Book Review - Designs on Her by Shirley Penick

Content to craft her jewelry, sell it through other showrooms, and never deal with the public, Kristen Matthews found her world upended by a forest fire. Forced from her secluded home on the mountainside, Kristen reluctantly moves into town. The apartment she now occupies has a storefront downstairs, perfect for the gallery she never intended to open.

New-in-town police office Nolan Thompson aided in evacuating her property, and found himself instantly attracted to the self-described “filthy hot mess” jewelry designer. Swept up in her upheaval, and torn between his captivation with Kristen, and his own demons from the past, Nolan has some hard choices to make.

I liked the imagery described in this book. I felt like I was there, on the small, touristy island town. Reading this actually reminded me of a past vacation. I found the characters to be likable, right down to Buddy, Kristen’s beloved Airedale Terrier.

Coincidentally, a friend of mine had an Airedale named Buddy, who sadly crossed the Rainbow Bridge recently. As I was reading this story, I kept picturing my friend’s dog as the one in the story. In my mind, Buddy now lives on in literary form.

I felt the pacing was a bit odd in this book. It built up slowly for me. I felt like the plot could’ve been thicker, and that might have evened out the pacing a bit. The wrap-up felt rushed.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I’m interested to read the sequel, showcasing two of the ancillary characters from this book.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Purchase this book here: Designs on Her by Shirley Penick at Amazon.com

Book Review - Alpha Barman by Sue Brown

J.T. Tyler left his old life behind two years ago, after his sister Sharon was murdered, and her husband Riley – his best friend – was convicted of the crime. His position with Covert Ops, his boyfriend Mitch, and everything that reminded him of Sharon was relegated to memory. He settled into a sleepy western town, and opened up a bar. He even left his moniker J.T. behind and became simply Jake.

He should’ve known, the past never stays in the past. When his former brother-in-law escapes prison, Jake’s former teammates come to his protection, stirring up feelings he tried to repress for the past two years.

Alpha Barman is an edgy, satisfying read. The palpable tension between Jake and Mitch fuels this book. Throw in the attraction of Jake’s business partner in the bar, Howie, and the barroom windows steam up even more.

My only issue with this is that I felt the buildup to Riley’s arrival was a bit protracted. I think it could’ve been shortened, and still would have been a complete story.

I loved the by-play between the characters. Sue Brown’s writing made me really believe the history between them all. Her surprise twist for Howie was a pleasant addition to the book.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.



Purchase this book here: Alpha Barman by Sue Brown at Amazon.com