Weekly Winners

Below is a list of all of the winners from the past week.

Marcy
Spare Hearts by Dorothy F. Shaw & T.D. Hoffman

Tracey
Truth or Date by Susan Hatler

Lindsey
Skies of Gold by Zoe Archer

Karen
Bittersweet Junction by Ivy Sinclair


**Replacement Winners**

Damaris
Not Until You Dare by Roni Loren

Lisagk
Book of Choice from Jennifer Labelle

All winners have been notified via email. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and entered. =)

ARC Review: Bikers and Pearls by Vicki Wilkerson

I’m generally not the biggest fan of super-tame, sweet romances—I read them and end up with a huge smile on my face, but always crave the extra sizzle of sexual tension and steamy love scenes. But every once in a while I’m in the mood for one, and the blurb for Vicki Wilkerson’s Entangled Bliss release, BIKERS AND PEARLS, immediately caught my eye: I’m a sucker for the good girl meets bad boy with a heart of gold, opposites attract, and small-town romance contemporary tropes. While I found it just a tad too preachy for my tastes, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming read with a good message, and a good start to what will surely be a delightful collection of sweet contemporary romances.

BIKERS AND PEARLS is all about not judging a book by its cover and overcoming one’s preconceived notions and stereotypes—and it is not subtle about driving this point home. Kudos to Ms. Wilkerson for tackling this issue head on and making it an integral part of the storyline and the characters’ development, but I personally did not need to be hit over the head with it quite so overtly and frequently. The story centres around risk-averse, Ann Taylor-wearing good girl April Church and former-bad-boy biker with a chip on his shoulder and a heart of gold Bullworth “Bull” Clayton, forced by untoward happenstance to work together to organise a benefit for a cancer-stricken child in their small Southern town of Summerbrook. The sweater set and leather chaps? Oh my! A childhood incident with a drunken and violent motorcycle gang left April with a bone-deep fear of motorcycles and several deeply ingrained unfavourable misconceptions about bikers, and has also coloured how she lives her adult life: seeking to avoid risks, wanting to fit in with the ‘acceptable’ crowd, and looking to please her overprotective parents. While she definitely has a big heart for doing anything in her power to help the sickly Ben—including working with the dreaded bikers to organise the benefit—and I can understand what motivates her perceptions and behaviour, I found her to be a bit of a shallow snob and had a hard time liking her until she realised how superficial she was being. I appreciated her willingness to recognise she had issues and her efforts to correct her misconceptions about the biker lifestyle, but her conviction that the motorcycle + her parents thing was an insurmountable obstacle to her HEA with Bull drove me a little nuts.

Bull, on the other hand, I quite liked from the get-go. He’s got his own reasons to be prejudiced against the sweater set April so desperately wants to be a part of and has a bit of a dodgy past with a motorcycle gang, but he’s now a successful mechanic and genuinely wants to help out in the community. I really liked that he’s worked hard to distance himself from his past and doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him, even if people in a small Southern town are slow to forgive and forget his youthful transgressions. His attraction to April—the furthest thing from the smart, sexy, adventurous motorcycle mama of his dreams—baffles him initially, but the way he goes about courting her and helping her overcome her hang-ups is incredibly sweet (even if I did find the whole “I could never be with a woman who won’t ride in the back of my Harley” thing a bit autocratic). And the way he wins over April’s ultra-protective, motorcycle-hating parents? I wanted to take him home and give him a hug, if not necessarily jump him (this is a sweet romance after all!). The relationship is definitely on a slow simmer throughout the entire book rather than boasting scorching chemistry that leaps off the page, but that works just right with April’s hang-ups to make it believable. The two of them as a couple are really adorable.

Overall, BIKERS AND PEARLS is a sweet, quick read with a cute story and a lovely HEA. The story is beautifully written (albeit a bit on the preachy side) and really brings the lush Southern setting to life. Fans of Entangled’s Bliss line and sweet contemporary romances will likely enjoy this and subsequent Summerbrook novels—but I need more sizzle and less sweetness for full enjoyment.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Feature and Giveaway: Wicked Firsts Box Set

Six New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors bring you six all-new contemporary and super sexy suspense stories of first loves, first attractions, first temptations, first times and first obsessions.

