I have been following Taylor Dean since I first read her paranormal series Lancaster House. She writes some amazing clean romance stories that brings tears to my eyes.

 

Amazon  /  Goodreads

 

MY REVIEW

 

Taylor Dean is an award winning author that is at the top of my must read list and Girl of Mine is another one of her clean romance novels that tugged at my heartstrings. I must warn you, though…. a box of tissues is required.

 

One month before her wedding, Jill was jilted. Now…HE’s back, continuing to break her heart.

 

Why is Lucas so desperate to talk to her NOW?

 

Jill is still in love with Lucas, so why is she engaged to another man? That is something you will have to read the book to find out.

 

I wonder how Taylor will HOOK me…and now I see.

 

The characters are complex and intertwined in a complicated scenario. Of course, I felt bad for Jill, but I felt equally as  bad for Lucas, even though it was his own fault. He made the choice to walk away.

 

Guilt, manipulation and miscommunication lead to a tangled web…isn’t that like real life? It is Taylor Dean’s ability to write and make it believable that allows me to become so involved in her characters and bring them to life on the pages.

 

Even a ‘bad guy’ can be good…can’t he? I love flawed characters. It makes them more interesting to me. I wonder if they can redeem themselves…

 

Jill’s childish and pouty behavior gave me some chuckles and I find romance and humor go together in real life, so it is easy to relate to her.

 

Girl of Mine by Taylor Dean has everything I need for a wonderful romance. Love, heartbreak and bliss, with a happy ever after. Her writing makes me laugh, cry, wring my hands in frustration as I want to yell at the characters, “Hey guys…you need to communicate.” I love that her stories leave me with a feeling of happiness and satisfaction when I turn the last page.

 

I received a copy of Girl of Mine from Taylor Dean in return for an honest review.

  4 Stars

 

Taylor has an amazing Pamper Yourself giveaway, so come on by fundinmental to enter.

 

• You can see my Giveaways HERE.
• You can see my Reviews HERE.
• If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
• Thanks for visiting!

I received a free copy for review courtesy of Reader Not a Writer. I haven’t read any of the other Power of the Matchmaker books but that wasn’t a problem. It’s a straight-laced romance that can be read as a standalone.

I read this back in July and wrote a draft review afterwards. I wasn’t quite sure how to finish it off, so it sat…until now.

*dun dun DUUUUN*

Kidding. I was just busy reading as much as possible for two challenges and meeting deadlines.

It’s a simple, sweet romance. Perfect for fluffy moods and those that believe in fate, magic, and soul mates. Perfect for hopeless romantics and skeptics wanting a brief break. (Shocker: I’m part of the latter group.)

Chasing Fireflies was enjoyable. I was hooked wanting to find out what the red bird incident was, what Savannah’s ex did, her secret, and waiting for Savannah to get it together. I won’t lie, without any reason to believe in the matchmaker’s prophecies in the beginning, I was hoping Savannah would give up her obsession and find a partner that wasn’t named Paul.

Once the red bird incident was explained, I understood Savannah’s zeal and dedication to her quest for the matchmaker’s Paul. Savannah’s experience meeting the matchmaker was pretty surreal and I like how it came full circle. I really liked how it used the meet-cute trope in subversion.

China and Chinese Tropes:

However, there’s no way to get around the fact the series is founded on a magical Asian trope with the matchmaker. It’s very upfront about it obviously and I was curious to read the depiction. The sage advice and seemingly random incomprehensible prophecies are there but I think Taylor Dean did a great job with Savannah in China at least.

They did touristy and non-touristy stuff. The cultural differences were apparent and well-done. Savannah, of course, finds it exotic but it’s not all magic and make believe. There is one typically awful American tourist and everyone calls her out for it.

It works and feels like an honest portrayal. While it doesn’t focus on any Chinese characters being relegated to the background, they are there and weren’t awful stereotypes. It’s a tiny bone to throw when we don’t get to know anyone though. I was really hoping for some cute Chinese men to pop up….but it wasn’t meant to be. :(

Dean did her research and mined her daughter who’s been to China for personal experience. The experience in China was okay and had more cultural inclusion and atmosphere than others I’ve read. But there’s no getting around that a novel primarily set in China only has Chinese people as background characters and a magical trope.

Except, well, the spy subplot. That felt wrong the whole time. And discussing it would be a major spoiler. (Hell, just mentioning it might be but it didn’t feel right not mentioning it.)

Savannah:

There was one major sore part for me and it revolves around Phoebe (Why the hell do I keep wanting to call her Phoebe? Savannah. After the convincing story of the red bird was revealed, it made a lot more sense. Then the romance really kicked in and I started questioning her decisions. I didn’t question them before because I wasn’t invested yet and just wanted the story to move so I find out what’s going on.

The switch was not fun. I felt like pulling hair towards the end. WAKE UP WOMAN. I was so sure it wouldn’t turn out how I wanted it to.

No worries though, the promised HEA happens and I’m satisfied. The way they resolved it felt obvious after revealed, but I legit didn’t think it’d work beforehand. Others will probably spot it earlier and if you don’t like the pairing, just bail on the drama path leading to it.

I struggled for another reason though with Phoebe, no goddamnit. This time it’s the ending, not the beginning. I was really curious on WTF happened with her and ex-Paul. What could possibly be so bad and make her worry this much? She thinks she’s defective and unworthy, ffs.

It’s not revealed to the very end and my reaction wasn’t pleasant.

It’s just so wrong how she’s been treated. Ex-Paul is an ass. I had to remind myself, yes this actually happens. There are actually people this stupid to buy into it. It’s a clear example of toxic masculinity and patriarchy. And they don’t even realize it. It’s immediately called out by others thankfully. (though not with the feminist approach.)

I understand the societal pressure, internalizing nonsense, the fear and the insecurities. Savannah isn’t the problem. This time it’s me. If I was the one she told, I’d immediately be calling it out and comforting her but I’d have to be mindful to not come off as dismissive because the assholes are so fucking ridiculous for making this a problem. It makes me want to shake some sense into people. It shouldn’t be a problem but it is. Which really fucking sucks.

To Recap:
-Took a while to get into
-Liked the red bird prophecy
-Liked Savannah experiencing China. Seems honest and real
-Except the honey trap. HIM?
-*frustrated hair pulling*
-ex-Paul is an ass
-Her relationship problem is awful and shouldn’t be a problem, but that doesn’t negate her feelings or experience.
-HEA

My seemingly lack of enthusiasm isn’t because of Chasing Fireflies. I can see why fans are raving about it. But for me, once the desire for this genre has been sated, I’m good for a while. Even over a month later, I remember the story and characters well enough, which is impressive. Usually fluffy romance novels zip right through my head afterwards.

It worked for me and I’m happy with my choice ^_^

Recommendation: Read it for what it is or steer clear.

Sweet contemporary romance fans will love it, especially the soul mate believers. Unless you have a specific desire, it’s skippable.

Taylor Dean’s I’m With You will not only tug at your heartstrings, it will break your heart and put it back together again. Making the hard choices is when you really know you are alive.

 

Add me to Goodreads now.

 

MY REVIEW

 

I cannot imagine the paralyzing effect losing a child would have on me. Taylor Dean does an amazing job of wringing every drop of emotion from me, but leaving me satisfied at the end.

 

Child loss. Trisomy 18 – incompatible with life.

 

The heartwrenching decision. Hope. Compassion. Love. Romance.

 

Taylor even includes a couple of cleaning tips while Chloe is cleaning house. It is writing like this that keeps Taylor Dean’s stories “real”.

 

Catastrophes draw some people closer, while tearing others apart. Each person must find their way of dealing with what little control there is left in life when tragedy strikes. . The characters are so developed and complex, I feel as if I know them, some friends, others not so much.

 

Two women, so totally different…and Jack. Chloe is just too nice, in my book. I want her to kick some Tanya ass and maybe even smack Jack up side the head and tell him to get real. I got very pissed at Jack, and even Chloe at times. I wanted to punch Mark in the face. What a dip shit. I was so angry the last third of the book…Men…but, it is true, Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus. We all deal with things in our own way…to survive.

 

When I think the worst is over, Taylor throws even more terrible angst my way. I knew it was too easy for Happy Ever After. Something else had to happen. I kept waiting for the proverbially other shoe to drop. It did more than drop, it collapsed!

 

I’m With You left me wrung out, emotionally spent. I sat in silence, regrouping.

 

As I read about Jerad tears filled my eyes. I had to pause before reading Taylor’s note. Trisomy 18 is real and personal for her and her family and I would like to thank them so much for sharing their story.

  5 STARS

 

To read more and enter the fabulous giveaway, go HERE.

 

• To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.
• If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
• Thanks for visiting!

 

Welcome to my Tag Team Events!

 

Laura and I are the Tag Team Bloggers.

 

You can find Laura at fuonlyknew.

 

We Tag Team an author and publish our posts at the same time.

Whether it’s for a cover reveal, giveaway, review, interview, or something more, the author will be tagged by us and you will be alerted to go to Laura’s blog or mine to see additional content. It’s really fun to see how differently we view the same book and you get an extra chance to win with our giveaways!

 

~~~~~

 

FOR NICK by taylor dean

 

I am thrilled to have Taylor Dean on my blog today. For my peeps, you will find a familiar name. Welcome Taylor and take it away. Oh, be sure and read to the end to enter the fantastic giveaway from Taylor.

 

Add me to Goodreads now.

 

For Nick by Taylor Dean

 

Cover Design: Jules Isaacs

 

MY REVIEW

 

Taylor Dean can spin a tale that will tug at your heartstrings and For Nick is no exception. I used to think that contemporary and inspirational fiction was not my cup of tea, but authors like Taylor have won me over. The fabulous writing and realistic characters have the ability to touch my heart and leave me wanting more.

 

I knew right away something was wrong and what would happen but not why. Taylor's writing grabs my attention and doesn't let go. She will lure you in, starting out all lovey dovey and sweet, then BAM!

 

Zachary's grandfather had given him a choice. He had one year to find someone and marry, or he would lose his inheritance.

 

He chose Andie, because she said no in a firm and funny way that intrigued him. I couldn’t help but smile at her response to him.

 

The deal, one year of marriage, one episode of consummation, one million dollars.

 

The dance of love, when all is bright fun and breathtaking. The banter between him and Andie is fun. They act like kids in love, sometimes goofy and playful.

 

Why are we so closed that lack of communication can ruin something so good? I get frustrated with no communication. The "funny" thing is, it complicates real life too. Taylor has a way to make her characters come to life, draw you in, and never let you go.

 

The saying curiosity killed the cat is so appropriate, but I will leave it to you to find out why for yourself.

 

The restaurant scene not only broke my heart, it pissed me off. Tissues required.

 

I was already on verge of tears, but when Andie said “I’m scared,” my tears flowed and my throat tightened. I couldn’t see the words through my tears streaming down my face. I tried to read through them so I could find a happy place to take a breath. Painful and sweet, laughter with the tears, isn't that life?

 

The story is predictable, but the journey is an adventure I was delighted to be on.

 

For Nick smacks of the Pretty Woman movie, with Julia Roberts, fairy tales and miracles.

 

Taylor has a way with endings. You think you know it, but she puts in a special twist that clutches at your heart, yet fills it with joy. She adds that little twist that will make you smile and crave more. I want to tell you so much more...but I am done.

 

This is a story you want to learn on your own, no spoilers from me.

 

I received a copy of For Nick by Taylor Dean in return for an honest and unbiased review.

5 Stars

 

 

SYNOPSIS

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

 

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up. To find out what Taylor Dean is up to, follow the links below:

Loss, grief, sorrow and the love that binds – I’m With You by Taylor Dean (Book Trailer, review coming soon)

A sweet romance – Joshua’s Folly by Taylor Dean (Review)

sierra by taylor dean – Come on over and take a peek (Book trailer)

Missing Any Memories? i have people by taylor dean (Review)

sierra by taylor dean (Review)

the middle aisle by taylor dean (Review)

Is he a ghost? A vampire? Is he even real or just a figment of her imagination? (Lancaster House Review)

 

 

GIVEAWAY

 

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE