What do you think?
Rate this book
Green Mountain #4.5 included
Ask Me Why
New novellas in the Green Mountain, Harmony, Southern Belle Book Club, and Dare Island series!
From four contemporary romance stars, stories filled with first kisses, first dances, and happily-ever-afters...
You'll Be Mine by Marie Will Abbott and Cameron Murphy are finally ready to tie the knot—as long as family, friends and a love-struck moose don't get in the way.
Midnight Bet by Jodi When cousins Rick and Lizzy Matheson of Harmony, Texas, wind up on the wrong side of an attempted shooting, they know they're in deep. Still, the biggest danger is losing their hearts—Rick to an old flame and Lizzy to an old friend she'd never noticed before...
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Maggie McBride is just one of the guys in the hard-knocks world of construction. Until she's dared to ask Nick Patterson to a wedding, enticing her to knock down some walls—and risk falling in...
From four contemporary romance stars, stories filled with first kisses, first dances, and happily-ever-afters...
You'll Be Mine by Marie Will Abbott and Cameron Murphy are finally ready to tie the knot—as long as family, friends and a love-struck moose don't get in the way.
Midnight Bet by Jodi When cousins Rick and Lizzy Matheson of Harmony, Texas, wind up on the wrong side of an attempted shooting, they know they're in deep. Still, the biggest danger is losing their hearts—Rick to an old flame and Lizzy to an old friend she'd never noticed before...
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Maggie McBride is just one of the guys in the hard-knocks world of construction. Until she's dared to ask Nick Patterson to a wedding, enticing her to knock down some walls—and risk falling in...
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2015
134 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
About the author
Marie Force
210 books8,449 followersMarie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 13, 2015
My Thoughts on each novella:
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas:
This was a double romance, one for each Matheson cousin, Rick and Lizzie.
Rick’s an attorney with a lot of enemies and Trace is a U.S. Marshall who has guarded him in the past. Since they parted ways, Trace hasn’t answered any of his emails or calls, but Rick can’t get her off his mind. Trace can’t hide her feelings when a Rick’s life may be in danger again.
Lizzie’s is the oddball of the Matheson clan. She’s never fit it and she’s long past trying to. Lizzie has a big heart, but someone has it in for her. When it becomes apparent that her life is in serious danger, the town vet and her neighbor, Dr. McCall steps in and an attraction Lizzie never considered starts to simmer between them.
I liked Rick, but Trace was a little too remote for me. I never got a real handle on her. I was rooting for a happy ending for the two, but their story paled compared to Lizzie and McCall’s. Their quiet, but moving romance between Lizzie and Dr. McCall. They lived right next door, but Lizzie always thought a broken heart kept McCall at a distance, or maybe that he just preferred animals to people. McCall turned out to be all sorts of perfect for Lizzie and sort of her knight-in-shining-armor! So very sweet!
Rick & Trace’s romance: 3 Stars
Lizzie & McCall’s romance: 4 Stars
You’ll Be Mine by Marie Force:
I adore Marie Force’s Green Mountain series! Every story is charming with plenty of sizzle, but Will and Cameron’s romance will always hold a special place in my heart. “Getting to attend” their wedding was a real treat. Will and Cameron’s special bond was brilliantly captured in this novella, with some super hot sexy times, of course! The Abbott family’s love and hilarious antics won Cameron’s heart and mine from the first book forward. Fred the Moose, who was partly responsible for bringing Will and Cam together, makes a memorable appearance, rounding out the evening.
I was very intrigued by the prospect of a romance for Patrick, Cameron’s rich city dad, who has a player reputation. Mary, the Abbott’s store manager captures his eye, and although Mary is flattered, she’s cautious. I’m crossing my fingers, but I guess we’ll see.
4 Stars
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump:
Maggie the opposite of a Southern Belle, she’s a construction worker, but has to go back to her roots for her best friend’s wedding. She’s been dared to bring a date, and if she doesn’t Maggie knows she’ll be paired off with someone’s wacky second cousin. Maggie’s always been attracted to Nick, her sexy co-worker, but he’s had a revolving door of dates (so she thinks) and Maggie doesn’t want to be another one of many, but Nick’s about the only guy she can think of to bring. Can she keep her feelings in check spending a week pretending to be a couple? Well, we certainly hope not!
Nick was a peach and I just melted over him. Maggie was tough as nails and just wouldn’t budge or believe in Nick’s sincerity. Her constant denial and pushing was seriously annoying. I face palmed several times, but I glad Maggie finally pulled her head out!
3 Stars
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra:
Cynthie’s mother has always said “You have a soft heart and willing hands. A pretty girl don’t need more.” So Cynthie has never thought of herself as a smart girl, but she’s trying to make a better life for her and her girls by going back to school. Max was in love with Cynthie in high school, a fact she never knew, being she was the school’s looker and he was just a nerdy kid. But now, Max is all grown up, back working on Dare Island, and seeing Cynthie again brings back all his feelings. He’s determined to get the girl this time.
I admired Cynthie so much. She worked hard as a single mom and wanted to be a good example for them. She was cautious about Max, partly because of her girls, but also because her low self-esteem made her feel inadequate for someone successful and smart like Max. Max was such a super sweetie and I fell hard for that man! He helped bolster Cynthie’s confidence and provided support without robbing Cynthie of her dignity. She in turn cared for Max, something he never had growing up, and it meant the world to him. I loved Max and Cynthie’s story. Virginia Kantra skillfully avoided the insta-love pit a novella can fall into, and instead gave us a slow (but very HOT!) burn romance full of longing and with just enough build-up to make the payoff oh-so-sweet!
4.5 Stars
A copy was kindly provided by Jove for an honest review.
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas:
This was a double romance, one for each Matheson cousin, Rick and Lizzie.
Rick’s an attorney with a lot of enemies and Trace is a U.S. Marshall who has guarded him in the past. Since they parted ways, Trace hasn’t answered any of his emails or calls, but Rick can’t get her off his mind. Trace can’t hide her feelings when a Rick’s life may be in danger again.
Lizzie’s is the oddball of the Matheson clan. She’s never fit it and she’s long past trying to. Lizzie has a big heart, but someone has it in for her. When it becomes apparent that her life is in serious danger, the town vet and her neighbor, Dr. McCall steps in and an attraction Lizzie never considered starts to simmer between them.
I liked Rick, but Trace was a little too remote for me. I never got a real handle on her. I was rooting for a happy ending for the two, but their story paled compared to Lizzie and McCall’s. Their quiet, but moving romance between Lizzie and Dr. McCall. They lived right next door, but Lizzie always thought a broken heart kept McCall at a distance, or maybe that he just preferred animals to people. McCall turned out to be all sorts of perfect for Lizzie and sort of her knight-in-shining-armor! So very sweet!
Rick & Trace’s romance: 3 Stars
Lizzie & McCall’s romance: 4 Stars
You’ll Be Mine by Marie Force:
I adore Marie Force’s Green Mountain series! Every story is charming with plenty of sizzle, but Will and Cameron’s romance will always hold a special place in my heart. “Getting to attend” their wedding was a real treat. Will and Cameron’s special bond was brilliantly captured in this novella, with some super hot sexy times, of course! The Abbott family’s love and hilarious antics won Cameron’s heart and mine from the first book forward. Fred the Moose, who was partly responsible for bringing Will and Cam together, makes a memorable appearance, rounding out the evening.
I was very intrigued by the prospect of a romance for Patrick, Cameron’s rich city dad, who has a player reputation. Mary, the Abbott’s store manager captures his eye, and although Mary is flattered, she’s cautious. I’m crossing my fingers, but I guess we’ll see.
4 Stars
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump:
Maggie the opposite of a Southern Belle, she’s a construction worker, but has to go back to her roots for her best friend’s wedding. She’s been dared to bring a date, and if she doesn’t Maggie knows she’ll be paired off with someone’s wacky second cousin. Maggie’s always been attracted to Nick, her sexy co-worker, but he’s had a revolving door of dates (so she thinks) and Maggie doesn’t want to be another one of many, but Nick’s about the only guy she can think of to bring. Can she keep her feelings in check spending a week pretending to be a couple? Well, we certainly hope not!
Nick was a peach and I just melted over him. Maggie was tough as nails and just wouldn’t budge or believe in Nick’s sincerity. Her constant denial and pushing was seriously annoying. I face palmed several times, but I glad Maggie finally pulled her head out!
3 Stars
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra:
Cynthie’s mother has always said “You have a soft heart and willing hands. A pretty girl don’t need more.” So Cynthie has never thought of herself as a smart girl, but she’s trying to make a better life for her and her girls by going back to school. Max was in love with Cynthie in high school, a fact she never knew, being she was the school’s looker and he was just a nerdy kid. But now, Max is all grown up, back working on Dare Island, and seeing Cynthie again brings back all his feelings. He’s determined to get the girl this time.
I admired Cynthie so much. She worked hard as a single mom and wanted to be a good example for them. She was cautious about Max, partly because of her girls, but also because her low self-esteem made her feel inadequate for someone successful and smart like Max. Max was such a super sweetie and I fell hard for that man! He helped bolster Cynthie’s confidence and provided support without robbing Cynthie of her dignity. She in turn cared for Max, something he never had growing up, and it meant the world to him. I loved Max and Cynthie’s story. Virginia Kantra skillfully avoided the insta-love pit a novella can fall into, and instead gave us a slow (but very HOT!) burn romance full of longing and with just enough build-up to make the payoff oh-so-sweet!
4.5 Stars
A copy was kindly provided by Jove for an honest review.
August 12, 2015
How happy was I to receive this lovely, summery anthology featuring a few of my favorite authors! I've decided to do little mini-reviews on each story since there are four of them.
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas 4 Stars
Harmony series
This novella tackled the love interests of two cousins who get shot at and both are convinced that they are the target. Rick Mattheson is a small town lawyer who helps put criminals away and makes enemies. He fell in love with a US Marshall who left him behind. This is his chance to get her back. Lizzie Mattheson is the eccentric cousin of the family, but all say there is no harm in their bumbling relation. Who could possibly want to killer? Yet, someone is sending threats in the mail and even Lizzy isn't this accident-prone. Lizzie finds that for all this, she is the happiest she has ever been because reclusive and quiet Dr. McCall seems keen to protect her.
Things get a little choppy especially when it comes to Rick and Trace's story. Maybe it was introduced in an earlier book in the series? I enjoyed this shorter piece and would love to read more of the Harmony series. Humor, light tones, and small town romance were a hit.
You'll Be Mine by Marie Force 3.5 stars
#4.5 Green Mountain series
A wedding, a wedding! For fans of Will and Cam, this front row seat to their wedding festivities would be a really, delicious follow-up treat. Welcoming the bride's dad, rehearsal night and late night antics, nostalgia, family togetherness, tender love, moose sighting, sultry honeymooners, and an adventure for another couple. This was my first intro to the couple, the Abbotts and the whole Green Mountain series. I've definitely been missing out.
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump 4 stars
Southern Belle Book Club series
Sweetheart Sisters series
A tomboy who's afraid of love and something permanent accepts her best friend's dare to bring her co-worker to the wedding. Nick plays his role only too well leaving Maggie confused about what she thought she always wanted.
This sweet and sweltering Southern small town romance hit the spot. I enjoyed the tie-in to both series and both these characters. Nick was quite the charmer and I loved the way he worked past Maggie's strong, stubborn heart.
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra 4.5 Stars
Dare Island series
Saved the best for last, I guess, when it came to my favorite story of the anthology. The poignant and touching story of a one time wild girl and the high school geek who both grow up and fall in love with the weary, lonely people yet still hopeful that they have become. Max was the perfect hero as he patiently waited for Cynthie, gave her the emotional strength she needed, and adored her girls. He shored up all the cracks with love and respect and in return, he got the woman he had dreamed of for so long. This was part of a series, but would standalone just fine.
In summary, this was a fantastic line-up of stories and hit the spot for a lazy, hot summer day. I was mostly familiar with these authors and enjoyed their storytelling, but it was nice to try one new to me and add her to the list of enjoyable writers. Each story was from a series, but only You'll Be Mine was strongly attached with the rest doing fine as standalones. I would definitely recommend this anthology to Contemporary Romance fans who like a variety of plots and some sugar and spice blended nicely in their romances.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas 4 Stars
Harmony series
This novella tackled the love interests of two cousins who get shot at and both are convinced that they are the target. Rick Mattheson is a small town lawyer who helps put criminals away and makes enemies. He fell in love with a US Marshall who left him behind. This is his chance to get her back. Lizzie Mattheson is the eccentric cousin of the family, but all say there is no harm in their bumbling relation. Who could possibly want to killer? Yet, someone is sending threats in the mail and even Lizzy isn't this accident-prone. Lizzie finds that for all this, she is the happiest she has ever been because reclusive and quiet Dr. McCall seems keen to protect her.
Things get a little choppy especially when it comes to Rick and Trace's story. Maybe it was introduced in an earlier book in the series? I enjoyed this shorter piece and would love to read more of the Harmony series. Humor, light tones, and small town romance were a hit.
You'll Be Mine by Marie Force 3.5 stars
#4.5 Green Mountain series
A wedding, a wedding! For fans of Will and Cam, this front row seat to their wedding festivities would be a really, delicious follow-up treat. Welcoming the bride's dad, rehearsal night and late night antics, nostalgia, family togetherness, tender love, moose sighting, sultry honeymooners, and an adventure for another couple. This was my first intro to the couple, the Abbotts and the whole Green Mountain series. I've definitely been missing out.
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump 4 stars
Southern Belle Book Club series
Sweetheart Sisters series
A tomboy who's afraid of love and something permanent accepts her best friend's dare to bring her co-worker to the wedding. Nick plays his role only too well leaving Maggie confused about what she thought she always wanted.
This sweet and sweltering Southern small town romance hit the spot. I enjoyed the tie-in to both series and both these characters. Nick was quite the charmer and I loved the way he worked past Maggie's strong, stubborn heart.
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra 4.5 Stars
Dare Island series
Saved the best for last, I guess, when it came to my favorite story of the anthology. The poignant and touching story of a one time wild girl and the high school geek who both grow up and fall in love with the weary, lonely people yet still hopeful that they have become. Max was the perfect hero as he patiently waited for Cynthie, gave her the emotional strength she needed, and adored her girls. He shored up all the cracks with love and respect and in return, he got the woman he had dreamed of for so long. This was part of a series, but would standalone just fine.
In summary, this was a fantastic line-up of stories and hit the spot for a lazy, hot summer day. I was mostly familiar with these authors and enjoyed their storytelling, but it was nice to try one new to me and add her to the list of enjoyable writers. Each story was from a series, but only You'll Be Mine was strongly attached with the rest doing fine as standalones. I would definitely recommend this anthology to Contemporary Romance fans who like a variety of plots and some sugar and spice blended nicely in their romances.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2015
Autry's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
Midnight Bet
Jodi Thomas threw in a plot twist I never would have imagined, the Matheson family is back in the spotlight and leading danger is following Lizzie around wherever she goes. Rick Matheson has called in his former security agent after being shot at, unfortunately the bullet wasn’t meant for him, but for his cousin. Dr. McCall is use to stitching up four-legged animals however when Lizzie shows up on his doorstep with a bullet hole, his heart goes into overdrive to protect her. As the feelings grow stronger and tension towards Lizzie escalates. Rick and Dr. McCall are battling against the unknown.
Jodi Thomas has done it again, sucked the reader in within the first chapter, visiting old friends while putting a fresh twist on characters seems to be a specialty of Ms. Thomas’, getting lost in Harmony, Texas is very easy to do in Midnight Bet
You’ll Be Mine
Emotions ran high with Marie Force’s novella; Cameron Murphy and Will Abbott’s wedding day has finally arrived. True to Ms. Force’s style a loud loving family is about to grow larger and officially welcome another daughter into their fold. Cameron has adjusted to life in Vermont without any problems, except for the Moose who might have a crush on her. And now she is walking down the aisle to exchange vows and plant roots, the only thing missing is her mom. With a surprising twist, Cameron has brought her mom along to be part in the special day. This is not one you want to miss, not only did I laugh many times while reading You’ll Be Mine, I also cried for Cameron and everyone who has missed that special someone on their wedding day.
Wrapped Around Your Finger
A quick, light read about friends who become lovers, this is your story. Nick and M.J. have been friends for years, working together and teasing each other has become second nature to the friends. Now being called home M.J. needs Nick’s help outside the construction world. With Nick’s playboy reputation and good looks M.J. knows her heart is at risk, but Nick couldn’t possibly be interested in her for more than friends, right? Nick is risking it all, to prove to M.J. he’s a changed man and all he wants is for her to trust him enough to believe they could be more. This is a very sweet story with a little sass thrown in, but overall and very pleasant addition to Ask Me Why. I will be looking forward to more work from Shirley Jump.
Carolina Heart
Virginia Kantra has a written a story that will connect with many, single mom working her tail off to provide for her kids, while actively choosing to not date because her kids come first. Cynthie has been running herself ragged trying to keep up with life and it’s hectic pace while attending college classes and raising her girls. She never new a old friend would come back into her life and help bear the burden. Max has always held a torch for Cynthie and now’s his chance to prove to her, that he can be the man to that she’s always wanted…smart, strong, dependable and loves her girls. Max has learned some life lessons the hard way and now he knows exactly what it means to love wholeheartedly. Cynthie is beginning to build her trust in men slowly through taking small risks with Max, all the while she never knew her heart was locked in on Max. This was a great way to end Ask Me Why, it’s short, sweet, simple and full of love.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
Midnight Bet
Jodi Thomas threw in a plot twist I never would have imagined, the Matheson family is back in the spotlight and leading danger is following Lizzie around wherever she goes. Rick Matheson has called in his former security agent after being shot at, unfortunately the bullet wasn’t meant for him, but for his cousin. Dr. McCall is use to stitching up four-legged animals however when Lizzie shows up on his doorstep with a bullet hole, his heart goes into overdrive to protect her. As the feelings grow stronger and tension towards Lizzie escalates. Rick and Dr. McCall are battling against the unknown.
Jodi Thomas has done it again, sucked the reader in within the first chapter, visiting old friends while putting a fresh twist on characters seems to be a specialty of Ms. Thomas’, getting lost in Harmony, Texas is very easy to do in Midnight Bet
You’ll Be Mine
Emotions ran high with Marie Force’s novella; Cameron Murphy and Will Abbott’s wedding day has finally arrived. True to Ms. Force’s style a loud loving family is about to grow larger and officially welcome another daughter into their fold. Cameron has adjusted to life in Vermont without any problems, except for the Moose who might have a crush on her. And now she is walking down the aisle to exchange vows and plant roots, the only thing missing is her mom. With a surprising twist, Cameron has brought her mom along to be part in the special day. This is not one you want to miss, not only did I laugh many times while reading You’ll Be Mine, I also cried for Cameron and everyone who has missed that special someone on their wedding day.
Wrapped Around Your Finger
A quick, light read about friends who become lovers, this is your story. Nick and M.J. have been friends for years, working together and teasing each other has become second nature to the friends. Now being called home M.J. needs Nick’s help outside the construction world. With Nick’s playboy reputation and good looks M.J. knows her heart is at risk, but Nick couldn’t possibly be interested in her for more than friends, right? Nick is risking it all, to prove to M.J. he’s a changed man and all he wants is for her to trust him enough to believe they could be more. This is a very sweet story with a little sass thrown in, but overall and very pleasant addition to Ask Me Why. I will be looking forward to more work from Shirley Jump.
