Not Without You by Dianne Venetta

Not Without You by Dianne Venetta

Summary from Goodreads:
Grad student, Lisa Richardson, scours the high country in search of her beloved boreal toad. The amphibian is in danger of extinction, a fate she is determined to change. Single-minded in her focus, Lisa doesn’t realize that she’s being followed by a mysterious stranger.


Enter McIntyre Walsh. Ex-marine with a heart of gold, this man lives and breathes duty. Protection. Content with his self-exile on a mountaintop in Colorado, he inadvertently witnesses a female hiker in danger, a situation he cannot ignore yet is unable to rectify. When their paths cross, Lisa and Walsh refuse to stray from their avowed goals, and carry on—despite the other.


It isn’t until a killer ramps up his game that both are forced to relent. Battling the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains and an undeniable attraction between them, Lisa and Walsh must work together against the odds if they intend to get off the mountain alive.

3.5 Stars

Received ebook for an honest review

My Review:
There were lots of things that I liked about this book.  I liked the setting, high mountains in Colorado, clear skies, crisp air.  I liked the suspense of the story.  There were threats from the elements of the location as well as the threats from a killer in the area.  And the touch of romance was just the right amount for this book.  It didn't take over, but added something to the story.  I liked Walsh and his sense of protection.  

Unfortunately, I wasn't a huge fan of the main character.  In many ways I liked her, especially her strength of will to keep going under dire circumstances.  However, she was stupid.  I'm sorry to say it, but who goes after scientific samples when you have a serious ankle injury as well as a killer on the loose?  I thought she was way over the top in her environmental zeal.

Because the character had this need to find her samples, the characters were put in increasingly difficult situations.  It dragged a bit and I was ready for them to finish this adventure.  

And, the author used the word "breast" way too much.  I wished she would find other words to describe that area, sometimes "chest" would have been appropriate.  

Warnings: Word "Breast" used

I would let my 17 year old read this book.

Stick in the Mud Meets Spontaneity by Rachael Anderson

Stick in the Mud Meets Spontaneity by Rachael Anderson

Summary from Goodreads:
Home for the summer, Samantha Kinsey steps into her role as nanny for her two favorite little charges. But when she realizes she'll be playing chauffeur more than playmate, her summer outlook quickly turns from fun to bleak. That is, until she meets Colton McCoy--a genuine, hard-working cowboy, who's as set in his ways as he is handsome. Although he claims he doesn't need any spontaneity in his life, Sam's determined to help him find it. But she'll soon discover that cowboys are about as easy to change as wild mustangs.

Stick in the Mud Meets Spontaneity is about an adaptable girl and a not so adaptable guy. It's about learning to accept people for who they are and realizing that sometimes who they are is exactly who they should be. 

5 Stars

Received ebook from Publisher in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
This is the 3rd book in the Meet Your Match books by Rachael Anderson.  I  have loved this series! The first is Pride Meets Prejudice.  The second is Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined. One wouldn't have to read all three books to understand the stories, but the characters do continue from one book to the next.  I highly recommend reading them in order to be able to develop along with the stories and characters.

Stick in the Mud Meets Spontaneity follows the story of Samantha, a recent college graduate who has time during the summer before she starts a fantastic job in New York City.  Within the first few days she meets Colton McCoy, a young, hard working rancher who will some day take over his family's ranch.  From the moment they meet, sparks fly.  Sometimes it's good sparks, sometimes not.  Sam finds herself being more clumsy than usual and unsure of herself around the horses and the ranch.  Colton is impressed with this "city" girl that keeps getting back on the horse, in actuality and metaphorically.  Soon, Sam has found a place that she really enjoys, the horses and farm, but especially the McCoy family.  Unfortunately, she has a job in New York waiting for her in just a few months.

Sam and Colton are from opposite lifestyles, but somehow they fall in love.  Samantha enjoys trying new things on their dates and pushes Colton out of his comfort zone.  Often, Colton refuses Sam's wild schemes.  At times, I am really frustrated at how unadventurous Colton is.  I don't understand how he doesn't want to at least try something, even if it is just to appease Sam. 

I am not the most adventurous of people, but I am willing to push myself a little, just to see if I can do something.  Last year I did something I never thought I would ever do...I biked around San Francisco and across the Golden Gate Bridge!  For me that was a big deal.  I had only ridden a bike around our neighborhood.  But it was something my husband wanted to do and I did it.  Was I really scared at times? Yes.  Was I unsure of what I was doing? Most of the time.  But I did it and that brings such satisfaction.  Now if my husband asks me to go sky diving the answer is no.  I can only be pushed so far.

As I read this book, I don't see any way that this relationship can work.  If Samantha gives up her job to stay in Colorado then she will always wonder "what if" and resent Colton for keeping her there.  If she goes to New York, then Colton, "Mr. Stick in the Mud", watches her go and feels rejected.  Can they survive a long distance relationship?  

Luckily, Rachael Anderson has a great story that pushes both of these characters in to new territory. 

I have loved the characters and stories from all 3 books and being a part of their lives.  I highly recommend the series and I also look forward to reading other books by Rachael Anderson.

Warnings: None

I would let my 17 year old read this book.

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Annette Lyon Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Annette Lyon Collection
All stories by Annette Lyon

Summary Goodreads:
The ANNETTE LYON COLLECTION contains brand new contemporary romance novella OUR SONG, as well as five hand-picked readers’ and reviewers’ favorites of Annette’s popular Timeless Romance Anthology novellas. Readers will love this selection of three contemporary and three historical romance novellas.

In OUR SONG, a charming romance novella, Cassie and Matt have been dating in the Yellowstone area for two years, and things are, well, average. When Cassie meets up with two college friends who are visiting, their love lives like sound like fairy tales: rose petals, chocolates, candles on the beach… Cassie goes home feeling like she’s missing out. After all, repeatedly watching Old Faithful erupt and walking through sulfur-smelling gases at Fountain Paint Pot don’t exactly say “romance.” Maybe things with Matt aren’t going anywhere, and it’s time to move on. Then she discovers that perception and reality are completely different things. Now she can only hope it isn’t too late to show Matt how much she really cares.

In the sweet novella GOLDEN SUNRISE, Natalie takes time out of her crazy schedule to fly to Vegas for her best friend’s wedding. Sierra and Jason, high-school sweethearts, are finally getting married. Fortunately for Natalie, her old high-school flame, Adam, has a work commitment and can’t be there as best man. But when she arrives at the wedding rehearsal—late and ragged—Adam is there. When Adam makes a wild suggestion, Natalie just may take him up on it, even though she knows he’s moved on. A single choice may mean Natalie is taking a shot at reclaiming the past—or that she's putting her heart in harm’s way a second time.

FIRSTS AND LASTS, an enchanting novella, begins with Dani’s last week in New York. She’s failed in her dreams to catch a break as an actress and is now ready to return home and dust herself off. As she visits the places on her final to-see list, she meets Mark, another New York City transplant with big dreams. Except Mark hasn’t given up on his. As they spend the day together, Dani realizes that even though she hasn’t hit the “big time” she might be living her dream after all. Only problem: she has a one-way ticket back home.

In the compelling novella WAR OF HEARTS, Anna, a journalist, is desperate to escape the magazine where Pete, her now-former boyfriend, also works. Heartbroken and still in love with him, Anna snags an assignment to cover the Winter War in Finland. She arrives at a snowy Finnish battlefront only to discover that Pete is already there—as her photographer. She’s determined to be professional about the situation until a battle breaks out in camp, putting her and Pete in harm’s way and putting their love to the test.

The captivating novella BETWEEN THE LINES follows Jane Martin, who is intelligent but extremely shy, especially around men. When the Aid and Cultural Society proposes a letter-writing program, Jane signs up, hoping she can find true friendship. The program doesn’t run as smoothly as expected, and unknown to Jane, one of the men in her city becomes her writing friend. Thomas Allred has always known shy and quiet Jane, but reading her letters written to his secret persona, opens his eyes to what an amazing woman she is. The only trouble is, Jane doesn’t know that the man who she is falling in love with through letters is also Thomas, the man who is falling in love with her in person.

In the charming novella A TASTE OF HOME, we meet Claire Jennings, who’s on her way to spend Christmas with her family. As she rides the train with William Rhodes, who grew up across the street, memories of Christmases past flood her mind. He may be twenty-one now, but she can’t forget his torturous teasing from their school years. At the rail station, Claire discovers that her home is under quarantine because her little brother has measles. She's stuck in town, away from her family, on her favorite holiday. William stays behind with her, and as Christmas Day approaches and her homesickness deepens, she discovers that perhaps he has changed in more ways than one. 

4 Stars

Received ebook from publisher for an honest review

My Review:
Annette Lyon has written stories in each of A Timeless Romance Anthology Collections.  I have never read any of her other books (of course I have them on my to read list!).  This collection was all stories by her from the other collections, except for the first one which was a new story.

Having read all of the other collections, the other stories were familiar to me.  However, I enjoyed reading them again, especially since many of them I read a long time ago.  

I really enjoyed the new story, Our Song.  Since it wasn't one I had read, and it was the first in this collection, it was a great way to start of the book.  It reminded me about how we often compare ourselves to others, whether in a good light or bad light.  Comparing can hurt all involved.  I really loved seeing how this couple worked through their conflict, especially in comparing their relationship to others' relationships.  

We are each individuals and our relationships with others are individual as well.  What a good reminder.  Thank you, Annette Lyon!

Warnings: None

I would let my 17 year old read this collection.

Princess Academy: The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale

Princess Academy: The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale

Summary from Goodreads:
After a year at the king’s palace, Miri has learned all about being a proper princess. But the tables turn when the student must become the teacher!

Instead of returning to her beloved Mount Eskel, Miri is ordered to journey to a distant swamp and start a princess academy for three sisters, cousins of the royal family. Unfortunately, Astrid, Felissa, and Sus are more interested in hunting and fishing than becoming princesses.

As Miri spends more time with the sisters, she realizes the king and queen’s interest in them hides a long-buried secret. She must rely on her own strength and intelligence to unravel the mystery, protect the girls, complete her assignment, and finally make her way home.

4.5 Stars

Library Book

My Review:
I enjoy Shannon Hale's original fairy tale Princess Academy Series.  She creates a world and characters that I just love.

The books do need to be read in order, Princess Academy, Princess Academy: Palace of Stone, and this third book, Princess Academy: The Forgotten Sisters.  The first book introduces this fairy tale, the characters, the setting, and the relationships we see throughout the series.  The second book continues the story with the characters facing more mature conflict and seeing their relationships grow.

In this third book, Miri, the main character, evolves even further as she is forced in to a situation that pushes her out of her comfort zone.  As she works through physical, emotional and mental difficulties, she becomes a heroine like she's never been before.  I am impressed with how she cares for others, rises above her fears, faces adventures, solves mysteries and "saves the day".  I do feel at times that the story drags a bit.  I want it to move a little faster at points, but those are few.

I really enjoy seeing the relationships grow in this story.  In the first book we learn about young friendships and growing romance.  Now that the characters are older and have faced life outside their small village, the relationships, both friendship and romantic, grow.  With the introduction of these three "forgotten sisters", we see new friendships grow as well.

I love this series and recommend it.  It is clean, engaging, adventurous, and has a bit of young romance too.

Warnings: None

I would let my 14 and 17 year old daughters read this book and I think they would like it. 

A Timeless Romance Anthology: California Dreamin' Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: California Dreamin' Collection 
by Heather B. Moore, Kaylee Baldwin, Annette Lyon, Jennifer Moore, Shannon Guymon, and Sarah M. Eden

Summary from Goodreads:
Six brand new contemporary romance novellas with bestselling and award winning authors.

In the sweet novella TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE by Heather B. Moore, Gwen uses her wedding photography business to keep her life simple and focus on something other than her own broken heart. When Jack, a guy too handsome for his own good, helps her clean up after a photoshoot, then asks her out, she doesn’t know if she can handle dating again. But Jack’s charm wins her over, and she agrees to meet him for dinner. The more she gets to know Jack, the more she likes him, but everything about him seems too good to be true. 

GONE FISHING, a charming novella by Kaylee Baldwin, follows Claire as she tries to convince her dad to leave his start-up company as a boat guide and come back home to Colorado. He’s the only one who can defend Claire against her domineering mother. But when she arrives at the San Diego harbor, she’s met with more than one surprise. First, that her dad is truly living his dream and has never been happier, and second, she’s unexpectedly attracted to his business partner, Miguel.

In THE PIER CHANGES EVERYTHING, an enchanting novella by Annette Lyon, Alexandria has one last task to perform for her late husband, who died much too young: scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean. She goes to the Santa Monica Pier to do just that, but her plans get sidetracked after meeting Michael and feeling an immediate connection to him. They grab lunch, and the more time they spend together, the more they discover that they have in common—including past romantic hardships. As the day wears on, Alexandria begins learn that her heart just might be able to find love again.

In Jennifer Moore’s captivating novella A HERO’S SONG, AnneMarie’s career as a romance novelist is skyrocketing and her agent books her on a late night talk show. The host gets her to admit that she was in love once, with a guitar player. Moments after her segment, Lance Holden appears on the same stage, to perform his newest song. Is it a terrible coincidence? AnneMarie hasn’t seen Lance ever since he broke her heart ten years ago, and she has refused to think about him again. Their lives are worlds apart, but as Lance tries to reconcile with AnneMarie, she finds herself taking a second chance. 

In STAY WITH ME, an endearing novella by Shannon Guymon, Jolie moves to L.A. to take on a nanny position for the summer, since apparently having a degree in art doesn’t translate to getting a job as a graphic designer. When Fitz, the family’s chauffeur, picks her up at the airport, she wonders if every man in LA is model-gorgeous. When Jolie meets her two charges, she finds them adorable and needy. But it’s harder to hold onto her job than she thought with a hostile Mrs. James and her spoiled brother. Fitz becomes both the silver lining of her job and the man who just might convince her to stay in L.A.

In the delightful novella, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, by Sarah M. Eden, Ada is the best realtor around. The best. She prides herself in matching each client with the house that will fit all of their needs. She hasn’t failed yet. So when Craig hires her to find him the perfect condo for him and his son, Ada is up for the challenge. What she may not be prepared for is her unforeseen attraction to Craig, her immediate attachment to his nine-year-old son, and her heart telling her that it’s okay to take another chance.

4.5 Stars

Ebook from publisher in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
Another great collection from A Timeless Romance Anthology.  This was just what I needed this last week.  We have had gorgeous weather.  I felt the sun on my face, had the windows open with a nice breeze blowing through, the trees were blooming.  (By the way, I discovered I really like the look of a Spring Snow Crab Apple tree).  Then BAM!  Spring was gone and winter returned.  We've had snow, rain, and I've had to turn the heat back on.  Ugh.  

Ahh, California in the summer.  It evokes thoughts of sunshine, the ocean breeze, the smell of suntan lotion on a sandy beach.  I think of visits to my grandparents' house as a kid and visiting my in-laws as an adult.  I think of the summer we had a family reunion at Newport Beach, steps from the sand.  I think of yummy food from Ruby's on the Pier.  I think of all the great times I have had at Disneyland.  Ahh, California.

These stories brought back all the wonderful feelings I have about California.  It has a bit of a magical sense to it.  I realize California isn't paradise, but sometimes it seems like it.  These stories fit right in with the image of California being magical.  They each were clean and had happy romances.  I like happy.  

Warnings: These are clean, but there are some adult themes, specifically divorce.

I would let my 17 year old read this book.

All Fall Down: An Embassy Row Novel by Ally Carter

All Fall Down: An Embassy Row Novel by Ally Carter

Summary from Ally Carter's website:

Grace Blakely is absolutely certain of three things:

1. She is not crazy.

2. Her mother was murdered.

3. Someday she is going to find the killer and make him pay.

As certain as Grace is about these facts, nobody else believes her–so there’s no one she can completely trust. Not her grandfather, a powerful ambassador. Not her new friends, who all live on Embassy Row. Not Alexei, the Russian boy next door who is keeping an eye on Grace for reasons she neither likes nor understands.

Everybody wants Grace to put on a pretty dress and a pretty smile, blocking out all her unpretty

thoughts. But they can’t control Grace–no more than Grace can control what she knows or what she needs to do.

Her past has come back to hunt her . . .  and if she doesn’t stop it, Grace isn’t the only one who will get hurt. Because on Embassy Row, the countries of the world all stand like dominoes, and one wrong move can make them all fall down. 

4 Stars

Library Book

My Review:
I love Ally Carter's books.  I have read both the Gallagher Girls Books and the Heist Society Books.  HERE is a list of her books from her website.  I have not read her other books, but having read these two series, I was very excited to read what she had for us next.  She did not disappoint me.

I spent 5 years of my life in Brussels, Belgium.  My dad worked in International Business.  We met people from all over the world.  In our neighborhood there was an Embassy.  I remember guards as we walked to friends' homes.  (OK, I just looked it up.  It was the Chinese Embassy).  Since I was a kid I have been interested in other countries, cultures, and customs.  This book added international relations/diplomacy as well as intrigue and mystery.  So many things that I like!

I liked the mystery and conspiracy in this book.  What really happened?  There were times I thought I knew where this book was going.  I was SO WRONG!  Ally Carter did an excellent job of keeping the reader in the dark.  I loved the surprises.

I loved the secondary characters.  It seemed to me that the only true main character was Grace.  All of the other characters were secondary to me.  Some of them were fantastic (I love Rosie!).

Knowing that this book was the first in a series, I wasn't surprised by the in depth "set up".  We have to get to know this world, these characters.  At times it was a bit tedious.  I admit that it was because I wanted to find out what happened.  I was a bit impatient.  And as much as Ally Carter wrapped up the immediate story,  she definitely left us with a cliff hanger.  Now I have to wait for the next one!  When, Ally, when?!!!

This book had a lot more angst than I am used to in Ally Carter's books.  Grace was told that she was crazy, was put on medication, and even restrained.  She questioned everything she ever thought and was worried about bringing other people down with her.  At times I didn't like her for it.  Then, there was one point where I empathized with her so much that I was brought to tears.  My heart broke for her.  

Warnings: Death in family, mental illness, but I consider it a clean read

I would definitely let my teenage daughters read this book.  They will love it!



Photo from 1976.  I couldn't find any outside photos in my collection.  I'm sure my mom has some.  This is in the kitchen with my sister.  

Photo from 1997 with my husband, Mike.  I loved that tree!

Photo from Google Maps of my house in Belgium as it looks today.  (The tree is gone).

Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined (Meet Your Match #2) by Rachael Anderson

Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined (Meet Your Match #2) by Rachael Anderson

Summary from Goodreads:
For Noah Mackie, life is finally back on track. He has a great support system, a promised promotion is on its way, and he's finally getting the hang of this single father thing. But when the job falls through and his neighbor's matchmaking efforts become more aggressive, Noah is in for yet another unwanted detour. With his career and two spirited daughters to worry about, he doesn't have time for dating—especially not someone like Cassie Ellis, his girls' beautiful and sophisticated dance instructor, who is about as open and approachable as a brick wall.

Rough around the Edges Meets Refined is about two people who think they know exactly what they want but who have no idea what they really need. It's about learning that people aren't always what they seem and that sometimes life’s detours take you exactly where you need to go. 

4.5 Stars

Received an ebook in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
This is the 2nd book in the Meet Your Match series by Rachael Anderson.  The first is Pride Meets Prejudice.  And Rachael has announced a 3rd book in the series called Stick in the Mud meets Spontaneity.

Rachael Anderson develops a wonderful group of characters in a Colorado town in the first book in this series.  In that book, we hear of Noah Mackie, but he is not a main character.  He takes the main role in this book.  He is a single father, but lives next door to his sister and her husband.  They are an important part of Noah's life and the lives of his daughters.  At the same time, they are getting ready to become parents and have their own lives to focus on.  Plus, there are many great supporting characters that literally support him in his efforts with his two daughters.  His neighbor, whom I love, is a matchmaker and pushes Noah in to meeting Cassie.  

The relationship between Noah and Cassie is tough.  They each have issues coming in to their acquaintance.  The idea of dating each other is difficult.  The story explores their baggage as well as their willingness to let that baggage go for another chance at love.  It is interesting to read about each of their experience with shedding their preconceived judgments of the other person.  Each brings their previous life experience with their relationships in to meeting each other.  As they let their judgments go they allow themselves to see each other for who they really are.

This is a clean, contemporary romance.  

Warnings: Reference to death of spouse

I would let my 17 year old daughter read this book.