JoMarie DeGioia

Showing Jessie by JoMarie DeGioia (Audio Edition)
Narrated by Wendy Rich Stetson
Cypress Corners #5

3.5 Stars - This is the first book I have read by Ms. DeGioia. I liked the community feel she had to the little town of Cypress Corners. There was a few chuckles here and there, and the secondary characters were a lively bunch. I did find the starting a bit slow, however it picked up about halfway and I enjoyed how Noah couldn’t seem to get his mind off of Jessie. I do wish I had felt the chemistry more between the two leads though. You can tell Jessie had lost her self confidence and self worth and it seems Noah will have to work hard building her back up which, sadly for me, made Jessie a bit too ‘woe-is-me.’ I understand having been in a previous abusive relationship making a person wary of them… but Jessie seemed a little too reluctant with Noah and I felt she made it all a bigger deal than it was. Noah took a bit to realize that he loved her, but at least when he did, he went after her. He gets props for that!

The Narrator Wendy Rich Stetson had a clear voice and enough variety for the characters, that I found her easy to listen to.

*I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.*

Original review posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogspot.ca/… (meer)

Heartwarming Christmas story! Joy is perfect for Zach! She pulls him out of himself & causes him to open up. After his mother left when he was 10, Zach had closed down to get past the hurt & guilt. He thought she'd left because he needed extra help with his reading. Zach helps Joy see her life with new eyes & appreciate what she has. The supporting characters give insight & added depth. This is the first Cypress Corners book I've read & I feel it can be read as a stand alone since I wasn't lost.… (meer)

Quick easy read! The characters are realistic & easy to love. Billy never thought he was good enough for anyone & after a one night stand with Shannon, he thought that had changed. However, Shannon shoved him securely into friend status. Shannon thought she always screwed up & picked losers. She felt like she had let everyone down. Both characters have feelings & attitudes they have to overcome in order to be able to move on. I really enjoyed this second chance at love & the way it was written. JoMarie has a light touch & manages to insert little specks of humor into this sweet romance. Would recommend to anyone that likes a little humor & hot, sexy romance.… (meer)

Originally posted at Bunny's Review

Starting out we are quickly introduced to Geoffrey the hero. Someone who acts like life is very busy and he does not have time to stop and smell the roses. He is still trying to adjust to being the Earl of Kanewood and all duties. When his carriage cracks a wheel he decides a break from everything might help him make some decisions.

On first meeting Rebecca, Geoffrey is a little taken with her beauty.

Geoffrey raised an eyebrow at that. This beautiful creature was related to the florid-faced innkeeper? Impossible.

When Rebecca’s father, Thomas, realizes that her beauty is starting to cause problems at the inn he thinks about selling her in marriage. He is not concerned with her feelings he is more concerned with how much money he can make.

“Don’t I know it. I better get her wed while she’s still pure.” Thomas paused to smile wryly. “A virgin would fetch a high price around these parts.”

The book was a fast read. It has several good points but has a few drawbacks for me. By the third chapter the H/h has sex. I know most all historical romances published today are the same, but for this reader it is something I do not enjoy reading in historical until the H/h are married.

The only other problem I had with the book was the lack of details. The story just did not provide enough details for me.

I enjoyed the mystery in the story. The twist and plot was something I do not remember reading about before. The author provided a different look on a sometimes over used plot dealing with brothers.

I recommend this book to romance readers who enjoy historical romances that are currently being published.

The bunnies and I give this book carrots.… (meer)