Carolina Heart
Virginia Kantra has a written a story that will connect with many, single mom working her tail off to provide for her kids, while actively choosing to not date because her kids come first. Cynthie has been running herself ragged trying to keep up with life and it’s hectic pace while attending college classes and raising her girls. She never new a old friend would come back into her life and help bear the burden. Max has always held a torch for Cynthie and now’s his chance to prove to her, that he can be the man to that she’s always wanted…smart, strong, dependable and loves her girls. Max has learned some life lessons the hard way and now he knows exactly what it means to love wholeheartedly. Cynthie is beginning to build her trust in men slowly through taking small risks with Max, all the while she never knew her heart was locked in on Max. This was a great way to end Ask Me Why, it’s short, sweet, simple and full of love.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
April 20, 2017
only read the harmony short story. it was like the rest of the series - nothing overly original, but heartwarming nonetheless.
June 19, 2015
An lovely and easy anthology. Four stories of people who have known each other for ages (in one way or another) finally finding love and romance and their people. It was sweet and just a tiny bit steamy (2.5ish on a 5 scale). While they didn't all blow me away they were all very nice reads and for the three authors I'd not read before I do plan on picking up others of theirs so overall pretty pleased with the antho. 3.5 overall stars.
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas-- 3.5 stars
Oh not bad! This was my first from Thomas and, gotta say, I enjoyed it! It took a little bit for me to get into her style and word flow but once I did it was easy to go along for the ride with the characters. Two separate romances that totally worked, some life or death moments, lots of herd babes and all in 75 pages. Not bad, Thomas. Not bad!
You'll Be Mine by Marie Force-- 3 stars
This was one I think will appeal much more to those who have read the series it came from. There wasn't anything I actively disliked about the novella--other than a good helping of cheese--but since I'd not read the series it came from I really wasn't all that wowed by the read either. There were a lot of previous characters since the novella centers around one of the town couples getting married and I really just didnt' have that prior attachment to any of them that would have me doing that girly wistful sigh at getting to see characters I love tease and fuss over each other.
There were good bits though. I loved a smitten moose, the way they doted on their dogs, some of the emotional wedding moments that just always make you a little bit sniffly. But I really do think this one will hit harder for those who know and love the series already. As someone just coming in it was just okay.
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump-- 3.5 stars
*squee* My favoritest of favorite storylines...fake mates! And best friends. Aws but Wrapped Around Your Finger was a cutie of a read. The quick of it is that Maggie and Nick have worked together for a couple years now on a construction site--yeah, chickie works construction!! yay!--and they joke and tease and she's just one of the guys (at least she thinks so) and now she needs a date to a friends wedding and against her better judgement she asks her playboy bestie to fill in for the job.
They were so cute! I loved that they'd known each other, that they were great friends and he adored her for all of her bits and pieces. Dolled up and girlie for the wedding and dressed down and sweaty on the construction site. And that he'd maybe been crushing on her hardcore without her knowing for quite some time. It was sweet and fun and made me sniffle once. A tiny bit of heat and just a great hero. I liked Maggie too though there at the end she needed a good shaking she was running so hard from what was in front of her. That brought it down from a 4 for me. I kind of needed one more chapter or just a couple more pages after she'd run so hard for things to work out perfectly on my reader end. But it was a great read and I'll be back for more.
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra--4 stars
Oh, yes! Carolina Heart was an excellent way to end the anthology. It's a series I've enjoyed so much but it works completely as a stand alone. A slightly nerdy hero who blushes and gets flustered but has some oh so sexy moves and is an amazing man. And a single mama doing everything she can to give her daughters a good life and plan for their future. I loved these two. Everything about them. That they had some history--went to school together--that the romance went slow--the novella goes over 5-6 months I believe--and that there was so much heart and love and sweetness. Plus a little steam as he woos her something fierce and finally gets her to see him and that he wants to be a part of their lives. Just a lovely romance and start to a family.
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas-- 3.5 stars
Oh not bad! This was my first from Thomas and, gotta say, I enjoyed it! It took a little bit for me to get into her style and word flow but once I did it was easy to go along for the ride with the characters. Two separate romances that totally worked, some life or death moments, lots of herd babes and all in 75 pages. Not bad, Thomas. Not bad!
You'll Be Mine by Marie Force-- 3 stars
This was one I think will appeal much more to those who have read the series it came from. There wasn't anything I actively disliked about the novella--other than a good helping of cheese--but since I'd not read the series it came from I really wasn't all that wowed by the read either. There were a lot of previous characters since the novella centers around one of the town couples getting married and I really just didnt' have that prior attachment to any of them that would have me doing that girly wistful sigh at getting to see characters I love tease and fuss over each other.
There were good bits though. I loved a smitten moose, the way they doted on their dogs, some of the emotional wedding moments that just always make you a little bit sniffly. But I really do think this one will hit harder for those who know and love the series already. As someone just coming in it was just okay.
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump-- 3.5 stars
*squee* My favoritest of favorite storylines...fake mates! And best friends. Aws but Wrapped Around Your Finger was a cutie of a read. The quick of it is that Maggie and Nick have worked together for a couple years now on a construction site--yeah, chickie works construction!! yay!--and they joke and tease and she's just one of the guys (at least she thinks so) and now she needs a date to a friends wedding and against her better judgement she asks her playboy bestie to fill in for the job.
They were so cute! I loved that they'd known each other, that they were great friends and he adored her for all of her bits and pieces. Dolled up and girlie for the wedding and dressed down and sweaty on the construction site. And that he'd maybe been crushing on her hardcore without her knowing for quite some time. It was sweet and fun and made me sniffle once. A tiny bit of heat and just a great hero. I liked Maggie too though there at the end she needed a good shaking she was running so hard from what was in front of her. That brought it down from a 4 for me. I kind of needed one more chapter or just a couple more pages after she'd run so hard for things to work out perfectly on my reader end. But it was a great read and I'll be back for more.
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra--4 stars
Oh, yes! Carolina Heart was an excellent way to end the anthology. It's a series I've enjoyed so much but it works completely as a stand alone. A slightly nerdy hero who blushes and gets flustered but has some oh so sexy moves and is an amazing man. And a single mama doing everything she can to give her daughters a good life and plan for their future. I loved these two. Everything about them. That they had some history--went to school together--that the romance went slow--the novella goes over 5-6 months I believe--and that there was so much heart and love and sweetness. Plus a little steam as he woos her something fierce and finally gets her to see him and that he wants to be a part of their lives. Just a lovely romance and start to a family.
July 7, 2015
Review: Ask Me Why Anthology by Jodi Thomas, Marie Force, Shirley Jump, Virginia Kantra http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2Gl
Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rated: 4 Stars
REVIEW:
Four feel-good romances perfect for summer reading.
MIDNIGHT BET by Jodi Thomas was full of mystery and danger but the dry humor offset it perfectly. Rick and Trace had a nice romance going but Lizzie and Doc stole the show for me. A nice addition to the Harmony Series.
YOU’LL BE MINE by Marie Force is a steamy romance set around Will and Cam’s wedding. I can’t wait to read more about Cam’s dad. Fans of the Green Mountain series will enjoy this peek into their big day and those who haven’t read it will find it fun and light.
WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER by Shirley Jump is a fun story about taking chances even if they scare you. I loved Nick and also how Maggie came to her senses with the help of the Southern Belle Book Club.
CAROLINA HEART by Virginia Kantra is an all-around sweet romance that shows that hopes and dreams can come true even when you think you’re too busy. It is a nice addition to the Dare Island series.
This anthology is the perfect chance for readers to get their story-fix from a favorite author or find a new one to be added to their to-be-read list.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rated: 4 Stars
REVIEW:
Four feel-good romances perfect for summer reading.
MIDNIGHT BET by Jodi Thomas was full of mystery and danger but the dry humor offset it perfectly. Rick and Trace had a nice romance going but Lizzie and Doc stole the show for me. A nice addition to the Harmony Series.
YOU’LL BE MINE by Marie Force is a steamy romance set around Will and Cam’s wedding. I can’t wait to read more about Cam’s dad. Fans of the Green Mountain series will enjoy this peek into their big day and those who haven’t read it will find it fun and light.
WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER by Shirley Jump is a fun story about taking chances even if they scare you. I loved Nick and also how Maggie came to her senses with the help of the Southern Belle Book Club.
CAROLINA HEART by Virginia Kantra is an all-around sweet romance that shows that hopes and dreams can come true even when you think you’re too busy. It is a nice addition to the Dare Island series.
This anthology is the perfect chance for readers to get their story-fix from a favorite author or find a new one to be added to their to-be-read list.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2015
*Only read the Virginia Kantra novella!*
April 17, 2016
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2015/07...
“Midnight Bet” (Harmony, Book 8.5) by Jodi Thomas
When Cousins Rick and Lizzie Matheson are shot at on the way home from a family party, it’s only the beginning of the action. With two love stories, a series of attempted murders, and characters with some heavy issues, there’s a lot to unpack in “Midnight Bet.” Unfortunately, this is a story that would have been far better served as a novel. As a novella, each character only gets the surface treatment because there are simply too many players and too much happening for the format. I loved Lizzie, absolutely loved her. She’s the black sheep of the Matheson clan, and no one truly sees how much she has to give. No one but her mysterious neighbor, the local veterinarian. Doc McCall is a great match for Lizzie, but we didn’t get to see too much of his character; a pity, since author Jodi Thomas hinted at some interesting parts of his character that were never explored. As for Rick, his romance with Trace left something to be desired. Though they apparently are in love, we never learn much about her beyond her name. Add in a subplot about one of the Mathesons being targeted and you get a story that has a lot going on on the surface but not much depth. “Midnight Bet” was an interesting story, but one that was not nearly what it could have been had it been fleshed out as a novel.
“You’ll Be Mine” (Green Mountain, Book 4.5) by Marie Force
Return to All You Need is Love’s Cam and Will as the two try to wrangle their family and even a local animal or two. It’s Cam and Will’s wedding weekend, and even a reader (such as I) who has not read any Green Mountain books will get swept away by the romance and good cheer of “You’ll Be Mine.” Cam, Will, and their loved ones have sparkling personalities and are easy to adore. Add in some steamy love scenes, matrimonial sentiment, and a lovesick moose, and you’ve got a story that’ll charm the socks off of anyone. I haven’t yet read All You Need is Love, but after feeling like a guest at Cam and Will’s wedding, I’ll definitely go back and read about how they fell in love.
