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City by the Bay Stories #1
The Charm Offensive
Winning her over means winning everything
Sophie Callahan is PI Brad Harrington's best lead to tracking down the man he's been hired to bring to Sophie's own thieving father. But when Brad arrives at The Pampered Pooch, just behind a litter of stray kittens, the pet-store owner is the big surprise. This scrappy, huge-hearted woman with charm to spare gets to Brad in a way no one has ever been able to before. She spends her life finding—and making—homes for abandoned pets, her young niece. He'll have to tell her why he's really here. Which means he'll have to choose between his sail-away dreams and the chance to build a forever home—with her.
Sophie Callahan is PI Brad Harrington's best lead to tracking down the man he's been hired to bring to Sophie's own thieving father. But when Brad arrives at The Pampered Pooch, just behind a litter of stray kittens, the pet-store owner is the big surprise. This scrappy, huge-hearted woman with charm to spare gets to Brad in a way no one has ever been able to before. She spends her life finding—and making—homes for abandoned pets, her young niece. He'll have to tell her why he's really here. Which means he'll have to choose between his sail-away dreams and the chance to build a forever home—with her.
- GenresContemporary
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 4, 2017
12 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 10, 2017
This is a sweet book. Two people who have been hurt by their family learn to trust and love.
Sophie is amazing. She is an entrepreneur. She helps animals in need, but her greatest attribute is that she is the caretaker of her disabled niece. Her niece was born premature and is basically blind. Sophie has been the constant in this young girls life. She has cared for her and protected her when her sister has been out finding herself and being a negligent mother.
Brad comes from a family where there wasn't a lot of affection. He has been hurt psychologically in his work field, and doesn't trust himself to love. He is investigating Sophie's father and doesn't need the distraction of his budding feelings for her.
What I loved about this book is that two people with a lot of insecurities and hurt are able to open their hearts and find love. The supporting characters are people you would like to surround yourself in (well, most of them). This is a patchwork family. Broken people coming together to make a whole.
The book is clean with kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary electronic copy of the book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Sophie is amazing. She is an entrepreneur. She helps animals in need, but her greatest attribute is that she is the caretaker of her disabled niece. Her niece was born premature and is basically blind. Sophie has been the constant in this young girls life. She has cared for her and protected her when her sister has been out finding herself and being a negligent mother.
Brad comes from a family where there wasn't a lot of affection. He has been hurt psychologically in his work field, and doesn't trust himself to love. He is investigating Sophie's father and doesn't need the distraction of his budding feelings for her.
What I loved about this book is that two people with a lot of insecurities and hurt are able to open their hearts and find love. The supporting characters are people you would like to surround yourself in (well, most of them). This is a patchwork family. Broken people coming together to make a whole.
The book is clean with kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary electronic copy of the book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 5, 2017
You can't pick your family, and this story is certainly a great illustration of that. Both Sophie's father and sister were not the type of family members you would brag about to your friends. But God knows how to turn something bad into something good. Sophie's father led her to meeting Brad (although she doesn't know it!) and her sister led to her watching over her beautiful niece Ella. Readers, let me just share something with you. Ella steals the show. No joke. You will be reading this with tears in your eyes during some of her scenes. She is a remarkable character and stole my heart. You learn something in this book about Ella that almost makes you feel sorry for her, until you see how she lets that particular thing affect her life - it doesn't! She is that little girl that has so much spirit, and refuses to give in to her disability. A true inspiration to read about.
Now obviously you can tell by reading the synopsis that this book does not totally center around Ella. It is truly about Sophie and Brad. They are a sweet pair, although at times I wanted even more from them. I think the way their relationship blossomed was a tad predictable, although I did enjoy reading it. I felt like they could have used a bit more surprise thrown in the mix, just to make the story a bit more "on the edge of your seat". But I like the element of surprise in a relationship, and not everyone cares for that. And again, I did like reading their story. It was a sweet romance!
Overall, I would recommend this book to romance readers and young adults. It'll put a smile on your face, and probably make you thankful you don't have the relatives that Sophie does! Just make sure you are ready to meet Ella. I promise you that she will lift your spirits.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Now obviously you can tell by reading the synopsis that this book does not totally center around Ella. It is truly about Sophie and Brad. They are a sweet pair, although at times I wanted even more from them. I think the way their relationship blossomed was a tad predictable, although I did enjoy reading it. I felt like they could have used a bit more surprise thrown in the mix, just to make the story a bit more "on the edge of your seat". But I like the element of surprise in a relationship, and not everyone cares for that. And again, I did like reading their story. It was a sweet romance!
Overall, I would recommend this book to romance readers and young adults. It'll put a smile on your face, and probably make you thankful you don't have the relatives that Sophie does! Just make sure you are ready to meet Ella. I promise you that she will lift your spirits.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 12, 2017
One word: Ella.
This sweet, feisty, and older-than-her-years child completely steals the show. Her insights, her view of life, her heart, her courage – all of these things wrap up into one tiny package with lots of spirit. You will laugh, grin, and cry over Ella – and you’ll wish she was a real person so you could hug her!
Brad and Sophie are both complex characters with much dimension. Neither of them expected the other. Watching their relationship sneak up on them – as we are, of course, the omniscient readers who see what they don’t yet – makes for lots of swoony moments. The direction they are headed is predictable perhaps, but this lets you relax and enjoy the journey.
Bottom Line: The Charm Offensive is sweet and witty and brimming with love and, yes, charm. Sophie, Brad, and Ella make quite a team, and their interactions will put a smile on your face and in your heart. The writing is smooth and draws you in at once, and I hope The Charm Offensive’s universe becomes a series – there are other stories to be discovered with the supporting characters.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
This sweet, feisty, and older-than-her-years child completely steals the show. Her insights, her view of life, her heart, her courage – all of these things wrap up into one tiny package with lots of spirit. You will laugh, grin, and cry over Ella – and you’ll wish she was a real person so you could hug her!
Brad and Sophie are both complex characters with much dimension. Neither of them expected the other. Watching their relationship sneak up on them – as we are, of course, the omniscient readers who see what they don’t yet – makes for lots of swoony moments. The direction they are headed is predictable perhaps, but this lets you relax and enjoy the journey.
Bottom Line: The Charm Offensive is sweet and witty and brimming with love and, yes, charm. Sophie, Brad, and Ella make quite a team, and their interactions will put a smile on your face and in your heart. The writing is smooth and draws you in at once, and I hope The Charm Offensive’s universe becomes a series – there are other stories to be discovered with the supporting characters.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 9, 2017
Private investigator Brad has to catch a man who has stolen a lot of money and that brings him in Sophie's pet shop, The Pampered Pooch. Brad expects Sophie will be just like her thieving father, but instead he finds a beautiful woman, both inside and out. Every abandoned pet is welcome in her store, Sophie is raising her sister's daughter Ella and she's always there for her friends and even for her family, even though they have never done anything nice for her. Sophie instantly finds a way into Brad's heart, but can he trust his feelings? Is she too good to be true or is she the woman for Brad? What is he supposed to do, tell her the truth? She might leave him when she knows why he had to become part of her life. Will Sophie give him a chance or will Brad risk losing the woman who makes him feel like he belongs?
The Charm Offensive is a wonderful heartwarming story. Sophie and Brad don't trust easily because of their upbringing. In Brad's family politics and achievements matter a lot and this has made him cynical. Sophie has never had a stable home and she's always been the responsible one, the person who makes sure others are all right while nobody is looking after her. Ella is her world and raising her niece is something she does with love. Ella is such an endearing cheerful girl and reading about her made me smile. She and Sophie have a special connection and I loved how Sophie fights for her niece's happiness. Brad is great with Ella and shares a sweet and caring nature with Sophie. They're perfect for each other and are a fantastic match. I couldn't wait to find out if these amazing people would find their happily ever after and read the book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
Cari Lynn Webb has written a fantastic romantic story with precious main characters. I instantly fell in love with The Charm Offensive. It's indeed incredibly charming. It's also sweet, entertaining and delightful. I loved that there's so much eye for detail, even the large number of pets all have their own distinct personalities. Cari Lynn Webb has paid attention to everything and her story has warmth and cosiness in abundance. The Charm Offensive is a terrific feelgood story and I highly recommend this gorgeous loving book.
