Review: Marry Me on Main Street by LuAnn McLane

Marry Me on Main Street by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek, Book 11
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9781101989821
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

In her small shop on Main Street, Susan Quincy sells handmade gifts and repurposed items. But she can’t part with the beautiful rocking chair she bought at an estate sale when its maker turns out to be Danny Mayfield. Even years later, Susan still cringes over how her handsome, popular high school crush only asked her to prom out of pity—or so she thinks…

Danny doesn’t know why Susan has avoided him for years, especially after the electric kiss they shared the night of prom. So when he learns that she wants him to craft more rocking chairs to sell at her shop, Danny can’t resist the chance to work on his passion and charm shy, beautiful Susan again—and this time, make it last…

Marry Me on Main Street is a super cute romance that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit. LuAnn McLane’s eleventh Cricket Creek novel is a fast-paced, cheerful addition to the series and it’s a book that’s perfect to curl up with when you’re in the mood for something uplifting.

Danny is one of my favorite Cricket Creek heroes. He’s so kind, generous, patient, and warm-hearted that you wish he were real so you could snap him up. Danny’s biggest flaw is that he’s almost too giving, sacrificing his dream of woodworking in order to run his parents’ business and help his siblings run their own. Lately it’s been starting to wear on him and he feels like he doesn’t have his life together. For me, Danny’s internal struggle – whether to stay the course and not rock the boat or to go for his dreams – was the highlight of the book. It was relatable, interesting, and had me invested in the story from beginning to end. As for Susan, she’s a likeable heroine who is a little shy, somewhat insecure, and a bit slapstick klutzy. Susan didn’t grab my attention the way some other Cricket Creek heroines have, which was a pity because when I like a hero as much as I liked Danny, I want to be equally intrigued by their heroine. That’s not to say the romance was bad – far from it. After the first third of the book, Danny and Susan have a fast-paced, sweet romance. The only drama that comes in is manufactured by Susan, and it did make me want to shake her a couple of times. Given that Danny is the kind of hero who wears his feelings openly, Susan’s fears and avoidance tactics didn’t feel organic. Still, while I had a couple of issues, their romance is charming and lively for the most part, and by the end of the book the two of them had me grinning.

As with all of the Cricket Creek stories I’ve read, there’s a secondary romance, this one involving Susan’s friend and employee, Betsy, and the handsome former-lawyer-turned-deli-owner, John. Betsy and John’s romance was lovely and understated, but sometimes felt a bit too similar to the main love story. Both of them had interesting potential backstories that – had they been better fleshed out – would have made them shine and stand apart from the younger couple.

Marry Me on Main Street is a story of facing your fears and taking a chance on love. And what better, safer place can there be to do so than in Cricket Creek? The idyllic small Kentucky town is a character in and of itself in this series and it’s always a delight. If the town and its residents sometimes come off as too good to be true, then that’s okay. Once in a while it’s nice to take a break from the real world and enjoy something sweet, and Marry Me on Main Street fits the bill perfectly.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Wish upon a Wedding by LuAnn McLane

Wish upon a Wedding by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek, Book 10
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9781101989807
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Heartbroken handyman Avery Dean can’t get away from his ex—who just happens to be the maid of honor in his sister’s upcoming wedding. As the best man, Avery has to grin and bear his sister’s misguided attempts to get them back together, until the perfect excuse presents itself in a pretty out-of-towner.

With her time in Cricket Creek, Kentucky, coming to an end, hair stylist Sophia Gordon can’t deny the town’s charms, or her attraction to Avery Dean. That’s why she finds herself saying yes to dinner, and then, a wedding date.

Sophia agrees to be Avery’s pretend girlfriend until the big day is over, but when their make-believe fling shows signs of real passion, Sophia starts to wonder if staying in Cricket Creek could make all her wishes come true.

Return to the lovely small town of Cricket Creek, Kentucky with Wish upon a Wedding. LuAnn McLane’s tenth Cricket Creek novel doesn’t lack charm, but it also doesn’t meet its full potential.

