Category Archives: Marina Adair

January 22, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Hopeless Romantic by Marina Adair

Title: Hopeless Romantic by Marina Adair
When in Rome Series Book Two
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 290 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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 . . .

Review:

Hopeless Romantic by Marina Adair is an endearing romance. This newest addition to the When in Rome series can easily be read as a standalone.

Beckett Hayes has shouldered caring for her brother, Thomas and dad Jeffery ever since her mother abandoned her family. Both are on the autism spectrum and while Jeffery is also a composer and performer, Thomas requires more support. Due to her sometimes chaotic home life, Beckett has to drop everything when things go wrong. A bit scarred by her first serious boyfriend, she instead dates men from out of town so if their relationships blow up, she does not run into them again. Beckett has been fighting her attraction to local Levi Rhodes for quite some time but will he convince her to change her mind?

Levi understands Beckett’s devotion to her family. Years earlier, he gave up college to move back home to help his single sister raise her daughter, Paisley.  Now his niece is in high school, Levi is planning the sailing trip he also postponed. However, the family business is currently lacking a few crucial employees and his best friend is marrying soon. Then there is his fascination with Beckett.   Levi has not had a committed relationship for a few years and he would like to explore his desire for Beckett. But will she agree to give him a chance?

Hopeless Romantic is an entertaining romance with a quirky but loveable cast of characters. Beckett and Levi are beautifully developed with realistic issues to overcome. Thomas is easy to like but Jeffery is somewhat frustrating. Beckett and Levi’s relationship is quite touching with an underlying simmering sexual tension. With an unexpected conflict, Marina Adair brings this charming romance to a heartfelt conclusion.  Old and new fans will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in the When in Rome series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Hopeless Romantic, Kensington, Marina Adair, Rated B, Review, Romance, When in Rome Series

July 30, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: RomeAntically Challenged by Marina Adair

Title: RomeAntically Challenged by Marina Adair
When in Rome Series Book One
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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.

Review:

RomeAntically Challenged by Marina Adair is a charming contemporary romance.

Anh Nhi  “Annie” Walsh relocated to Rome, Rhode Island after her fiancé dumped her and immediately found someone new. She is enjoying her new job and friends but she is still struggling to figure out where she fits in.  Annie adores her parents but she wants to know more about her Vietnamese culture and heritage. She is also not looking for love so when her should have been absent landlord Emmitt Bradley appears, Annie resists her attraction to the appealing but irritating man.

After being seriously injured while on assignment in China, Emmitt has no choice but to return to Rome to recover.  Since he cannot convince Annie’s  boss to clear him so he can go back to work, Emmitt tries to work his magic on his unexpected roommate. He is a likable man but Emmitt comes across as a little superficial at first.

Emmitt is a little shocked by his fifteen year old daughter Paisley’s reaction  when they are reunited. He is used to being the “fun” dad since he spends most of his life traveling the globe. They have always shared a special bond but Paisley is not at all pleased to see him. Since Emmitt will be in town much longer than usual he must learn to navigate co-parent with his daughter’s stepdad.  Thankfully Annie offers sound advice that proves to be invaluable.

RomeAntically Challenged is a sweet romance with engaging characters and  well-developed storyline. Both Annie and Emmitt grow and evolve throughout the story. Their romance is a slow burn but their scenes together and their witty exchanges are quite enjoyable.  In spite of a late in the story conflict, Marina Adair brings this wonderful romance to a sighworthy conclusion. An outstanding first installment in the When in Rome series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting book two.

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Filed under Contemporary, Kensington Books, Marina Adair, Rated B, Review, Romance, RomeAntically Challenged, When in Rome Series

August 28, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: Last Kiss of Summer by Marina Adair

Title: Last Kiss of Summer by Marina Adair
Destiny Bay Series Book One
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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 . . .

Review:

The first installment in Marina Adair’s Destiny Bay series,Last Kiss of Summer is a story of new beginnings for lead protagonist Kennedy Sinclair.

Thanks to her beloved grandmother Edna, Kennedy finds the fresh start she is looking for in the delightfully charming town of Destiny Bay following her heartbreaking split from her cheating ex.  Taking a big chance that could either give her the break she desperately needs or wipe out her life savings if it fails, she buys  Sweeties Pies sight unseen from Edna’s old friend Fiona “Fi” Callahan and Fi’s niece Paula.  Although she initially has a few reservations about the possibly too good to be true deal, Kennedy puts her misgivings aside in order to finally find a place that feels like home.  Turns out her fears are well-founded but it is Paula’s son Luke who becomes the biggest thorn in Kennedy’s side as he resorts to underhanded means to destroy her business in order to get his hands on the apples he needs to expand his hard cider business.  Although the two share a smoldering hot attraction, Kennedy and Luke continually lock horns over the apples and although they eventually seem to reach a truce, will Luke’s betrayal end their chance for happiness?

Kennedy still carries the scars from her mother’s abandonment and she craves nothing more than a well-ordered and predictable life.  Hurt by her ex-boyfriend’s infidelity and dismayed to have to start over yet again, she is surprisingly optimistic about her new business and she throws herself wholeheartedly into the venture.  Quickly realizing she should have asked a few more questions about the bakery’s finances, she comes up with a brilliant plan to keep Sweetie Pies in business.  Despite Fi’s resistance to change, Kennedy is quick to reassure the former owner that she only wants what is best for the shop. However, the biggest challenge Kennedy must overcome is Luke’s concerted effort to keep her from the three acres of apples that were included in her purchase of the shop.  Undeterred, she creatively works around the challenges he puts in her way but she woefully underestimates how far Luke will go to ensure he gets the apples that are vital to her business.

Luke is extremely loyal to his mom and his friend and business partner Bradley Hawk.  Trying to assuage his guilt over leaving the family business years earlier, he will do whatever it takes to expand their business and while he has a valid reason to do so, he is merciless as tries to destroy Kennedy in order to keep the apples he needs for an upcoming business deal.  Luke is more than willing to fight dirty and his maneuvering is incredibly sly, devious and underhanded as he tries to undercut her every chance he gets.  He charms Kennedy in order to get an edge and although he knows exactly what is at stake for her, Luke is unrelenting as he undermines her efforts to succeed time and again.  His final act of betrayal is so incredibly reprehensible and deceitful that it is virtually unforgivable.  But what really makes the act so vile is his continued dishonesty and his infuriating reaction as Luke tries to console  her when his scheme works and Kennedy loses a valuable business deal due to his duplicity. This act of sabotage is positively heartbreaking and completely unnecessary since he has other means to accomplish his goals.

Although well-written with a lovable heroine, Last Kiss of Summer is a bit of a disappointing beginning to Marina Adair’s Destiny Bay series. The romance between Luke and Kennedy never quite feels quite right due to Luke’s single-minded pursuit of his dreams even though he knows achieving his goals will financially and emotionally destroy her.  In spite Luke’s calculating and destructive machinations, Kennedy remains refreshingly kindhearted and compassionate and she never does anything that would deliberately hurt anyone else.  Luke is eventually ashamed of how his behavior, but this realization comes far too late to redeem him into a likable character who is worthy of Kennedy’s forgiveness or love.

Despite this rather lackluster first installment in the Destiny Bay series, the tantalizing glimpses of Kennedy’s new friend, Ali and Luke’s close friend Bradley Hawk will leave readers eagerly awaiting their story which is slated for release in 2017.

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Filed under Contemporary, Destiny Bay Series, Forever, Last Kiss of Summer, Marina Adair, Rated C, Review, Romance

October 12, 2015 · 11:56 pm

Review: Need You For Always by Marina Adair

need you alwaysTitle: Need You For Always by Marina Adair
Heroes of St. Helena Series Book Two
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Emerson “Emi” Blake dropped out of culinary school to care for her ailing mother, but she has bigger dreams than running St. Helena’s most popular pita cart. First on the menu: upgrade to a gourmet food truck. A new part-time job as a personal chef will definitely provide the funds, but it also forces her into close contact with her one and only one-night stand, Dax Baudouin, who’s daring her to try a second taste.

Former army Ranger Dax has a clear mission: come home, get healed, and get gone. Yet Emi’s tough-girl exterior and hidden soft side are even harder to resist than her mouthwatering baklava. After years of battles, he knows better than to try and rescue anyone—not that she’ll let him get close enough to try. Truth is, Dax is starting to think that Emi’s the one person who can save him…if he can just persuade her to give him another shot.

Review:

Heartwarming, sexy and unabashedly funny, Need You For Always is the latest addition to Marina Adair’s marvelous Heroes of St. Helena series. In this outing, Dax is the latest Baudouin brother to fall in love when he returns to St. Helena temporarily while recovering from a career ending injury.

A lot has changed for Dax since he spent one sizzling hot night with Emerson “Emi” Blake at his brother’s wedding several months ago. His career in the army ended after a mission went sideways and while he might be willing to stay in St. Helena until the physical therapy on his knee is complete, his plans for the future do not include staying in his hometown. Dax is having a hard time adjusting to civilian life when he comes face to face with Emi and while he would like nothing better than to pick up where they left off, Emi shoots that suggestion down in a hurry. Emi has enough on her plate dealing with her still grieving father and sister but when a part-time job opportunity puts her career goals within reach, Emi reluctantly agrees to work for Dax temporarily.

Emi willingly put her plans on permanent hold to return home and care for her mother when her ALS took a dramatic turn for the worse. In the two years since her mother’s death, Emi has continued working on their dream of owning a food truck while at the same time assisting her dad with her now six year old sister, Violet. Emi has very little free time and the last thing she wants or needs is a man in her life. She threw caution to the wind when she agreed to spend one night with Dax months earlier, but a relationship is a complication Emi does not need in her life.

Dax has absolutely no intention of putting down roots in St. Helena. He is only biding his time until the doctor signs off on his recovery and he can begin working for a private security firm in another city. Despite his need to keep everyone at an emotional distance, Dax finds himself slowly but surely getting involved with the local community. He also cannot seem to keep away from Emi and when their lives become even more entwined, his feelings for her deepen. But will Dax allow his fears to keep him from fully committing to future with Emi?

The relationship between Dax and Emi is so much fun to watch unfold. There is no shortage of sexual tension as the two banter back and forth but Emi refuses to give in to Dax’s attempts to seduce her back into his bed. They both finally agree to another no strings fling, but as Dax commits to helping Emi achieve her dreams, she begins to see the possibilities of forever with him. However, Dax is still having trouble figuring out a new plan for his life now that it has veered so far off track and he ends up breaking Emi’s heart. Will he realize his mistake before it is too late? Can Emi forgive Dax for hurting her?

Need You For Always by Marina Adair is a sweet, steamy novel with an amazing cast of appealing characters. The storyline is heartfelt and full of laugh out loud moments that are incredibly endearing. This second installment in the Heroes of St. Helena series is a fun, flirtatious love story that tugs at the heartstrings and it is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys reading contemporary romances. Although it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the entire series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Heroes of St Helena Series, Marina Adair, Montlake Romance, Need You for Always, Rated B+, Review, Romance

August 26, 2015 · 11:56 pm

Review: A Taste of Sugar by Marina Adair

taste sugarTitle: A Taste of Sugar by Marina Adair
Sugar, Georgia Series Book Three
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A blast from her past…

Charlotte Holden, Sugar’s favorite pediatrician, knows better than anyone that love only leads to heartbreak. Instead, she’s focused on creating the Grow Clinic, an outpatient center for children. All she has to do now is to host the best Founder’s Day Parade in the history of Sugar, Georgia, to win over a big-city donor. Easy as peach pie. Then sexy Jace McGraw blows back into town and utters those three words every woman dreads: we’re still married.

…leads to tantalizing trouble

Jace McGraw was making an offer on his dream business in Atlanta when he was told that his wife had some credit issues. Wait, his wife? The annulment went through years ago—or so he thought. He’d walked away only to keep his troublemaker reputation from ruining her dreams. But now that they have a second chance, Jace offers Charlotte a deal: he’ll grant a discreet divorce in exchange for 30 days and nights of marriage. Because this time he isn’t going to let her go without a fight.

Review:

In A Taste of Sugar, good girl Southern belle, Dr. Charlotte Holden, takes another walk on the wild side with her tattooed, bad-boy not quite ex-husband, Jace McGraw. This second chance at love romance by Marina Adair is a sweet yet scorching hot love story but it is also a beautiful journey of self discovery for the lead protagonists. Although it is the third installment in the sassy Sugar, Georgia series, it can be read as a standalone (but I highly recommend the entire series).

Jace and Charlotte impulsively (and secretly) tied the knot four years earlier and just as quickly, their marriage ended. Charlotte eventually returned to their small hometown to work in her family’s medical center while Jace steadily built his reputation as a high performance engine mechanic. Now, both are on the verge of fulfilling their longtime career goals when Jace discovers their annulment did not go through and they are, in fact, still married. Dismayed to discover it will take three weeks until their marriage is annulled, Jace and Charlotte decide give their relationship another chance. But with Jace planning on leaving and Charlotte firmly rooted in Sugar, will these two live happily ever after?

Charlotte is a highly successful and well regarded doctor who has worked hard to secure the funding for an outpatient center for children. She has finally bought a house of her own but she is still having trouble standing up to her parents. Despite having no interest in a relationship, she continues going out on blind dates arranged by her matchmaking mother. However, the biggest point of contention for her is the lack of professional respect from her father. Their working relationship is growing increasingly strained as he continues to treat her like daddy’s little girl instead of a capable adult. Afraid of disappointing her parents with her decision to keep their marriage a secret all these years, Charlotte agrees to work on her relationship with Jace, but only if he agrees to keep their marriage and current involvement under wraps.

Jace has mostly outgrown his bad boy reputation but he is afraid no one in Sugar views him as the successful man he has become instead of the wild child he used to be. He has a long history of running away from his problems and he continues to blame himself for his parents’ death. He has kept both an emotional and physical distance from his family for years but once he agrees to Charlotte’s terms, Jace knows he will finally have to face his past mistakes. Repairing his strained relationship with his brothers and reconnecting with his niece is easier than he thought but will it be enough to convince him to reassess his future plans?

Jace’s relationship with Charlotte also figures heavily into his decision about his future. Having barely recovered from her broken heart the first time he left her, Charlotte is not willing to risk getting hurt by Jace again. At first, he gives her the space she needs, but he slowly comes to the realization that she will avoid him until it is too late if he does not take drastic action. She reluctantly agrees to let him stay with her and while she would be more than happy to explore their scorching hot attraction, Jace wants more than a physical relationship. He is sweetly romantic but Charlotte resists his touching gestures until she grows weary of playing it safe. With their three week deadline looming over them, Jace and Charlotte agree to explore the possibilities between them, but outside interference eventually threatens their chance at happiness.

A Taste of Sugar is a light-hearted romance that is full of down home, Southern charm. Jace and Charlotte are well developed, charming protagonists and it is utterly delightful watching their personal growth as they make peace with their respective pasts. The secondary cast of characters is quite colorful and add to the novel’s overall appeal.  The storyline is well-written, unique and quite captivating. Sweet, sexy and oh so gratifying, this third installment in Marina Adair’s Sugar, Georgia series is an absolutely outstanding novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to fans of contemporary, small town romances.

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Filed under A Taste of Sugar, Contemporary, Forever, Georgia Series, Marina Adair, Rated B+, Review, Romance

January 13, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Be Mine Forever by Marina Adair

be mineTitle: Be Mine Forever by Marina Adair
St. Helena Vineyard Book Four
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 297 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

For Trey DeLuca, the idea of settling down was entirely unsettling. As VP of sales for his family’s wine company, he’s never in any one city—or with any one woman—for long, which is how he likes it. But when family obligations keep him temporarily grounded in his hometown, he finds the perfect distraction. She’s sweet, gorgeous, and sexy as hell…only her life screams commitment.

Between raising her son and struggling to keep her dance school afloat, Sara Reed has her hands full. Dance students she needs—a steamy tangled sheets cha-cha with a self-admitted commitment-phobe?
Not going to happen. But sparks fly as the town prepares for a big Valentine’s Day gala, and Trey strikes a deal with Sara…he’ll “manny-up” and watch her son in exchange for ballroom lessons.

With love quickstepping ever closer, Sara needs to teach this playboy some new steps or risk losing him—and her heart—forever.

The Review:

Marina Adair’s St. Helena Vineyard has quickly become one of my favorite series so I have been eagerly awaiting Be Mine Forever. This fourth installment is youngest brother Trey and Sara Reed’s story and their romance is just as sweet, passionate and alluring as the older DeLuca brothers’ stories.

Be Mine Forever opens with Trey’s hurried and harried trip home to St. Helena where he discovers the family emergency does not involve illness or impending death. Instead his clever grandmother ChiChi has summoned Trey home to act as her dance partner in the upcoming annual Winter Garden Gala. His brothers are impervious to his pleas to escort her in his place so Trey gracefully accedes to her wishes. Needing to brush up on his dancing skills, Trey turns to local dance instructor Sara, a widow and mom who recently relocated to St. Helena to realize her dream of owning a dance studio. The sparks are soon flying between Sara and Trey and they indulge in a short term fling before Trey leaves town.

Trey’s job in the family’s wine business provides him with a convenient excuse to avoid settling down. His (misplaced) guilt over the deaths of his parents haunts him and although he loves his family, his need for emotional distance keeps him far away from home. Trey is affable and quite charismatic but he is not interested in a serious relationship. Instead he has a past that is chockfull of empty encounters and unfortunately, some of these short-lived affairs took place a little too close to home. Much to his chagrin, he runs into some of his previous partners at the most inopportune times but these confrontations leave him vowing to stop indulging in meaningless sex.

While Sara may no longer be mourning her husband, she is still not quite ready to jump back into dating. She is stretched thin with caring for her young son Cooper and getting her dance studio up and running. Sara is surprised by her unexpected attraction to Trey but she is content to keep their relationship on a friendly, but professional, level. But once her long dormant desires are awakened, she finds it difficult to ignore the simmering desire she feels for Trey.

Right from the beginning, Trey’s reaction to Sara is very different from anything he has previously experienced. She does not strike the “settling down” fear in him and he is surprised by how comfortable he is with her. Of course, this smooth talker cannot resist trying to charm Sara into his bed but she rebuffs Trey at every turn. Instead they settle into an easy friendship that crackles with sexual tension.

The relationship between Trey and Sara is unhurried and I loved watching them explore their unexpected passion. There is genuine affection on both sides and Trey is refreshingly honest with Sara about his future plans. Instead of jumping headlong into an affair, they discuss the possible consequences of their actions and Trey takes Sara’s concerns about Cooper quite seriously. They are both careful to present a “friends only” facade around him and in public. Love creeps in unexpectedly for both of them and a family emergency puts their relationship in jeopardy.

The rest of DeLuca brothers and sister Abby are absent for much of Be Mine Forever. Instead Trey fills in for the various “husbandly” roles and he is the go to guy for his nieces. He grows much closer to his sisters-in-law and he uses them as a sounding board when he needs relationship advice. Of course there are some seriously “awww, how sweet” moments with his nieces that really highlight how much he has changed during his unanticipated stay in St. Helena. It is with ChiChi that the most touching moments occur and provide him with a new perspective on both his past and his future. But it is an impromptu heart to heart with his brothers that proves to be most illuminating for Trey.

Be Mine Forever is another superb addition to the St. Helena Vineyard series. The characters are richly developed with realistic flaws that are easy to relate to. The plot is beautifully executed and the conflict never overpowers the story. The DeLuca family is wonderfully imperfect but their love and support for one another is unconditional. Now that Marina Adair has given each of the brothers their happily ever afters, she turns her attention to sister Abby’s love life in the next installment. She has paired Abby with a character that I have loved since his first introduction and I am quite impatient to experience their fiery love story!

Please click HERE for my review of the other novels in the St. Helena Vineyard series.

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Filed under Be Mine Forever, Contemporary, Marina Adair, Montlake Romance, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Helena Vineyard