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Brides of Cedar Bend #2
Something New
When small town mechanic Damian Carson comes to Savvy Williams’ rescue—again—he is determined to make their encounter a bit more memorable than the last. Yet, when a rousing kiss results in an unforgettable night, Damian soon finds himself caught in a bogus engagement with the lovely southern belle.
Embarrassed by her previous broken engagement—and eager to dispel rumors of her attraction to rich men only—Savvy is willing to fake a relationship with the handsomely rugged mechanic. Until their harmless charade results in a quickie wedding.
Before their family and friends, Damian and Savvy must decide how far they’re willing to take their pretense…and if what they have is strong enough to survive something real.
Embarrassed by her previous broken engagement—and eager to dispel rumors of her attraction to rich men only—Savvy is willing to fake a relationship with the handsomely rugged mechanic. Until their harmless charade results in a quickie wedding.
Before their family and friends, Damian and Savvy must decide how far they’re willing to take their pretense…and if what they have is strong enough to survive something real.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2017
50 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Lena Hart
95 books323 followersLena Hart is an author of sensual romances with alpha heroes and smart, sexy heroines. She's a proud member of Romance Writers of America, busy writing more happily ever afters. A Florida-native, Lena currently lives in New York City with her two calico kitties, Duchess and Daisy. When she is not writing, she's reading, researching, or conferring with her muse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 2, 2017
4 stars
Something New by Lena Hart was a sweet and heartfelt read.
The storyline was entertaining, the writing was well done, the characters Damian and Savvy were likable and I enjoyed watching them come together.
From the very start I liked Damian, he captured my interest with his honesty and his big heart. Savannah/Savvy took a little longer for me to connect with. She came across a little snobby and judgemental, but the more I read her POV the more she grew on me. It made me happy seeing her open her heart and enjoying life.
Together they were happier and their love brought out the best in each other.
I had no doubt these two were going to have a long and happy life together.
Something New is the second book in the Brides of Cedar Bend series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend it.
*Buy Links*
Amazon > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071V7YJDP/...
B&N > https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/some...
iTunes > https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/some...
kobo > https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/some...
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts*.
Something New by Lena Hart was a sweet and heartfelt read.
The storyline was entertaining, the writing was well done, the characters Damian and Savvy were likable and I enjoyed watching them come together.
From the very start I liked Damian, he captured my interest with his honesty and his big heart. Savannah/Savvy took a little longer for me to connect with. She came across a little snobby and judgemental, but the more I read her POV the more she grew on me. It made me happy seeing her open her heart and enjoying life.
Together they were happier and their love brought out the best in each other.
I had no doubt these two were going to have a long and happy life together.
Something New is the second book in the Brides of Cedar Bend series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend it.
*Buy Links*
Amazon > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071V7YJDP/...
B&N > https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/some...
iTunes > https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/some...
kobo > https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/some...
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts*.
July 26, 2017
Savannah (aka Savvy) Williams is in town to help her sister/cousin Quinn with her upcoming wedding when her new Hybrid breaks down. Sending an SOS to her cousin, she's rescued by hottie mechanic Damian Carson. She doesn't remember him from her past visit but he jogs her memory and now piques her interest. Savvy is in a bit of the doldrums because of her broken engagement to a man she realistically knew was unsuited for her. He's found someone else and she's bothered by that and the fact that she wasted three years of her life with him.
Damian is running a successful business and dealing with a family crisis with his father. Savvy is trying to prove that she's not superficial--anymore! Can these polar opposite individuals get it together long enough to form a love of a lifetime?
This book has a wonderful small hometown Mayberry feel with warmth, love and heart. This is Book 2 of the Brides of Cedar Bend.
Here's the reading order:
Something Old (Book 1 - Guy & Mya)
Something New (Book 2 - Damian & Savannah)
Something Borrowed (Book 3 - Jackson & Truth) ... Coming Fall 2017
Something Blue (Book 4 - Eric & Quinn) ... Coming Winter 2018
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Tag: African American Romance
Damian is running a successful business and dealing with a family crisis with his father. Savvy is trying to prove that she's not superficial--anymore! Can these polar opposite individuals get it together long enough to form a love of a lifetime?
This book has a wonderful small hometown Mayberry feel with warmth, love and heart. This is Book 2 of the Brides of Cedar Bend.
Here's the reading order:
Something Old (Book 1 - Guy & Mya)
Something New (Book 2 - Damian & Savannah)
Something Borrowed (Book 3 - Jackson & Truth) ... Coming Fall 2017
Something Blue (Book 4 - Eric & Quinn) ... Coming Winter 2018
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Tag: African American Romance
August 15, 2017
The fantasy becomes a reality when two total opposites find the perfect match in each other. With Something New, Ms. Hart kept the childhood fairy tale ideals but gave them an updated steamy heart to heart. This time around the hero and heroine write their own story. It's hard to decide who was more in need of rescuing. The girl with the broken engagement or the guy with a heart full of dreams. Either way, Savvy and Damian are heartstoppingly fabulous together.
July 27, 2017
Even though I am a big city girl, I love a good small town romance. I like reading about towns where everyone knows one another and there's a good vibe. Lena Hart delivers this milieu and a charming love story in Something New, the second book in the Brides of Cedar Bend series.
