Laura writes sweet romance and fantasy with steamy kisses, thrilling suspense, and mystery.
A self-confessed Potterhead and Once Upon a Time fan. Laura marries her love of 1990's romcoms with her obsession with Pretty Little Liars and writes fast-paced books written especially for readers who need an escape.
Laura Burton is a British author who lives in Wiltshire, England with her three wild sons, alpha-male husband, and positively loopy Poochon.
Friends let me tell you, this was such a wonderfully entertaining read! I had been in a horrendous book slump, but Anne Kemp's small town romance, was everything I needed in that moment!
I was almost a little sad that this was just a novella 😂 Ari & Carter's story was filled with so many swoon worthy, wholesome moments, one can't help but fall in love with these characters! 😍
The Sweet Spot is a super short read, yet has the perfect recipe for a romance that keeps the reader hooked! Not to mention how insanely funny some moments are, I was pleasantly surprised by the humor in this book!
I for one am super excited to read more of Anne's work
A big thank you to the author for providing me with an Arc in exchange for an honest review 💖
**Review for the Sweet Spot by Anne Kemp. I had the wonderful oppurtunity to ARC read this book for Anne! And it was such a sweet candy. I loved this.**
This book most definitely was a very fun, short and cute romcom! I found it easy to read the book and to flip the pages on every turn.
I loved how lighthearted this book was and how it made me feel. Is was perfectly easy to read, and gave me the best feeling as this could totally be my turn to 'feel good' book! I didn't have to think a lot and could scroll the pages freely. The book had some very funny moments in it which made me chuckle and gasp, saying 'you did not!' This romcom has everything you expect from one for sure.
However, I found that I couldn't really vibe with the characters. Where I think I know enough about Carter, I don't know much about Ari. I enjoyed Carter's chapters a lot, but I felt a little bored while reading about Ari's POV's. She could have used a little bit more depth.
The book was very predictable and it had all the tropes you could expect in a romcom. Brother's best friend, one bed trope, forced to work together and etc. I didn't mind it as it was a perfect short read and it made me feel really relaxed, though I may would have hoped some more moments which I wouldn't expect.
All with all, I loved this book as a break and I think Anne did a very good job! I would recommend reading this book definitely if you're in for a short read, funny banter and a heart that swells with a feeling of joy. I enjoyed reading this one for sure!
This is a review for Suited for Love by Ash Keller
Oh, what a fun story! I enjoyed this one from beginning to end! Ash Keller has penned a hilarious, and delightful rom-com that is an absolute joy to read! Margo and Tuck are awesome characters who will totally have you rooting for them. I LOVED that Margo is a plus-size heroine, representation we need more of in fiction (romance especially) in my opinion. I also loved Houdini, he was a hilarious addition to the story! Small town series are my personal fave, and I’m loving Friendly, the little coastal Georgia town where this story is set! I can’t wait for a return visit! Reading this novella was a bright spot in my day, and I most highly recommend it! I can’t wait to read whatever Ash Keller writes next!
I received an ebook ARC copy of Suited for Love by Ash Keller from the author. My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
Margo loses her job in New York, so she leaves to run her great aunts business in Friendly, Georgia. She meets the business owner next door, Tuck and sparks start to fly. I like Margo a lot, very relatable. Her boss, Briony, was a complete bitch. I'm glad Margo left that job. The way Margo and Tuck met was cute til they got to the name part. This novella is short but sweet, this story alone is enough to make you want to buy the whole anthology. Such a good teaser, well done Ash.
*ARC Review for The Sweet Spot by Anne Kemp* Once more, Anne Kemp has whipped up a batch of flirty, comedic gold, and Ari and Carter were just *chefs kiss*
This fun little Novella had it all! Sibling jests and backstreet boys throwbacks, the brother’s best friend and a clumsy heroine, a delightful sprinkling of friends turned lovers, a humorous toilet re-meet-cute, and so many delicious treats! The Sweet Spot is hitting all the spots, and I am buzzing for another serving of what Kemp’s cooking up! 😋
The chemistry and the tenderness between Ari and Carter was so sweet to read, and I loved the balance of humor, reflection, and attraction that was worked into every moment leading to that satisfying conclusion. I would happily read more about these two, and it still wouldn’t be enough.
