Infinite Love: The Austin Series Book 6

From the Publisher: With the Campus Killer having been revealed and life changing decisions having been made by Mia, Gabe and Lexi, it should be smooth sailing for the trio. But as ever, nothing goes to plan. Much personal progress is made, but massive backward steps are also taken. Will Mia, Gabe and Lexi finally get their happy ever afters? Infinite Love is the sixth and final book in The Austin Series.

My Review: I'm a bit sad that this is the final book in this series. SO much has happened from the first page of the first book, New Leaves No Strings until the last page of the final one, Infinite Love.

This is only the second series of books I have ever read! Sad, I know, but it gripped me from the very beginning and as soon as I finished one book, I was more than ready to pick up the next to see how situations and events played out. Never once was I disappointed. Never. And that is really saying something coming from me because I am super picky when it comes to books!

Fallowfield did an absolutely amazing job with character development (even though, I really hate to even remark on that because however the author wants to develop his/her characters is totally up to them and we, as readers, shouldn't judge that. But I was happy :)).

The final book, just like the others, starts off where the last one left off. With this one, Mia was kidnapped by the Campus Killer! I really don't want to go into those details but know that it will shock you as to what happened. At least I was!

Just like I didn't want to go into detail about the kidnapping, I honestly don't want to give anything away for the rest of the book. It has so much going on that I would not do it justice to give it a measly couple of paragraphs. Plus, I'd have to give spoilers, and I don't want to do that ;)

However, I will say this book had great moments, great news for Robert and Sofia, a new business adventure for the family, Mia being as stubborn as ever on some things, Gabe being his domineering, but very sexy self,  and other things as well. But with the ups, you must have downs and boy, oh boy, did Fallowfield deliver! There were times I just wanted to reach inside the book and slap a few of these characters silly. But in the end, it was worth it. I loved how the story was concluded and I also liked that she left it a little open for Lexi and Doug to possibly have a story...hint, hint ;)

All in all, The Austin Series was absolutely wonderful and I miss reading it already! If you are looking for a series to start, then start this one. It has love, sex, humor, lots more sex, and suspense.

Click here to purchase on Amazon!

Read my other reviews for The Austin Series: Destined: The Prequel, New Leaves No Strings, Baggage & Buttons, Forever & an Engine, The Honeymoon Period, Love & Loss.

                                                              *****5 Stars!!

The Big Wide Calm

From the Publisher: A young woman’s journey to find herself and create the perfect album

Paige is a rock star. The world just doesn't know it yet. With a name like Paige Plant, how could she be anything but the future front woman of the next Led Zeppelin? She’s got the charisma, the drive, and, of course, the mega-musical skills. All she needs is to make her debut album, one that will change the world, inspire revolutions—and make her galactically famous along the way.

When John Bustin, a rich, reclusive, former semi-famous singer/songwriter offers to record Paige’s album for free, it feels like destiny, like the next step on her way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, like some strange attractor is pulling her in. Guitar in hand, Paige sets off to John’s recording compound, ready to unfold her future.

But the ever-elusive John, with his mysterious history, and Paige, a big dreamer but naïve about her footing in life, clash as much as they coalesce. Before they can change the world through Paige’s music, the improbable duo must learn to work together, and in the process, discover their authenticity.

One part coming-of-age story and retrospective, one part rock and roll epic, The Big Wide Calm focuses a lens on human nature and the complexities of love through the eyes of young and old on the journey of creating the perfect album.

My Review: Paige Plant is one awesome name! I mean, coming from a big Led Zeppelin fan, who wouldn't want that last name ;) Her dad legally changed her last name to Plant because he felt that she would go far in the music business. And she loves music. She loves to write it and sing it.

She has songs she spent years writing and just needs to get them recorded. What she doesn't realize, once she meets John, is that he has more in mind for her than just recording them. John is an older man who sees potential in Paige and he wants her to learn how to dig deep and really feel, really understand where her songs are coming from.

Paige really doesn't want to learn those things and thinks that if the songs are good, then why bother looking into oneself and finding that out? She just wants fortune and fame. She's a bit self-centered in the fact that she thinks she has it all figured out and doesn't need anyone's advice. John thinks otherwise. And even though he may be older, he sees something in Paige and takes her under his wing by offering for her to live in a room above his recording studio and she, a little reluctantly, agrees. I mean, she has no idea who this guy is, and he doesn't have much information out there about himself. But there's something about him...

