Mini Review: Up to Me by Christi Barth

Up to Me [Shore Secrets #1] by Christi Barth

Published: June 23,, 2014

Publisher: Carina Press

Format: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Ella Mayhew's always appreciated the beautiful view of Seneca Lake from the spa window of her family's hotel. But the view improves dramatically when a hot stranger runs across the grounds—shirtless. He's the first man to kickstart her hormones in the three years since she lost her parents, and she doesn't even know his name.

Graydon Locke's on his umpteenth undercover assignment. The routine's always the same: assess a business, recommend it for closure, then roll out before anyone discovers his decisions impact hundreds of lives. He's always believed nothing good comes out of small towns. Why would this one be different? Then he makes two classic rookie mistakes—falling for the sweet, sexy girl who owns the very business he's on the verge of axing. And letting the town's residents get involved in both his life, and his relationship with Ella.

Ella's the best thing to ever happen to Gray, but he's lied to her from the start. If he pulls the plug on Mayhew Manor, the entire town may crumble. Ella couldn't save her parents, but it's up to her to save their hotel. Even if that means turning her back on true love.

My Thoughts

Maybe I’m a little biased, but I really love and enjoy Christi Barth’s novels and this one is no exception. Up to Me is the first in a new series by her. This novel is about Ella, her parents have past and she hasn’t wanted a relationship in her life. She has been dealing with family issues and just hasn’t felt ready until Garydon walks into her life. She just thinks he’s this nice and sweet guy the first one she has felt anything for in a long time. She doesn’t know the real reason why he showed up at her parents’ hotel and he wants to keep it that way.

Graydon never imagined he would fall for Ella it was never part of the plan. He knows if she really found out she would never forgive him ever again. He can’t decide what to do. It’s a no win situation, he either saves his relationship with Ella or lose his job. I like how either one was looking for love yet as they say you will always find something when you're not looking for it. It's like two lost souls who finally became one. I’m a sucker for a small town, I love the whole closeness and how they usually have quirky characters and of course nosey folks. And while everyone always knows your business nothing beats the loyalty and love they have for one another.

This book is yet another great work from Christi Barth she always writes amazing storylines and well-rounded characters. I for one can’t wait for the next installment of what seems to be a great new series. Do yourself a favor a check out any of her reads you won’t be disappointed.

Mini Review: A Matchless Romance by Christi Barth

A Matchless Romance by Christi Barth

Published: February 17, 2014

Publisher: Carina Press

Format: via NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Tabitha Bell is the face of Chicago's premiere matchmaking service. At least, she hopes it will be someday, once business really takes off. What she needs is more clients, so when she meets a sexy gamer in need of help, it's the perfect opportunity.

His discomfort talking to women almost cost Drew Watson his job. He'd be happy holed up in his office, designing blockbuster video games, but his boss considers talking to investors a nonnegotiable requirement. Who better than a matchmaker to teach him how to be comfortable around the opposite sex? Trouble is, Drew wants to get more than comfortable with Tabitha, while she's determined to keep their relationship all business.

Soon Tabitha learns that beneath the geek-chic hoodie lies six feet of sexy physique--and the more time she spends with Drew, the more she appreciates his brainy brand of charm. Will she succumb to his sweet-but-nerdy charm offensive or will it be game over before he can win her heart?

My Thoughts

Let it be known that this book is the final book in The Aisle Bound series that said trust me it can be read as a standalone no worries.

The synopsis basically speaks for itself. We all know how this scenario will play out. Two gorgeous people don’t like each other at first but then of course they slowly fall for one another. As much as this is a tried a true story this one is romantic and sexy all in one. I love the push and pull between Tabitha and Drew. I love when a couple doesn’t just instantly fall in love; I like a real courtship I like to see them actually fall for one another. I also enjoy the whole don’t judge a book by its cover thing also. People aren’t always what they seem from the get go sometimes there is more than meets the eye.

In the end if you open your mind and heart to something different you might get what you’ve always wanted and maybe even more than that.

Review: Love at High Tide by Christi Barth

Love at High Tide by Christi Barth

Published: July 8, 2013
Format: copy via NetGalley
Publisher: Carina Press
Rating: 3/5

Summary via Goodreads

Darcy Trent is lucky Cooper Hudson is on hand to sweep her off her feet—literally—when she nearly drowns while swimming in the ocean. But life-saving aside, Mr. Perfect's timing stinks: Darcy's career is about to take her to the complete opposite side of the Atlantic. Still, a little summer loving with the tall, blond and sexy former cop is far too tempting to pass up.

When his plans to enter the Secret Service went south thanks to a bum knee, Coop retreated to the family beach house to mull his future. Romance is the last thing on his mind, until he fishes a curvy brunette out of the sea. Now, spending time in Darcy's arms seems like the ideal distraction, even if it is just for a week. But with Darcy's departure date fast approaching and their careers on the line, can they realize in time that their beach fling might become the real thing?

My Thoughts

Want an easy breezy stress free beach read? Well, this one is for you.

Classic type read about a girl who’s been too focus on her career to have a relationship, and guy who is recovering from a career set back. They meet while both on vacation and taking that time to try and set their lives back on track.

There is a few funny moments between Darcy and her best friend who is trying her hand in becoming an P.I. Needless to say they find themselves in trouble more than once. Of course Cooper is there with the help of his cousin to help them out.

There isn’t much to this book, meaning it is what it is. A good summery beach romance novel, and trust me there is nothing wrong with that. Who doesn’t love and enjoy a good summer romance?