Tag Archives: Jenn McKinlay

Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

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Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

 

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Description:
Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a strange feeling the tome is somehow calling to her. She decides to consult the Museum of Literature, home to volumes of indecipherable secrets, some possessing magic that must be guarded. The collection is known as the of Books of Dubious Origin.

Here, Zoe discovers that she is the last descendant of a family of witches and this little black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother. However, the book’s potential power draws all things magical to it, and Zoe finds herself under the constant watch of a pesky raven, while being chased by undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and assorted ghouls.

With assistance from the eccentric staff of the Books of Dubious Origin—including their annoyingly smart and handsome containment specialist, Jasper Griffin—Zoe must confront her past and the legacy of her family. But as their adventure unfolds, she’ll have to decide if she’s ready to embrace her destiny.

 

 

Review:

Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay is an enchanting cozy story about a librarian who learns that she is descended to a long line of powerful witches.  Zoe Ziakas lives a quiet life as a librarian in a small town in Connecticut. She likes her quiet life and loves her job. A mysterious book arrives on her desk, with an envelope addressed to her; which looked like her deceased mother’s handwriting.  When the book ends up outside her house, she decides to consult Agatha (her aunt), who also happens to be a witch. Agatha thinks it best that Zoe should visit the Museum of Literature in New York City and speak with the director, Claire Carpenter.

Zoe will learn that she is the last descendant of a family of witches, and the black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother.  The museum houses lots of odd volumes, including the called Books of Dubious Origin. At first, Zoe doesn’t want to stay at the museum, always goes back home. She had promised her mother that she would never explore her heritage, leading her to discover reveals of her family’s fate, and the immense powers drawing Zoe to accept her past and embrace her destiny.  Zoe is very smart, confident in her librarian abilities, researcher, as well as having a fantastic memory.

Zoe gets help from the staff of the Books of Dubious Origin, who are amazing. All of them were a great group; Olive, Jasper, Miles, Tariq, with all helping each of them to fight off danger. Over time, there were a lot of encounters with ghosts and the undead; not to mention an evil enemy.

Witches of Dubious Origin was an exciting, enchanting, fun, magic, supernatural and books filled with spells.  Zoe will find her found family, embrace her destiny, uncover secrets, and learn more of the power of books and knowledge. Witches of Dubious Origin was very well written by Jenn McKinley. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

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Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

 

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Description:
When a librarian moves to a quaint Irish village where her favorite novelist lives, the last thing she expects is to fall for the author’s prickly son… until their story becomes one for the books, from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading .

Emily Allen, a librarian on Martha’s Vineyard, has always dreamed of a life of travel and adventure. So when her favorite author, Siobhan Riordan, offers her a job in the Emerald Isle, Emily jumps at the opportunity. After all, Siobhan’s novels got Em through some of the darkest days of her existence.

Helping Siobhan write the final book in her acclaimed series—after a ten-year hiatus due to a scorching case of writer’s block—is a dream come true for Emily. If only she didn’t have to deal with Siobhan’s son, Kieran Murphy. He manages Siobhan’s bookstore, and the grouchy bookworm clearly doesn’t want Em around.

When Siobhan’s health takes a bad turn, she’s more determined than ever to finish her novel, while Kieran tries every trick in the book to get his mother to rest. Thrown into the role of peacemaker, Emily begins to see that Kieran’s heart is in the right place. Torn between helping Siobhan find closure with her series and her own growing feelings for the mercurial Irishman, Emily will have to decide if she’s truly ready to turn a new page and figure out what lies in the next chapter.

 

 

 

Review:

Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay is a wonderful enemies to lovers standalone novel.   We meet Emily Allen at the start, when she arrives in Ireland. Emily is a librarian in Martha’s Vineyard, who is obsessed with her favorite author’s books.  After writing a letter to the author, Siobhan Riordan, Emily was offered a job to be her assistant in helping her get out of her writer’s block, which has been 10 years since she last wrote another book in the Tig McMorrow series. Emily jumps at the chance to leave home, as she feels suffocated and dreams of going to Finn’s Hollow in Emerald Isle, and working with her hero, as well as helping in the bookstore.

Before she gets to meet Siobhan, she meets her boss at the bookstore, who turns out to be Siobhan’s son, Keir, who is broody, grumpy and treats her badly, determined to get her back to America; but Emily manages to bring out her sassy side giving the same back at him. In a short time, things will change, as the fiery chemistry between them escalates, with both eventually finding themselves falling for each other.  The banter between them was fun and witty; with Keir unable to resist Emily’s charm.

Emily is thrilled to meet her hero, Siobhan, which was a dream come true.  Siobhan was a terrific character, being so sweet and happy around Emily, taking her around the town. Finally, with both discussing things, Siobhan begins to find her muse, and starts to write again.  I really loved Siobhan, and her closeness to Emily. Emily was the perfect person for Siobhan, as they both became close, with both having so much love and passion in working on the book.

We learn more about why Keir is so protective of his mother, and when Siobhan’s health takes a turn, she is more determined to finish the final book.  Emily learns the secret that she has to keep it from Keir, and understands why he always wanted her to rest. Emily made a promise, and can she hide the truth of Siobhan’s health until she finishes the book?

When Keir learns the truth about Siobhan’s health, he pushes Emily away, and tells her to leave Ireland when the book is done.  As we get closer to the end, all three of them work together to finish the book, to a successful conclusion. Keir will realize that he loves Emily, and they will find their way back together.

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story, with love, romance, friendship, great secondary characters; and lots of Ireland.  I loved how the town all adored Siobhan, especially those who were part of the book shop and house.  This book covered a lot of issues along the way, such as emotions, grief, love and family. Love at First Book was so very well written by Jenn McKinlay.

Love at First Book was a fantastic read, which I thought was the best one yet from McKinlay. I loved the book from start to finish.  I suggest you read Love at First Book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay – Review & Giveaway

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Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
For Samantha Gale, a summer on Martha’s Vineyard at her family’s tiny cottage was supposed to be about resurrecting her career as a chef, until she’s tasked with chaperoning her half-brother, Tyler. The teenage brainiac is spending his summer at the local library in a robotics competition, and there’s no place Sam, who’s dyslexic, likes less than the library. And because the universe hates her, the library’s interim director turns out to be the hot-reader guy whose book she accidentally destroyed on the ferry ride to the island.

Bennett Reynolds is on a quest to find his father, whose identity he’s never known. He’s taken the temporary job on the island to research the summer his mother spent there when she got pregnant with him. Ben tells himself he isn’t interested in a relationship right now. Yet as soon as Sam knocks his book into the ocean, he can’t stop thinking about her.

An irresistible attraction blossoms when Ben inspires Sam to create the cookbook she’s always dreamed about and she jumps all in on helping him find his father, and soon they realize their summer fling may heat up into a happily ever after.

 

 

Review:

Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay is a standalone novel. We meet Samantha (Sam) Gale, our heroine, who is returning home to Martha’s Vineyard, to spend the summer at her family’s cottage to chaperone her half-brother, Tyler.  Her parents are going away to Europe on vacation for most of the summer, and since she quit her job (passed over on a promotion) as a chef in a well-known restaurant, she agrees to come home. Tyler (who is 14) and Sam aren’t that close, since she rarely visits, and he is enrolled in spending his summer at the local library in a robotics competition.  Sam, who has struggled all her life with dyslexia, is happy she doesn’t have to be around his class, keeping her dyslexia a secret.

While on the ferry home, she meets a handsome stranger, who she accidently destroyed the book he was reading.  Bennett (Ben) Reynolds, our hero, has taken a job as the director at the library for the summer, as he is also trying to search for the father he never knew.   When Sam visits her friend in the library, she is shocked to see the handsome stranger now working there.  In a short time, a slow built romance begins, with Ben finding himself very attracted to Sam, and will help him try to find his father.  Sam also gets a job at a new restaurant to handle Friday Night appetizers, which she will make her own recipes, which turns out to be very successful.

The relationship between Ben and Sam was wonderful to watch, as he learned about Sam’s dyslexia, and would read the book out loud for her to enjoy the story; he was so sweet, endearing and supportive for Sam. He also convinced Sam that she should write a cookbook, since she had so many wonderful recipes.   Sam worried, as she knew she was falling for him, and she did not plan on staying past the summer.  Will Sam and Ben find a way to stay together?

Most of all I loved the bonding between Tyler and Sam, as in a short time he totally opened up to Sam, and they were so much fun together. I adored Tyler teasing Sam about her relationship with Ben, as well as Sam teaching him how to dance, and meet his girlfriend.  It was so warm and loving to watch them become so close.

Summer Reading was a sweet, heartwarming story, with a wonderful sibling relationship, a great couple, and fun likeable characters throughout. We learn a lot about dyslexia, as well as the book is written in a dyslexia friendly font. There were also some great food recipes. Summer Reading was a delightful read, written so very well by Jenn McKinley.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jenn McKinlay’s publisher, Berkley Romance is offering a paper copy of SUMMER READING to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Jenn McKinlay on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Giveaway is open to  US only.

8. Giveaway runs from May 16th to 20th, 2023

 

 

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Wait For It by Jenn McKinlay – Review & Giveaway

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Wait For It by Jenn McKinlay – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Stuck in a dreary Boston winter, Annabelle Martin would like nothing more than to run away from her current life. She’s not even thirty years old, twice-divorced, and has just dodged a marriage proposal… from her ex-husband. When she’s offered her dream job as creative director at a cutting-edge graphic design studio in Phoenix, she jumps at the opportunity to start over.

When she arrives in the Valley of the Sun, Annabelle is instantly intrigued by her anonymous landlord. Based on the cranky, handwritten notes Nick Daire leaves her, she assumes he is an old, rich curmudgeon. Annabelle is shocked when she finally meets Nick and discovers that he’s her age and uses a wheelchair. Nick suffered from a stroke a year ago, and while there’s no physical reason for him not to recover, he is struggling to overcome the paralyzing fear that has kept him a prisoner in his own home.

Despite her promise to herself not to get involved, Annabelle finds herself irresistibly drawn to Nick. And soon she wonders if she and Nick might help each other find the courage to embrace life, happiness, and true love.

 

 

 

Review:

Wait for It by Jenn McKinley is a wonderful standalone novel.  We meet our heroine, Annabelle Martin, who lives in Boston and is a very good graphic designer; she has been married twice at 28 years old, remaining friends with her ex. Annabelle is fun, outgoing, impulsive, reckless, but she is a master at creating fabulous designs. Her best friend Sophia, begs her to move to Phoenix and become their creative director for her graphic design studio; since she knows that Annabelle is what she needs for her company.   When Annabelle’s ex starts what looks like another marriage proposal, she immediately shouts about her job offer, and is planning to move to Phoenix.  Annabelle is now on her way to Phoenix, to take over the creative director position with Sophia and Miquel’s company. 

Miquel (Sophia’s husband) is owed a favor, and manages to get 6 month lease on a guest house at a mansion for Annabelle to use.  The owner, Nick Daire, is retired and reclusive, and Annabelle never gets to see him, other than notes he leaves to her that give her strict rules (no use of pool, no guests, no pets, etc).  She assumes the cranky landlord is old and rich, and when she finally forces herself to meet him, she is shocked to see he is her age, and totally gorgeous.  Seems Nick suffered a stroke a year ago, and keeps this information private; he has a cook, gardener/driver and trainer.  In a short time, Nick begins to find himself attracted to the beautiful and outgoing Annabelle, who manages to push his buttons, and a sizzling romance begins. 

Nick trains to build his body, but he has anxiety attacks, due to fear of getting another stroke; but Annabelle senses his anxiety is holding him back, having had some of those signs after the loss of her mother.   Nick is very stubborn; will he allow Annabelle to help him?

Nick has not seen his family for over 20 years, and when his sister shows up out of nowhere, he refuses to help her.  Annabelle tries to convince him to open up to her, but his stubbornness forces the sister to leave.  When Nick finds out that someone at Annabelle’s company has been sabotaging her, he makes plans to put her in charge of a new client for the graphic design company, using his sister and Annabelle.  The nasty person in the company continues to try to cause damage, but together with her team, who has become loyal to her, she manages to be a step ahead.

I really loved Annabelle and Nick together, as they had amazing chemistry.  It was also wonderful to see Annabelle and her graphic design team work be her friends; as well as the sister becoming her friend too. The overall story was very well done, with some major issues such as, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, fear, family issues and emotional stress.  Very well written by McKinlay.

What follows is a wonderful, heartwarming romance, which as noted has some issues along the way.  Nick needs to come to terms to being able to step out into the public, and learn to deal with his fears.  Annabelle was a great heroine, though she too needed to learn when to step back a bit.  Wait for It was a fun fabulous read, which was so very well written by Jenn McKinlay.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jenn McKinlay’s publisher,  is offering a paper copy of WAIT FOR IT  to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Jenn McKinlay on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Giveaway is open to  US only.

8. Giveaway runs from August 11th to 16th, 2021

 

 

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Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

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Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s been seven years since Chelsea Martin embarked on her yearlong post-college European adventure. Since then, she’s lost her mother to cancer and watched her sister marry twice, while Chelsea’s thrown herself into work, becoming one of the most talented fundraisers for the American Cancer Coalition, and with the exception of one annoyingly competent coworker, Jason Knightley, her status as most talented fundraiser is unquestioned.

When her introverted mathematician father announces he’s getting remarried, Chelsea is forced to acknowledge that her life stopped after her mother died, and that the last time she can remember being happy, in love, or enjoying her life was on her gap year. Inspired to retrace her steps–to find Colin in Ireland, Jean Claude in France, and Marcelino in Italy–Chelsea hopes that one of these three men who stole her heart so many years ago, can help her find it again.

From the start of her journey nothing goes as planned, but as Chelsea reconnects with her old self, she also finds love in the very last place she expected.

 

 

Review:

Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay is a fun standalone novel.  We meet our heroine, Chelsea Martin, who is a workaholic, with a successful job, as her company’s top fundraiser for the American Cancer Coalition.  Even with her success, she has a co-worker, who annoys her to no end.  Jason Knightley, our hero, works with Chelsea and is always one step ahead of her with his annoying sarcastic comments that drive her crazy. 

Chelsea gets a surprise, when she learns that her widowed father is planning to remarry, and has only known his future bride for two weeks.  Chelsea’s sister is happy for her father, and tells Chelsea that she has stopped enjoying her life after their mother died 7 years ago.  When Chelsea learns that Jason is going to work with her on a big project, she decides it’s time for her to quit her job and take a trip to Europe to revisit her wonderful journey before her mother died. She plans to retrace her fun times, with visits to Ireland, France and Italy, trying to meet the three young men in each country that made her feel loved and joyous. Before she leaves, she learns that her boss is sick, and insists that she remain with the company to help Jason with the project, but allowing her to go on the journey.

 What follows is a wonderful fun story, as Chelsea looks to find happiness and love again.  With Ireland the first stop, she finds the man whom she fell for, and though he was happy to see her, things were not the same.  But most of all, Jason ends up surprising Chelsea by coming to Ireland to work with her, as they will be meeting the person who wants to build the new project, as well as donate a large sum to the fund.   In a short time, a friendship will build between Chelsea and Jason, with them getting past their work differences and spending time together getting to know each other better personally.  Their bantering and humor were fun, and we knew pretty quickly, despite Chelsea’s determination to find a romance with one of the three men, a slow built romance will eventually bring them together.

Though her Ireland ex-boyfriend, Colin, turned into a jerk, and her meeting her France ex, Jean Claude was not meant to be; but she was thrilled to see Marcelino in Italy. He ran a very successful vineyard, not to mention lived in a Castle and was a great guy; even Jason thought he was great.  Will Chelsea convince herself that she wanted to stay with Marcelino or does she fall in love with Jason?

Paris is Always Good Idea was a sweet, fun, enjoyable story, and I loved the travel in Ireland, France and Italy.  Lots of beauty, food and fun.  This was a different kind of book from Jenn McKinlay and I totally loved every moment.  I wholly suggest you read this wonderful romantic story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Christmas Keeper by Jenn McKinlay – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Christmas Keeper by Jenn McKinlay – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
All he wants for Christmas…

The second Joaquin Solis saw Savannah Wilson, he knew she was destined to be his wife. Unfortunately, Savannah’s sights are set on a happily-ever-after of another kind: skewering the boss who got her fired. Until then, she won’t act on the scorching sexual chemistry that is brewing between them, leaving Joaquin scrambling to find a way to capture her heart.

When the opportunity arises to use his ranch to boost Savannah’s publicity career, Joaquin doesn’t hesitate to invite her into his world at Shadow Pines and woo her with all of his Christmas loving mojo. It’s a gamble since the holidays aren’t really Savannah’s thing and helping her might also mean losing her as she plans to shake the dust off of their quaint town in North Carolina and head back to New York City the first chance she gets.

But Joaquin believes in the magic of Christmas and he knows with a little help from his friends at the Happily Ever After Bookstore, he can convince the woman of his dreams that he’s a keeper…

 

 

Review:

The Christmas Keeper by Jenn McKinlay is the 2nd book in her Happily Ever After series. This was a fun sweet Christmas spirited romance, with a great couple and wonderful secondary characters, many of whom we met in the previous book.

Savannah (Savy) Wilson, our heroine, is helping her best friend Maisy (previous book heroine) with her new bookstore.  Savy lost her publicity job in New York, and is pining to return to the city she loves. While enjoying her reading, working with her friends; Savy tries to avoid the looks given her by the handsome hunky cowboy, Joaquin.

Joaquin (Quino) Solis, our hero, is known by his friends as a womanizer, but the woman he desires the most, totally ignores him. He can’t understand why Savy isn’t attracted to him, and does every thing to try to win her over.  Though when both discover that Maisy might have issues with money, they begin to work together to find ways to help.  In a short time, Savy gives in to the sizzling chemistry between her and Quino, and a friendship with benefits begins, with both knowing that Savy will eventually return to New York

Savy was a wonderful heroine, who was fun, smart, and independent. Quino was also a great hero, who was not only loyal and caring to his younger sister, but was determined to win Savy.  I thought that McKinlay gives us a great group of recurring characters, especially the wonderful women such as Savy, Maisy, Jeri, Hannah.   

What follows is a sweet fun story, with some emotional moments, as Quino’s fear for his sister Desi caused him to realize that he needed to get beyond his own issues from losing his parents.  This was a nice element to the story.   I also enjoyed the story line with the famous well known author, who was a recluse, but with Savy and Quino working with her, she too came out of her rut.  Nicely done.  Will Savy return to New York and leave Quino?

The Christmas Keeper was a wonderful story, with a fabulous sexy couple, the backdrop of the romance bookstore and famous author, and great secondary characters.  If you enjoy a sweet fun pure romance, you need to read this book written so very well by Jenn McKinlay.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Savannah slipped into the elf costume and was surprised and delighted to find that the dress actually had pockets. So that was something. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. It was not good.
The striped stockings were not flattering, and the length of the dress on her tall frame made it a mini-dress. She cinched the wide black belt in a desperate attempt to show she had a waistline but the Peter Pan collar still made her look like a doofus. To top it all off, her pointy hat had a jingle bell on the end of it and it rang with every step she took. Ridiculous.
She stomped out of the bathroom and through the office. Whose idea was this Santa-and-elf thing? Shouldn’t they have run it by her?
She found Maisy and “Santa” on the front porch. He was leaning over the railing and waving at cars that drove by and calling, “Ho ho ho.”
Savannah glowered at Maisy.
“Oh, you look so cute,” Maisy cried. Joaquin turned around and took in the sight of Savannah. The grin beneath his bushy white beard was wide.
“Don’t!” She pointed at him. “If anyone is laughing at anyone, I’m laughing at you because you’re wearing a fake beard and a belly pillow.”
“Better than fake ears,” he said. He lifted a white-gloved finger and poked the pointy ear sewn into her hat. She smacked his hand away.
“Stop that,” she said. She turned to Maisy. “You owe me so huge for this.”
“No doubt,” Maisy said. “This is definitely above and beyond, especially for someone as ambivalent about the holidays as you. I really appreciate your digging deep and taking one for the team.”
“Come on,” Joaquin said. “Let’s go out to the street and see if we can wave people in.”
Maisy handed Savy a cloth sack full of candy canes. “Have fun!”
“What? No!” Savannah protested. It was bad enough people coming to the shop might see her but if they stood on the street everyone would see her in this ridiculous getup.
“What’s your elf name?” Joaquin asked as he walked
“I don’t have an elf name,” she snapped.
“Then let’s make one,” he said. “How about Snickerdoodle Jingle Bells?”
“No.”
“Ginger McSnowball.”
“No.” She gave him a grumpy look to mask the laugh that almost escaped.
“I know.” He snapped his gloved fingers but no sound came out. “Mistletoe Merrybottom.”
“Shut up.” This time a snort escaped and he grinned at her. She ignored him. “You can call me Elf. It’s a nice gender-neutral name that’s easy to remember.”
“Boring.” He rolled his eyes but he didn’t argue. He continued down the walkway then began to walk toward the center of town. Savy hurried to catch up to him.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Going where there’s more foot traffic,” he said. “We need to be on the corner to direct shoppers toward the bookstore.”
Savy was not having it. She stopped walking. It took Joaquin a couple of paces to realize she wasn’t behind him. He paused and looked back at her.
“Problem?”
“I am not going to stand in the center of town dressed like an elf,” she said. “Public humiliation was not a part of the bargain when I came to help Maisy out.”
He studied her for a moment. He looked as if he was undecided as to what to say. Savy almost told him not to bother since there was nothing he could say that would change her mind.
Finally, he just sighed and continued walking. “Suit yourself,” he said. “But since it’s going to take a Christmas miracle to save Maisy’s bookstore, I, for one, am willing to make an ass of myself if it helps her keep her shop.”


 

 


Jenn McKinlay’s publisher,  is offering a paper copy of THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER  to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Jenn McKinlay on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Giveaway is open to  US only.

8. Giveaway runs from October 28th to November 2, 2019

 

 

 

 

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About a Dog by Jenn McKinlay – Review & Giveaway

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About a Dog by Jenn McKinlay – Review & Giveaway

 

 

 

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Description:
Mackenzie -Mac- Harris fled her hometown of Bluff Point, Maine, after being left at the altar–and seeking solace in the arms of her best friend’s off-limits brother. Now, seven years later, she’s back to attend her best friend’s wedding–safe, or so she thinks, from the mistakes of her youth.
But Gavin Tolliver has never forgotten the woman who has always held his heart. And when Mac rescues a stray puppy named Tulip, only Gavin, the town’s veterinarian, can help. With a little assistance from Tulip, Gavin vows to make Mac realize that their feelings are more than just puppy love…

 

 

Review:

About a Dog by Jenn McKinlay is the first book in her Bluff Point Romance series.  About a Dog is a sweet cute romance with a very likable couple, great friends, and of course, the cutest dog. What else can you ask for? 

Mac Harris, our heroine, returns to Bluff Point to be maid of honor for her best friend, Emma’s wedding.   Mac  has not been home for 7 years, after she left suddenly when she was left at the altar.  We learn immediately that Mac has kept a secret all those years from Emma.  When she was upset and embarrassed after the groom stood her up, it was  Gavin, our hero and Emma’s baby brother, who took Mac away to help calm her down; in her state of mind, and Gavin hidden feelings for Mac, they ended up having sex. 

Now when she arrives to Bluff Point, to her dismay, it is Gavin who picks her up.  She does all she can to avoid talking too much, not to mention that the baby brother has grown into quite a hunk.  But Mac now has a boyfriend, who is away, and she is determined to avoid Gavin, which is difficult, since he is being paired with her for the wedding, and he is also in the same friends group.  

It was lots of fun to see Mac with her gal pals and the groom’s friends, during the two week stay to help Emma with the planning and rehearsals.  The camaraderie between them was terrific.  Gavin tries every opportunity to talk with Mac about that one night, and to let her know he still thinks about her.  Mac though refuses to let herself think about that night, especially since she is beginning to feel more attracted to Gavin.  But Mac does not want Emma to find out, and also does not want to ruin the wedding. 

About a bit more than ¼ of the way into the story, Mac comes across a stray puppy (mix of pittbull/boxer), which forces her to go to Gavin, who is a vet. They will work together to train the puppy (Tulip), who gives them both such cuddly love.  Mac is staying with her two elderly aunts, who were a bit wild and crazy, but also lots of fun.  The aunts and Mac will take Tulip in to their house and all the friends welcome this cute puppy into their lives.  Unfortunately, Mac’s snobbish boyfriend, does not like the idea of a dog when she returns to California, and devises a plan to make sure she does not have the dog.

What follows is a sweet romance that was slow build (at least for Mac); an adorable puppy who helps enhance the story line with his cuteness; and a group of friends that were so much fun with the banter between them; and the crazy fun aunts.  There is also the storyline of what happened in the past, and to help Mac get past that, as well as to confide to Emma.  Will Mac give in to her feelings for Gavin?  Will Emma understand about her best friend becoming involved with her baby brother?

About a Dog was such an enjoyable read, fun, with likeable characters and very well written by Jenn McKinlay.  If you enjoy pure simple small town romances, fantastic secondary characters, humorous and fun camaraderie and an adorable puppy named Tulip, then you need to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jenn McKinlay’s publisher is offering a paper copy of ABOUT A DOG to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway runs from May 31- June 5, 2017

 

 

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