Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Like Never Before

GIVEAWAY

TAGG, MELISSA
LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But when the newspaper she runs is in danger of closing, she puts all her hopes on a story that just might convince the new owner to keep the paper running.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker has the chance of a lifetime: a spot on a presidential campaign. But first he has to return to his hometown to sell the newspaper he's suddenly inherited.

But instead of a quick sale, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. And working together to break the story on Maple Valley's unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.

My Review:

This book makes me deliriously happy. Yes, it has an angsty, bawl-your-eyes-out kind of vibe in places but there's also a winning combination of swoons and laughter.

In fact be forewarned -- this book may be injurious to the health of an unsuspecting reader. Chronic hiccups can result from laughing and swooning at the same time because Tagg can turn a rapturously romantic moment into a funny one in the blink of an eye. And use caution when consuming a beverage while reading Like Never Before. Snorting liquid up your nose is a serious potential hazard due to frequent witty banter between hero and heroine. And lastly -- try to remember to breathe...at least occasionally. Yes, there will be moments when you must swallow back a gasp, or hold in a pent-up breath but keep in mind that you can't read if you aren't breathing so pace yourself. :-)

What did I love about this book? Everything! The whole complicated Walker family, the town of Maple Valley, the idea of saving an old local newspaper and, of course, the romance. Crazy impossible though it may seem.

And -- be still my heart. Logan Walker! Devoted papa, driven to succeed, aching for a past he can never have again. All turmoil and trouble wrapped up in a hunk of masculinity with a surprising tendency towards tenderness and compassion. And Amelia! A heroine after my own heart. Spunky and sweet, her goals are at cross-purposes with Logan's. The thrill of angst in their relationship is tantalizing and leads to a toe-curling romance of the highest order. An all-round sublime read!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Like Never Before please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 17 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

63 comments:

  1. I'm so excited to see Like Never Before here on your blog! I'm reading book one, From the Start right now and I can alraedy tell I'll be ready book two. Add to that your heart-trobbing deliriously happy review and oh yes, I'm hoping to win this one!Thanks for offering it!
    Hope you and Happy have a great reading day!

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    1. I love Melissa Tagg's writing! And I'm enamoured with the Walker family. Did you know there's a prequel ebook novella? It's Seths' and Ava's story. And I think it's free. Three Little Words. I haven't read it because it's in ebook format but I'm hoping to some day. Good luck, Tracey.

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    2. Yes I've read that novella, Three Little Words, very good. I know you read paper, but if you got the kindle app on your computer, you could read it that way. It's only 113 pages, so even if you can't sit too long in one position you could read a little each day. She also has another novella, One Enchanted Christmas at 113 pages (also set in Maple Valley) worth reading too. I have her first two books on my kindle waiting to be read, but something about this series drew me in :)

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    3. I got so excited about the book I forgot my email, lol
      tracey14567 at gmail dot com

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    4. Well, the real question is -- could I actually stop at reading a few pages at a time? I think not! LOL Plus even a few minutes is hard for me these days. Devoting computer snippets for other online activities and writing, of course.

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  2. I really enjoyed From the Start. Oh, and the prequel. That was one of the best novellas I've ever read! Somehow she managed to squeeze all the depth and humor and romance of a full novel into such a tiny word count. Hope you get the opportunity to read it!

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

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    1. Me too, Rachael. I just can't handle reading ebooks right now. Maybe some day. Good luck!

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  3. I love this article and how it describes the book especially about the hiccups and laughter.
    karenskrayonsATgmailDotcom

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    1. Bwahahaha! It's all true. Good luck, Karen.

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  4. I have not read this author, but sounds great. Don't enter me, however, as I will be tied up with knee sg. I'll have to turn to E books and thanks for the info on her novella, which I plan to download right now.

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    1. Ohh...prayers over that knee surgery, Jackie. And if you win you can opt for an ebook version no problem. Shall I enter you?

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  5. Please enter me!! I love Melissa Tagg's novels but haven't gotten this one yet. Not sure how in the world I missed it? Thanks for the chance to win it :)

    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. It just came out, Charity. April 1, I believe. Good luck.

