Review: Lots to read...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 27, 2014
Avoiding Mr. Right  C. J. EllissonAvoiding Mr. Right is the second in the Walk on the Wild Side Series for C. J. Ellisson. It is an exemplary example of erotic romance that offers so much more than just a great summer beach read. Heather (from Vanilla on Top) shares her concerns with her friend's love `em and leave `em attitude. Carla's character stubbornly insists that she knows what she wants. She just doesn't realize how much she really does want a real, long lasting relationship.Andy has his hands full, from the first chapter of the story. Carla doesn't want to cooperate. We follow his progress with Carla while learning more about his depth of character as an honorable man that any woman would love to have in their lives.Every emotion one explores in starting a new relationship is examined through the lenses of Carla and Andy's past experiences. We learn of Carla's deep seeded fears, of Andy's desire to have a loving family experience like his folks. The excitement of the `firsts', the realizations of growing desires, and deepening relationship are all explored with the delightful writing style of Ms. Ellisson. You feel like these characters become a part of your family. You feel yourself rooting for them, and wanting to pop them upside the head.I know this is one book that I'm going to read over and over. I laughed, I cried, and nodded thinking "Amen, Sister" as I read it. It really is one of my favorite books.One Night in Vegas  Hildie McQueenAmy Leigh Paisley headed out to Vegas with her girl friends to celebrate her birthday in style. Unfortunately, she missed the plane back home. With nothing better to do, she decides to go back to Vegas and have fun until she can catch the next flight.Trent Mulherin spots the sweet Amy Leigh in the bar. She was ready to party and have a good time. Sharing drinks with a sweet southern belle wasn’t a bad way to spend the time.Somewhere after the drinks, things get fuzzy for the couple. They end up married and the web of deceptions and cover ups, lead them on this merry chase to find out will they or won’t they really be married or not.One night in Vegas is a light, and carefully crafted tale that is very entertaining, and made for an enjoyable evenings read.The Irish Lover  Lila DuBoisMary Callahan traveled to Ireland to discover her roots. Her parents were killed in a car bombing, and her grandparents decide that they’ll take their granddaughter to some place safer. Growing up in the States, she has a hard time realizing that so much of her past is there, where her roots began.Michael Baker is a part of Mary’s past. Even though it isn’t one they would remember, the connection is there. In the Irish country side, Michael helps Mary find her past, and hopefully her future with him.Grooming the Player  Allie K. AdamsThis story reminded me a lot of Eliza Doolittle in reverse. It wasn’t a bet between learned men; it was a spit fire taking up for the underdog. Turn a nerd into a player, if the building blocks are there, it should be possible. The thing is, the nerd already has a major crush on Emma Rae.Grooming the Player is a cute concept, that kept me thinking about Audrey Hepburn, and tunes from the old movie playing in my mind.Save the Last Dance for Me  Jami DavenportMariah Baker exists on Orcas Island, a place where magic happens. She hopes it happens for her soon. The family farm isn’t bringing in enough money to cover her expenses and the “Scarlett O’Hara” fiddle dee dee attitude isn’t going to get the bills paid.Rico is hiding out at Mariah’s neighbor’s home. He’s on vacation, a month to relax and get his creative juices flowing once again. Terrified of someone breaking his heart again, Rico decides the best way to protect himself is to build walls.This story twists and turns around the lessons both of the characters need to learn. It’s a matter of who is going to learn them first, and are they going to get on the same page with what they really want and need.It was an interesting tale, filled with great descriptions and imagery to spark the creative imagination of the reader.All in all, Contemporary Nights was chocked full of romance. The guys were handsome studs, and the girls were spunky spitfires.