Falling Again (Second Chances Series) - Peggy Bird

Fiona McCarthy is a hardworking, fact-finding determined journalist. Working for the Willamette Weekly, she's investigating a political story that has a nasty undercurrent. One that involves white supremacists and her inquisitiveness is surely leading her down a path of trouble.

Younger brother of Amanda St. Clair (glass designer/artist extraordinaire) Nick, is a talented photojournalist and good-looking to boot. He's back in the US and it seems Fate has dealt him a good hand.

Thrown together in DC, or so Fiona believes, they find themselves on a date following on from their last meeting in Portland six months previously. They have a great time. Much to Fiona's surprise and fear - could this gorgeous man really be interested in her?

Returning back to Portland Fiona tries to forget the dates she had with Nick - it was just some holiday fun wasn't it? Focusing on her story she's surprised to learn that Nick is back in Portland. Keen to see Fiona again, Nick re-works his assignments to be near her - even if it means dealing with an over protective (or nosy!) sister.

When their paths cross on Mount Hood National Forest things take a dangerous turn. What's behind the mysterious cabin that they came across on a trek? Can Fiona find the answers she's looking for without endangering the people around her. Or worse prevent her and Nick having a happy-ever-after?

The final installment of the 'Second Chances' series is brimming with passion, drama and love. Fiona, whilst a self-assured journalist is less so when it comes to love - a case of once bitten twice shy. Nick has his work cut out for him in gaining not only her love but her trust. Drama unfolds slowly building to a nail-biting semi-conclusion. The 'real' conclusion is will Fiona and Nick find their dreams with each other?

A great ending to a great series. Bird manages to carry the characters met in the first book all the way through to book six without losing any integrity, feeling or realism. Fiona and Nick are a charismatic couple, charming and intellectual. The writing continues to be effortless and the author conveys a strong, engaging story. It's sad to see a well written series end, but it's been a gratifying, enjoyable and love-filled journey. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Trusting Again (Book 4) - Peggy Bird

Walking into a restaurant with friends to catch up and bumping into the man who set her heart racing, was the last thing Cynthia Blaine expected.

He's a walking cliche - tall, dark and handsome. Marius Hernandez had it all and Cynthia was caught up in his appeal. Unfortunately, he had a girlfriend. After all that's how they met, he bought the handmade glass Cleopatra necklace for this lucky woman. Imagining she was some tall, lithe, stunning beautiful woman, how could Cynthia compete?

Marius hasn't forgotten the first time he met Cynthia. He dropped huge hints that the necklace he was buying was for a friend. Did she take the hint? Keen to meet her again he was unsure how to, especially as his work took him away much of the time - being in the coffee business was hard work. He can't believe his luck when he sees her approaching the table.

Convincing her over a cup of java, Marius takes Cynthia on a date. It soon blossoms into a hot, passionate liaison but try as he might, Marius can't break down a barrier that Cynthia is intent on keeping up. Why does she seem to embrace their relationship one minute and then pull away the next?

Cynthia is convinced that Marius is out of her league. But the more time she spends with him, she sees that they have more in common than she first believed. Yet, she dated someone like him before - wealthy, handsome - and it didn't turn out so well. Can she trust her heart to this Adonis? Or will she end up taking that walk down heartache lane again?

The fourth in the series, Bird's 'Second Chances' set of books continue with another absorbing, romance filled story. With the original characters from the series popping up, it set an immediate comfortable background scene. Cynthia and Marius' burgeoning relationship starts off sizzling with passion and just intensifies. The author has captured the essence of budding love and has created another engrossing story.

Another brilliant chance to meet the people from the Portland, Oregon area. This time around the focus is purely on a couple whose strong attraction leaps off the pages. An utterly romantic, sensual story with little interference from the outside world. The fears faced by Cynthia are genuine and as 'cliched' as Marius is, he has an appealing charm that endeared me to him. A highly recommended read for anyone after an 'old-fashioned' romance with the volume turned up.

Read the other reviews: Beginning Again, Loving Again and Together Again

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Together Again (Second Chances series Book #3) - Peggy Bird

When Deputy District Attorney, Margo Keyes is conned into going back to Philadelphia for a school reunion, she thinks of all the reasons why she shouldn't go back. Going back to Philly means dealing with the awful summer heat, echoes of who she used to be and a high school crush - Tony Alessandro.

The journey doesn't start well - an obnoxious passenger in the airport followed by him sitting right behind her on the plane, leads to a final encounter at baggage claim but all is forgotten by the time she arrives at her mother's home. As she makes her way to the front door - there stands Tony. Still as handsome as ever and still able to do things to her heart that she'd tried to forget since their passionate kiss at his sisters wedding.

