Cheryl HarperBesprekingen

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I enjoyed these books, all interrelated. Although I'm a fan of romance novels, several of the tropes used were too similar, making very fast happily ever afters, so many of them all at once, a bit hard to chew. My favorite would have been the very first one, Ms. Curtis's story well written and well edited. The others were also well written, but might have benefited from a sharper pen. Minor issues, and yet noticeable.

Light hearted seasonal fluff, and I really did enjoy them overall.

Luke Hollister must’ve been out of his mind thinking that he could manage his hectic life by moving from Austin, TX, to small-town Holly Heights. Having left behind his demanding Austin Police Detective job to bring his expansive, needy family to Holly Heights was shaping up to feel like more than he could handle. But his foster siblings, his little niece, and his grief-stricken mother need him, and he feels an obligation to help them. And there’s more pressure now that he’s working on a case involving a local woman’s missing father, Big Bobby Hillman, who’s running away from the consequences awaiting him for a non-violent crime he’s committed. Luke has been harassing Sarah Hillman, Bobby’s daughter and one of Holly Heights’s own, to get answers regarding his whereabouts; but Sarah’s loyal friends are not having it, and they’ve put up a protective wall around her that he’s finding hard to penetrate. One of these friends, Jennifer Neil, is Luke’s next door neighbor and she’s tough as nails. Even though Luke’s mother has dubbed her “the crazy lady,” he finds her decidedly attractive, and even at her feistiest, he has trouble resisting his desire to kiss her. Then Jennifer makes a mistake that affects Luke’s family, causing him to question his feelings for her when she’s finally beginning to see the good qualities he possesses.
I enjoyed A Home Come True. I was entertained by the way Jen initially reacted to Luke—always referring to him as “Hollister,” and refusing to give him the time of day. And it was heartwarming to see the effort Luke put into taking care of his entire family after his father died, even though it was difficult and mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting. I also appreciated the strong bonds of friendship that existed among Sarah’s friends, and how despite the discord and aggression that was present with the characters in the beginning of the book, the end result was a HEA that left me contented and in anticipation of my next Heartwarming book.
Recommended for lovers of sweet romance books.

Cole is released from prison after serving his sentence for ten years. Once released, he gets a job at a local animal shelter, Paws for Love, since he was in a program in prison where inmates provided obedience training to rescue dogs. At the shelter, he meets do-gooder Rebecca, and though there is an attraction between them, neither wants to act on it since they are complete opposites with nothing in common.

This was such a wonderful story of opposites attracting. The cast was so likable and filled with sympathetic and caring characters. I absolutely loved Cole and how good he was working with the dogs, and especially how he bonded with an adorable and heart-stealing beagle named Freddie. I also really liked troubled teen Eric; Cole's elderly but young-at-heart best friend EW; and Rebecca's best friend Sarah who ran Paws for Love. In some parts I thought a little more back-story could have been included (since this book was part of a series), and there were a few loose ends at the end, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this lovely, feel-good story.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I enjoyed these books, all interrelated. Although I'm a fan of romance novels, several of the tropes used were too similar, making very fast happily ever afters, so many of them all at once, a bit hard to chew. My favorite would have been the very first one, Ms. Curtis's story well written and well edited. The others were also well written, but might have benefited from a sharper pen. Minor issues, and yet noticeable.

Light hearted seasonal fluff, and I really did enjoy them overall.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Greek Gods Bearing Gifts from author Cheryl Harper in exchange for an honest review.

I should know better than to look at a title and fall in love with a book, but I did, and I'm not sorry. Greek Gods Bearing Gifts by Cheryl Harper is going to be a book I go back to time and again as I reread it in anticipation of the next offering in the Titan Pawn realm of books. My only disappointment is not having another novel ready and waiting when I finished reading this one!

I have enjoyed Greek mythology since my junior high school days. I love a good romance novel, I love time travel and I can't keep myself from enjoying light humorous writing at times. Imagine my enjoyment at finding them bundled into one great novel by Cheryl Harper!

Greek Gods Bearing Gifts fascinated me from the beginning with Liberty fighting herself as she leave prison. Take a chance on what she wants or follow her brother, Frank, down that same old road again. I love the spunk she finds and shows as she muddles through those first few encounters with people on the outside.

Frank, on the other hand, is nothing but trouble dressed in men's clothing! Seems like he has been all their lives and he certainly doesn't disappoint by guilting Liberty into helping out with Titan Pawn.

Leave it to the gods to keep things exciting throughout!

Ms. Harper's characters are full of themselves, full of trouble, and full of fun. I enjoyed reading Greek Gods Bearing Gifts and I'm looking forward to her next novel!

I highly recommend Greek Gods Bearing Gifts by Cheryl Harper and I give it four steaming hot cups of Room With Books coffee.


