Perfect Together

Perfect Together is the 3^rd book in the Serendipity’s Finest series from New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips. The publisher is Berkley Penguin Group and the release date is February 4, 2014. From the back cover.~

In the picturesque town of Serendipity, New York, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity’s finest?

Tired of being the easygoing daughter, always ignored in favor of her high-maintenance sister, and no longer interested in being her fiancé’s trophy wife, Nicole Farnsworth calls off her wedding. All she wants is to be herself. And where better to find her destiny than Serendipity? The place where she met the one man who made her heart beat faster, and gave her the courage to reinvent her life—even if he doesn’t know it.

Officer Sam Marsden calls Serendipity home and he loves it there—even though his childhood sweetheart was stolen by his best friend. After such heartbreak, Sam fears he can’t trust his instincts when it comes to love. Yet he’s so tempted by Nicole, a woman he met only briefly but who has starred in his dreams ever since. For Nicole and Sam, opening their hearts one more time could change their lives forever. But who’ll be the first to take that chance? 

I was lucky enough to get a review copy thanks to the publisher through NetGalley. I'm a huge fan of Carly Phillips and couldn't wait to read Sam's story. 

I loved Sam and Nicole's book so much. I felt the connection between Nicole and Sam when they met in Perfect Fling and was super excited to discover Nicole was moving to Serendipity.

I really loved how strong Nicole is as a character. It takes lots of strength and guts to pack up your life and move to a new town where you know no one, and start your own business. Add in her twin sister stalked one of the town's sweethearts, and I had even more respect for Nicole. I found myself liking Nicole more and more as I read this story.

I loved the chemistry between Sam and Nicole from the very beginning, and thought with all their differences, they worked well as a couple. I hated how Nicole's family was so distant and showed almost no love towards their children. I also admit I got a little mad at Sam for not sharing his past sooner with Nicole. However, since I loved them as a couple, I totally let that go.

I loved how Carly wrapped up the Serendipity's Finest series, as well as the Serendipity series. While I think you should read all of the Serendipity and Serendipity’s Finest books in order, Perfect Together can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend Carly Phillips books to everyone who loves to read fun and sexy contemporary romances.

Serendipity Series Spotlight

I’ve been a fan of Carly Phillips for years. I’m not sure I had read her Harlequin books when they were originally released, but I remember reading The Bachelor when it was picked for the “Reading by Ripa” book of the month in 2002. I’ve gone back and read all of Carly’s backlist and have never missed a release since The Bachelor. Her Serendipity and Serendipity’s Finest series are 2 of my favorite series from her. I fell hard for the Barron brothers (especially Dare) from the very first book and love we continue to get to see them over the course of both series.

***Carly has been nice enough to offer one (1) copy of any of her currently released Serendipity books to one lucky winner. Please comment and include your email to be entered. Any format is available. Will include all comments from 11/4 to 11/8.***

Serendipity (Serendipity Book 1) Release date September 6, 2011

Faith Harrington was the classic girl of privilege--until her father was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and then her marriage crashed and burned.

Now Faith is back in her hometown, hoping for a fresh start. But her father's betrayal has rocked Serendipity - and not everyone is ready to welcome her with open arms. Then she runs into her teenage crush – the dark, brooding Ethan Barron. Ethan, no stranger to scandal himself, never imagined he'd own the mansion on the hill, much less ever again

come face to face with Faith--the princess he once kissed senseless. The chance meeting reignites the electric charge between them.

Still, when Ethan hires her to redecorate what was once her childhood home, Faith is sure that getting involved with the town's notorious bad boy will only lead to trouble. But her heart has other ideas. And so do the townspeople of Serendipity ...

Kismet (Serendipity novella) Release Date November 11, 2011

Long Lost Love and Second Chances

Elisabetta Gardelli thought she’d spend her days serving coffee and writing obits for the town paper until an unexpected opportunity results in her dream job as a journalist. Now, divorced and determined to make it on her own, Lissa is hired to do a series of interviews about entrepreneurs who’ve made their mark at an impressively young age. First up? Wall Street mogul Trevor Dane — Lissa’s first love. Lissa hasn’t seen Trevor since he left the small town of Serendipity to earn his spot on the right side of the tracks. Ten years have passed but neither has really moved from their super-passionate teenage affair – or the heartbreak that followed. This reunion can be their second chance or it can provide much needed closure. It all depends on Trevor. Can he forgive Lissa or will the past continue to stand in their way?

*can be read alone - for Serendipity readers- this novella takes place between Serendipity and Destiny.

Fated (Serendipity Novella) Release Date December 4, 2012

This novella takes place between Serendipity and Destiny.

Kate Andews is the original rebound girl. But she has had enough and has vowed to never be someone’s second choice again. Unfortunately, her undeniably intense desire for Nick Mancini is testing her best laid plans because Kate has carried a torch for Nick since high school– but she’s always been permanently in the friend zone.

Lately, Nick has definitely noticed Kate. Unfortunately he can’t get her to take him seriously. He knows he’s made some stupid moves in the past but he’s determined to get Kate to act on their obvious and mutual attraction. However Kate’s stubborn and she’s been hurt before, which means Nick will have to pull out all the stops in order to convince her he’s not the same boy she used to know, and she’s not second best… she’s everything.

Destiny (Serendipity Book 2) Release Date January 3, 2012

Nash Barron may be cynical about love, yet even he likes a good wedding. But the only good thing about his brother’s wedding is Kelly Moss. Nash can’t help but admire her confidence and beauty, but he’s forced to keep his distance because getting involved with Kelly could destroy his relationship with his newly discovered half sister, Tess…

Kelly came to Serendipity to give Tess–her half sibling as well, thanks to an illicit affair–a second chance at life. She learned long ago not to rely on anyone but herself. Besides, she doesn’t want to upset Tess’s life by pushing for a fling with Nash. Except the more she gets to know him, the more vulnerable she becomes to the kindness beneath his gruff exterior, and the less she’s able to stay away. But she has other reasons for keeping her distance. Like the secret from her past she knows Nash will never forgive…

Karma (Serendipity Book 3) Release Date May 1, 2012

Police Officer Dare Barron has had a crush on Liza McKnight ever since he was a teenager. But despite his lifelong attraction, the closest he’s ever come to interacting with her is watching Liza regularly bail out her brother at the station.
 


Dare’s dark past with Liza’s brother, Brian, has always kept him from pursuing her. But suddenly Liza finds herself in need of protection and Dare appoints himself as the man for the job.  And while the sizzling attraction between Dare and Liza draws them together, the past that Dare and Brian share threatens to keep the two apart forever.

Perfect Fit (Serendipity’s Finest Book 1) Release Date December 31, 2012

MIKE

Always feeling like the odd man out in his family, Michael Marsden wanted to make it on his own. So he escaped Serendipity to become an undercover cop in Manhattan, where the Marsden name wasn't known. But Michael's independence is compromised when he returns home to replace his sick father as chief of police. Back in the shadow of his family, he's as lost and restless as ever, until he's challenged by someone he never anticipated.

CARA

Cara Hartley is the Serendipity cop with whom Mike had a one night stand three months earlier. Neither expected anything more but fate has other things in store. When Mike returns as Cara's boss, the sexual tension between them is impossible to ignore - and the unexpected emotional connection continues to grow. But Cara's a small town girl while Mike has a wanderer's blood in his veins.

Together their chemistry explodes but ...

Both are convinced a future together is impossible. Until Mike's real father's secrets come back to haunt him and he realizes there are some things worth staying and fighting for. Including Cara.

Perfect Strangers (Serendipity Novella in Hot Summer Nights) Release Date July 2, 2013 Re-releasing as eBook only novella January 7, 2014

Carly Phillips takes you back to the town of Serendipity, where overworked Alexa has an instant connection with a sinfully sexy football star on the dance floor. A one-night stand evolves into multiple nights when Luke decides to teach the good doctor about his own brand of fun. But when it’s time for him to leave town, will these “Perfect Strangers” be able to say goodbye for good?

Perfect Fling (Serendipity’s Finest Book 2) Release Date July 30, 2013

Erin ... The Good Girl

Assistant District Attorney, Erin Marsden,is Serendipity's quintessential good girl.  The only daughter of the ex-police chief, she has never made a misstep, content with her quiet, predictable life ... or so she thinks.  Until Cole Sanders returns to town with heated interest in his eyes and shadows in his past.  

Cole ... The Bad Boy

After seven years of deep under cover work in New York City, Cole returns to Serendipity to help his aging father and to find his moral compass once more. Not to get involved with wholesome Erin Marsden.  Even as a rebellious teen, he knew a girl like Erin was off limits and that hasn't changed.  But neither one of them can resist their off-the-charts chemistry and a one night stand brings complications neither Erin nor Cole expected.

The Attraction ... Off the Charts!

Then Erin's current case plunges her into a killer's crosshairs. With more at stake than anyone knows, Erin succumbs to Cole's take-charge attitude. As a bodyguard, he's the best. As a lover, he's even better. But there's more than the matter of Erin's safety at stake.  And Cole must forgive the sins of his past and prove to himself - and to Erin - that he's capable of the love and the forever she - and their baby - desperately need.

Perfect Together (Serendipity’s Finest Book 3) Release Date February 4, 2014

In the picturesque town of Serendipity, New York, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity’s finest?

Tired of being the easygoing daughter, always ignored in favor of her high-maintenance sister, and no longer interested in being her fiancé’s trophy wife, Nicole Farnsworth calls off her wedding. All she wants is to be herself. And where better to find her destiny than Serendipity? The place where she met the one man who made her heart beat faster, and gave her the courage to reinvent her life—even if he doesn’t know it.

Officer Sam Marsden calls Serendipity home and he loves it there—even though his childhood sweetheart was stolen by his best friend. After such heartbreak, Sam fears he can’t trust his instincts when it comes to love. Yet he’s so tempted by Nicole, a woman he met only briefly but who has starred in his dreams ever since. For Nicole and Sam, opening their hearts one more time could change their lives forever. But who’ll be the first to take that chance?

Perfect Fling

Perfect Fling (Serendipity’s Finest #2) is the newest release from NYT bestselling author Carly Phillips. The official release date is July 30, 2013 and the publisher is Berkley. From the back cover.~

Erin ... The Good Girl
Assistant District Attorney, Erin Marsden, is Serendipity's quintessential good girl.  The only daughter of the ex-police chief, she has never made a misstep, content with her quiet, predictable life ... or so she thinks.  Until Cole Sanders returns to town with heated interest in his eyes and shadows in his past.   

Cole ... The Bad Boy
After seven years of deep undercover work in New York City, Cole returns to Serendipity to help his aging father and to find his moral compass once more. Not to get involved with wholesome Erin Marsden.  Even as a rebellious teen, he knew a girl like Erin was off limits and that hasn't changed.  But neither one of them can resist their off-the-charts chemistry and a one night stand brings complications neither Erin nor Cole expected.

The Attraction ... Off the Charts!
Then Erin's current case plunges her into a killer's crosshairs. With more at stake than anyone knows, Erin succumbs to Cole's take-charge attitude. As a bodyguard, he's the best. As a lover, he's even better. But there's more than the matter of Erin's safety at stake.  And Cole must forgive the sins of his past and prove to himself - and to Erin - that he's capable of the love and the forever she - and their baby -desperately need.

 
I honestly can't remember when I found my first Carly Phillips book, but I know the "Reading with Ripa" segment on Live with Regis and Kelly got me reading her books again. I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Perfect Fling for review thanks to the author and the publishers through NetGalley.
 
I'm pretty sure I say this is my favorite Carly Phillips book ever after each new book, and I'm saying it yet again with Perfect Fling. I loved Cole and Erin as a couple from the moment they first got together. There is something about the men in Serendipity that makes me love each and every one of them, and Cole is no different. Seriously made my book boyfriend list (Dare is still at the top, but Michael and Cole almost knocked him out of the top spot). However, Erin Marsden is my favorite character from this book. I loved how strong she is whether faced with a stalker or possibly raising a baby on her own.  I love strong heroines in a book, and Erin is hands-down one of the strongest. 
 
I loved the chemistry between Erin and Cole, and especially love how tender and protective they are of one another. Even with their differences, I just felt like Cole and Erin are a perfect couple. I did figure out who was after Erin before it was revealed in the book. The mystery of the stalker gave Cole more opportunity to keep Erin with him to protect her and I really loved how he stepped up to the challenge. I especially loved he was ready to battle both Mike and Sam, Erin's brothers, for the right to take care of the woman he loved.

I love each and every visit to Serendipity. I'm already counting down until we get Sam Marsden's book, Perfect Together, February 4, 2014. For more information about the author or her books, check out her website.

Perfect Fit

Perfect Fit (Serendipity’s Finest) is the 1^st book in a new Serendipity series from NYT bestselling author Carly Phillips. The publisher is Berkley. From the back cover.~

In the picturesque upstate NY town, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity's finest?

MIKE
Always feeling like the odd man out in his family, Michael Marsden wanted to make it on his own. So he escaped Serendipity to become an undercover cop in Manhattan, where the Marsden name wasn't known. But Michael's independence is compromised when he returns home to replace his sick father as chief of police. Back in the shadow of his family, he's as lost and restless as ever, until he's challenged by someone he never anticipated.

CARA
Cara Hartley is the Serendipity cop with whom Mike had a one night stand three months earlier. Neither expected anything more but fate has other things in store. When Mike returns as Cara's boss, the sexual tension between them is impossible to ignore - and the unexpected emotional connection continues to grow. But Cara's a small town girl while Mike has a wanderer's blood in his veins. 

Together their chemistry explodes but ...
Both are convinced a future together is impossible. Until Mike's real father's secrets come back to haunt him and he realizes there are some things worth staying and fighting for. Including Cara.

I was so excited to get approved from the publisher through NetGalley for an early copy of Perfect Fit. I’ve been a fan of Carly Phillips for years and count her Serendipity series as my favorite ever. I’ve said that Karma, book 3 in the Serendipity series is my favorite book ever from Carly Phillips, because I finally got Dare’s story. I didn’t think I could love another hero as much as Dare, however Mike Marsden changed it all.

Mike Marsden has never really felt like he fit in with his family. His dad Simon isn’t his biological dad, like he is to his sister and brother Erin and Sam. However, when his dad gets sick and needs Mike to come home and step in as chief of police, Mike is there in a heartbeat. Of course he will soon be working with Cara Hartley, neither of which thought they would really see each other again after their one night stand. I loved Mike and Cara together. Both are such strong characters and each have family issues that are effecting their present. Mike and Cara work really well together and the sexual tension between them is off the charts. I pretty much loved every minute Mike and Cara spent together. Whether they are working together, making love, or even arguing, I was hooked from page one.

Perfect Fit is another winner from Carly Phillips. I’m sure I say this is my favorite book after reading each of her books, but Perfect Fit really is my favorite Carly Phillips book ever. In fact, Perfect Fit is my favorite read of 2012. The official release date is December 31, 2012 and can be purchased from your favorite bookstore or online retailer. For more information about Carly Phillips or her books, check out her website.

Fated

Fated is the latest novella release in the Serendipity series from NYT bestselling author Carly Phillips. The publisher is Berkley. From the author’s website.~

Dear Readers:

Whether you've read a previous book in
the Serendipity series or not, FATED is for you! 

Kate and Nick danced
around each other in SERENDIPITY but in FATED Nick is finished with
niceties. He's getting his girl, no matter what it takes! No worries
about book order. Just dive in and enjoy this steamy story meant to warm
you right up as well as show you just how far a man will go to win the
woman of his dreams!

Happy Reading!
Carly Phillips

I’ve been asking for Kate and Nick’s story since I met them in Serendipity. I have to say Carly Phillips totally delivers a fun and sexy story with Fated. I was lucky enough to get an early copy through NetGalley thanks to the publisher.

 Kate has been burned in the past by a boyfriend, so she isn’t ready to trust Nick when he repeatedly ask her out. Especially since he had showed signs of having feelings for his high school girlfriend, Faith, who also happens to be Kate’s best friend, when Faith first moved home to Serendipity. Nick quickly realizes the woman for him has been under his nose the entire time and will do anything to convince her of his feelings. The chemistry between Nick and Kate has been there all along. I loved how Nick pulled out all the stops to show Kate how great they could be together. I loved both the passion and the sweetness between Nick and Kate.

Fated fits into the timeline after Serendipity (book 1), but before Destiny (book 2). While reading Serendipity first is a good idea because it is one of my favorite books ever, I think Fated is a fabulous love story that stands alone just fine. The official release date for Fated is December 4, 2012 and can be purchased from your favorite ebook retailer. For more information about the Serendipity series or other books from Carly Phillips, check out her website.

Karma

Karma is the 3^rd book in the fabulous Serendipity series from NYT bestselling author Carly Phillips. From the back cover.~

Officer Dare Barron has had a crush on Liza McKnight ever since he was a teenager. But despite his lifelong attraction, the closest he's ever come to interacting with her is watching Liza regularly bail out her brother at the station.
 
Dare's dark past with Liza's brother, Brian, has always kept him from pursuing her. But suddenly Liza finds herself in need of protection and Dare appoints himself as the man for the job.  And while the sizzling attraction between Dare and Liza draws them together, the past that Dare and Brian share threatens to keep the two apart forever.

I’ve been waiting for Dare’s story since I first met him in Serendipity. Not to take anything away from Ethan or Nash, but there was just something I loved about Dare from the start. When he shared a secret with his brothers in Destiny, I knew it would end up being a major part of his story. I’m going to try to avoid spoilers as much as possible with this post, and I apologize for any I inadvertently reveal.

I loved Dare and Liza’s story. It wasn’t really easy for either of them. Liza has trust issues because of the way her family has always treated her. She has never been able to depend on anyone other than herself. Her brother Brian has always been there, but he has been a source of trouble every since the party he threw in high school. Dare has been attracted to Liza since they were in high school, but has tried to stay away from her since he was at Brian’s party in high school. He knows facts from the party that would hurt Liza to no end if she were to find out.

Since Brian continues to get into trouble, Dare and Liza run into one another on a regular basis. Dare and Liza are attracted to one another and even Dare’s past with Brian isn’t enough to stop him from acting on his attraction. The chemistry between Dare and Liza is sizzling. Because of Liza’s past, she isn’t looking for a relationship, but both promise to only be with one another while they are together (sounds like a relationship to me). Things are going pretty well in their relationship until Dare’s half-sister Tess is hurt at a party and he acts like a jerk to Liza and takes out his anger on her. Liza is already dealing with the fact her brother has messed up and drug her into his mess to clean up. She thought Dare was finally someone she could depend on and then he acts like a jerk. Dare must prove to Liza that he is willing to stand by her no matter what to make things right.

I loved how Dare proves himself to Liza. They are both such strong people, and really only become stronger together. I also love getting to spend time with the entire Barron family in this book. I loved watch the brothers together. I also loved how quickly Kelly and Faith accepted Liza as one of them. Liza really didn’t have any close girlfriends until Kelly and Faith, and I loved how they stood by her.

I’ve said all along Dare is my favorite Barron brother and his story was more than worth the wait. Carly gives her readers another winner with Karma, and I can’t wait for my next visit to Serendipity. I love visiting with the residents of Serendipity and am happy to say we get more books in the series. The Serendipity series will continue with the cops of Serendipity in The Perfect Trilogy. Up first will be Perfect Fit in February 2013, followed by Perfect Change in September 2013, and Perfect Together in February 2014.

Kismet - A Serendipity Novella

Kismet is newest release from Carly Phillips. Kismet is a Serendipity Novella which falls between Serendipity (book 1 in the series) and Destiny (book 2 in the series) and was released in eBook only on November 18, 2011. From the author’s Facebook page.~

Long Lost Love and Second Chances 

Elisabetta Gardelli thought she'd spend her days serving coffee and writing obits for the town paper until an unexpected opportunity results in her dream job as a journalist. Now, divorced and determined to make it on her own, Lissa is hired to do a series of interviews about entrepreneurs who’ve made their mark at an impressively young age. 

First up? Wall Street mogul Trevor Dane -- Lissa's first love. Lissa hasn't seen Trevor since he left the small town of Serendipity to earn his spot on the right side of the tracks. Ten years have passed but neither has really moved from their super-passionate teenage affair - or the heartbreak that followed. This reunion can be their second chance or it can provide much needed closure. It all depends on Trevor. 

Can he forgive Lissa or will the past continue to stand in their way?

I’ve made it no secret how much I love the Serendipity series by Carly Phillips. I can honestly say, it is my favorite series ever by Carly, and that is saying a lot since I’ve loved all her books. When I read Serendipity, I was hoping we would get stories from other characters in the town, and with Kismet, we get our first non-Barron brother story.

We first met Lissa when she was working at Cuppa Café and was extremely rude to Faith Harrington. She was recently divorced and selling coffee part-time and writing obits for the Serendipity Gazette and waiting for her big break. Luckily, Lissa and Faith found some common grounds and when Faith was ready to tell her story, she gave the exclusive to Lissa, who is now working for The News Journal. Her first major interview was with Trevor Dane…none other than her high school sweetheart, and her one true love.

Trevor hasn’t seen Lissa since he found out she was pregnant with Brad Banks’ child and marrying him. Even though his family still lives in Serendipity, he hasn’t allowed anyone to tell him what is going on with Lissa since he left ten years ago. He finally agrees to give her the interview, and then discovers what Lissa’s marriage has really been like. The attraction is still as strong as it was 10 years ago, and neither can resist the other. Lissa and Trevor are so hot together, but Trevor has to decide if he can accept Lissa’s daughter, who is also Brad’s daughter. Trevor and Lissa are so great together, and it was fun to watch the high school sweethearts fall in love all over again.

I really loved Kismet and can’t wait for my next visit with the characters in Serendipity. The next release in the Serendipity series is Destiny, which is set for release on January 3, 2012, and is Nash Barron and Kelly Moss's story.