Book Review: Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Natural Born Charmer (Chicago Stars #7)
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 400
Format: Mass Market Paperback & ebook
ISBN: 978-0060734589

My Review:

Why oh, why have I let my reading of every new book and her old ones I missed slip lately.  There was a time I would read each new release, but then blogging took over.  So when I was approached by Megan, the publicist at Harper Collins, I had to jump at the chance to be part of this amazing blog tour.  I get to review two of Susan’s previous titles (watch for Ain’t She Sweet in two weeks) and then I get to read her new one, Heroes are my Weakness.  Three SEP’s in one summer, heck  yes!!

And her books are just like I remember them, full of great characters, lots of humor and banter and a wonderful love story.  Natural Born Charmer did not disappoint.  What was even better, this was my book I enjoyed on the houseboat we rented to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday.  There was no better place to enjoy this book! 

Is there a better place to relax with a book (note the Atlantic Ocean is just on the other side of those dunes and Cape Lookout was my other view, happiness!)

So Natural Born Charmer starts off with a bang.  A hot guy in a hot car picking up a literally hot headless beaver on the side of the road.  I mean it seems absurd but I could see it happening.  Said beaver has quite a bit of spunk, a jerk of an ex and no money so she embarks on a trip with hot hunky football player to get where she needs to go, not knowing at the time that where she needs to be is with said football-player.

Dean and Blue are amazing characters.  Dean is a natural born charmer which is one of the things that makes Blue hold off from him for awhile.  Blue is a flighty but smart woman who has grown up in several homes so she’s a little scared of commitment.  Dean is not all in from the beginning of the book either, he’s just intrigued by how different Blue is, but he is just as afraid as her that they can’t make it work because of their differences and because of his own issues in his life.

As they finally make it to Nashville where he is having a house redone as a second home (his first is in Chicago where he’s a Chicago Star football player).  But he wants a more permanent home and he loves the one in Nashville.  He comes home to a surprise or two that make the book interesting. I like how the book focuses on several other characters.  At times I almost felt Blue and Dean’s romance was secondary, but it was okay, it really worked in the framework of the book and once the storylines started coming together, I could hardly put the book down.  I was even reading it on the boat ride home and I never do that, I usually just enjoy the scenery, but it was that hard to put down.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips fails to disappoint as usual.  You get romance, you get drama, you get laughs.  I’m pretty sure I laughed and cried in this one.  I loved every minute even when I was about ready to kill the main characters becasue of their usual stupidity at not facing love.  But that just added to the story as well.  This is number 7 in the Chicago Stars series, but reads great as a stand-alone.  However it reminds me I want to go back and fill in the books I have missed and with a lighter review schedule I should be able to do that.  Thank you Susan Elizabeth Phillips for providing me with a wonderful beach read and I look forward to continuing my summer of SEP soon!

My Rating: 5.0/5.0

Summary

It wasn't every day a guy saw a headless beaver marching down the side of a road, not even in Chicago Stars quarterback Dean Robillard's larger-than-life world. He slammed on the brakes of his brand-new Aston Martin Vanquish and pulled over in front of her.

The beaver marched right past, her big, flat tail bouncing in the gravel, and her small, sharp nose stuck up in the air. Way up. The beaver looked highly pissed . . .

She was definitely a girl beaver because her beaver head was missing, revealing sweaty, dark hair pulled into a scraggly ponytail. He'd been praying for a little distraction from his own depressing company, so he threw open the door and stepped out onto the shoulder of the Colorado road . . .

Funny, sexy, and touching, Natural Born Charmer is the unforgettable love story of a golden boy who might be losing his luster and a spirited woman who's learned never to depend on anyone but herself.

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Author Biography (from Goodreads)

The Huffington Post says the books of Susan Elizabeth Phillips provide a “gateway drug to the whole [romance] genre,” which she assumes is a good thing. Bookpage magazine calls her “the crown jewel of romantic comedy writers,” which is definitely a good thing. Since she wrote her first novel on a typewriter in her kitchen, her books have been published in over 30 languages and appear on bestseller lists all over the world.
In addition to being a New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and USA Today bestseller, she is a hiker, lazy gardener, horrible singer, passable cook, passionate reader, wife, mother of two grown sons, and grandmother of two adorable little ones.