And the laughs! Kemp just gets comedy in a fashion that is natural and humorous without falling flat or disrupting the rest of the story beats, and I love it. Not to mention the dialogue which may just be my favourite thing about Kemp’s writing. I felt as though I sat in the same room eavesdropping on these conversations between friends, their words teasing and possessing a natural rhythm in the way they spoke. Through each word their personalities and relationships shone, and I wanted to be a part of it in this place that feels just like home. I cannot wait to see what other stories Lake Lorelei will bring. Thank you to the author for an ARC copy of The Sweet Spot, and for the incredible privilege to be part of their Beta team. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily. 4.5⭐️
This was such a sweet read! This was a short, quick read, but it was so well done. I loved the characters, and the romance, and the sweet treats that made me want donuts! I’m a sucker for a good romance! My only complaint would be that it was too short, and I just wanted more. It was a sweet read that was straight to the point, but I personally would have loved to have seen more of a build up to the romance. But like I said above, it was still a great read nonetheless!
Thank you to Anne Kemp for allowing me to read this as an ARC. This is my honest review.
3 stars Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Elsie Woods (she is a freewheeling accident waiting to happen, he is stiff, they are best friends, he loves her, she helps him set up dog search and rescue)
2 stars Feels on Wheels by Tracy Broemmer (he owns and runs the skate park, she brings her nephew there, they get to know each other and plan to sleep together until she finds out he lied to her about not admitting he was rich)
2 stars Falling for Olivia by Susanne Ash (follow-up to her story in Head Over Heels, really boring in parts)
2 stars Annoyingly Hot Bosses and Toe Curling Kisses by Kandice Geddes (she's his secretary but wants to design shoes for the company, he's always liked her but only starts to show it at the same time he is promoting her)
1.5 stars Crushing On My Grumpy Boss by Genevieve Goodwin (she's supposed to be brilliant science nerd from High School, has phd, he's injured football player hiring her as CFO, got that? CFFFFFO)
3 stars Making Up With Marci by Amy Stephens (she trips into arms of accident attorney)
5 stars Enamoring Her Amnesic Ex (California Dreamin' prequel) by Kristin Canary (she wants to design costumes, he is interning to be a doctor, they broke up 2 years ago, he looses his memory and thinks they are still a couple)
3 stars Mistletoe Clause by Britney Mills (he was minor league pitcher, but arm gave out, goes home to do construction with dad)
2 stars Flirting With My Billionaire Boss by Cindy Ray Hale (she leaves abusive husband, becomes personal assistant to billionaire)
4 stars Suited For Love by Ash Keller (she inherits shop next to his bait shop in small town)
4 stars The Sweet Spot by Anne Kemp (they take a food truck to a news event)
Barking up the Wrong Tree by Elsie Woods ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) Reader’s Notes: – this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Alli and Terrence’s points of view
Review:
This was a sweet best friend’s to more romance 😍. I definitely wanted to read more in their story and felt it was a bit too short (this is why I removed a star) but it got across the points of their story. I really enjoyed Alli and Terrence’s friendship and how they knew little things about each other and could call the other one out when they were holding themselves back from things. They were also there for each other through the highs and the lows. Both of them also supported the other in their goals, especially when they had doubts.
Alli hasn’t had luck in dating and has turned her focus onto different hobbies to take up her time and attention. Right now that means roller derby…even though her clumsiness makes navigating the skates difficult. Her constant is her best friend Terrence.
Terrence is a worrier, he just can’t help it, especially when it comes to Alli. He’s been around her so long that he knows how she operates, going all in with abandon and her clumsiness. She is likely to get hurt, and he can’t always be there for her due to work. And that worries him to no end.