This is an opposites attract story, with the initially haughty Savannah meeting the down-to-earth Damian meeting thanks to car trouble and a rainstorm. Actually, Damian comes to the rescue twice and it's pretty obvious there's chemistry between the two. Savvy's in town to help her cousin prepare for her wedding and also trying to get rid of the gold digger reputation hanging over her. When she and Damian end up in a fake engagement...well, I won't say more. I don't want to spoil the story for you.
I really enjoyed following their path to love. It was a fun summer read and the set up gives the story the perfect rom-com-wish-this-were-a-movie feel. I really liked the cast of characters and the setting, and I thought the story flowed really well. So why four stars and not 5? If only I could give it a 4.5. My only reason for giving the story a four instead of a five is that it took me a while to warm up to Savvy. I was all-in with Damian from page one. But this is a wonderful romance and a great summer read. Highly recommended.
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
This is an opposites attract story, with the initially haughty Savannah meeting the down-to-earth Damian meeting thanks to car trouble and a rainstorm. Actually, Damian comes to the rescue twice and it's pretty obvious there's chemistry between the two. Savvy's in town to help her cousin prepare for her wedding and also trying to get rid of the gold digger reputation hanging over her. When she and Damian end up in a fake engagement...well, I won't say more. I don't want to spoil the story for you.
I really enjoyed following their path to love. It was a fun summer read and the set up gives the story the perfect rom-com-wish-this-were-a-movie feel. I really liked the cast of characters and the setting, and I thought the story flowed really well. So why four stars and not 5? If only I could give it a 4.5. My only reason for giving the story a four instead of a five is that it took me a while to warm up to Savvy. I was all-in with Damian from page one. But this is a wonderful romance and a great summer read. Highly recommended.
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 20, 2018
This book proved to be a challenge for me.
Let me explain what happened...
Damian Carson is the mechanic of the city in Cedar Bend.
On a stormy day, someone knocks on the door of his shop. A lost (sexy) girl.
Damian lets her phone to her boyfriend, and this one comes and picks her up.
Damian's father, Pops, now in pretty bad health, soon falls in love with the girl and says she reminds him of his late wife, Janet.
The event seems to be unimportant, until two years later, Damian and Savvy (Savannah) meet again.
Her car, a hybrid, stops working and her cousin, Quinn, who will soon be married to Eric, the mayoral candidate, calls Damian for help.
Damian remembers Savvy, but she does not remember him soon enough.
Damian, Eric's friend since childhood, would be the best man at the wedding, while Savvy was the cousin of the bride. That would give him a chance to find her more often.
Not to mention that Savvy, this time, was not with her fiancé.
Until now, everything ok, right?
The point was Savvy was known even within her family as the dazzled, who only enjoyed date rich white men. Her sister Felicia lived saying that she must see beyond appearance and find a man who truly valued her.
But then Pops appeared in her life !!!!
Since the first time they met 2 years ago, Pops has been declining in health, suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. He had some lucid moments.
His meetings with Savvy always made him happy. She had patience with him, and through him, she could see all the affection that Damian had in caring for his father. Damian was the typical man who always put other people first. That's why he insisted on not putting his father in a memory facility.
Damian shows all his interest in Savvy, taking advantage of the chance they would have to be together, and soon she was worried she could not fall in love with him.
Especially after they spend a wonderful night together.
Unintentionally, she finds his mother's old wedding ring and puts it on her finger, and it gets stuck.
Her cousin's wedding comes.
Quinn starts to show second thoughts. And she disappears.
In the confusion, the many relatives who came from far to the ceremony want to see a wedding anyway.
As Savvy still wore Damian's mother's ring, and the family assumed she was really engaged, guess who got married that night?
The marriage would not be real since they did not have the official papers.
But Damian invites Savvy to spend the rest of the Summer with him in Cedar Bend.
The coexistence of the 3 went well.
As a nutritionist, Savvy makes sure that Damian and Pops feed well, and she even suggests they make a herb garden in the backyard.
But Pops was getting worse.
Savvy thought it was time for him to be looked after by experts.
Damian did not agree with that.
And when an accident leads to an argument that leads to an even worse accident, Savvy comes to the conclusion that it was time for the fake marriage to end.
Despite the short time together, Damian knew that Savvy was the right woman for him, and that she had the same feelings for him, but how would he make her believe it?
As I said, Savvy's behavior at the beginning was of a spoiled girl.
But as her scenes with Pops grew, she changed, and that made me start liking her.
From there, the story flows much better.
Best scene? The confusion at wedding. The dialogues are hilarious!
And at the end of the book, a certain event opens the next book.
Can't wait!!
4,5 stars
Note to the author: I will never listen CRUISIN' (Smokey Robinson) in the same way...
Let me explain what happened...
Damian Carson is the mechanic of the city in Cedar Bend.
On a stormy day, someone knocks on the door of his shop. A lost (sexy) girl.
Damian lets her phone to her boyfriend, and this one comes and picks her up.
Damian's father, Pops, now in pretty bad health, soon falls in love with the girl and says she reminds him of his late wife, Janet.
The event seems to be unimportant, until two years later, Damian and Savvy (Savannah) meet again.
