This book took me by surprise. There is so much that happens that I never saw coming. I loved Rafe and Emily's characters - there's a strong attractioThis book took me by surprise. There is so much that happens that I never saw coming. I loved Rafe and Emily's characters - there's a strong attraction that takes them a while to warm up to. They come from completely different worlds and there is plenty of self-doubt for both of them. I loved the complexities of both characters and how they work together. The best friends are also a huge part of the story and wowza - it's amazing.
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This book took me by surprise. There is so much that happens that I never saw coming. I loved Rafe and Emily's characters - there's a strong attraction that takes them a while to warm up to. They come from completely different worlds and there is plenty of self-doubt for both of them. I loved the complexities of both characters and how they work together. The best friends are also a huge part of the story and wowza - it's amazing....more
Carter is one half of the Miller twins who opened the pizzeria in Pride. Riley is one of the Jordan clan and has her eyes on Carter - but why won't heCarter is one half of the Miller twins who opened the pizzeria in Pride. Riley is one of the Jordan clan and has her eyes on Carter - but why won't he make a move? Carter grew up in a not-great home where he and Corey only had each other. He has himself convinced that he doesn't deserve anything good and that includes Riley. Can Riley and the rest of the Jordan clan convince Carter that not only is he good enough, but that he's part of the town and family for good? There are plenty of obstacles that crop up and we get to see Riley stand up for herself a time or two (you go girl!). Always a joy to see the town of Pride and the various members of the Jordan clan - I absolutely love seeing Allison and Iian as parents! This is a great addition the series and the next generation's stories. I can't wait for the next Pride story!
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Carter is one half of the Miller twins who opened the pizzeria in Pride. Riley is one of the Jordan clan and has her eyes on Carter - but why won't he make a move? Carter grew up in a not-great home where he and Corey only had each other. He has himself convinced that he doesn't deserve anything good and that includes Riley. Can Riley and the rest of the Jordan clan convince Carter that not only is he good enough, but that he's part of the town and family for good? There are plenty of obstacles that crop up and we get to see Riley stand up for herself a time or two (you go girl!). Always a joy to see the town of Pride and the various members of the Jordan clan - I absolutely love seeing Allison and Iian as parents! This is a great addition the series and the next generation's stories. I can't wait for the next Pride story!...more
A heart-breaking, beautiful read. Sierra and Chase were fabulous broken characters that found their way back to living because and for each other. I fA heart-breaking, beautiful read. Sierra and Chase were fabulous broken characters that found their way back to living because and for each other. I felt their heartache (and cried lots). The fight Sierra has with her cousin Lisa was written well - I hate when old friends are willing to overlook a moment of nastiness without problem. The girls had to work through that betrayal before forgiveness could occur which was far more realistic than if it had been let slide. Coming from a checkered past, Chase could see how strong Sierra was even though neither she or her town saw her as such. I loved these characters and their story.
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A heart-breaking, beautiful read. Sierra and Chase were fabulous broken characters that found their way back to living because and for each other. I felt their heartache (and cried lots). The fight Sierra has with her cousin Lisa was written well - I hate when old friends are willing to overlook a moment of nastiness without problem. The girls had to work through that betrayal before forgiveness could occur which was far more realistic than if it had been let slide. Coming from a checkered past, Chase could see how strong Sierra was even though neither she or her town saw her as such. I loved these characters and their story....more
OH MY GOODNESS! I absolutely loved Mitch finding his happy - and Tess was fantastic! I don't want to give too much away but the roller coaster these tOH MY GOODNESS! I absolutely loved Mitch finding his happy - and Tess was fantastic! I don't want to give too much away but the roller coaster these two went on was perfect. Seeing Mitch throughout the previous books I was really pulling for his HEA. Of course, nothing can be easy and for the town flirt it seems fitting that his story was more than a little complicated. Tess was great - she wasn't really broken even though she thought she was. Not having any experience in a family dynamic like Mitch's, the Campbells were beyond overwhelming to her. That certainly lead to a few complications between them. Though their path was a bit rocky at times they made it work - even though it took some crazy Campbell help along the way. It was great to see all the previous characters doing so well and catching up with everyone. This is a great read-trip back to Wishful and I hope we get to go again soon!...more
What better way to put off your scheming families, then pretending to be in love with your best friend? Seems like a win-win. They get everyone off thWhat better way to put off your scheming families, then pretending to be in love with your best friend? Seems like a win-win. They get everyone off their backs and get to enjoy the holidays. Except for that tiny little detail that maybe, just maybe, they're perfect for each other. Suddenly pretend is starting to feel quite real. The only question is - is it just Christmas and family and the whole set up? Or is there really something more - and they've just been too blind to see it.