“Wrapped Around Your Finger” (Southern Belle Book Club, Book 0.5) by Shirley Jump
Construction worker Maggie McBride is always seen as one of the guys, and she’s perfectly happy that way. That doesn’t mean she wouldn’t wish for Nick Patterson to see her as more than just a coworker and friend. The gorgeous tomboy gets her wish when she takes a dare and asks Nick to be her date for a wedding. Little does she know that Nick has seen her as more than a friend for some time, only he wants to prove he’s not the playboy she believes him to be.
“Wrapped Around Your Finger” is sweet and sparkling, just like it’s protagonists. Though the story appears to be a prequel to the Southern Belle Book Club series, I first read about Maggie and Nick in Shirley Jump’s The Sweetheart Secret and have been hoping they’d get a story of their own ever since. Nick and Maggie’s chemistry is electric and I love that Maggie and Nick saw the whole of each other. That being said, Ms. Jump doesn’t make things easy on them. Insecurities and fear are powerful obstacles on Maggie and Nick’s road to happily ever after, but I was rooting for them every step of the way.
“Carolina Heart” (Dare Island, Book 4.5) by Virginia Kantra
With a sexy geek determined to win over the girl of his dreams and a single mom working to make a better life for her daughters as the hero and heroine, it’s no surprise that “Carolina Heart” is a wonderful read. Cynthie and Max are endearing characters who are wonderfully human and possess a quiet strength you have to respect. Cynthie has heard all her life that she’s not smart, that she doesn’t have it in her to be successful. She’s been told this so often that she believes it, but with two growing daughters to care for, she’s doing her best to make something of herself. What readers – and Max – can easily see is that Cynthie is far more than she believes herself to be. What I loved best about “Carolina Heart” was watching Cynthie come into her own. However, that doesn’t mean the romance is lacking – Cynthie and Max are a couple you can root for. Their romance was simply lovely to watch unfold and seeing Max become part of Cynthie’s family was fantastic. This is the first Dare Island book I’ve read, but I’ll definitely be circling back to the beginning of the series.
Ask Me Why is a lovely collection of heartwarming romances. Though each story is part of a series, they all can be read as standalones. I loved getting tastes of Mses. Thomas, Force, Jump, and Kantra’s series and in every case I want to explore the worlds further. Ask Me Why is an excellent small town romance sampler with charming stories sure to make you smile.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“Midnight Bet” (Harmony, Book 8.5) by Jodi Thomas
When Cousins Rick and Lizzie Matheson are shot at on the way home from a family party, it’s only the beginning of the action. With two love stories, a series of attempted murders, and characters with some heavy issues, there’s a lot to unpack in “Midnight Bet.” Unfortunately, this is a story that would have been far better served as a novel. As a novella, each character only gets the surface treatment because there are simply too many players and too much happening for the format. I loved Lizzie, absolutely loved her. She’s the black sheep of the Matheson clan, and no one truly sees how much she has to give. No one but her mysterious neighbor, the local veterinarian. Doc McCall is a great match for Lizzie, but we didn’t get to see too much of his character; a pity, since author Jodi Thomas hinted at some interesting parts of his character that were never explored. As for Rick, his romance with Trace left something to be desired. Though they apparently are in love, we never learn much about her beyond her name. Add in a subplot about one of the Mathesons being targeted and you get a story that has a lot going on on the surface but not much depth. “Midnight Bet” was an interesting story, but one that was not nearly what it could have been had it been fleshed out as a novel.
“You’ll Be Mine” (Green Mountain, Book 4.5) by Marie Force
Return to All You Need is Love’s Cam and Will as the two try to wrangle their family and even a local animal or two. It’s Cam and Will’s wedding weekend, and even a reader (such as I) who has not read any Green Mountain books will get swept away by the romance and good cheer of “You’ll Be Mine.” Cam, Will, and their loved ones have sparkling personalities and are easy to adore. Add in some steamy love scenes, matrimonial sentiment, and a lovesick moose, and you’ve got a story that’ll charm the socks off of anyone. I haven’t yet read All You Need is Love, but after feeling like a guest at Cam and Will’s wedding, I’ll definitely go back and read about how they fell in love.
“Wrapped Around Your Finger” (Southern Belle Book Club, Book 0.5) by Shirley Jump
Construction worker Maggie McBride is always seen as one of the guys, and she’s perfectly happy that way. That doesn’t mean she wouldn’t wish for Nick Patterson to see her as more than just a coworker and friend. The gorgeous tomboy gets her wish when she takes a dare and asks Nick to be her date for a wedding. Little does she know that Nick has seen her as more than a friend for some time, only he wants to prove he’s not the playboy she believes him to be.
“Wrapped Around Your Finger” is sweet and sparkling, just like it’s protagonists. Though the story appears to be a prequel to the Southern Belle Book Club series, I first read about Maggie and Nick in Shirley Jump’s The Sweetheart Secret and have been hoping they’d get a story of their own ever since. Nick and Maggie’s chemistry is electric and I love that Maggie and Nick saw the whole of each other. That being said, Ms. Jump doesn’t make things easy on them. Insecurities and fear are powerful obstacles on Maggie and Nick’s road to happily ever after, but I was rooting for them every step of the way.
“Carolina Heart” (Dare Island, Book 4.5) by Virginia Kantra
With a sexy geek determined to win over the girl of his dreams and a single mom working to make a better life for her daughters as the hero and heroine, it’s no surprise that “Carolina Heart” is a wonderful read. Cynthie and Max are endearing characters who are wonderfully human and possess a quiet strength you have to respect. Cynthie has heard all her life that she’s not smart, that she doesn’t have it in her to be successful. She’s been told this so often that she believes it, but with two growing daughters to care for, she’s doing her best to make something of herself. What readers – and Max – can easily see is that Cynthie is far more than she believes herself to be. What I loved best about “Carolina Heart” was watching Cynthie come into her own. However, that doesn’t mean the romance is lacking – Cynthie and Max are a couple you can root for. Their romance was simply lovely to watch unfold and seeing Max become part of Cynthie’s family was fantastic. This is the first Dare Island book I’ve read, but I’ll definitely be circling back to the beginning of the series.
Ask Me Why is a lovely collection of heartwarming romances. Though each story is part of a series, they all can be read as standalones. I loved getting tastes of Mses. Thomas, Force, Jump, and Kantra’s series and in every case I want to explore the worlds further. Ask Me Why is an excellent small town romance sampler with charming stories sure to make you smile.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 8, 2015
Midnight Bet – 4 Stars
This was my first read by the author and I had no clue that there are several books in front of this novella. It took me a while to get into the story because I have no time vested in the series. I didn’t feel a connection to the characters and I didn’t really get into the book until about halfway through.
When things did finally “click” for me, I was fascinated by the uniqueness that is Lizzie and her love interest. I loved the fragility of her character and her feelings towards the man who’s caught her attention. I also loved that he was equally fragile and didn’t fit the standard alpha male hero expectations, he exceeded them.
What I didn’t like was Rick. I felt he was a little “holier than thou” and really wanted to punch him in the face. Granted, I haven’t read any of the previous books so his demeanor could have been business as usual, but I didn’t like him. I also didn’t understand the history he had with his lady love and couldn’t connect with them or feel any chemistry between the two.
MIDNIGHT BET is a pretty good read. I think it will be a welcome addition for those who follow the series. I’ll definitely be putting the Harmony series on my TBR (to be read) list.
You'll Be Mine – 5 Stars
Marie Force delivers in this not-long-enough novella of Cam and Will’s wedding! The Green Mountain series is one of my favorites and I love visiting with the big, boisterous and crazy Abbott Family! There is lots of family time and LOTS of pre- and post-wedding sexy time scenes between Cam and Will.
Cam’s father also plays an important role in the story and may have been bitten by the love bug himself. There’s also comic relief in the form of the youngest Abbott twins Lucas and Landon as well as a pushy, uninvited guest at the wedding reception. As always, I love the little sprinkles of The Beatles’ mentions and music.
YOU’LL BE MINE is the perfect story to help tide us over until the next couple take the stage November 3rd.
Wrapped Around Your Finger – 3 Stars
This is another author that’s new to me. I really enjoyed the story. I loved the friends to lovers’ trope but I was so frustrated with Maggie. I thought I was bad at keeping my feelings locked up and not letting anyone in. Maggie had one heartbreak and completely sworn off love and men in any form. After a while I was begging Maggie to open her heart. It was a pretty good read and could actually be read as a standalone.
Carolina Heart – 5 Stars
Now this story is the gem of the anthology. I am a huge Marie Force fan and while I loved YOU’LL BE MINE, CAROLINA HEART takes the crown.
I first met Cynthie Lodge in CAROLINA HOME, the first book in the Dare Island series. She is a waitress at a local restaurant who dresses a bit provocatively and has a reputation with men. Cynthie is also a single mom and has been trying to find a man to take care of her and her kids. She totally had her sights set on the oldest Fletcher son, Matt but his heart was meant for someone else.
Throughout the series Cynthie has grown tremendously, taking the advice of her friend Meg Fletcher and gone back to college. Cynthie wants to be able to take care of her daughters and put them first instead of finding a man to care for them. On Dare Island, Cynthie is known for her beauty, not her brains.
As fate would have it, Cynthie is on a field trip with her youngest daughter’s class when she crosses paths with Max Lewis, a kind and handsome man who went to high school with Cynthie. She was Max’s crush and still has the ability to knock him out. He knows Cynthie is beautiful, but he sees so much more in her.
Cynthie didn’t think she’d have anything in common with a smart, nerdy college professor who seemed way out of her league. She even brushed him off several times but he remained tried and true. It just goes to show you that your happily ever after may not be exactly what you thought you wanted, but it could be more incredible than you ever dreamed.
