#BookReview ~ Time Changes Everything ~ Romance

Title:     Time Changes Everything
Author: Melinda Dozier
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 stars!

Amanda Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn’t want to make time for anything else. Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now he’s a sexy, big shot lawyer.

Jake Edwards isn’t interested in commitment. He’s successful, sexy, and single–and that’s how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might have to rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.

But, is it too late for them? Or can he convince her that he’s ready to give her his heart?Amazon Kindle Link

My Review:

I read Time Changes Everything for the  first time on Critique Circle when I met Melinda and we learned the ins and outs of writing together. Though some things have changed after Melinda's editor had a go at this, at heart, it is still the story I loved when first reading it. I will say, however, there are some new scenes that I really liked. Wow! Sensual with a bit of sizzle. A fun read!

Amanda thinks there is nothing more important than her big shot in the fashion industry and she is much too busy to be going out for her friend's birthday party. However, it is a long standing tradition and so she can't disappoint them. She never expected to run into her long-time crush, Jake, who used to live next door to her. To her surprise, her feelings haven't changed, and the attraction is immediate. 

There are times when Amanda makes her life more difficult than she has to, but I understood why she did it. She is afraid to trust what she is feeling, and she also doesn't want to lose the things she has worked so hard for in her career. 

Jake, though unwilling to commit in the past to a woman, is actually a very swoon-worthy male who I quite enjoyed. He will have his hands full convincing his "Mandy" that they should become something permanent and tell their parents - who have likely had the pairs' wedding planned for years anyway. 

I loved the chemistry between Jake and Amanda. This is actually the very first contemporary romance I had ever read (shocker, I know, but I'm usually about the suspense stuff), and I thought it was a lot of fun. The secondary characters are all great as well, but Mandy's niece stole the show for me and I really enjoyed her. 

All in all, a bang up job for Melinda's debut novel and a 5-star rating from me. 

Happy reading, my friends! Have a great week!

~~ Chantel~~

#NewRelease ~ Time Changes Everything - Romance plus giveaway

Time Changes Everything
by Melinda Dozier

Time Changes Everything will be available May 13 through Entranced Publishing.

Amanda Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn't want to make time for anything else. Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now he's a sexy, big shot lawyer.

Jake Edwards isn't interested in commitment. He's successful, sexy, and single--and that's how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might have to rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.

But, is it too late for them? Or can he convince her that he's ready to give her his heart?

Purchase links: http://www.entrancedpublishing.com/imprints/entranced/time-changes-everything/

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzKh1B21Z5w&feature=g-high-f&list=FL5KvXdEur-muCY2C8YBXBYQ

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15990302-time-changes-everything

Amazon: http://goo.gl/geZbQ

B&N: http://goo.gl/CrCGV

Kobo: http://goo.gl/ToHf2

Excerpt: 

In high school, Amanda was someone special. Hell, even before then. Their parents were best friends, which had forced Jake and Amanda together. At first, he’d thought it was a hindrance. Later, when she developed longer legs and a bigger bust, he found himself around her more. After discovering her quirkiness, her love of art and her sense of humor, he actually enjoyed being around her. But he never touched her. 
He contemplated running his fingers through her hair like he did his first year of college –– the last time they were alone –– the night he left town and never saw her again.

Did she remember the night he left? Of course she did. Seven years ago, he’d ruined their friendship. He knew Amanda almost as well as he knew himself. Well, he’d known her. Now she was a different woman.

Jake leaned in closer, running his hand down her arm. “Know what I’m thinking?”

Amanda fiddled with her coaster and smiled at him. “I’m not sure I want to know.”

“I’m thinking we should spend a lot more time together.” He reached over and held her chin. “It’s been way too long.”

Amanda licked her lips, and damn it, it actually turned him on. Sweet little Mandy Larson wasn’t so sweet anymore. She was driving him crazy.

She moved closer bridging distance. “Why wait? There’s no time like the present.”

“Exactly.” He drank the last of his beer as the waiter returned with her martini sans olive.

Jake leaned on the table with his elbows, folded his hands together and studied her. “Look at you, drinking a martini, living the life in New York City.” He examined her from head to toe. “A sexy skirt. Tall boots.” He ran a finger down her cheek. “A beautiful face.”

Amanda hiccupped and put down her glass. “Now, wait a minute. I know it’s been a while, but some things never change, including you.” She wagged her finger at him. “No smooth talking with me. Don’t forget I used to know you better than anybody.”

Because his fingers actually ached with the need to touch her again, he reached over and held her hand. “Yeah, but things have changed, Mandy. We’re two different people now, and I can’t wait to get to know who you are now.”

Author Bio

Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda’s favorite past times. After hectic days of teaching English to middle school students, Melinda finds time to write and read in the evenings. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband, three boys and German Sheppard. She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they are grown. Melinda loves reality TV, traveling, blogging and playing Words With Friends.

Website: www.melindadozier.com
Blog: http://melindadozier.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/melindadozier

Blog Tour Giveaway

Melinda will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate and an ecopy of Time Changes Everything. Winner will be announced on Melinda’s blog May 26. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Boy Next Door, a free novella by Melinda Dozier is available now at Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/310848

I've been waiting for this book. I read it as Melinda's critique partner, and I know a lot of changes were made by her publisher. So excited to read the final version! A review will be coming soon. Also, The Boy Next Door tells the story of Amanda and Jake's first date seven years before the events of Time Changes Everything, so make sure you download it and find out where it all started! Happy reading, my friends! 

~~ Chantel ~~