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

ARC Review: High Passion by Vivian Arend

I love Vivian Arend—I think she writes fantastic character-driven and emotional erotic (or highly sensual) romance. Put that talent against the backdrop of the pulse-pounding, heightened emotions of the search and rescue world and add a dash of mystery, and you have the winning combination that is her new Adrenaline series. I had thoroughly enjoyed the first entry in the series (HIGH RISK) and jumped at the chance to read the second book (HIGH PASSION) early. While I enjoyed the characters and relationship dynamics (both romantic and non-romantic), the voice and writing style, and the scorching love scenes in HIGH PASSION, the light mystery subplot felt contrived and a tad over the top and detracted from my enjoyment of what is otherwise another great book by Ms. Arend.

The series centres on the lives and trials & tribulations of the members of Lifeline, an elite private search and rescue team based in Banff in the Canadian Rockies. Since the team members are introduced and the base relationship dynamics established in the first book, this is definitely a series where the reader benefits from reading the books in order—though the story in HIGH PASSION technically stands on its own. Devon Leblanc and Alisha Bailey are Lifeline’s youngest members and lead climbers, hotshots from their recent school days where they were always competing with each other to be the best. That competition has bled over into their Lifeline work as good-natured bickering and teasing… and, as Lifeline helicopter pilot Erin puts it, the longest verbal foreplay in history, since the competitiveness and quips are partly a front to hide their attraction to each other. That undercurrent of attraction is palpable throughout the first book in the series (making us readers wonder WHEN and HOW, not IF, they’ll give in) and comes to a head in HIGH PASSION, when Alisha’s moment of panic during a rescue forces her and Devon to work closely together to identify any potential triggers for that panic without the rest of the team knowing. As tends to happen when two adults who’ve been denying their sexual attraction for years spend even more time together, they finally give in and start burning up the sheets. And, boy, do they burn—in typical Arend fashion, the love scenes are frequent and hot enough to melt your e-reader (if perhaps more ‘vanilla’ than those in HIGH RISK). I’d really liked both Alisha and Devon in the first book, so watching these laid-back, fun-loving but incredibly devoted characters go from sexually frustrated rivals to lovers to forever after was great fun. The fact that both of them have serious family issues—Alisha is the daughter of a rich Toronto businessman who insists she’s just playing at search and rescue and sowing her wild oats before settling down into her life as a socialite and Devon’s (also wealthy) family keeps hounding him to grow up and get a ‘real’ job and a family—adds another layer of complexity to their characters and their relationship and makes them real and relatable.

I liked the characters, I liked the build-up and execution of the romantic relationship and the sense of camaraderie within the team that gets stronger in each book, I enjoyed the steamy love scenes, and I loved Ms. Arend’s writing style (as always). But what didn’t really work for me was Vincent, the ‘villain’ in the story: a wealthy Bailey family friend who works for Alisha’s father and will go to any length to get controlling interest in the company. He felt like a cardboard supervillain simply added in to add a layer of intrigue to the storyline, and his actions felt a tad extreme and unrealistic. I love some good suspense mixed in with my romance and read a lot of thrillers and romantic suspense, but I found myself rolling my eyes a bit at Vincent’s antics and felt that that entire subplot didn’t contribute much to the story. Likewise with Lana, the new member coordinating the Lifeline call-outs and pushing for a place on the team. I found myself enjoying the bits with Devon and Alisha and their budding relationship much more than anything else.

HIGH PASSION is a solid entry into the series (though, in my opinion, not as good as HIGH RISK) and has everything one has come to expect and love from Ms. Arend’s contemporaries. I really enjoy the Lifeline team, and I’m looking forward to reading chopper pilot Erin’s story in 2014.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |

Guest Post with Author Kathy Lyons and Giveaway

Welcome Kathy Lyons, author of the novella, One Night in the Spa.

Kathy Lyons is the fun, contemporary side of USA Today Bestselling author Jade Lee. She loves sassy romance with lots of laughter and sex. Spice is the variety of life, right? Okay, so maybe two kids, two cats, two pennames, and writing over 40 books has messed with her mind, but she still keeps having fun. And in her new Dream Nights series couples share erotic dreams that lead to a sizzling reality. Check her out at www.KathyLyons.com Or hang out with her sexy historical half, Jade Lee. Titled heroes with dark secrets are Jade’s passion. Especially when they fall for women who add more than just spice to their lives.

Places to find Kathy: 

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | 

Guest Post with Author Elise Sax and Giveaway

Please welcome back to RFTC Elise Sax, author of Matchpoint.

Elise Sax worked as a journalist for fifteen years, mostly in Paris, France. She took a detour from journalism and became a private investigator before trying her hand at writing fiction. She lives in Southern California with her two sons. An Affair to Dismember, the first in the Matchmaker mystery series, is her first novel.

Places to find Elise:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | 

ARC Review: The Master Undone by Lisa Renee Jones

I have anxiously been awaiting Mark's Story ever since I first read If I Were You. I knew Mark wasn't right for Sara, but there was just something about him that made me want to know more about him. The Master Undone Novella takes place after If I Were You, Rebecca's Lost Journals and Being Me. If you haven't read those, then you should not read The Master Undone until after you have done so as there is a huge reveal at the end of Being Me that would be spoiled if you read The Master Undone first. Also if you haven't read those first, beware of spoilers below. This series has to be one of my all time favorites and this novella was everything I had hoped it would be and more. Lisa Renee Jones has created some of the most interesting and deep characters that I have ever read about. Each one of them seems like one thing on the surface, but as her stories continue and you begin to peel back the layers, you realize that there is so much more to each one of them than you originally see.

After the events at the end of Being Me, Mark is left shaken to his core. He feels responsible for the tragedy that happened with Rebecca and he begins to question everything he thought he knew. He heads to New York to be by his mother's side as she undergoes surgery and cancer treatment. While in NY he becomes acquainted with an employee for Riptide and he can't help but be attracted to her despite the fact that she is everything that would normally turn him off. Crystal is not submissive in any way and is a self proclaimed control freak. Mark knows that he should stay away, but he just can't help himself. After the two spend a passionate night together, she leaves him. Crystal is everything that he never wanted, and yet she just might be everything that he needs.

I loved getting to know Mark better. Even though he is a large part of the series, we really haven't got to know much about Mark in the previous books. This novella really starts to dig deeper into his personality and past. I enjoyed seeing him let his guard down a little. It was nice to see him actually be human instead of just some unreachable master and boss. I also liked that we got to see him with his mother. It was sweet seeing how much he cared about her and his reactions to what was going on with her health despite him trying to hold them back. I also loved Crystal! It was really fun to see such a strong woman come in to his life and not put up with his normal controlling personality. I loved that she would throw it right back in his face, and only relent if she chose to. Her honestly and bluntness was really refreshing and kept Mark on his toes. She is exactly what he needs and I cannot wait to see how their relationship progresses. These two also had a ton of chemistry. Their hook-up in The Master Undone was super hot and I can just tell its only going to get better.

Overall, this was a quick read that left me wanting more. I enjoyed getting to know Mark better and meeting Crystal. This novella really added more depth to the entire series and gave us some insight into Mark's character and the life he has been living in the past. Although it did give us some more information about him and his past, there is so much left that we don't know about him. I am really excited to read more about him and Crystal both. I am really hoping that we will get a few more books on Mark. Lisa Renee Jones has exceeded my expectations again and if you haven't read this series yet, I cannot tell you enough how much you need to! This series is fantastic, and fans of all genres of romance will love these books!

**ARC provided by NetGalley**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Guest Post with Author Juliana Haygert

Meet Juliana Haygert, author of the book Breaking the Reins.

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Places to find Juliana:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

ARC Review: Starr Tree Farm by Ellen Parker

With STARR TREE FARM, debut author Ellen Parker delivers a well-written, heartwarming story that combines elements of cozy mysteries and more traditional romantic suspense. The small-town Wisconsin community is well crafted, the hero is a swoon-worthy sweetheart, and the heroine has a believable combination of vulnerability and strength… but it’s all just so darn sweet! I love suspense, I love small-town romances, and I went to school in the Midwest: I should have mad love for this story (and Ms. Parker definitely has talent), but I just prefer more heat in my romance.

I really enjoyed the setting of this story (winter in a Christmas tree farm in rural Wisconsin? I’m sold-- as long as I don’t have to actually live there) and thought that Ms. Parker did a great job making the fictional town of Crystal Springs come alive and showcasing the nature of small-town life. I liked the characters. Heroine Laura is relocating from the big city to Crystal Springs, where she spent her summers with family as a child, after her husband’s seemingly senseless murder to try to move forward with her life. She’s torn between grief, a desire for justice for her husband, loyalty to his memory, and attraction to childhood friend Brad. Though her reluctance to allow herself to become romantically involved with Brad until her husband’s killer was apprehended sometimes made me want to slap her upside the head, I found her to be a well-developed, realistic character with the right combination of vulnerability and fortitude to be relatable rather than weak. Brad is the ultimate boy-next-door you want to take home to meet your parents: a former soldier who bears the physical and emotional scars of a warzone explosion, a civilian jack of all trades, a natural-born protector (without being overbearing)—and in love with Laura since his teens and determined to make the most of this second chance. The two of them make a really adorable couple that will have you rooting for their HEA, tame as it is.

