Wednesday, May 30, 2018

From the Start by Melissa Tagg


From the Start by Melissa Tagg


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


 Kate Walker is a specialist in love, writing acclaimed romantic scripts for TV movies, but is perfectly content with love staying safely trapped on the pages and in the screen.

Colton Greene has no idea what he wants to do with his life. Now permanently sidelyined by an injury, his career as an NFL quarterback is over and he's laying low in small town Iowa trying to figure out his comeback.

That town, devastated by a natural disaster brings both Kate and Colton into the Walker home and opens some doors that neither of them thought possible.

Good Autumn read or anytime during football season!


Characters


I'm predisposed to dislike writer characters in books simply because I feel like the authors tend to glorify the profession. Fortunately, this isn't the case in this story. Kate is a great flawed character who is really struggling to find her purpose. Returning to Maple Valley seems to help her grow in just about every aspect of her life. Colton is a wonderfully complex character who is working through, or rather trying to avoid working through, extreme childhood trauma. Although he starts out as a self-centered individual, his transformation throughout the story makes him into a very lovable character.

My Character Inspiration


Scott Eastwood as Colton Greene
Jennifer Love Hewitt as Kate "Rosie" Walker



Plot


The overall plot really seems to focus around Colton's discovery of his past. There are smaller story arcs throughout that maintain a good pace and keep your interest as well. This is my second time reading this book, so while I wasn't surprised by any of the plot twists, I remember them being really great the first time around. This book has the potential to make you laugh, cry, and dream about small town American life.

Setting


Maple Valley, Iowa is the perfect picturesque small town. While most of the story occurs in modern day Maple Valley, there are parts that take place in Chicago and LA.

Style


You can definitely pick up on how wonderfully quirky Melissa Tagg is by reading these books. The quick wit and banter between characters is always amusing. There are the token classic movie references, along with a nod to the author's favorite band NEEDTOBREATHE.

Theme


The two major themes throughout this book are ones that each character struggles with. Kate gives us a great example of being afraid of going after what you really want when there's a fear of it either slipping through your fingers or leaving you hurt in the end. Colton's challenge is finding the blessings that God has for you when things don't necessarily go the way that you originally planned.

Quotes


"And he was just standing there now, a thesaurus full of synonyms that added up to ridiculous amounts of handsome."

"'Maybe I did, but look where it got me.'
He grinned and stood, his shadow swallowing hers. 'It got you right here. Softened. Flexible. Willing to consider maybe God knows better than you what your life should looks like. And like this little bridge that weathered a slew of storms, ready to be used.'

My Thoughts


No lie, y'all. I'm in super stressed mode. I was slacking with getting this review written and now I have to double check my 8-year-old's packing job, pack for myself, and get some sleep before heading to the airport EARLY tomorrow for my sister's wedding in Oregon. I am so stinking excited about getting to be there for the wedding, but a little nutty from trying to get everything ready for the trip.

ANYWAY, thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! I'll be back here Monday with the next book in the series. 

TheModestMillennial

Monday, May 28, 2018

Three Little Words by Melissa Tagg


Three Little Words by Melissa Tagg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Holy cuteness, Batman! I got this book for free on Amazon, and it just sat on my Kindle for almost a year! I read the Where Love Begins series, and already read the first two books in the Walker Family series before remembering I had this. I don't know how, but I missed that the Ava in the Walker Family books is THAT Ava. *facepalm*. back to this book, though. Seth and Ava's is the best story I've read in months! I felt an instant kinship with Ava, being a bit of a football-loving tomboy myself, and I loved the e-mail relationship of sassy arguments between her and Seth. I admired Seth's loyalty and commitment, even if he almost took it too far. Great read that I'm sure to pick up again one of these days!

This is a perfect quick read, but you may want to read the preceding Whisper Shore novels first. It'll make this book richer and avoid spoilers for the previous story lines.

*Free book, but only available in digital format*

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Storm Front by Susan May Warren

Storm Front by Susan May Warren

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


After a total of 48 hours, Brette Arnold had fallen so hard for Ty Remington that she knew there was no way she could drag him through this with her, so she knew her only option was to run, but when a tornado decimates a small town, she's suddenly thrown back into a world that includes the gallant hero that can't seem to stop trying to save her.

Eighteen months and Ty still can't get Brette off his mind. It was painfully obvious that she must not have the same problem since she hightailed it away from him as fast as her feet could carry her. When his mentor and boss at PEAK rescue goes missing, he finds himself face to face with the woman he can't get over wondering what on earth happened to the beautiful optimist that won his heart.

