book–or each other–by the cover.

Read an excerpt from An Overdue Match on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon featured Evangeline, a librarian devoted to the proper treatment of books, and Tai, a tattoo artist unashamed to be who he is. Of the two main characters, Tai was my favorite. I appreciated his determination to treat/love Evangeline well, even when she wasn’t open to dating him. Evangeline was a bit angsty at times, but had satisfying character development by the end of the story.

The shining element in An Overdue Match was the author’s thoughtful treatment of alopecia. I was aware of this condition, but I had not previously read about it in a Christian fiction novel. The author surrounded Evangeline with friends and family who affirmed her worth and beauty despite her hair loss, but Monzon also exposed Evangeline to those who spoke negatively of her condition. I appreciated that Evangeline eventually gained confidence and a healthy way of viewing herself.

An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon commenced the Checking Out Love series. It worked well as a standalone and there was no cliffhanger overlapping into book two (though I do expect to see Tai and Evangeline again). I particularly liked the ending of An Overdue Match, but it did take me a while to finish this novel as it was easy to set down and not pick up for a few days.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Epic Book Launch: Lone Star Sweetheart

About the Book

Book: Lone Star Sweetheart
Author: Shannon Sue Dunlap
Genre: Inspirational Romcom
Release date: May 23, 2023

Katherine Bruno is the shrew of Sweetheart, Texas. Her passionate, unfiltered temper clashes with the gentle pace of her tiny hometown. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife who wants to run in the local election against her own husband, she meets big city political consultant Ryan Park, and cue the fireworks! The handsome campaign manager gets under her skin in a big way, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.

Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends?

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Book Excerpt

Dressed in a tailored white button-down shirt and black dress pants, his lean frame stretched a head taller than the other men. Jet black hair combed in a professional side part. Dark eyes that sparkled—whether from amusement or disdain, she wasn’t sure. And a serene expression showing no embarrassment at being gossiped about by strangers.

He drew a hand from the pocket of his slacks and held it out. “Let me introduce myself. Ryan Park. I prefer baseball over basketball. Eat way too much red meat and tend to be a little OCD about my office space. I'm the hotshot consultant. Although, I'm not sure I deserve the distinction. We'll see how good a job I do.”

The men cleared their throats in an awkward chorus. Feet shuffled as they shook his hand, one by one, their gazes not quite meeting his.

“No offense meant,” Willy mumbled as he tugged on his belt buckle.

“None taken.” The newcomer waved away the apology. “I'd be curious too.”

Curious couldn't begin to describe Katherine's emotions. She stared with her mouth open like a kid finding the deep-fried bubblegum stand at the state fair. Her feet moved forward without asking permission. She dashed to the group and stuck her hand out, the coffee cup still clasped in her other.

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All Lone Star Sweetheart Excerpts

Excerpt One: https://guildmaster97.wordpress.com/2023/05/07/lone-star-sweetheart-epic-book-launch-excerpt/

Excerpt Two: http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-lone-star-sweetheart-by-shannon-sue-dunlap

Excerpt Three: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/lone-star-sweetheart-book-excerpt/

Excerpt Four: https://wp.me/p7qp1R-pYg

Excerpt Five: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/04/epic-book-launch-lone-star-sweetheart.html

Excerpt Six: https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/2023/04/14/lone-star-sweetheart-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Seven: http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/lone-star-sweetheart-book-excerpt/

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About the Author

Shannon Sue Dunlap lives in the lone star state of Texas. She’s a die-hard fan of happy endings and believe there’s a Heavenly Father who’s designed one for each of us. Inspiration comes from everywhere—including worldwide travels, her adorable music students, and the fun and flirty Korean dramas she enjoys watching.

Even in the hard times, there’s humor to be found, and Shannon tries to infuse every story with moments that bring a good chuckle or an all-out belly laugh. One of her greatest hopes is that readers recognize themselves in her books. We’re all such a fabulous mix of flaws and greatness, and everyone is the hero or heroine in their own life story.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Regent University and has published three romances under the pen name Shannon Kent. You can connect with her at www.shannonsuedunlap.com, and if you sign up for her newsletter, you’ll receive a free copy of her romcom novella Flower Boy Tour Guide.

Book Review: Meet Hate by Abi Sabina

About the Book:

Meet Hate is an enemies-to-lovers rom-com with crackling chemistry full of laughs and heart set on a dairy farm. All the tension without the explicit bits. It's the third book in the Meet Cute Series, but it can be read as a standalone.

If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it's that I’ll do anything to prevent some suit from walking onto my family farm and buying it from us.

Hayes may think he can show up at our home, fling a contract in my face, and I’ll drop to my knees and thank him for saving the day, but he’s got it all wrong.

Even if it means Hayes has to spend more time on the farm, sleeping in the bedroom next to me, and almost getting a limb cut off.

When I learn that Hayes needs his job to care for his nephew, I see a different side to the grumpy businessman and understand his motives. He may be the enemy, but soon I can’t deny the chemistry that sizzles between us.

But his boss gives him an ultimatum to finalize the sale or get fired, and I make the greatest sacrifice of my life and sign the contract so he can raise his nephew right. Even if it means losing the man I love.

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My Thoughts:

I enjoyed Meet Hate by Abi Sabina from start to finish. Initially, I thought the title unappealing. However, once I started reading, I was hooked by this enemies-to-lovers romance. The author used this familiar trope to create a feel-good romantic comedy (romcom) that was funny without relying too heavily on pop culture references.  

