The Deal by Elle Kennedy

 Highly musical, Hannah is far from reserved as a vocalist during her practice and presentations on campus.  She's in love with music.  Waitressing part-time helps with the bills, but she needs a lot more help with attracting a boyfriend.

Garrett's devotion to being a professional hockey player takes a lot of his time.  He takes his studies seriously also, but Ethics is a never-ending battle.  He needs the grade to stay on the team and advance.  

Hannah excels at philosophy and Garrett needs her for tutoring after an 'F' grade.  They've never hung out together, but Garrett has a plan.  It's a sneaky plan.  If Hannah helps him pass the class, he'll get her a date with her secret crush, Justin.

Sounds simple enough.  The story dives a lot deeper.

In the mix, Hannah and Garrett have a chance to get to know and respect one another.  Again, it's not as easy as it sounds when you add Hannah's insecurity with getting near any man physically and Garrett's overpowering father and their different lifestyles.

Love, friendship, trust, education, bribery, and great hearts collide in one semester.  I know which people and variables I'm rooting for, and I couldn't flip the pages fast enough to find out where the multi-layer drama finishes its maze.  Are hearts broken, mended, or made stronger?  

I vote for stronger hearts!

Happy reading,

Dawn

The Oxford Inheritance by Ann A. McDonald

This was a fabulous, calm, dark, yet intense mystery romance. 

The atmosphere of Oxford England holds an ancient and prestigious aura.  The students are steeped in studies during the day, but when darkness falls a black magic and generations old system comes into play.

Cassie worked hard to be accepted to Oxford, particularly the Raleigh College.  She has more than an education on her mind.  Her mother died when Cassie was fourteen, and Cassie knew little about her “real” mother.  With a tremendous amount of effort,

Cassie discovered her mother’s “former” life at Oxford. 

Now Cassie wants to find out why her mother was a different person, had changed her name, and above all who had fathered Cassie.

She entrusts pieces of information to several male students and a police officer to help her discover her mother’s history.  Each man has interest in her for different reason she’s not aware of. 

The friendship, camaraderie, and quick-to-help attitude of the men involved leave her with doubts on her choices of confidants.

Through the rain, fog, chilled air, and dark magic floating through the seams of the college, Cassie finds the true nature of her friends and which man is honest and compassionate with her.  It’s a great train wreck, I mean train ride on the way!

Happy reading,

Dawn