Review: Starry Night Kisses by D.L. Darby

Title: Starry Night Kisses

Author: D.L. Darby
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

Making an instant connection with a guy she barely knows wasn't exactly on Evelyn Montgomery's bingo card for this year. She was ready to live out the rest of her days as a dog lady—just her and her beagle, Bagel.

However, on New Year's Eve, Eric Adams burst into Evie's world faster than a shooting star, making it clear that even though they're strangers, he wants to brighten her world--and he's not taking no for an answer.

Evie and Eric have so much in common that it's easy for her to get lost in his ocean-blue gaze and good-natured personality, forgetting that she isn't sure she's ready for a relationship after the events at Sutton Lake two Christmases ago.

When he asks if she'd like to go on a camping trip—the first time they'll be alone together overnight—she agrees, and Eric ensures the weekend is one Evie will never forget. From romantic kisses beneath the stars to an evening filled with passionate moments featuring intimate s’mores, Evie learns things about herself that she never knew.

Despite their chemistry, Eric’s hectic schedule has Evie questioning whether they can make it work. Not to mention, she has a secret that could change Eric’s mind about wanting a future with her.

But once Eric reveals a secret of his own, Evie must decide whether it’s enough to scare her off…even if he does give the best starry night kisses.

Review:

I may never look at camping 🏕️ the same way again.

We follow along with Evelyn's journey to find true and lasting love (since I think she was jipped out of love in the first book of this series). Will she be able to find it with mild-mannered Eric? Can he give to her and be the man she needs or is she doomed to live the same fate she had in her marriage?

Who would have thought that mild-mannered Eric would be so... well... yummy! I mean, really? You want to do what with me in the woods? Not only is he an alpha, but he's the biggest teddy bear there is. The author made Eric into what every woman wants, the complete package.

I was glad to see the author followed through with Evelyn and Eric's story because it's delightful and full of heart. I was rooting for them for the entire book, which is hard to do sometimes.

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I was given an ARC copy of this book and am providing my honest review to you after having read it.

Review: Peppermint Wishes by D.L. Darby

Title: Peppermint Wishes

Author: D.L. Darby
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

No one should be alone for Christmas. At least, that’s what Evelyn Montgomery‘s parents always told her. So when she finds herself very alone for the festive holiday, she decides to book a weekend at Sutton Lake.

It’s there, in a whirlwind of fate, that she meets Jonathan, her gorgeous, albeit grumpy, neighbor across the lake, who also happens to be spending Christmas alone.

After sharing the weekend together, they part ways, but when she leaves, Evelyn realizes maybe parting ways isn’t what she wants at all.

Returning to Sutton Lake to find him, she discovers that not everything about that Christmas weekend was as it seemed. Jonathan is nowhere to be found, and no one from the town remembers her from her visit just one week ago.

Doubting herself, Evelyn wonders if she made it all up.

Was her trip to Sutton Lake just a dream?

And if it was, maybe that means Jonathan was just a figment of her peppermint wishes.

Review:

What a sled ride this book was—literally. 

When Evelyn tries to escape from life for just the Christmas weekend before she heads out on her self proclaimed eat, pray, love adventure. One of the first scenes in this book is of the female main character's mishap while trying to get wood for the fireplace and boy oh boy, did I laugh out loud. But who to our wondering eyes should appear... Jonathan. Evelyn brings Jonathan out of his shell and helps him see things can be different after his loss. They both feel alive. 

But what happens when the weekend ends? Well, that I can't tell you without making sure this doesn't show spoilers. But just let me tell you that there may just be things that remind you of the movie The Lake House. Are you ready? Because I sure as heck wasn't. I didn't like the 92% mark; it made me sad, but the last 8% gives me hope for book two in this series.

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I'd like to thank the author for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Healing the Billionaire by Brooke Burton

Title: Healing the Billionaire

Author: Brooke Burton
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Billionaire Matt Vaughn’s heart was shattered by his cheating ex as he stood waiting for her at the altar. It wasn’t until he got in touch with Boston’s premier breakup specialist, Andrea Wilson Sanders, that he was able to put it back together again. But when his ex tries to worm her way back into his life, begging him for a second chance, he knows there’s only one way to make sure she stays gone for good: convincing her he’s moved on. But with his high profile, he can’t find a girlfriend the typical way. He needs discretion. He needs a friend to set him up.

He needs Andrea to play matchmaker.

Thanks to Andrea’s coaching, Iowa farm girl Lilyana Harris not only got over her breakup with her high school sweetheart, but she also got her dream job as a horticulturist at Boston Botanical. But despite trying to put herself out there, she hasn’t had a lot of luck dating in the big city. So when Andrea asks her to participate in a matchmaking event, she decides to take a chance...and winds up sharing the hottest kiss she's ever experienced. Blindfolded. With a man she's never met.

Matt realizes straight away Lilyana is the person he’s needed all along. Not only does her sunny, outgoing disposition challenge his apprehensive and self-conscious demeanor, but she's the first girlfriend he's ever had who could care less about his money and wants him entirely for who he is. However, when his ex reappears with a shocking surprise, he’s faced with a choice: refuse to help her and let her destroy everything he loves, or give in to her demands and lose the only woman he’s ever truly loved.

Review:

I want to give this book 5 🌟, but I fear I can only give it 4 of them. 

I loved, from the very start, Matt and Lilyana's chemistry. From their very first blindfolded kiss, they knew they were "it" for each other. There would be no one else... 

There were so many times when I hoped that something would go "wrong" for the couple so that they could rally and show the world that they would not be living without one another. But each time something tested the couple, Matt showed what an upstanding guy he was and how nothing would make him waiver, or Lilyana dealt with the issue with poise and grace. But what about a third act breakup? (If you're looking for one, this is not the book for you.)

I loved how the author shows how a loving family can really make the difference in someone's life. She showed that money is no indicator of how well a family functions. She shows that even someone from a humble background can learn a thing or two about humility from the very rich. 

I was given an ARC copy of this book to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own.