Book Review
Marrying the Wedding Crasher by Melinda Curtis
Book 1: A Harmony Valley Novel Series
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Publication Date: March 1, 2018
Format: Paperback - 384 pages
Kindle - 1331 KB
Nook - 1 MB
ISBN: 978-1335633538
ASIN: B074SJ9971
BNID: 978-1488084966
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Harlequin
Goodreads
Buy The Series: A Harmony Valley Novel Series
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Harlequin
Goodreads
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader.
Book Description:
This bachelor’s pretend girlfriend just made a shocking discovery—
She’s pregnant!
Although they dated for only a month, Harley O’Hannigan just agreed to be Vince Messina’s plus-one at a Harmony Valley wedding. Big mistake, given her deepening feelings for the tall, dark, unavailable bachelor. And what about Vince’s long-buried family history? Then there’s the growing secret that could transform this pretend relationship into the real thing…
Praise For Melinda Curtis:
"Wonderfully entertaining!" Jayne Ann Krentz, NYT Bestseller (referring to Playing for Love)
"Reading Slade and Christine's story reminded me of why I enjoy romance. SEASON OF CHANGE has found a place on my keeper shelf!" Brenda Novak, NYT Bestseller
"Wonderfully entertaining!" Jayne Ann Krentz, NYT Bestseller (referring to Playing for Love)
"Reading Slade and Christine's story reminded me of why I enjoy romance. SEASON OF CHANGE has found a place on my keeper shelf!" Brenda Novak, NYT Bestseller
Book Excerpt:
My Book Review:
Marrying The Wedding Crasher has an intriguing cast of characters who are realistic, flawed, and easy to relate to; witty dialogue and engaging interactions; and a wonderful storyline that will take you on a beautiful journey towards a happily-ever-after.
Warm hands engulfed hers, not the slightest bit vengeful. “Harley?” A gentle voice, one she should be able to identify if her head didn’t feel like someone had stuffed it with thick insulation. “You’re safe. He’s gone.”
Harley opened her eyes on a shuddering breath. A familiar face greeted her.
Vince. They both worked for Jerry, remodeling houses.
Vince. Friendly black eyes, a sturdy nose, and black hair. That black hair. It had required a second glance when they’d first met. He had fantastic hair. The kind of hair Disney gave its princes.
Her heart was racing for the exit and her hands had started to tremble in his. Vince’s hands, not Dan’s.
Vince. He drove an old truck, not a new Ferrari. He’d offered her carrots once when he’d heard she’d forgotten her lunch on a remote job site. He’d bought her a drink after work one day, which had led to him buying her dinner—more than once—and then the infamous weekend away where he’d learned she’d quit being an architect. Not that he’d understood Harley and her inability to pick herself up after one undisclosed setback. He may have been seven years older than her, but that didn’t mean he could be judgmental about her career choices.
Note to self... I’m not safe with Vince, either.
“Hey.” Vince gave her hands a gentle squeeze. “Are you with me?”
With him? She would’ve followed him anywhere a few weeks ago, before the let-me-tell-you-what-to-do-with-your-life debacle.
Vince moved to sit next to Harley, tucking her beneath his arm, next to his bulky tool belt. “Breathe in. Breathe out.”
Sounded easy enough, but that heart of hers was hammering against her lungs, making her pant. Vince holding her wasn’t helping her recovery. Not that she moved away from him. Not one inch.
“Like this.” Vince took Harley’s hand and placed her palm on his sturdy chest.
She could feel his heartbeat nearly as fast as hers, but she could also feel him fill his lungs with air.
“Breathe in. Breathe out.” Vince was big and warm and calm, and completely different than Dan.
He’d never be a slave to fashion. He’d never take credit for someone else’s work. He’d never put his hands on a woman with intent to do damage.
In a distant part of her brain, somewhere where things weren’t pounding, Harley’s mother recited one of her Southern lectures. Life is hard, baby girl. You need to find yourself a big, strong man to lean on when times get tough.
Finding big, strong men was something of a specialty of Harley’s. It was finding the ones she could lean on forever that eluded her.
Harley opened her eyes on a shuddering breath. A familiar face greeted her.
Vince. They both worked for Jerry, remodeling houses.
Vince. Friendly black eyes, a sturdy nose, and black hair. That black hair. It had required a second glance when they’d first met. He had fantastic hair. The kind of hair Disney gave its princes.
Her heart was racing for the exit and her hands had started to tremble in his. Vince’s hands, not Dan’s.