This novella was the most beautifully fragile story I’ve read all year. And the author’s dedication before the story started really tugged at my heart.
This story is truly for all the girls out there who think they are less than or undeserving of love. To all those girls, including myself, I hope our own Max will come forward one day to show us how beautiful and special and wonderful we are. Of how proud he is of us and to encourage and love us and our children like they were his own.
Thank you Ms. Kantra for giving us this beautiful story.
***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
This was my first read by the author and I had no clue that there are several books in front of this novella. It took me a while to get into the story because I have no time vested in the series. I didn’t feel a connection to the characters and I didn’t really get into the book until about halfway through.
When things did finally “click” for me, I was fascinated by the uniqueness that is Lizzie and her love interest. I loved the fragility of her character and her feelings towards the man who’s caught her attention. I also loved that he was equally fragile and didn’t fit the standard alpha male hero expectations, he exceeded them.
What I didn’t like was Rick. I felt he was a little “holier than thou” and really wanted to punch him in the face. Granted, I haven’t read any of the previous books so his demeanor could have been business as usual, but I didn’t like him. I also didn’t understand the history he had with his lady love and couldn’t connect with them or feel any chemistry between the two.
MIDNIGHT BET is a pretty good read. I think it will be a welcome addition for those who follow the series. I’ll definitely be putting the Harmony series on my TBR (to be read) list.
You'll Be Mine – 5 Stars
Marie Force delivers in this not-long-enough novella of Cam and Will’s wedding! The Green Mountain series is one of my favorites and I love visiting with the big, boisterous and crazy Abbott Family! There is lots of family time and LOTS of pre- and post-wedding sexy time scenes between Cam and Will.
Cam’s father also plays an important role in the story and may have been bitten by the love bug himself. There’s also comic relief in the form of the youngest Abbott twins Lucas and Landon as well as a pushy, uninvited guest at the wedding reception. As always, I love the little sprinkles of The Beatles’ mentions and music.
YOU’LL BE MINE is the perfect story to help tide us over until the next couple take the stage November 3rd.
Wrapped Around Your Finger – 3 Stars
This is another author that’s new to me. I really enjoyed the story. I loved the friends to lovers’ trope but I was so frustrated with Maggie. I thought I was bad at keeping my feelings locked up and not letting anyone in. Maggie had one heartbreak and completely sworn off love and men in any form. After a while I was begging Maggie to open her heart. It was a pretty good read and could actually be read as a standalone.
Carolina Heart – 5 Stars
Now this story is the gem of the anthology. I am a huge Marie Force fan and while I loved YOU’LL BE MINE, CAROLINA HEART takes the crown.
I first met Cynthie Lodge in CAROLINA HOME, the first book in the Dare Island series. She is a waitress at a local restaurant who dresses a bit provocatively and has a reputation with men. Cynthie is also a single mom and has been trying to find a man to take care of her and her kids. She totally had her sights set on the oldest Fletcher son, Matt but his heart was meant for someone else.
Throughout the series Cynthie has grown tremendously, taking the advice of her friend Meg Fletcher and gone back to college. Cynthie wants to be able to take care of her daughters and put them first instead of finding a man to care for them. On Dare Island, Cynthie is known for her beauty, not her brains.
As fate would have it, Cynthie is on a field trip with her youngest daughter’s class when she crosses paths with Max Lewis, a kind and handsome man who went to high school with Cynthie. She was Max’s crush and still has the ability to knock him out. He knows Cynthie is beautiful, but he sees so much more in her.
Cynthie didn’t think she’d have anything in common with a smart, nerdy college professor who seemed way out of her league. She even brushed him off several times but he remained tried and true. It just goes to show you that your happily ever after may not be exactly what you thought you wanted, but it could be more incredible than you ever dreamed.
This novella was the most beautifully fragile story I’ve read all year. And the author’s dedication before the story started really tugged at my heart.
This story is truly for all the girls out there who think they are less than or undeserving of love. To all those girls, including myself, I hope our own Max will come forward one day to show us how beautiful and special and wonderful we are. Of how proud he is of us and to encourage and love us and our children like they were his own.
Thank you Ms. Kantra for giving us this beautiful story.
***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
August 28, 2020
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below and the review is also shown below:
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
ASK ME WHY has four novellas one by each of the authors in their HARMONY, GREEN MOUNTAIN, SOUTHERN BELLE BOOK CLUB, AND DARE ISLAND SERIES respectively! I've read and enjoyed books by Thomas, Force and Jump and read the HARMONY and GREEN MOUNTAIN SERIES. I haven't read any books in Jump's SOUTHERN BELLE BOOK CLUB SERIES before and Kantra is a new to me author.
MIDNIGHT BET by Jodi Thomas
MIDNIGHT BET is a nice continuation of the HARMONY SERIES which I've grown to love. There are nine books so far including a prequel and I have some catching up to do since I haven't read books seven and eight. In MIDNIGHT BET we are once again reunited with the Mathesons. This time Rick and Lizzie who are cousins are front and center as they try to solve a mystery of why one of them is on someone's hit list and getting shot out. They both have unexpected love interests and their love stories are interspersed along with their family history and the mystery. There are family and friends, heartache, sorrow, strife, differences, tears, hurts, injuries, mystery, animals, laughter and love. There is nice closure and two happily ever afters in the offing. I for one am hoping this series continues since there seems to be more story to tell.
http://www.jodithomas.com/
YOU'LL BE MINE by Marie Force
YOU'LL BE MINE brought me back to Butler, Vermont and the Abbott family. This time it's for Cameron and Will's wedding and oh what a wedding it is. We are reunited with all the Abbott's plus Cameron and Lucy's families. The stories are interwoven with the Abbott relationships with each other as well as their significant others as well as their parents and grandfather, Emmett. There is playfulness along with sincerity and seriousness. There is lots of romance and love along with happiness, tears, loving, reminisces and of course, Fred the Moose! THE GREEN MOUNTAIN SERIES has captured my interest since book one and I can't wait for the next book in the series, IT'S ONLY LOVE, due out in the fall. Since there are ten Abbott siblings I'm sure there will be more books to come and more stories to tell and I for one can't wait!
https://marieforce.com/
WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER by Shirley Jump
WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER is part of the SOUTHERN BELLE BOOK CLUB SERIES of which WHEN SOMEBODY LOVES YOU is the first book and I will be adding it to my always growing TBR pile. This is Nick and M.J. or Maggie's story as well as Rachel and J.W.'s since most of the story surrounds their wedding. Nick and M.J. are each afraid to love and they have a one step forward and at least two steps back approach. Watching how wary both of them are is heartbreaking at times. When they're together they are two parts of a whole but when they're apart their friendship gets them through. There was bonding and reminisces, family and friends, lots of wedding planning, camaraderie, friendships, heartache, sadness, fear, tears, hurt, laughter and happiness. There are burn up the sheet moments as well as romance and love. There is nice closure and an unexpected happily ever after with a twist of course but I hope to meet up with them again when the series continues.
http://shirleyjump.com/
CAROLINA HEART by Virginia Kantra
CAROLINA HEART has single mom, Cynthie, and her two daughters and her mom at its core. She's been unlucky at love more than once and tries to put her girls and herself front and center. Enter Max who unexpectedly turns her life upside down and is too good to be true and all of a sudden she's juggling so they can spend some time together. Cynthie's mentor and part time boss while she's studying to be a dental hygienist is a piece of work that no one should have to deal with. There are family and friends, the Aquarium where Max works and is front and center in the story, heartache, fear, tears, anxiety, laughter, happiness, caring and love. There was a happily ever after in the offing and nice closure. This was my first venture to Dare Island but it won't be my last. I will be adding Kantra's other contemporary romances and romantic suspense books to my always growing TBR pile!
http://virginiakantra.com/
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
ASK ME WHY has four novellas one by each of the authors in their HARMONY, GREEN MOUNTAIN, SOUTHERN BELLE BOOK CLUB, AND DARE ISLAND SERIES respectively! I've read and enjoyed books by Thomas, Force and Jump and read the HARMONY and GREEN MOUNTAIN SERIES. I haven't read any books in Jump's SOUTHERN BELLE BOOK CLUB SERIES before and Kantra is a new to me author.
MIDNIGHT BET by Jodi Thomas
MIDNIGHT BET is a nice continuation of the HARMONY SERIES which I've grown to love. There are nine books so far including a prequel and I have some catching up to do since I haven't read books seven and eight. In MIDNIGHT BET we are once again reunited with the Mathesons. This time Rick and Lizzie who are cousins are front and center as they try to solve a mystery of why one of them is on someone's hit list and getting shot out. They both have unexpected love interests and their love stories are interspersed along with their family history and the mystery. There are family and friends, heartache, sorrow, strife, differences, tears, hurts, injuries, mystery, animals, laughter and love. There is nice closure and two happily ever afters in the offing. I for one am hoping this series continues since there seems to be more story to tell.
http://www.jodithomas.com/
YOU'LL BE MINE by Marie Force
YOU'LL BE MINE brought me back to Butler, Vermont and the Abbott family. This time it's for Cameron and Will's wedding and oh what a wedding it is. We are reunited with all the Abbott's plus Cameron and Lucy's families. The stories are interwoven with the Abbott relationships with each other as well as their significant others as well as their parents and grandfather, Emmett. There is playfulness along with sincerity and seriousness. There is lots of romance and love along with happiness, tears, loving, reminisces and of course, Fred the Moose! THE GREEN MOUNTAIN SERIES has captured my interest since book one and I can't wait for the next book in the series, IT'S ONLY LOVE, due out in the fall. Since there are ten Abbott siblings I'm sure there will be more books to come and more stories to tell and I for one can't wait!
https://marieforce.com/
WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER by Shirley Jump
WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER is part of the SOUTHERN BELLE BOOK CLUB SERIES of which WHEN SOMEBODY LOVES YOU is the first book and I will be adding it to my always growing TBR pile. This is Nick and M.J. or Maggie's story as well as Rachel and J.W.'s since most of the story surrounds their wedding. Nick and M.J. are each afraid to love and they have a one step forward and at least two steps back approach. Watching how wary both of them are is heartbreaking at times. When they're together they are two parts of a whole but when they're apart their friendship gets them through. There was bonding and reminisces, family and friends, lots of wedding planning, camaraderie, friendships, heartache, sadness, fear, tears, hurt, laughter and happiness. There are burn up the sheet moments as well as romance and love. There is nice closure and an unexpected happily ever after with a twist of course but I hope to meet up with them again when the series continues.
http://shirleyjump.com/
CAROLINA HEART by Virginia Kantra
CAROLINA HEART has single mom, Cynthie, and her two daughters and her mom at its core. She's been unlucky at love more than once and tries to put her girls and herself front and center. Enter Max who unexpectedly turns her life upside down and is too good to be true and all of a sudden she's juggling so they can spend some time together. Cynthie's mentor and part time boss while she's studying to be a dental hygienist is a piece of work that no one should have to deal with. There are family and friends, the Aquarium where Max works and is front and center in the story, heartache, fear, tears, anxiety, laughter, happiness, caring and love. There was a happily ever after in the offing and nice closure. This was my first venture to Dare Island but it won't be my last. I will be adding Kantra's other contemporary romances and romantic suspense books to my always growing TBR pile!
http://virginiakantra.com/
November 4, 2015
Ask Me Why (Green Mountain #4.5 (Cam & Will's Wedding))by Jodi Thomas, Marie Force, Shirley Jump, Virginia Kantra
You’ll Be Mine by Marie Force: Will Abbott and Cameron Murphy are finally ready to tie the knot—as long as family, friends and a love-struck moose don’t get in the way.
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas: When cousins Rick and Lizzy Matheson of Harmony, Texas, wind up on the wrong side of an attempted shooting, they know they’re in deep. Still, the biggest danger is losing their hearts—Rick to an old flame and Lizzy to an old friend she’d never noticed before…
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump: Maggie McBride is just one of the guys in the hard-knocks world of construction. Until she’s dared to ask Nick Patterson to a wedding, enticing her to knock down some walls—and risk falling in love.
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra: Determined to leave her wild past behind, Cynthie Lodge is forging a new life for herself and her daughters—one that’s man-free and drama-free. But when her high school crush shows up on Dare Island, he’s determined to make her break her rules
My Review:
I love anthologies and Ask Me Why is no different. Its a gathering of several fantastic authors that have brought together four fantastic novellas to gather heart and love into one place.
All of them have strong couples, men and women alike who lead stories full of heart and I enjoyed each and every installment. You'll be Mine, Midnight Bet, Wrapped Around Your Finger, and Carolina Heart are all fantastic stories. We get wedding bells, thriller mystery, opening up heart, and embracing life all over again. I love all of it. Absolutely fantastic stories winning all over again. All of them were way too short because I enjoyed them all so much. Ask Me Why is a wonderful anthology from beginning to end.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
You’ll Be Mine by Marie Force: Will Abbott and Cameron Murphy are finally ready to tie the knot—as long as family, friends and a love-struck moose don’t get in the way.
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas: When cousins Rick and Lizzy Matheson of Harmony, Texas, wind up on the wrong side of an attempted shooting, they know they’re in deep. Still, the biggest danger is losing their hearts—Rick to an old flame and Lizzy to an old friend she’d never noticed before…
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump: Maggie McBride is just one of the guys in the hard-knocks world of construction. Until she’s dared to ask Nick Patterson to a wedding, enticing her to knock down some walls—and risk falling in love.
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra: Determined to leave her wild past behind, Cynthie Lodge is forging a new life for herself and her daughters—one that’s man-free and drama-free. But when her high school crush shows up on Dare Island, he’s determined to make her break her rules
My Review:
I love anthologies and Ask Me Why is no different. Its a gathering of several fantastic authors that have brought together four fantastic novellas to gather heart and love into one place.
All of them have strong couples, men and women alike who lead stories full of heart and I enjoyed each and every installment. You'll be Mine, Midnight Bet, Wrapped Around Your Finger, and Carolina Heart are all fantastic stories. We get wedding bells, thriller mystery, opening up heart, and embracing life all over again. I love all of it. Absolutely fantastic stories winning all over again. All of them were way too short because I enjoyed them all so much. Ask Me Why is a wonderful anthology from beginning to end.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
August 7, 2015
I picked up this book for a couple of different reasons. First of all, I adore Jodi Thomas' "Harmony" series and there is a novella here that is set in Harmony, Texas, and it brings two of the secondary characters of the series to the forefront with their stories of finding love in unexpected places.
Second, I love novellas! You can pick up "Ask Me Why" and find an enticing story that is fast and fun to read. Perfect for those busy summer days when you just need a moment for yourself to get your read on!
The three other authors are new to me, but oh my goodness - after reading their short stories that go along with their series novel, I want to go and pick up everything they have written. Marie Force's lovely wedding story from her "Green Mountain" series is a romantic contemporary fairy tale - it was great and made me long for the cool mountain town where the story is set! Shirley Jump's characters in "Wrapped Around Your Finger" are a delight to meet, and Virginia Kantra's peek into her "Dare Island" island series is just lovely and makes me long for the sweet summer days in the Carolinas.
I highly recommend this collection of super stories!
Second, I love novellas! You can pick up "Ask Me Why" and find an enticing story that is fast and fun to read. Perfect for those busy summer days when you just need a moment for yourself to get your read on!
The three other authors are new to me, but oh my goodness - after reading their short stories that go along with their series novel, I want to go and pick up everything they have written. Marie Force's lovely wedding story from her "Green Mountain" series is a romantic contemporary fairy tale - it was great and made me long for the cool mountain town where the story is set! Shirley Jump's characters in "Wrapped Around Your Finger" are a delight to meet, and Virginia Kantra's peek into her "Dare Island" island series is just lovely and makes me long for the sweet summer days in the Carolinas.
I highly recommend this collection of super stories!
August 10, 2015
I won this compilation of four novellas in a Goodreads giveaway. The first novella, 'Midnight Bet', by Jodi Thomas was definitely the best of the four. The story is fast-paced. Only 75 pages in length, it has a couple of interesting story lines. Jodi develops the characters quickly so that the reader gets a sense of who they are and the things they struggle with.
'You'll be Mine' by Marie Force was a nice story, but that's about it. I never did figure out what the point of the novella was. There was nothing to keep the reader hooked into wanting to read more.
Shirley Jump's 'Wrapped Around Your Finger' was a fun read. The only item I struggled with was the sincerity of Nick's desire for Maggie since he'd known her when the author had already described him as a player.
The final novella, 'Carolina Heart' by Virginia Kantra was nicely written and gives hope to single moms.
Thank you ladies!
'You'll be Mine' by Marie Force was a nice story, but that's about it. I never did figure out what the point of the novella was. There was nothing to keep the reader hooked into wanting to read more.
Shirley Jump's 'Wrapped Around Your Finger' was a fun read. The only item I struggled with was the sincerity of Nick's desire for Maggie since he'd known her when the author had already described him as a player.
The final novella, 'Carolina Heart' by Virginia Kantra was nicely written and gives hope to single moms.
Thank you ladies!
February 13, 2016
5 stars for Jodi Thomas...the harmony series is wonderful. The characters seem real and otherworldly at the same time. I can't explain it in words but it is like glancing thru a frosty window at a strange world to read this series. They always make me cry yet even the non HEAs please me. A consistent thread thru them is no one sees the "real" me. Many of Thomas's characters are lucky enough to find someone that does.
No rating for Marie Force...I so want to like her books but I find myself skimming thru to get to the end.
I really liked the Shirley Jump story will have to look for more.
Virginia Kantra delivers a great story as always. Her Dare Island series is a current favorite.
No rating for Marie Force...I so want to like her books but I find myself skimming thru to get to the end.
I really liked the Shirley Jump story will have to look for more.
Virginia Kantra delivers a great story as always. Her Dare Island series is a current favorite.
July 2, 2015
Will and Cam's wedding was perfect #mustclick http://amzn.to/1DTlorc #weluvtheGreenMountainseries
May 5, 2024
Ask me why I read this?!
Mostly too sappy for me.
Mostly too sappy for me.
October 16, 2017
If you're a fan of any of the series represented in this anthology you'll want to read it ASAP. I'm a big fan of Jodi Thomas and have to say her story was my favorite of this collection. I'd love to read more about all of the characters involved in Midnight Bet! I love the way Jodi develops characters in just a few pages (or even sentences). Lizzie, Brandon, Rick and Trace were so easy to cheer on as they tried to be content with the lot fate had dealt them only to get a glimpse of how life could change in a moment - and maybe for the better. I also really enjoyed Virginia Kantra's Dare Island story. It was sweet and I wished it was much longer - always a good sign.
March 19, 2018
I like each of the little stories in this book. They are all interesting and the very sweet. Now some of the stories aren't that original or unexpected, the romance was nice, and there was some steamy moments. Pretty fast paced.
I think my favourite stories are the Wrapped Around Your Finger and Carolina Heart, they are more heartfelt and more in depth than the other 2 stories. You'll Be Mine is more full of sweetness and family. Didn't like the Midnight Bet as much, seems too rushed and a little scattered.
I think my favourite stories are the Wrapped Around Your Finger and Carolina Heart, they are more heartfelt and more in depth than the other 2 stories. You'll Be Mine is more full of sweetness and family. Didn't like the Midnight Bet as much, seems too rushed and a little scattered.
October 3, 2019
I only read the story by Jodi Thomas because I wanted to finish up that series. It was a good story with several returning characters and two new ones. Even though there were some references to steamy behavior, Ms. Thomas leaves most of details up to the reader's imagination, which I appreciate.
There was a good deal of action and intrigue packed into this novella and I thought it was an enjoyable addition to a wonderful series.
There was a good deal of action and intrigue packed into this novella and I thought it was an enjoyable addition to a wonderful series.
