Review: Love Under Construction by M.C. Cerny

Hunter Hart knows construction.
He knows relationships hurt after watching his parents self destruct.
Somehow he forgot all the warnings when Taylor Jane Bryant blasted through the crumbling foundation around his heart.

Taylor Jane Bryant knows home design.
Well... she thinks she knows based on marathon sessions of her favorite television show.
Now she's all grown up and ready to nail the last stud, Hunter Hart.


A romantic comedy by M.C. Cerny, Love Under Construction is book one in the Love By Design series. Come meet a sullen, stubborn hero with a 2x4 stuck up his rear about falling in love, and a heroine who has watched every episode of the Property Brothers ready to flip her dream house. Between every construction nightmare possible, animals that need to move out, and friends determined to interfere, what could possible go right? Step into a small town with a big heart, and laugh your way into love. Each book in the LBD series is a standalone HEA romance.

My Review:

I liked Hunter and Taylor Jane and wanted to see their romance flourish (I'm a bit of a sucker for a good friends to lovers romance). These two have been friends since high school and have a long history. There's always been an attraction there, but they haven't acted on it because they were afraid it would ruin their friendship.

This is a blue collar romance, as the title implies, which I love. Taylor Jane buys a fixer upper and convinces her best friend, Hunter, who owns his own construction business, to help flip the house.

There are some funny bits in the story, but there are also some things that while probably meant to be funny just got on my nerves...mainly two of their friends. It really pulled the book down for me as they were always turning up when all I wanted to do was focus on the developing relationship between Hunter and Taylor Jane.

The writing was good and the editing was solid. I won't be continuing this series because the next book involves the two characters that got on my nerves in this one. However, I will most likely check out other books by this author.

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About The Author

M.C. Cerny fell in love with books after experiencing her first real ugly cry reading, Where The Red Fern Grows. Her debut romantic suspense novel, Flashpoint was written in a series of post-it-note ramblings that would likely make her idol Tom Clancy and her mother blush. She is a post graduate of NYU, and calls rural NJ home with her menagerie of human and fur-babies. When M.C. is not writing, you'll find her lurking in Starbucks, running stupid marathon, singing Disney show tunes, and searching out the perfect shade of pink nail polish. xoxo 

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#Romance #Review A View To A Thrill by Lexi Blake

Title: A View To A Thrill

Author: Lexi Blake
Rating: 3 stars

I debated on writing this review for over a month, but ultimately decided to post it. I read my first book my Lexi Blake about two years ago and I loved it. Sean and Grace's story was amazing. I fell in love with them and couldn't wait to dive into more books in the series. 

A View To A Thrill is the seventh book in the series and it was a book I was really looking forward to. The author had been setting up Simon and Chelsea's book since we met Chelsea and her sister in book five. To say I was disappointed in how the story unfolded is putting it mildly. 

I will say if I had read this book without having read any of the other books in this series, while I might not have loved it like I did Sean and Grace's book, I would have most likely wanted to read more from this author. As it is now, I have no plans to read anything else from this author in the future.

After reading seven books in the series I've notice that all of the heroes, Dominants, have the same likes, dislikes, requirements, etc. The only variation was in book two, which was a menage. But even then the two Doms still required the same protocols for their submissives and the submissives all seem to have the same likes, dislikes, limits, etc. It has started to feel as if I am reading the same book over and over again, which is very disappointing.

The writing and editing is solid, as always, but I can't seem to get past the character repetition. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic suspense with a little kink thrown in for good measure.

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Author Bio

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem. 

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#Romance #Review of Daisy Does It All by Kylie Gilmore

Title: Daisy Does It All

Author: Kylie Gilmore
Rating: 3 stars

This is the second book I've read by Kylie Gilmore and I have to say I didn't like it as much as the first. Not in that it wasn't well written, because it was, but more because I didn't care all that much for the heroine, Daisy.

Readers met Daisy in the first book of this series, The Opposite of Wild, and to be honest I wasn't all that impressed with her then. However, from experience I know that sometimes views can change once you get inside a character's head. That was not the case here. In the first book, Daisy came off as immature and a bit of a brat. In Daisy Does It All, she still came off as immature and a bit of a brat. I had a hard time relating to her. I also had a really hard time understanding why Trav wanted to be with her.