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What better way to put off your scheming families, then pretending to be in love with your best friend? Seems like a win-win. They get everyone off their backs and get to enjoy the holidays. Except for that tiny little detail that maybe, just maybe, they're perfect for each other. Suddenly pretend is starting to feel quite real. The only question is - is it just Christmas and family and the whole set up? Or is there really something more - and they've just been too blind to see it....more
Jason wants nothing to do with his father's scheming matchmaking ways. To make it clear he demands a married assistant. His father agrees and sends hiJason wants nothing to do with his father's scheming matchmaking ways. To make it clear he demands a married assistant. His father agrees and sends him with Maggie. Little does Jason know - there's a lot more to Maggie than meets the eye including the tiny little fact that she isn't married. What should be a simple business trip takes both Jason and Maggie on a wild ride. Maggie never wanted to be seen and Jason can't help but notice her. What's a guy to do when he finds out the stop sign he was battling against wasn't actually there? Maybe his father's matchmaking schemes are working after all......more
Zach is a workaholic to put it mildly. He lives for the job and for adventure. Suddenly his adventures have put him out of commission at work so what'Zach is a workaholic to put it mildly. He lives for the job and for adventure. Suddenly his adventures have put him out of commission at work so what's a guy to do? Harass his long suffering assistant naturally. Gabriella loves working for the Montgomerys - even if her boss can be a lot to handle. It doesn't hurt that she finds him charming and good looking. But this injured, angry Zach is a bit different to deal with and it seems that Gabriella is the only who dares to. As she meets his stubbornness head on with her own - Zach starts to see her, all of her. And wonders how he's been missing it for so long. It's an uphill battle and not an easy one - this story will have you wondering (more than once) if an HEA for these two is at all possible. You'll have to read it to find out....more
Anna and Quinn. Sigh. Friends forever - always in each others lives, there when the going gets tough. One completely in love with the other. Everyone Anna and Quinn. Sigh. Friends forever - always in each others lives, there when the going gets tough. One completely in love with the other. Everyone can see it except for Quinn. What happens when he finally notices Anna, his best friend, is so much more? More denial, confusion, and a whole lot of hurt feelings. This is a great book of friends to lovers and what happens when you're so blind to what's right in front of you - you don't notice until it's too late. Will Anna move on with her life or will she give Quinn one last chance? ...more
Beckett and Hope live in entirely different worlds. All Hope wants is Christmas with her family - she'll have to settle with her brother and his fiancBeckett and Hope live in entirely different worlds. All Hope wants is Christmas with her family - she'll have to settle with her brother and his fiance...if she can pry him away from work and his awful boss. When she tracks her brother down to tell him some news, he leaves her there - with his boss. A completely crazed and evil man as far as Hope is concerned. From Beckett's point of view he cannot believe that his employee just up and left him - and with his little sister! No good can come from this. These two have an interesting time getting to know each other. Hope is determined to uncover why Beckett hates the holidays (and people in general from what she can tell). Beckett seems equally determined to show this optimistic daydreamer that the real world isn't all sunshine. Can these two figure out how to meet in the middle in time for Christmas? Or will this holiday be one that neither of them wants to remember?...more
Abby and Jet were a great pairing - always trying to one-up each other. I loved Abby's competitive streak and her determination to win - undoubtedly tAbby and Jet were a great pairing - always trying to one-up each other. I loved Abby's competitive streak and her determination to win - undoubtedly that's why her wine shop is a success! It was great how long it took anyone to realize that there was more between Abby and Jet then friendly competition - though the brothers seemingly knew before the girls which was fabulous. Jet was beautifully broken though it took him some time to realize it. It was perfect how he found home and himself all over again. As always, it's fun to catch up with the gang and Grandma Valentine is certainly a highlight of these books - she's so fabulous and I loved her relationship with Jet. I can't wait for the next book in the series!...more