Sophia and Avery make an adorable couple. They both obviously like one another, but between Sophia not wanting to open herself up and face potential rejection and Avery having been burned by love once before, the two have been constantly dancing around each other. A pretend relationship that should put a stop to Avery’s sister’s attempts to get Avery back with his ex is the much-needed push for Sophia and Avery to realize their attraction is mutual. Fake relationships becoming real is a fun romance trope I always enjoy, and I was looking forward to seeing how it worked out in this book. Unfortunately, I felt like Ms. McLane fell into the trap of telling instead of showing. To me, there was very little on-page development for Sophia and Avery, and this was such a pity, for they had good chemistry and their love story could have been excellent.

All of the Cricket Creek novels that I’ve read have featured a secondary romance, and Wish upon a Wedding is no exception. Avery’s uncle, Easton, and Sophia’s friend, Carrie Ann, are an endearing couple with a far more realized storyline than the supposed primary couple of the tale. Despite the book’s blurb, Carrie Ann and Easton seemed like the main couple of this book, and theirs was a delightful love story with the message that it’s never too late to face your fears, take a risk, and find your own happily ever after.

Wish upon a Wedding is a case of missed opportunity, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad book. I still liked it as fluffy entertainment, but this really wasn’t the strong installment of the Cricket Creek series. I really wanted to love Wish upon a Wedding, but I was a bit frustrated we only skimmed the surface of Avery and Sophia’s relationship. Even with this disappointment, I’m still looking forward to the next Cricket Creek novel.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Written in the Stars by LuAnn McLane

Written in the Stars by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek, Book 9
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780451470508
Release Date: October 6, 2015
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

No one is more shocked than Grace Gordon when her cosmetics line makes her a millionaire in need of new investments. Bailing out Mason Mayfield’s Cricket Creek craft brewery seems like the perfect solution. It doesn’t hurt that the sexy country boy makes her weak in the knees…

Sure, Mason is grateful to Grace for saving his brewery. But her upscale marketing plans for his down home business are driving him crazy. She needs a good man to reel her in, and he happily takes the job—especially since it’ll involve some time behind the brewery’s closed doors.

Unfortunately, Grace has never been good at staying in one place. And now that she’s thinking about leaving, Mason has to convince her to call Cricket Creek home—and admit their love was written in the stars…

Written in the Stars is a breath of fresh air. Grace and Mason’s story is sweet, but has a bit of a kick – just like Mason’s drool-worthy chocolate porter.

Grace Gordon is a marketing genius who doesn’t like to stay in one place for long. The imminent birth of her niece, however, brings her to Cricket Creek and her lousy sense of direction lands her on the doorstep of Mason Mayfield’s brewery. It’s easy to fall for both Grace and Mason. Grace is funny, self-aware, and practically bursts with energy. Mason, in turn, has a laid-back charm and quiet sensual appeal that plays wonderfully against his straight-and-narrow, focused nature. Mason has been hurt in the past both personally and professionally. He’s getting his second chance at professional success with his new craft brewery, but even that’s looking like it could fall apart if he doesn’t come up with a marketing plan as fantastic as his beer. Grace comes into his life like a force of nature, her marketing expertise and enthusiasm both a blessing and a curse. She takes Mason out of his comfort zone, forcing him to trust her with her business. Even more frightening, it’s not long before they’re falling for each other and Mason worries whether he can trust her with his heart when it’s clear she’s not in Cricket Creek to stay. Neither Mason nor Grace is perfect, but when their flaws lead to obstacles in the path of their romance, it adds depth to the story. I was completely invested in Grace and Mason’s intertwining business and love lives and was rooting for them to make it every step of the way.

A secondary romance involving Grace’s mother, Becca, adds to the book’s charm. I adored the supermodel-turned-businesswoman and her instant attraction to a former pro fisherman had a lot of promise. My only (small) issue with Written in the Stars was that Becca and Jimmy’s storyline wasn’t as fully fleshed out as it could have been. They had tons of potential and were a dynamic pair, so it would have been lovely to see more of their romance.

Author LuAnn McLane knows how to blend sprightly banter, smooth Southern charm, and heartwarming romance together just right. Written in the Stars is a perfect example of this, which will surely delight both fans of the Cricket Creek series and readers new to the books. Written in the Stars is a cozy read contemporary romance fans won’t want to miss!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Walking on Sunshine by LuAnn McLane

Walking on Sunshine by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek, Book 8
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780451470492
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Mattie Mayfield is more interested in fishing, four-wheeling, and mudding than being a girlie girl. But acting like one of the boys means she often gets ignored when it comes to romance—especially by Colby, her brother’s best friend. Maybe if she changes the game, she’ll finally start getting some attention.

Bad boy musician Garret Ruleman doesn’t fit in with the crowd in Cricket Creek, but there’s something about sweet, unassuming Mattie that catches his eye. Garret intends to ask her out, but all Mattie wants is for Garret to give her a makeover that will force Colby to see her as a real woman.

Garret agrees to help in return for lessons on how to become a Southern stud. And as the local girls start falling for the newly countrified Garret, Mattie wonders if in the end, they’d actually be perfect together…

You know a book is going to be a delight when you have the biggest grin on your face before you’ve even finished the first chapter. Such was the case for me with Walking on Sunshine. Mattie and Garret are flat-out adorable together. In fact, I dare anyone not to smile at their first meeting, their banter and charm is so irresistible. They’re effortlessly appealing in the way only straight-shooting, genuinely kind characters can be, which of course makes it impossible to resist their romance.

Mattie is a tomboy who’s a not-so-secret romantic. At the start of the story, she’s about had it with the local guys not seeing her as a desirable woman. Garret’s arrival in Cricket Creek seems to be the break Mattie needs to get the object of her affections to notice her. Garret is smooth, cultured, and – as the son of a model – is the just the man to teach Mattie how to change things up. In return, she’ll help this former bad boy urbanite change his image and fit in in his new home. Mattie and Garret’s lessons are fun to read about, but though they’re both seemingly trying to change who they are, all they’re really doing is revealing different facets of their characters to the world. It was fun to watch them come into their own over the course of the story, but what I truly liked best was that both Mattie and Garret saw and were attracted to each other from the start. Neither of them needed to be anything other than themselves with one another, which was, of course, the point. There were a few obstacles in their path which sadly felt manufactured (as did the resolutions to said obstacles), but I suppose smooth sailing all the way through wouldn’t have made for much of a story.

Like all the other Cricket Creek books I’ve read so far, Walking on Sunshine contains a secondary romance. Country music star Shane and his new housekeeper/chef, Laura Lee had a sweet, fast-paced romance that I’d have liked to have seen more of. Their attraction to one another was obvious and there was so much potential to them with Shane’s past as a famous star, the scars Laura Lee’s past has left on her heart, and their employer/employee relationship. Honestly, the two of them had enough material to make up an entire book so I was a bit disappointed their plotline felt rushed. That being said, Shane and Laura Lee were charming and their story did weave well into the overarching storyline, not in the least because they were both friends and mentors to Garret and Mattie.

Walking on Sunshine is the eighth book in LuAnn McLane’s charming Cricket Creek series, but it can be read as a standalone. Having read more than half the series at this point, I do have to say that Walking on Sunshine isn’t the strongest installment. It definitely has the potential to be one of the best, but the manufactured drama and the fact that Mattie and Garret seemed to need their friends to give them a push more than once brought my enjoyment of the story down a notch or two. In addition, about halfway through the book Garret and Shane’s conversations jarred me out of the story and made me notice the writing rather than the characters, for they spoke in such a way that it was obvious it a woman was writing their dialogue. Even with these quibbles, I still thoroughly enjoyed Walking on Sunshine. Mattie and Garret are utterly endearing characters and their chemistry was wonderfully entertaining. I can’t wait to read the next Cricket Creek book, Written in the Stars.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Sweet Harmony by LuAnne McLane

Sweet Harmony by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek, Book 7
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780451470485
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

When Cat Carson drops her record label and signs with an independent label based in Cricket Creek, it’s a huge upset in the music world. But the residents of Cricket Creek are thrilled to have a real country music star in their midst. Everyone except Jeff Greenfield, that is—a local rising star himself, who’s been asked to record a duet with the stunning beauty.

Jeff grew up on a farm, but his smooth, soulful country style is starting to get him noticed outside Cricket Creek. And while a duet with Cat Carson could send his career skyrocketing, he doesn’t want to lose touch with his roots—or lose his head. Because sparks are flying every time he and Cat hit the studio. And it’s more than a little distracting…

Sweet Harmony is a fresh, fun romance that’ll leave you smiling. Author LuAnn McLane’s seventh Cricket Creek novel is a refreshingly honest, joyful read.

Cat is bright, cheeky, and talented. You almost want to hate her because she’s so fabulous, but she’s just so nice that you can’t. I love heroes and heroines that make you wish they were real so you could have them as a friend, and Cat definitely fits the bill. She’s funny and klutzy and altogether endearing. She’s made it to the top as a pop country star, but now she wants to take her career in a different direction. There are those in the business who don’t think Cat’s music is “real country,” and Jeff is one of them. He’s a rising country music star in his own right, and he doesn’t want to jeopardize his integrity by going along with his label’s suggestion that he do a duet with Cat. I loved the push-pull between these two as Jeff learned to respect Cat’s talent and overcome his bias. Both musically and romantically, these two fit one another. It’s not a smooth road to happily ever after, as one might expect when business mixes with pleasure, but of course every bump in the road is worth it in the end. I will admit that I had a bit of trouble with some things near the end that I fear I can’t write about without spoiling the book. Suffice it to say that Cat makes some decisions that seemingly come out of nowhere and I would have liked it if there had been a bit more development toward the end instead of it feeling rushed.

All of the Cricket Creek books I’ve read have had a secondary romance in them, and Sweet Harmony is no exception. I absolutely love reunion romances and the one between separated spouses Pete and Maria was truly stunning. I adore all the secondary romances in the Cricket Creek series, but Pete and Maria’s may just be my favorite. Their love story added even more depth to the overarching plot.

I’m a fan of both modern and classic country, so the music industry plotline was every bit as interesting to me as the romances. That being said, even if you’re not into country music this book should delight. Simply put, Ms. McLane’s Cricket Creek series is lovely to read and Sweet Harmony is no exception. I adored Cat, Jeff, and their friends and I can’t wait to journey back to this sweet Southern town!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Wildflower Wedding by LuAnn McLane

Wildflower Wedding by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek, Book 6
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780451415592
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, Gabby Goodwin had more to prove than the rest of Cricket Creek. Even now, as the successful owner of the local flower shop, she hasn’t forgotten her humble beginnings. So when her high school crush, the former class bad boy, walks back into her life, she keeps him at arm’s length, protecting her heart—and her pride.

Reese Marino gave up most of his wild ways years ago, graduating from college and becoming part owner of his uncle’s pizza parlor. The fact that Gabby still treats him like a troubled teenager drives him mad, but that’s not the only thing about the sassy florist driving him to distraction. Despite Gabby’s reluctant attitude, Reese is determined to win her over and show her that love often blooms right where you least expect it.

Wildflower Wedding is sweetness and Southern charm with a healthy dose of sensual romance. There’s something innately welcoming about LuAnn McLane’s Cricket Creek books and I was drawn into Gabby and Reese’s book from the start.

Back in high school, Reese was the classic bad boy with a chip on his shoulder. He’s matured greatly in the intervening years since moving to New York and back, but the chip’s still there at times…as are his old feelings for Gabby Goodwin. Gabby’s as bright and sweet as her name implies, but that doesn’t mean she’s easily charmed. She and Reese have a history, one that made me smile every time there was a flashback. I loved watching the two of them fall in love, and it’s not that far a fall, given the feelings that were already there. Ms. McLane doesn’t make it all smooth sailing for them – now that he’s returned to his hometown, Reese has trouble letting go of the past and that impacts his relationship with Gabby. Even so, the two of them get a lovely happily ever after with just the right amount of sentiment.

A secondary romance involving Reese’s uncle, Tony, is every bit as important to Wildflower Wedding as Gabby and Reese’s love story. Tony’s been through the wringer thanks to his grasping, cheating ex-wife and he doesn’t want to fall for anyone. Too bad for him, as his neighbor and landlord, a divorcée by the name of Trish, tempts him to start trusting in love again. If two love stories weren’t enough, a pair of tertiary romances play out in the background of Wildflower Wedding, adding to the story’s message of taking a chance on love. I loved how Ms. McLane balanced all these characters and storylines, giving the lovable residents of Cricket Creek a sufficient amount of page time without ever detracting from her main characters.

Wildflower Wedding is a strong addition to the delightful Cricket Creek series. I finished Reese and Gabby’s story with a smile on my face and I can’t wait to return to Cricket Creek once more!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Christmas on Main Street by JoAnn Ross, Susan Donovan, LuAnn McLane, and Alexis Morgan

Christmas on Main Street by JoAnn Ross, Susan Donovan, LuAnn McLane, and Alexis Morgan
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780451419538
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

'Tis the season to fall in love in these four small towns.

In “Christmas in Shelter Bay,” New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross returns to Shelter Bay, where Kelli has long tried to keep her feelings for her friend Cole a secret. But when the local matchmakers conspire to send them to a secluded lakeside cabin, the two friends soon discover that a little love will keep them warm.

TV producer Nathaniel Ravelle knows the Bayberry Island mermaid legend is a joke— how could a statue grant a wish for true love? But when a Christmas Nor’easter lands him in close quarters with local Annie Parker, they see magic at work in matters of the heart in New York Times bestselling author Susan Donovan’s “A Seaside Christmas.”

In LuAnn McLane’s “Mistletoe on Main Street,” Clint isn’t sure how to rekindle his romance with high school sweetheart Ava—until his father bows out of playing Santa at the annual Cricket Creek holiday parade and Clint gets the chance to make this Christmas one to remember.

And in Alexis Morgan’s “The Christmas Gift,” business is booming at Bridey Roke’s pastry shop. Everyone in town stops in to sample her holiday treats. But in her spare moments, she’s perfecting a special recipe to charm the handsome new neighbor—who has his own surprise gift for her come Christmas Eve!

“Christmas in Shelter Bay” by JoAnn Ross
Shelter Bay, Book 0.5
I admit, I picked up this anthology for “Christmas in Shelter Bay.” I’ve been waiting for Kelli and Cole’s story ever since I read the first Shelter Bay book, The Homecoming. Kelli’s been in love with Cole for practically forever, but he’s been too blind to see it. Of course, both of their families can tell the two of them are perfect for one another, so with a bit of joint scheming and a snowstorm to aid them, Kelli and Cole will find themselves in a cozy cabin for the holidays. What “meant to be” couple wouldn’t fall in love in such a setting?

I love these kinds of stories, so I was immediately sucked into “Christmas in Shelter Bay.” Kelli and Cole made a great couple, but their switch from friends to lovers seemed a bit too fast to feel organic. If the story had been a bit longer, perhaps the progression of their relationship would have felt more natural. Still, fans of the Shelter Bay series should enjoy “Christmas in Shelter Bay.” Kelli, Cole, and their families are all as charming as ever and the story has holiday spirit to spare.


“A Seaside Christmas” by Susan Donovan
Bayberry Island, Book 0.5
Mermaids, magic, and a touch of mayhem make “A Seaside Christmas” a bright and bubbly story. Fate – and a bit of interference by some well-meaning Bayberry Island “mermaids” – lands an injured Nat on local author Annie’s doorstep during a storm. Close quarters and mutual desire leads to them burning up the sheets pretty fast. What’s unexpected (for both of them) is how swiftly they also fall in love.

I enjoyed Nat and Annie, but I felt their story could have used a bit more development. In addition, the supporting characters in “A Seaside Christmas” were a bit too much for my personal taste and overall the story had a bit of an erotic, yet cartoony feel. Susan Donovan’s stories tend to be wonderfully wacky, but usually there’s a touch of realism at their heart to make them feel grounded. “A Seaside Christmas” isn’t my favorite story of Ms. Donovan’s, but I do still plan on picking up her first full-length Bayberry Island novel, Sea of Love.


“Mistletoe on Main Street” by LuAnn McLane
Cricket Creek, Book 5.5
I love a good reunion romance and “Mistletoe on Main Street” hits all the right notes. Clint and Ava were high school sweethearts whose paths took them in different directions. It’s been fifteen years since they broke up, but now that Clint is back in Cricket Creek, the feelings he has for Ava and she for him are impossible for either to deny.

“Mistletoe on Main Street” is one of those stories that simply gives off the warm and fuzzy vibe. I adored Clint, Ava, and their friends and was pretty much charmed by “Mistletoe on Main Street” from beginning to end. LuAnn McLane has written a story that’s the perfect mix of Christmas and romance. Clint and Ava’s story will definitely get you in a festive mood while providing a love story that can be enjoyed all year ’round.


“The Christmas Gift” by Alexis Morgan
Snowberry Creek, Book 1.5
“The Christmas Gift” might just be my favorite story in the entire anthology! Bridey is a sweetheart of a pastry chef who has been burned by her ex and has since devoted herself to her bakery. Seth is an artist who feels like he’s lost his gift and needs to get away from the business persona he’s been forced to wear for far too long. The two of them have been circling one another for a while, but with a little nudge, their romance begins to blossom.

I hesitate to use the word, but I found “The Christmas Gift” to be adorable. There was something so sweet about Seth and Bridey that I found myself smiling time and again while reading their story. There’s a warmth to “The Christmas Gift” that I simply cannot convey in my review. I fell in love with Snowberry Creek and enjoyed watching the town’s Christmas festivities every bit as much as I loved reading about Bridey and Seth. Alexis Morgan is the only author in this anthology whose work I hadn’t read before, but after reading “The Christmas Gift” I can guarantee I’m going to be picking up the rest of the Snowberry Creek series.


Christmas on Main Street is a wonderful collection of small town romances. As with any anthology, readers are sure to like some stories better than others. Personally, I think “Mistletoe on Main Street” and “The Christmas Gift” are not to be missed, but all four stories are enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for romances to get you in the Christmas spirit or simply want to curl up with four well-written love stories, Christmas on Main Street is the book for you.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Moonlight Kiss by LuAnn McLane

Moonlight Kiss by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek, Book 5
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780451415585
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

After not one, but two very public broken engagements, Addison Monroe is ready to take a break from men, weddings, and the paparazzi. In order to do that, Addison escapes the Southern California spotlight to rest and relax in Cricket Creek. Yet while she might be able to avoid the media in this small Kentucky town, fate has a funny sense of humor when it comes to the other two things on Addison’s “avoid” list. It’s not long after she arrives in Cricket Creek that Addison finds herself opening a bridal boutique on Wedding Row, a job that throws her directly in the path of one sexy-as-sin farmer.

Investment consultant Reid Greenfield left Lexington to temporarily help out on his family’s farm. A farm that may just be turning into a wedding reception venue if his sister, Sara, has her way. Reid’s not about to let his sister lose everything she’s worked for on a foolish venture, and he hopes that Addison, as both a wedding consultant and the daughter of a famous financial guru, will help Sara see the light. Only Addison thinks Sara’s idea is brilliant. For a man like Reid – one who wants to avoid weddings – being at the eye of a wedding storm has a strange effect. Or maybe it’s just Addison who is turning his world upside down. Will a man who doesn’t like taking risks take the biggest leap there is and give his heart to a woman who has been burned by love more than once?

LuAnn McLane will charm your socks off with this fresh and fun tale! Moonlight Kiss is a sweet, sprightly story with charm to spare. Like Addison, I fell in love with Cricket Creek from the first moment. There’s a welcoming vibe to the town that just radiates off the page. From Addison to Reid to their loved ones, there’s not one person in Cricket Creek I wouldn’t love to get to know.

Endearing small towns aside, Moonlight Kiss features not one, but two romances that will leave you sighing. The primary love story is, of course, between Reid and Addison. These two are both understandably wary of deeper commitments, yet both learn that you can’t control emotion, no matter how hard you try. Ms. McLane made these two fit one another incredibly well without their pairing ever falling into “cardboard perfect” territory. The couple that almost steals the show from Addison and Reid are Maggie and Richard. Richard, the rock star who was almost Addison’s father-in-law, comes to Cricket Creek to try and make some of his son’s mistakes right. Instead he winds up finding love with Maggie, a single mother who is stepping out into the dating world now that her son is grown. I had a huge grin on my face whenever these two were together. Theirs was a beautifully understated romance that melted my heart more than once.

Moonlight Kiss is one of those comfort reads that is perfect for making you smile when you need it most. The only issue I had with the book was Addison’s seemingly endless streak of good luck and instant success in her professional life – it seemed a bit too unrealistic, and thus drew me out of the story. Even with that minor niggle, I adored Moonlight Kiss and I can’t wait to read more Cricket Creek stories!

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