When Alli and Terrence start to feel something different between them, they worry that they’ll have to deny their feelings in order to keep their friendship. But when someone else shows interest in Terrence, Alli wants to stake her claim. Will she do it? Or will she take the safe route and pretend that nothing has changed between them?
The Sweet Spot by Anne Kemp ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars) Reader’s Notes:
– this is told from Ari and Carter’s points of view
– this is a part of Anne Kemp’s Lake Lorelei series, but can be read as a stand-alone
Review:
I love how Anne Kemp started this story off 😂. I’ll just call it the toilet incident to not give too much away 🤫. Ari was so adorable and had so many different things go wrong for her, and in front of Carter no less. But despite all of that (and a looming protective older brother), Ari still got her happily ever after with Carter 😍. I loved that Carter knew her so well with how much time he spent with their family as a kid. Just knowing her taps was adorable, but he knew so much that she didn’t realize. So good!
Ari works at her local newspaper tasting and reviewing different foods and restaurants in the area. Until she gets the news that there will no longer be a newspaper for Lake Lorelei. Though she is upset about it, Ari is relieved to be asked to help with the local diner’s opening of a food truck so soon after getting the news. What she doesn’t know at first is that she’ll be working with her brother’s best friend…and that the opening events will take a couple of days without traveling back home in between.
Carter is happy to be back in Lake Lorelei. He went off to culinary school after graduating, and now he is back in town working part-time as a fireman and the cook for the food truck. He is glad to be back with the people he considers family and the atmosphere of small town life. Carter is also glad to be able to see the girl he once made the mistake of kissing and calling it a mistake. He hurt Ari and hopes to make things right with her, but he also worries about how his best friend will feel about Carter dating his little sister.
Will Ari and Carter be able to catch their second chance at love or will something cause it to fall once again?
Flirting With My Billionaire Boss by Cindy Ray Hale ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars) Reader’s Notes:
– this is told from Callie and Weston’s points of view
– this is the beginning of a new series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– Callie’s ex husband abused her and she had to run away from him or he’d find a way to get her to abort her baby (which she did not want at all)
Review:
Despite the very serious situation Callie was in, Cindy Ray Hale did a great job of giving Callie a safe space in Blue Mountain and making it possible for her and Weston to have funny moments. I especially loved the scene on the yacht after the perfume debacle as well as Callie attempting to cook and clean for the first time 😂. I also loved how Weston wanted to care for Callie in any way he could. As well as wanting to be near her, it was cute to see inside his thoughts while giving her the tour her first day and the days after. 😍
Callie ran from her horrible husband to start over and have a better life. Now she is in the small town of Blue Mountain with the bit of possessions she had at the time. Luckily Callie is accepted for an assistant job soon after coming to town. Unfortunately it’s for a billionaire, which is the kind of guy Callie left behind and swore off after her past experience. But the more time she spends with him, the more Callie wonders if not all guys with money are the same.
Weston is done with having girls who care only for his money around him. He can’t trust them, and they don’t love him. It doesn’t help that he can’t even trust his own staff, which he discovers after things go missing and they are found in his assistant’s room. Luckily, he gets an applicant to replace her that comes with a glowing recommendation from a trustworthy member of his brother’s staff and has an aversion to accepting more than agreed upon at the job interview. She has caught his interest and though he knows it wouldn’t be appropriate, he wonders what it would be like if she returned his feelings.
With Callie being closed off about her past and Weston’s fractured trust, can they find the happily ever after they hope for in each other? Or will the secrets and distrust cause a further fracture between them?
Suited For Love by Ash Keller ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars) Reader’s Notes:
– this is told from Margo and Tuck’s points of view
Review:
I liked how Tuck and Margo first met! It was interesting to see how they interacted without knowing who they were to each other. And then how they reacted after realizing who they were. I liked watching Houdini pop up unannounced several times in the story and seeing what he’d do. It was interesting to see him warm up to Margo before many of the townsfolk did, especially since he seemed to like evading all of them.
