On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
The Charm Offensive
by Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
July 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Winning her over means winning everything
Sophie Callahan is PI Brad Harrington’s best lead to tracking down the man he’s been hired to bring to justice: Sophie’s own thieving father. But when Brad arrives at The Pampered Pooch, just behind a litter of stray kittens, the pet-store owner is the big surprise. This scrappy, huge-hearted woman with charm to spare gets to Brad in a way no one has ever been able to before. She spends her life finding—and making—homes for others: abandoned pets, her young niece. He’ll have to tell her why he’s really here. Which means he’ll have to choose between his sail-away dreams and the chance to build a forever home—with her.
EXCERPT:
Brad’s strong hand engulfed Ella’s as if he’d been holding the girl’s hand since she’d learned to walk. Simple, easy and natural like a father with a daughter. He never flinched. Never pulled away. Just moved closer to Ella’s side. A band twisted around Sophie’s chest as if a professional linebacker had tackled her to the ground.
Brad grinned at Matt. “We’ll take care of each other.”
That band tensed again, as if she were at the bottom of a pile-on, flattening her lungs and stealing her breath. That squeeze might’ve been around her heart, but she vowed to ignore all things heart related. Still staring at their joined hands, Sophie speculated what it would be like to hold Brad’s hand and trust with every cell inside her body that he’d protect her. That she’d protect him. That they’d take care of each other forever and always.
But that was the problem. She could hold Brad’s hand, but she wasn’t built to trust. And, without trust, she’d always doubt. She’d leave the hand-holding to a couple like Ruthie and Matt. Sophie moved the cake samples off the laptop and lifted up the computer. At least now her hands weren’t so empty.
I’ll be honest this one fell a little flat for me. Maybe I wasn’t in the mood, I just don’t know. I liked the book but I didn’t love it. The disconnect from Sophie started early in the book. I didn’t find her to be that strong of a character. I felt like her hang up with finding her dad slowed the book down a bit. I know, it’s a major plot point in the book but she never got really mad about it until the ending of the book. I would be very upset at the money being gone too, but she really needed to assert herself earlier. I did like how she came to grips with her no-good sister and dealing with her niece Ella.
Ella is trip and not just a plot device. She’s smart for someone that has been through a lot in her young life. I just wish that we could have to know about the surgery a little bit more. Kay and Liv stole my heart. I just wish I knew who the twins daddy was but hopefully, Ms. Webb will write that story. From Drew, Brad’s brother to Brad’s mother and dad; to Evie (who I LOVED) the secondary characters are top notch. They are never intrusive and very much a part of the story, including the romance. The romance in this book is a very slow build. In fact, it wasn’t until the end of the book that I really felt like Sophie wasn’t gonna to even want to start one with Brad.
I bet you are thinking that I didn’t like the story. I did, truly I did. The family issues were awesome in the book. They are relatable and honest. Brad is a great hero. He had to figure out what was most important to him and he did. Sophie…she had to grow on me and she finally did. Wanna find out about Sophie’s dad? Well, you need to read the book. 😉
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About the Author
Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.
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Tour Schedule
July 2nd: Launch
July 3rd:
It’s All About the Romance
With Love for Books
Brooke Blogs
Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford
Deal Sharing Aunt
July 5th:
Hearts & Scribbles
A Baker’s Perspective
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
Becky on Books
July 6th:
Paulette’s Papers
Thoughts of a Blonde
Mel’s Shelves
Harlie’s Books
July 7th:
Bookworm Lisa
Rockin’ Book Reviews
Christy’s Cozy Corners
July 9th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Heidi Reads…
Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader
Book Lover in Florida
July 10th: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
– 1 winner will receive a Baubelle Expandable, Inspirational Charm Bracelet and signed copy of Make Me a Match (US only)
– 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card and ebook of Make Me a Match (open internationally)
– Ends July 14th
Thanks for the support and review, Harlie! I really appreciate it! Hope you have a terrific rest of your week. Happy Reading 🙂
I really liked the book. 🙂 Just took me awhile. So Drew and Liv? Maybe? Sensing a scandal…
Just a thought.
Harlie