The week long stay in Philly is a mixture of business - she's filling in for her boss at a conference - and building pleasure. To her surprise, Tony is to be her co-host at the conference. But will working in close quarters be too much for them? The school reunion works out to be a good evening even more so when she's dancing so closely with her high school crush. But Tony has a reputation of being somewhat of a ladies man - does Margo want to be another notch on his bed post?

But the drama is only just beginning. Unbeknownst to Margo she has something that a criminal is after. Suddenly thrown into a dangerous situation, will the headstrong deputy DA allow Tony to look out for her? Will she stop running away from her past and finally accept love into her life?

As the third installment in the series, Bird's romantic drama unfolds in an easy going way with copious amounts of love and lust. Margo, briefly met before in previous stories, is given her own strong voice and coupled with the charismatic Tony, together they make a formidable couple.  Filled with passion, longing and a healthy dose of romance, this series is turning out to be a delight in which to lose a couple of hours in the day to.

Another great outing with the Second Chances series. I love the romance that is so subtle in this story - Margo refusing to let Tony in, Tony wanting to give so much but doesn't want to be refused. A classic will they won't they (get together) with an exciting crime subplot that makes this an extremely easy to read romance. A recommended read for all those romantics out there.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Loving Again - Peggy Bird

When glass artist Amanda St. Claire and Detective Sam Richardson meet, it's under dire circumstances. Her boyfriend, Tom Webster has been murdered and Amanda is apparently his killer. Throughout the investigation, Sam can't deny the growing attraction as they endeavor to clear her name. 

One year later, the attraction has grown but neither have acted upon it. To escape the backlash of the murder trial she heads off to Seattle. They spend a passionate night together but make a deal - for her to come back to Portland and take a chance on developing a relationship. Months later after the usual exchanges of emails, text and phone calls Sam makes a surprise visit to Seattle to convince Amanda to come back and make good on the deal. 

Moving back to Portland things have returned to normal, but odd situations start to crop up around her leading to the death of two people. Thrust back into a world of being accused of murder, Amanda has to again prove her innocence, only this time she can't include Sam in her quest. Her plan has to protect him especially as she's fallen in love with him, even if she hasn't quite said it out loud. 

Who's behind these killings? Can Amanda save the only man she's ever loved? Will he understand her motives and what will the future hold for them?

In book two of her 'Second Chances' series (see book one review), Bird's romance is still set in the art world, however this time from an artists point of view. Amanda and Sam are strong, determined people and their budding relationship blossoms into a gentle yet steamy affair. The story line is more involved and the author includes past events with enough detail so as not to lose the building main plot. The author has created great tension and drama but never losing sight of the importance of the growing partnership. With the descriptions of creating art from glass as well as police work, this book has great depth for a fairly short read. 

Being able to explore the artsy world of Portland again was great. I really felt the chemistry between Sam and Amanda and liked the fact the story included a character from her previous book. Having said that, it can still be read as a stand alone novel. I liked Bird's use of language and simple descriptions and her love scenes are steamy but not crude. It's an easy read and thoroughly enjoyable. Another recommended read for the hopeless romantics out there. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Beginning Again (A Crimson Romance) - Peggy Bird

Who would expect to be a widow in their twenties and twenty odd years later divorced? Not Liz Fairchild but that's exactly what's happened to her. The divorce was amicable enough - how could it not be when your husband left you for another man? Now alone, the only person she needs to focus on is herself.

Intent on seeing her happy, Mason (Liz's ex) helps her set up an art gallery. Wealthy after the divorce, she's going to have to downsize but for Liz she's able to decorate with vibrant colors and not the white, beige and cream that Mason so adored. As Liz starts the arduous task of redecorating her new work/live space, she also has to find suitable artists. Thinking she has everyone she needs, in walks 'Collins'.

The attraction is instant. Resolute to steer clear of a May to December romance, Liz finds herself drawn in by Collin's determination of starting a sizzling romance. The handsome, 6ft sculptor is certainly enigmatic and before long he's not only exhibiting in her gallery but opening her up to new experiences in the bedroom.

Liz is still hesitant at the developing relationship especially when he disappears to return looking downbeat and being withdrawn. Asking questions results in Collins either clamming up or changing the subject. What is he hiding? Each scenario Liz runs through her mind equates to being hurt...again and that's the last thing she wants. What is it that he's keeping from her?

A short story romance, Bird's novel is well written and quick to read. Liz is a strong, almost self-assured woman whose insecurities are quashed by the bold and daring Collins. Initially he comes across as quite arrogant but the reader will soon warm up to his ways. With passionate love scenes and  moments of tenderness, it's a love story that will appeal. Overall, I enjoyed this engaging romance. It's not in-depth and the drama is low-key so if you're after complete escapism, I doubt you could go wrong with this affable novella. A recommended read for all those hopeless romantics out there (which includes me!)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.