Cynthia Rutledge

Review of Christmas in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk. Ami owns a bakery in Good Hope, Wisconsin. Beckett is the owner of a Cafe. They are both neighbors with secrets. Beckett is determined not to celebrate Christmas. Ami is asked to get him to participate in the Tour of Homes. Small towns and neighbors helping neighbors draw Ami and Beckett together. Christmas community activities draw the town together. Ami talks Beckett into decorating his home even though he doesn't want to. It all started with morning coffee together.… (meer)

This review is for Nobody’s Hero , author Laura Trentham’s entry in Rescued : A Collection of Contemporary Romances with Heart, Heat and Dog Treats.

Nobody’s Hero is just what you would expect from talented author Laura Trentham: an intriguing plot populated with sweet, sexy characters (whether they realize it or not) that you can’t help but love, a story that draws you in and makes you feel warm and comfy. And add in a dog? It’s a winner.

Clayton is a good guy. Not just a good guy, a capable, considerate, romantic, and oh-so-handsome-it-makes-you-swoon good guy, who has a big soft spot for stray dogs. Some bad choices and bad breaks have him on the fringe of Cottonbloom’s accepted society, trying to ease the suspicion so many have of him. His soft spot suddenly extends to women who are beautiful but shy, introverted, and repeatedly undervalue themselves with self-doubt. Namely Maggie. Turns out Maggie has had a secret thing for Clayton for a while now. Also turns out that Maggie has another secret – she’s a successful romance author. She doesn’t really want either of those secrets to get out, but when she and Clayton come together to care for that stray dog, sparks fly, secrets and feelings are revealed, and we’re well on our way to that HEA we love so much.

Author Trentham packs a lot into this novella. The characters are well-drawn and have depth, and the plot moves along at a brisk, fun pace, filled with humor, sweetness and heat. Trentham’s stories always make you feel warm and satisfied and Nobody’s Hero is no exception. Thanks to the author for an advance copy in exchange for my reading pleasure and honest review. I loved it and look forward to reading the rest of the stories in what promises to be a delightful collection of dog tales. All opinions are my own.… (meer)