Michele DunawayCritiques

Sweet story with a bit of heat. All of her life, Zoe wanted nothing more than to run her mom's cookie bakery, Auntie Jayne's Cookies. She's recently purchased it, and it is all hers. As a single mom, Zoe's life is taken up with her daughter Megan and the store. Her two attempts at relationships failed, so she's pretty much written love off for the foreseeable future. That changes when Nick Reilly returns to town.

Nick grew up poor and bullied before his family moved to California when he was a junior in high school. He had a big crush on Zoe and used to go to the cookie store whenever he had spare money. He's returned to town after selling his company but keeps the details of his life under his hat. He's tired of being seen as the poor kid who made good or someone's meal ticket. It's almost a relief when neither Zoe nor anyone else recognizes him. I loved Nick. He's a genuinely nice guy who doesn't flaunt his wealth. He's come to Beaumont to exorcise the demons of his youth, make some better memories, and then move on to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Nick and Zoe develop. She doesn't remember him, so she has no preconceived ideas about him. This was important when she and Nick ran into each other at the wine bar that night. I loved seeing them connect and how comfortable they were with each other. It was sweet when he offered to walk her home and fortuitous because he was with her when the fire department arrived at her house. I loved how Nick stayed by her side and supported her then and the next day as she dealt with all the issues. Seeing his support as she faced her mother's micromanaging was especially heartwarming, though he didn't expect her to claim they were engaged.

I loved seeing them spend time together. Zoe sees Nick the man because she doesn't know his background or financial status. Though he expects to leave town soon, he can't bring himself to leave as they get to know each other. I liked how good he was with Zoe's daughter, Megan, who clearly returned his affection. I especially enjoyed seeing how Nick's support greatly improved Zoe's confidence. Zoe has often felt that she struggles for her mother's approval for everything from her personal life to the cookie store. She also tends to worry about what other people think, making her second guess herself.

As time goes on, each realizes that their feelings are growing. But Nick has no plans to stay in Beaumont, and Zoe's roots are deep in its soil. When Zoe's jerk of an ex-husband spills the beans on Nick's identity (and not in a nice way), Zoe is hurt and angered by what she sees as Nick's lack of trust. I ached for them both as it drove a wedge between them. Both have some trust and confidence issues to overcome, and I loved seeing how they worked through them. The ending was sweet and emotional, and the epilogue was a great wrap-up.

I loved the St. Louis area setting, with mentions of things like the Katy Trail and the Blues hockey team. My husband and I have been to several wineries in that area, so it all felt natural and familiar.

Good second chance romance. When Sierra and Jack were in high school, Sierra was Jack's math tutor, even though she was younger. He had a big crush on her, and just before his family moved away, he asked her to the high school dance. And though she liked him too, when she learned of some shenanigans related to the date, she turned him down flat. What she heard broke her heart, and she's never forgotten or forgiven him.

After a devastating crash in her fighter, Sierra left the Navy and returned home to try to rebuild her life. She helps her sister in the family bakery and helps at the family winery. She also helps look after her father, who has early-onset Alzheimer's. She has a new job lined up after the new year that will allow her to continue her service to the military and use her mathematical abilities. Jack Clayton is the last person she expects to see walk into the bakery.

Jack is happy to see Sierra again, even though she broke his heart when she refused his invitation. His family's company has big plans in the area, and he hopes to spend time with her. Her continuing anger over the dance confuses him, but that doesn't stop his flirting. When Sierra finds out he's buying up the local wineries and is after her family's winery, she sees red and blasts him. Undeterred, Jack challenges her to let him show her the changes and the plans.

Underneath Sierra's antagonism is the realization that she is attracted to him. She's determined not to fall under the spell of "Jerk" Clayton again. But while spending time together, she sees another side of him, and her heart is soon in danger. She knows they have no future, as her life is in Missouri, and he will eventually return to Oregon. Meanwhile, as Jack gets to know Sierra and spends some time with her family, he is torn between business and pleasure. He needs the James winery to complete his plans, but he knows Sierra is adamantly against selling, especially to him.

I ached for Sierra and Jack when the process was hijacked. The timing was especially awkward, though it helped open Jack's eyes to the depth of his feelings for Sierra. Sierra feels blindsided by Jack and is left feeling used. She's no shrinking violet in the face of what she feels is a betrayal and sets out to make her feelings known. I loved seeing her in action, even though it didn't change the outcome. I loved the effect on Jack and seeing how her example gave him the courage to stand up to his father. Jack refused to give up and went after what he wanted. The ending was sweet and emotional. I hope to see more of them in the next book (about Sierra's sister, Zoe) and see how their love progresses.