They make an agreement for her to live there one year, and in that time he will help her write and record her first album. She is too excited! It's what she's wanted! They get started but it's not in the way Paige would have thought. Also, a few days in to the project a new face is added. His name is Bono...yes, named after U2's front man. Why would John bring in somebody else? Why would he offer him the same package as he did Paige? He has something up his sleeve and it seems a little fishy to Paige. But even at that, John seems to know what he's doing and she sticks with it...whether it's out of curiosity or plain stubbornness is something you will have to read for yourself.

What happens in that year with John, Bono, and others, I totally didn't see coming. So much happens with Page learning more about herself, how to love, sex, and how to trust. It is a really deep story of finding out what your made of and what fuels you. What lengths will one go to to see what they're made of and to protect the ones they love? And what drives that passion? This is a really great story and I recommend it highly! Click here to purchase on Amazon!

                                                                  ****4 Stars!

Holding Out For A Hero: A Dreamy Romantic Comedy

From the Publisher: Quinn Campbell loves romance novels and has a rich fantasy life. She's dreamed about her hunky upstairs neighbor as a Viking warrior, a stagecoach bandit, and a Scottish lord. Will Quinn ever find out if the real man can live up to her fantasies?

My Review: Jesse has been the object of Quinn's fantasies for two years. Other than the occasional elevator ride up to their respective apartments with idle chit-chat, they really have no other interaction. The first time Quinn saw Jesse, he was getting in the elevator with is posse. He's a former pro-football player and, in her eyes, a player in other areas as well. 

So one day when coming home from a hectic day of work, Quinn clumsily drops her belongings and Jesse is there to help  her. He also takes the opportunity and asks for her help. She's a well-known set decorator and he is in need of an apartment re-do since he has been asked to be the cover story of a local magazine. Quinn jumps at the chance! During the next few days, they spend a lot of time together, getting to know a little more about each other. But with that comes the realization for Quinn that she just might not measure up to his standards of women. It seems he is constantly surrounded by gorgeous women and Quinn feels that she just can't (and doesn't) measure up.  

However, during the time they are together, sparks start and it seems that Jesse might me more interested than Quinn thinks. But is this wishful thinking or does Jesse really seem to be into Quinn? Along with the sexual tension coursing between them, Jesse turns out to not only be the center of her many fantasies, but also a very upstanding guy. One that she had no idea was beneath that tough, sexy, masculine exterior. Will this be the start of something more for Quinn and Jesse or will he continue to just be the object of her secret fantasy? You have to get the book to find out! Click here to purchase on Amazon. 

Since this is a novella, I don't want to go into any more detail! But please know that this does contain adult content and is not for young readers. 

                                                                        ****4 Stars    

Love & Loss: The Austin Series Book 5

From the Publisher: Physically scarred and emotionally tormented, Gabe struggles to deal with the way his accident is affecting his future and relationship. Mia is resolved to stand by her man, no matter what, and she reaches out to her father to try and resolve some of her fears in order to move forward with Gabe. The results of their meeting are both shocking and illuminating, helping her take a major step in her healing process.

Lexi struggles with the pressures of her past affecting her relationship, as well as her University workload, and is forced to re-evaluate what she actually wants from her life.

The Campus Killer continues to evade the authorities and potential tragedy looms when he strikes too close to home.

My Review: This is the 5th book in The Austin Series and it has so much going on! I'm going to have to say right now that if you haven't read the first four books (Well, five if you include the prequel, Destined), you need to STOP reading this post HERE!!!

As with the other books, this one picks up where The Honeymoon Period left off. Mia is in the car park (parking lot to us Americans ;)) not sure what the heck is happening. The last thing she remembered before closing her eyes was somebody coming up behind Gabe and attacking him. Once she gets up enough courage to open them and help her man, she realizes the attacker is Doug! He is there to help her since he knows Gabe is not himself at the moment. He tells her to go to her apartment and he'll take care of Gabe. Of course, this is after Mia and Gabe say hurtful things to each other and Mia tells him she needs a break and for him to snap out of whatever the heck is going on or she can't see him anymore. He hears that as her wanting out for good and loses it, hense Doug stepping in since Gabe was really pissed off and grabbed Mia's arm and held it really tightly, not letting go even though she was begging him to.

This sets into motion a few days of them being apart. Mia not wanting to contact Gabe since she feels she's the reason his moods and temper have been bad and him not wanting to contact her because he feels that she wants nothing to do with him since he hurt her. But they can't stay away from each other for too long, due to the fact that they are both madly in love and Lexi and Doug stepping in since they both know Mia and Gabe are miserable without each other :) Upon getting back together, Gabe admits that he needs help with his anger and the fact that he is so possessive of Mia. She also agrees that she will continue her therapy with Dr. Jarvis to try and get over her fear of commitment and trust issues with men.

That's just the tip of the iceburg with what goes on in this book! Here are some more key highlights:

-Mia meets up with her dad and that relationship is finalized...what's the verdict? Will they reconcile and form a relationship or will it end for good?
-Gabe's father, Robert, introduces his girlfriend, Sofia, to Gabe. Will he accept her as part of his father's life, or have nothing to do with her since he can't believe his dad is dating anyone?
-Gabe and Mia move in together! Will this help ease her fears about getting married, or will she be content in her situation and not want to take that next step?
-Lexi still has commitment issues of her own. Can she put those fears to rest and trust in Doug's love enough to stay with him, or will she leave him to go back to the comfort of one night stands?
-The Campus Killer is still on the loose and no one knows who he is or when he will strike again. With Mia wanting a little more freedom to take on a part-time job, will Gabe let her out of his sight? And if so, will she be the next victim?

Those are only some of what this book touches on! I, in no way, can go into all the details of what lies in store for the reader and don't want to!! If you are caught up on the previous four books in this series, then what are you waiting for?? Get this one and start reading! You will not be disappointed, trust me. I can't believe how these characters have progressed and what a great job Fallowfield (the author) has done with this series. It's hard to believe that there is just one more book to go.

Click here to purchase on Amazon!

                                                                         *****5 Stars!

Their Tangled Hearts

From the Publisher: Emma had spent the last five years learning to cope with tragedy. She should have known that Doc had something up his sleeve when he'd talked her into taking a cooking job at a Colorado cattle ranch. Cooking was the easy part. Working with disabled children was something she was decidedly not prepared for. Throw in a tall dark mountain of a man with a voice like warm velvet and she was completely over her head! It would take God to straighten out the tangled mess she had made of her life.

My Review: Every once in a while, I like to read a book like this. It was easy, not too dramatic, and the characters were in a very realistic setting. The story itself was down to earth and not like a lot of books are these days and the love story was pure and very sweet.

Emma Winters is a young woman who knows tragedy. At her age, early twenties, she has experienced heartache to no end. When she was a little girl, both of her parents died in a car accident and she was left to be raised by her godparents, "Doc" and Martha Linden. They raised her and loved her like she was their own daughter. But, life happens and they couldn't shelter Emma from everything. One night, Emma had a horrifying experience that would change her for the rest of her life and make her shield her heart from anything, and anyone, who wanted in. She was a beautiful young woman with so much going for her, she was a songwriter and was very good at it! She chose to write under a different name to keep anyone from knowing it was her. So she uses that as an outlet for her feelings and her songs are sung by famous Country music stars. Yet with all that success, she is still unhappy.

However, when Doc persuades her to take a position at the Lazy J Ranch, she is very reluctant because she has spent so much time building up walls around her, that she doesn't want to leave the comfort of her self-made prison. When she arrives at the ranch, she is welcomed with open arms and Sue, one of the owners, explains that she will also be helping with the disabled children who come everyday. This tears at Emma's heart and she wants to run and never look back. She doesn't want to confront that demon, among many, that is staring her in the face. But why? What is it about these children that has Emma wanting to quit?

Jake Peterson is a young man, also in his mid-twenties and when he and Emma meet for the first time, it's not under normal circumstances. With everything that has happened to Emma, she has nightmares about one particular thing and on her first night at the ranch, it rears it's ugly head. She wakes up screaming at the top of her lungs and before she knows what's happening, Jake is with her and has her in his strong, safe arms. Emma likes the feeling but she can't dwell on it. She doesn't trust men but for some reason, she feels something in this strangers arms. He is so caring and gentle and in that moment, her heart starts to thaw.

Jake has had similar heartache. He lost his wife and little girl in a car accident a few years back and is dealing with his own loss. However, he is a bit of a mystery to Emma because she knows she has seen him, or at least heard his voice before but she can't place him. One day, it all becomes clear and she instantly knows who Jake really is. Will she open up to him and let him know her as well?

There is so much more to this story than what I just described but I don't want to give all the good stuff away! Ultimately, you need to get the book to see how Emma and Jake deal with what life has thrown their way and how they deal with helping each other get through it. And also, if it will bring them closer to each other in the process. It's such a sweet, innocent love story that is from a Christian perspective, not one that is filled with sex and bad words. It's a wholesome one that you won't be afraid to let your tweens/teens read :)

To purchase on Amazon Click here! To purchase on Barnes & Noble click here!

                                                      ****4 Stars I really liked this book

The Honeymoon Period: The Austin Series Book 4

From the Publisher: The Honeymoon Period - Definition by urbandictionary.com is “The three month maximum period between a person’s entry into a new situation and a person’s complete screwing up of said situation or essential elements of it.”

While Mia took her operation and diagnosis in her stride, it has taken its toll on Gabe. He desperately wants to convince Mia to change her mind, to one day agree to marry him and start a family, but Mia is still weighted down by the baggage of her past.

Gabe also struggles with his slow recovery from the accident, while Mia finds his increasing mood swings and possessiveness more and more difficult to handle. The friction only adds to their scorching sexual compatibility.

Robert Austin, aware that Gabe wants more, presents Mia with a difficult choice. Deal with her commitment issues, or walk away from his son for good.

Lexi however seems to be making remarkable progress in her personal life, handling not only her miscarriage, but a new relationship with Doug. Is she strong enough to sustain it all?

My Review: Since reading this series from the beginning, it is so great to see the how the characters have grown and developed. They grow with every book and so does the way they handle what comes their way.

This book starts right where Forever & an Engine left off. It's five days after Gabe's accident and Mia is by his bedside at the hospital. Whoever was behind the wheel of the car that hit him ended up breaking his collarbone, along with other pretty bad injuries. Now is prognosis is he might never be able to swim competitively again...and that does not settle well with Gabe.

Mia, only a little over a week since her surgery, is now in the position to take care of Gabe. She loves him and is only too willing to be there for him just like he was there for her after her operation. The only thing is, it takes it's toll on her not only physically, but emotionally as well. She knows how much swimming means to Gabe, but now that the doctor said that he might not ever get back to how he was, will Mia be strong enough for him and be able to help him through this? She is also still wondering if Gabe heard her when she mentioned him moving in with her. It turns out he did, and his answer might just shock you.

Gabe and Mia continue to grow in their love for each other and also in how they fight. Mia and Gabe keep having some serious issues, and little do they know, it will come to a head soon. Meanwhile, Robert, Gabe's father, confronts Mia about her not wanting marriage or a family. He is just taking up for his son because he knows Gabe wants those one day and he knows Mia doesn't. He basically tells her that if she can't give him what he wants, she needs to walk away! Of course, Mia is taken aback by this but Robert quickly tells her that he will pay for her to see someone to talk through her issues about marriage and having a family. As long as she agrees to do that, he will be happy. Does she love Gabe enough to deal with that or will she ultimately walk away? She has to decide.

In the meantime, Gabe and Mia still have seriously hot sex pretty much all the time! They also go away together for a relaxing getaway but it ends in a way that I didn't see coming! Also, Gabe's domineering attitude and controlling nature are getting worse and Mia is almost at the end of her rope. Will their relationship last or will Mia walk away due to the fact that she can't handle being treated like a child?

Lexi and Doug are getting pretty close but Lexi is still reserved and can't seem to shake the feeling that she can't fully give herself over to a man other than sexually. Since she has no relationship with her parents whatsoever, it's really hard for her to trust anyone when it comes to the relationship front...she's having second thoughts about Doug but Mia tries to talk some sense into her by telling her that Doug really cares for her and she has nothing to worry about! However, Lexi is a stubborn one and leaves us wondering what she's going to do.

The Honeymoon Period is a great continuation to the Austin Series! This series has not been stagnant even a little bit. It has delivered every time and just continues to get better with every book. If you have not started it, you are missing out on a great love story! Click here to purchase The Honeymoon Period on Amazon. And please see my previous blogs for the reviews of the other books in the series: New Leaves, No Strings, Baggage & Buttons, Forever & an Engine and also the prequel, Destined.

                                                                     *****5 Stars