Blog Tour & Giveaway : First Time in Forever (Puffin Island #1) by Sarah Morgan

First Time in Forever

Puffin Island #1

By:
Sarah Morgan

Published:
February 24, 2015

Publisher:
Harlequin

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GR's Summary:

Windswept, isolated and ruggedly beautiful, Puffin Island is a haven for day-trippers and daydreamers alike. But this charming community has a way of bringing people together in the most unexpected ways… 

It's been a summer of firsts for Emily Donovan. From becoming a stand-in mom to her niece Lizzie to arriving on Puffin Island, her life has become virtually unrecognizable. Between desperately safeguarding Lizzie and her overwhelming fear of the ocean—which surrounds her everywhere she goes!—Emily has lost count of the number of "just breathe" pep talks she's given herself. And that's before charismatic local yacht club owner Ryan Cooper kisses her… 

Ryan knows all about secrets. And it's clear that newcomer Emily—with her haunted eyes and the little girl she won't let out of her sight—is hiding from something besides the crazy chemistry between them. So Ryan decides he's going to make it his personal mission to help her unwind and enjoy the sparks! But can Puffin Island work its magic on Emily and get her to take the biggest leap of trust of all—putting her heart in someone else's hands?

Puffin Island Series:

Add this Series to Goodreads Here

Lindy's Thoughts:

Sarah Morgan writes the sweetest romances.  I adore her O'Neil Brothers Series.  When I heard that she was coming out with a new series; I was so excited!  First Time in Forever lived up to my expectations of a Sarah Morgan story.  We get a tender feel good romance, and a story based on friendship, family, community, and healing.  

Ms. Morgan is very talented at bringing a sense of setting to her readers.  First Time in Forever takes place in Castaway Cottage and the breezy, beautiful, windswept, Puffin Island, Maine.  I could picture the cozy and intimate setting perfectly.  I appreciated the view of clear crystal blue water, adorable Puffins, and sand where kids loved creating sandcastles and digging for seashells and sea glass.  I could hear the breeze, wave-pounding cliffs, and shrieking Seagulls.  I could feel the sun on my skin, and see the yachts, schooners, and ships anchored at Penobscot Bay.  Ms. Morgan took me to another place, and I felt like I was on a beautiful vacation getaway.

In First Time in Forever, we get the story of Emily and Ryan.  Emily's estranged half-sister died, and left her custody of Lizzy.  Emily is out of her element when it comes to parenthood.  She has never wanted children, and is now stressed and saddled down with a six-year old little girl.  Unfortunately, Emily's sister was a famous actress, which has the paparazzi ruthlessly searching for Lizzy.  One of Emily's best friend's Brittany, offers up her cozy cottage.  Castaway Cottage has fond memories for Emily.  She used to go there with her best friends, Brittany, and Skylar, whenever life got difficult, and they each have a key to the place.  It is the perfect place to hide and protect Lizzy.

Ryan use to be a journalist, until he severely injured his shoulder.  He has decided to return to his childhood roots on Puffin Island, and is now a successful business owner.  Ryan's parents died when he was young, and he shouldered the burden of caring for his younger siblings, along with their grandmother.  He has decided that he doesn't want to be saddled down with children, and wants to be free of serious commitments.  When his friend Brittany, who is on an Archeological dig asks him to check on her good friend Emily, and be there for whatever she needs, he quickly agrees.  However, when he meets Emily and Lizzy for the first time he doesn't realize how much they will impact, and completely change the direction of his life.

First Time in Forever, was such a warm, touching, and tender story.  It was a feel good story.  I loved watching friends, Ryan's family, neighbors, and the community band together to be there for one another in difficult times.  I enjoyed watching the vast character growth that both Emily and Ryan made in this story.  Emily learned how to be courageous, face her fears, and open up her heart.  Ryan learned what was important in life, and showed great maturity as he began a transformation on his views, priorities, and opening himself up to love. 

My Rating:

I give, First Time in Forever 4 Island Paradise, Unbreakable Bonds, Romantic, Sweet, and Meaningful Stars!  Fans of Nicolas Sparks, and tender and touching romances will love this story!

My Favorite Quotes:

"He drew in a deep breath.  'Honey, nice sex is for people in retirement homes with dodgy hips and a heart condition.  At your age you should be having clothes ripping, mind-blowing, animal sex that leaves you unable to walk or think.'"  (eARC, Loc. 1808)

~Ryan

"Sometimes you run from the things you want most, because those are the things that scare you."  (eARC, Loc. 2754)

~Ryan's Grandmother

Mikki's Review:

First Time in Forever, by Sarah Morgan, was such a wonderful reading escape! I’m so happy that I got the chance to read this book. I loved it from beginning to end! Emily, Lizzy, Ryan and the whole gang from Puffin Island are absolutely amazing! If you are a fan of small-town romance, this book is exactly what you are looking for! It’s romantic, realistic and heart-melting!

I have to admit that every time I read a book from Harlequin there is a big smile on my face. This is where my love for reading started. I lost count of how many Harlequin books I read. I always get lost in the stories and I know for sure that my reading journey will be a memorable one. First Time in Forever was not exception. I absolutely loved it! 

First Time in Forever is the story of Emily Donovan and Ryan Cooper. When Emily moves to Puffin Island with her niece, Lizzy, the last thing she wants is to be noticed. Taking care of Lizzy is something that she's not comfortable with. When Brittany's friend, Ryan Cooper, welcomes them to Puffin Island, Emily is confused by the attraction she feels towards him. As days go by, Ryan gets closer to discovering Emily's secrets. Ryan never expected to find such a fascinating woman in Bethany's house. The more Emily pushes him away, the more he wants to get close to her. Will Emily and Ryan learn to trust each other and give their relationship a chance?

Emily and Ryan were such great characters to follow. Their chemistry was amazing! The romance was slow-building, but their attraction to each other was instant. Ryan got under Emily’s skin and made her feel things she has never felt before. The more time they spent together, the more they grew closer. Ryan was amazing! He was a character full of life. The way he took care of Emily and Lizzy was just wonderful! I was happy that the author gave us his story as well. His life has not been easy, If there is one person that could help Emily heal and find the real person that was hiding behind those walls, it was Ryan. He made her feel alive when she least expected it. I was left speechless with Emily’s transformation. She was a totally different character by the end of the story. I loved how she took charge of her life and faced her fears. Go Emily!!! 

What I really loved about this story is how the author created outstanding supporting characters for Emily and Ryan’s story. They all had an important role in this story. Lizzy is such a wonderful kid. She will steal your heart! She stole the show with one scene in the book that left me speechless. She’s a smart cookie that one! ;) 

Skylar was another character that I loved. Brittany's book is next in this series. I was expecting Skylar's book next, but I can't wait to read Brittany and Zach's story! I want to know what happened all those years go! I'm super excited about this new series! Sarah Morgan’s previous and new books will find their way on my TBR list without a doubt. Her writing style is captivating! I had a blast reading First Time in Forever!

Rating:

I give, First Time in Forever, by Sarah Morgan, 4 swoony, romantic, healing, captivating stars!

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Harlequin
Google Play | IndieBound | BAM! | Book Depository

About Sarah Morgan:

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humor and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. Described as ‘a magician with words’ by RT Book Reviews, she has sold over 11 million copies of her books. She has been nominated three years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and won the award twice; in 2012 for her book ‘Doukakis’s Apprentice’ and 2013 for ‘A Night of No Return’. She also won the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their ‘Top Pick’ slot. 

As a child Sarah dreamed of being a writer and although she took a few interesting detours along the way, she is now living that dream. 

Sarah lives near London with her husband and children, and when she isn’t reading or writing she loves being outdoors, preferably on vacation so she can forget the house needs tidying.

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Giveaway:
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Blog Tour & Giveaway : The Shape of My Heart (2B Trilogy #3) by Ann Aguirre

The Shape of My Heart
2B Trilogy, #3
by Ann Aguirre

Release Date:
November 25th, 2014

Publisher:
Harlequin HQN

Source:
Publisher via NetGalley

Blog Tour Hosted by:
InkSlinger PR

Synopsis:

Some people wait decades to meet their soul mate. Courtney Kaufman suspects she met hers in high school—only to lose him at seventeen. Since then, Courtney’s social life has been a series of meaningless encounters, though she’s made a few close friends along the way. Especially her roommate, Max Cooper, who oozes damaged bad-boy vibes from every pore. 

Max knows about feeling lost and trying to move beyond the pain—he’s been on his own since he was sixteen. Now it’s time to find out if he can ever go home again, and Courtney’s the only one he trusts to go with him. But the trip to Providence could change everything…because the more time he spends with Courtney, the harder it is to reconcile what he wants and what he thinks he deserves. 

It started out so simple. One misfit helping another. Now Max will do anything to show Courtney that for every heart that’s ever been broken, there’s another that can make it complete.

Purchase Links for The Shape of My Heart:
Amazon | B&N | BAM | IndieBound 
Vroman's | Book Depository | Powell's | iBooks

2B Trilogy on Goodreads

Lindy & Mikki's Review of 
I Want It That Way HERE

Lindy's Review of
As Long As You Love Me HERE

Lindy's Thoughts:

I can't believe, The Shape of My Heart, is the last book in the 2B series!  I've been really excited to read Max and Courtney's story, especially due to the fact that he was left brokenhearted by Lauren.  Max has been one of my favorite characters in this series from the very beginning, and I have been rooting for him to get his "happily ever after."  After reading Max's story, I love him even more!!!

Max and Courtney are really close friends.  The spend all of their free time together, confide in each other, and know one another better than anyone else.  Courtney has been there for Max when he went through his unrequited crush on Lauren, and helped him heal.  She is attracted to Max, but thinks that a man as gorgeous and amazing as he is has put her officially in the "friend zone."  When Max asks Courtney to travel with him to his home town for his grandfather's funeral, she is reluctant because of her feelings towards him, but agrees to be there for her friend.  This trip ends up transforming their relationship, and brings them closer to each other due to the intimacy that they end up sharing.  Can Max and Courtney be more than friends, or will Max's feelings of not being worthy of Courtney get in the way?

I enjoyed, The Shape of My Heart so much!  I loved seeing both strength and vulnerability in Max's character.  He was a very sensitive person, and didn't let others see the real him.  Yet, with Courtney he was comfortable being himself.  Courtney was another great character.  She was strong, loyal, and funny.  She made huge character growth, and learned how to break away from her controlling parents, and be independent, and self sufficient.  Max and Courtney had such a strong and deep friendship, that is was the perfect foundation for a romance.  I am a huge fan of the friends to lovers trope, and this one was completely satisfying.  There was romance, sexual chemistry, depth, and a beautiful love story.

I was happy that there were appearances made by Nadia and Ty, as well as Angus, and a few new characters.  I loved learning more about both Max and Courtney's pasts, and they both went through tragedy in order to become the wonderful people they presently are.  I loved meeting some of Max's family, especially his younger brother, Michael.  This story was a great ending to the trilogy, and can be read as a standalone.    

My Rating:

I give, The Shape of My Heart, by Ann Aguirre, 4 Intimate Moments,  Beautifully Unbreakable, Romantic, Love Blossoming Filled Stars!!!

Mikki's Review:

Reading the 2B Trilogy, by Ann Aguirre, as been a really fun reading journey! Beautiful book covers, fun book titles, enjoyable characters and well written stories that keep you turning the pages. Ann Aguirre saved the best for last! I have been cheering for Max since the very beginning and I could not wait to read his book! This book can be read as a standalone.

I love stories about friends falling in love. Courtney and Max's story was fun, romantic and passionate. They complete each other perfectly! Both these characters have gone though a lot in their respective lives. When Max's goes back home for a funeral, he asks Courtney to go with him. She's not too sure what to think of that, but one thing she knows is that she won't let Max down. She's always there to listen to him and help him out. The more time they spend together on this trip, the more their feelings turn more than just friendship. 

I really loved how this story was written. These characters have been favourites of mine and I was happy with the development of their story. It was a slow building romance between Courtney and Max, but you could feel the intense chemistry that they had together. Max opened up about his past and what made him run. My heart broke for him. I'm so happy his trip back home turned out to bring him so much more than what he expected. 

Courtney was such a fun character to follow. She was easy to relate to. I connected with her more than I did with Nadia and Lauren in the previous books. I love her personality!! Her character grew a lot during this story and I was so proud of her! I was mad at her for keeping a secret from Max when in return he was an open book to her. But, it lasted like five minutes and I went back to cheering for her ... lol!!

Max and Courtney had an amazing chemistry together and the tender, fun, passionate moments that they share made this friendship grow into a beautiful love story. I loved the addition of new characters in this book. Michael, which is Max's little brother especially stole my heart! He's such a sweetheart!

Rating:

I give, The Shape of My Heart, by Ann Aguirre 4 fun, romantic, page-turning, friends-to-lovers stars!

Giveaway:

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About the Author

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author and RITA winner with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. Ann likes books, emo music, action movies, and she writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens, published with Harlequin, Macmillan, and Penguin, among others.

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Book Review: Maybe This Christmas (O'Neil Brothers #3) by Sarah Morgan

Maybe This Christmas
O'Neil Brothers #3
By: Sarah Morgan
Published: Oct. 28, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: Publisher
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GR's Summary:

"Uplifting, sexy and warm, Sarah Morgan's O'Neil Brothers series is perfection."—Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

This winter, ex-skiing champion, reformed heartbreaker and single dad Tyler O'Neil has only one mission—making sure his daughter, Jess, has the best Christmas ever. The fact that his best friend, Brenna, is also temporarily moving into his chalet at the overbooked Snow Crystal resort is a delicious distraction he's simply going to have to ignore. Theirs is the one relationship he's never ruined, and he's not about to start now. 

Ski pro Brenna Daniels knows all about the perils of unrequited love—she's been in love with Tyler for years. But living with him is absolute torture…how can she concentrate on being his friend when he's sleeping in the room next door? Then when Tyler kisses Brenna, suddenly the relationship she's always dreamed of feels so close she could almost touch it. Could this be the Christmas her dreams of a happy-ever-after finally come true?

O'Neil Brothers Series:
My Review on Sleigh Bells in the Snow Here
My Review on Suddenly Last Summer Here

My Thoughts:

I've been looking forward for several months to reuniting with one of my favorite fictional families, the O'Neils!  When I read Sleigh Bells in the Snow, I fell in love with a family that felt as if they could walk right off of the pages.  Walter, Alice, Elizabeth, Jess, and of course the gorgeous O'Neil Brothers, Jackson, Sean and Tyler, all made a lasting impression on me.  Not to mention Kayla, Elise, and Brenna, the ladies that lusted after them!  In Sleigh Bells, we got Jackson and Kayla's story, and from that point on, I was highly anticipating Tyler and Brenna's story.  In Suddenly Last Summer, we got Jackson's twin brother Sean's story with Elise.  As you can imagine, my desire to read Tyler's story grew even more!  Therefore, when I finally got to read Tyler and Brenna's story, I was beyond excited.  

The beautiful setting of Vermont during the holidays, set the perfect mood for family, friendship, and romance.  I completely escaped in to the setting of Snow Crystal Resort.  I could imagine the tall snow covered trees, "powder days" perfect for skiing and riding snowmobiles, holiday decorations and cheer everywhere, as well as time spent with family and close friends.

Tyler is learning to navigate the life of a single father to a young teenage daughter.  He struggles with wanting to be a good father, but feeling lost when it comes to communicating with her.  Jess loves her father and wants what's best for him.  She encourages him to start dating, and has the perfect woman in mind for him; his best friend Brenna.  

Tyler and Brenna have been best friend's since they were four years old.  They bonded over their shared passion of skiing, and have always been there for one another.  Tyler would never do anything to put their friendship in jeopardy, and doesn't allow himself to think of Brenna beyond friendship.  Little does he know that Brenna has been in love with him for most of her life.  Everyone knows it, except Tyler himself.  Kayla and Elise come up with a plan to put the two of them in close contact on a daily basis, hoping that Tyler will realize how perfect Brenna is for him.  Tyler's mother, Elizabeth, along with his daughter, Jess, do what they can to assist with the cause.  Will Tyler realize that Brenna is his perfect match, or is friendship all he feels towards her?

Maybe This Christmas was a sweet romance.  Tyler and Brenna had a strong foundation of friendship, and she was already like an adopted addition to the O'Neil family.  I enjoyed the interactions with  the two of them, as well as with Jess in the mix.  It was wonderful seeing how Kayla and Jackson were doing, as well as Sean and Elise.  Some of my favorite parts in the story also included Brenna, Kayla, and Elise  talking, and confiding in each other.  I was a bit frustrated with the fact that it took Tyler so long to figure out his feelings toward Brenna.  There were some great love scenes, but I would have liked to have seen them happen earlier in the story.  The ending of this story was perfection!  It was magical, and everything that I had hoped for!!!  

My Rating:

I give, Maybe This Christmas, by Sarah Morgan, 4 Sweet, Romantic, Holiday Wishes Do Come True Filled Stars!  Read the O'Neil Brothers Series if you are looking for stories that will warm your heart, entertain, make you smile, and laugh out loud!

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo

About Sarah Morgan:

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humor and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. Described as ‘a magician with words’ by RT Book Reviews, she has sold over 11 million copies of her books. She has been nominated three years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and won the award twice; in 2012 for her book ‘Doukakis’s Apprentice’ and 2013 for ‘A Night of No Return’. She also won the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their ‘Top Pick’ slot. 

As a child Sarah dreamed of being a writer and although she took a few interesting detours along the way, she is now living that dream. 

Sarah lives near London with her husband and children, and when she isn’t reading or writing she loves being outdoors, preferably on vacation so she can forget the house needs tidying.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Blog Tour: As Long As You Love Me by Ann Aguirre

As Long As You Love Me
2B Trilogy, #2
by Ann Aguirre

Released:
Sept. 30th, 2014

Publisher:
Harlequin HQN

Source:
Publisher

Synopsis: 

Most people dream about getting out of Sharon, Nebraska, but after three years away, Lauren Barrett is coming home. There are the justifications she gives to everyone else—missing her family, losing her college scholarship. And then there’s the reason Lauren can’t admit to anyone: Rob Conrad, her best friend’s older brother. 

Football prowess and jaw-dropping good looks made Rob a star in high school. Out in the real world, his job and his relationships are going nowhere. He can’t pinpoint exactly what’s missing until Lauren comes back to town, bringing old feelings and new dreams with her. But he’s the guy that women love and leave—not the one who makes them think of forever. 

Though she’s terrified of opening up, Lauren’s ready to take that chance. Because the only thing more important than figuring out where you truly belong is finding the person you were meant to be with.

Purchase At:

Amazon | B&N | BAM | Indiebound | iTunes  

Book Depository | Powell’s | Kobo

2B Trilogy on Goodreads

My Thoughts:

In As Long As You Love Me, by Anne Aguirre, we get Lauren and Rob's story. In the first story of the series, I Want It That Way, we learned that Lauren had a huge crush when she was growing up, on her best friend, Nadia's brother, Rob. However, in this sequel, we learn that Lauren never stopped liking Rob. After Lauren realizes that she is miserable at college, and is homesick, she returns to her small hometown of Sharon, Nebraska. She is happy to be back living with her mom, and when she runs in to Rob at the local safeway, she is excited to see him. Pretty soon, Lauren and Rob are spending a lot of time together, and a strong friendship, as well as feelings for more, start to grow between them. 

Rob is gorgeous. So gorgeous in fact, that no one has ever taken him seriously. Women use him for his good looks and body, and his own family treats him as if he lacks intelligence. Rob has a very low self-esteem, and Lauren helps him realize that he is special for more than just his good looks. She feels badly because she too, had a crush on Rob, but never really knew him. As she gets to know the person that he is inside, she realizes that he is caring, sweet, sensitive, and a very talented carpenter. Rob is always there for Lauren whenever she needs a friend, helps her through her social anxiety panic attacks, and makes her feel special. Pretty soon, these two begin to fall madly in love with one another. However, when Rob is offered a huge career opportunity, Lauren realizes that to be with him, would be to hold him back from his dreams. Can Rob have Lauren and his dream job too, and can Lauren overcome her fears and hang-ups in time, or will she lose Rob forever? 

I really enjoyed As Long As You Love Me. I loved what a vulnerable and sensitive character Rob was. To the world, he portrayed a series person, who didn't have much emotion. When he started spending time with Lauren, for the first time, he could be himself. He was more carefree, fun, and confident. He was comfortable sharing his feelings with her, and was treated as more than just a piece of meat. He sure was one very sexy carpenter! For me, the sexiest thing about Rob was the fact that he had such a heart of gold. He put everyone before himself, and was such an amazing character. Lauren, put on a facade for her friends and mother. She acted like an outgoing party girl, while deep down her social anxiety was so bad, that she had to get drunk to be in large social settings. She had given herself a huge makeover in high school, but when it came down to it, she was a down-to-earth computer nerd. I was rooting for Lauren and Rob. They were perfect for one another and gave each other what they desperately needed; an unconditional place of acceptance, belonging, and love. It's a beautiful thing when you don't have to put on an act, and a person loves you truly and deeply, for the person that you are. This message was conveyed perfectly in Lauren and Rob's story! 

My Rating: 

I give, As Long As You Love Me, by Ann Aguirre, 4 Intense Anticipation, Tender, Endless Love Filled Stars! I can't wait to read the final book in the trilogy, The Shape Of My Heart, which is Max (Lauren's former room mate) and Courtney's story! 

My Favorite Quotes: 

"People made the mistake of thinking he didn't feel much, but it wasn't that way at all. Everything was just hidden like a deep, deep well, and then sealed shut with an iron lid. Wistfully, I wondered what it would be like if he let me in." (eARC, Loc. 715) ~Lauren 

"Without replying, he wrapped his arms around me and settled me against his chest. I had never been a big snuggler, but maybe the wrong guys had been holding me." (eARC, Loc. 1299) ~Lauren

Picture Teasers:

About the Author:

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author and RITA winner with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. 

Ann likes books, emo music, action movies, and she writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens, published with Harlequin, Macmillan, and Penguin, among others.

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