Marina Adair - Faux Beau review

This was a GREAT book from Marina Adair! I didn't want to put this book down! I LOVED Jax and Milly. They were different personalities but they worked so well together. I'm a sucker for a good fake relationship. And this one was unique and fun to get lost in! I loved the banter between Jax and Milly and while her sister was the reason she was making adventurous decisions, she was still Milly and doing things her way. Milly had been worried about everyone else and suddenly it was time to determine what SHE needed. Jax was her biggest supporter and was there for her when she needed it. Likewise, she easily cheered him on. I couldn't read this book fast enough and I HIGHLY recommend! Such a feel good read!

Who said a one-night-stand can’t last forever…

Self-appointed hall-monitor of life, Milly Smartt is ready to take some chances and live life balls-to-the-wall. After all, it was her sister’s dying wish for Milly to chase happy, which is the only reason she accepts a dare to kiss a random stranger in a bar. Only the stranger isn’t a stranger at all—in fact, she’s pretty sure it’s her childhood crush, Lucas Macintyre. And when one kiss turns into a passion filled night, Milly couldn’t be happier—until she discovers she slept with Jaxon Macintyre—Luca’s playboy of a twin brother.

Professional snowboarder and self-proclaimed bachelor, Jax Macintyre has a gold medal in one-night-stands. No fake promises, no morning after, and definitely no meeting the family. Only when Milly’s parents stage a surprise visit, he’s caught with his pants down—literally. He’s ready to climb out the window if necessary, when Milly introduces him as his twin brother, Lucas. Even worse, she panics and, rather than come clean about their no-strings fling, she tells her parents that he’s her boyfriend. Jax isn’t looking for a plus-one in life, especially a too peppy, too sunshiny, hopeless romantic who wears Mr. Darcy lingerie. But when he finds himself in a logistical nightmare heading up a snowboarding competition for his family’s lodge, he approaches her with a proposition. He’ll go along with this faux-mance until her parents leave town and, in exchange, she’ll help him plan the perfect competition.

How hard can it be? A few appearances, maybe a date or two, easy-peasy. Only once word gets around that they’re dating, everyone has an opinion. Milly’s mom is practically planning the wedding, Jax’s family is inviting them over for dinner, and his siblings are finally seeing him as a reliable part of the lodge’s team. Then after an impromptu kiss intended for show, the fake begins to fade into something more real. Only Milly’s parents are leaving town, the event is coming to a close, and Jax is ready to jump back into the competition circuit, rendering their deal unnecessary. Will they abide by the original agreement, or will they chase happy?

Faux Beau is a hilarious, pee-your-pants romcom featuring a swoon-worthy self-proclaimed boy-toy, a mistaken identity, and a fantasy of a one-night-stand, which leads to a fake relationship that will make you fall in love. It's book 1 in a series, but can be read as a standalone, and is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and bring all the feels in-between.

Faux Beau is a mistaken identity, one-night-stand, friends-to-lovers, fake relationship romcom with no cheating, no triggers and a satisfying happily ever after.

Marina Adair - Situationship review

I love Marina’s writing! She’s a go-to author for me. I was excited for this book. The characters felt realistic and relatable. Teagan hasn’t had an easy go of it. She’s trying to pull herself up by her bootstraps and keep her kids alive. This story was often laugh out loud funny. The dog, Garbage Disposal was the best! I could definitely see him causing his mayhem. And I loved the way Teagan is thrown back into Colin’s life. First loves can be complicated but so is life. I enjoyed these two together. I wanted things to work out for both of them. This was an endearing read that I couldn’t put down and I can’t recommend enough!

In a California-set witty and modern twist on How Stella Got Her Groove Back, New York Times bestselling author Marina Adair blends the fun of falling in love all over again with a thoughtful and heartfelt exploration of the modern family—and where a situationship can lead. Will appeal to fans of Jill Shalvis, Sophie Kinsella, and modern love stories.

