Carolina Hurricane by Gwendolyn Grace

Carolina Hurricane by Gwendolyn Grace

I met Gwendolyn while attending #sass15 in Greenville, NC. After having a conversation with her, I ended up leaving her table with a signed book!  She was a delight to meet, and I am so glad I was able to experience this book.

This was my first read by Grace. I really enjoyed the story of Fox and Harley.

The story start with Harley having yet another disappointing night. It’s something she’s used to. It may not be the ideal life, but it’s what she’s comfortable with. She is always wondering if there is something better in store for her, though. She is constantly reminded of her Grandmother. She is always comparing what she is doing in life to whether her Gran would be happy and proud of her. She wants to live a life that would make her proud, but she’s unsure how to go about it.

Due to some circumstances, there is nothing left for her in her current location. She lost her job, most of her belongings, and her living quarters. She decided there is no better time to go back to where she felt the happiest-where she grew up with her Grandmother.

Enter Fox. Through a comical exchange at a diner, Harley ends up getting a ride with this easy going, fun loving man that just happened to be passing through town to exactly the location Harley was headed. After circumstances brought on by a storm they couldn’t beat, Harley and Fox end up spending the night in a hotel. After some alcohol and a fun exchange that involves a storm, nakedness, and lots of swearing, they are able to make their way to their destination.

Little did they know that encounter would be the start of a wild ride in their own lives. 

Fox comes from a pretty stable home life. All families have their dysfunctions, but mostly they are the type of family anyone would love to be around. They joke, laugh, have fun, and love each other. These are the types of people Harley’s Grandmother would love. Harley wonders, though, if she’s good enough for this family. Will she be a disappointment? Will they look down on her past?

Harley and Fox give a relationship a chance. Of course after they have some confrontations of their own to deal with.

This story is a fun, quick paced read.  I loved the Southern humor throughout and the passion between Fox and Harley.

Thank you so much for allowing me the chance at reading your book Gwendolyn!

~AG~

Rumer by A.L. Wood

Rumer by AL Wood

*I received an advanced reading copy for an honest review*

In Bain, we met Rumer and learned about some of her story. In Rumer, we get more about her past.  She wasn’t given a good number. As a child, it felt like the world was against her. Rumer has built walls and has been able to keep anyone from penetrating them until Bain.  They start running scared from each other due to how much they connect after a hot encounter.  Will Rumer open her heart and give Bain a chance at her trust?  Will Bain accept the heartbreak of his past and give himself a chance at the future?

I am not a fan of giving spoilers, so I will say that their story is fun to read.  I enjoyed their interactions. They have a connection no one could deny-not even them. Rumer is a sassy, quick-witted woman and Bain is a dedicated father with an issue with being attached. They both fear the unknown with giving each other a chance at each their hearts.  Love is painful and tricky.  Can they find love?  Will they give love a chance?  How will they handle their mounting emotions and continue to work together? 

Wood is great at her story telling. It’s easy to follow and fun!  She covers the levels of emotions in this story! 

The only thing I would have loved to have resolved/concluded would be the history of her family. I would have loved to see Bain and Rumer interacting with her piece of crap relatives. 

Thank you for a great read!  

~AG~

Bain by A.L. Wood

Bain by A.L. Wood

*I was sent this book from the author for an honest review*

What can I say?! I don’t know where to start. This is a fantastic start to this story about Bain and Rumer. 

Usually a story eases you into the emotional stuff, but this one jumps right on in. I love when an author throws convention out the door. Bain has worked hard to excel as quick as he has in the fighter world. But he doesn’t do it for himself. He has a great relationship with his manager, a lady named Jade, and those that share the same gym. He has a level of respect and he works hard to keep that respect. He keeps his focus on everything-not allowing anything or anyone come in between what he tries to accomplish for his family.

Until he sees a female fighter kicking a co-workers butt in the gym they share……….

Rumer is a ‘take no shit’, kick-ass woman.  She doesn’t hold to convention. She has had her own cynical lessons in life, but her instincts and barriers are there for good reason.  She never expected to meet Bain, much less right as she took a kick to the face.  She doesn’t know exactly what is happening to her cautiously built walls, but she doesn’t like it one bit. 

Could having a bit of fun with Bain get him out of her system, or will it create a monster? 

I look forward to reading the follow up ‘Rumer’.

With that said I just want to say that I had the pleasure of meeting this incredible lady at #SASS15 in Greenville, NC.  She was such a pleasure to meet!  The whole weekend was great. Book lovers in one place talking books and laughter!  I look forward to reading more stories from her and seeing her again and making new memories.

Thank you for visiting my little blog. I hope you enjoy reading about these books.

~AG~