Her car, a hybrid, stops working and her cousin, Quinn, who will soon be married to Eric, the mayoral candidate, calls Damian for help.
Damian remembers Savvy, but she does not remember him soon enough.
Damian, Eric's friend since childhood, would be the best man at the wedding, while Savvy was the cousin of the bride. That would give him a chance to find her more often.
Not to mention that Savvy, this time, was not with her fiancé.
Until now, everything ok, right?
The point was Savvy was known even within her family as the dazzled, who only enjoyed date rich white men. Her sister Felicia lived saying that she must see beyond appearance and find a man who truly valued her.
But then Pops appeared in her life !!!!
Since the first time they met 2 years ago, Pops has been declining in health, suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. He had some lucid moments.
His meetings with Savvy always made him happy. She had patience with him, and through him, she could see all the affection that Damian had in caring for his father. Damian was the typical man who always put other people first. That's why he insisted on not putting his father in a memory facility.
Damian shows all his interest in Savvy, taking advantage of the chance they would have to be together, and soon she was worried she could not fall in love with him.
Especially after they spend a wonderful night together.
Unintentionally, she finds his mother's old wedding ring and puts it on her finger, and it gets stuck.
Her cousin's wedding comes.
Quinn starts to show second thoughts. And she disappears.
In the confusion, the many relatives who came from far to the ceremony want to see a wedding anyway.
As Savvy still wore Damian's mother's ring, and the family assumed she was really engaged, guess who got married that night?
The marriage would not be real since they did not have the official papers.
But Damian invites Savvy to spend the rest of the Summer with him in Cedar Bend.
The coexistence of the 3 went well.
As a nutritionist, Savvy makes sure that Damian and Pops feed well, and she even suggests they make a herb garden in the backyard.
But Pops was getting worse.
Savvy thought it was time for him to be looked after by experts.
Damian did not agree with that.
And when an accident leads to an argument that leads to an even worse accident, Savvy comes to the conclusion that it was time for the fake marriage to end.
Despite the short time together, Damian knew that Savvy was the right woman for him, and that she had the same feelings for him, but how would he make her believe it?
As I said, Savvy's behavior at the beginning was of a spoiled girl.
But as her scenes with Pops grew, she changed, and that made me start liking her.
From there, the story flows much better.
Best scene? The confusion at wedding. The dialogues are hilarious!
And at the end of the book, a certain event opens the next book.
Can't wait!!
4,5 stars
Note to the author: I will never listen CRUISIN' (Smokey Robinson) in the same way...
October 22, 2017
Something New
For a small town, a lot sure goes on in Cedar Bend!
Savannah Williams and Damian Carson meet when she seeks shelter in his mechanic’s shop after being caught in a rainstorm during a walk. Their time together is brief as Savvy’s boyfriend picks her up and life goes back to its regularly scheduled program.
Fast forward two years and the two meet again when Savvy is returning to Cedar Bend and has car trouble.
Guess who’s sent to her rescue?
It’s not going to be a simple chance meeting this time either since Damian and Savvy are best man and maid of honor in the same wedding—Quinn and Eric’s.
These two have definite chemistry but while privately believing nothing will ever happen between them, Damian isn’t exactly upset Savvy no longer has a boyfriend.
Savvy isn’t all that upset her relationship ended, but she’s not happy with how it began and played out. She knows she played a part in pushing Matt to propose. I don’t fault Savvy for planning her life, but she was dead wrong for trying to plot it. Fortunately, she learns from her mistakes. (And finds out what a total ass Matt is.)
Damian’s not doing so good with planning his life. Trying to keep his business going while caring for his dad leaves time for little else.
Dementia is slowly taking over Damian Carson, Sr.’s mind and his son is determined to keep him home—not send him to a senior facility—and take care of him.
Wedding preparations and car repairs keep bringing Savvy and Damian together and sparks ignite. But both are planted in the here and now… for now.
Loved the relationship Savvy had with Damian, Sr. and I do feel Damian oversteps after Savvy takes his dad out. He’s a good son, looking out for his dad, but during that situation, he was an ass.
The only bump-in-the-road for me in this read is what happens when Quinn and Eric abandon their own wedding. (And what is up with those two?)
I just couldn’t wrap my head around two sane people agreeing to the farce… for whatever reason. But, fake engagements and weddings seem to be a ‘thing’ in romance novels lately, so…oh well. (But the wedding ring mishap is just too funny!) So many family members believed it was such a good idea, but none more so than Damian, Sr. Dementia has progressed to Alzheimer’s, and it may have been winning the battle, but not enough for Pops to not want his son to have a family of his own and stop worrying about him so much.
Sticky notes. Look for them. They’ll leave a lump in your throat.
Being in Cedar Bend is good for Savvy. She lets go of what I felt was pretentiousness and blends into small-town life. Savvy being in Cedar Bend is also good for Damian. She brings the order and peace to his life (and kitchen) he didn’t even know what he was missing.
Then he becomes an ass again after Savvy makes a mistake which leads to Pops wandering away…again.
But, being the good, salt-of-the-earth-man he is, Damian more than makes up for it. However, that’s after Pops—Damian, Sr.—delivers the best reality check of the story. Real wisdom can’t be snuffed out by age or illness.
