"Fire at Dawn" (Lila Ashe)

 "Fire at Dawn" (The Firefighters of Darling Bay) by Lila Ashe. I really liked this book. It was light, fun and full of love. Any book that makes me chuckle and cry is a winner in my book. It's the story of Coin and Lexie - best friends that try really hard to deny their feelings for each other. Coin's a firefighter and Lexie's a dispatcher. She was working when her firefighter dad was killed while working and swore never to fall for a firefighter so, once Coin decides she's the one, he has his work cut out for him. Coin's great - he's sweet and loving and a great dad. I liked Lexie too - even if she was being stubborn about her feelings. I would recommend picking this book up for a fairly quick, light read. Enjoy it!  

✔✔✔✔✔

  

"Once in a Lifetime" (Jill Shalvis)

"Once in a Lifetime" by Jill Shalvis. Loved, loved, loved this book! Ms. Shalvis has been one of my favorite authors for a while and I think I like each book more and more! This is Ben and Aubrey's story. To be honest, I was a bit uncertain if I would like this at first because of Aubrey - who wasn't always a "nice" person. But, I was cheering for her all the way - she had such strength yet was so vulnerable. And who wouldn't love Ben? - Even when he was a bit of a jerk because he was afraid of his feelings. He cared and looked out for everyone. This book had me chuckling though out, crying both happy and sad tears and rooting for Ben and Aubrey to find their Happy Ever After! Who could ask for more?!? ✔✔✔✔✔   (Received an ARC from NetGalley)

"Reforming the Playboy" (Inara Scott)

"Reforming the Playboy" by Inara Scott.  This is the story of Kira and Max, college sweethearts that meet again after 5 years.  There is a lot of hurt between the two.  Max is not at a good place in his life and he wants "revenge" on Kira for her walking away from him.  She seems happy with her life but, in truth, is really afraid to live for fear of being hurt and she realizes she never stopped loving him.    I liked to see how Max changed and how he was willing to admit some of the things she said about their past and him were true, even though he really didn't want to acknowledge that.  She also worked hard to come to terms with some of her hangups.   I enjoyed this book - a true story of lasting love and conquering fears.  I've read other books by Ms. Scott and look forward to the next!   ✔✔✔✔   (Received an ARC from NetGalley)

"Lord St. Claire's Angel" (Donna Lea Simpson)

"Lord St. Claire's Angel" by Donna Lea Simpson is a classic regency romance.  It's the story of Lord St. Claire and governess Celestine Simons.  The governess is older (28) and considered plain if not ugly by some.  She suffers from arthritis which, when bothering her, causes her hands to become swollen and disfigured as well as causing fatigue and overall pain.  She has a pretty low opinion of herself, not believing anyone as handsome as the Lord St. Claire would ever consider her to seduce.  She was a caring, loving, smart and bright individual but didn't seem to give herself credit for those attributes.  This did bother me a bit - I can understand feeling down on one's self for looks but it was a bit depressing that she resigned herself to never marrying or having children because of it.
Lord St. Claire was a true ladies' man.  He believed he had the power to seduce any woman and started off to seduce the governess as a bet with himself since she seemed to immune to his advances.  I did enjoy his struggle throughout the book - underneath his ladies' man exterior was a true gentleman that cared.
This was an ok story for me - the premise is good but Celestine lack of confidence and belief in herself, especially being that she apparently had a decent upbringing, bothered me.   However, I did really like the ending!  ✔✔✔
(Received a copy from NetGalley)