All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins

"Turning thirty has it's ups and downs... For Callie Grey, coming to grips with her age means facing the fact that her boyfriend-slash-boss is way overdue with a marriage proposal. And that she's way off track, because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company's new Miss Perfect. If that isn't bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a Big Three Oh birthday bash... in the family funeral home. Bad goes to worse when Callie stirs up a relationship with the town's single-yet not so warm and fuzzy- veterinarian, in order to flag Mark's attention. So what if Ian McFarland is more comfortable with animals? So what if he's formal, orderly and just a bit tense? Friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it's time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But, dang-if he doesn't shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont's unlikeliest eligible bachelor..."

Usually I don't like to read romances based in modern times, that's not to say that I don't, just that I don't often. This novel however, pleasantly caught me by surprise! It's main Character, Callie Grey is someone I can relate to fully. She's quirky and lovable and fun! Over all cute and friendly. She aims to please and sometimes tries too hard at being liked. That being said I was not surprised to find that she was over the moon for her handsome model-like God of a boss. and was even less surprised when his feelings did not pan out as she had foreseen. The horror!

This book has some elements that had me cringing as Callie's luck gets increasingly worse!! Her birthday present of a bracelet and break-up combo, "Emotional Diarrhea" at the DMV and party at a funeral home, yuck! Her bad luck just seemed never ending and I found myself unable to pull myself away. The way her romance with the serious and pensive vet played out, had me a little disappointed at first because he was so awkward at times, but getting to know him, and getting under his rough exterior, you meet a man that was seriously damaged by his own past. By just being who she is, Callie stirs up a romance that opened an array of emotions that she didn't expect he or she would ever have for each other, as well as closing the door on her older unresolved emotions for Mark. Without giving up too much more, I will say that this story had me laughing and on the verge of crying at points and always kept me entertained. I will say that if I had to change one thing, it would be adding more details to the romantic aspect of Callie and Ian's relationship. Beside that, I love how the story was written and am anxious to read more of Kristan Higgins's novels.

Moonlit Majesty by Crystal-Rain Love

She is the mother of the werewolf race and the heroine that her people have waited over a century to be saved by.
He is the forbidden fruit that caused her banishment and the key to her return.
When the man Zaira blames for the curse hanging over her Pack appears to ask for her help, her first impulse is to rip his throat out, but Addix has been cursed as well.
The two must work together to defeat a common enemy, a dangerous journey which brings them closer yet threatens to separate them forever as they struggle to choose between love and duty.
The 4th installment in the Moonlit series tells the story of the mysterious White Wolf and how forbidden love created an entire race of shapeshifters.

***

God, I love that cover!!! I could stare at it for hours!

This was an interesting book with an interesting concept. In my opinion I found it to be less paranormal and more fantasy. I'm not big on fantasy usually, but I really enjoyed what Rain did. I was very intrigued by the world of Imortia and their queen and the different shifters, and also the different realms that she touched on briefly. Honestly, I would love to read more about it. For me, it's what made the story a pleasant read. Also one of her secondary characters named Merta. She stole the show. She is fearless, and sassy, and bitchy but in a cool way - and she's a dragon! Doesn't get more kick-ass than that. I hope hope HOPE that Rain heeds my advice and writes a story about Merta because I'm not ready to say goodbye to her just yet. I want to know her story leading up to her involvement in Moonlit Majesty and also what she does afterwards.

Crystal-Rain Love is one of my favorite authors - I was her first official fan if you ask around. She is also a good friend of mine. Now, many people would assume because she is a friend of mine, that I would be biased. I think this is true, but not in the way you think. Because I'm her friend, because I know how talented she is and know what she's capable of, I have high expectations. I expect her to make me cry, I expect her to make me want to be in love, I expect her to move me with her words. Unfortunately, I can't say she did that here. I did enjoy the story, and I did smile, but compared to her other Moonlit books or her stand-alones like The Fire Still Burns I must admit the romance aspect fell short for me. And for that reason, I have no choice but to give this story 3.5 stars. 

 Good read, good secondary characters, but not the epic romance I'm used to from her.

Accidents Make The Heart Grow Fonder by Tara Mills

Sabrina Eckhart is losing it. Oasis, the restaurant she manages, is getting battered by a trendy newcomer, and with everyone looking to her for ideas, you could say she's under a little pressure. But wait, that's not all. Her evil landlady has given her until the end of the month to vacate her crummy apartment. And her thirtieth birthday is looming, reminding her of the milestones she's missed. No wonder she's distracted and driving off the rails...down the sidewalk, and nearly running over the man with amazing glutes.

Jackson Murphy is an avid jogger, and the local television station's scrumptious news director--if he can keep the job. Unfortunately, he has one year to resuscitate their wheezing news department or the owners are going to pull the plug. His hands are already full even without Sabrina dropping into them. The last thing he needs is to be involved with a publicity stunt.

The road to love is bumpy. It'll take all of Cupid's arrows, and a lot of interference from friends, for these two to win the Dating Game.

~~~

(I think it was Cupid's arrows that was complicating things.)

Oh my gosh, this book is hilarious! I don't think I've ever laughed so hard while reading a book. I'm talking shoulder shaking, teary-eyed, busting a gut laughing. It was great. The premise, the story, the plot - everything, it was just a perfect little gem. 

I have so many favorite scenes; Sabrina almost running into Jackson, their official first encounter at the grocery store, the game show at Oasis, when Jackson goes to the hospital...so many more!  I could probably say the whole book was my favorite scene. Poor Sabrina, every time she turned around she was hurting Jackson. (Guess it's really poor Jackson.) This is the first Tara Mills book I've read, but I'm definitely going to have to look for more. See if this was a fluke, or if this author's other stories are as funny, heart-warming, and perfect as this one.

Pretty short review, but not much to say, except I 100% recommend this book to anybody that likes funny contemporary romances.

Talk This Way by Dakota Cassidy

If life is like a box of chocolates, Cat Butler has tasted them all—and decided on none. It's no wonder she can't keep a job, even though her mother's health depends on it. Just when she finds herself up a creek without a paddle—again—a benevolent friend throws her a lifeline. In the form of a job at, of all places, a phone sex hotline. Not exactly what she had in mind, but if it pays the bills for her mom's expensive nursing home, what's the harm?

Successful entrepreneur Flynn McGrady knows a thing or two about responsibility. So when his mother has a stroke, he knows the right thing to do is relocate to Atlanta to be near her while she recovers. He's got a plan for everything—except for feisty Cat, who finally gets his mama to talk again. Talk dirty, that is, and he's not pleased. Cat is gorgeous and sassy to boot…too bad she's not the type to settle down.

Cat and Flynn may have bigger fish to fry, but the sparks between them are hotter than hell. And when they finally give in to temptation, the results are explosive. Can a girl who follows her heart and a guy who follows his head find their way to forever?

***

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

 This is a new series by Dakota Cassidy, who is best known for her Accidental books -which are amazing, btw. I've been a fan of hers for years, and was very excited to read something completely different from her paranormal stories. This new series is contemporary romance and after reading this prequel to the Call Girls (a.k.a Plum Orchard series) I can safely say Dakota has done it again! I can tell this series is going to be special. She writes characters that you instantly become invested in. Not one character is the same which adds to the magic of her writing - it's one of the reasons I love her books.

Be warned, if you decide to read this book (and you definitely should) make sure you have tissues ready; you will cry - hell, you'll sob. Talk This Way will make you feel: you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll feel love, and not just the romantic kind. Your heart may even get a little bigger after reading it; I know mine was very full of good emotions and felt bigger. I'm looking forward to continuing this series and these bunch of girls we've barely just gotten acquainted with.

Talk This Way comes out April 1st, and it's available on Amazon for pre-order.