Something New has a sigh-inducing ending that leaves you smiling and happy for this couple… and there’s a bittersweet setup for the next book, Something Borrowed, which I’ve already preordered!
And where are Quinn and Eric???
Enjoy! (And don’t be surprised if you find yourself putting on Smokey Robinson’s Cruisin’… and listening to the words!)
For a small town, a lot sure goes on in Cedar Bend!
Savannah Williams and Damian Carson meet when she seeks shelter in his mechanic’s shop after being caught in a rainstorm during a walk. Their time together is brief as Savvy’s boyfriend picks her up and life goes back to its regularly scheduled program.
Fast forward two years and the two meet again when Savvy is returning to Cedar Bend and has car trouble.
Guess who’s sent to her rescue?
It’s not going to be a simple chance meeting this time either since Damian and Savvy are best man and maid of honor in the same wedding—Quinn and Eric’s.
These two have definite chemistry but while privately believing nothing will ever happen between them, Damian isn’t exactly upset Savvy no longer has a boyfriend.
Savvy isn’t all that upset her relationship ended, but she’s not happy with how it began and played out. She knows she played a part in pushing Matt to propose. I don’t fault Savvy for planning her life, but she was dead wrong for trying to plot it. Fortunately, she learns from her mistakes. (And finds out what a total ass Matt is.)
Damian’s not doing so good with planning his life. Trying to keep his business going while caring for his dad leaves time for little else.
Dementia is slowly taking over Damian Carson, Sr.’s mind and his son is determined to keep him home—not send him to a senior facility—and take care of him.
Wedding preparations and car repairs keep bringing Savvy and Damian together and sparks ignite. But both are planted in the here and now… for now.
Loved the relationship Savvy had with Damian, Sr. and I do feel Damian oversteps after Savvy takes his dad out. He’s a good son, looking out for his dad, but during that situation, he was an ass.
The only bump-in-the-road for me in this read is what happens when Quinn and Eric abandon their own wedding. (And what is up with those two?)
I just couldn’t wrap my head around two sane people agreeing to the farce… for whatever reason. But, fake engagements and weddings seem to be a ‘thing’ in romance novels lately, so…oh well. (But the wedding ring mishap is just too funny!) So many family members believed it was such a good idea, but none more so than Damian, Sr. Dementia has progressed to Alzheimer’s, and it may have been winning the battle, but not enough for Pops to not want his son to have a family of his own and stop worrying about him so much.
Sticky notes. Look for them. They’ll leave a lump in your throat.
Being in Cedar Bend is good for Savvy. She lets go of what I felt was pretentiousness and blends into small-town life. Savvy being in Cedar Bend is also good for Damian. She brings the order and peace to his life (and kitchen) he didn’t even know what he was missing.
Then he becomes an ass again after Savvy makes a mistake which leads to Pops wandering away…again.
But, being the good, salt-of-the-earth-man he is, Damian more than makes up for it. However, that’s after Pops—Damian, Sr.—delivers the best reality check of the story. Real wisdom can’t be snuffed out by age or illness.
Something New has a sigh-inducing ending that leaves you smiling and happy for this couple… and there’s a bittersweet setup for the next book, Something Borrowed, which I’ve already preordered!
And where are Quinn and Eric???
Enjoy! (And don’t be surprised if you find yourself putting on Smokey Robinson’s Cruisin’… and listening to the words!)
August 8, 2017
We visit the small town of Cedar Bend once again in Lena Hart’s latest novel in the series, Something New.
Savannah Williams is in Cedar Bend to participate in her cousin’s wedding as the maid of honor. She hasn’t been back for two years after she found herself stuck in Damian Carson’s mechanic shop in the middle of a huge storm. As fate would have it, she’s in trouble once again and it’s Damian to the rescue. While she doesn’t initially remember their first encounter, Damian remembers Savvy. With Savvy in town for a while and the mutual attraction between them both, despite the “differences”, it was clear that they would end up seeing a lot of each other.
Savvy is fresh out of a bad relationship and Damian isn’t her usual type. If her sister is one to believe, Savvy usually likes them with a bit more money and a different color hue.
I have to admit that I found Savvy a bit annoying in the beginning. I didn’t like the way she turned her nose up at Damian’s shop and his clothes. I would take Damian any day of the week! Damian was hardworking, compassionate, rugged; fine as all hell! He lived a seemingly quiet life taking care of his father and his shop.
A ‘little’ mistake on Savvy’s end puts these two in hot water as they’re forced into a fake engagement, thanks to very nosy family in the small town. I personally found it a bit laughable and unbelievable, I would have just told the truth instead of following through with the bogus engagement. However, we know small towns can be a bit different. Because of this, Damian and Savvy were forced to reevaluate their relationship and feelings for one another. What they may have first thought to be a casual passing acquaintance turned out to be something better, though unexpected, it was something both of them needed.
Something New was a super quick read and I enjoyed the story, though I would have preferred a bit more conflict. This novel had a good time feel with just enough banter and love to sustain it.
While Something New is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. If you’d like, check out Something Old HERE.
Savannah Williams is in Cedar Bend to participate in her cousin’s wedding as the maid of honor. She hasn’t been back for two years after she found herself stuck in Damian Carson’s mechanic shop in the middle of a huge storm. As fate would have it, she’s in trouble once again and it’s Damian to the rescue. While she doesn’t initially remember their first encounter, Damian remembers Savvy. With Savvy in town for a while and the mutual attraction between them both, despite the “differences”, it was clear that they would end up seeing a lot of each other.
Savvy is fresh out of a bad relationship and Damian isn’t her usual type. If her sister is one to believe, Savvy usually likes them with a bit more money and a different color hue.
I have to admit that I found Savvy a bit annoying in the beginning. I didn’t like the way she turned her nose up at Damian’s shop and his clothes. I would take Damian any day of the week! Damian was hardworking, compassionate, rugged; fine as all hell! He lived a seemingly quiet life taking care of his father and his shop.
A ‘little’ mistake on Savvy’s end puts these two in hot water as they’re forced into a fake engagement, thanks to very nosy family in the small town. I personally found it a bit laughable and unbelievable, I would have just told the truth instead of following through with the bogus engagement. However, we know small towns can be a bit different. Because of this, Damian and Savvy were forced to reevaluate their relationship and feelings for one another. What they may have first thought to be a casual passing acquaintance turned out to be something better, though unexpected, it was something both of them needed.
Something New was a super quick read and I enjoyed the story, though I would have preferred a bit more conflict. This novel had a good time feel with just enough banter and love to sustain it.
While Something New is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. If you’d like, check out Something Old HERE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Small town mechanic Damian Carson has already come to the rescue of Savvy William's. When it happens again he is determined to make their encounter a bit more memorable than the first one. However when a rousing kiss leads to an unforgettable night, Damian soon finds himself caught in a bogus engagement with the lovely southern belle. Savvy is still embarrassed by her previous broken engagement and determined to dispel the rumors that she is only attracted to rich men. She is even willing to fake a relationship with the Damian until their charade results in a quickie wedding.
Oh Damian......why didn't they make mechanics like you when I was young and carefree? I fell in love with him obviously and had so much fun reading this book. As for Savvy she was a snotty little thing to start with so don't give up on her just read and discover the real Savvy. I promise you will like her. Savvy is desperate to prove people wrong so when the opportunity comes along to fake an engagement with Damian she is all over it. She after all wasted three years on a guy who broke her heart and has already found someone else. She has something to prove. This is the story of two totally opposite people coming together and discovering what real love is all about. I loved every single second of the book and can't wait for the next book in this series.
Small town mechanic Damian Carson has already come to the rescue of Savvy William's. When it happens again he is determined to make their encounter a bit more memorable than the first one. However when a rousing kiss leads to an unforgettable night, Damian soon finds himself caught in a bogus engagement with the lovely southern belle. Savvy is still embarrassed by her previous broken engagement and determined to dispel the rumors that she is only attracted to rich men. She is even willing to fake a relationship with the Damian until their charade results in a quickie wedding.
Oh Damian......why didn't they make mechanics like you when I was young and carefree? I fell in love with him obviously and had so much fun reading this book. As for Savvy she was a snotty little thing to start with so don't give up on her just read and discover the real Savvy. I promise you will like her. Savvy is desperate to prove people wrong so when the opportunity comes along to fake an engagement with Damian she is all over it. She after all wasted three years on a guy who broke her heart and has already found someone else. She has something to prove. This is the story of two totally opposite people coming together and discovering what real love is all about. I loved every single second of the book and can't wait for the next book in this series.
August 8, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
This enchanting romantic read was totally lovely, with a chance meeting and mistaken impressions weighing heavy in the plot line. I still loved it (I’m not crazy about the mistaken impression agita)! The character’s feelings were meaningful and real and I felt the ending was totally believable. I also adored the hijinks that ensures around Damien’s mother’s ring. Shhhh, it’s a secret!
When Savvy met Damien, she was pretty much SOL. Her car was dead and so was her engagement. She was heading to get cousin’s wedding so there were due to be relatives asking her what happened. She really didn’t want to talk about it!
Damien had seen the look of disenchantment on Savvy’s face when she first met him. He was tired of women who only wanted well dressed, wealthy, and handsome men. So what if he wasn’t rich? There was more to look for in a man. Like someone to build a family with. When was he going to finally meet sometime real? Savvy was gorgeous but it seemed like she was also pretty shallow.
How disappointing.
Luckily the story doesn’t end there. Read and enjoy the heat and sweet times these two have. Thanks!
This enchanting romantic read was totally lovely, with a chance meeting and mistaken impressions weighing heavy in the plot line. I still loved it (I’m not crazy about the mistaken impression agita)! The character’s feelings were meaningful and real and I felt the ending was totally believable. I also adored the hijinks that ensures around Damien’s mother’s ring. Shhhh, it’s a secret!
When Savvy met Damien, she was pretty much SOL. Her car was dead and so was her engagement. She was heading to get cousin’s wedding so there were due to be relatives asking her what happened. She really didn’t want to talk about it!
Damien had seen the look of disenchantment on Savvy’s face when she first met him. He was tired of women who only wanted well dressed, wealthy, and handsome men. So what if he wasn’t rich? There was more to look for in a man. Like someone to build a family with. When was he going to finally meet sometime real? Savvy was gorgeous but it seemed like she was also pretty shallow.
How disappointing.
Luckily the story doesn’t end there. Read and enjoy the heat and sweet times these two have. Thanks!