Tuck has been hoping to expand his business in the small town of Friendly and when his neighbor passes away, it seems like he’ll be able to have that hope become truth. That is until the town gets news that his neighbor left it to a relative and that relative is coming to set up shop.
Margo loves fashion and finding great looking pieces made in varied sizes as she knows how difficult it is to find clothes that are fashionable but also fit her body. So when she is given the opportunity to create her own storefront that doesn’t need to conform to the ‘perfect’ woman, Margo jumps at the chance. But she soon discovers that she might be the only one excited to have her there, with Friendly being a tightknit town and all.
Tuck is shocked to see his dream girl on the beach one morning. He is even more shocked to realize that she is his nemesis, the person who inherited the shop he hoped for. But despite that, he can’t get her out of his head nor can he stop being stuck dumb by her beauty.
Margo thought she met someone who might actually be happy to have her in Friendly, now she knows otherwise. He was probably just having a good laugh at her not knowing who he was. But that’s not a problem now. What is a problem is that he’s on her mind. Plus, she still has his sweatshirt but doesn’t want to give it back yet…
Could Tuck and Margo make peace and find love with one another, or will the desire for the same shop keep them as nemeses?
This is an honest review for The Sweet Spot by Anne Kemp.
Okay, let me just start by saying that the concept and the storyline behind this short story was good and had masses of potential to be a heart-warming, funny romance - but for me it definitely didn’t hit ‘the sweet spot’.
There seemed to be a lot of plot ideas crammed into not very many pages which made it feel on the whole, underdeveloped and like the story launched from big event to big event with no build-up or character development in between. The duel narrative was a good idea - this is a style that works well in romantic fiction as you get to see the relationship from both sides - however here I felt that there was little to no difference between the voices of the characters and sometimes it was too easy to forget whose perspective you were reading from. Not only this, but I felt that the dialogue and situations were completely unrealistic and often I found myself thinking that “no one would ever say/do something like that” as it felt wooden and often just ridiculous (I mean, how many ‘coincidences’ can there be in 100 pages?)
On the whole it just felt unfinished and a bit flat.
Review for Anne kemp sweet spot. I thought that Ari the main female lead was funny and quirky which I like in the lead characters and carter the male main lead is heroic but also has a hard upbringing which is why he strives for perfection when he is an adult.
I think the build-up of tension was great and the pacing in the novel was really well done, I also loved that in such a short book this covered so many tropes from the one-bed trope, brother best friend and second chance lovers. I liked that there was an open end to the book for other characters to have their own romantic relations off of this book. This was funny and witty, sometimes cheesy but overall I did very much enjoy this book a lot. I think I would defiantly read more from Anne Kemp in the future as this was such a great pick me up when I was in a reading slump and in a bad place, this story just lifts your mood right up with the fun banter, loving characters and sweet romance.
I hope there is a book for Ari's brother in the future as he seems like a guarded but loving guy and I would love to see that in the future and see how that pans out for him and Dylan.
I loved this story. Margo certainly had the chemistry with Tuck. Their romance was light, had funny moments and just romantic. Not so much on the steamy side. This was well written by Ash Keller who's other stories I have enjoyed in the past. Her characters are fun and the situations they get into are quite hilarious. This was a great story and well worth the read. This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
This review is for Flirting With My Billionaire Boss by Cindy Ray Hale
It's an entertaining story with a cast of strong characters. The author brings a fun story filled with humor and paints her scenes perfectly. I enjoyed reading Callie's story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Review for Flirting with my billionaire boss by Cindy Ray Hale
A great story about Callie and Weston. One running from a desperate situation the other fed up with people only wanting him for his money. It’s a wonderful story of starting over in a lovely little town called Blue Mountain. Full of secrets and distrust can they Overcome their differences and find a love and life together? It’s a fantastic read that I read in one sitting.
This is a review for Flirting with my Billionaire Boss by Cindy Ray Hale.
Callie escapes from her rich controlling husband, Marcus, with help from the airport janitor when a pregnancy test proves she's pregnant and she knows her husband will force an abortion. She must protect her unborn baby! She spends $200 0f the $500 she has to get a taxi to a small village called Blue Mountain mostly owned by the fantastically wealthy Keith family. She lucks into a friendship with Shelly who helps her get a job with Weston Keith. How long can she keep her pregnancy secret when she's throwing up on the first day? Will Marcus find her? How can she get a divorce? Will rich man Weston prove as controlling as rich Marcus? How will Hale bring this to a happy ending? It made a good read!
*this review is only for the sweet spot* The sweet spot was the perfect short rom com with so much packed into the pages! It had me saying Awee at the romantic parts and also literally laughing out loud. I need to read the rest of the books in this set because I am now addicted! Loved the sweet spot so much!!
I took part in an ACR for the Sweet Spot, so free advanced copy for honest review and I loved it!. Its just super light and fluffy. A good few laugh out loud moments and just the right length for a short story to read on a rainy day with hot chocolate. Defos worth a ready if you like happy romances.
Margo and Tuck have a rollercoaster ride to their HEA, and it's a fun ride to go on with them! (I actually read the whole book, and they're all worth a read - fun, varied, and engaging sweet romances!) Grab this one for a fun summer read!
I read The Sweet Spot by Anne Kemp. It’s a story about finding your second chance at love. There are a few mishaps along the way. It’s a great rom com story. I enjoyed it.
I liked the character of Carter and would’ve loved to learn even more about his life.
This is a review of The Sweet Spot by Anne Kemp. This story was so sweet, wholesome and lovable. I enjoyed every moment of reading this book. I loved the characters and the back story. It was quick paced but fully realised. It has brothers best friend, one that got away, friends to lovers vibes. Can't wait to read more from Anne Kemp!
*review for The sweet spot by Anne Keep I couldn't put it but had to cause I didn't want it to end Ari and carter made me fall in love with them and got me out of my reading slump I have been in for so long the sweet spot is a cute contemporary romance with a bit of a forbidden love I need more of Ari and Carters story.
This is for the sweet spot by anne kemp: This is a sweet little romance novella. Brothers bestfriend and second chance. Years ago Ari was a no-no and Carter broke her heart. After ten years they were thrown together to run an opening on a food truck. Cute clean story with likeable characters and fun plot. Highly recommended.
I was hooked on the story from the first sentence, it was both funny and Flirtatious. It was the first book I read from the author, and I will be reading more since this story was very good, should have been longer!
This book made me laugh from the very first page, and close to crying happy tears on the last. I loved how the hole brothers best friend theme, wasn’t to forced and just made sense for all their decisions. It’s an easy read, but a damn good one📖
I preordered the Rom-Com collection Fall into Love, but I also received an ARC copy of Cindy Ray Hale’s contribution, Flirting with My Billionaire Boss. Below is my voluntary, honest opinion of that story, as well as a nod to some of my other favorites in the collection. My rating of four stars is for the collection as a whole; I would give Flirting with My Billionaire Boss five stars.
I’ve read several of Cindy Ray Hale’s stories, and I’ve enjoyed them all. Flirting with My Billionaire Boss was no exception! The fictional small-town setting of Blue Mountain, Georgia was delightful, but I really loved the characters. Callie and Weston are a great couple, and there is a wonderful cast of “supporting actors”, including the janitor at the airport, Stella (Callie’s first friend in Blue Mountain), Martha (Weston’s housekeeper), and Skipper (Weston’s mischievous Bichon Frise). When I read Rom-Coms, I’m looking for a fun escape. I appreciate that although this story is tempered by some pretty tough subjects, they were handled with sensitivity without letting the story get weighed down by them. Since Weston has four single billionaire brothers, I’m looking forward to more stories in this series!
Though I enjoyed all of the stories in Falling into Love, below are my other favorites. They are listed in the order in which they appear in the collection.:
Barking up the Wrong Tree by Elsie Woods: Alli is a hoot; Terence is hot! This “best friends to more” story is a great addition to the author’s Dog’s Paw Doggy Spa series.
Crushing on My Grumpy Boss by Genevieve Goodwin: A new-to-me author, I loved this take on the “ugly duckling” trope.
Enamoring Her Amnesiac Ex: a California Dreamin’ Prequel by Kristin Canary: Another new-to-me author, it left me wanting to read more in the series.
Mistletoe Clause by Britney Mills: Sweet story of Katie & Justin’s Second Chance.
Suited for Love by Ash Keller: Like all the other books I’ve read by Ash Keller, I found this one to be a great read. I’m looking forward to more stories set in Friendly, Georgia! (P.S. I loved the Not Happy Campers easter egg)
**I received an ARC of The Sweet Spot which is part of this collection and this is my honest review.**
The Sweet Spot is a second chance, brother's best friend, sweet romance novella. Right away I was drawn in as we meet Ari, with her hand stuck in her toilet and on an embarrassing call with the 911 operator (who in a small town of course knows Ari personally). She soon finds out that her brother's best friend (and high school crush) Carter is back in town when he is one of the fireman who shows up to extract her. Hilarity, sweetness, and a roadtrip ensue.
If you want a quick, fluffy, feel-good, low spice read, this is the perfect story. The content level is just a few kisses worth, but the banter and chemistry between the characters is fantastic. There is no huge 3rd act breakup or angst to make you want to swear at any of the characters. Just overall a wonderful, light-hearted romantic read where we get great fleshed out characters and relationships in a tiny bundle for our enjoyment. The author's style of writing was a little different than I was used to as it sometimes seems like the characters are making off-hand comments to the reader (such as "hey don't judge me.") but I liked the style. It made the characters seem like close friends who were letting me share in their story.
I look forward to reading more from this author, this series, and also checking out the rest of the stories in this collection.
Fall into Love Anthology is a collection of romantic comedies. This is a review for Feels on Wheels by Tracy Broemmer.
Okay, readers, I’ve found the perfect guy for you! Twain Woolff is a hardworking, kindhearted hero who loves both kids and animals. Of course, the man is exceptionally good looking. What hero isn’t? But the cherry on top? He’s a millionaire! You simply can’t beat that! Mabry Aliston moves back to town to be near her family after landing a job at the local hospital as a speech-language pathologist. One of her favorite parts of being back home is fully embracing the role of Aunt Mabry to her young niece and nephew. A trip to the local roller rink brings Mabry careening into Twain’s world, and once their paths cross, their lives continue to intersect in whimsical ways until a case of mistaken identity threatens to destroy their blossoming relationship. Feels on Wheels by Tracy Broemmer is a unique twist on the millionaire romance genre. I personally loved the backdrop of the roller rink and skating to the old tunes. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on skates, and this story stirred those fun filled memories of my teen years. Mabry is a bold female character—a bit spirited and willing to say what she’s thinking. Readers will appreciate her grit and strength. And then there’s Twain—the perfect book boyfriend. ~ Kate Carley, author of the Changing Krysset series.
"The Sweet Spot" is an adult romance following Ari and Carter. The book had quite short chapters and is easy to read, as well as the book not being to long.
While getting ready in the moring, Ari accidentally drops her bracelett in her toilet and accidentally gets stuck as she tries to grab it. After having called 911 for help, she would never have imagioned to see her childhood crush, Carter, walking in to recuse her from a toilet, but there he is. Just when she thought her life couldn't get worse, Carter mentions "The sweet spot" project and she realises that she has to spend the next few days with Carter. But she doesn't have a crush on him anymore... Right?
This book was a nice read. I really liked Ari and Carter as characters, and their chemestry and dynamic was really good.
However, even though the characters was really good, I found the story a bit boring and very slow. There wasn't a lot happening except for their relationship, which is nice, but when the story isn't as developed, it kind of takes away from the story.
Regardless, this story is a really fun and nice read. I definately would recommend this to people looking for a new rom-com story.