Oh my I absolutely loved Lily May! She was a real firecracker and I got a kick out of her expressions. And Ashton, ooooooh boy, he was so clueless aboOh my I absolutely loved Lily May! She was a real firecracker and I got a kick out of her expressions. And Ashton, ooooooh boy, he was so clueless about so much and Lily May rocked his world. I loved how she was able to gently force a turn around in him even though he was a little slow to catch on. She was sunshine to everyone she met and had him realizing how gray his life had been before her. These two were a great pair and I loved getting to know Ashton after meeting him in Alex and Frankie's story. A great addition to the series - I cannot wait for the next one!!!...more
I've loved Brett from the first book in the series and was super excited he was getting his own book. He is such a great friend and all around good guI've loved Brett from the first book in the series and was super excited he was getting his own book. He is such a great friend and all around good guy. Live was a crack-up and a great pairing for him. Loved this couple!...more
This was a touching Christmas story - I loved Hannah and Ryan. Angry soldiers are great heroes (every time) and it was a fantastic pairing with HannahThis was a touching Christmas story - I loved Hannah and Ryan. Angry soldiers are great heroes (every time) and it was a fantastic pairing with Hannah the Christmas lover. I always love catching up with the townsfolk of Wishful and look forward to the next book!...more
Holly and Nathan were great – a Grinch meets an enthusiastic Christmas lover story! The fact that Holly was an over-worked teacher made it even betterHolly and Nathan were great – a Grinch meets an enthusiastic Christmas lover story! The fact that Holly was an over-worked teacher made it even better. The Christmas spirit always wins out. Nathan frustrated me throughout the book as it took him a while to learn to look past his bank account. I adored Holly and everything that she believed in. A delightful story of learning to follow your heart....more
OMG - there are no words for how much I LOVED Steven and Ginny. These two were so fabulous. Steven - oh boy he was so clueless about what was right inOMG - there are no words for how much I LOVED Steven and Ginny. These two were so fabulous. Steven - oh boy he was so clueless about what was right in front of him! So hung up on "the one that got away," his plan to have a fake date landed him the perfect girl and he almost missed it! The heart-to-heart that Cass and Steven have toward the end of the book was a great moving on point for both of them. Now, Ginny. What a sweet bundle of shy adorableness. I thought Cassidy was amazing but Ginny rocked my world. She wanted the world but was far to shy and in her own head to ever get there. Steven enters her life and helps her realize how awesome she is (and she does the same for him). These two were a great pair who managed to work things out in their own lives as well as with each other. Super cute story and I loved the tie-ins with family and friends (Steven's grandpa was a hoot!)....more
Frankie was a fabulous heroine - she knew she fell for a guy but life didn't look like it was going to work out for her. She ran to her childhood homeFrankie was a fabulous heroine - she knew she fell for a guy but life didn't look like it was going to work out for her. She ran to her childhood home and was ready to pull her life together and figure out how to make everything work. She wasn't expecting Alex to track her down - after all, he's just a big kid who will never grow up right? Alex - wow. I was impressed by him. After meeting Ginny's coworker in the last book I was certainly curious how he was going to be as the hero but he showed me. His pattern of behavior was connected to the way he grew up and it affected his outlook on everything. He finally woke up and realized that the best thing that had ever happened to him - Frankie - was gone and gone for good if he didn't do something about it. Watching these two realize that they were an imperfectly perfect fit together and that the rest would work out was great. Frankie's realization that there was a lot more to Alex than she gave him credit for made her fall even more in love with him. Alex realized that he was in love with this woman and no longer scared at the idea of "growing up." This was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to see what's next!...more