August 13, 2017
An engaging and fun read
This the first book I have read by this author but it will not be the last. I was fully engaged in this story by the end of the first chapter and couldn't put it down until the end.
It is a fun, sexy, steamy and albeit a little difficult story to get through for me. Don't get me wrong this story is full of heart and wonderful characters and the plot is very good. But Damien's (our hero) father is suffering with dementia and early onset of Alzheimer's disease (my father passed away from this 3 years ago) so those parts could be upsetting but they are handled with grace and thoughtfulness.
All in all, this story is wonderfully told and now I have to read the whole series to find out about the rest of the funny, engaging and charming characters that are portrayed in this well written book. I received this Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I am voluntarily giving it my open and honest review.
This the first book I have read by this author but it will not be the last. I was fully engaged in this story by the end of the first chapter and couldn't put it down until the end.
It is a fun, sexy, steamy and albeit a little difficult story to get through for me. Don't get me wrong this story is full of heart and wonderful characters and the plot is very good. But Damien's (our hero) father is suffering with dementia and early onset of Alzheimer's disease (my father passed away from this 3 years ago) so those parts could be upsetting but they are handled with grace and thoughtfulness.
All in all, this story is wonderfully told and now I have to read the whole series to find out about the rest of the funny, engaging and charming characters that are portrayed in this well written book. I received this Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I am voluntarily giving it my open and honest review.
July 31, 2017
I love Cedar Bend and I really loved this book...this girl Savvy not so much but that is okay because we know people can always change right? And that is what this book is all about... Growing and changing.
I loved the fact that our author Lena Hart gave us an some hot chocolate to drool over. OH yes we had to get past Savvy's need to date rich white men but she learned that deep down it really is the person not the color of their skin or the money in their wallet.
Then we have this wonderful story of a son and his father. Damian Sr or Pops as he is known and his son Damian Jr. This part of the book to me is the most touching...the most important as it talks about love of your elders even when they are not quite there. Damian is not just this amazing looking man, He IS an amazing man. This book is so good. YOU really need to read it.
I loved the fact that our author Lena Hart gave us an some hot chocolate to drool over. OH yes we had to get past Savvy's need to date rich white men but she learned that deep down it really is the person not the color of their skin or the money in their wallet.
Then we have this wonderful story of a son and his father. Damian Sr or Pops as he is known and his son Damian Jr. This part of the book to me is the most touching...the most important as it talks about love of your elders even when they are not quite there. Damian is not just this amazing looking man, He IS an amazing man. This book is so good. YOU really need to read it.
July 28, 2017
2nd Book in Brides of Cedar Bend
I really enjoyed this book. Made me laugh, cry. It was emotional. A touching subject within.
Savvy returned to Cedar Bend for her cousins wedding. Maybe licking her wounds after her ex fiancé dumps her. They last person she expected to see was Damian aka Junior. He didn't look the same like the last time she saw him.
Damian knows who's waiting on the side of the road with a broken down car..a call he gets from his friends soon to be wife Quinn. Of course he goes to help out. It's been 2 years since they saw each other.
When a ring changes things between them, but it isn't what you think. Things get very interesting in that moment.
Loved the ending. Very moving.
So good. Highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. Made me laugh, cry. It was emotional. A touching subject within.
Savvy returned to Cedar Bend for her cousins wedding. Maybe licking her wounds after her ex fiancé dumps her. They last person she expected to see was Damian aka Junior. He didn't look the same like the last time she saw him.
Damian knows who's waiting on the side of the road with a broken down car..a call he gets from his friends soon to be wife Quinn. Of course he goes to help out. It's been 2 years since they saw each other.
When a ring changes things between them, but it isn't what you think. Things get very interesting in that moment.
Loved the ending. Very moving.
So good. Highly recommend this book.
August 9, 2017
Something New is a sweet, spicy romance about a small town romance.
When Savvy Williams gets dumped by her rich, white finance, she decides to concentrate her efforts on giving her cousin the perfect wedding. She's not really looking for a new man in her life, but fate and a dead car throw handsome, sexy Damien the mechanic in her path. He's going to be best man to her maid of honour so even though he's definitely not her type, they're going to be seeing a lot of each other over the summer and if his father and her family and the fates keep throwing them together.
Lena Hart tells a great story that's sexy, funny, surprising and occasionally heart-rending as we get to know Savvy, Donovan and Pops and experience the chaos of a big, society wedding. I loved every minute of this one.
When Savvy Williams gets dumped by her rich, white finance, she decides to concentrate her efforts on giving her cousin the perfect wedding. She's not really looking for a new man in her life, but fate and a dead car throw handsome, sexy Damien the mechanic in her path. He's going to be best man to her maid of honour so even though he's definitely not her type, they're going to be seeing a lot of each other over the summer and if his father and her family and the fates keep throwing them together.
Lena Hart tells a great story that's sexy, funny, surprising and occasionally heart-rending as we get to know Savvy, Donovan and Pops and experience the chaos of a big, society wedding. I loved every minute of this one.
August 24, 2017
Rating : 3.5 out of 5 stars
Something new is the second book in the Brides of Cedar Bend series. I will admit that I am more interested in the fourth book of the series (something blue) than anything else. It's the first thing that pops into my mind when I think of this book too. I want to see what will happen with those people and their book is not coming soon enough.