If you're looking for a heart-pounding adventure, get your hands on this book. It's an exhilarating story of hope in the bleakest moments.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Shadowed by Dani Pettrey


Shadowed by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



What starts as a relaxing break from the riggors if her profession quickly turns into a whirlwind and potentially life-threatening adventure for Libby Jennings when she and her tour guide discover a murder victim in the open ocean.

Ben McKenna loves the thrill of the outdoors, but almost from the instant Libby steps onto his boat and into his life, his adventures turn into something dangerous that he can't escape. Walking away would guarantee he'd lose the girl who made him realize he hadn't been living until she showed up.

Great vacation read or even a weekend read because of the length of the novella. Warning, you may get pulled in and have to read the entire series.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Kirra Jacobs has known Reef McKenna practically her whole life, so you can imagine her surprise when the carefree, no-commitment, flighty boy from her childhood volunteers to help her track down her missing uncle and sticks by her side as the mystery involving his disappearance takes a turn for the worst. Could she really be that wrong about the boy who she swore would never grow up?

Kirra had always had the power to get under Reef's skin. Ever since she ratted him out for bad behavior for the first time in Kindergarten, she'd retained her top-billing as his primary nemesis. When he tries to step up and do the right thing for the girl who drives him absolutely crazy, he get's pulled into a disaster he'd never imagined, falling for the girl he'd thought had it all together.

Good vacation read, also would be great in early March during the Iditarod race in Alaska.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Strong and independent, Kayden McKenna has everything under control. Dedicated to staying strong, healthy, and beholden only to herself, she's effectively created an indestructible shell of protection. That's exactly why she's so scared of Jake. He has a crazy way of sneaking past that barrier and seeing what's really going on with her. Things only get more complicated when she's forced to accompany him on an investigation into a murder she stumbled upon.

Jake Cavanagh never thought he'd recover from the loss of his wife and child, but somehow Kayden has brought him back to life. When the case they're working on leads to threats on her life, he will do anything to keep the woman he loves safe from harm.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Stranded by Dani Pettrey


Stranded by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Investigative reporting is in her past and good riddance, but when Darcy St. James's former partner asks for her help and then mysteriously disappears, she has to use those skills to find her friend and uncover a scheme that has ruined and ended lives.

Gage McKenna is over her. There's no way he's letting Darcy sneak into his heart. It's too fractured to handle one more heartbreak. But when she sails back into his life, he discovers that choice may already be out of his hands. Will she be his undoing or the key to healing?


Great spring or vacation read.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Shattered by Dani Pettrey


Shattered by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When her brother is placed on trial for murder, Piper McKenna won't stop until she's proved his innocence. Deputy Landon Grainger would do anything for the family that took him in as one of their own, but how can he prove the innocence of a man who appears to be guilty? When the woman he's come to love begins interfering in his investigation, he may have to go to extraordinary lengths to keep her safe, and hopefully help save her brother too.

Monday, May 7, 2018

Submerged by Dani Pettrey


Submerged by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Bailey Craig has been running from her past for years when it finally catches up to her. Forced to return home due to the sudden death of her closest relative, she must face her sordid history along with her first and only love.

Cole McKenna has experienced his fair share of loss, but none that impacted him like losing Bailey. When she returns to town, he finds himself torn. Should he protect himself from the one woman with the power to wreck his life again or hold on tight to a friend that's hurting? When mysterious killings rock the small town, they are forced to put all else aside to bring the killer to justice.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason

Chasing Secrets (Elite Guardians, #4)

Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Suddenly confronted with a past she can hardly remember, Haley Callaghan must fight for her life as an unknown killer (or possibly killers) take aim. Detective Steven Rothwell can't believe the beauty and spirit of this woman he's just met, and gets taken on the ride of his life as he tries to keep her safe.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Moving Target by Lynette Eason

Moving Target (Elite Guardians #3)

Moving Target by Lynette Eason

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Quinn and Maddy are teetering on the edge of a relationship, but will it fall in to something meaningful after all they've been through together or fall apart when they face their next challenge? When they find themselves in the sights of a serial killer, the relationship status comes secondary to their main focus. Survival.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Without Warning by Lynette Eason

Without Warning (Elite Guardians #2)

Without Warning by Lynette Eason

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Still reeling from the death if his brother, Daniel's life once again spirals into chaos when a series of violent crimes strikes his restaurant chain. His niece, worried that she'll lose him too, convinces him to hire the Elite Guardians for protection. Katie is fighting her demons the best way she knows how - avoidance - when she takes on the case for a man who might just change everything and make her face her fears.