The characters in Meet Hate undergo limited character development as the focus is on Hayes and Ellie’s growing relationship. Unlike some enemies-to-lovers stories, Ellie’s antagonism of Hayes was completely understandable considering her impending loss. The pronounced tension between them led to legitimately funny moments that had me snickering (mostly at Hayes). The author deftly moved Ellie and Hayes from business-related tension to romantic tension. I enjoyed all the stages of their relationship as well as the story’s conclusion.

Meet Hate lands as the third installment in Abi Sabina’s Meet Cute series. The novel works well as a standalone, but it was so delightful that I’ve already added the prior books to my wish list. I recommend this story to readers who enjoy clean romance with fun, humor, and swoony moments. The only thing I would change would be to omit the last paragraph of the book blurb as it’s a bit of a spoiler.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review & Giveaway: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

About the Book:

How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she's handed a strange present at the latest wedding--a 1950s magazine article of "ways to get a husband"--she decides there's nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can't get any more single, can she?

Her brother's roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love--Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it's an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she's looking for . . .

With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

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My Thoughts:

I loved Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong right up until the last chapter. This novel had solid writing with a steady flow that never wavered or got disrupted. The charming concept of using an antiquated list to find a husband led to some legitimately funny scenes. The themes about maturing before marriage and growing into the largeness of marriage worked well within the story and demonstrated a healthy mindset toward marriage. Furthermore, Kai and Mari grow as individuals and a couple. I loved their romance and rooted for them to get together.

Unfortunately, my appreciation for Husband Auditions dropped due to the open ending. I reached out to the author to ask if there would be a sequel. She replied that there was no sequel in the works, but there was a forthcoming novella featuring some of the side characters. The ending was so disappointing to me that I dropped my rating by a star.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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About the Author:

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there's nothing else she'd rather write about.

She is the author of the Resort to Love series and the CafFUNated mysteries. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. Finding Love in Big Sky was recently filmed on location in Montana and will air soon. Her latest release is Husband Auditions.

Strong also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho and teaches as an expert online at Write That Book.

Learn more at www.angelaruthstrong.com, and follow her on Facebook (Angela Ruth Strong Fan Page), Twitter (@AngelaRStrong), and Instagram (@ang_strong).

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Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Love You, Truly by Susan L. Tuttle

About the Book:

Blake Carlton, the camera-shy son of Hollywood’s Darling, dodges the invasive limelight and scripted relationships that so often accompany fame. But when his mother’s popularity declines and she falls into a depression, he offers himself up as the next bachelor on a reality show, hoping to reignite interest in her career while creating a way for them to finally connect.

After her fiancé dumps her for her best friend, aspiring photographer Harlow Tucker is done with romance—until her beloved, disabled sister requests her aid to start a nonprofit. Harlow agrees to do whatever is needed to raise funds, even reluctantly costarring on a dating show with a notorious womanizer who distrusts anyone behind a lens.

As Blake and Harlow navigate the superficiality of a reality show, their preconceived notions of love are challenged. Deciding to trust each other feels like the ultimate risk, but taking that chance could lead to a love truly picture-perfect, worth both of their hearts.

My Thoughts:

I adored every page of Love You, Truly by Susan L. Tuttle. With a reality tv show as its setting, the perpetual changes and circumstantial drama held my attention throughout the story. The amazing romantic tension between Blake and Harlow made me resist putting it down even when I should have. As soon as I finished the book, I wanted to start back at the beginning and enjoy it again.

But it wasn’t all reality tv drama and sizzling romance in Love You, Truly. The novel has boldly-stated themes about how true fulfillment comes only from God, finding God’s purpose for one’s life, dealing with rejection, and feelings of inferiority. Both Blake and Harlow experience different types of loneliness and cope with it in different ways. It was a pleasure to find substantial character development in this contemporary romance. 

I recommend Love You, Truly by Susan L. Tuttle to readers looking for an amazing Christian romance novel. Seriously, it’s in my top ten books for this year. This was my first book by Susan L. Tuttle and I’ll be on the lookout for more! 5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this ebook by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner

About the Book:

After four years with her boyfriend, Cadie McCaffrey is thinking of ending things. 

Convinced Will doesn't love her in the "forever" way she loves him, Cadie believes it's time for her to let him go before life passes her by. When a misunderstanding leads to a mistake, leaving her hurt, disappointed, and full of regret, she finally sends him packing. 

But for Will, the end of their relationship is only the beginning of his quest to figure out how to be the man Cadie wanted him to be. With the dubious guidance of his former pro-athlete work friends and tactics drawn from Cadie's favorite romantic comedies, Will attempts to win her back. It's a foolproof plan. What could possibly go wrong?


My Thoughts:

Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner is a delightfully addictive romance novel with laugh-out-loud humor, a unique tone, and numerous romcom movie references. The story was cute from the beginning, but once I hit chapter ten, I didn't want to put it down.

My favorite character in Wooing Cadie McCaffrey was Will. He made mistakes, but his personal ambition and dedication to Cadie made him absolutely swoon-worthy. Conversely, Cadie made mistakes, but I found her slightly annoying. Her refusal to communicate during difficult times seemed immature for a woman in her mid-thirties. Fortunately, there's character development and I found myself rooting for them to get together in the end.

Though much of Wooing Cadie McCaffrey is humor and fun, deeper themes are present. The novel captures the real life tensions that Christian couples experience as they desire to be together, but aren't completely prepared to marry. The story explores how a lack of communication can negatively affect a relationship, but I wish there had been more page time dedicated to Will and Cadie actually practicing good communication... Maybe I just didn't want the novel to end. *wink*

I recommend Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner to readers who enjoy romantic comedies. I read this novel twice before writing this review and I found it even more fun the second time around.

Read an excerpt from Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."