The Charm Offensive is a wonderful heartwarming story. Sophie and Brad don't trust easily because of their upbringing. In Brad's family politics and achievements matter a lot and this has made him cynical. Sophie has never had a stable home and she's always been the responsible one, the person who makes sure others are all right while nobody is looking after her. Ella is her world and raising her niece is something she does with love. Ella is such an endearing cheerful girl and reading about her made me smile. She and Sophie have a special connection and I loved how Sophie fights for her niece's happiness. Brad is great with Ella and shares a sweet and caring nature with Sophie. They're perfect for each other and are a fantastic match. I couldn't wait to find out if these amazing people would find their happily ever after and read the book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
Cari Lynn Webb has written a fantastic romantic story with precious main characters. I instantly fell in love with The Charm Offensive. It's indeed incredibly charming. It's also sweet, entertaining and delightful. I loved that there's so much eye for detail, even the large number of pets all have their own distinct personalities. Cari Lynn Webb has paid attention to everything and her story has warmth and cosiness in abundance. The Charm Offensive is a terrific feelgood story and I highly recommend this gorgeous loving book.
July 17, 2020
5 Stars. This sweet romance has everything. A punch of emotion and drama, and it will make you smile. Brad is a great hero, but Sophie is the lead in this story. I enjoy a good story where the heroine stands out. Sophie is strong and determined, caring and sweet. There’s so much to like about this book. The setting is inviting, Sophie owns a pet store and finds fur-ever homes for abandoned animals, and there are adorable kittens! There’s even a great cast of secondary characters from Brad’s family and Sophie’s friends. Brad’s brother could shine in a story of his own. If book one is any sign of what’s to come in the City By The Bay series, I can’t wait to read more. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.
July 10, 2017
The Charm Offensive is such a cute book! I have been so busy lately, that I haven’t had much time to read, but after reading the synopsis of this one, I knew I wanted to read it! I’m so glad I made the time for this one. You all know what an animal lover I am. Well, so is Sophie Callahan, the owner of The Pampered Pooch. She’s not only taking care of animals, she’s also taking care of her niece since her sister flaked out on caring for her. Sophie’s entire family has major issues, and those issues affect Sophie’s life more than she wants them to.
Brad Harrington happens to have a major issue with one of Sophie’s family members too…her dad. Her dad has run con after con, and it is finally catching up with him. Brad doesn’t expect to fall for Sophie, so he hides the fact that he was hired to find her dad. After all, maybe Sophie is in on the cons. Once Brad gets to know Sophie, he realizes Sophie would be incapable of conning anyone. She is so caring and selfless.
The characters in The Charm Offensive are so well-written and believable. Sophie’s niece, Ella, is such a sweetheart with a huge heart. I love Evelyn and how she becomes involved in their lives. The fact that Sophie has a pet store is just awesome! I want a bookstore, but having a pet store would be my second choice. If you love sweet romance, you’ll love The Charm Offensive.
Brad Harrington happens to have a major issue with one of Sophie’s family members too…her dad. Her dad has run con after con, and it is finally catching up with him. Brad doesn’t expect to fall for Sophie, so he hides the fact that he was hired to find her dad. After all, maybe Sophie is in on the cons. Once Brad gets to know Sophie, he realizes Sophie would be incapable of conning anyone. She is so caring and selfless.
The characters in The Charm Offensive are so well-written and believable. Sophie’s niece, Ella, is such a sweetheart with a huge heart. I love Evelyn and how she becomes involved in their lives. The fact that Sophie has a pet store is just awesome! I want a bookstore, but having a pet store would be my second choice. If you love sweet romance, you’ll love The Charm Offensive.
July 6, 2017
Secrets and crime pave the way for Cari Lynn Webb’s latest Harlequin Heartwarming! Really good characters grab our attention with a promising plot from the beginning. I was a bit thrown by the writing style where we would get a subtle hint of knowledge on a character without giving us details several places throughout the book that kind of left us guessing … but overall, it was an enjoyable read with a happy ending to be enjoyed by all.
Private Investigator Brad Harrington is on the hunt for a thief when he pops into The Pampered Pooch one morning. He doesn’t expect to find a basket of abandoned kittens on the doorstep, a chaotic family scene playing out inside the door or the beautiful woman that seems smack dab in the middle of it all.
Sophie Callahan is in the dark. She has no clue Brad is crossing her path because he’s investigating her father, and she has no idea what her father has been up to. She’s busy working hard to take in and re-home strays … both of the animal and human variety!
Private Investigator Brad Harrington is on the hunt for a thief when he pops into The Pampered Pooch one morning. He doesn’t expect to find a basket of abandoned kittens on the doorstep, a chaotic family scene playing out inside the door or the beautiful woman that seems smack dab in the middle of it all.
Sophie Callahan is in the dark. She has no clue Brad is crossing her path because he’s investigating her father, and she has no idea what her father has been up to. She’s busy working hard to take in and re-home strays … both of the animal and human variety!
June 19, 2017
The Heartwarming name of this line describes this story perfectly! The Charm Offensive is truly a wonderful story about two people who have had bad luck, and bad things, happen to them throughout their entire lives. The very best news is that they find each other.
Just a short bit about this story, because I could never do it justice: Sophie Callahan has managed to rise above her lower than humble beginnings to own her own business, The Pampered Pooch. She is also raising her niece. Trust that this is a simple explanation. Brad Harrington is a private investigator who follows a trail for a con man thief…who also happens to be Sophie’s father. Yeah. Chaos ensues. Their road to an HEA is so very bumpy however more powerful than you can imagine. They work for it but in the end, well, you get the idea. Sophie’s niece is incredible and you may want to adopt her yourself.
Great story, great characters – and you’ll truly meet “characters”! – and a story to warm your heart.
Just a short bit about this story, because I could never do it justice: Sophie Callahan has managed to rise above her lower than humble beginnings to own her own business, The Pampered Pooch. She is also raising her niece. Trust that this is a simple explanation. Brad Harrington is a private investigator who follows a trail for a con man thief…who also happens to be Sophie’s father. Yeah. Chaos ensues. Their road to an HEA is so very bumpy however more powerful than you can imagine. They work for it but in the end, well, you get the idea. Sophie’s niece is incredible and you may want to adopt her yourself.
Great story, great characters – and you’ll truly meet “characters”! – and a story to warm your heart.
April 23, 2020
What a great book...it was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Sophie is just Ella’s Aunt. Well to be honest maybe she’s more then that. After all she provides so much for the sweet girl.
Ella’s mother, Sophie’s sister, is trying to find herself, and be a better person. But it’s not working out. Sophie also is the owner of the Pampered Pooch. It’s a place where she finds cats and dogs there forever home. A place after my own heart.
When PI Brad Harrington walks into her store with a box of kittens she is somewhat confused. She has him pegged all wrong. But she has reservations about him just the same. When she finds out he’s friends with her friends soon to be husband. But she still doesn’t know.
Yet her niece likes him. She’s trying to find her father, and soon gets his help. The big blow is at her gala to raise money for the Pampered Pooch.
Buy the book and see what happens. You don’t want to miss it.
Ella’s mother, Sophie’s sister, is trying to find herself, and be a better person. But it’s not working out. Sophie also is the owner of the Pampered Pooch. It’s a place where she finds cats and dogs there forever home. A place after my own heart.
When PI Brad Harrington walks into her store with a box of kittens she is somewhat confused. She has him pegged all wrong. But she has reservations about him just the same. When she finds out he’s friends with her friends soon to be husband. But she still doesn’t know.
Yet her niece likes him. She’s trying to find her father, and soon gets his help. The big blow is at her gala to raise money for the Pampered Pooch.
Buy the book and see what happens. You don’t want to miss it.
July 7, 2017
I absolutely adored Sophie and Brad. Even though Brad had a pretty huge hidden motive in getting involved with Sophie. Sophie owns a pet spa and Brad is a PI.
Sophie has worked her entire life to ensure her father doesn't get to do her niece the same way he did her and her sister. Sophie will protect her niece at all cost and ensure she has a stable life. Sophie has custody of her because her sister isn't much of a parent. Sophie wears her heart on her sleeve and is constantly trying juggle five hundred different things.
Brad is looking for Sophie's father as a favor to a friend of the family. He will just have to have Sophie arrested too if she is a con artist like her father. He is sure she is though because the apple never falls very far from the tree. Now all he has to do is get close to her and wait it out. Her father will show up eventually and he will get his man. So what if he gets close to Sophie in the process.
An excellent heartwarming read. I loved it.
Sophie has worked her entire life to ensure her father doesn't get to do her niece the same way he did her and her sister. Sophie will protect her niece at all cost and ensure she has a stable life. Sophie has custody of her because her sister isn't much of a parent. Sophie wears her heart on her sleeve and is constantly trying juggle five hundred different things.
Brad is looking for Sophie's father as a favor to a friend of the family. He will just have to have Sophie arrested too if she is a con artist like her father. He is sure she is though because the apple never falls very far from the tree. Now all he has to do is get close to her and wait it out. Her father will show up eventually and he will get his man. So what if he gets close to Sophie in the process.
An excellent heartwarming read. I loved it.
July 2, 2017
The Charm Offensive is a sweet romance. Sophie is a strong heroine that keeps pushing forward and working toward her goal of making a better life for her niece, Ella, no matter how many obstacles she encounters. Even though Brad seems to fit perfectly into Sophie and Ella's life, he resists becoming too involved because he knows he will be escaping soon to follow his dreams. I really liked Sophie, Brad, Ella and all of the other people involved in their lives. I hope that some of the secondary characters get their own story. I look forward to reading more books by Cari Lynn Webb.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
July 14, 2017
I enjoyed reading "The Charm Offensive." It was a clean, sweet romance. Sophie is someone that is strong and really cares for others as well as an animal lover. Brad is a PI and meets Sophie and Ella while trying to locate Sophie's dad without her knowing. He then finds out that she is nothing like her father and starts to fall for her. Ella, I really like. She has a strength about her and how she deals with what life has given her. She loves her Auntie! I also enjoyed the character Evie. She finds fulfillment in her relationship with Ella and Sophie.
February 1, 2019
Enjoyable and heart warming
Really enjoyed the pacing and premise of this story. The characters were heartwarming and it is always fun to see characters from Other stories make an appearance. Worth the time it took to read it.
Really enjoyed the pacing and premise of this story. The characters were heartwarming and it is always fun to see characters from Other stories make an appearance. Worth the time it took to read it.
May 15, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book and this is the first book that I have read from this author. It kept me wanting to read more. Loved how the story ended.
June 16, 2020
Loved this book. Great characters, great storyline. I couldn’t put it down.
Must read,
Must read,
dnf
July 4, 2017Just didn't work for me. I wasn't feeling anything at all between the hero and heroine--it was as if they were trying to convince me it was instalove, but not. I am perfectly willing to say this is a case of "it's not you, it's me," though...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
August 23, 2017
This is a heart warming story. The main character wrestles with many years of distrust. Two people with trust issues finding love leads to some moments ehen you want to.throw the book down buy seriously people really are like this. we all enter relationships with baggaged and it affects our beginning trust. i also enjoyed some of the SF hints. It is an old.stomping ground for me. I look forward to more books by this author.
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August 24, 2017received 4 1/2 stars @ harlequin.com (as of 8/24/17). To view reviews, go HERE> https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/...
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