Speaking of Trav, I liked him a lot. He was a great hero. He had a great sense of humor, but could be extremely protective when the situation called for it. And his relationship with his brothers and even the way he was with Daisy and his son were definite pluses in my book.

If this was the first book I'd read by this author, I'm not sure I would be reading anymore. But I loved the first book in this series and despite Daisy, I loved Trav, so I will read the next book in the series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a sweet, yet sexy, romance with a slightly less mature heroine.

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Author Bio

Kylie Gilmore is the USA Today bestselling romance author of the Clover Park series and the Clover Park STUDS series. She writes quirky, tender romance with a solid dose of humor. Her debut novel, The Opposite of Wild, is currently FREE on all platforms.

Kylie lives in New York with her family, two cats, and a nutso dog. When she’s not writing, wrangling kids, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her flexing her muscles all the way to the high cabinet for her secret chocolate stash.

Join the Gilmore Goddesses Readers Group to chat about Clover Park books in a non-spoilerly way. Also, man candy. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gilmo...

Find out more about Kylie and upcoming books at www.kyliegilmore.com. Sign up for Kylie’s newsletter at http://eepurl.com/KxkOb

You can also find Kylie on:
Twitter @KylieGilmoreToo
Facebook www.facebook.com/KylieGilmoreToo
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#Review #Romance Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward

Title: Hired by the Cowboy

Author: Donna Alward
Rating: 3 stars

This is the first sweet romance I've read in a long time. I didn't go into it knowing there would be zero sex in the book, but surprisingly that didn't cause much of an issue for me with this story. While I do think a little more heat could have been worked in, them not sleeping together did fit the plot. I'd rather that than to have the author force it and have it be out of place.

Connor and Alexis were good together. Even though they came from completely different backgrounds, they complimented each other well. I liked the set up even if it was a little cliche. Once I got over that, I was able to settle into the story itself and for the most part, I liked it.

There were a few things, however, that knocked this book down for me. First was the lack of communication. Yes, I get they were relative strangers, but there were times when I just wanted to scream at them to say something, anything, to the other person. And that brings me to the pacing. Most of the time the pacing was good, but there were a few places where things felt rushed. I'm not sure if that was due to word count or what, but it would have been nice to slow things down and let us get to know Connor and Alexis more.

I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a sweet cowboy romance.

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Author Bio

While bestselling author Donna Alward was busy studying Austen, Eliot and Shakespeare, she was also losing herself in the breathtaking stories created by romance novelists like LaVyrle Spencer, Judith McNaught, and Nora Roberts. Several years after completing her degree she decided to write a romance of her own and it was true love! Five years and ten manuscripts later she sold her first book and launched a new career. While her heartwarming stories of love, hope, and homecoming have been translated into several languages, hit bestseller lists and won awards, her very favorite thing is when she hears from happy readers.

Donna lives on Canada's east coast with her family which includes a husband, a couple of kids, a senior dog and two crazy cats. When she's not writing she enjoys reading (of course!), knitting, gardening, cooking...and is a Masterpiece Theater addict. 

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#Review His Tempting Bride by Jenn Roseton

Title: His Tempting Bride

Author: Jenn Roseton
Rating: 3 stars

After not finishing the last two books I picked up, I was happy to find this. I enjoyed the set up and find Gage extremely easy to like. 

Overall the story flowed well. It didn't feel rushed or bogged down. I also liked the fact that we get to meet Gage's brothers, although I would have liked a little more with them given this is the first book in a new series. 

Now to the parts I didn't like and the reason this book got three stars instead of four. In one word, repetition. When Gage tells Heather about his brother Zach, he informs her Zach tames horses...three times in three chapters. But worse than that, for me, was the constant use of the word 'curvy' or some variation. Heather constantly refers to herself as curvy and asks over and over again if the hero could love a curvy girl like her or love her curves. It became too much and began pulling me out of the story. 

Will I read this author again? Maybe. As I said, the story was good, but I wanted the heroine to have a bit more confidence in herself.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a BBW romance and doesn't mind heroines with confidence issues. 

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Author Bio

Jenn Roseton believes that romance and happy endings go together. When she’s not writing, she indulges in delicious gourmet chocolate. 

Although she’s spent time in Wyoming, unfortunately she didn’t meet a sexy cowboy of her own.

Right now she’s working on the next romance in the Sisters of Rose Lark Ranch series.

Website

#Review Falling Into Forever by Elena Aitken

Title: Falling Into Forever

Author: Elena Aitken
Rating: 3 stars

This is the first book I've read by Elena Aitken and it's the second book in her The Springs series. Even though it was the second book in the series I didn't have any trouble following the story, although the characters from the first book do make some appearances in this story. 

I liked Rhys and Kari. Both had solid backstories that created drama, but I kind of wished we'd gotten more of them together. I'm not sure why since the story included several scenes between the two, but by the end I sort of felt as if something was missing or that I wanted more. 

While this was a solid story, I'm not sure if I will read more by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a small town romance with characters who have a lot of personal baggage. 

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Author Bio

Living in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in the foothills of Alberta, Elena spends her days chauffeuring her twins and writing stories - basically, living what she loves! 

Elena escapes to the mountains as often as possible and can often be found sitting by the water, plotting her next book. 

Be the first to know the latest about new book releases, get coupons for new books, and learn all the inside info on what Elena's working on next! Sign up at www.elenaaitken.com to stay in the loop!

#Review Christmas Light by Jolyse Barnett

Title: Christmas Light

Author: Jolyse Barnett
Rating: 3 stars

This was my first time reading Jolyse Barnett. I'd originally started reading this story before Christmas, but life got in the way and I only recently got back to reading it. 

The story had a strong opening. I loved how the author introduced the couple. These two hadn't seen each other for ten years and to say Ben had grown up was an understatement. Jade didn't recognize him at first, which brought a wonderful awkwardness to their first encounter in the story. 

There were moments in the book that had me melting inside as these two reconnected after all the time that had passed, but there were other times when I was rolling my eyes at their lack of communication. If they'd been strangers, then I could have understood but they were supposed to be best friends. Considering what drove a wedge between them years ago boiled down to her not sharing her struggles with him, it felt as if she hadn't grown up and was still as insecure as she was as a teenager. 

Despite the communication issues, I did like this book. It was a nice holiday read full of friends, family, and community. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a quick holiday read about best friends who realize they are made for each other.

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Author Bio

A country girl at heart, Jolyse Barnett is living her happily-ever-after in Long Island suburbia with her real-life hero, two incredible children, and one very furry feline. Learn more about her by visiting http://jolysebarnett.com.

#Review Taking Jana by Rissa Brahm

Title: Taking Jana

Author: Rissa Brahm
Rating: 3 stars

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

I read the first book in this series and I enjoyed it enough to make me want to read the second. Unfortunately, I didn't like this one as much as Tempting Isabel.

When the book started, I was a little confused. The name of the series is Paradise South, so I assumed all of the stories in the series would be taking place in Puerto Vallarta, a.k.a. paradise. This story takes place in New York and New Jersey. The hero is Isabel's brother from the first book in the series, but she's barely mentioned until the end of the book.

Outside of that, this wasn't a bad story. I liked Jana and Antonio. They made a good match. As with the first book, it started slow, but once the romance began it flowed well.

My only other complaint was regarding the setting of the story. Not the New York/New Jersey part, but the part revolving around the strip club. There were things going on in the strip club that wouldn't occur in real life due to how the law is in New Jersey. As I'm sort of a stickler for detail, it pulled me out of the story every time it was mentioned. I realize, however, that it isn't something that would bother every reader.

Ms. Brahm is a good writer and I think she has a great future ahead of her. Will I read the next book in her series? I don't know. A part of me is curious to see if the things I feel need work will be improved upon.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a slower moving romance with lots of backstory.

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Author Bio

Contemporary romance writer Rissa Brahm grew up in New York and has since lived in all four corners of the United States, and beyond. e beautiful paradise of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico—the core setting of her hot & heartfelt debut series, Paradise South—is Rissa’s most recent and beloved home. 

When not chained-by-choice to her MacBook, she is embarking on out- door adventures with her husband and little girl, laughing to tears with a good rom com, eating amazing Indian food with something chocolate for dessert; reading good, hot scorchers in bed; biking, long walks, and yoga; zoning out to killer music from across the decades and the globe; and getting lost only to discover a new exciting route home again.

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#Review Summer Burns by Candice Gilmer

Title: Summer Burns

Author: Candice3 Gilmer
Rating: 3 stars

This was my first time reading Candice Gilmer. Summer Burns is the first book in her Celestial Springs Salon series. The book revolves around Summer, a widow, and Matthew, a man who severed overseas with her husband. 

