Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Chicago Stars #7)

Available: NOW Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Borders

Type: Novel

Publisher: Avon

Danielle’s Copy: Bought with own money

*Review by Danielle* @lush26

Chicago Stars quarterback Dean Robillard is the luckiest man in the world: a bona-fide sports superstar and the pride of the NFL with a profitable side career as a buff billboard model for End Zone underwear. But life in the glory lane has started to pale, and Dean has set off on a cross-country trip to figure out what’s gone wrong. When he hits a lonely stretch of Colorado highway, he spies something that will shake up his gilded life in ways he can’t imagine. A young woman . . . dressed in a beaver suit.

Blue Bailey is on a mission to murder her ex. Or at least inflict serious damage. As for the beaver suit she’s wearing . . . Is it her fault that life keeps throwing her curveballs? Witness the expensive black sports car pulling up next to her on the highway and the Greek god stepping out of it.

Natural Born Charmer is for everyone who’s ever thought about leaving their old life in the dust and never looking back.

I have officially decided that I want a natural born charmer. The last book in the series is just as powerful as the first one. I wish the series didn’t have to end. I could have read about these sexy football greats.

Chicago Stars quarterback Dean Robillard is the luckiest man in the world: sports superstar and the pride of the NFL and lets not forget his career as a buff billboard model for underwear. But life in the glory lane has started to come to a stop, and Dean has set off on a cross-country trip to figure out what’s gone wrong in his life so he will be able to get back on track.

While traveling along a highway he comes across a woman in a beaver suit. Blue Bailey is on a mission to murder her ex.  She needs a ride, and America’s most famous football playboy has an imposing set of wheels. Now, all she has to do is keep him entertained for the time of their trip.

Blue is the toughest woman Dean has ever met. They’re soon heading for his summer home where their  complicated lives and attraction is ready to be entangled with his family
As the summer progresses, the wandering portrait artist and the charming football star play a high-stakes game, fighting themselves and each other for a chance to have it all.

This story makes you want to forget about your old life and concentrate on the new. Susan Elizabeth Phillips gives you the witty and funny conversations as well as tie your emotions into a knot. Tissues will be  must.

The wandering portrait artist and the charming football star play a high-stakes game, fighting themselves and each other for a chance to have it all. Dean is truly the natural born charmer. Although this book is the last it will make a great impact in the romance world.

Realistic, interesting and mind wondering! Phillips not only delivers but makes a powerful debt for the last book in the Chicago Stars series. Do I wish there was more.. well, yes of course. Do I wish I had more of an ending.. Absolutely.

If your haven’t gotten a chance to read this wonderful series you are missing out. Although I think it died too early, this series will always be a part of my favorite books.

 

Danielle gives Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips 4 stars!

This Heart Of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Chicago Stars #5)

Available: NOW

Type: Novel

Publisher: Avon

Danielle’s Copy: Bought with own money

Review by Danielle ( @lush26 )

Molly Somerville knows she has a reputation for trouble. She did give away her fifteen-million-dollar inheritance, but, hey, nobody’s perfect. Still, if anyone has an almost perfect life, it’s Molly. While her Daphne the Bunny children’s books could be selling better, she loves her cramped loft, her French poodle, and her career creating the fictional animals who live in Nightingale Woods.She even loves her sister, Phoebe. True, it was a little tough growing up in her shadow. Phoebe is beautiful, blissfully married, and the owner of the most successful professional football team in America. But who other than your sister knows you’re about to do something drastic every time you change your hair? Yes, Molly’s happy about almost everything … except her long-term crush on the daredevil quarterback for the Chicago Stars, that awful, gorgeous Kevin Tucker, a man who can’t even remember her name! One night Molly’s penchant for running into trouble runs right into Kevin himself, turning her world upside down. Heartbreak follows, and just when she’s certain things can’t get worse, Kevin forces his way back into her life. If only the overpaid, Ferrari-driving, poodle-hating jock was as shallow as she wants him to be, she could get on with her almost perfect life. But Kevin’s hidden depths and iron will propel Molly out of her comfortable existence into an unforgettable summer at a place called Wind Lake. Surrounded by paintbox cottages and a charming old bed-and-breakfast, she and Kevin battle their attraction while trying to cope with an aging sexpot actress, a cranky world-famous artist, and a pair of teenage newlyweds.

Their careers and lives are in crisis … yet they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Before the summer is over, will they be able to learn one of life’s most important lessons? Sometimes falling in love hurts, sometimes it makes you mad as hell, and sometimes if you’re very lucky it can heal in the most special and unexpected way.

I could never get bored with the Chicago Star series. It’s one great book after another. This book has everything that makes a great romance and more.

Molly and Kevin’s story is a real fascinating one. The journey on how they got there is not a easy.I thought it was sweet that they finally found what they needed in each other. At first glance, Molly and Kevin couldn’t be further apart from one another if they tried. A children’s books author, her character is closely linked with Kevin’s escapades over the years, Molly has had a huge crush on Kevin as long as she can remember. Not that football jock Kevin even knew she existed. With the continuous string of the doll faced women with no brains of their own that parade through his life, Kevin seems to be at the top of his game but how quickly Molly will knock him off.

Molly tends to hold onto a streak that has got her into trouble in the past. This is how she ends up in Kevin’s bed, seducing him in his sleep and an outraged Kevin gets rightfully upset about being taken advantage of. Kevin makes Molly promise to him that if there ever were consequences of their coming together she would let him know, which of course Molly doesn’t when she finds herself pregnant with Kevin’s baby. Finding out turns Kevin’s’ world up side down.

After getting married, Molly suffers a miscarriage which quickly spins her world in a downward spiral. Kevin who shakes her out of depression, takes her off on a trip to Wind Lake, and she finds herself running the quaint bed and breakfast that Kevin inherits from his aunt which Kevin wants nothing to do with. Kevin and Molly finally find friendship, and finally give in to their desire.

I think I might have liked Kevin too much. I could connect to both of them and I really enjoyed this fabulous journey. With so many ups and downs and the funny playful moments to keep you locked to it. I really liked the part about those Daphne books Molly was writing. That was really cute and creative and showed how much he actually meant to her.

The characters are so lovable. This book just happens to be witty and adorable. Highly recommended for those who love a good romance with a witty cast of characters that could make you laugh and fill you up with plenty of emotions. Funny and heartwarming, this is must read for romance lovers.

Danielle gives This Heart Of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips 4 stars!

Dream A Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Chicago Stars #4)

Available: NOW

Type: Novel

Publisher: Avon

Danielle’s Copy: Bought with own money

Review by Danielle ( @lush26 )

After the discovery that her late husband, a popular televangelist, embezzled five million dollars from his ministry, Rachel Stone is outcast and broke with a five-year-old son to raise, and in need of a job. Then fate and a dead car engine leaves her at a shabby drive-in theater owned by Gabriel Bonner, the hunky, anti-social black sheep of a prominent family, and the only person in Salvation, North Carolina, willing to employ her. The sexual electricity starts crackling the instant they meet–but it will take the shock of both their lives to give these two lonely people a second chance at love.

Another terrific installment in the Chicago Stars series. And to think I was somehow not looking forward to reading this book. I am so glad I ended up changing my mind. Like all her previous books in this series I got caught up in the story and was suddenly swept  into the lives of Gabe and Rachel.

Gabe is still mourning the loss of his wife and son, who died in a car accident two years prior. Rachel happens to be a widow of a faith healer, who was not only corrupted but he destroyed their town. Now back in the town where her husband ruined lives, she just wants to find the money and get out of dodge. One problem Gabe wants her bad.

This book was sad but had a warm ending. I cant even begin to tell you how beautiful and heartfelt it was. If I had to deal with every single person in a town hating me , I would have left. Rachel doesn’t leave she stays strong and wanting to just get her hands on her money so she can take care of her son.

Gabe and Rachel’s relationship is amazing. The only part I was unhappy with was how rocky they started out even though attraction was there. As the story started to progress all the pieces started to fall into place nicely. You also get an excellent side story about Ethan (Gabe’s brother) and Kristy. The side story is fun too.

Not only will you be smitten but keep a thing of tissues near by.

Danielle gives Dream A Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips 4 stars!

Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Chicago Stars #3)

Available: NOW

Publisher: Avon

Type: Novel

Danielle’s Copy: Bought with own money

Review by Danielle ( @lush26 )

The Plan

Genius physics professor Dr, Jane Darlington desperately wants a baby. But finding a father won’t be easy. Jane’s super-intelligence made her feel like a freak when she was growing up, and she’s determined to spare her own child that suffering. Which means she must find someone very special to father her child. Someone . . . well . . stupid.

The Target

Cal Bonner, the Chicago Stars’ legendary quarterback, seems like the perfect choice. But his champion good looks and down-home ways are deceiving. Dr. Jane learns too late that this good ol’boy is a lot smarter than he lets on — and he’s not about to be used and abandoned by a brainy baby-mad schemer.

The Explosion

A brillant, lonely woman who dreams only of motherhood . . . A take no-prisoners tough guy who’ll settle for nothing less than surrender . . . Can passion and physical attraction propel two strong-willed yet vulnerable people to a totally unexpected love?

Susan Elizabeth Phillips brings not only a modern, youthful, and edgy story line, but keeps you captivated. I loved this book. It was a page turner and an emotional ride that I couldn’t get enough of. Heck, I couldn’t even bring myself to put this down for even five minutes.

Dr. Jane Darling is a genius professor with an outstanding IQ. The time has come and Jane is finally ready to be a mother. The only problem in wanting to have a baby is that she has no man in her life for the moment. Now she needs to find a prime candidate to give her the baby she wants with a no strings attached relationship.

Cal Bonner is the current quarterback for the Chicago Stars. For his birthday his teammates decide to get him a woman. Jane sees an opportunity to seduce Cal. She tricks him into getting her pregnant. Jane thinks Cal is just a dumb jock but she will come to find out that Cal is actually a really smart man and when all is revealed the fireworks begin.

Knowing the couple will end up together in the end doesn’t distract you away from the story. This book was fun with all the craziness but the ride to discovering that they actually do love each other is enjoyable.

There were some funny scenes throughout the book along with some heart wrenching ones. I am not afraid to admit that I was in tears. One of my favorite funny scenes in the story was the part with the “lucky charms” *laughs* I wouldn’t want to spoil this for anyone but this story will make your emotions go on overload.

This series just keep getting better and better. Truly a fantastic read.

 

Danielle give Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips 4 stars!

Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Chicago Stars #2)

Available: Now

Type: Novel

Publisher: Avon

Danielle’s Copy: Bought with own money

Review by Danielle ( @lush26 )

It’s Gracie Snow’s job as a new motion picture production assistant to get the legendary ex-football player, Bobby Tom Denton, back to his Texas hometown to begin shooting his first movie.

Good luck with that.

“There’s been a terrible misunderstanding, Mr. Denton. Can’t you see that I don’t look like a stripper?” Gracie snatched up her suit jacket. “Please. Could we go somewhere private to talk?”

Bobby Tom sighed and uncoiled from his chair. “I s’pose we’d better. But you’ve got to give me your word you’ll keep your clothes on. It wouldn’t be fair for me to see you naked when my party guests can’t.”

“I promise, Mr. Denton, that you will never see me naked.”

He looked doubtful. “I don’t mean to question your good intentions, honey, but judging from my past history, it might not be that easy for you to resist.”

A head-spinning battle of the sexes—with Beauty waging war against Brain—except this male beauty has a fine intelligence, and brainy Gracie isn’t nearly as ordinary as she thinks.

I am in love with Bobby Tom!!! So far in the series this is my favorite book and it’s only number two. *grins*

Heaven, Texas is book two in the Chicago Stars series. Gracie Snow, as she puts it, is a homely woman who has recently been given a chance to prove herself with a movie company and was given the difficult task of getting Bobby Tom Denton down to Texas to film a movie.

Bobby Tom is a former pro football player who had to retire because of a knee injury. At 33 years old he feels lost because football had always been his world. What is he to do now? This movie he is supposed to star in doesn’t seem to appeal to him as much as he had hoped. Not only is Bobby Tom egotistical, selfish, and insensitive guy but he is also charming, sweet, charitable and to top it off an overall nice guy. Conundrum.

Needless to say, I loved it!! Bobby Tom could be my boyfriend any day. I loved every part of this humorous, yet emotional story. They make a very interesting couple. So, yes opposites do attract. When things don’t go his way it ends up driving their relationship to an almost breaking point. Bobby Tom ends up doing some really stupid things. There were times I loved him to pieces and then times I just wanted to knock some serious sense into him, but then I realized that he can’t help it. It takes him a lot longer to understand the emotional parts but Gracie, on the other hand, is the absolute opposite and thinks there is no way a guy like him could fall for a girl like her.

I found it funny that all these woman want to be Mrs. Bobby Tom Denton. What was funnier is that Bobby Tom actually asks these woman 5 questions and if they answer them right they get the chance to be his wife. My favorite part was when he finally asks Gracie the 5 questions football quiz.

There is a  secondary romance for Bobby Tom’s mom with Way Sawyer. It’s really sweet!!

The story was great. You can connect with the characters in so many different aspects and that truly made the book for me. Phillips brings humor along with the sex, drama and romance to her writing. I am looking forward to finishing this wonderful series and this is a romance you can’t forget.

 

Danielle gives Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips 4 stars!

It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Chicago Stars #1)

*Review By Danielle* ( @lush26 )

Available: Now

Publisher: Harper Collins

Type: Novel

Danielle’s Copy: Bought  with own money

The Windy City isn’t quite ready for Phoebe Somerville—the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who has just inherited the Chicago Stars football team. And Phoebe is definitely not ready for the Stars’ head coach, former gridiron legend Dan Calebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. Calebow is everything Phoebe abhors. And the sexy new boss is everything Dan despises—a meddling bimbo who doesn’t know a pigskin from a pitcher’s mound.

So why is Dan drawn to the shameless sexpot like a heat-seeking missile? And why does the coach’s good ol’ boy charm leave cosmopolitan Phoebe feeling awkward, tongue-tied…and ready to fight?

The sexy, heartwarming, and hilarious “prequel” to This Heart of Mine—Susan Elizabeth Phillips’s New York Times bestselling blockbuster—It Had To Be You is an enchanting story of two stubborn people who believe in playing for keeps.

I really, really enjoyed this romantic story!! It was filled with humor, romance and had some real emotional parts. 

Phoebe Somerville is what most men would call a total bombshell. She has a killer body, a sexy voice, and the attitude that she can back up. What people don’t know about Phoebe is that she has a sexual past that she’d rather forget and she uses her hot body and witty remarks to cover it up. After her fathers funeral she finds out she has inherited the Chicago Stars football team. Phoebe learns that, while her father considers her his only failure, he’s given her an opportunity to make it up to him. Now Phoebe has only one season to lead the Stars to the AFC Championship or the team will go to her cousin.

Dan Celebow is the sexy coach of the Stars. The head coach wants nothing to do with Phoebe, believing her useless because she doesn’t know one thing about football. Dan just wants to coach his players, for the team to win, and for him to find himself a nice, comfortable, woman to finally settle down with. After  inheriting the team Phoebe takes off leaving contracts unsigned and the team wanting questions answered, Dan decides he has to bring her back to make this all work.

This book is not only heartwarming and sexy but it’s absolutely hilarious. Susan Elizabeth Phillips did a wonderful job of making the sparks fly between Phoebe and Dan. Phoebe is a force of nature to be reckoned with. I loved the fact Dan was finally able to break through all the walls she has put up to keep everyone at a distance.  As for Dan, I love that he was an arrogant alpha male. He puts his players and the Stars above everything else. Trying to fit Phoebe into this transition was very fun to read about.

This was my first book by Phillips, but I can assure you it will not be my last. I was laughing out loud hysterically many times. I liked the crisis towards the end forcing Dan to compromise his principles for what he really wants. The story was funny, wonderfully written and is now one of my favorites.

Next book in the series is Heaven, Texas and I am truly excited to read more about these hot football players in the windy city.

Danielle gives It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips 4 stars!