March 25, 2017
I picked this anthology up to read Marie Force's Green Mountain novella "You'll be Mine." After I read that, I looked at the blurbs for the other 3 stories, and the only one that interested me was Shirley Jump's "Wrapped around your Finger." I did not read the other two stories. Both novellas were enjoyable, light romances.
September 5, 2017
Not for me...I should have known better. While I love Jodi Thomas, I do not like Marie Force. If all you want is a sexcapade book with little to no substance then her books are for you. I think all her characters need an intervention or should at least join sexaholics anonymous.
July 10, 2017
Loved all the stories. Found new author to me, Marie Force and others I've enjoyed before, Virginia Kantra, Jodi Thomas. Yeah!
August 20, 2017
Love the Harmony books! Enjoyed the stories by the other authors in this book as well.
June 27, 2019
Read midnight bet by Jodi Thomas because it was part of the harmony series.
October 22, 2015
Four brand new novellas to fall in love with from some of your favorite authors.
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas (Harmony Book 8.5) - For Rick & Lizzie Matheson, coming back to Harmony, Texas is a step neither anticipated making. But when they end up in a shooting incident, well things just go from bad to worse. Can these two find a way to risk their hearts to the one person who they find they can not be without?
As much as I enjoy Ms. Thomas’s Harmony, Texas series, there was just too much going on in this story and I felt it would have been better served as a full length novel rather than a novella. We got two storylines going on, Rick and Lizzie’s and though I enjoy the mystery of how and why the Matheson’s were targeted, the author doesn’t get into the meat of the story about these two characters. The storyline felt incomplete to me, in my opinion and the characters felt one dimensional. There were hints over t he pasts of some of the characters but alas, the author never does more than just mention them then goes on a different path, leaving the reader scratching their head in confusion. Overall, this was just an okay story that has potential to being a great one but doesn’t quite make the mark.
You’ll be Mine by Marie Force (Green Mountain Book 4.5) - You are invited to Will Abbott and Cameron Murphy’s wedding. Get ready to laugh, cry and tell a love struck moose that Cam is off limits in this latest chapter in the Green Mountain Series.
I got to admit this was one story I have been waiting for since the first book in the Green Mountain Series, All You Need is Love, thrust its claws in me and since then I have been on pins and needles waiting for each book in the series to come out. The readers will laugh, cry and laugh some more as we take in the antics of the Abbott family and friends as well as a certain love-struck moose, who crashes the reception. Ms. Force does a marvelous job in keeping the romance alive in her novella, You’ll Be Mine and I literally was on pins and needles as I flipped the page hoping these two very special characters got their happy ever after. What really left me in tears was Cameron’s way of making her late mother a part of her wedding and I know readers will just bawl their eyes out over those scenes just like I did. Overall, this was truly one of the best in the anthology and I am eager to see where the next book in the series goes from here.
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra (Dare Island Book 4.5) - Cynthia Lodge is determined to start over with her daughters, one that doesn’t include the complications of a man or a relationship. She just never anticipated that Max Lewis is determined to show her that loving someone won’t always lead to heartbreak.
I enjoyed the first book in the Dare Island series and though I haven’t kept up on it like I want to, Carolina Heart is a great addition to the series. It’s filled with two main characters that steal your heart right from the beginning. I loved watching Cynthia come into her own and learn to trust her heart again. Max and Cynthia are two characters you just can’t help but fall in love with. With a romance that will make you melt to characters that you are dying to meet in real life, Ms. Kantra delivers a sparkling addition to her Dare Island series that will make you run to get the other books in the series. I am looking forward to rediscovering this gem of a series in the future.
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump (Southern Bell Book Club Book 0.5) - Maggie McBride is determined to make it in the man’s world of construction. But when she asks Nick Patterson to a wedding, well these two find that some walls can be broken down, kiss after kiss.
This is a new author for me so I was a little hesitant when I started reading this story. But man does the author deliver a set of main characters that are quite enjoyable and a little bit heart meltingly delightful. WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER is a sweet romance that just sparkles in the light. It contains a set of main characters that the reader can get behind on and root for as well as deal with things like fear, insecurities, etc that could doom a relationship. Ms. Jump delivers a sweet romance that you can’t help but enjoy till the very last page.
ASK ME WHY is a lovely anthology that has something for everyone. If you are enjoying the authors for the first time, this will give you a glimpse into the series the stories in this anthology is centered in and might make you a fan after you read these wonderful novellas. With a touch of the computer keys, all the authors in the series capture the romance as well as the happy ever after the characters longed for. ASK ME WHY is full of small town charm and stories you will fall in love with. I highly recommend you grab this anthology and settle in over a long afternoon for some entertaining and heart melting reading that will make you smile.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas (Harmony Book 8.5) - For Rick & Lizzie Matheson, coming back to Harmony, Texas is a step neither anticipated making. But when they end up in a shooting incident, well things just go from bad to worse. Can these two find a way to risk their hearts to the one person who they find they can not be without?
As much as I enjoy Ms. Thomas’s Harmony, Texas series, there was just too much going on in this story and I felt it would have been better served as a full length novel rather than a novella. We got two storylines going on, Rick and Lizzie’s and though I enjoy the mystery of how and why the Matheson’s were targeted, the author doesn’t get into the meat of the story about these two characters. The storyline felt incomplete to me, in my opinion and the characters felt one dimensional. There were hints over t he pasts of some of the characters but alas, the author never does more than just mention them then goes on a different path, leaving the reader scratching their head in confusion. Overall, this was just an okay story that has potential to being a great one but doesn’t quite make the mark.
You’ll be Mine by Marie Force (Green Mountain Book 4.5) - You are invited to Will Abbott and Cameron Murphy’s wedding. Get ready to laugh, cry and tell a love struck moose that Cam is off limits in this latest chapter in the Green Mountain Series.
I got to admit this was one story I have been waiting for since the first book in the Green Mountain Series, All You Need is Love, thrust its claws in me and since then I have been on pins and needles waiting for each book in the series to come out. The readers will laugh, cry and laugh some more as we take in the antics of the Abbott family and friends as well as a certain love-struck moose, who crashes the reception. Ms. Force does a marvelous job in keeping the romance alive in her novella, You’ll Be Mine and I literally was on pins and needles as I flipped the page hoping these two very special characters got their happy ever after. What really left me in tears was Cameron’s way of making her late mother a part of her wedding and I know readers will just bawl their eyes out over those scenes just like I did. Overall, this was truly one of the best in the anthology and I am eager to see where the next book in the series goes from here.
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra (Dare Island Book 4.5) - Cynthia Lodge is determined to start over with her daughters, one that doesn’t include the complications of a man or a relationship. She just never anticipated that Max Lewis is determined to show her that loving someone won’t always lead to heartbreak.
I enjoyed the first book in the Dare Island series and though I haven’t kept up on it like I want to, Carolina Heart is a great addition to the series. It’s filled with two main characters that steal your heart right from the beginning. I loved watching Cynthia come into her own and learn to trust her heart again. Max and Cynthia are two characters you just can’t help but fall in love with. With a romance that will make you melt to characters that you are dying to meet in real life, Ms. Kantra delivers a sparkling addition to her Dare Island series that will make you run to get the other books in the series. I am looking forward to rediscovering this gem of a series in the future.
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump (Southern Bell Book Club Book 0.5) - Maggie McBride is determined to make it in the man’s world of construction. But when she asks Nick Patterson to a wedding, well these two find that some walls can be broken down, kiss after kiss.
This is a new author for me so I was a little hesitant when I started reading this story. But man does the author deliver a set of main characters that are quite enjoyable and a little bit heart meltingly delightful. WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER is a sweet romance that just sparkles in the light. It contains a set of main characters that the reader can get behind on and root for as well as deal with things like fear, insecurities, etc that could doom a relationship. Ms. Jump delivers a sweet romance that you can’t help but enjoy till the very last page.
ASK ME WHY is a lovely anthology that has something for everyone. If you are enjoying the authors for the first time, this will give you a glimpse into the series the stories in this anthology is centered in and might make you a fan after you read these wonderful novellas. With a touch of the computer keys, all the authors in the series capture the romance as well as the happy ever after the characters longed for. ASK ME WHY is full of small town charm and stories you will fall in love with. I highly recommend you grab this anthology and settle in over a long afternoon for some entertaining and heart melting reading that will make you smile.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement
February 25, 2018
Only checked out for the Marie Force novella. Figured out I had already read it. Cute story about the wedding and the set up for Patrick and Mary's HEA.
July 12, 2015
I read this for the Virginia Kantra novella, which is the best one in my opinion. This may be because I'm only familiar with her writing and love the series. However, I don't think so. I honestly think her story was the best.
"You'll Be Mine" by Maria Force (2.5 stars)
This not so much its own story as a long extended epilogue to a book I didn't read. I'm sure this will be a happy place for fans of that book to visit. But for a reader getting a first introduction to Force's writing and the series I found it to be overly sentimental, choppy, and with way too many characters in it that I knew little about. Made it hard to keep track of everyone. And the side story of the heroine's father was completely unnecessary. I'm not feeling any great need to pick up the rest of the books after reading this novella.
"Midnight Bet" by Jodi Thomas (1 star)
This one is just a hot mess from start to finish. A novella is a hard enough format to tell the story of one couple in. But two? No that's not going to work. And it really really didn't. The characters in this story were barely developed and the relationships even less so. Again, this may have been due to these characters being introduced in other stories and developed there. But this doesn't work for newcomers to the story.
"Wrapped Around Your Finger" by Shirley Jump (3 star)
I get the impression this is a shoot off of two different series (one already in existence and one that is starting soon)? It doesn't really matter because the story works regardless. I have a bit of a weak spot for fake it to you make it romances and this one worked well given the character's feelings for each other prior to the faking. I wasn't as thrilled with the end as the build up,but I was way more entertained than I was while reading the first two stories. I am actually intrigued by what else this author has to offer.
"Carolina Heart" by Virginia Kantra (4 stars)
I love that Kantra chose to make this about a side character and didn't feel the need to drag in every character in the whole series to weigh it down. This is really just Cynthie's story though the glimpses of her continuing friendship with Meg are lovely. I loved both Cynthie and Max and the very realistic portrayal of a single mom trying to do the best she can for kids and put her own needs on the back burner. I also really liked the resolution to the minor conflict. That it was Cynthie who took care of the problem while Max was there to back her up and support her. My only complaint about this is that it was too short and I really would have read a full length novel about these two. I wanted more.
"You'll Be Mine" by Maria Force (2.5 stars)
This not so much its own story as a long extended epilogue to a book I didn't read. I'm sure this will be a happy place for fans of that book to visit. But for a reader getting a first introduction to Force's writing and the series I found it to be overly sentimental, choppy, and with way too many characters in it that I knew little about. Made it hard to keep track of everyone. And the side story of the heroine's father was completely unnecessary. I'm not feeling any great need to pick up the rest of the books after reading this novella.
"Midnight Bet" by Jodi Thomas (1 star)
This one is just a hot mess from start to finish. A novella is a hard enough format to tell the story of one couple in. But two? No that's not going to work. And it really really didn't. The characters in this story were barely developed and the relationships even less so. Again, this may have been due to these characters being introduced in other stories and developed there. But this doesn't work for newcomers to the story.
"Wrapped Around Your Finger" by Shirley Jump (3 star)
I get the impression this is a shoot off of two different series (one already in existence and one that is starting soon)? It doesn't really matter because the story works regardless. I have a bit of a weak spot for fake it to you make it romances and this one worked well given the character's feelings for each other prior to the faking. I wasn't as thrilled with the end as the build up,but I was way more entertained than I was while reading the first two stories. I am actually intrigued by what else this author has to offer.
"Carolina Heart" by Virginia Kantra (4 stars)
I love that Kantra chose to make this about a side character and didn't feel the need to drag in every character in the whole series to weigh it down. This is really just Cynthie's story though the glimpses of her continuing friendship with Meg are lovely. I loved both Cynthie and Max and the very realistic portrayal of a single mom trying to do the best she can for kids and put her own needs on the back burner. I also really liked the resolution to the minor conflict. That it was Cynthie who took care of the problem while Max was there to back her up and support her. My only complaint about this is that it was too short and I really would have read a full length novel about these two. I wanted more.
August 15, 2015
I really enjoyed the short stories in this book.
Midnight Bet was a good story about Rick finally being with the woman he loves (the Marshall, Trace) and Lizzie finding the right man (the Veterinarian, Brandon) who loves her the way she is (quirky). Lizzie got shot the vet removed the bullet and Rick and Trace went to find Lizzie after realizing she was shot. But when they reached her house she wasn't their. Brandon took care of Lizzie after she was shot and realized he liked having her near. Trace and Rick realized they belonged together as did Lizzie and Brandon.
You'll Be Mine was a funny and fun story and I loved the Moose that kept appearing. Cameron moved to Vermont to work with Will's family. She fell in love with them all. So Cameron and Will were getting married. The guys all went to camp out before the wedding but a few of the guys decided to sneak back to the women and then return to camp before morning. The women gathered and talked and prepared for the wedding day. And the moose had a crush on Cameron and showed up for the wedding. Great Story
Wrapped Around Your Finger ...another great story. Maggie was just one of the guys at the construction sight, her friend was getting married and dared her to bring Nick (her partner in construction) to the wedding as her date. So she paid him to be her date and act like he loved her… well it was easy for him he did have feelings for her, and he laid it on thick. They did fall for each other but Maggie turned away. Nick was flipping houses but he wanted to keep this last one for he and Maggie but when she turned from him he was going to sell it. Maggie finally came to her senses and they decided to marry and stay in the home he built for her.
And last but not least Carolina Heart great story The Nerd from high school and the girl he loved. Max always loved Cynthie but she never saw it. Cynthie had 2 children and had married the wrong person. She was now alone with her kids and met Max at then aquarium when her youngest daughter disappeared from the group. Max found the girl and was helping her find her group. Cynthie didn't recognize Max, but he sure recognized her. He wanted to be with her but she was focused on being a good mom and didn't want her girls to get attached to him and then he leave her like the rest had. But Max was determined and wouldn't give up. Cynthie finally realized he was what she and her girls needed. Loved the stories! Great job to Jodi Thomas, Marie Force, Virginia Kantra and Shirley Jump
Midnight Bet was a good story about Rick finally being with the woman he loves (the Marshall, Trace) and Lizzie finding the right man (the Veterinarian, Brandon) who loves her the way she is (quirky). Lizzie got shot the vet removed the bullet and Rick and Trace went to find Lizzie after realizing she was shot. But when they reached her house she wasn't their. Brandon took care of Lizzie after she was shot and realized he liked having her near. Trace and Rick realized they belonged together as did Lizzie and Brandon.
You'll Be Mine was a funny and fun story and I loved the Moose that kept appearing. Cameron moved to Vermont to work with Will's family. She fell in love with them all. So Cameron and Will were getting married. The guys all went to camp out before the wedding but a few of the guys decided to sneak back to the women and then return to camp before morning. The women gathered and talked and prepared for the wedding day. And the moose had a crush on Cameron and showed up for the wedding. Great Story
Wrapped Around Your Finger ...another great story. Maggie was just one of the guys at the construction sight, her friend was getting married and dared her to bring Nick (her partner in construction) to the wedding as her date. So she paid him to be her date and act like he loved her… well it was easy for him he did have feelings for her, and he laid it on thick. They did fall for each other but Maggie turned away. Nick was flipping houses but he wanted to keep this last one for he and Maggie but when she turned from him he was going to sell it. Maggie finally came to her senses and they decided to marry and stay in the home he built for her.
And last but not least Carolina Heart great story The Nerd from high school and the girl he loved. Max always loved Cynthie but she never saw it. Cynthie had 2 children and had married the wrong person. She was now alone with her kids and met Max at then aquarium when her youngest daughter disappeared from the group. Max found the girl and was helping her find her group. Cynthie didn't recognize Max, but he sure recognized her. He wanted to be with her but she was focused on being a good mom and didn't want her girls to get attached to him and then he leave her like the rest had. But Max was determined and wouldn't give up. Cynthie finally realized he was what she and her girls needed. Loved the stories! Great job to Jodi Thomas, Marie Force, Virginia Kantra and Shirley Jump
July 9, 2015
Ask Me Why is an anthology consisting of four novellas from four great authors. Marie Force, Jodi Thomas, Shirley Jump and Virginia Kantra have teamed together to create this.
The first story is You'll Be Mine by Marie Force. If you are a fan of her Green Mountain Series, you will not want to miss this fabulous read. You meet Will and Cameron in the first book of the series and this story contains their wedding. True to form, you are guaranteed to laugh, cry and feel a wide range of emotions as Marie's story unfolds. The best part about this story is there are many snippets for future stories to be told from this novella. I can't wait for more of the Green Mountain stories!
The second novella is Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas. It's about two cousins, Rick and Lizzy Matheson who find themselves in trouble when someone attempts to shoot at them. The problem is that both of them think the bullet was intended for them and they don't want to cause more problems for the other.
The third novella is Wrapped Around Your Finger written by Shirley Jump. In this story you meet Maggie McBride and Nick Patterson. Maggie is the opposite of a southern debutante. She prefers to work hard, get her hands dirty and has her mind set on being a contractor. She tried to fit into the mold of being a homemaker once, but was left with nothing but a broken heart. For the sake of her best friend, she is determined to be a girly girl for her wedding. She will primp, put on a dress and even risk heels to make her happy. She even goes as far as taking a dare and bring Nick Patterson as her date to the wedding. But will it all be part of a game or will she let down the walls she has managed to build around her heart? Wrapped Around Your Finger made me laugh as well as cry. I could not get enough of these characters.
The last book in the anthology is Carolina Heart, written by Virginia Kantra. It is a story that grips at your heartstrings. In this story you meet Cynthie Lodge and Max Lewis. She is a single mother of two preteen girls. She is works hard and is going back to school to be a dental hygienist. The last thing she has time for is any form of social life for herself. When she meets Max, he is nothing like she expects. But will make her change her mind?
I enjoyed reading this entire anthology. You will not be disappointed when you read it. All authors kept my attention and made me want for more!
The first story is You'll Be Mine by Marie Force. If you are a fan of her Green Mountain Series, you will not want to miss this fabulous read. You meet Will and Cameron in the first book of the series and this story contains their wedding. True to form, you are guaranteed to laugh, cry and feel a wide range of emotions as Marie's story unfolds. The best part about this story is there are many snippets for future stories to be told from this novella. I can't wait for more of the Green Mountain stories!
The second novella is Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas. It's about two cousins, Rick and Lizzy Matheson who find themselves in trouble when someone attempts to shoot at them. The problem is that both of them think the bullet was intended for them and they don't want to cause more problems for the other.
The third novella is Wrapped Around Your Finger written by Shirley Jump. In this story you meet Maggie McBride and Nick Patterson. Maggie is the opposite of a southern debutante. She prefers to work hard, get her hands dirty and has her mind set on being a contractor. She tried to fit into the mold of being a homemaker once, but was left with nothing but a broken heart. For the sake of her best friend, she is determined to be a girly girl for her wedding. She will primp, put on a dress and even risk heels to make her happy. She even goes as far as taking a dare and bring Nick Patterson as her date to the wedding. But will it all be part of a game or will she let down the walls she has managed to build around her heart? Wrapped Around Your Finger made me laugh as well as cry. I could not get enough of these characters.
The last book in the anthology is Carolina Heart, written by Virginia Kantra. It is a story that grips at your heartstrings. In this story you meet Cynthie Lodge and Max Lewis. She is a single mother of two preteen girls. She is works hard and is going back to school to be a dental hygienist. The last thing she has time for is any form of social life for herself. When she meets Max, he is nothing like she expects. But will make her change her mind?
I enjoyed reading this entire anthology. You will not be disappointed when you read it. All authors kept my attention and made me want for more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews