Violet

The Smokey Blues #7

by Emily W Mims

Karen Gregory’s dream of the ideal man changed when she met Gary Jeffries, but Deke, her ex, the original ideal guy, isn’t ready to let her go. HE’S EVERYTHING Karen Gregory has always been into big, take-charge, brooding alpha males. Not small, cute, second grade schoolteachers. Even though her marriage to Deke Gregory failed, she still thinks his type of man is what she wants. Or does she? When she returns to her hometown with the son her ex all but abandoned, she meets fellow teacher and singer Gary Jeffries, and finds herself falling for a man who is the antithesis of everything she thought she ever wanted. When Deke dramatically re-enters her life, Karen is faced with an impossible choice. Go back to her romantic ideal, and the father of her son, or stay with Gary? BUT NOT HER IDEAL Gary Jefferies knows he’s not what smokin’ hot, talented teacher and singer Karen Gregory wants. But he also knows that he is, by far, the better man for her and her son. Especially after meeting her arrogant, obnoxious ex. But shared history and a ten-year old child are strong ties to sever. Gary fears he’ll he lose Karen to her romantic ideal, even though Gary is the man she hasn’t yet realized she needs.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2018

About the author

Author of over forty romance novels, Emily Mims combined her writing career with a career in public education until leaving the classroom to write full time. In addition to eighteen Candlelight Ecstasy Romances under the pen name 'Emily Elliott', she has written two series under her own name, the Texas Hill Country series and the Smoky Blue series, and has completed four books in the Durango Street Theatre series. The mother of two sons and grandmother to six, she and her husband Charles split their time between San Antonio and their lake home in the Texas Hill Country, and make frequent trips to Tennessee to see grandchildren. When not busy at the word processor, she plays the piano, organ and dulcimer. She plays her ukulele with two singing groups and has even been known to sing a song or two at the mic. She says, "I love to write romances because I believe in them. Romance happened to me and it can happen to any woman-if she'll just let it."

Reviews

[Suzaan Jansen van Rensburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen and Gary were attracted to each other from their first meeting. But he was not the macho alpha male type Karen usually prefer so she was not sure what to make of the attraction. But the more she got to know him she started to realise that he was just as manly, if not more and He was also the type of role model her son needs. He also shared her first love, music and when he learned that she loved to sing he and his brothers invited her to be part of their band. She accepted and it opened a whole new world for her. But then her ex husband shows up, wanting them to reconcile. Will she choose Gary and her music or will Deke wi her back. This is a sweet love story, a story of self discovery and realizing that you are enough. A good, entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book seven in The Smokey Blues Series and it is Karen and Gary's story and what an emotional ride this book takes you on. Karen return's to her hometown with her son after her husband did not want the same things that Karen wanted. Gary is a talented teacher and singer and when he meets Karen and her son he realises that he wants them both in his life but will he get the chance now that Karen's ex husband is back on the scene. Will Karen take the easy way and go back to her ex and be a family or will she take a chance on Gary and get a happy ending. I loved this book as it was a page turner and worth reading as it was well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Penny Ellgass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relationships when we grow, when we don't.
Karen single mom, married young and grew up grit out of her relationship. Moved home after several years and starting over exploring who she is and who she wants to be.
We all have out grown people in our lives or sometimes others have outgrown us.
This heartfelt story of life's changes is sweet, hard truths that hit home, some pushes that make us think.
A great read for those of us who need help in recognizing it is OK tof change and grow and almost always necessary.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a heartfelt story that is full of emotion. After a failed marriage, Karen moved back home with her son to start over and to rediscover herself. There she meets Gary, who is the complete opposite of the type of guys she is typically attracted to. This is a very sweet story that brings home the realization that people can and do change, and emotionally grow a little. Karen is forced to make some difficult decisions and this book takes us with her on that emotional journey. This was a beautifully written story and I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story about growth and change for Karen. She’s moved back home with her son after she and her husband separate since they no longer want the same things in life. She meets Gary a teacher and singer and they hit it off. What happens when Karen’s husband shows up? I enjoyed this story as Karen had to make some tough choices. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen has always gone for the big alpha men which is what has gotten her where she is today raising her son Brian alone after her ex husband disappeared three years ago. When she is put in charge of the musicals at her school along with another teacher/musician (Gary) she is finding it hard to fight her attraction to him since he is a small man but handsome and well built. Loved this romance while it teaches us a lesson in how we are each special in our own way no matter the size.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book seven in The Smoky Blues series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Karen Gregory is divorced from Deke Gregory, and her and her son Brian move back to her home town. She meets fellow teacher and singer Gary Jeffries, there is suspense, drama, danger, stabbing, and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well.
I'm not going to go into detail, no spoilers, just read the book if you are even mildly intrigued by the blurb. You'll thank me later!

The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting. Add in drama and passion and you have a good read.

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Melissa Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book and redemption for Deke. I loved this book, the characters, the chemistry and the storyline. Love love love this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet beautifully written journey of how our lives are shaped but the growth we find in ourselves. Karen dig deep in with herself and choose the choices not only for herself but her son.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read! I could not put it down it was that good!