ARC Review: Lean on Me by HelenKay Dimon

Lean On Me

by HelenKay Dimon

(Holloways # 2)

I first read this author in the HOLIDAY KISSES anthology last year.  That was the first Holloways story as well.  I thought then that there was something missing on a story that otherwise had good potential.  And that is exactly how I feel about this book as well.

The general idea of the small town girl, Cassidy, that went away and became successful professional climber, then during a media "oops" said some hurtful things about her town.  She is now down on her luck and comes back to town where her stepfather still lives.  Then she reconnects with the then high school football star, Mitch.  He had also gone on to pursue his career and due to injury and just life he is back home.  They never had a relationship then but he always had a crush on her so he goes for it now.  See, general idea I liked it!

And this is where it sort of fell apart for me because I just didn't connect with Cassidy.  Some of the things she did, and how she did them, the positions she put herself in...I just couldn't get it.  Mitch kept having to approach her like he would a scared and cornered animal, almost literally.

Mitch on the other hand was hot and sexy and totally delicious.  He's the reason I kept reading and that I enjoyed what I enjoyed of the story.  He's that perfect guy you want to me.  He's good looking, the town's most eligible bachelor, he has a good head on his shoulders.  But he's also caring and supportive.  I just thought there could've been more to the story and it did fall a bit short of my expectations.  Okay read but not memorable.

*ARC provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon

Author Override: HelenKay Dimon

Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

 
HelenKay Dimon

Thank you for having me here today to talk about my upcoming release, LEAN ON ME.

LEAN ON ME is a contemporary romance set in a scenic town in West Virginia. I had a vision in my head for what the area would look like because I'd been to West Virginia many times. I wanted a plant nursery with acres of trees, all set in the mountains. Once I had that, I could create the buildings and surroundings in my head. Then came questions from the publisher's art department about the hero and heroine – Mitch and Cassidy. They needed to know what they looked like so they could design the cover.

While writing, I generally picture characters in my mind without basing them on famous people, but at the cover design stage I find photos that match as closely as possible with what I envision. Here's the photo I gave for Mitch. It's the actor Misha Collins

Here's my vision for Cassidy (real life Hillary Duff)

And here's what the Carina art department folks came up with

Pretty close, right? I think it's great.

LEAN ON ME
(Holloway # 2)

Cassidy Clarke once climbed the world’s highest mountains, but after an unexpected illness ends her career she’s back in her hometown, broke and hoping for a little luck. But the townsfolk aren’t exactly putting out a welcome mat for the woman who once snubbed them in the media, despite her apologies now.

Mitch Anders knows someone has set up camp on the grounds of his plant nursery, and he’s surprised to find his sexy high school crush ducking questions about where she’s staying. Though he’s sworn to stop cleaning up other people’s messes, Mitch offers Cassidy a job and a place to stay—his place. Bedsharing optional, but definitely welcome.

Out of options and too attracted to Mitch to keep things platonic, Cassidy says yes to his offer. She wants to get back on her feet financially and start a new career. She never expects to suffer a different kind of fall, one that has her believing Mitch just might bring her something bigger and better than luck.

Ms. Dimon is graciously giving away an ebook copy of LEAN ON ME to one lucky maiden!

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Review: Holiday Kisses by Alison Kent, Jaci Burton, HelenKay Dimon and Shannon Stacey

Holiday Kisses

by Alison Kent, Jaci Burton, HelenKay Dimon and Shannon Stacey

Such an enjoyable Christmas anthology. All that snow and the inconveniences *ehem* it can cause when it leaves two people stranded or forced to share confined spaces together, maybe with a bed around...

This Time Next Year by Alison Kent - 3.5 Feathers

Breena is heading to her grandmas' house to spend what will most likely be her last Christmas with her. After this she's going to Malawi for a trip as a peace corp nurse basically and she probably won't come back next year for Christmas and her grandma might not last much longer. But Mother Nature has different plans for her and on her way there she gets hit with a snowstorm and slides off the road, crashes her car and gets almost snowed in. In comes Dillon to the rescue. He's the "mountain doctor" (as well as the mountain's most eligible bachelor) and he knows Breena's grandma is expecting her so he was on the look out and rescues her from freezing to death. He's got skeletons in his closet but with Breena he manages to open up and wish for things that he never thought he could have. But is she the woman to put those ghosts to rest?

A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton - 4.5 Feathers

This story is the reason why I bought this anthology. Yes I know I could've bought just this story, but last year I enjoyed all four novellas in the Christmas anthology that the Kent Brothers # 1 was in sooooo here I am. The Kent brothers are hot general contractors. You gotta love a man that works with his hands *waggle seyebrows*. Much in the same way as his brother in book 1, Wyatt was previously married. But in his case he married the hot popular woman that everyone wanted. And he was the hot young stud all the girls wanted to have. He didn't know that's why she married him and they ended up going through a bad divorce. And now he has to do a job for her little sister. Calliope was a bit chunkier, with frizzy, curly hair from what he remembered; so he was not expecting the knockout that greeted him. And she is nothing like her sister. She's sweet and caring, she runs a childcare business, she's good with kids, people love her. And even though she's much younger than him and he feels he's broken he can't help but to be extremely attracted to her. Like watch-out-the-room-is-on-fire attracted to her. I have a special place in my heart for the Kent brothers so I LOVED this story and can't wait for the next one to fall! But this one.... droolworthy!

It's Not Christmas Without You by HelenKay Dimon - 3 Feathers

My least favorite of the anthology but still sweet and entertaining. Carrie and Austin are high school sweethearts. They grew up in West Virginia in a small town so when Carrie wanted to pursue her dreams of working at a prestigious museum and move to the big city. Austin didn't want to relocate thinking her place was there with him. So they broke up. And Carrie loves him too much to go back home for Christmas, see him, and fall back into bed with him so she decides to stay in the city for the Holidays. But Austin thinks its time she sees where she belongs and opens up a Christmas tree lot outside of her apartment building in the hopes to win her back and bring her back home with him. I didn't like Austin's attitude toward Carrie's work, which was her problem with him. I thought he was a bit of a self-centered ass and it was all about him at the end of the day. Until at the end of the story the lightbulb goes on. I still didn't feel how they could make things work.

Mistletoe and Margaritas by Shannon Stacey - 4.5 Feathers

So so cute. Justin has been in love with Claire for over 7 years. But his best friend was the one who made the move first and married her. And two years ago he died in an accident. After that, Justin has been there for Claire, helping her get through it and being her best friend. But it's so hard to love and lust and have to hide how he really feels. I thought they were perfect together, I just didn't understand how he wanted her so bad and then he's the one that says he can't do it because of his best friend? And she didn't notice how hot he was until her friend points that out to her? Other than those minor issues for me I enjoyed the story a lot. It was very cute and sweet and sexy.

Puchase Links: Amazon