Savvy and Damian had a good story. I didn't like the way Damian treated Savvy when things went down. Overall though Damian was a better and more likeable character than Savvy. She wasn't on my top 3 people in this book. I am not giving a lower rating is the little town and its citizens. I will definitely read the two upcoming books.
Something new is the second book in the Brides of Cedar Bend series. I will admit that I am more interested in the fourth book of the series (something blue) than anything else. It's the first thing that pops into my mind when I think of this book too. I want to see what will happen with those people and their book is not coming soon enough.
Savvy and Damian had a good story. I didn't like the way Damian treated Savvy when things went down. Overall though Damian was a better and more likeable character than Savvy. She wasn't on my top 3 people in this book. I am not giving a lower rating is the little town and its citizens. I will definitely read the two upcoming books.
September 3, 2017
Oh my goodness.... this was a wonderful book! I was so sad for it to end - I could have read a 1,000 more pages about Damian and Savvy! This was a well written book that not only had romance in it but it also talked about real life issues and what caregivers face when caring for there love ones. Damian was an awesome man. He always placed other people's needs before his own. He did the best he could for his dad and in the process he found someone that cared for him. The was my 2nd read by Ms. Lena Hart and I can definitely say that it will not be my last. Although this author has other series that I need to catch up on .......I can't wait until "Something Borrowed " is available!!! Great Job!!!
July 25, 2017
Although, I enjoyed the story, I couldn't help but find Savvy a little unlikable. Prior to meeting Damian, she seemed to gravitate towards rich white men, she turned her nose up at Damian's shop and referred to off the rack clothing as "boutique rags". Really Savvy? She seemed to mellow as the book went on but the damage was done. I already had a low opinion of her. Her family, while hilarious, also sounded self-important and not at all understanding.
Lena Hart's writing is stellar, I guess I just didn't relate to the characters. I don't fault a good story, for my own faults, which is why I gave it 5 stars.
Lena Hart's writing is stellar, I guess I just didn't relate to the characters. I don't fault a good story, for my own faults, which is why I gave it 5 stars.
August 14, 2017
This was a wonderful read and not my first by Lena Hart, but my first in this series. Savannah (Savvy) Williams and Damian Carson (Junior) met a few years back but this time Savvy needed Damian's help when her car broke down on her way to stay with her cousin and his best friend before their wedding. The sparks that are between these two but there is also so much going on outside of them with Damian taking care of his father and his failing health, Savvy's ex and does she still have feelings.
This story is so great I need to go back and. Read the first story in this series and then read the next in the series I want to know what happens next. Lena Hart has me hooked.
This story is so great I need to go back and. Read the first story in this series and then read the next in the series I want to know what happens next. Lena Hart has me hooked.
September 15, 2017
This was a really good book by Lena Hart. I didn't like Savvy at first but she grew on me like mold. Damian on the other hand was a sweetheart and watching the two of them get together when they're opposites was an awesome creation of writing. For me these types of books are best. Especially, the trope of jilted marriage and then meeting "the one" and he's the complete opposite of the female character. Those usually work best. This was a great second book.
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.
July 28, 2017
When Savvy ends up in a rain store and goes into a garage to stay dry. We get a vision of someone not so likeable to me anyway to Damien he is smitten.
Now Savvy shows back up in Cedar bend to help her cousin plan her wedding and ends up at the same shop. There is no way Damien is letting her get away this time, and as I get to know her she is really a down to earth type of girl.
If you get past the beginning you will find a book that tells a good story with the small ton love and family feel.
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
Now Savvy shows back up in Cedar bend to help her cousin plan her wedding and ends up at the same shop. There is no way Damien is letting her get away this time, and as I get to know her she is really a down to earth type of girl.
If you get past the beginning you will find a book that tells a good story with the small ton love and family feel.
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
July 30, 2017
So Good, I could actually read it again!!!!!
What an excellent novel and story. I thought the first book was excellent, but this one was phenomenal. The relationship between Damian and Savvy was off the chain. I really loved the way things progressed between the two. I enjoyed the whole concept of this story. I cried, I laughed, and I also got that warm tingly feeling you get when you know you've read something that was truly great. Thank you, Ms. Hart, for this awesome novel. I can hardly wait for the next book of the Brides of Cedar Bend.......
What an excellent novel and story. I thought the first book was excellent, but this one was phenomenal. The relationship between Damian and Savvy was off the chain. I really loved the way things progressed between the two. I enjoyed the whole concept of this story. I cried, I laughed, and I also got that warm tingly feeling you get when you know you've read something that was truly great. Thank you, Ms. Hart, for this awesome novel. I can hardly wait for the next book of the Brides of Cedar Bend.......
August 16, 2017
I liked this one though I had to warm up to Savvy. It's beautiful story with some sad moments. It really pulls at your heartstrings and gets the emotions going. Life is unexpected and throws curve balls, but sometimes those moments lead us to right where we were meant to be. That's a lesson Savvy gets to learn. This book had a nice flow to it that made it hard to put this one down. I really liked Damian though a few times I wanted to knock some sense into him. I thought the epilogue was the perfect touch to end this book.
