A. J. Pine

When Lucy's flight from Chicago to Minneapolis is cancelled because of a snowstorm, and there are no trains either, she uses a ride share app to find someone driving there so that she can spend Christmas with her family after all. When she enters the car, she finds out that the driver is Eric, whom she ghosted after they spent a wonderful night together at Thanksgiving. What an awkward situation, especially because Lucy still finds Eric utterly attractive.

There was a good story in there, and show more I did like the main characters, especially Eric. However, this was often overshadowed by stupid plot lines, cheesiness and cheap humor. Moreover, while the cover and blurb suggest that the roadtrip is the main aspect of the novel, the couple spend most of the time in a small town where they are stranded, which is a commercial Christmas town, and there are a handful of side characters (inhabitants of the town) all of which I found ridiculous. This could have been a really good romance if all of that had been cut out. show less

I Do by A.J. Pine is a 2015 Entangled: Embrace publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

These days if I run for the hills if someone mentions 'New Adult', and I admit I didn't realize this book fell into that category when I requested it from Netgalley.

However, this one turned out to be a pretty enjoyable read filled with unexpected humor and some very nice romantic gestures between established couples going through show more some of life's ups and downs as best they can.

As friends of Duncan and Elaina prepare for their wedding in Greece, trouble begins to brew when the groom goes missing making his fiance fear the worse. But, Noah and Griffin go in search of the groom, believing he didn't have a change of heart, but could be in some sort of trouble. In the meantime, the other couples are going through some life changes of their own and will have to learn to work together to keep their relationships balanced and healthy.

The trademark for New Adult is the various first person perspectives and this story was no exception, which means each character got a voice, which is great, but, because there were so many characters, it could be a little much at times, since this book is not all that long. It was like everyone was talking at once sometimes.

But, overall, what won me over was the humor, the very real problems the characters faced, and how the characters learned to approach their issues with maturity. Elaina is a little bit of a tough nut to crack, but I thought she and Duncan did great, plus I loved his Scottish brogue.
There are sweet and sentimental moments, some character growth, and sexy times too, with a little something for everyone. I think some contemporary romance lovers will enjoy this one too, since it's so charming and fun and the angst isn't over the top and the plot is refreshingly mature for New Adult.

3.5 stars show less

4.5 stars.
Tough Luck Cowboy by A.J. Pine is a nemesis to lovers romance that is quite heartwarming. This second installment in the Crossroads Ranch series can easily be read as a standalone.

Newly divorced, Lily Green is starting over career wise and she impetuously (and unknowingly) agrees to cater her ex-husband Tucker's upcoming wedding. Although the situation is not ideal, Lily does not hate her ex and she is actually happy (and jealous) that he has found "the one". As she works with Luke show more Everett, Tucker's best friend who has never had a positive thing to say about her, Lily is forced to admit she might have misjudged him. She also comes to recognize that her detailed planning and lack of spontaneity might signal deeper issues than über organizational skills.

Luke's animosity toward Lily is carefully calculated to hide his true feelings for his best friend's ex-wife. After meeting her three years earlier, he stepped aside once he realized Tucker had much more to offer Lily that he could at the time. Unable to stop caring for her, Luke instead keeps her at emotional distance with his cutting remarks and disdainful attitude. Even in the aftermath of her divorce, his kneejerk reaction is to continue pushing her away. But as they are thrown together after he is injured during a bull ride, Luke finds it very difficult to continue hiding his love for her.

Despite their strained relationship, Luke and Lily are very much attracted to one another. After agreeing that a one night fling might "cure" them of their desire, they decide to keep seeing each other on a casual basis. However, the push/pull between them continues as they each bring their emotional baggage into their burgeoning romance. Luke wants to live life on his own terms even if that means putting himself in harm's way. Lily remains skittish and at the first sign of trouble, she runs instead of discussing what is troubling her. Will their insecurities and personal baggage prevent Lily and Luke from finding lasting happiness together?

Tough Luck Cowboy by A.J. Pine is an endearing romance that tugs on the heartstrings. Lily and Luke are charming characters whose emotional defenses are firmly in place. Their verbal sparring is delightful but their lack of communication is frustrating. This newest addition to the Crossroads Ranch series is a heartfelt romance that is a joy to watch unfold. Fans of contemporary romances are sure to enjoy this engaging love story. show less

It is Walker's story! In the Crossroads Ranch series, the first two Everett brothers have found love. I have been eagerly awaiting Walker's story because of the fact that he has spent his last years in the bottom of a bottle. For a love story for Walker to work he would have to make huge strides. Readers will not be disappointed.

When asked by his family's ranch and vineyard's new employee, Violet Chastain, ask him to pretend to be her boyfriend when around her parents, he finds this to be a show more great challenge. For starters, his life is barely on track and he has been sober, thanks to rehab, for just two months. He has enough on his plate with that and with keeping his family's businesses going strong. To further complicate things, Walker really, really likes Violet but this is the worst possible time for him to become involved in a relationship.

Violet just ended a relationship, for starters. Furthermore, she is very concerned about her parents, particularly her mother. She has put her life on hold due to her loyalty to them. When she says that she and Walker are dating, she sees their joy and decides to keep up the ruse. What she must now do is to fight the very real attraction she has to Walker. The question proves to be just how long can they deny their undeniable chemistry.

I have read all three stories in this series prior to this one and this one definitely is my favorite. Walker has come a long way. He has not had it easy as he lost his mother while young and had an abusive father. His brothers have been patient with him but he finally was forced to face his problem with drinking. I do like how his sobriety was handled. All the while, Walker deserved love. In spades. Violet was indeed perfect for him, but his baggage was real. The conflict was real.

With the time it took for Walker to deal with his addiction, a very genuine relationship was built with Violet. One other thing I enjoyed about this book was Violet's selfless attitude when it came to her family, and that brought another sensitive issue to the fore.

A.J. Pine has quickly become a favorite author of mine with these books. They are wonderful love stories, but with a strong sense of family. This affecting story will be with me for a while to come.

Hard Loving Cowboy is the last book in the Crossroads Ranch series. The previous stores are Second Chance Cowboy, Saved by the Cowboy and Tough Luck Cowboy. Each story in this series can be read as a standalone.

Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. show less