It was lovely to read a book that takes place in the Midwest. With so many set in Montana, Texas, or other western states, it's nice to experience other locations. I'd love to see more variety on a regular basis. I remember when the Harlequin American line started there was more diversity in the locations.

Sweet second chance love story. Luke and Shelby grew up next door to each other and were lifelong friends. When they were teenagers, their friendship grew into more, and they had grand plans for their future together. But misunderstandings and outside interference tore them apart, believing the other had betrayed their love.

Shelby left her hometown behind and ultimately became a globe-trotting photographer. As the book opens twelve years later, she is between assignments and plans to spend a few days with her parents in Beaumont, Missouri. She's shocked when she runs into single dad Luke, who has moved back to Beaumont after his wife's death.

Luke has never forgotten his first love and recently learned about the interference that drove them apart. Though he doesn't expect to rekindle their romance, he wants to clear the air and reinstate their friendship. He gets his chance when their fathers' feud jeopardizes the families' traditional participation in the town balloon festival.

Shelby only expects to be home for a few days before returning to Seattle, but when she sends some of her hometown pictures to her boss, she's offered the chance to do a full spread about the festival. This is a significant career advancement, so she jumps at it. Because of their fathers' feud, this will be the first time their balloon hasn't flown in the festival. Luke suggests to Shelby that they fly the balloon, hoping the time together will allow them to reconnect. Shelby is wary at first, but once she hears the truth behind their separation, she's willing to try.

Neither Luke nor Shelby expects anything more than friendship from their time together. Luke and his daughter are putting down roots in Beaumont, staying close to family. Luke has also started a new business that he is excited about. At the same time, Shelby's life is one of constant travel as she chases her next adventure. But the more time they spend together, the more old feelings return. There are some sweet scenes of the two together, from prepping the balloon and taking test flights to spending time with Luke's daughter, Anna.

Luke realizes the depth of his feelings first but is sensitive to Shelby's dedication to her career. I loved that he refused to ask her to give it up for him. His support of her dreams is terrific, even though letting her go again will break his heart. Shelby realizes the depth of her feelings, which are at war with her desired career path. I ached for both as they parted again. I loved the ending, as Shelby finally realized where her heart belonged. Luke doesn't make it easy for her because he's afraid to get his hopes up, but in the end, Shelby finds a way to have the best of both worlds. The epilogue was terrific.

My favorite secondary character was Anna. She's a sweet little kindergartner who takes to Shelby right away. Anna is fascinated by Shelby's work as a photographer and is over the moon when Shelby offers to teach her. There are great scenes of the two together, and I loved Anna's excitement over the whole process. Like Shelby, Anna has a good eye, and I loved the bit in the epilogue about her progress.

The feud between the two fathers mainly was two stubborn fools letting their pride get the better of them. I loved seeing Shelby and Luke work around them to get the balloon going and that their mothers were willing accomplices. I also loved the bit at the end where Luke brought them together and told them they were being idiots and set a lousy example for Anna. He didn't pull any punches, and I was happy that the older men finally got it.

I loved the Missouri setting, especially the sightseeing bits in St. Louis. I've been to those places myself, which added a little extra kick to the story.

I really enjoyed this second chance romance. I bought this at a local store and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 4.5* rating. Not sure it's for under 18 readers. It's near the border line with the sexual content. These two characters grew up together in a small town but they seem to want different things in life but do they? Mix in hot air balloons and lots of other things, and see how it goes.½

Wow. I received an ARC of Burning for You from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the gift. Michele Dunaway wrote a story of two damaged people trying to escape their hurts in totally different ways. Taylor managed to escape an unhealthy and dangerous relationship, but is now afraid to trust-especially men. Now she buries herself in work, hiding from the pain of the past and any future hurts. Joe hides himself behind his job as a fireman which he finds both dangerous and rewarding and a revolving door of women. He does have a cause that is close to his heart which brings him into contact with Taylor. Helping support burn victims and he needs photographer Taylor's help on a project he is working on. I found this book to be an emotionally rewarding experience, I laughed and cried.