The weakest part of the story for me—an avid reader of dark romantic suspense—was the suspense. Brad and Laura work together to solve the mystery of her husband’s death and get her the closure she needs to move on, and bad things happen to generate a sense of danger, but it felt mostly like a somewhat generic backdrop for the developing romance. I guessed the villain from the beginning and felt like the doppelganger angle was never really explained, but the suspense/mystery plot does add an additional dimension to the story.

STARR TREE FARM is an enjoyable, quick read for anyone who likes his or her romances sweet (without being saccharine) and with a dash of mystery. It is well written and well paced, and Ellen Parker is clearly a talent to watch in this subgenre… but I need more steam and sexytimes!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Interview with Author Terry Spear and Giveaway

Meet author Terry Spear, author of Jaguar Heart.

USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear has written over fifty paranormal romance novels and medieval Highland historical romances. In 2008 Heart of the Wolf was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry also creates award-winning teddy bears that have found homes all over the world. She lives in Crawford, Texas. For more information, please visit www.TerrySpear.com, follow her on Twitter, @TerrySpear, and like her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/terry.spear.

Places to find Terry:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter |

Feature and Giveaway: Addicted to You by Colina Brennan

When twenty-one-year-old Leah Carter’s latest one night stand burglarizes her apartment, her roommate forces her to attend therapy for sex addicts. Leah insists she isn’t a sex addict; she just doesn’t do relationships. After all, sooner or later, everyone lets you down.

At first, the group sessions are little more than an education on how to be promiscuous. Until she meets the newest addict—blue eyes, killer body, and a smile that tempts relapse.

Psychology student Will McLean is posing as a fellow addict while researching a case study on unusual addictions. But the more he learns about Leah, the more certain he is that his desire to break through her walls and unearth her secrets has nothing to do with his assignment.

As the uncertainties spike alongside the sexual tension, the only thing Leah knows for sure is that falling in love would be disastrous. Too bad love might be one addiction she can’t kick.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble |

ARC Review: Outside the Lines by Kimberly Kincaid

Outside The Lines is the third book in a novella series by Kimberly Kincaid and is the first one that I have read. This book can be read as a stand alone, and I didn't feel lost once. I really enjoyed this short and sweet story. After reading Jules and Blake's story, I find myself wanting to start at the beginning and read the previous books. Kimberly Kincaid is definitely an author I will be keeping an eye on and I cannot wait to read more from her.

After an injury at work, Jules is taken to the ER by her boss. She never expects to run into her ex-fiance there though. Having broken up with him eight years ago by letter, she is not ready to explain all the reasons that she ended their relationship despite being in love with him. Blake never expects to see Jules either, and hopes that this run-in will give him some of the answers to questions he has had for eight long years. But Jules runs out on him as fast as possible. Little does she know that he is a liaison for the charity event she is organizing and catering. When the two begin to see each other more and work on the event, it is clear that both of them still feel the same chemistry and attraction that they once felt. But after all the secrets and heartache, can they possibly have a future together and what happens when the secrets that tore them apart eight years ago finally come to light?

I really loved Jules. She was hardworking and determined. Suffering from a horrible past, she always felt as though she wasn't good enough for Blake. It was so real to see that she had weaknesses and was as normal as the rest of us. It made her progress and growth that much more sweet and believable. It was impossible not to root for her from the very start. Blake was sweet and encouraging. I loved that he never judged Jules or looked down on her despite the difference in their circumstances. He truly cared about her because of her personality and did a wonderful job of being supportive and helping her grow as a person. They were fun to read about and the depth of their feelings for each other were so realistic despite the short length of this novella. I never once questioned whether their connection and relationship was authentic.

Overall, this was a quick read for me that I thoroughly enjoyed. Blake and Jules were so sweet and perfect together and this story just made me happy by reading it. This story is just one of those feel good books that you want to lose yourself in and I can tell you that that is exactly what I did. Anyone who is a fan of romance stories and likes them short and sweet will definitely enjoy this story. I can't wait to read more in the future from Kimberly Kincaid, starting with the previous two novellas in this series.

**ARC provided by Tasty Book Tours**

Purchase: | Amazon |

Interview with Author Kimberly Kincaid and Giveaway

Meet Kimberly Kincaid, author of the book Outside the Lines.