© July 30, 2015
Patricia, Room With Books

Most Likely to Turn up the Heat by Cheryl Harper
This novel looks at life and why it is hard for some people to form relationships. Lively, vivacious characters connect the reader to the dialog in the novel making it more real. I really appreciated the topic of how disconnect from a sense of community limits the ability to trust in relationship. Loved the happiness in the ending!

This Anthology starts strong with a series of well written novels concentrating on romance. It was edited well by interspersing the weaker novels in the middle. A fantastic choice was made to end strong with the novel that used the Cancer Relay for Life as the centerpiece for a new romantic beginning for a character widowed by cancer. One of the best selected and edited anthologies that I have read in a number of years!!!

Cora Rules by Mel Curtis

This third book in the Hollywood Rules Series and focus on the Cora Rules character. This book provides the story of Jack and Vivian from another perspective that is not told in previous books. While the other books provide the ending, this book gives the details in the context of learning about Cora. It is a fast paced, high charged, emotional book. All the emotions are well written into the context of a journey into the past that turns into a discovery of what is needed for developing a wholeness for a healthy productive relationship and life. The trueness of the characters shine in this insightful book. I would highly recommend it.

Surrender to Love by Raine English

A suspenseful mystery with the right amount of intrigue, rivalry, and love interest. It starts out slow and builds fast with the characters developing relationships both good and bad quickly. A heartwarming story that shows how the challenges of aging can be solved with the care and concern of family. Not the usual coming of age relationship story. Loved the premise.

The Merry-Go-Round by Donna Fasano

This story had a complexity that had the reader turning the page wondering what was next. At first, it appeared to be the typical divorced woman plot but the interaction with the other characters brought unique twists. While I honestly did not like that the husband was a weak character. It does take all types in the world and not every book needs to show a positive traits in the main character. It just doesn't happen often and does add to the uniqueness of the book. From my perspective, this book shows the type of man to avoid. Stay far away from this man. I strongly recommend this book as an exercise in demonstrating a co-dependent relationships.

Twist of Fate by Patti Forsythe

This story was a great coming of age story. It explored the what if factor and showed how mistakes in teenage years can build character while really turning out for the best. A second chance at love for the major characters also provided insight into cultural differences. Life balance brings us challenges and this book offers the reader an excellent, well-written, romantic escape into the lives of the characters. Great book!!

Her French Count by Mona Risk
At the beginning, a strong start brings the reader into the story by narrowing the focus to trying to discover who is not just a doctoral student. It seems like everyone in the story has an agenda. Remarkably well played with the characters providing twists and turns in the plot. The author has a main character who grabs the reader's attention and sympathy from the beginning without an overdrawn finish despite a wrap up that is typical romance. Highly suspenseful and entertaining.

Love Me Forever by Ari Thatcher

This book provides a glimpse into a second chance at love. The author hits the usual high notes by plotting a reconnection with a former flame but then adds depth with the search for independence by the main character. It is a good storyline that embraces the ability of women to reconnect with themselves after divorce.

Playing the Rookie by Rachelle Ayala

A lighthearted, spoofy romance brings attention to the existence of cultural differences that still exist. This author shows how arranged marriages can be harmful if not taken seriously by both individuals. The main characters fall in love but run into challenges due to lack of truthfulness. An intriguing look into the Korean culture of marriage and society that had me visualizing the antics of the characters. Loved the story!!

Duke of Devonwood by Carly Carson

This story, while an excellent romance between two characters, had such confusion between time periods. It could not decide whether to be a regency or contemporary romance. There were elements from the Regency period when hand sewing was the norm and servants did certain things. There were plot elements that were not fully developed such as the bet at the beginning of the story. In all, while the premise was good, the book needed further refining and editing.

True North by Kelly Collins
An engaging novel that looks at family dynamics. This love-at-first-sight storyline takes us through the challenges of developing a relationship despite baggage. Truly, a well-balanced and insightful second chance. Loved it!!

Fashion Victim by Suz deMello

Loved this fast paced mystery that layered intrigue and romance to a suspenseful conclusion. The reader was kept engaged through the twists and turns of the romantic journey that brought the main characters together. I highly recommend this well written glimpse into the fashion world.

Season Unforgettable by Keta Diablo

This novel is a myriad of expectations and understandings. It allows the reader to think about how our upbringings shape a person but, also, how a person can overcome an upbringing to become better than the parent. I liked seeing the developing storyline and the challenges of life with unethical individuals. Loved the story and highly recommend it!!

Most Likely to Turn up the Heat by Cheryl Harper

A look at life and why it is hard for some people to form relationships. Lively, vivacious characters connect the reader to the dialog in the novel making it more real. I really appreciated the topic of how disconnect from a sense of community limits the ability to trust in relationship. Loved the happiness in the ending.

My Favorite What If by Lyssa Layne

It is a book that has a second chance at love from many perspectives. The plot is multi-layered and each twist just adds to the heightened suspense. Finding out at almost the end of the book to what happened to the one of the main characters is a gripping aha moment. A masterful story that I would highly recommend.

Relay for Love by Susan Ann Wall

This book speaks to and from the heart. The author shows how the grieving process influences aspects of developing new relationships. A theme in the book is that the presence of loved ones plays an active role in new relationships. As someone with a cancer diagnosis whose numbers are good, this story was an inspiration. The relay for life solidarity cheered me and encouraged me since there is no cure for my cancer. Additionally, my husband died last year of a rare cancer that was metastatic when it was discovered. It is hoped that this well written novel of happiness, growth, and strength in togetherness will continue to raise awareness. I highly recommend this book!!

Elaine Watson, Tall Pines doctor, is determined to purchase the neglected Bluebird Inn from a patient and owner of the Inn, Robert Collins. Robert's beloved wife, Martha Collins, took pride in The Bluebird Inn and her labor of love was a beautiful place that Elaine fondly remembers visiting with her parents when she was just a girl. Martha is gone now and along with her went the meticulous efforts of maintaining the Inn. When a health crisis nearly takes Robert's life, save the good doctor Elaine's diligent care, he decides not to continue taking life for granted by heading out on his own travel adventures. What will become of the Bluebird Inn? Elaine refuses to acknowledge her childhood place of contentment being lost forever, so she offers to purchase and restore it. Only problem is Robert's son Dean is just as determined and wants to turn the Inn into a fishing camp. Who ultimately wins this battle of wills, and what will become of the old Bluebird Inn? Will the good doctor employ her instinctively caring nature and physician's training to help a wounded man heal, or is this war at all costs to obtain the Inn she wants to call her own?

I loved, loved, loved this Heartwarming story! The Bluebird Bet is Book #2 in the Welcome To Tall Pines series; A Minute On The Lips was the first (which was also great). Cheryl Harper's fluid storytelling skills and sense of humor pulled me into the narrative and I felt immediately connected to the characters, setting and the story overall. Devouring 100+ pages in one sitting without stirring is a great feat for me and means that I am thoroughly enjoying the writer's style. This was my experience with The Bluebird Bet. Great story, fun and endearing characters, lovely setting, familiar friends and a convincing love story with a happy ending. Would you like those elements in your sweet romance story? Then you're sure to love The Bluebird Bet.

A Minute on the Lips by Cheryl Harper gave me exactly what I'd expect from a wholesome romance book, and thus I am awarding it 5 stars. In it we find a small town with quirky characters, a little mystery, a lovable grandma, a confused female Sheriff, a cat named Mojo and a bit of tender romance, all the makings of a satisfying heartwarming story; and so it was. I was able to get lost in the story, the romance aspect was believable, and the characters were interesting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates fast-moving, sweet romance books.

I give "Stuck on You" by Cheryl Harper, one star. When, I start reading, first couple of pages, ok. It gave you a little bit about what the book is about. But, then it just drag on & on, it was like repeating everything over in the first couple of chapters.I try my best to get into the book; I could not. The review that I read, seem to be great book to read, others may like it, not my cup of tea.

Stuck On You by Cheryl Harper
This was a sweet and funny romance centered around two mismatched people. They meet when KT Masters, former child star and now producer, comes to the Elvis-themed hotel in which Laura Charles is working as a waitress. He is rude to her, she is rude to him and so the story begins.

Now KT has to produce a look-alike show for the Travel network while fantasizing about the cute and short feather bedecked showgirl waitress. Laura is also fantasizing about the handsome, smooth, arrogant, cranky-pants! Fortunately, they each decide to take the high road and apologize to each other. And this is where the story starts to get interesting.

I loved the line that KT fed Laura – although it was a truth really, not a line – that “he would love to see her pink satin costume balled up on the floor next to his bed”. I don’t know why I thought this was so sexy but I sure did!

The characters all of them are well written, fully fleshed (even the secondary and tertiary characters are fleshed out fairly well). The backdrop, while not unique, it was still fun to read about, and the relationship between KT and Laura was believable. Even the happily ever after rang a bell with me.

However, what I would have liked to have seen was this to have been a dualogy with the HEA coming at the end of the second book. Kevin could have had a reason to produce another show at the hotel and continued to pursue Laura and to get to know Holly better. With more time we could have learned more about his grandmother and Willodean the owner of the Elvis themed Rock’ n’Rolla Hotel and I think that would have made this a bit more of a substantial book. Still for the price, this is totally worth it for a vacation or beach read and I am defiantly going to be buying the next one in the series.
*ARC Supplied by publisher*½

MEH. This was not what I expected (humor, cute pet-dog and funny shenanigans) - instead I got insta-love, one good pun in whole book and superhero-grandmother that saves the day their relationship.
I will write a full review later.
Rating: 2 stars - not for me