Book reviews from the week of May 8th

 

This was a crazy, busy week for me.  I had originally intended to read three more ARCs than I accomplished this week. (Though I was able to read the two books leading up to my Delancey Stewart ARC, while waiting for the others to come in.) Then life happened.  I hate it when work gets in the way of reading.  Anyway, I did read one ARC.  Readers are going to love Annie Dyer's new release this week. Catrin and Zeke have a steamy love story full of artistic soul.  The two books I read by Delancey Stewart set up the Kasper Ridge series with former Navy pilot buddies, a treasure hunt, and wonderful characters set in a small town in the Colorado mountains.  I can't wait to find out what Uncle Marvin has hidden for his niece and nephew.  I will be traveling over the next few weeks but I will also be reading.  I hope everyone a wonderful time reading as summer sets to kick off.

The Atelier Assignment (The English Gent Romances #2) 

by Annie Dyer

ARC: Release Date- 05/19/2022

#EnemiestoLovers #FamilySeries #SingleDad #ARC

5 STARS

The second book in this series follows Catrin Green as she follows her HEA.   It can be read as a standalone.  It is written in first person from a dual POV.

This is a sweet, steamy, sometimes funny, very low angst read that I really enjoyed.  I love the banter between Cat and Zeke.  They love to argue with each other, and it works for them.  They generate plenty of heat in their story.  I love how Zeke is as a father.  Though he has some baggage, he does his best to keep it from his daughter.  I love the coparent relationship he has with Nora’s mother and that it is a congenial and low stress relationship.  Nora and Cat form a fun relationship that I adored.  I loved how Cat falls in love with the country estate and helps Zeke make memories there that override the bad memories he has held.  There is a lot to like about both characters.  Zeke had to move beyond his comfort zone, but when he does, he is all in. 

I enjoyed the cameos from the Callaghans, the Greens, and Gabe. I loved that Zeke is an artistic soul, and that Cat is someone who appreciates art while being 100% practical. This was a fun, romantic, steamy read.  I cannot wait for the next book.

Only A Summer (Kasper Ridge #0.5) by Delancey Stewart

#Prequel #Fling #SmallTown  4 STARS This prequel sets the stage for the new series and introduces readers to Archie, Aubrey, and Wiley. It is written in first person from a dual POV. Archie encourages Wiley to come form Maryland to Colorado to help him get an inherited hotel/resort back into shape. When he meets Archie's sister, Aubrey, Wiley feels like he has come home. I love the connection Wiley and Aubrey share right away. They have chemistry and heat up the pages quickly in this prequel. I adore Aubrey's confidence and Wiley's fearlessness. In addition to their romance, this book sets the stage for the Kasper Ridge renovations and the mystery of Uncle Marvin's treasure map. I am excited to read the rest of the series.

Only A Fling (Kasper Ridge #1) by Delancey Stewart

4 STARS

#SmallTown #Workplace #Fling

Book one in this series can be read as a standalone romance and ends with a HEA.  The series is following a mystery treasure hunt which I believe is going to be drawn over the whole series, so for continuity the series is best read in order.  This book is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

Will leaves California to join a former Navy buddy in developing the resort he inherited in the mountains of Colorado.  Will is an interesting hero.  At times he is quite cocky, and at other times he is vulnerable and insecure.  He has a relationship with his dad that is initially toxic, but does improve over the course of the book.

Lucy is a woman who is also a tough as nails contractor by day and a femme fatale at night.  Will is immediately drawn to her and he in not afraid to woo her to get to a place he knows he has never been before emotionally.  I loved Lucy and her friends.  Her commitment to her Papa, her business  and her town is inspiring.  She tries to guard her heart but Will tears down the walls.

This was a fun and steamy read with characters I really enjoyed.  I loved it when they overcome their fears to fight for a love that could be once in a lifetime.