REVIEW: ACT LIKE YOU LOVE ME (ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE #2) by CINDI MADSEN

Series: Accidentally in Love #2
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
Publication Date: 6/10/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 242
Source: Received from publisher for review

What would you do for a second chance with your first crush?

 Brynn McAdams isn’t the awkward drama geek she was in high school—she’s grown up and confident, or at least she likes to think so. But when her old crush, the impossibly handsome and impossibly unattainable Sawyer Raines, comes back to town to direct her community play, Brynn finds herself determined to be someone other than the girl he doesn’t even recognize. Good thing she’s an excellent actress.

After his bad breakup in NYC, the last thing Sawyer wants is to get involved with another actress. But the glamorous and beautiful Brynn draws him in, even though as her director, he knows she’s off-limits. There’s just something about the woman that feels…familiar. Like home.

As Brynn’s lies start to snowball, she struggles to stop acting and come clean. But what if Sawyer is already falling for the fake Brynn, not the Brynn she truly is?

 

 

Falling for Her Fiance has been a favorite book of mine by Cindi Madsen's, so far. So when I learned that it was going to be the first in The Accidentally in Love series, I was suuuuper happy. Act Like You Love Me is a wonderful follow-up to FfHF, and I would now be hard pressed to say which book is my favorite.

If you've read book one, you might remember Wes's friend Paul (the guy who lent Wes a ring). Act Like You Love Me is about Paul's younger sister Brynn. Brynn is such a endearing and really engaging character. She was a drama geek in high school and was very awkward. Her high school memories are painful, to say the least, but she's made a nice life for herself since. She's developed a style that works for her, runs a business with her brother, and fills her time by performing in plays. But Brynn is still that same girl from high school in ways. She still loves to break out in song, quotes lines from plays into conversation, and often has her head in the clouds. As much as Brynn has moved on, she never quite got over the heartbreak of being shot down by Sawyer Raines. Her new director.

Sawyer Raines left home as soon as he graduated and never wants to settle there again. In fact, he never wants to settle at all. His father's death after a difficult illness left Sawyer with a fear of  love and commitment. So when he comes home temporarily to help his mom, Sawyer is thrown when he meets the sweetest, funniest, most beautiful girl he's ever known, Brynn Sawyer doesn't remember Brynn from high school, or the fact he shot her down. Despite the fact he's leaving town, Sawyer wants to know get to know Brynn, and have a relationship. But he quickly realizes that the more he gets to know her, the harder leaving will be. I have to admit, I was a little worried about Sawyer in the beginning, thinking he would be a huge jerk. Rest assured, because Sawyer was a truly sweet guy, who just needs to realize that it's okay to  take a chance on love.

So you may be wondering, why doesn't Brynn just tell Sawyer who she is? For starters, that's kind of a huge part of the story, so if she had, well, you know... And it should be noted that the play Brynn is in and Sawyer is directing is The Importance of Being Earnest. That is a classic play about mistaken identity and half truths all in the name of love. (I highly recommend the movie adaptation with Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, and Reese Witherspoon.) So it is cool that there are some parallels between the book and the play. But also, when you see how hard high school was for Brynn and how thrown she is about seeing Sawyer again, and that he's actually interested in her, it really makes sense. Plus, who's going to say, "Hey, remember me? The girl you humiliated when I asked you to Prom?" This is a case of self-preservation that snowballs into a huge lie. And you know it's not going to end well, but you just have to hang on for the ride. Most importantly, along the way, Brynn comes to realize that that the "real" her is great just as she is, and only someone who can recognize that deserves her heart.

Bonus points: Wes and Dani are in Act Like You Love Me!

Most readers are lucky enough to find authors who write books that feel like they're written specifically for them. For me, Cindi Madsen is one of those authors. Any time I read one of her books, and this series in particular, I have the best time. Her writing has such charm and quick wit, and it truly makes me happy. That's not to say that humor is all that's going for her writing, because tucked in between the charm and fun is always a thoughtful story. As I was reading, I kept feeling like Act Like You Love Me had a similar tone as one of my favorite movies. About halfway through, it hit me: Never Been Kissed! (And now I'm realizing that movie is due for a re-watch.)

Act Like You Love Me is another great book from Cindi Madsen and Entangled Bliss.


Favorite Quote:

  "You're just...you're like a hurricane. You come in talking a hundred miles an hour, swinging your arms around and saying things like 'living life'. You've gotta hold back when you first meet people. Ease them into the crazy."    ~(Paul to Brynn) eARC, 29%


  "Cute." What every guy dreams of being called by a beautiful woman."
  Tingly warmth wound through her, and she was sure she was grinning like an idiot. "Well, cute and very macho, of course. Drinking grape soda makes you a total non-conformist and gives you that bad-boy edge every girl looks for."  ~eARC, 61%


  "Maybe I didn't see you in high school, Brynn McAdams...but now you're all I see, everywhere I look."

Purchase Act Like You Love Me at:

   

The Accidentally in Love Series

(click on cover for GoodReads page)

My Review of Falling for Her Fiance

Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Connect with Cindi at:
her website | Twitter | Facebook | blog

{REVIEW} FALLING FOR HER FIANCE by CINDI MADSEN

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
Publication Date: 1/13/13
Format: eARC
Source: Received from publisher for review.

Danielle and Wes have been best friends since college, and so when Wes needs a date for his sister’s wedding and Dani needs a partner for her company’s retreat, they devise the perfect plan: a fake engagement to get through both events unscathed. But neither expects the feelings that develop. Putting their friendship on the line is dangerous, but so is passing up a chance at true love…

As someone who believes that falling in love with your best friend is the best thing ever, I almost feel as if Falling for Her Fiance' was made for me. I'm always quick to jump into books with this particular plot angle, and I can happily say that Cindi Madsen nailed it.

To make this scenario really work, the story needs a believable reason for the characters to fake an engagement, and it works perfectly here because Wes and Dani have been best friends for years. Wes, who's been recently dumped, wants Dani to attend his sister's wedding with him to keep his family's pity at bay. Dani, who desperately needs a promotion in order to support her mom and abuela, needs Wes to help her through a couples-oriented work retreat. He needs her; she needs him. It's a win-win, right? Dani and Wes truly love one another, as friends. When romantic feelings start to surface, though, the situation becomes complicated. And cute. And awesome.

Not only does Falling for Her Fiance' have a fun, romantic plot, it also has two great characters that I quickly fell in love with. Dani is a "guy's girl". She is funny, sarcastic, cute, and can play a mean game of basketball. She's been hurt in love, and a bit hesitant to jump back into the scene. She's the best friend Wes has ever had. Wes is...well, he's pretty freaking dreamy. He had a great personality: funny, smart, and charming; is adventurous, and he cares for and treats Dani so well. It probably doesn't hurt that his physical description fits Bradley Cooper and I read his lines with that lovely voice in my head. Hubba, hubba.

Everything about Falling for Her Fiance' worked for me. I laughed. I got all teary-eyed. I begged my family to leave me alone so I could read non-stop. I wanted that happy ending, and boy, Cindi Madsen makes her readers earn that ending. This is the third book of Madsen's I've read and I can say she is an expert at witty banter, charming characters, and stories that grab my heart and leave me with a smile.

Falling for Her Fiance' is another great book from Entangled Bliss.


Favorite Quotes:


  She gave one sharp nod. "Got it. Pick little fights to show everyone we're legit." She cracked her knuckles and neck. That noise always made his own joints hurt. They just weren't supposed to pop like that. "Now hold my freakin' hand and let's do this."  ~ eARC, 14%


  He turned and walked away. With every step, a string in her heart tugged.
  She told herself it was for the best.
  But it didn't feel like the best.
  It felt like falling apart, one piece at a time.  ~ eARC, 60%


   He slid his arm over the back of her chair. "She's been my best friend for years. It's kind of stupid I didn't figure it out earlier."
  Dani glanced at him again. Her cheeks were pink and she fidgeted with her fork.
  "And when exactly did you figure it out?" the woman asked. "How did you know she was the one?"
  Dani's eyes met his, and he stared back at her, wondering which story to tell. Fact or fiction? "It kind of snuck up on me, honestly. She was my best friend, and then one day...Well, I missed her when she was gone. I couldn't stop thinking about her. Finally I realized the girl of my dreams had been right in front of me for years."   ~ eARC, 84%


You can purchase Falling for Her Fiance' at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble



About the author:Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Connect with Cindi at:
her website | Twitter | Facebook | blog

COVER REVEALS and RELEASE CELEBRATION ~ FALLING FOR HER FIANCE and LUCK OF THE DRAW

Happy Tuesday! I have a great post here for you all. Yesterday was the official Release Day for Falling for Her Fiance by Cindi Madsen, and Luck of the Draw by Kelley Vitollo. I am so excited for these two lovely and talented ladies, both of whom I call my Friend. Congrats, ladies!

Now take a look at Falling for Her Fiance...

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
Publication Date: 1/13/13

Danielle and Wes have been best friends since college, and so when Wes needs a date for his sister’s wedding and Dani needs a partner for her company’s retreat, they devise the perfect plan: a fake engagement to get through both events unscathed. But neither expects the feelings that develop. Putting their friendship on the line is dangerous, but so is passing up a chance at true love…

You can purchase Falling for Her Fiance' at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble



About the author:Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Connect with Cindi at:
her website | Twitter | Facebook | blog




And now take a look at Luck of the Draw (Shamrock Falls #2)...

Series: Shamrock Falls #2
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
Publication Date: 1/14/13

Rowan McKinley isn’t looking for one wild night while vacationing in Vegas, but she gets it anyway when she meets professional poker player—and professional ladies’ man—Breck Wilder. Breck’s easygoing charm and lighthearted banter draw in the reserved Rowan, and though she’s always dreamed of the kind of forever love her best friends Sidney and Kade share, she’ll settle for one night with the charismatic player.

After their crazy one-night stand, Breck never expected to see the mysterious redhead again. So when he shows up at a Shamrock Falls B&B looking to get away for a few weeks and Rowan answers the door, he’s floored. Breck’s rolling-stone lifestyle and ill-fated history with women means he’s not interested in anything long-term. But the longer he stays at the B&B, the more he considers dropping the poker face and putting all his cards on the table…for Rowan.

 

Purchase Luck of the Draw at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

Shamrock Falls Series

 

My review of Lucky Break

 

 

About the author:
Kelley has been writing for as long as she can remember. She won her first writing contest in third grade for an essay she wrote on, “Tomorrow’s Leaders on the Move”. Like dreams sometimes do, they fell to the background for a while. She married her best friend, worked full time, and started her family. In 2004 Kelley, her husband and their new baby girl made a move from Oregon to Southern California and that’s when everything changed. As a stay-at-home mom for the first time, her passion for writing flared to life again.

Things haven’t been the same since.

With two incredible daughters, an awesome husband and her days spent writing what she loves, Kelley considers herself the luckiest girl in the world. She still resides in sunny Southern California, where she loves spending time with her family and sneaking away to the bookstore with her laptop.

Connect with Kelley:
website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter 


Okay, so aren't those gorgeous! I loved Lucky Break and am dying to dive back into the series. And Cindi is one of my very favorite authors. Be sure to check both of these books and authors out!