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Cactus Creek #2
Love, Diamonds, and Spades
A standalone companion novel to Love, Chocolate, and Beer: Rylan & Quinn’s story*
Surprise! The flood of fan mail worked, you guys! LOL. I love that you all fell so hard for Rylan & Quinn in Love, Chocolate, and Beer (I did too). *grin* I hope you enjoy their by-rabid-request parallel story that I just adored writing for you all. Happy reading!
She’s the Self-Proclaimed Wicked ‘Witch’ of the West
Fiercely independent single mom Quinn Christiansen is used to flying solo. She’s been raising her young son and figuring out how to pay his pediatric hospital bills on her own for years now. And truth is, Quinn loves the notorious reputation she’s already gained in town of having a heart too hard for any man to break. Because it is. Two carats too hard, to be exact. Courtesy of the two-carat heirloom she’d had to barter to cover her ex’s debts when he took off after she got pregnant. The day she’d promised herself never again.
So color her pissed when the universe goes and decides to make the one man in Cactus Creek not afraid of her natural ball-busting charm another gambling musician. A ridiculously handsome, wickedly gruff and gritty, pushy one at that.
He’s Everything She’s Sure She Can’t Possibly Want
Rylan Grey isn’t used to getting a woman so worked up…well, not in a bad way, at least. But somehow, his mere existence seems to annoy the guarded and gorgeous Quinn to no end. Surprising, really. A dirt-and-jeans landscaper by day with a regular gig to perform for a packed house by night, Rylan considers himself a decent guy. Sure, he’s made some gambles to get to where he’s at, but they were all of the life variety, with risks as important as the rewards, fate betting as the house, and not a single dollar in play.
While Rylan never wagers anything he’s not willing to lose—namely his heart—he’s more than ready to ante up once he sees past Quinn’s icy defenses. Quick as a firecracker, loyal to a fault, and sweet when no one’s looking, she could be his riskiest gamble yet.
*This standalone companion novel can be read before or after Love, Chocolate, and Beer, but, it is recommended that it be read after. Happy reading!
THE CACTUS CREEK SERIES
Book 1: Love, Chocolate, and Beer
Book 2: Love, Diamonds, and Spades
Book 3: Love, Tussles, and Takedowns
Book 4: Love, Exes, and Ohs
Surprise! The flood of fan mail worked, you guys! LOL. I love that you all fell so hard for Rylan & Quinn in Love, Chocolate, and Beer (I did too). *grin* I hope you enjoy their by-rabid-request parallel story that I just adored writing for you all. Happy reading!
She’s the Self-Proclaimed Wicked ‘Witch’ of the West
Fiercely independent single mom Quinn Christiansen is used to flying solo. She’s been raising her young son and figuring out how to pay his pediatric hospital bills on her own for years now. And truth is, Quinn loves the notorious reputation she’s already gained in town of having a heart too hard for any man to break. Because it is. Two carats too hard, to be exact. Courtesy of the two-carat heirloom she’d had to barter to cover her ex’s debts when he took off after she got pregnant. The day she’d promised herself never again.
So color her pissed when the universe goes and decides to make the one man in Cactus Creek not afraid of her natural ball-busting charm another gambling musician. A ridiculously handsome, wickedly gruff and gritty, pushy one at that.
He’s Everything She’s Sure She Can’t Possibly Want
Rylan Grey isn’t used to getting a woman so worked up…well, not in a bad way, at least. But somehow, his mere existence seems to annoy the guarded and gorgeous Quinn to no end. Surprising, really. A dirt-and-jeans landscaper by day with a regular gig to perform for a packed house by night, Rylan considers himself a decent guy. Sure, he’s made some gambles to get to where he’s at, but they were all of the life variety, with risks as important as the rewards, fate betting as the house, and not a single dollar in play.
While Rylan never wagers anything he’s not willing to lose—namely his heart—he’s more than ready to ante up once he sees past Quinn’s icy defenses. Quick as a firecracker, loyal to a fault, and sweet when no one’s looking, she could be his riskiest gamble yet.
*This standalone companion novel can be read before or after Love, Chocolate, and Beer, but, it is recommended that it be read after. Happy reading!
THE CACTUS CREEK SERIES
Book 1: Love, Chocolate, and Beer
Book 2: Love, Diamonds, and Spades
Book 3: Love, Tussles, and Takedowns
Book 4: Love, Exes, and Ohs
208 pages, ebook
First published February 3, 2015
1183 people are currently reading
1139 people want to read
About the author
Violet Duke
36 books1,263 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education ecstatic to be on the other side of the page now writing emotion-rich stories with fun, everyday characters and sweet, sexy match-ups. Since her debut series in 2013, over a million readers have put all four of Violet's laugh & cry contemporary romance series on bestseller lists and Top 10 charts across the major eretailers, both in the U.S. and internationally.
When she isn't feeding her book-a-day addiction, Violet enjoys doing far too many things without checking the directions first (often with outrageous power tools she has no business operating), and cooking impossible-to-replicate 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her kids (Violet & Duke) and Mr. Violet Duke (their ringleader), with a PJs-and-rubber-slippers work dress code she takes very seriously.
♥ For fan info & epic giveaways, visit: www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
When she isn't feeding her book-a-day addiction, Violet enjoys doing far too many things without checking the directions first (often with outrageous power tools she has no business operating), and cooking impossible-to-replicate 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her kids (Violet & Duke) and Mr. Violet Duke (their ringleader), with a PJs-and-rubber-slippers work dress code she takes very seriously.
♥ For fan info & epic giveaways, visit: www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
March 23, 2018
Got 4% in and was not engaged. Removed.
April 8, 2017
I do love this story between Quinn and Rylan. Quinn want looking for a man, she shut that door over 5 years ago when she found her said boyfriend in a compromising position with other girl. Her life was her son Cooper, and her business. Rylan knew the minute he saw Quinn across the room he had to know her. Playing hard to get was had nothing on Rylan knocked down her boundaries. When a medical emergency happens Quinn does what she does best shuts out the ones she needs the most. Rylan will do anything and everything to prove he is here for the long haul. I could not out this book down its so good.
February 9, 2015
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I really love when an author listens to her readers and gives them what they want in Violet Duke's Love, Chocolate, and Beer it was obvious that something happened between two secondary characters and of course we all wanted their story and Love, Diamonds, and Spades is that companion story! Single mom and new business owner Quinn Christiansen is sassy, smart and has vowed to never let a man get close enough to break her heart again but full time landscaper and part time musician, Rylan Grey, can't help but appreciate everything about Quinn and he plans to break through her tough exterior one day at a time.
Man oh man did I love Rylan a big ole' teddy bear of a man with a heart of gold but underneath this sexy, gruff, manly man. The way he spent time getting to know Quinn and her son, Cooper and didn't rush a physical relationship because he knew there was something in her past that had made her so guarded. Most of all I appreciated that he respected her need for independence but still found a way to help her in thoughtful ways and how he helped her to learn to accept that he didn't want anything in return he just wanted to make her life easier.
Quinn hasn't had an easy life and being left alone, pregnant and delivering a baby with problems only exacerbated her problems but it only made her stronger. Moving to the small town of Cactus Creek and going in to business with her best friend is one of the best things she's done and when she meets Ryland despite her reservations she can't deny that he is a good man, she's just not sure she deserves to have him and complicate her life.
I loved the sweet way this relationship started and the way it blossomed over time; it was a mature relationship and they always communicated well which is why I think that even when they had problems they weren't so big that they couldn't overcome them. There is something special about a man (or a woman for that matter) who accepts and grows to love a child that is not his own and the moments Ryland spent with Cooper were precious and priceless.
It was interesting "seeing" this relationship in progress knowing that Luke and Dani's was in progress at the same time and there were a few overlapping scenes but from a different angle. I admire this author's ability to go back and seamlessly work this story into that existing one.
A sweet friendship that turns into a sensual romance...Love, Diamonds, and Spades add so much to Violet Duke's already fantastic Cactus Creek series and I am so looking forward to what happens next.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I really love when an author listens to her readers and gives them what they want in Violet Duke's Love, Chocolate, and Beer it was obvious that something happened between two secondary characters and of course we all wanted their story and Love, Diamonds, and Spades is that companion story! Single mom and new business owner Quinn Christiansen is sassy, smart and has vowed to never let a man get close enough to break her heart again but full time landscaper and part time musician, Rylan Grey, can't help but appreciate everything about Quinn and he plans to break through her tough exterior one day at a time.
Man oh man did I love Rylan a big ole' teddy bear of a man with a heart of gold but underneath this sexy, gruff, manly man. The way he spent time getting to know Quinn and her son, Cooper and didn't rush a physical relationship because he knew there was something in her past that had made her so guarded. Most of all I appreciated that he respected her need for independence but still found a way to help her in thoughtful ways and how he helped her to learn to accept that he didn't want anything in return he just wanted to make her life easier.
Quinn hasn't had an easy life and being left alone, pregnant and delivering a baby with problems only exacerbated her problems but it only made her stronger. Moving to the small town of Cactus Creek and going in to business with her best friend is one of the best things she's done and when she meets Ryland despite her reservations she can't deny that he is a good man, she's just not sure she deserves to have him and complicate her life.
I loved the sweet way this relationship started and the way it blossomed over time; it was a mature relationship and they always communicated well which is why I think that even when they had problems they weren't so big that they couldn't overcome them. There is something special about a man (or a woman for that matter) who accepts and grows to love a child that is not his own and the moments Ryland spent with Cooper were precious and priceless.
It was interesting "seeing" this relationship in progress knowing that Luke and Dani's was in progress at the same time and there were a few overlapping scenes but from a different angle. I admire this author's ability to go back and seamlessly work this story into that existing one.
A sweet friendship that turns into a sensual romance...Love, Diamonds, and Spades add so much to Violet Duke's already fantastic Cactus Creek series and I am so looking forward to what happens next.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 2, 2016
I love all of Violet's books. Quinn has been hurt in the past by a musician. She works with Luke (her best friend) at Desert Confections. Quinn notices Rylan who is Dani's best friend and is a musician. Quinn does not trust musicians and does not want to be attracted to Rylan. Quinn has a five year old son named Cooper who has medical problems.
Rylan was also hurt by a women, and has not been interested seriously in a relationship for a long time. There is something about Quinn that he can't resist. Rylan begins running into Quinn to get to know her. Rylan is a great guy who anyone could fall in love with. There are a few misunderstandings along the way in their relationship, but Rylan doesn't give up or get upset easily. The book has romance, laughter, tears, misunderstandings, sex, love and happiness. It is a great book by a great author.
Rylan was also hurt by a women, and has not been interested seriously in a relationship for a long time. There is something about Quinn that he can't resist. Rylan begins running into Quinn to get to know her. Rylan is a great guy who anyone could fall in love with. There are a few misunderstandings along the way in their relationship, but Rylan doesn't give up or get upset easily. The book has romance, laughter, tears, misunderstandings, sex, love and happiness. It is a great book by a great author.
February 10, 2015
This is my favorite series by Violet I love the small town charm and the characters. Rylan is a very protective man, "woman why the are you out here alone?" Growled Rylan. "Dont you know how dangerous it is?" He can't deal with his woman being far from him, "come back and cuddle with me, woman." Quinn that girl knows how to rub her man, "baby, you keep rubbing that sweet butt of yours against me, and your going to get us into a world of trouble." I can't wait for the next book in the series.
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April 18, 2017
LOVED this book! Seriously, I want to move to Cactus Creek. This book had me swooning one minute and laughing out loud the next. Definite must read.
May 8, 2018
Quinn and Rylan story had a little bit of everything and I loved it. I couldn't stop smiling the whole time. 💙
Plus I loved reading Dani and Luke's wedding. It was perfect! 😊
Plus I loved reading Dani and Luke's wedding. It was perfect! 😊
February 6, 2015
Before I start off on the review, a few sparkles for the uninitiated – Love, Diamonds and Spades is book 2 after Love, Chocolate and Beer (Luke and Danica). Violet Duke has released Love, Tussles and Takedowns (Lia and Hudson) as book 2 initially, but now that all changed just because of her love for her fans. Violet Duke being the ever-loving Violet Duke, she pampered her fans with Love, Diamonds and Spades as a dedication to her readers, outside of her original plan for the series.
So the sequence of her Cactus Creek Series –
Love, Chocolate And Beer – Luke and Danica
Love, Diamonds And Spades – Rylan and Quinn
Love, Tussles and Takedowns – Lia and Hudson
Love, Exes and Ohs – Isaac and Xoey (Coming Mar 2015)
…and hoping she doesn’t stop there!!!!
Now on to the review – Rylan is one of the sexy alpha citizens of Cactus Creek, who owns a successful landscaping business and also runs a band. And from the moment Quinn stepped into Cactus Creek as Luke’s business partner, he was hooked, line and sinker.
Quinn is a divorced mother and has endured a painful past to make a future for her son Cooper in Cactus Creek. She has been playing hide and seek with the sexy singer and the chore gambler for a while before she succumbs to his wooing and charm.
And together Rylan and Quinn steam the pages with their sweet wooing, the sublime passion that ignites between them, the tip toeing around each other as they spar with repartee and the pure and precious love that develops between them is a reading pleasure.
Cartwheels all the way!!!
Violet Duke never ceases to amaze me with her positive attitude, her zeal for life, her perseverance and her amazing talent of writing super delicious and charismatic love stories. As much as every line is consumed with wit and fire, you cannot miss the fact that she creates her characters with her heart and soul. She does a brilliant job of creating that sense of simultaneous narration of her stories, yet each book of Cactus Creek can be read as standalone. But trust me when I say, you’ll be panting to read every single book in series.
Love, Diamonds And Spades is a simple love story of Rylan and Quinn, with the whole town of Cactus Creek, playing a role in their story. I love how Violet pulls in secondary characters and family into the story, be it Rylan talking to his parents about his love life, or the captivating dialogues that flow with ease among the residents, you can’t but help feel so warm, fuzzy and protected by the unconditional support, love and care that roots in Cactus Creek.
And let the Ohs and Ahs begin as Xoey tries to keep her relationship with Isaac platonic!!!!!
Received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
So the sequence of her Cactus Creek Series –
Love, Chocolate And Beer – Luke and Danica
Love, Diamonds And Spades – Rylan and Quinn
Love, Tussles and Takedowns – Lia and Hudson
Love, Exes and Ohs – Isaac and Xoey (Coming Mar 2015)
…and hoping she doesn’t stop there!!!!
Now on to the review – Rylan is one of the sexy alpha citizens of Cactus Creek, who owns a successful landscaping business and also runs a band. And from the moment Quinn stepped into Cactus Creek as Luke’s business partner, he was hooked, line and sinker.
Quinn is a divorced mother and has endured a painful past to make a future for her son Cooper in Cactus Creek. She has been playing hide and seek with the sexy singer and the chore gambler for a while before she succumbs to his wooing and charm.
And together Rylan and Quinn steam the pages with their sweet wooing, the sublime passion that ignites between them, the tip toeing around each other as they spar with repartee and the pure and precious love that develops between them is a reading pleasure.
Cartwheels all the way!!!
Violet Duke never ceases to amaze me with her positive attitude, her zeal for life, her perseverance and her amazing talent of writing super delicious and charismatic love stories. As much as every line is consumed with wit and fire, you cannot miss the fact that she creates her characters with her heart and soul. She does a brilliant job of creating that sense of simultaneous narration of her stories, yet each book of Cactus Creek can be read as standalone. But trust me when I say, you’ll be panting to read every single book in series.
Love, Diamonds And Spades is a simple love story of Rylan and Quinn, with the whole town of Cactus Creek, playing a role in their story. I love how Violet pulls in secondary characters and family into the story, be it Rylan talking to his parents about his love life, or the captivating dialogues that flow with ease among the residents, you can’t but help feel so warm, fuzzy and protected by the unconditional support, love and care that roots in Cactus Creek.
And let the Ohs and Ahs begin as Xoey tries to keep her relationship with Isaac platonic!!!!!
Received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
March 25, 2017
I woke early this Saturday morning and decided to start a book before I tackled my "to do" list. I admit I never felt the love for Love, Chocolate and Beer, but this book... Ok so I read it in one sitting and my "to do " list is staring me in the face but so worth it.
I love the chemistry between Quinn and Rylan. Right in the beginning you get why Quinn is a single mom. Love destroyed her and really it wasn't love that destroyed her but circumstances in life. She is ready to be three quarters of a million dollars in medical bills debt for the love of her son. Rylan knows he has been bit hard. Inch by inch Rylan gets Quinn to see he is in it, to win it. Doesn't a romantic man just make you swoon!!! While there must be a twist to the story her ex comes back to town. It isn't Rylan who saves the day but Quinn seeing Rylan's love for her. I love how this town bets. How do I get in on getting my garage cleaned!!!
Even though this is book 2 in the series it is mostly just Quinn and Rylan. At the end of my version is a small story of Dani and Luke's wedding. Sweet short story that leads into the next book. I truly hope book 1 was just a glitch for me personally.
I love the chemistry between Quinn and Rylan. Right in the beginning you get why Quinn is a single mom. Love destroyed her and really it wasn't love that destroyed her but circumstances in life. She is ready to be three quarters of a million dollars in medical bills debt for the love of her son. Rylan knows he has been bit hard. Inch by inch Rylan gets Quinn to see he is in it, to win it. Doesn't a romantic man just make you swoon!!! While there must be a twist to the story her ex comes back to town. It isn't Rylan who saves the day but Quinn seeing Rylan's love for her. I love how this town bets. How do I get in on getting my garage cleaned!!!
Even though this is book 2 in the series it is mostly just Quinn and Rylan. At the end of my version is a small story of Dani and Luke's wedding. Sweet short story that leads into the next book. I truly hope book 1 was just a glitch for me personally.
July 6, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
3.5 stars
Love, Diamonds, and Spades was another cute read from Violet Duke. We got to see parts of Rylan and Quinn's relationship in the first book, but this is more of the story.
Rylan is in the local band and when he first sees Quinn he knows she is something special. He is not some big rock star. His band doesn't tour, they are not players, some are married, etc. He is just a good guy who likes to play music. He gets together with his friends and plays poker occasionally, he plays in his band, he is good friends with Dani, he is just a normal guy. When he first meets Quinn's son he doesn't even bat an eye. He is so great with her kid, so amazing with both of them,just really a great guy.
Quinn is used to projecting a stay away vibe. Ever since her musician, gambling ex left her pregnant with debts to get out of she has told herself never again. Never again will she be with a musician, with a gambler. She caught her ex cheating on her after all. He couldn't stay away from the groupies and that lifestyle. She has enough problems to deal with without adding that headache to the mix. Only Rylan seems different. He seems like a good guy. Can she trust him?
This story was cute and sweet. Rylan is very patient with Quinn and he is there for her and her son. While I did enjoy the story I felt like it was still only bits and pieces instead of a complete package. I know you always only get parts of the story, but this one felt like there were pieces missing. I don't quite know why, and it was a good read, it just wasn't as amazing as the other books I have read. I still enjoyed it and it was fun. Now on to Lia and Hudson's story.
3.5 stars
Love, Diamonds, and Spades was another cute read from Violet Duke. We got to see parts of Rylan and Quinn's relationship in the first book, but this is more of the story.
Rylan is in the local band and when he first sees Quinn he knows she is something special. He is not some big rock star. His band doesn't tour, they are not players, some are married, etc. He is just a good guy who likes to play music. He gets together with his friends and plays poker occasionally, he plays in his band, he is good friends with Dani, he is just a normal guy. When he first meets Quinn's son he doesn't even bat an eye. He is so great with her kid, so amazing with both of them,just really a great guy.
Quinn is used to projecting a stay away vibe. Ever since her musician, gambling ex left her pregnant with debts to get out of she has told herself never again. Never again will she be with a musician, with a gambler. She caught her ex cheating on her after all. He couldn't stay away from the groupies and that lifestyle. She has enough problems to deal with without adding that headache to the mix. Only Rylan seems different. He seems like a good guy. Can she trust him?
This story was cute and sweet. Rylan is very patient with Quinn and he is there for her and her son. While I did enjoy the story I felt like it was still only bits and pieces instead of a complete package. I know you always only get parts of the story, but this one felt like there were pieces missing. I don't quite know why, and it was a good read, it just wasn't as amazing as the other books I have read. I still enjoyed it and it was fun. Now on to Lia and Hudson's story.
March 17, 2015
This is the second book, and I had not read the first, but it is also a stand alone. I loved, loved Quinn's devotion to her son and to keeping her life focused. Her past made her question anyone brave enough to actually approach her, and she was strong enough to admit that same history could just be clouding her judgement. Rylan was a breath of fresh air. Here is a man who has rules to live by yet has fun. He was quite willing to spend time with a young boy and help out a woman who presented a challenge to him. He grabbed a hold of this couple with both hands and patiently waited for her to accept him on her terms. His kindnesses, his gentle teasing, his incredible patience are things that a lot of women would love to have directed their way. They are one of my top couples, and I plan on keeping up with this series.
December 29, 2018
Totally confusing
I could not get into this book. I have absolutely no idea what "the kind like a tank built like muscles for days" (chapter 2) means. There are all kinds of references to nothing (unless this is one of those series books that must be read in order to make sense?). I have enough books in my "to read" pile that I don't need to waste time trying to figure this one out.
I could not get into this book. I have absolutely no idea what "the kind like a tank built like muscles for days" (chapter 2) means. There are all kinds of references to nothing (unless this is one of those series books that must be read in order to make sense?). I have enough books in my "to read" pile that I don't need to waste time trying to figure this one out.
December 17, 2016
Down on her luck Quinn never ever wants to fall in love again. Pain and heartache were her best friends through out her marriage and she does not plan to go through that again. NEVER SAY NEVER. Love, Diamonds and Spades combines touching moments with moments of fun to create a story that is worthy of any romance reader.
July 28, 2019
You dont have to do it alone
Quinn has been a sigle mom trying to stay afloat while her son medical bills keep piling up, at thesame time she is falling for yet anoter musician again. Rylan is patiently showing quinn she can trust him and she tests him the whole way.
Quinn has been a sigle mom trying to stay afloat while her son medical bills keep piling up, at thesame time she is falling for yet anoter musician again. Rylan is patiently showing quinn she can trust him and she tests him the whole way.
June 6, 2017
This is the second book of the Cactus Creek series by Violet Duke. Technically, it shares the number two spot with Love, Tussles, and Takedowns. Love, Diamonds, and Spades wasn’t really on the docket for the Cactus Creek series, but because Violet Duke listens, intently, to her fans Love, Diamonds, and Spades was placed between Love, Tussles, and Takedowns after that book had already been listed as number two. Confused yet? It doesn’t really matter. Each book in this series is a stand-alone with the characters from all the books making appearances, but never upstaging the main characters.
Now, to Love, Diamonds, and Spades. This is a cute, quick, perfect summer read. Quinn and Rylan first appear in Love, Chocolate, and Beer (Dani and Luke’s story). Quinn happens to be Luke’s best friend and business partner; Rylan is Dani’s best friend and musician in her bar. The two books actually run simultaneously. I had read Love, Chocolate, and Beer a while ago, so it was a little fuzzy. As soon as I started reading Love, Diamonds, and Spades, it all came back to me. The characters of Cactus Creek, the betting, the small town feel, the fun… all of it. There’s plenty of humor, plenty of sweet moments, and all around fun. This is a great series to kick back and relax with.
Now, to Love, Diamonds, and Spades. This is a cute, quick, perfect summer read. Quinn and Rylan first appear in Love, Chocolate, and Beer (Dani and Luke’s story). Quinn happens to be Luke’s best friend and business partner; Rylan is Dani’s best friend and musician in her bar. The two books actually run simultaneously. I had read Love, Chocolate, and Beer a while ago, so it was a little fuzzy. As soon as I started reading Love, Diamonds, and Spades, it all came back to me. The characters of Cactus Creek, the betting, the small town feel, the fun… all of it. There’s plenty of humor, plenty of sweet moments, and all around fun. This is a great series to kick back and relax with.
June 19, 2022
3.5 stars
I really adored the characters in this book but unfortunately there was quite a lot of time skipping. I would end one chapter and start the next and feel like I was missing something, and that feeling continued throughout the entire book. There were some very important events that I wished were written about instead of skipped over and that left me feeling disappointed. This author is new to me and I did enjoy her writing style, and her characters were likable as well. The premise for this particular story had a lot of potential but as I said too many things were skipped over. That said I’m not sure I’m going to go back and read book one which actually takes place simultaneously with this one because I don’t want to have that same feeling of disappointment.
I really adored the characters in this book but unfortunately there was quite a lot of time skipping. I would end one chapter and start the next and feel like I was missing something, and that feeling continued throughout the entire book. There were some very important events that I wished were written about instead of skipped over and that left me feeling disappointed. This author is new to me and I did enjoy her writing style, and her characters were likable as well. The premise for this particular story had a lot of potential but as I said too many things were skipped over. That said I’m not sure I’m going to go back and read book one which actually takes place simultaneously with this one because I don’t want to have that same feeling of disappointment.
March 30, 2018
As of right now, I’m going to have to throw this one into the DNF pile. I think part of the problem is that I didn’t read the first book in the series. Though it says it can be read as a stand-alone, I feel like a lot of basic information is missing in this book. For example you have the dynamics of Luke and Quinn as friends/partners and Rylan and Dani as friends. How are they friends? What is their exact relationship? It just kind of threw me off. It also wasn’t very clear in the beginning about the bar and chocolate shop. I had to piece things together, making it hard to get into. Plus, I don’t really care for the H or h at all. They feel flat to me and I just don’t care to continue.
August 9, 2018
What an absolutely charming, funny, and heartwarming little story!
A bit confusing at the beginning, because the story about Rylan and Quinn seemed to start right in the middle, and with events happened before that I felt I was missing, presumably from the first book? A very short summary would have been helpful.
However, that was only for the first couple of pages. The story soon drew me in, and it had all the characteristics for a good story: sympathetic and realistic protagonists, a charming little kid, the evil Ex, heartbreaks from the past, great dialogues and an absolutely brilliant narration style.
I will definitely get the rest of this series as well.
A bit confusing at the beginning, because the story about Rylan and Quinn seemed to start right in the middle, and with events happened before that I felt I was missing, presumably from the first book? A very short summary would have been helpful.
However, that was only for the first couple of pages. The story soon drew me in, and it had all the characteristics for a good story: sympathetic and realistic protagonists, a charming little kid, the evil Ex, heartbreaks from the past, great dialogues and an absolutely brilliant narration style.
I will definitely get the rest of this series as well.
March 29, 2018
A great escape read, relax and enjoy
She’s too cute by half and he’s almost too good to be true ....so it should be totally corny ... but it’s not! Quinn is also also funny, independent and a great mum. Rylan is smart and honest and fronts up when it counts.
Personally, I thought the spin on his previous marriage was unnecessary,his character stood without it, but that’s a minor whinge.
Relax and enjoy
She’s too cute by half and he’s almost too good to be true ....so it should be totally corny ... but it’s not! Quinn is also also funny, independent and a great mum. Rylan is smart and honest and fronts up when it counts.
Personally, I thought the spin on his previous marriage was unnecessary,his character stood without it, but that’s a minor whinge.
Relax and enjoy
July 25, 2018
This story seemed to flow better than Luke and Dani's story, although I liked that one too; loved protective Rylan and the strength Quinn showed in dealing with her life, being a single mom with a son who has medical issues. Also loved the small town - Cactus Creek - especially as I live in Arizona and kept thinking, wow, this could be that little town just north of here up the I17!
Also enjoyed the bonus story about Luke and Dani's wedding.
Also enjoyed the bonus story about Luke and Dani's wedding.
March 1, 2018
Chocolate and beer!
Love the laughter. Love the emotional tug. Love the pairing of Rylan and Quinn. This is a roller coaster of a book. There is so much fun that laughed out loud several times. I received some amused looks. Cried through the tough and rough moments with Quinn's sons medical problems and how everyone responds to help.
Love the laughter. Love the emotional tug. Love the pairing of Rylan and Quinn. This is a roller coaster of a book. There is so much fun that laughed out loud several times. I received some amused looks. Cried through the tough and rough moments with Quinn's sons medical problems and how everyone responds to help.
March 12, 2018
All In
This series just keeps getting better! I will tell you this one has lots of humor but also lots of parts where the tears just run. Rylan and Quinn were absolutely made for each other and even though it takes her a while to come around Rylan keeps in pursuit! Just a fun, fabulous and great read!
This series just keeps getting better! I will tell you this one has lots of humor but also lots of parts where the tears just run. Rylan and Quinn were absolutely made for each other and even though it takes her a while to come around Rylan keeps in pursuit! Just a fun, fabulous and great read!
March 29, 2018
Meh
I don’t have many bad things to say about it as it was not a bad story. It flowed okay and the characters were good. But it really came off as too good to be true. I thought the plot twist was interesting because I wasn’t sure how exactly the big gesture was going to work. But the story itself just didn’t excite me.
I don’t have many bad things to say about it as it was not a bad story. It flowed okay and the characters were good. But it really came off as too good to be true. I thought the plot twist was interesting because I wasn’t sure how exactly the big gesture was going to work. But the story itself just didn’t excite me.
March 30, 2018
Okay -found another great book boyfriend Rylan. Can't explain all his greatness.He noticed Quinn-a single mom and realized she has issues with him and he set her straight that he was not a player.He was respectful and slow with her getting to be her friend and at one point was willing to make a big sacrifice for her and Cooper -So yummy
July 2, 2018
Have read Love, Beer and Chocolate right before this book, I will say it was interesting in reading two books that take place at the same time with the same people from different perspectives. One from Dani & Luke's point of view and this one from Quinn and Rylan's point of view. I really how these two book fed off each other and worked together. The author did a great job.
April 4, 2021
Love, Diamonds and Spades: Rylan and Quinn (Cactus Creek, Book 2)
The love story of Rylan and Quinn. When Cooper was born , he had a lot of medical issues and Rylan was heavy medical debt because of them. After being lose to love she met Quinn and thinks change. Great love story. Dani and Luke's wedding happen in the last pages of this story.
The love story of Rylan and Quinn. When Cooper was born , he had a lot of medical issues and Rylan was heavy medical debt because of them. After being lose to love she met Quinn and thinks change. Great love story. Dani and Luke's wedding happen in the last pages of this story.
July 31, 2023
Great book! The Salt and Pepper Ring https://saltandpepperring.com was the perfect anniversary gift for my wife. Its unique design with salt and pepper diamonds symbolizes our balanced and enduring love. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and its versatile style adds elegance to any occasion. This ring is a true treasure and a cherished heirloom for generations to come. Highly recommended!
March 22, 2018
Quinn and Rylan
Rylan is quite the man- singer, songwriter, Gardner! And a romantic protective guy too. Loved the way he was with Quinn’s little boy too. Great story. Loved the bonus wedding for Luke and Dani! So many HEAs!
Rylan is quite the man- singer, songwriter, Gardner! And a romantic protective guy too. Loved the way he was with Quinn’s little boy too. Great story. Loved the bonus wedding for Luke and Dani! So many HEAs!
April 20, 2018
It truly made my day!!!!
I loved this book, I read it today from beginning to end and it made me laugh, which was a great relief since i received some bad news today. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great laugh with a HEA!!!!
I loved this book, I read it today from beginning to end and it made me laugh, which was a great relief since i received some bad news today. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great laugh with a HEA!!!!
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