Disclosure: I was provided a copy of the book mentioned for the purpose of review. Information for post and image provided by author or PR.
Synopsis
After years of struggling, Cynthia Blaine is finally getting recognition from Seattle galleries and buyers for her designer jewelry. Her life seems to be on an even keel. Her professional life, that is. Her personal life is less exciting than a cloistered nun’s. After a messy breakup with a man who decided he needed a woman who could help his career more than a mere artist could, she’s steered clear of anyone who could hurt her like that again.
Then Marius Hernandez comes into a gallery where she was working. He’s a successful coffee broker; he’s to-die-for handsome; he’s sexy and charming. And he’s very, very interested in her.
Marius woos her on a sailing trip through the beautiful San Juan Islands during which their romance lights up the summer nights. Soon after they return to Seattle, he leaves on a six-week business trip to Central America, vowing he’ll return to her. But just before he’s due back, Cynthia gets a shock. And when she goes to Portland to pour out her heart to her best friend, she has another shock. Marius is in Portland, not where he said he would be. And he’s with another woman.
It’ll take more than a good cup of coffee to get Cynthia and Marius to their happily-ever-after.
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My thoughts
I read this book in an evening. While a quick read, there was quite a bit going on and it really did keep my attention throughout. I fell in love with Marius from the beginning. A true romantic, he woo’ed me from the first time we met him. Cynthia, on the other hand, really had me frustrated. The “can’t get over her ex’s treatment” female role seems to be a common one for my reading lately and it truly irks me. There were several times in this story that Cynthia nearly blew it with Marius because of her inability to see what a great guy he is.
While there are some HOT scenes in this book, there is much more than just that. You see the up and down of their relationship. My one wish is that we had more time to see what happened with them when Marius was gone on business. It seems we went from him leaving and everything being great to all HELL breaking loose and no idea why. I would have liked to see more story development in that area if for no other reason than to see how their relationship really developed. But, overall I think this was a great read with romance and drama mixed in perfectly. I gave this book 4 stars and would highly recommend to others. There are more books in this series but it is truly not necessary to read them in any order. This book can easily stand alone. That said, I am for sure going to be looking into the other books. Peggy Bird did a great job with this one and I am eager to read more by her.
About Peggy Bird
Born in Philly, I’ve spent most of my adult life in the Pacific Northwest where I have happily grown webs between my toes and moss behind my ears. I pursued a number of careers—nurse, legislative staffer, lobbyist, public affairs consultant, non-profit association executive, workshop teacher, oh, and mother and wife—before deciding to leave it all for what I’ve loved through every stage of life—writing. I’ve been published in anthologies, magazines, newspapers and in the brochures, newsletters and reports of my consulting clients and employers. Unless you count speeches for politicians, I’d never written fiction until a cast of characters began inhabiting my daydreams. A glass artist and a gallery owner were there. So were a sculptor and a jewelry designer. When some dead bodies showed up, a couple of cops and a deputy DA arrived. Soon they began to fall in love with each other and work for their happy ending. Bingo. I was a romance writer.
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The giveaway
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SHELLEY S says
SHE IS A NEW WRITER FOR ME. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BOOK AND THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
Rebecca Orr says
I have not read any of her books yet, but they all sound great! Thanks for the chance.
Tasty Book Tours says
Thank you for hosting today!