A promise to a friend becomes more than two friends imagined. Scarlett and Brad are each dealing with lost. Fulfilling his promise to Scarlett's husband and Brad's friend to look after his family should have been a no brainer. However it's proving harder to do when attraction starts to take hold. With guilt, lust, anger and pain boiling to the surface will Brad be able to keep his promise? Or will he hurt the people that are starting to mean the most to him and walk away? With Fan the Flames I already knew how the story would turn out halfway through it. A good story without any surprises. I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Taylor has been struggling to make ends meet with her waitressing job, trying to make it as a full time photography business, and finishing up grad school. Getting a job taking pictures of local hunks for a charity calendar not only is going to help her make rent this month but when Mr. September steps up in his fireman gear, it fuels her fantasies. Mr. September turns out to be Joe and he wants to hire Taylor to take his family photos and while Taylor can sense it isn't a completely altruistic move, she accepts. Joe is attracted to the pretty photographer and when they have a serendipitous second meet up, he witnesses a sensitivity in her that would be perfect for a side project he has in the works. Joe and Taylor both have a jam packed life and some baggage but both also can't quite let go of the other.

Coming in at a little more than your average novella, this was a quick lighter read. The issues that our leads deal with, Joe's guilt and shame about his scars and Taylor's stalker boyfriend are heavy topics but there was decidedly a lack of substance to this story to make the reader feel their heft. The characters flickered from one issue to the next, Taylor takes pro bono pictures for parents of stillborn babies, Joe's in this big boxing tournament, Taylor is trying to get her professor to accept her finally project, Joe working on getting a picture book of burn victims published, and Taylor is being bothered by her stalker boyfriend again. Add in Taylor and Joe trying to form a relationship and there ends up being too much and not enough as the emotional aspect got left out more than once.

Taylor and Joe both veered into too good to be true territory with their actions throughout the book which made them less interesting and pretty one dimensional. Together they lacked a spark and excitement that usually draws me in; their interactions were ok if not a little rushed. Ninety percent of their romantic interludes are clean, where we get the, albeit "tiny", orgasm from just kissing but then a switching of gears towards the end of the story where the door to the bedroom gets cracked open. It didn't completely feel like a smooth transition as the tone already had me locked in for a more subdued story.

Secondary characters play a stronger part in this story as they push our leads together and while some were nice additions, others made moves that were annoying in their obvious attempt to push angst onto our couple. Taylor's mom gives information to her daughter's stalker ex-boyfriend and doesn't tell her, Taylor's friend contacts Joe regarding an issue she doesn't have the full details about, and Joe's sister shares personal information about him to Taylor. Each character claims they are doing the right thing, even if our leads wouldn't agree and I had a couple "with friends like these I wouldn't needn't enemies" moments. This brings me to an action and decision Taylor did towards the end of the book that I thought was a complete breach of Joe's trust and was smoothed over way too quickly. If my heroine and hero don't respect each other's feelings or thoughts, it pretty much kills the romance for me.

The cover and blurb for this book had me thinking it would be a sexy fun romp but it was more of a bland, at times felt forced, and cleaner (there are two bedroom scenes at the end) story. If you don't mind the issues I listed and want a non-taxing quick read about a fireman, then checking out if this author's style is for you could be an option.

Struggling young professional photographer Taylor Krebs landed the good deal of taking the photographs for St. Louis' "Sexy Public Servants" charity fundraiser calendar. At the photo shoot, she meets Joe Marino, firefighter and Mr. September. Of course sparks fly.

And of course they both have issues, and are not looking for a romantic interest. But this wouldn't be a romance novel if they could easily avoid each other. Joe has a pro bono project near and dear to his heart: a book showcasing burn victims recovered and thriving despite their scars. He can sweeten the deal because his mother wants pictures, including a full family portrait, of their entire, large, extended Italian-American family--paid work.

And Taylor is also pursuing her master's degree, and needs a photo project. The burn survivors project has real promise.

Taylor and Joe are both likable and interesting, Their issues are real and believable. Their friends and families have a textured, lived-in feel to them.

And I can't say much without spoilers, but one of the mothers commits what I think is a real betrayal, but this opinion is apparently not shared by anyone in the book. Maybe I just have trust issues.

Despite that, this is an enjoyable book, well worth a few hours of your time.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

Kat Saunders has a problem. Along with her successful veterinary practice, she has been operating a No Kill animal shelter at her clinic. Unfortunately, she dropped the ball on the paperwork and doesn't at the moment have a permit for the shelter. And the head of the local neighborhood association wants the shelter shut down.

Jack Donovan, police detective and head of the city's animal cruelty task force, has his own problems, most notably being the very sexy Mr. December in the local humane society's fundraising calendar, and an upcoming family wedding for which his loving family really wants him to have a date with potential to be his happily ever after.

What brings them together is an abused pit bull puppy, burned over much of his body. Kat's is the closest veterinary clinic that has agreed to take animals from the task force for treatment. She names the puppy Jingle, and puts everything into saving him.

And of course, Kat and Jack begin their own dance of fighting their attraction to each other.
Kat and Jack are both easy to like, and have issues from their past experiences that are easy to relate to. With a light touch that never lets it interfere with enjoying the story, Dunaway works in some of the issues and progress in humane animal sheltering and adoption, which is a bonus extra for me. And it all builds toward a wonderful Christmas climax.

Fun and heartwarming. Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

I was gifted a copy of “A Little Christmas Jingle” via NetGalley. This is no way changes my opinion or review of this book.

I absolutely love Christmas books! A healthy addiction- just add hot cocoa and it’s a perfect way to spend an evening. The two main characters, Kat and Jack, are very likeable and relatable. Kat is a Veterinarian with not only a vet clinic, but is housing stray and abandoned animals until they can be adopted to the right family. However, she does not have the proper permits to run such an operation, the neighborhood her clinic is in does not like her being there, and someone has been filing false claims against her shelter- stating that the animals are being neglected. She has her hands full, and can definitely use a Christmas miracle before her dreams are taken away from her.

Jack is on the Animal Cruelty Task Force, and responds to the scene of a badly abused and burned pit bull. Since Kat’s clinic is nearby, he takes the pit bull there for care. Jack catches Kat’s attention, and uses Mr. December’s notoriety to her advantage. They work out an arrangement that works for them. Kat will accompany Jack to his sister’s wedding so his family leaves him alone, and he will help draw in the crowd to her clinic for the holiday adopt-a-thon.

Keeping an arrangement like that strictly professional without letting emotions and sexual desire get in the way may not be as easy as either of them thought it would be. Can the arrangement keep Jack’s family off his back, and help Kat’s legal trouble at the same time? And can the horrible incident with the pit bull bring two people together during the season that is meant to be magical?

"3.5 out of 5 stars, while at the photoshoot for a hunky heroes calendar that will bring money in for charity, Taylor meets Joe (Mr. September and a confidently viral firefighter who's holding a deep secret from his past). At first, she finds Joe very cocky but as they quickly get to know one another Taylor realizes that he is keeping a deep secret that he may never open up about. Yet after Taylor's own past relationship issues will she be willing to help Joe move past his own or will everything they've worked for fall apart? Thankfully friends and family plan on keeping them together no matter what...

I LOVED the setup of this novel, it was intense and endearing with a little of Joe's "Marino Charm" thrown in to keep you laughing. I truly enjoyed the places and depth that this novel took its readers. So, sweet and heartwarming! I just wanted to keep reading about these too! Together..."

Read more of this review and TWO TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2016/03/made-grade-man-of-month-series...

"4.5 out of 5 stars! Jack meets Katherine (Kat) at a ball they both attend, while there they share a mistletoe kiss and loose each other in the middle of everything going on. A while later they meet up again after Jack bring an terribly abused puppy (Jingle) to Kat's clinic for help, from there a relationship begins that will shake up their lives for the better.

Kat and Jack's romance is one that would put a good Hallmark Christmas movie a run for its money."

Read more of this review and TWO teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/10/feasted-on-little-christmas-ji...

This was an OK read for me. Nothing really wrong with it but this storyline has been repeated a lot lately and there wasn't anything that really made this one stand out. Scarlett and her young daughter Colleen return to St. Louis two years after losing her husband in a SEAL mission gone wrong. Her husband's best friend Brad has arranged a place for them to live while she gets herself back on her feet. It's the least he can do after promising Todd he would look after them if anything where to happen. Problem is he is attracted to her. Always has been but now, Todd isn't between them. Or is he??

The book is well written and the story has a great pace so I would recommend it.

I really enjoyed this one. Some very interesting characters and a very different storyline. When Taylor Krebs and Joe Marino meet at a shoot for a charity calendar, the attraction is immediate but the last thing she wants is a man in her life but his charm has her agreeing to work on a special project for him. Getting to know him over the weeks they work together has her rethinking that stance but he has secrets and he's not willing to share. Can they move forward??

I would definitely recommend this one!

While this is not typically the type of book I read I decided to read this book after a patron in the library (I work in a library FYI) brought this back. Its obvious by the cover that its suppose to be a romance. What I enjoyed about this book is that when this couple meets, the women character is a single mom. While this book does hold an unlikely plot I let myself get into daydreaming the what-if's just like the character in this book did. Its a nice book but only lacked a little raunchiness when it came to the chemistry between these two people.