Vince. He drove an old truck, not a new Ferrari. He’d offered her carrots once when he’d heard she’d forgotten her lunch on a remote job site. He’d bought her a drink after work one day, which had led to him buying her dinner—more than once—and then the infamous weekend away where he’d learned she’d quit being an architect. Not that he’d understood Harley and her inability to pick herself up after one undisclosed setback. He may have been seven years older than her, but that didn’t mean he could be judgmental about her career choices.
Note to self... I’m not safe with Vince, either.
“Hey.” Vince gave her hands a gentle squeeze. “Are you with me?”
With him? She would’ve followed him anywhere a few weeks ago, before the let-me-tell-you-what-to-do-with-your-life debacle.
Vince moved to sit next to Harley, tucking her beneath his arm, next to his bulky tool belt. “Breathe in. Breathe out.”
Sounded easy enough, but that heart of hers was hammering against her lungs, making her pant. Vince holding her wasn’t helping her recovery. Not that she moved away from him. Not one inch.
“Like this.” Vince took Harley’s hand and placed her palm on his sturdy chest.
She could feel his heartbeat nearly as fast as hers, but she could also feel him fill his lungs with air.
“Breathe in. Breathe out.” Vince was big and warm and calm, and completely different than Dan.
He’d never be a slave to fashion. He’d never take credit for someone else’s work. He’d never put his hands on a woman with intent to do damage.
In a distant part of her brain, somewhere where things weren’t pounding, Harley’s mother recited one of her Southern lectures. Life is hard, baby girl. You need to find yourself a big, strong man to lean on when times get tough.
Finding big, strong men was something of a specialty of Harley’s. It was finding the ones she could lean on forever that eluded her.
My Book Review:
Marrying The Wedding Crasher is a heartwarming contemporary romance story that follows the unexpected relationship of Harley O'Hannigan and Vince Messina.
Vince Messina needs a date for his younger brother Joe's wedding. Vince has been able to keep his brothers at arm's length about his personal life for years. But there is no getting out of going back home to Harmony Valley, California, so Vince asks his ex-girlfriend and co-worker Harley O'Hannigan to be his date after he let it slip to his brothers that he has a girlfriend. From the day that Vince and Harley met there was a strong connection and mutual attraction between them. But a misunderstanding and Vince's personal baggage and tough exterior waylaid the development of their relationship. Can a seemingly harmless wedding invitation to a family wedding change Vince and Harley's pretend relationship into a real one ... or will family secrets and emotional baggage keep them from reigniting the romance that they once briefly shared?
Author Melinda Curtis weaves a wonderful tale full of pain, angst, drama, humor, and tender romantic moments that easily draws the reader into Harley and Vince's story. The dramatic development of their relationship makes this story worth the read, as their connection is put to the test by serious personal issues in their lives. You can't help but feel for Vince as he struggles with his past emotional baggage, and cheer for Harley and Vince on as they try to move beyond a pretend relationship with a few surprises along the way!
Marrying The Wedding Crasher has an intriguing cast of characters who are realistic, flawed, and easy to relate to; witty dialogue and engaging interactions; and a wonderful storyline that will take you on a beautiful journey towards a happily-ever-after.
If you are looking for a hopeful and heartwarming love story that follows the unexpected journey of two people who learn to let go of their pasts and open themselves up to a healing and loving relationship, then Marrying The Wedding Crasher is the story for you!
RATING: 4 STARS
About The Author
Author Melinda Curtis is an award-winning, USA Today Bestseller of over 40 romances. She writes sweet romance for Harlequin Heartwarming, sweet romantic comedies and sexy sports contemporary romances. When not working on DIY projects around their home, Melinda and her college sweetheart enjoy watching Duke men's basketball and visiting their three kids and one grandchild. Sign up for her mailing list to receive two free reads.
Always the Hero by Anna J. Stewart
Book #4: Butterfly Harbor Stories Series
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Publication Date: March 1, 2018
Format: Paperback - 384 pages
Kindle - 1879 KB
Nook - 2MB
ISBN: 978-1335633552
ASIN: B074SHS1R4
BNID: 978-1488084980
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Harlequin
Goodreads
Buy The Series: Butterfly Harbor Stories Series
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Harlequin
Goodreads
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader.
Book Description:
He never relied on anyone but himself...but he needs her now!
Butterfly Harbor deputy Matt Knight wants two things: to date Lori Bradley and the chance to adopt Kyle, a troubled teen. Wounded in Afghanistan, Matt knows he can't move forward anchored to the past. But once he regains the guarded hotel manager's trust, will his need to protect those he loves cost him a future with this extraordinary woman?