August 22, 2017
Well developed
This was a wonderful, well developed story. Damian and Savvy meet when he rescues her from the rain and again when her car breaks down. Through circumstances their relationship develops. While the circumstance of their "marriage " was very unlikely, it did make for a nice story. What was special about this book was the authors handling of dementia/Alzheimer's. The way she handled the guilt family members feel when they struggle with not being able to appropriately care for the declining mental status of their loved one was remarkable.
This was a wonderful, well developed story. Damian and Savvy meet when he rescues her from the rain and again when her car breaks down. Through circumstances their relationship develops. While the circumstance of their "marriage " was very unlikely, it did make for a nice story. What was special about this book was the authors handling of dementia/Alzheimer's. The way she handled the guilt family members feel when they struggle with not being able to appropriately care for the declining mental status of their loved one was remarkable.
September 12, 2017
This is book two in the Cedar Bend series and it features Damien and Savvy. Savvy struck me as someone who thought she was better than everyone else. Damien's thoughts and actions were kind of old school. They both have their issues but it's so hard to fight that intense sexual chemistry. Pops was great! It's so hard to go through Alzheimer's disease with a family member.
I love this book but the part of the story leading up to the end felt too rushed. Also, the issue with Quinn was left up in the air. We didn't even get a slight hint at what happened to keep us interested.
I love this book but the part of the story leading up to the end felt too rushed. Also, the issue with Quinn was left up in the air. We didn't even get a slight hint at what happened to keep us interested.
April 29, 2018
4 stars
I purchased Brides of Cedar Bend book 2 Something New by Lena Hart and this review was given freely.
Two years after a chance encounter during a storm, Savvy and Damian meet again on the day of Guy and Mya's second wedding. This is a story of attraction at first sight, coping with dementia, and preparing for Quinn and Eric's wedding. Serious topic are balanced with humor, irony, drama filled twists, significant moments with the men and women of Cedar Bend, and some steamy scenes between Savvy and Damian.
Funny and sad but ultimately heartwarming,
I purchased Brides of Cedar Bend book 2 Something New by Lena Hart and this review was given freely.
Two years after a chance encounter during a storm, Savvy and Damian meet again on the day of Guy and Mya's second wedding. This is a story of attraction at first sight, coping with dementia, and preparing for Quinn and Eric's wedding. Serious topic are balanced with humor, irony, drama filled twists, significant moments with the men and women of Cedar Bend, and some steamy scenes between Savvy and Damian.
Funny and sad but ultimately heartwarming,
July 28, 2017
Something New is a sweet small town romance. Big city girl, Savvy Williams, goes to a small town to attend her cousins wedding. Small town mechanic Damian Carson seems to be her knight in slightly grubby armor. Although Savvy and Damian seem to be opposites the attraction is undeniable. Although I loved watching these two come together Savvy bugged me with her push me pull you ways it took her forever to make up her mind about being with Damian. Still. A sweet fun read.
July 29, 2017
LOVED,LOVED..
This was a really great story about Damian and Savvy's story,loved all supporting characters. This was a funny and sad story all in one,it made me cry when it came to pops. I can't wait to read the other two books. I loved the wedding scene very funny stuff. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoy reading about romance get this book I think you will love it. Great job Lena I am a fan of yours with this series. Thank you.
This was a really great story about Damian and Savvy's story,loved all supporting characters. This was a funny and sad story all in one,it made me cry when it came to pops. I can't wait to read the other two books. I loved the wedding scene very funny stuff. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoy reading about romance get this book I think you will love it. Great job Lena I am a fan of yours with this series. Thank you.
August 1, 2017
Intriguing...
After enjoying the first book of the 'Brides of Cedar Bend' series, book two was just as intriguing. I enjoyed reading Damian and Savvy's story. I felt the character chemistry dripping from the pages from their initial scene together. I love how Lena Hart was able to include a medical issue that's very relevant in life today, Dementia/Alzheimers... I'm looking forward to Jackson and Truth's story in the next book in this series.
T
After enjoying the first book of the 'Brides of Cedar Bend' series, book two was just as intriguing. I enjoyed reading Damian and Savvy's story. I felt the character chemistry dripping from the pages from their initial scene together. I love how Lena Hart was able to include a medical issue that's very relevant in life today, Dementia/Alzheimers... I'm looking forward to Jackson and Truth's story in the next book in this series.
T
August 2, 2017
I love this series. Lena Hart has not disappointed. This is the story of Savannah Williams and Damian Carson. Savvy and Damian have chemistry that is off the charts and the can't seem to stay away from each other which causes them to end up a sticky situation. This couple is one of my new favorites. There is a little bit of sadness in this book in the form of an aging parent but it only enhances the connection between the characters. I can't wait for the next book.
August 15, 2017
I loved reading this book. Damien and Savvy were so cute together as they navigated family issues, their own ideas about each other and their feelings. I enjoyed going on the journey with them from confusion and attraction to happy ever after. This is my first read in the Brides of Cedar Bend and now I know I will have to go read the rest of them.
August 15, 2017
Savvy picks the wrong man and leaves to be with her cousin at her wedding. Damien meets Savvy when she is on town and again two years later when she is back visiting. A sweet read. Savvy bends easily to peer pressure and does not tell Damien what she wants. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
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