RUN TO YOU by Rachel Gibson

Avon
September 24^th, 2013
978-0-06-206914-6
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)
Obtained by Publisher
3 Hearts





Stella Leon thought her day was going so very well. She enjoyed her job as a bartender and living in Miami had it’s perks. But when a man punches her boss, grabs her and runs. Well lets just say Stella’s life as she knows it just went to hell in a hand basket. When Beau Junger tells her her perfect sister needs her, well lets just say she isn’t pleased but forcing herself to go along with it, Stella is determined to tell this sexy marine a few things….one piece of clothing at a time.

Rachel Gibson is normally a wonderful author who pens such funny, romantic tales that you can’t help but fall in love with her characters. In RUN TO YOU, the story felt a bit off. It wasn’t so much her writing that didn’t click with me but the way the book was laid out. The font was bigger than normal so it made for a bigger book, page wise. There was just something missing from the story itself. Maybe the edge of the seat ride or the heart of it all. I am not sure what had me a bit bummed out on this one. Normally I am done with one of this author’s books in a matter of hours; this one took me days to read. The writing was a bit stilted at times though it smoothed out after each time nicely.

Meet Beau Junger. A man who joined the military to get away from his father’s legacy of naval heroism and serial cheating.  Beau thought helping Stella’s half-sister would be a piece of cake. He just never met Stella and when she finds herself on a cross country road trip with Beau…well, things get a bit interesting. Beau was enjoyable. One of those strong silent types, he had a witty comment each time Stella opened her mouth and sassed him. These two struck sparks the minute they laid eyes on one another and I, for one, was thrilled to see where their romance would go. The sex scenes are quite steamy and plentiful though it didn’t overshadow the storyline, which is always a plus in my mind. Stella is sassy with a dash of uncertainty. She was a perfect foil to Beau and I loved their interactions. The secondary characters kept the story moving along nicely.

RUN TO YOU is a fun if at times boring book about two opposites who attract one another. Ms. Gibson isn’t at her best for this one but it is still one of those enjoyable cold weather reads that will keep you somewhat entertained. I am hoping Ms. Gibson goes back to her trademark writing style and delivers one of her signature stories to enjoy.


This is an objective review and not an endorsement

THE TROUBLE WITH VALENTINE’S DAY by Rachel Gibson

Chinooks Hockey Series, Book Three

Avon

January 25^th, 2005

978-0-06-000926-7

Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback

Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)

Obtained by Publisher

For Kate Hamilton, she hates being single especially when she is dumped by her boyfriend and can’t handle her job, she takes a leave of absence and returns to Gospel, Idaho, where she finds her one attempt at seduction shot down so fast it makes her head spin. But the guy she tries to pick up has been burned by love before and isn’t looking for another relationship. Well fate has another thing coming for Rob Sutter and Kate when they are found in a compromising position and scandal to Gospel. Will cupid be able to get these two stubborn people to give love another try?

I got to admit, if you are looking for a really heavy book, this isn’t it. It was a fun, lighthearted read that had me laughing at times. The story flowed nicely, the author writes believable characters and the sizzle between Kate and Rob was electrifying. I loved how small town of Gospel was a typical small town, quiet, full of gossip and entertaining people to enjoy. The author really keeps the reader entertained till the very end and that ending was a surprise that I didn’t see coming.

Meet Kate Hamilton. Finding herself dumped by her boyfriend, she takes a leave of absence and runs off to Gospel, Idaho, a small town where nothing really happens. Until she meets Rob Sutter one night and gets shot down in a hurry when she tries to seduce him. Ego bruised, Kate is crushed by the rejection. I loved Kate. Who hasn’t been down when an unexpected break-up happens and you try to make yourself feel better by finding a rebound person? Kate is a sweet and lovable character that a reader can get behind in. The author does a great job in keeping the characters real and I really enjoyed the sparks that flew between her and Rob. Rob is a man who has been burned before and when he shoots down Kate, well let’s just says fate has a way of turning things around. The secondary characters are quite entertaining as well.

THE TROUBLE WITH VALENTINE’S DAY is a fun light-hearted story that is a perfect joy to read on a winter afternoon. This was the first I have read in this series from this author and I look forward to trying a few of her other books in the future. If you enjoy light-hearted romance with a variety of characters, then give this one a try.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

 

ANY MAN OF MINE by Rachel Gibson

Publisher: Avon
Date published: April 26, 2011
ISBN: 978-0061579110
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Book format: Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by name and email address: Ginalrmreviews@gmail.com

Five years or so ago Autumn Haven decided it was time to start doing the things she wanted to do for a long, long time and started off by going to Las Vegas. There she met hockey hottie Sam LeClaire. Passionate, mind blowing sex led them down the road to an Elvis impersonator and marriage. When Autumn woke the morning before Sam had left without a word. The next she heard from him was through his attorney telling Autumn that Sam was filing for divorce. But it didn’t end there. Sam gave Autumn the gift of a lifetime—a baby.

Now five years later Connor is old enough to realize that his parents don’t have the most a normal relationship. While Autumn won’t say anything bad about Sam in front of Connor, she is caught between being honest with her son about how callus the hockey great is and wanting to give Sam a chance to be a father.

For all his bravado and hard as nails outlook on life Sam has his own secrets, his own pains that he’s managed to keep tucked away. But as Connor grows up and Sam learns how he has hurt the little boy, Sam begins to realize just what he has missed out on in life. But, is it too late?

I’ve read and totally enjoyed all of Rachel Gibson’s Chinooks Hockey Team series. I’m not normally a contemporary romance or sports fan but Ms. Gibson tells a fabulous tale that draws you in and involves you in the characters and their lives. Spanning a thirteen year period from the first book, SIMPLY IRRESTIBLE to the most recent ANY MAN OF MINE, readers have the opportunity to get to know each couple, experience their ups and downs, heartaches and romance and catch up with them in the next story.

You don’t have to be a sports or hockey fan to enjoy the stories although I will admit after reading SEE JANE SCORE I took a look at our local hockey team, the San Jose Sharks, and found myself rooting for them. Ms. Gibson gives you just enough information about the game to make the story interesting and include the reader, but doesn’t overwhelm with a lot of sports talk.

While all her heroines are described as gorgeous you quickly come to see that their beauty is in the eyes of the beholders. Make no mistake, they are beautiful women, but you quickly come to see them through their heroes eyes.

At one point in ANY MAN OF MINE Autumn considers that her brother, Vince, must be lonely to be calling his sister on a Friday night. It is a poignant moment and I found myself wanting to know more about Vince and hoped for his story. The happy news is he has his own story in Ms. Gibson’s Lovett, Texas series. I’m really looking forward to that one!

Each book in the series is a standalone and can be read out of order. You won’t want to miss any of them.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.