Praise for Anna J Stewart:Book #4: Butterfly Harbor Stories Series
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Publication Date: March 1, 2018
Format: Paperback - 384 pages
Kindle - 1879 KB
Nook - 2MB
ISBN: 978-1335633552
ASIN: B074SHS1R4
BNID: 978-1488084980
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Harlequin
Goodreads
Buy The Series: Butterfly Harbor Stories Series
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Harlequin
Goodreads
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader.
Book Description:
He never relied on anyone but himself...but he needs her now!
Butterfly Harbor deputy Matt Knight wants two things: to date Lori Bradley and the chance to adopt Kyle, a troubled teen. Wounded in Afghanistan, Matt knows he can't move forward anchored to the past. But once he regains the guarded hotel manager's trust, will his need to protect those he loves cost him a future with this extraordinary woman?
“The talented Anna J Stewart delivers every time.” ~NYTimes Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
“Anna J. Stewart will tug at your heartstrings more than once while leaving you utterly besotted with her characters.” ~The Romance Reviews
Matt Knight was all about doing right by people. Especially those he cared about. But there wasn’t any moving forward, not with his life, not with Lori, as long as he was still anchored to the past.
The phone rang. Before Matt could reach for the receiver, Jasper answered.
“It’s for you, Matt. A Chris Walters?”
“That’s Kyle’s caseworker,” Matt said as he picked up his extension. “Chris? Kyle okay?”
“Doing well, actually.” The social worker’s encouraging words belied the tension in his voice. “We’re still on track for an early release. For now at least.”
“What’s that mean?” Matt squeezed the receiver so hard his fingers tingled. “What’s going on?”
“The judge in charge of Kyle’s case is retiring. His replacement is reviewing all the cases ahead of time and, well, since we’re jumping beyond fosterage to adoption, she has some concerns about your living situation.”
“What’s wrong with my living situation?” Matt asked. “I’ve got a room ready for him, he’ll have a part-time job with the sheriff’s department, and most importantly he’ll have more stability than he’s known in years.”
“I’m on your side, remember? You don’t have to convince me. She’s not denying your petition, Matt, but she has suggested a female influence in the house wouldn’t be a bad thing for Kyle. And given your marital status...”
“That’s about to be resolved.” Matt looked down at the papers on his desk. “I filed the divorce papers and am getting ready to sign them as we speak.”
“Okay. We’ll have to see how that plays with the judge.”
“Given Kyle’s last female influence was too hopped-up on prescription meds to give him a second thought, I wouldn’t think this would be any judge’s first concern.” Matt hated to speak ill of Kyle’s mother, but the truth was the truth.
“It’s a concern, Matt. And the judge only suggested it would be in your and Kyle’s best interest if there was someone in your life to help bring a bit of balance. Even if it’s just a girlfriend, which brings me to what we talked about before. She’s going to want to call Lori as a character witness.”
“Lori? How does she know about Lori?” The last time his heart had pounded this hard he’d been dodging bullets.
“Because I listed her in my report. You said you were dating her, that you thought it was getting serious. Are you telling me something’s changed?”
Changed? Other than Matt all but ignoring her the last few weeks while he got his head on straight and cleared the emotional deck? “No, nothing’s changed,” Matt blurted before his brain could catch up with the panic seizing his chest. He’d made a promise to Kyle, and Matt Knight never made a promise he couldn’t keep. “We’ve been seeing each other for a while, off and on.” Most recently off. All the more reason to remedy that.
“She’s completely on board with me taking Kyle in.”
“So you’re okay with her listed as a character witness? She’ll back up your statement should the judge want to call her in during Kyle’s hearing?”
“Yeah, of course.” Matt swallowed the lie. Well, it wasn’t a lie exactly. Lori did know about Kyle but Matt’s current relationship with her might be a bit, well, up in the air. “Have they set a date yet for the hearing?”
“Um, yeah. Hang on, I’ve got that right...” The sound of shuffling papers scraped against Matt’s ear. “Three weeks from Monday. Looks like the judge has us penciled in for two in the afternoon.”
Matt scribbled the date on his calendar, noting that was the same day as the big welcome dinner that opened the Butterfly Festival. That would take some juggling given it was all hands on deck in town for the department. “I’ll be there.” Somehow. “I thought I’d come up and see him in a couple of weeks. Need to figure out my days off.”
“You’re on the visitor’s list for anytime,” Chris said. “I’m glad you told me about Lori. This will go a long way with this judge in approving Kyle’s placement.”
“I hope so.” With Kyle’s troubled past, the only other placement option for him would be a group foster home or to extend his stint in the detention center he currently resided in. “Let me know if there are any more changes.”
“You got it.”
Matt hung up. Why was it, even when he had the best of intentions, he ended up messing things up? At least now he had even more of a reason to apologize to Lori. As much as he wanted her back in his life, he needed her.
Kyle needed her. Unease settled in his gut like a stone. He hated lying. To anyone.
But especially to Lori Bradley.
“Everything okay?” Jasper asked. “Is Kyle still getting out?”
“He sure is.” Matt picked up his pen, clicked it open and scratched his name on the divorce decree. A few seconds later, he set the sealed envelope on the counter, where it would go out in the afternoon mail.
The phone rang. Before Matt could reach for the receiver, Jasper answered.
“It’s for you, Matt. A Chris Walters?”
“That’s Kyle’s caseworker,” Matt said as he picked up his extension. “Chris? Kyle okay?”
“Doing well, actually.” The social worker’s encouraging words belied the tension in his voice. “We’re still on track for an early release. For now at least.”
“What’s that mean?” Matt squeezed the receiver so hard his fingers tingled. “What’s going on?”
“The judge in charge of Kyle’s case is retiring. His replacement is reviewing all the cases ahead of time and, well, since we’re jumping beyond fosterage to adoption, she has some concerns about your living situation.”
“What’s wrong with my living situation?” Matt asked. “I’ve got a room ready for him, he’ll have a part-time job with the sheriff’s department, and most importantly he’ll have more stability than he’s known in years.”
“I’m on your side, remember? You don’t have to convince me. She’s not denying your petition, Matt, but she has suggested a female influence in the house wouldn’t be a bad thing for Kyle. And given your marital status...”
“That’s about to be resolved.” Matt looked down at the papers on his desk. “I filed the divorce papers and am getting ready to sign them as we speak.”
“Okay. We’ll have to see how that plays with the judge.”
“Given Kyle’s last female influence was too hopped-up on prescription meds to give him a second thought, I wouldn’t think this would be any judge’s first concern.” Matt hated to speak ill of Kyle’s mother, but the truth was the truth.
“It’s a concern, Matt. And the judge only suggested it would be in your and Kyle’s best interest if there was someone in your life to help bring a bit of balance. Even if it’s just a girlfriend, which brings me to what we talked about before. She’s going to want to call Lori as a character witness.”
“Lori? How does she know about Lori?” The last time his heart had pounded this hard he’d been dodging bullets.
“Because I listed her in my report. You said you were dating her, that you thought it was getting serious. Are you telling me something’s changed?”
Changed? Other than Matt all but ignoring her the last few weeks while he got his head on straight and cleared the emotional deck? “No, nothing’s changed,” Matt blurted before his brain could catch up with the panic seizing his chest. He’d made a promise to Kyle, and Matt Knight never made a promise he couldn’t keep. “We’ve been seeing each other for a while, off and on.” Most recently off. All the more reason to remedy that.
“She’s completely on board with me taking Kyle in.”
“So you’re okay with her listed as a character witness? She’ll back up your statement should the judge want to call her in during Kyle’s hearing?”
“Yeah, of course.” Matt swallowed the lie. Well, it wasn’t a lie exactly. Lori did know about Kyle but Matt’s current relationship with her might be a bit, well, up in the air. “Have they set a date yet for the hearing?”
“Um, yeah. Hang on, I’ve got that right...” The sound of shuffling papers scraped against Matt’s ear. “Three weeks from Monday. Looks like the judge has us penciled in for two in the afternoon.”
Matt scribbled the date on his calendar, noting that was the same day as the big welcome dinner that opened the Butterfly Festival. That would take some juggling given it was all hands on deck in town for the department. “I’ll be there.” Somehow. “I thought I’d come up and see him in a couple of weeks. Need to figure out my days off.”
“You’re on the visitor’s list for anytime,” Chris said. “I’m glad you told me about Lori. This will go a long way with this judge in approving Kyle’s placement.”
“I hope so.” With Kyle’s troubled past, the only other placement option for him would be a group foster home or to extend his stint in the detention center he currently resided in. “Let me know if there are any more changes.”
“You got it.”
Matt hung up. Why was it, even when he had the best of intentions, he ended up messing things up? At least now he had even more of a reason to apologize to Lori. As much as he wanted her back in his life, he needed her.
Kyle needed her. Unease settled in his gut like a stone. He hated lying. To anyone.
But especially to Lori Bradley.
“Everything okay?” Jasper asked. “Is Kyle still getting out?”
“He sure is.” Matt picked up his pen, clicked it open and scratched his name on the divorce decree. A few seconds later, he set the sealed envelope on the counter, where it would go out in the afternoon mail.
My Book Review:
Always The Hero is a tender contemporary romance story of overcoming past emotional baggage, insecurities, and personal trust issues in order to get a chance at finding true love.
From the day that Army Veteran/ Sheriff Deputy Matt Knight and Assistant Hotel Manager Lori Bradley meet there is a strong connection and mutual attraction between them. But Matt and Lori both have past emotional baggage along with trust and insecurity issues that stand in the way of the development of their budding romantic relationship.When Matt and Lori team together in the planning of the annual Monarch Festival held in their small coastal town of Butterfly Harbor, their relationship is put to the test, but a sense of community spirit from their families, friends, and neighbors help this couple overcome the obstacles in their way in order to get a chance at finding love.
Author Anna J. Stewart weaves a wonderful tale full of pain, angst, drama, humor, and tender romantic moments that easily draws the reader into Matt and Lori's story. The slow building development of their relationship makes this heartwarming story worth the read, as their connection is put to the test by serious personal issues in their lives. You can't help but feel for both Matt and Lori as they struggle with their past emotional baggage and personal issues, and cheer them on as they embark on a personal journey of discovering love.
Always The Hero has an intriguing cast of characters who are realistic, flawed, and easy to relate to; witty dialogue and engaging interactions; a small coastal town setting rich in description that makes you want to visit; and a compelling storyline that will take you on a hauntingly beautiful journey where you will experience the full gamut of emotions.
If you are looking for a hopeful and heartwarming love story that follows the unexpected journey of two people who learn to let go of their pasts and open themselves up to a healing and loving relationship, then Always The Hero is the story for you!
RATING: 4 STARS
About The Author
USA Today and national bestselling Author Anna J. Stewart writes sweet to sexy romance for Harlequin's Heartwarming and Romantic Suspense lines. Early obsessions with Star Wars, Star Trek, and Wonder Woman set her on the path to creating fun, funny, and family-centric romances with happily-ever-afters for her independent heroines. Anna lives in Northern California where she deals with a serious Supernatural & Sherlock addiction, surrounds herself with friends and family and tolerates an overly affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her). When she's not writing books or her monthly blog for USA Today’s Happy Ever After, you can find her at fan conventions or at her local movie theater, or building her client list for her content editing services.
Contest Giveaway
Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/18/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you.
The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announce here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author.
VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Virtual Book Tour
Blog Tour Schedule:
March 5th
I Am A Reader - Spotlight
A Writer's Life - Spotlight
Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm - Spotlight
Why Not? Because I Said So! - Spotlight
Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Romance - Spotlight
Laura's Interests - Spotlight
The Christian Fiction Girl - Review
March 6th
Bargnhtress - Spotlight
Bonnie Phelps, Author - Spotlight
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers - Spotlight
The Avid Reader - Spotlight
T's Stuff - Spotlight
My Devotional Thoughts - Spotlight
Susan Heim on Writing - Spotlight
Remembrancy - Review
Wishful Endings - Review
March 7th
Rainy Days and Pajamas - Spotlight
Bookworm Lisa - Spotlight
The Eco Lifestyle - Spotlight
Diana's Book Reviews - Spotlight
Stacking My Book Shelves! - Spotlight
Reading Is My SuperPower - Review
March 8th
Room With Books - Spotlight
Hearts & Scribbles - Spotlight
Queen of All She Reads - Spotlight
BookHounds - Spotlight
StoreyBook Reviews - Spotlight
Thoughts of a Blonde - Spotlight
Alina Snow Book Adventures - Spotlight
Among the Reads - Review
Rockin' Book Reviews - Spotlight
Kindle and Me - Review
March 9th
Heidi Reads... - Spotlight
Paulette's Papers - Spotlight
Tianna Holley, Author - Spotlight
Bunny's Review - Review
books are love - Spotlight
Kerrific Online - Review
Thanks for the shout out!
ReplyDeleteHi Melinda! Thank you for the opportunity to read, review, and feature your book on my blog. :)
DeleteThanks so much for the lovely reviews! <3
ReplyDeleteHi Anna! Thank you for the opportunity to read, review, and feature your book on my blog. :)
Delete