Book number 23 in my Goodreads Reading Challenge is Destined for Love by Melissa Foster.

‘Rex Braden is wealthy, hard working, and fiercely loyal. Sweat at his brow, he works the family ranch by day, then kicks back at night with part time lovers who require nothing more than his physical presence a few times each week. But that was before. Before Jade Johnson, the daughter of the man his father has been feuding with for over forty years, moves back into town.

After ditching a horrific relationship–and her veterinary practice in the process–Jade Johnson returns to the safety of her small hometown and finally finds her footing. That is…until her horse is injured and Rex Braden comes to her rescue. The last thing she needs is a bull-headed, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Braden complicating her life.

Despite the angry family history, sparks fly between Rex and Jade, and attitudes follow. Fifteen years of stifled, forbidden love stirs a surge of passion too strong for either to deny–and the rebel in each of them rears its powerful head. Loyalties are tested, and relationships are strained. Rex and Jade are about to find out if true love really can conquer all.’ (Thanks Amazon!)

Yes that’s right….i’m on a chick lit roll!  I have required some easy reading of late, and this one definitely hit the spot.  The gorgeous Rex Braden, a family man who works his family ranch is happy with his life – or so he thinks – when Jade Johnson, the daughter of his neighbour returns to town.  Fifteen years after he last saw her, old feelings are stirred up as he tries to stay away from her, knowing that this father would be furious to find out he was talking to a member of the Johnson family.

I knew where this story was going but I didn’t care.  It was a little saucy; a hot forbidden romance.  A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with a glass of wine!  If you are looking for a light read, full of romance then this would be a great choice.  It’s the second book in the Braden series – whilst I have not read the first in the series, I don’t believe I missed out by reading this one first.  I do however intend to read the rest of the series.

Rating: 📖 📖 📖 📗

The 22nd book in my Goodreads Reading Challenge is Planning Bliss by Michelle Jo Quinn.

‘He may be the best man,
but he’s the worst man for her…

Wedding planner, Veronica Soto-Stewart believes everyone deserves a fairy tale wedding – even her ex-boyfriend and his new fiancée. Unable to refuse their request for the sake of her business, she finds herself planning the most magical event for the perfect couple.

Except nothing is ever perfect…

Especially when the best man, Levi Laurent, is doing everything to get her to notice him, but Veronica wants nothing to do with the rich, sexy, irresistible playboy.

Can Levi convince Veronica that her own happily ever after is closer than she thinks?’ (Thanks Amazon)

So Planning Bliss (previously published as Confessions of a Wedding Planner) is the first book in the Bliss series by Michelle Jo Quinn.   Veronica cannot bring herself to refuse Jake, her perfect ex-boyfriend, when he asks her to arrange his wedding to Sandrine, the glamorous French woman he fell in love with whilst still dating her.  Veronica finds herself unable to refuse Jake himself, or the business that it will give her by arranging such a lavish wedding.  As a result, she finds herself stuck with Levi, Jake’s best friend and best man, a man that has infuriated Veronica every since she has known him.  I don’t want to give any of the story away, although you will guess what happens.  This is not a novel about twists and turns though.   This is an easy read – it is exactly what you would expect it to be. If you aren’t looking for surprises but rather a light hearted piece of chick lit then this novel will fit the bill.

Rating: 📖 📖 📖