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***I received this book from the publicist at Harper Collins for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

March Entangled Bliss Release Day Blast + Giveaway

We’re thrilled to announce two new stories releasing today sure to melt readers’ hearts: Her Summer with the Marine by Susan Meier and Stealing the Groom by Sonya Weiss. Both stories are full of the emotion, humor, heartwarming moments, and relatable characters that have come to define Bliss.

We’re particularly excited, however, to announce that Susan’s novel will be the first in an expansion of the Bliss line called Red-Hot Bliss: the same focus on the nice, but with a bit of naughty added in for good measure. We’re opening the door at Bliss, and we can’t wait for you to see how sexy sweet romance can be!

Don’t miss out. Both books are on sale for a limited time.

Pick each title up for just $.99 each!

Her Summer with the Marine by Susan Meier

Their competition has never been so irresistible

The last person Ellie McDermott wanted to run into after returning to her hometown is Finn Donovan, her high school nemesis and the guy she crossed the line from enemies to lovers with one night years ago. Now ex-military, tattooed, and still sexy as hell, Finn is a complication Ellie doesn’t need—she needs to concentrate on saving her family business.

Finn’s entire life, Ellie was there, going head-to-head with him in every class, bee, and test. So it’s no surprise she’d show up just as he was about to take over her father’s struggling business. It is a surprise, though, that his attraction to her is even more explosive than it had been. Acting on their attraction is one thing, but Finn has to turn a profit to save his own family, and nothing—not even love—will get in his way.

Find Her Summer with the Marine Online:

Amazon | B&N | iBookstore | Goodreads

Find Susan Online:

Facebook | Twitter | Website 

Giveaway

Win a Her Summer with the Marine beach bag – includes a Kindle, beach towel, sun glasses and sunscreen. Everything you need for the summer! (Intl winners will receive a gift card in place of the gift bag).

 Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway Here

Stealing the Groom by Sonya Weiss

Friends don’t let friends marry the wrong woman…

Chad Walker may be a take-no-chances man with a plan, but there’s no way Amelia Snyder is going to let her best bud marry Mean Girl #1—even if the wedding is solely so he can secure the controlling shares in his family’s company. But free-spirited Amelia’s at-the-altar groomnapping scheme takes a surprising turn when she ends up as the blushing bride instead.

Suddenly, with Amelia living in her handsome husband’s home—in his bedroom, no less—she starts to reconsider their strictly platonic arrangement. But Chad’s always been anti-risk and definitely anti-love, and betting a lifetime of best friendship on the chance at forever might be the biggest gamble of all.

Find Stealing the Groom Online:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo Books | iBookstore | Goodreads

Find Sonya Online:

Website | Twitter

Book Promo and Excerpt: Her Rocky Mountain Guardian by Margery Scott

Her Rocky Mountain Guardian by Margery Scott

Publisher: Entangled Ignite

Publish Date: Oct. 28, 2013

ebook, 250 pages

ISBN: 9781622662029

About the Book:
An unforgivable disappearance… Four years ago, Jennie Brooks and Sheriff Brae Colton were engaged to be married—then Jennie disappeared without a word.  

Leads to a mysterious reunion… Brae hated Jennie for deserting him just as they were set to begin their life together. But when he finds her badly injured in a hit and run accident on a snowy mountain road, he can’t deny the love he’s never forgotten—until she regains consciousness with no memory of her identity, or what they once shared.  

Where love holds the key to everything… Brae wants to know why Jennie’s come home. Despite everything, she’s still the woman he fell in love with in high school—the woman he’s falling for again. But when the bullets start flying, his first priority is to protect her and catch her would-be killer. And if they can’t find a way to restore her memory soon, they may both end up dead.

About the Author:
Born in the Scottish lowlands, Margery now lives on a lake in Canada A late bloomer, she didn't start writing until she found herself with an empty nest, some free time, and an old standard typewriter her father found somewhere she'd rather not think about. She still has the empty nest, but the typewriter has been replaced by a computer and free time is a thing of the past. Margery writes all across the genre board as the muse and the mood hit her, but these days she tends to stick to either historical romance or romantic suspense. When she's not writing or traveling in search of the perfect setting for her next novel, you can usually find her wielding a pair of knitting needles or a pool cue. Margery loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at margeryscott@gmail.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Website 

Blog 

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Excerpt:

Jennie gazed out the passenger window as Brae steered the SUV through downtown Eagle Ridge. Ever since they'd left the hospital, he'd been tense, his eyes constantly shifting and taking in the vehicles around them.

            "Do you think we're being followed?" she asked finally.

            "Probably not, but I don't want any surprises."

            She stayed silent then, letting him concentrate. A lock of hair hung over his forehead, and she had an almost irresistible urge to brush it back. The muscles in his face were tense, his lips pressed into a thin line. 

            Those lips… Her thoughts strayed back to the kiss they'd shared in her hospital room.

            Obviously they'd kissed before, and more than likely they'd done a lot more than kiss. She didn't remember those kisses, though. His kiss from a half hour earlier, she'd never forget. Something about the way he held her, the way his mouth slanted over hers, the heat pooling in her belly when his tongue had touched hers…it felt so familiar, so right.

            "You look like you're thinking hard," he said, his baritone voice filling the interior of the car.

            She felt her cheeks heat. If he only knew where her thoughts had taken her.

            "Remembering something?"

            Oh, yes. She remembered every detail of the kiss they'd just shared. Although she would like to know whether the memories of his kisses back then were as exciting and breath-stealing as the reality of the one they'd just shared. She doubted that was what he was asking, though.

Stranded with a Hero Anthology Blog Tour, Guest post by Author Karen Erickson

My Christmas Story Addiction 

by Karen Erickson

I have a confession to make (and if you’ve been a reader of mine for a while, you’ve probably figured this out): I’m addicted to writing holiday-themed stories.

Mostly novellas, though I do have a Christmas book (JANE’S GIFT, first in my Lone Pine Lake series from the Bliss imprint at Entangled Publishing). And not only am I addicted to writing Christmas and holiday-themed stories I also love reading them. You should see my Kindle. It’s loaded with them, a lot from last year that I never got a chance to read! I’m hoping to rectify that this year but I’ve already racked up new holiday romances. My Kindle cries every time I one click, does yours?

I’m getting off track with the topic at hand though and that’s holiday stories. There’s something so hopeful about them. Full of tradition and romance, decorations and stress and presents and love, I love them. They’re so real and okay…also full of fantasy. Many times, I can relate. Or I can hope I find a hot hunky dude in need of a place to stay for Christmas considering he just wrecked his car and the snow is falling and my cozy cabin in the woods is warm and full of freshly baked sugar cookies (I really hope my husband doesn’t read this).

More than anything, holiday romances leave me with a warm, fuzzy feeling that I absolutely can’t get enough of.

Considering the plethora of Christmas books that come out every holiday season, I know I’m not alone in my love for them. There are some authors I can always count on for delivering a delicious holiday themed story and my number one favorite is Jill Shalvis. She has so many! But I’m a known Jill fan (she probably has a restraining order against me ha ha) so she can pretty much do no wrong in my eyes.

My latest book with the Bliss imprint is their holiday anthology with three other (amazing!) Bliss authors, STRANDED WITH A HERO (featuring LOVING MINDY, a novella that’s part of my Lone Pine Lake series.

Stranded with a Hero by Karen Erickson, Cindi Madsen, Coleen Kwan and Roxanne Snopek

Publisher: Entangled Publishing – Bliss

Date of Publication: November 11, 2013

ISBN: 9781622663842

ASIN: B00G1IWYK4

Getting snowed in never felt so good as boundaries are crossed, opposites attract, and friends discovering more promise a Christmas no one will ever forget.

Loving Mindy by Karen Erickson

Mindy can’t believe she’s stuck with her ex–best friend—and the man whose heart she broke years ago—for the holidays, though the tension between them is more than enough to keep them warm. Josh Powers never forgot Mindy, but he can’t risk his heart a second time.

White-Hot Holiday by Coleen Kwan

Naomi’s sworn off men like Aaron—rich, cocky, and dismissive of holiday traditions. Aaron decided to spend Christmas in sunny Australia to avoid snowy New York, not to fall for the woman his best friend warned him away from. But when a volcano grounds him, Aaron and Naomi’s relationship becomes eruptive.

An Officer and a Rebel by Cindi Madsen

The last person police officer Nate Walsh expected to discover in a snowstorm is his brother’s ex and former town rebel, Kelsey Cooper. She’s his complete opposite and totally off-limits, but as they wait out the storm together, all he can think is how he wishes she’d stay forever.

Saving the Sheriff by Roxanne Snopek

Frankie Sylva was determined to free the captive reindeer, even if it meant risking her own life. Deputy Sheriff Red LeClair set out to save a stranger in a snowstorm, never expecting he’d be the one to be rescued.

 

STRANDED WITH A HERO is available at the following retailers:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBookstore | Kobo

Where you can find Karen: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Karen’s bio:

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read – sexy contemporary romance. Digitally published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She is also the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of new adult contemporary romance Monica Murphy.

Stranded with a Hero Release Day Blitz (+ Giveaway)

Stranded with a Hero by Karen Erickson, Cindi Madsen, Roxanne Snopek and Coleen Kwan

Publisher: Entangled Publishing – Bliss

Date of Publication: November 11, 2013

ISBN: 9781622663842

ASIN: B00G1IWYK4

Find Stranded with a Hero Online

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Book Description:

Getting snowed in never felt so good as boundaries are crossed, opposites attract, and friends discovering more promise a Christmas no one will ever forget.

Loving Mindy by Karen Erickson
Mindy can’t believe she's stuck with her ex–best friend—and the man whose heart she broke years ago—for the holidays, though the tension between them is more than enough to keep them warm. Josh Powers never forgot Mindy, but he can’t risk his heart a second time.

White-Hot Holiday by Coleen Kwan
Naomi’s sworn off men like Aaron—rich, cocky, and dismissive of holiday traditions. Aaron decided to spend Christmas in sunny Australia to avoid snowy New York, not to fall for the woman his best friend warned him away from. But when a volcano grounds him, Aaron and Naomi's relationship becomes eruptive.

An Officer and a Rebel by Cindi Madsen
The last person police officer Nate Walsh expected to discover in a snowstorm is his brother's ex and former town rebel, Kelsey Cooper. She’s his complete opposite and totally off-limits, but as they wait out the storm together, all he can think is how he wishes she'd stay forever.

Saving the Sheriff by Roxanne Snopek
Frankie Sylva was determined to free the reindeer cruelly held for a holiday roadshow, even if it meant risking her own life. Deputy Sheriff Red LeClair set out to save a stranger in a snowstorm, never expecting he’d be the one to be rescued.

Tour wide giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Karen Erickson:

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read – sexy contemporary romance. Digitally published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children.

Website: http://karenwritesromance.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenericksonwritesromance

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/karenerickson

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/karenerickson/

About Cindi Madsen

Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. She is the author of YA novels All the Broken Pieces and Demons of the Sun, adult contemporary romances Falling for Her Fiancé and Act Like You love Me, and the women's fiction novel Cinderella Screwed Me Over.

Website: http://cindimadsen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindiMadsenBooks

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CindiMadsen

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1029223.Cindi_Madsen

About Roxanne Snopek

Roxanne Snopek is the author of ten books, more than 150 articles, and has had short fiction published in several anthologies. She is currently serving as Vice-President of the Romance Writers of America Greater Vancouver Chapter. She and her family live in the Pacific Northwest, where she’s at work on more love stories for Entangled Publishing.

Website: http://www.roxannesnopek.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoxanneSnopekAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoxanneSnopek

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2962276.Roxanne_Snopek

About Coleen Kwan

Coleen Kwan has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching Criminal Minds.

Website: http://www.coleenkwan.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coleen-Kwan-Author/131730270256044

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/ColeenKwan

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5210210.Coleen_Kwan