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  6. Love your reviews, complete with warnings. ;) I enjoyed the first book and prequel in this series. Have this on my tbr list. Thanks for doing a giveaway! kareninkitsap(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Well, us readers have to look out for each other, right? Good luck, Karen.

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  7. Kav, you've written another wonderful review. Sounds like a fun book to read, even with a box of tissues at-the-ready. You always make reading sound like the fun activity it is. Thank you for sharing and offering a copy of this book.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Kay -- LOL -- reading is a fun activity, isn't it? Good luck!

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  8. Nice review. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom.

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  9. I'm so excited about this book. Thanks for hosting the giveaway! alison (dot) louise (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. It's a book to get excited about it. Good luck, Alison.

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  10. Would love to be entered! I've heard such great things about Melissa's books!
    pocoauthorATgmailDOtcom

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  11. Melissa is a great writer. Her books are so enjoyable! Thank you, Kav! mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  12. Thanks, Kav, but I will skip entering this time...may be offline a while.

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    1. Okey-dokey. Praying for your surgery and healing.

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  13. I love this review!! One of my fave books this year! :)

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    1. Thanks, Carrie. It still has my heart all aflutter. :-)

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  14. Melissa's books have been on my "want to read" list for awhile. I've read her blog but none of her books yet. Like Never Before sounds like one I really should read. Thanks for the chance to win it.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Oh -- I didn't know she had a blog. Must check that out. Good luck, Pam.

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  15. Never read one of hers!
    lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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    1. Oh, you must remedy that, Susan. Good luck.

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  16. I really enjoy Melissa Tagg's writing so I was excited to read your review of this book. It's definitely on my list to read soon. Thanks for the wonderful review,
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. You're welcome, Pam. Glad you're another Tagg fan. Good luck.

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  17. This book sounds fabulous! I'm putting it on my TBR list and I will be sure to use your giggle tips!
    dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. So glad you find the giggle tips helpful. :-) Good luck, Diane.

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  18. After all Melissa Tagg's comments and posts about Logan, this was put on the top of my TBR a long time ago. Thanks for the great review and the giveaway.
    reneerachoyolsenATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Ah, Logan, blissful sigh. Good luck, Heather.

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  19. I love the prequel and One Enchanted Christmas! Can't wait to read some more Melissa Tagg! Thank you for the giveaway!
    betherin02 AT gmail DOT com

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    1. I have to get reading those. Good luck, Beth Erin.

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  20. I've only read Melissa Tagg's Here to Stay, but it was a favorite of mine from last year. I'm looking forward to starting this series. It sounds even better. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I'm a fan, that's for sure. Good luck, Terrill.

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  21. I haven't had the opportunity to read one of Melissa's books, but heard so many great things about her work. teshaw(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  22. I loved One Enchanted Christmas! I am looking forward to reading more books by Melissa! Thanks for the great review.
    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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  23. This sounds hilarious! I can't wait to read it! Enter me please!

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  24. I've loved all of Melissa's books! Can't wait to read Like Never Before. :)
    duhpaynes[at]gmail[dot]com

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  25. I'm a bit behind the curve, having never read any of Melissa's books . I know I have at least one of them in my TBR stack. Never enough time!

    Pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. It's a delightful dilemma to be in though, isn't it, Patty? Hours of reading enjoyment ahead of you. Good luck.

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  26. I've heard nothing but good things about Melissa's books. I know I need to add a book or two of hers to my TBR pile!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  27. I have read and enjoyed the first. Please sign me up.

    sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

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    1. You're signed up -- good luck, Boos Mum.

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  28. I haven't read a book by Melissa Tagg for a long time and look forward to this one.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. Time to remedy that, rubynreba. Good luck.

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  29. I've been hoarding her books on my shelf for awhile now, this makes me want to start reading them! gotta support a fellow Iowan! I was hoping to meet her at a local event but I can't go. major bummer!

    Lea
    ladepooh AT hotmail dot com

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    1. Oooh -- so near and yet so far. Good luck, Lea.

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  30. Love her books! So much fun! Thanks for the giveaway!

    mo1202007ATyahooDOTcom

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