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet. When she's not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as "The Pleather Bomber", she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a 2011 RWA Golden Heart® finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. She has written two digital novellas, Love On The Line and Drawing The Line, about hot cops and sexy chefs, with a third novella, Outside The Lines, due this summer. She is also thrilled to have collaborated on a Christmas anthology with Donna Kauffman and Kate Angell, titled The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap, to kick off her Pine Mountain foodie series with Kensington this October. Kimberly’s first full-length novel, Turn Up the Heat, will follow in February 2014. She resides in northern Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Places to find Kimberly:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

Feature and Giveaway: Unafraid by Melody Grace

The first time I saw her, I knew this girl was wilder than any stallion I’d ever trained. She was headstrong, wounded, passionate and free. And I had to have her…”

Brittany Ray doesn’t care about her bad reputation. Growing up in a sleepy beach town with a junkie mom and a runaway dad, Brit’s learned the hard way that the people you love will only let you down. It’s no use hoping for love or happiness. Some dreams aren’t meant for girls like her.

Hunter Covington is one of those dreams.

Gorgeous, charming Hunter is damn near perfect—and it’s killing him. Son of Charleston royalty, he’s been trapped in a gilded cage since the day he was born. Now he’s breaking free. He’s quit law school to restore his grandpa’s old horse ranch, trying to soothe the demons in his soul. But Beachwood Bay is full of old ghosts, like the mysterious girl who spent an unforgettable night with him—and then slipped away before dawn. Brit.

Everything about her screams danger, but Hunter doesn’t care: he’s never felt a connection so deep. And try as she may, Brit can’t resist the desire consuming her —or the safety she finds in Hunter’s arms.

A reckless passion. An undeniable bond. Scarred by their pasts, Brit and Hunter fight to heal old wounds. But will dark secrets tear apart their new beginning? And when love is the biggest risk of all, can they find the courage to face the future unafraid?

Purchase: | Amazon |

ARC Review: Lady Anne's Lover by Maggie Robinson

Lady Anne's Lover is the third and final book in the London List series. Characters from the previous books briefly appear in this one, but it will work as a stand-alone. The story has many dimensions including murder, sexual abuse, loss of a limb, alcoholism, and mystery. In spite of all of these issues it is a well written, straight forward romance that works on many levels.

Nineteen year old Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont has run away from her abusive father and plans to work as a housekeeper until she reaches her majority. She takes a job in the household of Major Gareth Ripton-Jones. He is an impoverished war hero that lost an arm in an accident and is accused of murdering his fiance'. When the renamed Mrs. Anne Mont arrives she finds the house a complete mess and Gareth wallowing in alcohol. The two gradually form a relationship and decide to marry and use her dowry to rehabilitate his property. But troubles complicate things before they say “I do.” Anne has several suspicious “accidents.” Gareth struggles to give up alcohol. And Anne hesitates to tell him about her scandalous past in London (described in the previous books). These two wounded people have a rough time getting to their happily ever after.

I really enjoyed Lady Anne's Lover. Maggie Robinson is a skilled writer and she made me understand both the hero and the heroine. I liked the setting in Wales (1820-21); it was a little different. There was plenty of steam, but it was sweet and sensitive. Robinson doesn't spend a lot of time dwelling on the serious issues. This is not a deep, angsty book. But she does allow the characters to find their own way to deal with their troubles. The mystery was not too mysterious and the resolution with her father was a little too easy, but this is a very likeable story that any historical romance reader would enjoy.

**ARC provided by NetGalley**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |

Guest Post with Author Meg Lacey and Giveaway

Meet Meg Lacey, author of the book Something's Cooking.

Meg has a BFA and MA in theatre, acting and directing, and a minor in Fine Arts and Promotion. Over the years, Meg has been an actress, director, producer, creative director, CEO, copywriter, creative dramatics teacher, mime, mom, college instructor, and a school bus driver. She's established two creative marketing/media companies, working as a V.P. and as CEO, creating projects in all media: network cable programming to corporate initiatives; to video, games and interactive websites. Meg is published with Harlequin, Imajinn Books, Samhain Publishing and now Entangled Publishing. Learn more about Meg and her books on her website or at any online bookstore. Look for her new books, Something's Cooking from Entangled Publishing, 8/13; The Sparrow and the Hawk, out now. The Sparrow and the Vixens Three, 11/13, and Million Dollar Mistake, 9/13.

Places to find Meg:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

Guest Post with Author Julie Johnstone and Giveaway

Meet Julie Johnstone, author of the book What A Rogue Wants.

