I've really been enjoying this new series by Melinda Curtis. Until the Christmas Wish, I hadn't read her before but I do love a good Christmas story. I was very glad that I did. It won't kill the series if you don't read it first but I would. It gives you a glimpse into how these matchmaking ladies work.

In their sites now is Lola Williams. She lost her husband a couple of years ago and things aren't going well for her. Some of the town isn't openly friendly towards her for no apparent reason at all other than she's not from there. Not only is she missing her husband but she has found out Randy's secret and it's killing her.

Oh boy, poor Lola is a hot mess.

You won't blame her when you read about all Randy did. Drew tries his best to keep Lola out of trouble but it's a full-time job. Drew is a wonderful guy but at times he's not as understanding as you'd hope. A real guy.

He's got his own crap that he needs to deal with and a sweet little daughter that you can't help but loving. I felt for him with his daughter and he is a great guy who stood with her when her mom ran after giving birth to her. If you follow me you know I love me a single dad. Nothing sexier.

Throughout the book, I felt for Lola. The way people treated her without really knowing her was wrong. She's a sweet, caring person do deserves more. I do love how she showed them. I wish I could tell you more but it would ruin the main plot of the story. I will tell you that I laughed a lot with this story and couldn't put it down. The romance is a little slow going but we kinda knew that from the title. Since I liked them both I didn't mind reading about their dance towards love.

I can't wait for the next book in the series which isn't out till the end of September witch sucks but it is a holiday story so you know I'm all in.

Two years after giving up everything to marry Randy, and one year after she became a widow, Lola discovers that Randy had many secrets and begins to question everything to do with their marriage. As she works to uncover more truths and answer questions, she continues to run into Drew, the town's Sheriff, and attempts to enlist his help.

I really wanted to enjoy this one; the premise sounded so sweet and I was in the mood for some fun small-town romance. Unfortunately, this one just really missed the mark for me. I struggled to connect with Lola or Drew, individually and as a couple, and the whole story felt rushed. In particular, everything to do with Drew attempting to find a wife to help his custody battle rubbed me the wrong way - especially when the woman he was trying to date didn't even know that's what he wanted. Overall, I think this one had a lot of potential, and I'm sure a lot of readers will enjoy it, it just wasn't for me.

2.5/5 stars

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

Widow Lola Turner is a beautician trying to make a living in small town, deal with her husband's death, and with her judgmental neighbors...who still treat her like an outsider Everything changes when she finds out he was a cheater. Heartbroken, she goes in a tailspin.
Sheriff Drew Taylor is dealing with his mother, sisters and his daughter Becky as well as keeping the peace in town, sometimes made more difficult by the cousin he hired as deputy.
Between styling hair at the retirement home and working for the local mortuary, she makes enough to live on, but not splurge.
After she finds Randy's love nest , she doggedly pursues finding her lover.
Lola gets into many situations that will be amusing...once there in the past. No0t now for her or Drew, who has problems of his own, most notably. The ex who now wants custody of their daughter after walking away and staying away.
Ms. Curtis pens a humorous and angst producing romance for the pair, accompanied by an eccentric casts of characters who add a bit of spice.
I requested and received an ARC from NetGalley and recommend it highly.

Can't Hurry Love is the first novel in the Sunshine Valley series written by Melinda Curtis, and is written from three different point-of-views: Lola Williams, who has been widowed for almost a year when she discovers her husband was having an affair, Drew Taylor, Sunshine Valley's sheriff, single father to a spunky six-year-old daughter, and Mims, president of Sunshine Valley's Widows club, a support group of sorts and group that focus's on raising money for charities in their town (and also their match-making). All have their own personal turmoil, and all clash together in this sweet romance.

Lola and Drew are the main two protagonists, and their stories are interesting. I was immediately drawn into the mystery of her husbands secret life, and found myself not being able to put the book down, because like Lola, I wanted to know. It helps that Lola's antics to get to the truth makes for some fun reading, especially when an exasperated Drew gets involved. And while I had feelings about some of the women he was involved with, and they were confirmed, there were some twists, which I appreciated. Drew's situation with his ex-wife is also interesting. I am not sure about his ex. I have trouble sympathizing with a woman who gave up her child, and then six years later comes back and wants to resume the mother role. I do like that Drew, in the end, decides to allow supervised visitation, since his daughter seems to like her biological mother so much.

This romance was a bit different from other romances I have read. It's certainly not my first small town man, big city girl story, and it's not even my first widow story. But it felt different. Lola's desperation to the truth leads to some hilarious moments, and to some unexpected friends in the end. I loved that while people assumed she thought she was better than them, she was actually quite kind, and craved to feel like she belonged. I loved her unconventional job, even if it wasn't what she really wanted to do, as it really shows off her compassion. I loved how Drew's personality really stood out with Lola, much like it did with his crazy sisters (who were a delight to read). His proposal might be one of my favorite proposals I have read.

The only things I didn't like about this book, was, while it had no problems describing her ex's blow-up dolls, and collection of naughty costumes, its very PG-13. I like a little steam in my romance, and this one is lacking in that. The second thing, there was very little build up to the proposal. I would have liked if we got to see them truly together, and dating for a bit. It seems crazy to share one hot kiss and propose!

Despite lacking steam, and we don't get to experience Lola and Drew in a relationship together, the chemistry between the two of them is insane, and is truly fun to read. Drew's habit of taking Lola to jail to cool off is funny, and him handcuffing her to the bed to cool off was kind of hot. So while there was no actual sex, there was moments that you just knew it would be good between them. I found myself completely drawn in, and I ended up reading most of it in a day, because I didn't want to put it down. It had me laughing, it had me teary eyed with that amazing proposal, and fully immersed. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to future books in the series.

Sweet small town romance between two people who are neither looking for love or want it to find them.
Lola and Sheriff Drew are drawn together to help Lola find out about her deceased husband's secrets.
I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it,

One of the reasons I can so wholeheartedly recommend 'Can't Hurry Love' is that it conveyed a wonderful love story without anything graphic. The surrounding cast of characters were quirky and delightful. There was humor, forgiveness and redemption - lots of life lessons that have stayed in my mind. I look forward to many more stories from Sunshine, CO.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher of NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I just could not get into this book. It had a slow start and I just did not feel compelled to finish the book. I was struggling to get into it and I just could not continue and finish it. The plot line was glacial and I only got a few chapters in.

“Can’t Hurry Love” by Melinda Curtis is book one of her Sunshine Valley series.
Recently widowed, Lola Williams is reeling from a discovery about her late husband. She’s on a mission to find out the truth.
Sheriff Drew Taylor, having been hurt by love himself, is doing his best raising his daughter and now feels the need to lookout for Lola as well.
Neither are ready for the attraction they have for the other.
Add in the matchmaking Widows Club and you have a story that will make you laugh one minute then tug at your heart the next.

Ms. Curtis’s tagline (Laugh a little. Cry a little. Sigh a little.) is a perfect description for this book. It’s no wonder she is an auto-buy author for me.

Can’t Hurry Love is a fun-loving story full of humor that actually helps the characters through underlying conflicts and lots of anger. Lola, widow to Randy, finds that she didn’t know a lot of secrets he hid during their marriage. Drew has an ex-wife that has returned to try and get custody of their six-year-old daughter, Becky, both of who were abandoned when Becky was three-months old. As sheriff, he becomes quite unpopular with quite a few people in town. And plenty of the residents aren’t very pleased with Lola, either. I really enjoyed it. The novella, Kiss Me in Sweetwater was just pure lovely. I now want to read the full books in this series. [I received this book for free through the author and NetGalley and my opinion is my own.]

This small town romance set in Sunshine Valley is full of drama, secrets and betrayals. There is so much going on between these quirky characters in Sunshine Valley that Drew and Lola's romance gets lost. The title Can't Hurry Love is fitting since there were times the story dragged and I wished it would just move along. I did enjoy reading about Lola's humorous antics, Drew's need to protect his daughter Becky and Becky herself. The meddling widow's club is the main reason I look forward to read more of these clean ,fun romances set in Sunshine Valley. Thanks to net galley and Forever for the arc for my honest opinion.

This is an amazing sweet romance! I enjoyed this story so much! I read the novella, The Christmas Wish, (# 0.5 in the Sunshine Valley series) and have been anxiously waiting for the next book.

I adore the quirky, unique, lovable characters of Sunshine, Colorado. The Sunshine Valley Widows Club, who are involved in raising money for worthy causes of the town, are also known for doing some matchmaking on the side. These women are what I aspire to be when I am older.

Drew, the sheriff has his hands full trying to keep peace in the town, while also keeping a watching eye over his daughter, his mom and sisters. He definitely does not need another person on his watch list, but what we do not need sometimes becomes essential to make our lives happy. Enter the beautiful widow, Lola, needing answers before she can move forward in her life. Add her to his watch list!

The book focuses on Drew and Lola and their meant to be romance. It is not an easy path to their happily ever after, but it is a wonderful journey that I recommend highly. Can't Hurry Love is the most enjoyable book I read this year! It is lighthearted (although there are serious situations in it), humorous (I laughed out loud several times) and has a mystery element to it (which had me on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out the answer). This a truly well rounded story that was very entertaining! I will add that I am a fan of this author, Melinda Curtis and think this is a fantastic book to add to her collection.

This book also has a novella by an author I have not read before, Annie Rains. I adored her story also. I will definitely be reading her books in the future.

I want to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley.com for allowing me to read the Advance Reader Copy of this book. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC.

I really really wanted to like this book, but I just didn't really connect to these characters. I liked the small town feel and our sheriff. The "matchmakers" drove me a little bit nuts and I thought Lola was funny, but a little off her rocker.
A cute story, but not my favorite romance.

This is a cute story of starting over, family, friends, some quirky senior citizens who like to help those they deem in need of love, a bit of mystery, and romance. An easy read. I look forward to a return visit to Sunshine, Colorado.

Lola has been widowed for nearly a year, Randy having been killed in an auto accident at the dangerous crossroads in town. She’s finally started to clear out his things when she comes upon a revelation: Randy had been unfaithful. VERY unfaithful if the nearly empty, extra-large box of condoms is any indication. Not being from Sunshine Valley, she’s only made one friend, and that one friend has been her constant. Of course, there are the women of the Sunshine Valley Widow’s Club who are inveterate matchmakers – and she’s also landed on their radar. Yet things are heating up: first with the small (or not so) bonfire she built in her driveway to burn Randy’s things, then the Sherriff coming to shut down both the fire and her newly hatched plan. She’s going to find out who Randy was seeing…then leave.

Of course – nothing is quite so simple: Drew (the Sherriff) is also in the midst of a custody battle for his daughter – and needs a wife: a calm, non-threatening, biddable wife. Everything that Lola isn’t, and all of that makes her deliciously attractive: if it weren’t for the many calls he has to field over the blow-up dolls in her front window in various positions, the overeager nephew who is writing tickets (or jailing) everyone he catches, his sister and an overweight, anxious pig, the other sister who can’t seem to cover up in her search for Mr. Rebound after her divorce, or his need to be around Lola whenever possible.

Laugh out loud, meddling neighbors, more conflicts borne of desperation and curiosity than is possibly necessary, Lola has, underneath the ‘city polish’ a heart of gold and is simply seeking answers before she leaves. It doesn’t hurt that she’s been brought into the mix with the widow’s club, or that her constantly changing blow up doll display is talk of the town, but her charming Drew’s daughter Becky with simple words and her honest searching for answers have everyone understanding her desires, even if they don’t agree. A lovely introduction to the town and it’s people, as secrets are uncovered, friendships renewed and new hope brought to many.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aEo /” <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Small town romances are always a lot of fun - with the characters, the close-knit communities, and everyone knowing everyone else's business. This town has all of that in spades, plus a group of sweet widows who are constantly doing good for the community with a side of matchmaking.

Lola is a transplant who moved to town after marrying her now deceased husband Randy. Randy was, as his name suggests, not exactly faithful to Lola. Lola has been grieving his death for a year when she discovers he wasn't faithful to her. When she finds out she vows to find out who the other woman (or women) were.

Drew is the sheriff and a single dad. His daughter's mother is challenging his custody after abandoning them both for years. Hi ex-wife was an aspiring country star and didn't want to be "stuck" in their small town. He's now trying to keep the peace in town and find a wife to make his chances at custody stronger.

Overall, there is a lot of small-town drama, and not a lot of true romance. Drew and Lola are pretty perfect for each other - but they seem to fight coming together kicking and screaming.

This is definitely an enjoyable book without a lot of heat. I think it reads more women's fiction than romance - but it was a sweet book, just light on the romance side of things for me and heavier on friendship and family.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley, but these opinions are all mine.

Can't Hurry Love by Melinda Curtis is the first book in the Sunshine Valley series. Lola's antics will give you a good chuckle. The story is fun and sweet, but also touches on lies and betrayals. The flow of the book is a bit slow. There is no steamy scenes, but some sweet ones. It almost feels like the kiss a couple time and then boom they are engaged. But it was nonetheless an enjoyable story.

Thanks NetGalley!

This book starts a series that promises to be touching as well as entertaining.
In this first story we have Lola Williams and Drew Taylor.
Lola , a New Yorker and former Broadway make up artist left it all to follow her husband to the small town of Sunshine. A town she so wanted to be accepted into but is still struggling to be accepted. She was married one year, and now has been a widow for another one. As she starts cleaning her husband’s possessions she comes a cross evidence that he might have been unfaithful with not once , but multiple times.
Drew is the local sheriff, divorced, with a precocious kindergarten age daughter, who is his life. When his ex shows up for the first time since she left him and the baby asking for custody rights, his world is turned upside down.
While each is dealing with their personal problems, sparks start flying when a neighbor complains about Lola’s fire and then the window dressing.
In addition to the relationship between Lola and Drew, you also have a couple of subplots. One focusing on the Widows Club who appear also to be matchmakers.
This is a sweet, touching, clean romance that at times will make you laugh out loud, at others a tear or two will be shed.
The bonus novella by Annie Rains is also very good.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Forever. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing).

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
No one does small town romances like Melinda Curtis. She is back with a new series situated in Sunshine, Colorado which features the town widow matchmaking club where no one is off limits.

Recently city widower ends up in the small town after a short marriage which left her not knowing her husband as well as she thought as he held secrets. She isn’t looking for a relationship as she is weary of the opposite sex.

Local sheriff isn’t looking either as he been unlucky in love. The two meet up when she asks for help about her dead husband past. Soon they realize that they might have more in common than meets the eye. A nice sweet romance.

A quirky, no steam read about small town life, love, forgiveness and finding love again. I loved the quirkiness of the story telling and the characters with my favorite being Becky. There was lots of drama but I found it a little slow moving for me. There is also the bonus of a no steam short story by another author that was a cute read.

***Thank you to NetGalley, Forever and Melinda Curtis. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own.***

3.5 stars

Lola is going through her husband’s things a year after his death and uncovers evidence that he was unfaithful. It sends her into a tailspin and subsequent wild-goose chase to track down his lover for answers. At the same time, the widow’s club is looking to do some matchmaking. Enter Drew, local sheriff and single father. He’s got his own crisis brewing while dealing with all the chaos Lola is creating. Neither is ready for a relationship, let alone love, but that won’t stop the meddling widow’s club from trying.

I really liked Lola, even though her search for answers made her seem a little desperate. Drew is a good man at his heart but he said some really stupid things, true as they may be, that made me want to slap him. The chemistry between them was great, but I didn’t really like how the author played it out. Honestly, the whole story was really, really slow. I got tripped up at times by the sheer volume of names and characters and relationships to keep track of, especially when one of them hadn’t been mentioned in a while. There were a few subplots that I’m not sure necessarily enhanced the book, especially given the book’s pace. The book had some laughs and some drama, and was probably a pretty good depiction of small town life.