Not Your Match (No Match for Love #2) by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

This is another book by Lindzee Armstrong. This is the second of the No Match for Love series.

I've read this last year and haven't gotten to write a review. Yes, I have all of the books in this series. They're all feel-good and inspirational love stories. After reading them, you'll definitely feel like it's so good to be in love and be loved. If you're single, like me, you'll be tempted to go out and find that man of yours too.

This is the story of Andi and Ben. Andi was the girl that Luke was fake-dating in the book Miss Match. This is Andi's side of the story and how she too had found the man for her. 

There are two things that stood out for me in the story. One is the hilarious divorce that Andi handled and how the couple also fought over the custody of the dog named Maurice. It's just so amusing that the couple hated each other so much that you wonder why they even got married in the first place. The woman obviously was some bimbo who just wanted money. The other thing is how Andi and Ben's story started with dancing. I love to dance. I used to dance in grade school, high school, and even in college programs at school. The last time I danced on a stage was when I worked for a contact center which was about 10 years ago. It was like another lifetime. This story just reminded me of that. 

It's a relief to have two people after a difficult relationship and break up find each other. A person who had a similar experience and feel a deep connection for that person. Andi and Ben were dancing partners in high school and their reconnection after each other's failed relationship was just great timing. Their friendship in high school somehow built a good foundation for their current relationship. Then, as life is always full of surprises, one of those people in their past resurfaces and wants to be a part of their lives again. How will that affect their relationship then? And what good is a love story without a villain trying to ruin it, right? That element just makes it all more complete and satisfying if the couple is able to dance through it successfully. 

I give this book 4/5 pairs of dancing shoes. I loved that the story ended with Andi finally getting the job she really wants and be able to help people. A job that could really make a difference which is just what everyone wants. Her dream job. I too would want to be able to do my dream job which is to travel around the world and get paid for it. I hope too that happens in this lifetime.

Ugly sweaters are a Christmas tradition.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Not Your Match - 

Thank you again Lindzee Armstrong for the copy.

Other Books in the series:

Meet Your Match (No Match for Love #0.5)

Miss Match (No Match for Love #1)

Mix N' Match (No Match for Love #3)

Mistletoe Match (No Match for Love #4)

Strike a Match (No Match for Love#5)

Mix N' Match (No Match for Love #3 ) by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

This is the nth book of Lindzee Armstrong that I have read. I have been signed up to her ARC team and I get to be fortunate to get to read all her books for free. This is the third book in the series. Unfortunately, I didn't to get to read her books in chronological order. But it doesn't matter because each one is a stand alone, so you can read them in any order. Whatever suits your mood. 

This installment is the love story of Zoey and Mitch. These two are polar opposites but they seem to have an undeniable attraction towards each other, even if they tried to deny it relentlessly. Zoey is Brooke's best friend and maid of honor. Mitch is Luke's best man and also his loyal and efficient assistant. So, being that Luke and Brooke are going to be married, these two will most likely be closer to each other. And more so, because they both play a very important role to the wedding and to the couple. With the coming wedding going to be held in France and the couple unable to attend personally to the preparations and to avoid everyone uninvited and the press from getting wind of where the wedding will be, these two will have to step up and make sure that the wedding will be as planned. No hiccups.

This is probably the funniest of all the No Match for Love novellas I've read. Mitch and Zoey are like a cat and a dog that can't seem to help but be at each other's throats. Being put together in the City of Lights and where every corner seems to be a romantic spot, will these two be infected by the love bug too? Will these two finally be soften by the romantic scenery and finally admit that as opposites as they are, they too can find some common ground and be together?

I have read a lot of stories and love stories formed in Paris. I can't blame any of those authors. Just looking at those pictures of the city, you can't help but fall in love. These two characters in this story, Zoey and Mitch, were no exception. Paris is undoubtedly the city of love or the most romantic city in the world. These two have walked its street, ate the food and smelled its air. Yes, it's probably something in the air and these two, turned out to be not immune. Definitely! They caught the love bug too but not after a very strong resistance and constant bickering. But love is a more powerful force and these two have no more power over it. They finally surrendered.

I really enjoyed this story. Ah, Paris alone is such a treat already. I imagined myself walking through the streets of Paris, following Mitch and Zoey as they try to get acquainted with the city, at the same time trying to accomplish what they are set to do. All the picturesque landmarks and the museums, it's every traveler's dream. I totally enjoyed that. 

These two proved to be great friends to Brooke and Luke. These two would do anything for their two best friends and make sure that they got the wedding that they dream and they want. These two ended up doing what they probably wouldn't have thought doing, much less ending up in each other's arms and pretending to be exactly farthest from what they are. But in the end, pretending wasn't so bad at all.

I give this book 5/5 bridal bouquets. It's always amusing to listen or imagine two people always arguing or always trying to shoot the other down, but deep down, they can't wait to just be with that person. Definitely, opposites attract just like magnets. And Zoey and Mitch are just a concrete example. They're polar opposites, but their differences are what exactly draw each one towards the other. I just love the quote below. It summed up how these two are just perfect for each other. And wouldn't it be nice to actually meet and fall in love with someone who's exactly your opposite, like the North to your South, yet you can't imagine being with anyone else. He can turn your world upside down but you wouldn't have it any other way.

You have me so frazzled I don't know which way is up. You make me believe I can jump off a cliff and not only survive, but enjoy the ride down and make something good out of the disaster waiting for me at the bottom. You're crazy and chaotic and spontaneous. You upset all my carefully laid plans and schedules. And I don't care.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Mix N' Match -

  

Thank you again, Lindzee Armstrong for the copy.

Kiss Me in the Rain (Destined for Love: Mansions #2 ) by Lindzee Armstrong | ARC | A Book Review

Kiss me in the rain. Sounds like a title of a song or a lyric. The fact that it sounds so romantic gives it an even more graceful ring to it. Have you imagined yourself being kissed in the rain? Or have you actually done it? And how was it?

I have not been kissed in the rain. I don't know if that is unfortunate but at least I know how it feels like because of this story. But then again, bridging the great divide between reality and imagination is an entirely different story.

This is a sequel to Kiss Me in the Moonlight. Another title for a song, right? Anyway, this story features two characters who were in Kiss Me in the Moonlight--Layla and Tyler. After spending their summer in Paris as tour guides, these two decided to go back to the US. Layla went back to her home--Cypress Grove. A mansion which is often a venue for parties of the elite. Tyler quit grad school and decided to follow Layla to her hometown.

This is my nth book from Lindzee Armstrong. I didn't realize that I was slowly becoming a fan of this author. It does help being a member of her ARC team. It was one of the first few groups that I signed up for. At first, I didn't know what it all entails but I just read her books which I get for free. No regrets there. I did enjoy her clean and sweet stories. They were easy to read and very relatable. Feel-good reads and very easy to finish in one sitting. Without me knowing, Armstrong's stories became my go-to when I feel like I need to feel good and they never fail me. To this day, I have almost read all of her stories and I am looking forward to reading more of them. I would just like to say my big thanks to the author for her invigorating stories of love.

Like all of the author's other stories, this is a clean read also. It speaks of how two people overcome the divide between economic status and family expectations. It speaks of following one's dream and passion in life. Like the rest of us, these two fictional characters have their own dreams. Tyler wants to build a business flipping houses. Layla wants to be able to do what she wants without feeling guilty about her family's expectations and requirements. Like all good stories, conflicts and antagonists add more spice and flair. In here, a little mystery and embezzling is added for good measure. And betrayal and disappointment packed the whole story into a neat little package. 

Like the first book, this is not a straight romance story but with a mix of a little mystery which leads to a major problem for our two main characters. How they manage and resolve this by helping each other is how this story leads to the kissing in the rain part. Yes, a happy ending. 

I give this book 4/5 umbrellas. I liked that this story or the stories in the Destined for Love series is mixed with mystery and suspense. It sort of brought the story to another level and still remain clean and fun and end with a very happy ending for the characters. If you are looking for clean, feel-good and inspirational love stories, read Lindzee Armstrong's books. You will never be disappointed. They are not too heavy but packed with enough spice here and there to give more life to the stories. 

Her hero, her idol, had fallen off his pedestal, and she'd never again view him the same.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Kiss Me in the Rain - 

Kiss Me in the Moonlight by Lindzee Armstrong | ARC | A Book Review

I read this back in July. 

I would love to be Paige. Chaperoning teenagers through Europe is not a bad way to spend summer at all. That is, of course, not putting Nick into the equation. Nick is Paige's ex who broke her heart. Even worse, he broke up with her through email. What a jerk, right? He didn't even have the guts to say it to her face.

For an observer, sometimes it's fun watching two people who used to be close act awkwardly in front of each other. That was how it was reading Paige and Nick's story. It was awkward and in a way painful also. But you would also wish they would sort everything out and kiss and make up. Like two lead stars in a movie that you hope would actually be in love in real life. 

I think cities in Europe are so romantic. If I were in Europe, I think it would be so easy to fall in love. If not for a person, to fall for the city, for the food, the culture and for the majestic buildings and scenes. With all the gorgeous, historic and classic architecture that surrounds you, it's a perfect backdrop for a romantic meet up. So, Paige was a little powerless to fight her feelings for Nick. Surrounded with beauty and grandeur, it just can't be help to soften up. 

I give this 3.5/5 moons. This is a cute and sweet story with a little mission impossible on the side. I think Europe and espionage make a good combination. A perfect setting for a James Bond-like scene complete with a maiden in distress in the picture. 

Love. Was it possible for a heart to explode with happiness while shriveling with despair.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Kiss Me in the Moonlight - 

Tomorrow's Lullaby (Chasing Tomorrow) by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

This is the sequel to Chasing Someday. I am a member of the author's ARC team so I get a copy of her new books to review. Thank you again, Lindzee Armstrong. 

As I have mentioned, this is the next book after Chasing Someday. This is two years after Sienna delivered her baby and had it adopted. She met a cute guy in college named Aaron and he hated his birth mother for giving him up for adoption. The last thing Sienna needs is a guy with baggage. She can't afford any distraction now that she is getting another shot at Juilliard--her ultimate dream. She can't afford to lose it the second time. How would she deal with Aaron and Juilliard? Who would she choose--Arron or Juilliard?

I think this story is not as heavy and emotional as the first one but it has its own moments. Sienna has finally come to terms with her experiences at such a young age. She has accepted that she has to postpone her greatest dream as consequences of her actions. But she now feels better knowing that her baby is in very good hands and she's even allowed to visit and be part of the baby's life. What more could she ask for? Now, she has to focus on her self and her studies and practice more to get to Juilliard. This time there's no way anything or anyone is stopping her. That's what she thought.

Sienna did not expect to fall in love and more so with someone who has an issue with being adopted. Just her luck! Of all the people she will meet and fall in love with, it has to be with someone who would hate her if he found out that she did the same thing. This is some kind of a sick joke, right? 

It seems that Sienna is not only going to deal with Aaron and her baggage but also with the coming back into the picture of her ex--Dane. Yes, her baby-daddy. When it rains, it really pours! Seems like Sienna just got her hands really full and the last thing she needs is again, people who would only distract her and again might lead her to lose Juilliard again. Not this time. I commend Sienna for being a responsible adult this time around and knowing her priorities. She is sticking to her priorities, even though it's not easy and she might have her heart broken again. She deserves to get in to Juilliard and she had made enough sacrifices to just let other distractions ruin her again.

I give this book 4/5 pianos. Sienna deserves a happy ending. Though the story did not exactly tell if she did get in to Juilliard, but I would want to think that she did. She had the guy and her dream. She had worked hard for it and she also had laid bare her heart out to the man she loved, asking only to be understood for the decisions she had made. She was right in saying that what happened to her and her son is not the same as Aaron's. In the end, love overruled everything and she got her very happy-ever-after. After all, Sienna did what she thought what was best for her and the baby. I don't think it should be taken against her. I am also glad that Aaron finally has seen the reason why Sienna and his mom gave up their kids for adoption. Understanding has finally dawned on Aaron and he realized what odds his mom were facing when she had him at such a very young age. Sienna and Aaron were smart enough to realize that their pasts should not get in the way of their future together. They both deserved to be happy. 

Pasts had a tendency to follow a person, no matter how much that person changed.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Tomorrow's Lullaby -  

Chasing Someday by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

I read this book way back early June. I thought I posted a review already. Yes, I am buried deep in unwritten reviews. I thought I have gotten it under control but something came up that I had to spend more energy and time on. Don't worry, reading books and posting reviews is already a permanent activity in my life. I will never give it up. This is the only thing that is keeping me sane enough in this chaotic and absolutely crazy world.

 

This is a story of married women who are having a hard time getting pregnant again or unable to conceive at all. Three women--Megan, Christina and Kyra. These three met in a school book drive and found that they have something more in common. These three will help each other get through the biggest problem in their lives so far.

 

The story is very realistic. It perfectly mirrors the emotional and psychological strains a woman goes through when she finds out that she her womb can't carry or grow a baby. It depicts the toll that is weighing on the persons involved, the marriage and the people closest to those persons. It creates a ripple effect of worry, concern and emotional drain on everyone involved, especially the main woman concerned and her husband. Infertility kind of brands or marks a woman for life of being unable to perform her duties as a wife and mother or has failed in being just a woman.

 

Chasing Someday is a very fitting title to this book. It explains the whole story in these two words. The three main characters were indeed chasing someday. The what could have been, what might have been and what will be if they were able to fulfill their greatest desire--to be a mother. These three women found strength in each other in their shared struggle to be the wife and mother that they wanted to be. To have that complete family they have been dreaming for. 

 

This is a very hopeful story yet you have to go through a very emotional state first before getting to the most amazing part. Just like the saying, it gets worst before it gets better. These three women went through the worst before they saw the silver lining in all the emotional turmoil and grief they have to go through. The waiting itself was almost killing them but like always, it's always worth the wait. Things seemed to have worked out for each of them with each other's help. Never giving up even when the odds were all against them. 

Aside from the three women in the story, there is another one mentioned here. She is Megan's piano student who got pregnant in her teens and the boyfriend did not want her to keep the baby. Her story posed a great contradiction to the three women's problems because here she is, in her youth and prime, with endless possibilities ahead of her. Yet, all her dreams and hopes seemed to have vanished because of a baby, while the three woman had been wanting and dreaming of one. This is kind of one of life's jokes, right? But no one's laughing.

I give this book 4/5 negative pregnancy tests. This s a very emotional story that will wring your heart out. I am in my mid-thirties and single and I pray that I wouldn't have to go through what all of these three women have when the time for me to want a child/children of my own. I know of a friend who also had a hard time conceiving and she was so frustrated that she somehow want to also make everyone around her feel that. She was so full of negativity that I had to distance myself from her because I don't have enough strength to battle her negativity. I too was going through some problems of my own during that time. For those who are fortunate to not have to go these very trying experience, be the best mother you can be and love your kids with all you have because some do not the privilege to have that gift. And for the rest of us, these women like the three in the story need our empathy and understanding. I don't think it's their fault if there's something wrong with their uterus or any feminine parts. If they have any control over those, they would have done everything to make them work right and get that bouncing beautiful baby they have been praying and dying for.

I never realized how much I want children until I was told it might not be possible.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Chasing Someday - 

Thank you again, Lindzee Armstrong for the copy. 

 

 

 

Cupcakes and Cowboys (Sunset Plains Romance #1) by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

I read this last month. Some of the characters of this story also appeared in Twisters and Textbooks. This is the first in the Sunset Plains romance novella.

The female main character in this story, Cassidy, is the sister of Tanner in the story I have mentioned above. This is Cassidy's story of how she got her heartbroken by an aspiring actor and was later put back together by his ex-fiance's best friend who is also an actor.

This is a short, sweet and endearing story with cupcakes and delicious pastries on the side. The romance of Cassidy and Jase was not easy. It was at first awkward and Jase brought painful reminders of Cassidy's ruined life. But like all stories with two people seeing everyday and forced to deal with each other, they fell in love. Faster than the usual rate of two people attracted to each other. Though, this story is short since it's just a novella, it did not lack for drama. The characters were both trying to move on from a very difficult experience and are on their way to finding themselves when their paths crossed. So, there was no surprise that in such a short time, they have become comfortable with each other. Just like the author, the Cassidy and Tanner got engaged right away. This may have been coined from the author's personal experience.

As I said, this story is short and sweet. I actually wish it was a bit longer. This was easy to read and the two main characters were so relatable that they could be one of my friends in some point in their lives. I can't personally relate to the heartbreak Cassidy went through but there were some experiences in the story that I can equate to my personal encounters. The story was smooth and fluid and it was so easy to get carried away by the flow. 

I give this book 3.5/5 colorful cupcakes. If you are looking for an easy read that can be finished in about two hours, this is for you. Thank you again, Lindzee Armstrong for the copy. I enjoyed this treat.

This is the choice I'd make regardless of whether you were in the equation. You're just the icing on the cupcake.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Cupcakes and Cowboys -  

Other books by the author:

Twisters and Textbooks (Sunset Plains Romance #2)

Miss Match (No Match for Love #1) by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

Miss Match is the first book in the No Match for Love series. This story is a continuation of Brooke and Luke's story from Meet Your Match. In this story, they are now grown up and are both hard at work on each of their careers. Luke is now the CEO of their business which has grown really big. Sadly, his Dad has passed away and he has to deal with his grief while managing the company. Brooke, on the other hand, is now a matchmaker at Toujour. She has landed her dream job. These two are still best of friends. Will they stay that way?

This book showed how people react when they are faced with difficult choices and when they are thrown out of their comfort zones. In this story, both Luke and Brooke are faced with challenges in their work lives while at the same time they have to deal with their personal issues. Finally, Luke has to man up and declare his real feelings once again. Brooke has to face the truth about her relationship and pending marriage. Does she really want to spend the rest of his life with Antonio whom she doesn't really know, as much as she knew Luke?

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Both Luke and Brooke had to step up and come up with a great idea to save both of their jobs. And because of the desperate state of their working life, they are also forced to re-examine their friendship and what they mean to each other. Thank goodness, these two have come to their senses and acknowledged what their hearts have been telling them for the longest time. Yes, this is a happy-ever-after story and it was exactly what I hoped for, for the pair. I wanted to shake Brooke so hard so she will see what was in front of her the whole time. Good thing, she came to her senses before it was too late. I have been rooting for them since Meet Your Match. Ah, finally! What a relief!

I give the book 5/5 hearts. This match has been years-in-the-making. I can rest easy now that these two have finally found their places and their hearts. I was right about my hunch that Brooke should end up with the guy meant for her and not someone she barely knew. All is well and this too ended well. Now, I'm off to a good sleep.

He loves you the way sugar loves to cause tooth decay.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Miss Match - 

Other books by in the series:

Meet Your Match (No Match for Love #0.5)
Not Your Match (No Match for Love #2) 
Mix N' Match (No Match for Love #3)

Mistletoe Match (No Match for Love #4)

Strike a Match (No Match for Love#5)

Mistletoe Match (No Match for Love #4 ) by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

I have read a few books of Lindzee Armstrong this year. I first read her Twisters and Textbooks which was part of an anthology. It was the first time I met her and I enjoyed the story. Then, I came upon one of her free books on Amazon. Later, I got signed on to her newsletter and have gotten about two more books. I also joined her Facebook group and I have been getting updates and ARCs for her new releases. I have been enjoying her works and they were so far to my liking as they were all feel-good reads. Her books could easily become hit romantic comedies or romance films if some movie executive decides to bring them to the big screen.

I think I have mentioned in my previous review that the best thing I liked about Lindzee Armstrong's stories is they are all clean romances. Her stories focus on the development of the characters and their love stories. Her titles really fit each story. At first glance, they may not seem obvious but the titles stress a significant event in the plot that starts the whole story or is the turning point in the life of the heroine. And I also like the fact that her stories are all about women. She writes about heroines and I definitely love stories that empower women.

Mistletoe Match may seem just a story fit for Christmas reading but it is not. The mistletoe may play a part in the storyline but it is not all. The story talks about family, a little on motherhood, a single parent and of course love, in quite a few different forms. Another thing I like about the story are the cute kids. I always love having smart and witty kid characters in stories. They make it more alive and fun. I like looking into kids' perspectives. Their thoughts and intentions are always pure. Their innocence can teach us a lot of lessons. They remind us of a lot of small and simple things that we adults often forget and tend to complicate. 

I give this book 4/5 mistletoes. I adored this story. The way how Michelle and Austin met was very funny and could easily happen to anyone. I also felt the awkwardness and the surprise Michelle felt when she realized who Austin was and how it would affect her convictions and the things that she fights for. This story tackled a lot of current and relevant issues like animal cruelty, family, divorce, single parenthood and how children deal with all the changes that are brought about by their parents' decisions. How kids are oftentimes forced to grow up beyond their age to keep up with the changes within the family and the dynamics between their parents. This book mirrors the stark reality and state of a few households in the world today. This book is a true example of an inspirational romance.

Thank you again, Lindzee Armstrong, for the review copy.

Other stories by Lindzee Armstrong:

Meet Your Match (No Match for Love #0.5)
Strike a Match (No Match for Love)

Strike a Match (No Match for Love #5) by Lindzee Armstrong | ARC | A Book Review

Strike a Match is part of the No Match for Love series. No Match for Love follows the matchmakers and the clients of a matchmaking company Toujour. I have read four books of the series. I have read and reviewed Meet Your Match. The two other books are Mistletoe Match and Miss Match. Though these books are part of a series, they are also stand alone novels which can be read on their own.

What I like about Lindzee Armstrong's books are that they are all clean romances. Though, I had my share of reading smutty stories, I still enjoy books which focus more on the development of the characters. I am sorry to say that there are just smutty stories are just that, not a lot of weight on the story but more on the steamy scenes.  At first, they are entertaining but the next time, they lose their appeal because it was going nowhere or there was no plot at all. I would prefer stories with substance. 

Strike a Match is the story of Kate and Taylor. Kate is a nurse and Taylor is a fire-fighter. They first met in a tragedy which was a turning point in Kate's sad and suffocating marriage life.

I admired Kate's character. I think she was portrayed honestly enough. If I were her, I would likely feel the same way about her husband. After what she'd been through, I don't think it was bad for her to feel that way. I think it would be so hypocrite of her to feel otherwise. I am glad that she was not portrayed a martyr though she had played that role quite awhile. She may just have called it kindness at that time. It was too much kindness and understanding on her part that she lost a part of herself.

Taylor, on the other hand was someone shown as being too helpful to the point that he was being abused. He was indeed helping the wrong people and he was none the wiser until it was pointed out to him. I think it was a misguided concept of helping the needy because the needy person is not really needy at all but a  parasite who was leeching all the kindness he can get from Taylor. I just didn't like the idea that even if he knew it, he still kept helping the person. I don't think helping was in anyway beneficial to that person. It was encouraging him to be irresponsible and selfish.

I am glad that in the end the characters have resolved their issues. They have come to terms with whatever they need to confront -demons and skeletons in the closet and all. It was a good story. It has shown that sometimes helping means allowing a person to grow his/her backbone. Not to spoon-feed. To allow the person to grow on her own and take his/her initiative. That being happy for the change in circumstances or an end of a suffering, even if it was brought about by a sad event, is not a thing to be guilty of. Not all people know what you were going through so you can't expect them to understand how you feel. I think, as long as you are happy and you are not hurting anyone, it is okay. There is no reason to feel bad about being happy or to not deserve it.

I give the book 4/5 fire trucks. This story has reflected real situations in life. The story is not unique but it has explored a different aspect of loss and helping someone. It makes me think about helping the next person in need. I may have to ask myself if the person genuinely needs help or was he/she just taking advantage of my good and generous nature? I know a few people who will only remember that we are friends when they need something from me. It reminded of an edited version of a quote -What are friends for? Using each other. Yes, unfortunately, there are those that only use friendship as an excuse to benefit from someone. But I am not jaded, I have enough real and dependable friends who have always been there for me, whether I am happy or broke. The same as I am always there for them.

She needs someone who's going to be there for her, no matter what. Not someone with a misguided hero complex who's always rushing off to someone else's aid.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Strike a Match - 

Thank you again, Lindzee Armstrong for the ARC.

Other books by Lindzee Armstrong:

Meet Your Match (No Match for Love #0.5)

Miss Match (No Match for Love #1)

Not Your Match (No Match for Love #2) 

Mix N' Match (No Match for Love #3)

Mistletoe Match (No Match for Love #4)

Meet Your Match (No Match for Love #0.5) by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

As far as I can remember, this was the first book I read of Lindzee Armstrong. I started on another book of hers which is also under the No Match for Love series. I noticed her books are fun and clean reads. If they were movies, they are like chick-flicks. The feel good ones.

Meet Your Match is about Brooke and Luke. Brooke just moved to a new high school. Luke is one of the popular jocks in school. Being a new student, she got the attention of everyone in the school, including Luke. He kept asking Brooke to go out with him but she doesn't want to. After learning about what Brooke's family is going through, Luke agreed to be friends with Brooke. But Brooke feels they need rules to keep them from straying from the agreement.

I like Luke. Even though his character started as a typical high school guy who loves to flirt, he has a good heart. He realized there is more to life than just dating. I also admired that he values his parents' advice. I commended him for respecting Brooke's wishes, even though Luke wanted it so much not to.

Brooke. I think it was so mature of her to not succumb to Luke's charms. But coming up with the rules was a bit too much. On the other hand, it served them both good because they needed each other as best friends, better than they could be as more than friends. There are perks to having best friends of the opposite sex. The only downside is when you fall so hard for that person, which happens most of the time.

I gave the book 4/5 stars. This was a good background story for the Brooke and Luke's story in the No Match for Love series. The story hinted a future of Luke and Brooke together. That is if, they get past their need for rules. This was sweet and promising just like all other high school relationships are. It whispered of good things to come, so stick around. It made me want to read the next books. It gave me a feeling that I will be in for a treat. It made me warm and fuzzy. This was a feel-good read, which is just what we all need sometimes to get ourselves centered. I can't wait for Luke to break all the rules so he can be with Brooke. 

I read this book last October and it took a while for me to write a review. I had to prioritize the other books I signed up for ARC's. This does not mean that this book is any less. In fact, I'll make sure to finish the two other books from the same author this year. 

Thank you again, Instafreebie and Lindzee Armstrong for the copy.

 

Other books in the series:

Miss Match (No Match for Love #1)

Not Your Match (No Match for Love #2)

Mix N' Match (No Match for Love #3)

Mistletoe Match (No Match for Love #4)

Strike a Match (No Match for Love#5)

Sweet & Sassy Anthology: Stormy Kisses by Various Authors | A Book Review

This is a collection of six short stories by different authors. As the title suggests, a common factor in the stories is rain and storm. Before the start of each story is a brief summary.

Here are the list of the stories, their authors and some quotes. Be prepared to fall in love, over and over and over again. 

Love Right by Rebecca Rode

...there are hundreds of Ones for us, men who bring out the best in us, who complement different parts of our personalities - who bring strengths to our weaknesses. Men who can literally complete us in an infinite number of ways, And sometimes you're lucky enough to find one who transcends the ratings altogether.

Waves of Deceit  by Donna K. Weaver

You can't fight indifference, but hate you can turn around.

Secrets in the Storm by Cindy M. Hogan

She was just a bad experience I had to have on my way to finding you.

Back to You by Jo Noelle

I've never thought of water as being a destructive force. It's so fluid, life giving, peaceful. 

...I'll never forget its power, like a brick wall moving through this little canyon, destroying. All from little drops of water. I'm enthralled by the incredible power before us. 

Twisters and Textbooks

It hadn't felt like closure - it had felt like ripping bandages off wounds that were still as raw as the day she created them

Zoey's Place by Rael Branton 

Though I was healed, there were still ghosts in my past. There would always be, and they would color my future. They wouldn't control me or my choices, or decide my happiness, but sometimes the wounds of my past still hurt almost more than I could bear.

These were really great stories. I like them all. Each has a unique story line and I wished they were longer. I can't decide which one was my favorite. I enjoyed them all so much. They were sweet but not sappy.  All the women in the stories embodied strength of character. They were not hapless maidens waiting for knights in a shining armor to save the day. Though, the men were there nevertheless to make sure our heroines were safe and gave them more strength when doubts started to set in. I like that the stories spotlighted empowered women. Women who are really good, if not excel in their careers.

The stories were all well-crafted and the authors really spent time trying to come up with a really great plot. It was a delight to be reading these stories and I can't help but feel the tension and danger the characters had to go through. I was transported to the various scenes in the stories. It brought back happy memories like the first time I tried to zip line over a forest. And I wish that one day  I could ski in the slopes of Colorado. All these stories brought back similar experiences that made me relate to the characters and the circumstances they were in.

I give it 4/5 dark rain clouds. This is an excellent collection. The stories were really inspiring. They make me want to fall in love over and over again. I would love to read them all in full version.

Thank you ebooksforreview.com. This is in exchange for an honest review.