Showing posts with label Christie Ridgway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christie Ridgway. Show all posts
GRR Reviews One Look (One & Only Book 1) by Christie Ridgway
One Look while sweet has just too many characters that seems superfluous including a second couple that doesn't add to the story, various the relatives that show up with minimum effect, and an FMC that seems a bit too friendly and nosy.
Poppy Walker, the dreamer of the family, wanted to turn the few mountain cabins into a resort, even though she is a single mom with no money. When a super-hunky stranger with a wad of cash wanted to rent the first cabin she finished, and offering to pay FIVE TIMES the going rate and paid for a MONTH without batting an eye, she can't say no, even though she technically ain't open yet. And Poppy can dream about the hunk... Ryan Hamilton needed a place to hide from everybody else... and himself. March is a bad time for him... bad memories, that he doesn't want to be near anyone, because he invariably hurt them. When Poppy didn't recognize him, it's absolutely perfect... But Poppy keep trying to draw him out of his shell and her sunny disposition made her... irresistible. But when Ryan found out that Poppy has her own wounds and secrets that may rival his own, and visitors came to town, will their connection be shattered forever?
Both Poppy and Ryan have a lot of "ghosts" that haunt them that they need to resolve together, but there are just too many characters that diluted the story, from Ryan's brother and his girl, plus various relatives (all the sisters who told her it's a pipe dream) and friends all intending on "checking up" on Ryan ("I can't believe you don't know who Ryan Hamtilton is"), not to mention people who do recognize Ryan and wanted a piece of his fame, as well as Poppy's ex who seems to just show up to annoy her. Also, Poppy's vivaciousness / nosy-ness does not seem to be a prime asset for someone who wanted to run a B&B, but then, she's the dreamer of the family. All in all, a bit too confusing to be one of the author's best.
Category: Contemporary
Primary Plot: A woman building a dream; a man who needed to be alone; and way too many people disrupting their plans
Tropes: disguise, different worlds, scars, single parent, self-exile
Overall Rating: 3/5
GRR Reviews Make Him Wild (Intoxicating Book 1) by Christie Ridgway
Make Him Wild is a "enemies into lovers" romance where both MC have a lot of baggage.
Alessandra Baci, youngest of the Baci sisters, had an unfortunately nickname: Nun of Napa. Her fiancee died of a heart attack on their way to the altar having survived cancer the year before hand. She had not dated for five years, still not yet over him, but she can't sulk any more, as their family vineyard, Tanti Baci, is in serious financial trouble, and their only idea was to turn the cottage into a honeymoon suite and make the vineyard into a wedding venue. Unfortunately, the contractor did a runaway (for better gig) and the only other help in the area... was the Baci neighbor, and host of the most popular TV house-renovation show, Penn Bennett. Penn was recently heartbroken when his "girlfriend" emptied out his house and his bank account, so when he saw Alex all he saw was an expert manipulator, so he was surprised when he agreed to help out Tanti Baci, probably because he and his brothers are technically part owners. But the more time he spent with Alex, the more Penn found out that Alex was actually very weak inside, but he kept looking for deception that didn't seem to be there. But he also enjoyed teasing (mercilessly, often with an edge) Alex, and when caught alone, Alex actually found Penn's swagger rather... enjoyable. Not that she'd ever admit to it, of course. When the wedding plans started to fall apart, what sort of plan will Alex and Penn come up with the save the vineyard, and perhaps, take a chance with each other?
Let's just say the darkest hour was great, as almost all the previous chapters really played up each other's fears, and the darkest hour played upon BOTH of their deepest fears and drove them apart. However, the grand gesture, while grand, was a bit... of a spectacle. And let's just say it involved a dunking booth. As for how, you'll have to read it for yourself.
Alessandra Baci, youngest of the Baci sisters, had an unfortunately nickname: Nun of Napa. Her fiancee died of a heart attack on their way to the altar having survived cancer the year before hand. She had not dated for five years, still not yet over him, but she can't sulk any more, as their family vineyard, Tanti Baci, is in serious financial trouble, and their only idea was to turn the cottage into a honeymoon suite and make the vineyard into a wedding venue. Unfortunately, the contractor did a runaway (for better gig) and the only other help in the area... was the Baci neighbor, and host of the most popular TV house-renovation show, Penn Bennett. Penn was recently heartbroken when his "girlfriend" emptied out his house and his bank account, so when he saw Alex all he saw was an expert manipulator, so he was surprised when he agreed to help out Tanti Baci, probably because he and his brothers are technically part owners. But the more time he spent with Alex, the more Penn found out that Alex was actually very weak inside, but he kept looking for deception that didn't seem to be there. But he also enjoyed teasing (mercilessly, often with an edge) Alex, and when caught alone, Alex actually found Penn's swagger rather... enjoyable. Not that she'd ever admit to it, of course. When the wedding plans started to fall apart, what sort of plan will Alex and Penn come up with the save the vineyard, and perhaps, take a chance with each other?
Let's just say the darkest hour was great, as almost all the previous chapters really played up each other's fears, and the darkest hour played upon BOTH of their deepest fears and drove them apart. However, the grand gesture, while grand, was a bit... of a spectacle. And let's just say it involved a dunking booth. As for how, you'll have to read it for yourself.
Category: Contemporary
Primary Plot: woman needs a TV handyman's help to save her family vineyard
Tropes: enemies to lovers, scars, wedding planner
Overall Rating: 4/5
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