Teagan Bianchi has survived a road trip with rambunctious toddler twins and a large mutt named Garbage Disposal. She clings to a tattered scrap of hope that moving into her late grandmother’s house is the best way to repair her failing business—and the sad shreds of her life—after the man who promised her forever lost everything they had. But she’s barely arrived when she finds herself face to face with her teenage crush, now an irresistible man—who still happens to live next door . . .

 

Veterinarian Colin West is closer to being an empty nester than a soccer dad. His marriage lasted only long enough to give him his beloved daughter, and he has no regrets. But as she readies for college, Colin contemplates his own future—which is, of course, exactly when his past shows up, as gorgeous as ever, and twice as fascinating. But Teagan torpedoed his plans once before. Is he crazy to consider letting her into his life again? Is Teagan ready to admit what she’s really afraid of? Could this unexpected “situationship” be forever?

Marina Adair - Hopeless Romantic review

 I was excited to go back to Rome and get Beckett’s story! Beckett was quite the character. I enjoyed her strength and her compassion. Her story was slightly sad but I was SO GLAD she had Levi in her life, even if she didn't recognize that right away. He was such a cheerleader for her and gave her what she didn't know she needed. She was fiercely protective of her family and she did what she needed to do to take care of them, even at her own expense. She was quirky and fun and I loved the breath of fresh air she brought to Levi. Levi had his own trauma and sadness he was dealing with in his life and he was drawn to Beckett. I loved the push/pull between them and the respect they had for one another. I couldn't read this book fast enough and I definitely recommend this read!

A funny and delightful story from the New York Times bestselling author of the St. Helena Vineyard series that fans of Avery Flynn, Kristan Higgins, and Helena Hunting will love.

Set against the breezy backdrop of coastal Rhode Island, bestselling author Marina Adair’s latest novel asks whether two of a small town’s biggest hearts can learn to put themselves first—in the name of love. . .

As caregiver for her autistic brother, Beckett Hayes knows how meaningful a little extra help can be when life happens. Which is why she runs Consider It Done, a personal concierge service in her small town. Her job also gives her the flexibility to follow her passion, being Rome, Rhode Island’s unofficial special needs advocate, training emotional support companions in her spare time. There’s not much of that, though, and certainly not enough for serious dating. It’s always been family first for Beck. But one unquestionably gorgeous, good-natured man is suddenly a temptation that’s getting tougher to resist . . .

Sixteen years ago, Levi Rhodes was ready to sail off into the sunset—literally. But then his father’s death and his sister’s unexpected pregnancy postponed his sailing scholarship and the adventures he had planned. Running the family marina and bar was the least he could do for his grieving mother. Plus, his niece needed a father-figure. But now that she’s in high school and has her bio-dad in her life, Levi’s wondering if it’s time to get his sea legs under him again. Or he was wondering, until curvy, caring Beck showed up in his bar, and then in his dreams . . .

A portion of royalties to benefit The Organization for Autism Research.

Marina Adair - Romeantically Challenged review

I enjoyed this book! It was so sweet and a little quirky. Annie is an interesting character. I liked that she was smart and had a good career. She was only in Rome, Rhode Island for a short time.  Life had thrown her for a loop and she was a little lost. I liked that she was also doing a little soul searching. She didn't need a guy, in fact, she was wanting to be man-free! I found myself laughing out loud at times .... the way in which Annie and Emmitt met especially! Emmitt's world was unique and his friendship/closeness with the men in his life with was an added bonus or complexity at times! But they were his family. And they all embraced Annie. There were things Emmitt wasn't able to hide from Annie and their chemistry was palpable. I enjoyed their budding relationship. I liked how they fit in each others lives! This book was complex, fun and gave me the feels. Don't let this book pass you by! 

“Marina Adair is a breath of fresh air. . . . Don't miss a word from this magnificent author!"

—New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones

 

Growing up the lone Asian in a community of WASPs, Annie has always felt out of place.  Her solution?  Start a family of her own. Not easy when every man she’s dated, including her ex-fiancé, finds “his person” right after breaking up with Annie. Even worse than canceling the wedding eight weeks beforehand?  Learning the “other woman” plans to walk down the aisle wearing her wedding gown. New plan—find a fresh, man-free start. Too bad her exit strategy unexpectedly lands her working at a hospital in Rome, Rhode Island, rather than Rome, Italy, and sharing a cabin with a big, brooding, and annoyingly hot male roommate.

 

Home on medical leave after covering a literally explosive story in China, investigative photojournalist Emmitt embarks on his most important assignment—cementing his place in his daughter’s life. Three men and a baby might work in the movies, but with a stepdad and devoted uncle competing for Paisley’s attention, Emmitt has lost his place at the family table. Then there’s the adorably sexy squatter in his cabin, who poses another problem, one he’d very much like to solve up close and personal. But he can’t win—Annie has sworn off men, Paisley’s gone boy crazy, and Emmitt’s estranged father reappears with a secret that changes everything.

 

Annie and Emmitt are about to discover love comes in many forms, and sometimes the best families are the ones we make.

 

Praise for Marina Adair

 

 “Small town sweetness, endearing characters and a unique quirky flair."

—Carly Phillips, New York Times bestselling author

Marina Adair - Promise Me You review

I love all things Marina Adair and I LOOOOOOOVED this book! I was quickly hooked on Mackenzie's and Hunter's story.  I was curious as to what made Mackenzie run away, but enjoyed the way Marina told her story.  Her dog Muttley was also quite the character.  He made me laugh out loud at times and I was thankful he was there for her.  Mackenzie hasn't had an easy life and things got a bit harder for her. But she was making life happen, albeit a bit on the sidelines.  Hunter is trying to work on his album but he misses his best friend.  His songs aren't working out the way he needs them to and he's desperate to work with songwriters he has never met, but has used their songs in the past.  I enjoyed the way Hunter's family is involved in his life and also the way they care about Mackenzie.  While life threw them together again, things weren't the same and they had to forge a new path. But, the feelings between them and stronger than ever and I enjoyed the heat and the build-up between them.  I enjoyed the way Hunter pushes Mackenzie and wants to help her be the strong woman she is.  This sweet, second-chance story was a book I didn't want to put down and I couldn't read it fast enough! I highly recommend this book! 

A heartening romance of friendship, second chances, and the healing power of love…

Mackenzie Hart has made a career out of writing about eternal love, so when she finds her perfect match in Hunter Kane, she decides to put it all on the line. Irresistibly charming and drenched in alpha-male swagger, Hunter isn’t just the catch of the town—he’s Mackenzie’s best friend. Only someone beats her to the altar. After a fresh start and three years to recover, the last thing Mackenzie expects is for her old life to come knocking…

Recently divorced, musician Hunter Kane wants to reconnect with the woman he left behind. Admitting his biggest mistake comes first. What comes next is up to Mackenzie. He hopes she’ll give him a second chance. He may have been the one to break her heart, but he knows he can also be the one to mend it.

As a tenuous friendship turns into something more, Hunter’s life on the road beckons once again. Will love be enough to keep them together, or will their wildly different worlds be too much for them to overcome?

Marina Adair - Feels Like the First Time review, excerpt and giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Series: Destiny Bay, #2

On Sale: April 25, 2017

Publisher: Forever

Mass Market: $7.99 USD

eBook: $5.99 USD

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In the tradition of New York Times bestselling authors Rachel Gibson, Kristan Higgins, and Jill Shalvis, comes the second book in a funny and charming new small-town contemporary romance series by Marina Adair.

What's wrong with a little white lie?

There are a lot of things Ali Marshal doesn't do: pink anything, a day without chocolate, and Hawk, her sister's ex-husband. Sure, he's a sexy former NHL star who can make her pulse pound with just a wink. But he belonged to Bridget first. And no matter how long she's had a crush on him, how great he's always been to her dad, or that her sister is engaged to someone else now and Ali needs a date to their engagement party, she can't give in to temptation. Can she?

It's been years since his disastrous marriage crashed and burned, and Bradley Hawk has finally moved on. So when Bridget blows back into town with her new fiancé, throwing the engagement party of the year, he could care less . . . until Ali tells one little lie that lands him smack dab in a fake relationship. After one promise to be Ali's date and two of the hottest kisses he's ever had, Hawk can't deny how much he wants her. But what happens when this fauxmance starts to feel very, very real?

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My Review

I adore Marina's writing style and the realism to her characters.  This book was no exception and I was completely immersed in Ali and Hawk's world.  I loved how the reader first sees Ali and Hawk's interactions. It's unexpected and different.  And their next encounter is a complete 180! But so enjoyable.  I loved their friendship and banter.  Sure, there is an unusual past between them, but they were made for each other! 
My heart felt for all that Ali had to endure with her family and I wanted to see her spread her wings and fly. What started out as a white lie, never felt like one and the easiness Ali and Hawk had with one another was sweet and funny and often times just what the other person needed.  Because they had been friends for so many years, the things they needed didn't have to be said. They understood each other.  
I enjoyed every moment throughout this book. Marina writes in such a way that captures her readers and she took my breath away throughout this story.  It was sad, sweet, sexy and oh-so-enjoyable. This book was beautifully written and I highly recommend it!! Looking for your next book boyfriend? Look no further! Bradley Hawk is so swoony! 

Excerpt

Ali nodded because she needed him more than she needed her next breath.

The intensity of her feelings terrified her. They always had. Even at seventeen she knew what she felt went beyond the run-of-the-mill teenage crush. She’d been in love. Sure, it was a young, simple love, but it was love all the same.

Only he’d loved someone else.

So when he married her sister, she did her best to let him go. But no matter how painful it had been for her, and at times the ache was so acute it had been paralyzing, she was never able to set him completely free. Choosing the pain over the loss.

Now he was back, looking at her how she always looked at him, as if he’d never let go, and Ali gave in to the fantasy. Played out the what-ifs she carried with her for over a decade. He’d been hers for so long, she let herself believe that she was his, too.

He was asking for right here, right now—this she knew. Tomorrow, reality would creep in, and everything would go back to the way it was. But tonight, sitting on this beach, overlooking a world bigger than the two of them, Ali wanted to feel what it was like to be loved by the man who owned her heart.

“I want,” she said.

“What do you want, Aliana?” he whispered, the sound of her name on his lips doing crazy things to her. Crazy girly things that made her feel delicate and desirable.

“I want you.” She trailed her hands down his pecs to that flat stomach and lower, loving how his muscles rippled and curled under her touch. “I want you to pamper me so hard I won’t remember how to walk come morning.”

Hawk’s eyes darkened, and his mouth was on hers. Hard and demanding, and just how she’d imagined. There was no warm-up, no testing the waters. He was kissing her as if he knew what he wanted.

And he wanted Aliana.

Their mouths were fused together, her hands gripping his shoulders for purchase, but his fingers were gentle, languidly exploring her face, her neck, the curve of her shoulder, slowly moving down her arm and bringing the wide neckline of her shirt with him.

He never stopped kissing her, but she felt his lashes flutter open, realized that she’d never closed her own. Then his deep brown eyes locked on hers, watching her as they kissed, and it was erotic and unexpected. As she watched him back, she felt his lips curl into a smile. Could feel the dimples on both cheeks come alive under her touch.

“You like to watch,” Hawk growled, and she felt her cheeks flush.

Ali never considered herself a watcher. But Hawk was such a beautiful and commanding man, she’d never been able to look away. Not even now, when her body was begging for release. He was that good—a simple kiss and she was so turned on, she could feel her body shaking.

That smile turned cocky.

“It’s not like I stand there peering through your bedroom window at night,” she said, leaving out that night he was at the bar. His bedroom window during the morning, when he was walking around after a shower. She was more than guilty.

“I’ve peered through yours.”

And to prove he wasn’t the least bit ashamed, he lowered his head and placed an openmouthed kiss on her shoulder, those eyes of his never leaving hers. Not even when he moved lower toward her collarbone, his mouth working her with a softness that took her by surprise and a reverence that made her feel as if she was precious.

Ali wasn’t sure what to do. Hard, challenging, complicated—that was what she was used to. But this was light, simple—too easy to be real. It confused her as much as it terrified her.

THE DESTINY BAY SERIES

LAST KISS OF SUMMER, #1

FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME, #2

Series Page on Goodreads

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marina Adair is a #1 National bestselling author of romance novels and holds a Master of Fine arts in creative writing. Along with the Destiny Bay series, she is also the author of the Sugar, Georgia series, the St. Helena Vineyard series, and her new Heroes of St. Helena series. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats in Northern California.

As a writer, Marina is devoted to giving her readers contemporary romance where the towns are small, the personalities large, and the romance explosive.

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Marina Adair - It Started with a Kiss review

OHHHH MAAAAAAAAAAN!  This book, you guys!  *swoon* This was the first book in Marina's new series and it was AAAAAMAZING!

Avery has had to be cautious most of her life. She is tired of playing it safe and wants to be daring. She finds that with Ty. Their first meeting is laugh out loud funny and it gets better from there! Ty is a search and rescue guy. His dangerous job saves others. However, there was one person in his life he couldn’t save.  Neither Ty nor Avery were looking to date anyone, but due to their jobs, they were sort of tied to each other.  

It was hard for Ty to be home and be around his dad. He always felt his dad’s disappointment with him and they couldn’t get along.  Avery was hired to help run the office and keep an eye on Dale because things were starting to change.  Now that Ty was staying to help the lodge get ready for an inspection, things about his dad started coming to light. Avery was dealing with the loss of friends and learning to live through them and for them. She had been learning what it was she wanted in life, was learning more about herself and she grabbed life by the horns. 

I enjoyed the realness of the characters and their situations.  There was guilt, sadness, loss, love and hope.  Their pasts were at times heartbreaking, but their stories were beautifully written and even made this girl tear up! This book has all the elements for a great book hangover and ALL.THE.FEELS.  My heart is struggling to get through the feels and all that this book contained. I LOVED this book and highly recommend it!  I am looking forward to the next book in the series and I need it ASAP! :) Please do yourself a favor and one-click this book right now!

With a kidney transplant behind her, Avery Adams is determined to channel her inner adventurer and explore everything life has to offer. Only problem is, the closest she’s ever come to a real-life adventure was sixth-grade science camp. So to seize the summer in her rustic Sierra Nevada town, she takes a job as a guide at the local adventure lodge. But Avery doesn’t realize her biggest challenge will register at six-plus feet of rugged good looks and alpha-male charm.

As a member of the Sequoia Elite Mountain Rescue team, Tyson Donovan has made a life out of cheating death and rescuing weekend warriors from the treacherous terrain. “The world is my home” is more than just a motto; it’s what scares off women who would otherwise try to tie him down. When his dad’s health lands the family’s adventure lodge in serious danger of going up in flames, he moves home—and quickly remembers why he left. Until he meets Avery, the irresistible new guide who makes him want to stay.

Tyson gives the inexperienced Avery a lesson in romance that her books could never teach her. And with her undeniable spirit for life, Avery shows Tyson the healing power of love. But with one misstep, everything comes crashing down, and they’ll both have to take the biggest leap of all—into the kind of adventure that lasts a lifetime.

Marina Adair - Last Kiss of Summer review

I just adore Marina Adair and I jumped on the opportunity to review it for you guys! (Even though I've pre-ordered it) And this book was another great read.  I love the small towns Marina puts her characters in.  She writes in such a way that not only do you (the reader) feel the romance, but she also sets it up so you get a feel for the town they're living in, too. The town and those around them are a part of the story as much as the main characters are. They feel realistic and just how you'd picture small town living to be. 

Kennedy has been kicked to the curb all her life and she's bound and determined to not let life get her down. Her grandmother helps give her a push with a new endeavor.  She's excited and passionate about her new career.  Luke has had his ups and downs in life, but for the most part has had things come fairly easily to him.  He's pursuing his and his father's passion and Kennedy is just a stumbling block to what he needs.  Until he gets to know her that is!  

Their story is sweet, sad, frustrating and oh so delicious.  Marina's words capture the reader and hold you captive until the very last word is read.  Her characters are realistic and their relationships are too.  She gives the reader all the feels and make you swoon for the hero.  I love getting lost in her worlds and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. This was a great start to the series and I'm looking forward to more. Now, I need either an apple pie or a hard apple cider...  It might be best if you have these items on hand as you read! 

He's one bad apple she just can't resist . . .

Kennedy Sinclair never dreamed she'd own a pie shop and an orchard in a small town like Destiny Bay. But nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it's the perfect place to cross something off her "Life's short so eat the icing first" list and start her life over from scratch. Her shop, Sweetie Pies, is famous for its hot, flaky apple turnovers and sinfully delicious deep dish pie. For Kennedy though, nothing is more enticing than the tall, strapping slice of temptation who keeps coming back for more.

Luke Callahan is determined to make his hard cider business a success. With his beloved father's cider recipe and the opportunity of a lifetime in his grasp, he'll stop at nothing to get this deal done. There's just one catch: he needs Kennedy's apples. At first, he thinks it'll be as easy as pie to charm those apples right off her trees. But Kennedy isn't falling for his tender charms or his wicked ways. When the negotiations start heating up, so do the feelings they have for each other. And it takes just one kiss to seal the deal . . .

Marina Adair - Need You For Mine

I'm just going to start this post by saying I LOVE MARINA!!  I adore her writing and her characters are so realistic. I want to hurry up and read her books, but at the same time, I don't want them to be over. I just want to wallow in her words.   Marina, if you see this, I FLOVE YOU! haha

So I'm not 100% Harper, but man, it sure felt like Harper and I had a similar story.  My heart went out to her for always being put in the friend zone.  But, life goes on and she tried to be optimistic and put a smile on her face, even when it hurt.  What else can you do!? She's quirky, fun, loving, caring and always made people happy.  No one ever said a bad word about Harper. 

Adam was the local fireman, sex-lebrity in St. Helena.  He's the resident playboy and has never had a serious girlfriend.  He was the one guy Harper never considered to date.  And he totally snuck up on her.  She got to see a side of him others didn't see.  Watching them fall for each other was like this:

I got lost in their story and couldn't wait to see how things would turn out.  Man, Marina writes such a swoon-worthy romance!  I LOVE the fact that the H/h build a relationship and it's not insta-love.  It's realistic and easy to get sucked into their lives.  Adam wants to better his career and not get stuck where he is.  He also wants to help others and make things better for those around him when he can. He's a total dreamboat.  I can see why Harper liked him and their chemistry... WHEW!   It's gettin' hot in herrre.  For realz.  They fit each other and the reader can't help but cheer them on!  

This was another great book from Marina Adair and I HIGHLY suggest it!  



*ARC received from NetGalley for my honest review*

Every red-blooded male in St. Helena wants Harper Owens…as a friend. Despite her efforts at seduction, Harper seems to be destined to end up alone. The only guy with a knack for unleashing her inner vixen is firefighter and resident rule-breaker Adam Baudouin. Agreeing to a faux-mance could help him secure a promotion—and save her family’s lingerie shop, the Boulder Holder. But playing with fire has consequences. Especially when the flame comes courtesy of St. Helena’s own Five-Alarm Casanova…

None of Adam’s quick-and-easy hookups have prepared him for a connection this extraordinary. There’s more to the milk-and-cookies art teacher that he’d love to explore. But first he has to convince her to trust the town’s most notorious playboy. Even tougher—he’ll have to trust himself to be the real-life hero this warm and sexy woman deserves.