The Bookish Babe: Shamrock Falls #1

Series: Shamrock Falls #1
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
Publication Date: 8/24/12
Pages: 147
Format: Kindle ebook
Source: Won from author in a giveaway.

She’ll gamble her heart on the best friend she left behind…

One lucky break is all struggling actress Sidney Williams needs. But when living the LA life becomes too much, she heads back to the small town of Shamrock Falls for the vacation she needs to get her life on track—and immediately runs into Kade Mitchell, her former best friend and the boy next door she’s always regretted leaving behind.

Kade, the new owner of Lucky’s—once the most popular bar in Shamrock Falls—is determined to bring the place back to its former glory, and seeing Sidney again is a distraction he doesn’t need. Sure, the chemistry between them is explosive, but Kade can’t let himself fall into a fling with his best friend—not when he knows she’s soon heading back to the glitter of Tinseltown.

Now, with the possibility of her first major acting role looming, Sidney must decide if her lucky break is in Hollywood or right where she left it—in Shamrock Falls.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO HOME

It's no secret that I am a fan of author Kelley Vitollo's young adult-writing alter ego. She has such a strong affinity for writing really great character pieces. So naturally, I was curious as to whether I would enjoy her adult work as much as her previous books.

I did. I really, really did. In fact, I would be willing to say that Lucky Break is my favorite book of her's yet. (This is excluding What a Boy Needs because that book owns me.) I think what won me was Vitollo's signature strong characters, in combination with a great, touching story.

Lucky Break is a lovely story of best friends, broken apart by a rash decision, who both find themselves back where they began. Sidney is a young woman who found strength and companionship in her best friend, but need the affirmation of a distant mother. She is compelled to become an actress, move away from Shamrock Falls, in an effort to gain her mother's attention and approval. She finally hits a wall, has had enough, and goes back home to regroup, not knowing that this will lead her back to Kade.

Kade, well, he was pretty much perfect. Though he was always there to comfort Sidney and to be her best friend, she was there to save him, too. As the child of an abusive father, Kade has always strived to protect the women in his life. He has spent his entire life feeling guilt for the damage and pain he couldn't prevent. And though he always wanted to be in Shamrock Falls, he wanted Sidney more. The years since Sidney left him have been hell on Kade.

When Kade and Sidney reconnect, the old feelings of frienship, loyalty, bittersweet memories and...love collide to create a story that I couldn't walk away from. I think it's safe to say that I knew where the story was going and how it would end, but with these characters, the beautiful setting, and words that broke my heart and made me smile, I was fine with that. I loved the ended, and yes, I did cry a little bit! Now....book two, please!

Once again, I've found another Entangled Bliss story that read like one of the Lifetime movies we all love. I want many more stories like this from you, Bliss.

Favorite Quote:

Kade pushed to his feet and she thought they were going to get into an argument again, but instead he just kneeled down on the ground. This time when his hand came toward her, he didn't take something out of her hair. No, he slid his hand into it. His palm cupped her cheek and his fingers played with her hair. (43%)

This time, he couldn't help himself. As he laid her in bed, Kade pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth.
"You wreck me, Peaches," he whispered. (48%)

"You've always thought you needed to conquer the world."
"And you just wanted Shamrock Falls." (59%)

You can purchase Lucky Break at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

HAPPY HOLIDAYS GIVEAWAY

I'm feeling festive, guys. And in love with Kelley's (and Nyrae's writing). So I am giving you all a chance to win your choice of ebook from Kelley or Nyrae.

Your choices: