Dante's Gift by Aubrey Wynne & Storm by Kate Palmer (Review Briefs)

Review briefs are short reviews for books I need to review, but are either novellas (you can only say so much about a short book), books I didn't like, or when I don't have time for a longer review but need to get one posted.

Dante's GiftDante's Gift
by Aubrey Wynne
NA/Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 102 Pages
October 6th 2015 by Plato Pubishing

Summary

Kathleen James has put her practical side away for once and looks forward to the perfect romantic evening: an intimate dinner with the man of her dreams—and an engagement ring. She is not prepared to hear that he wants to bring his grandmother back from Italy to live with him.

Dominic Lawrence has planned this marriage proposal for six months. Nothing can go wrong—until his Nonna calls. Now he must interrupt the tenderest night of Katie’s life with the news that another woman will be under their roof.

When Antonia’s sister dies, she finds herself longing to be back in the states. An Italian wartime bride from the ‘40s, she knows how precious love can be. Can her own story of an American soldier and a very special collie once again bring two hearts together at Christmas?

   
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My Review

DANTE'S GIFT was such a sweet, nostalgic, story! There were flashbacks from Dominic's grandmother to when she first fell in love, lovely moments of food and family, sweet moments between Dominic and Kathleen, friendship, and a memorable happily-ever-after ending. The characters were likeable (even Kathleen who I wanted to shake a little since she's so afraid of making the leap) and created some laughs and some romantic sighs. I loved Kathleen's friend who livened things up. I also loved the way the dog played a role. An enjoyable story from beginning to end and an author that I will definitely be following.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through ebooksforreview.com, which did not affect my review in any way.

Storm (Western Hearts #2)
Storm
(Western Hearts #2)
by Kate Palmer
Adult Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 252 Pages
September 29th 2015 by Designate Media

Summary

A woman rancher struggles to save her ranch, but it’s her heart she’s most in danger of losing.

Storm’s ranch is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy after cattle rustlers strike. When her part-time ranch hand dies under suspicious circumstances, two neighboring ranchers step in to help. In jeopardy of losing the only place that’s ever felt like home, who can she trust with her heart?

  
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My Review

STORM was a story full of spunk, heartache, friendship, a little suspense, and some sweet romance. With well-written characters, heartwarming moments, and two characters who can find love in each other if they will but open their hearts, it was engaging from beginning to end.

I really loved Storm. She was such a great character. Hard-working, sweethearted, talented, and beautiful. She was also overly trusting in parts and vulnerable. Taggert and Dak were interesting friends/suitors. Dak was a little dramatic in the beginning and didn't feel quite realistic in his reactions at first, but he comes around and grows on you, as do his daughters. I loved how their friendship grows.

There was some serious heartache in the story and I really felt for Storm and Dak. There were also some nice twists. The suspense could have been developed a little more, or maybe I just wanted Storm to not be quite so behind in what was going on. It was still enjoyable. The ending was heartbreakingly sweet. I'm planning on reading the rest of the books in the series and am looking forward to it.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through ebooksforreview.com, which did not affect my review in any way.

Do you like reading sweet romance? Have you read or heard about either of these?

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