I enjoyed Summer and Matthew. The book was on the sweet side, but that fit with the tone of the story. We got to meet Summer's family, her daughter, and learn more about how her husband died. There were a few times when I teared up right along with Summer. 

The biggest drawback for me was a stylistic issue. This book is written in both first person and third person. Summer's POV is in first person and Matthew's is in third. For some this won't matter, but it was rather jarring for me. I kept wanting to go back and 'fix it'. 

I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for a sweet, second chance romance and don't mind the switching back and forth from from first to third person. 

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Author Bio

USA Today and NY Times bestselling author Candice Gilmer leads a dangerous double life as a mommy and a writer. In between boo-boo healing and fixing broken toys, she writes stories usually to the tune of children's television shows.

Growing up in the Midwest, Candice stays close to her family, especially the ones with basements when the tornadoes come around.

All in all, she stays very busy, but really, she wouldn't have it any other way.

Well, maybe a little less children's television.

Website

#Review Marked by Desire 1 by Jamie Garrett

Title: Marked by Desire 1

Author: Jamie Garrett
Rating: 3 stars

I had no idea what to expect when I started this book. The premise was one I've read before-US Marshal assigned to protect a witness. It's a good premise and one I've enjoyed in the past.While I did like this story, I just didn't love it.

For the most part I liked Hannah. There were a few things she did that had me saying 'really?' but I could also understand her fear and uncertainty given the situation. Luke was also a decent character. I was somewhat confused about the chain of command and how a twenty-six year old was in charge of so many people, however, I was willing to over look that and go with the flow, so to speak.

What made this book just 'okay' for me was because 1) I didn't really feel the chemistry between Hannah and Luke and 2) the story moved too quickly from one element of danger to the next. I would have liked to have seen a little more downtime between action sequences. Every time we started to get see the relationship developing between Luke and Hannah some big event happened that tore them apart. It was a little too much for me.

This book is also the first in a serial series. Unfortunately, I'm not sure this one was enough to make me want to continue reading about Luke and Hannah.

I would recommend this book to readers looking for a fast paced story with lots of action.

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Author Bio

Hi! I love to read almost as much as I love to write. I feel so blessed that I can earn a living doing what I love every day.

I live with my husband, and two gorgeous kids, plus two cats - both of which will sit on the keyboard and keep me company at almost any opportunity. 

I was always the last kid out of school, walking slowly out the classroom doors with my head in a book. Once, my parents nearly called the police because they couldn't find me for hours. I was up a tree with my favorite story. 

I'd love to meet you, hear your feedback, or answer any questions you have.

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#Review Evolving Hearts by Iona Findley #ContemporaryRomance

Title: Evolving Hearts

Author: Iona Findley
Rating: 3 stars

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

This is the third book I've read by this author and I have to say that I was extremely disappointed in this one. We met Andy Jenkins in the first book, Opening Hearts, so I was anxious for his story. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me.

I think a little back story is needed on this. This is the fourth book in this series and I've read book 1, 2, and now 4 (I missed 3 somehow). The first book was good...not great, but it was the author's first published novel and it was good enough for me to want to read more from this author. The second book, Risking Hearts,  impressed me. I noticed distinct improvements in the authors writing and story line. Because of that, I went into this one expecting a great story.

I was sadly mistaken. The story opens with Andy recovering from a concussion, bruised ribs, and a gash on his shoulder deep enough that he had to have stitches. These injuries happened the day before and yet once his estranged wife, Amy, arrives with their boys Andy's injuries are downplayed pretty fast and then are completely gone two days later.

Then there is Amy. I didn't like her. I found her selfish and very self centered. There was also an incident later in the book where she's hurt and is admitted to the hospital. She gets sent home a few days later and within hours of her arrival back at the cabin she and Andy are having some pretty intense sex.

There were editing issues in this one, some so bad that the sentence didn't make sense and I had to go back and re-read it. Since this was a read and review copy of the story and I received mine prior to the book's release, I'm assuming the author has addressed these issues before publication so it did not play a factor in my rating.

I would recommend this book for those looking for a contemporary romance and don't mind unrealistic elements being used to push the plot forward.

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Author Bio

Iona Findley embarked on her career as a romance writer with her very first words, "love, love, love," which she carefully dictated to her mother. Despite spurious rumors, probably the work of a jealous sibling, that her words might actually have been, "lub, lub, lub," (surely not!) or even "blub, blub, blub" (horrors!), Iona pursued a vocation in romance writing with enthusiasm. Writing fulltime now Iona fulfils the promise of her early words crafting intriguing novels of "love, love, love." 

For a complete listing of books, and news about upcoming releases visit IonaFindley.com. For readers who would like to contact Iona directly—please do! Iona can be reached via email at IonaFindley@gmail.com. She also loves to connect with readers via Facebook and Twitter. 

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#Review A Sweet Possibility by Natalie Charles

Title: A Seet Possibility
Author: Natalie Charles

Rating: 3 stars

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

This was another one of those books where it was difficult for me to nail down just how many stars to give it. There were things I liked about the book, things that had me scratching my head a little, and things I plain didn't care for.

First with what I liked. Nate was extremely likable. He was a bit shy when it came to women, but that only made him more adorable.

When I started the book it was made to sound as if Nate and Jessie only knew each other through the guy Jessie was dating...Quinn. But as the story goes on, you find out that this wasn't the case. That Nate and Jessie were friends, too. It had me scratching my head a little until I finally just went with the new direction for the sake of the story.

Now for what I didn't like. I wasn't crazy about Jessie's character. I didn't hate her, but there were a few times when I wanted to ask if she was really that blind. No guy...no straight guy, at least...that I know would do half the things Nate does for Jessie and not want to be more than friends. Jessie, however, seems oblivious to it over and over again.

The editing is good and the story has a decent flow outside of that little hiccup on the beginning with the relationship set up.

I would recommend this to people who like friends to lovers romances.

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Author Bio

The happy sufferer of a lifelong addiction to mystery novels, Natalie has, sadly, yet to out-sleuth a detective. She has worked as an attorney, a playground supervisor, and a makeup sales clerk, but not in that order. She lives in Connecticut with a husband who makes her believe in Happily Ever After and two children who make her believe in miracles.

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#Review Getting Lei'd by Ann Omasta #Romance #Comedy

Title: Getting Lei'd
Author: Ann Omasta

Rating: 3 stars

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

The first thing that struck me about this book was its title. I have to give the author props for that because it's unique and appropriate to the story.

This is the first book I've read by this author, so I had no idea what to expect. The set up is kind of slow. We don't even get to meet the hero until chapter seven. There is also a lot of extra stuff that goes on with her family that I really could have done without.

I did, however, enjoy Kai and Roxy's romance. It was cute and fun. The author threw a little twist into their relationship that I wasn't expecting. While it was a bit odd, the author provided a believable explanation. It did, however, make me wonder if the author's other books have a similar twist.

The editing in this one is decent, however, there were some issues. Nothing that pulled me out of the story too much, though. My biggest issue with the story is that I wanted more of Kai and Roxy and less of Baggy, Roxy's grandmother, and Roxy's sister Ruthie who often times seemed to steal the show as it were.

I would recommend this book to those looking for a light, fun romance surrounded by family hi-jinks.

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Author Bio

These bios are generally rather dry, so I thought I'd shake up the format a little bit. Here are ten not-so-interesting tidbits about me: 1. I despise whipped cream. There, I admitted it in writing. Let the ridiculing begin. 2. Even though I have lived as far south as Key Largo, Florida and as far north as Maine, I landed in the middle. 3. If I don't make a conscious effort not to, I will drink nothing but tea morning, noon and night. Hot tea, sweet tea, green tea - I love it all. 4. There doesn't seem to be much in life that is better than coming home to a big dog who is overjoyed to see me. My other family members usually show significantly less enthusiasm about my return. 5. Singing in my bestest, loudest voice does not make my family put on their happy faces. This includes the big, loving dog referenced above. 6. Yes, I am aware that bestest is not a word. 7. Dorothy was right. There's no place like home. 8. All of the numerous bottles in my shower must be lined up, with their labels facing out. It makes me feel a little like Julia Roberts' mean husband from the movie 'Sleeping with the Enemy', but I can't seem to control this particular quirk. 9. I love, love, love finding a great bargain. 10. Did I mention that I hate whipped cream? It makes my stomach churn to look at it, touch it, smell it or even think about it. Great - now I'm thinking about it. Ick!

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