Best-selling Regency Romance author Julie Johnstone used to be an absolute control freak when playing make believe with her childhood friends, so it’s pretty darn fulfilling that she now gets to write all her stories exactly like she wants to without having to endure her childhood playmates tears that they wanted to be the one to be the princess and not the maid―just once!

Nowadays, Julie’s stories usually involve more lords, ladies, adventure and attraction than her nine-year old tales of ten-year old boys wooing her with bubble gum and chocolate, except, of course, Julie can still be wooed with chocolate, just ask her husband! Every day is like a dream come true for Julie because writing is her passion and she counts herself incredibly lucky that she gets to get up each morning and settle in with a lovely cup of coffee to delve headfirst into her passion.

Julie’s biggest dream when she sat down to pen her first book was that she would reach readers who really connected with her characters and felt just as moved by them as she did. Once that first review came in where a reader talked about how much they loved Julie’s hero and heroine, she was beyond thrilled! When she’s not tapping away on her keyboard you can find her at the gym sweating profusely doing Hot Yoga or No Limits Cardio, chasing after her two children, making plans for their next family adventure or figuring out which room in her house she can tackle next do redo.

The novels she creates, much like her real life, push boundaries and assume there are no limits, especially when it comes to what someone will do for love.

Places to find Julie:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | 

ARC Review: Bittersweet Junction by Ivy Sinclair

I have a huge weakness for friends to lovers stories, especially when it comes to those taking place in a small town. But sometimes those stories tend to follow the same basic story line. Bittersweet Junction however was different and original and I absolutely loved it! This story was sweet and was all about the choices that we make in life and how they can change everything about our future. For me, this story was very realistic and I couldn't help but be drawn in. Jules and Ben were so interesting and I didn't want their story to end because I felt like I got so attached to them!

Under the guise that her father has had a heart attack, Jules heads to her hometown after getting a frantic call from her sister. She has been gone since graduation and a night that changed her life forever. When she gets to town, she finds out that her father is fine and that her sister used it as an excuse to get Jules back into town. Jules is confronted with her best friend Ben, her ex-boyfriend Mike, her sister Clary, and a whole small town full of people who are quick to stick their noses into her business and try to figure out what caused her to leave in the first place. After the real reason her sister called her back comes to light, Jules wants out of town as fast as possible. Ben comes to her rescue like he always used to, and as the two spend more time together they begin to explore a connection that has always been between the two of them. Unfortunately I cannot go into much detail on the story line without giving too much away, but trust me there is enough drama and romance to keep you interested the entire time!

Ben and Julia were absolutely perfect for each other! I really thought that they were the perfect compliment to the other, and their connection was so much more than just the amazing chemistry between them. There was so much depth to their relationship and the emotions were easy to see from the very start. Ben was so patient and willing to wait for Julia, and I loved that he never tried to use knowledge that he had in order to manipulate Julia. He wanted her to be with him for the right reasons, and that spoke a ton about his character. Julia was strong willed and independent. I loved how determined she was and that she went after what she wanted. It was wonderful to see that their relationship grew over time, and it was so sweet how they had that connection from such an early age. I think what really made me relate to this story is that it wasn't so neat and tidy and perfect. It was real and the decisions that the characters made were flawed like real life is. Being young and overwhelmed it is easy to make the wrong decision even if it seems right at the time. This story was about those decisions and the fact that we can overcome them.

Overall, this story was emotional and sweet. The drama and romance kept me from wanting to put this book down. I really enjoyed reading Ben and Julia's story and I wasn't ready to leave them at the end. They definitely left me with a book hangover. This having been the first book I've read by Ivy Sinclair, I can tell you that it wont be the last! This story is an absolute must read for fans of all genres of romance. Ben and Jules are impossible not to fall in love with, and you will not be disappointed.

**ARC provided by Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble |

Guest Post with Z.A. Maxfield and Giveaway

Meet Z.A. Maxfield author of My Cowboy Heart.

Z. A. Maxfield started writing in 2007 on a dare from her children and never looked back. Pathologically disorganized, and perennially optimistic, she writes as much as she can, reads as much as she dares, and enjoys her time with family and friends. If anyone asks her how a wife and mother of four manages to find time for a writing career, she’ll answer, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you give up housework.”

Her published books include Crossing Borders, Drawn Together, and the St. Nacho’s and Brothers Grime series from Loose Id, ePistols at Dawn and The Pharaoh’s Concubine from Samhain Publishing, and Notturno, Vigil, Stirring Up Trouble, and All Stirred Up from MLR Press.

Places to find Z.A:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter |