Laura D. Bastian

I always have a problem with rich, billionaire stories. Nine times out of ten they are almost too perfect, bordering on true fairy tale status, and Her Crazy Rich Ex High School Crush is no exception. I love second chance romances and though Ryker and Sage's story is a little over the top for my taste, it was still incredibly sweet, and both characters are wonderfully written so it's hard to not fall in love yourself.

My favorite part of this book was reading the details of different parts of Africa, becoming entranced by the different terrain of certain regions. Laura D. Bastian always does a remarkable job of making the setting come alive, putting the reader right there with her characters.

I would've enjoyed less of the sugary sweet perfection and more exaggeration of the tiny dollop of drama that was added near the end of the story, but that's just me. I prefer to see character flaws and I guess I like my drama.

The ending is satisfying, leaving no question as to the fate of Ryker and Sage, but I did feel it to be a bit rushed. All in all this is a sweet novel that can easily be devoured and is a perfect summer read.… (más)

I am the girl that lives in her books and just like the heroine Susan Hanson, I have dreamed of the man that would sweep me off my feet, like the hero's in my favorite tales. I don't think that I am as strong and brave as the leading lady of The Blacksmith's Bride. Leaving your life, and era, and becoming a mail order bride in hopes that fate would match you with your prince charming is a bravery I do not possess.

Taking us to Birch Creek, Idaho at the turn of the century, with newly pioneered land, Laura D. Bastian does an incredible job of painting a beautiful picture of this primitive frontier. Both Susan and Michael, the mail order groom, are incredibly fleshed out and I found myself immediately falling in love with Susan's strength of character and Michael's pure and genuine spirit. They are a pair that I rooted for from the beginning and couldn't wait to see their happy ending.

A quick, satisfying read that is perfect to curl up with on a cozy Saturday afternoon, The Blacksmith's Bride is a wonderful addition to The Book Club series and is easily read as a standalone.… (más)

When life is as chaotic as mine has been lately there is nothing like a calmer read to ground you, and that's one thing I loved about reading The Widower's Bride. There is not a lot of drama, just realistic "points of contention" that gave this mild story the perfect tension. Your heart breaks for Jed as you can almost tangibly feel the pain and frustration he is going through trying to keep his life together after the sudden death of his wife. Raising three children under the age of five as a single father is hard enough, but also running an entire farm by yourself with no help from anyone, would make even the strongest of men go crazy.

That's where Grace comes in, who is aptly named, as she pours grace into this father and his beautiful family. One thing I really admired about Grace's character was that she wasn't perfect, battling an ailment that she refuses to let herself be hindered by.

There were parts that frustrated me about Jed's words and attitude towards Grace but I also loved reading the transformations of the characters as the story unfolded. I especially fell in love with the children! Their cuteness and sweetness just leapt off the page and really added to the charm of this story.

Though not fast paced, this was an incredibly sweet read that does tug on your heartstrings.… (más)

I have had several of the books from The Book Club series on my reading list for awhile and decided to jump right in the middle with The Reluctant Royal. I instantly fell in love with the story line (first comes marriage, then comes love) but wish there would've been more about the Book Club itself and a little more back story so I could better understand the foundation of why Lily is transported back in time and how, but that is my only complaint. It does touch on it briefly, but since I am starting the series in the middle, I could've used a little more to get my footing.

I enjoyed this book immensely, falling in love with both Eduardo and Lily, as well as the beautiful kingdom of Aragonia. Whimsical in both plot as well as the characters themselves, I found myself charmed and captivated from beginning to end. Perfectly placed with just enough tension made this a book that I devoured quickly, leaving a sweet smile on my face. I cannot wait to read more books in this series!… (más)