Madelle Morgan

The Next Big Thing is a stand-alone short story of about thirty pages. Harry is a scientist and inventor who created a revolutionary, nipple-stimulating bra. He thinks it might be the “next big thing” that will make him rich, but he needs cash to market and sell the device. He goes to a bank, where Angela works as a loan officer, seeking an advance to get his endeavor off the ground. At first, Angela thinks that either her co-workers are playing a trick on her, Harry is just a crackpot, or both… until he gives her a prototype and urges her to take it home for a “test drive.” After giving it a whirl, she’s so impressed, she just knows it will be a winner. However, since her bank will never go for it, she decides to back him with her own money and helps him create a presentation to get her wealthy female relatives to become investors, too. Angela has a strict no fraternization policy where business is involved, but after working together with Harry day and night for months leading up to the big investor’s party, she realizes, when some of her relatives start hitting on him, that she’s actually fallen for him. It’s then that they figure out they’re a match made in heaven in more ways than one.

Overall, The Next Big Thing was a pretty good story. However, it can be really difficult to develop characterizations in such a short format. I liked both Harry and Angela for as well as I got to know them. It was great that Angela recognized a good opportunity and believed in Harry enough to invest in his business. Theirs was a cute, fun story. That being the case, my biggest complaint would probably be that the relationship development is very minimal. They go from agreeing to be business partners to a realization that they’re in love with no real romantic interactions in between. All of that takes place “off-screen” which wasn’t entirely satisfying. On the up side, though, the technical aspects of the writing are stellar. I found few errors, which is often not the case with stories that were originally published by the now defunct Ellora’s Cave (I acquired it before they went out of business). I also enjoyed the author’s writing style, so I might be open to trying more of her work. This story is no longer available for purchase, but readers can get it for free in exchange for signing up for the author’s newsletter at her website.… (plus d'informations)

Rachel Lehmann is a young chambermaid who dreams of working on Hollywood film sets. She's accepted into Toronto Film School, but she needs $35,000 for tuition by the end of summer. Luckily for her there is going to be a big wedding full of famous people at the Inn she works at. She'll just take candid photos of the guests and sell them. But her idea seems even better when she's asked to fill in for a missing bridesmaid, pretending to be the bride's cousin. But she falls head over heels for Mickey McNichol, a talent agent to the stars. He also falls hard for the bride's so-called cousin. He thinks he's finally met a beautiful woman he can trust. But that trust will be broken beyond repair if Rachel sells the wedding pictures.

This is a cute little romantic comedy. It has insta-love and is predictable but I found myself totally absorbed in Rachel's star-studded world. I liked all the characters and how their antics added a little drama to the weekend of the wedding. And I really liked that it took place in Canada! A fun, well-written beach read - just make sure you can get online because there's also a playlist, which I thought was a nice touch. I'll keep an eye out for the second in the series!

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy through a Booklikes giveaway.… (plus d'informations)

Cliche comedy that will have you most certainly laughing a lot. This was just one big fun ride in the life of Rachel the chambermaid turned bridesmaid. There was so much that took place in this one wedding weekend that made for a tv movie and then some. There was so much here that kept you entertained from the beginning all the way to the end. I just had to have some fun with it.

The playlist help create the vibe of the wedding weekend. The cast of characters were certain to give you more to explore and experience with each of the new faces. This was one wedding the would be remember in Muskoka. Everyone learns a little something and an HEA was guaranteed. With all the follies that take place the mishaps just pile up. I found this one to be a fun read that was certain to lift the mood of things.… (plus d'informations)