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Heart Collection #1

Speak From The Heart

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When a small town, single father becomes enemies with the new girl in town, it’s either keep fighting her or give in to what his heart wants most.

Emily Post isn’t staying. Back at her grandmother’s summer home, she’s only in Elk Lake City for a visit which can’t end soon enough. Especially when she can’t seem to get away from one grumpy repairman who shows up everywhere. Fortunately for him, his daughter is sweet even if she refuses to speak.

Jess Carter is a hometown favorite and a hot single father. Sworn off love for several reasons, foremost is the silence of his daughter. His little one has a secret and he doesn’t know the why behind it. Unfortunately for him, his six-year-old has taken a liking to the beautiful new woman in town visiting her nana. And everywhere he goes, there she is, invading his space and his heart.

While silence might be golden, the voice in lonely hearts refuses to remain quiet.

** PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED in 2014 as Sound Advice, Sensations Collection 1.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2013

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About the author

L.B. Dunbar

73 books2,973 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
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L.B. Dunbar loves flip flops, sweet tea, and a little heat in her romance reads. A lover of sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns, you’ll find all this and more in her signature work the #sexysilverfox collection. She’s also made Amazon Top 10 in Later in Life Romance with her Lakeside Cottage and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.

To stay up-to-date about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her monthly newsletter, Love Notes.

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5 stars
712 (42%)
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597 (35%)
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303 (17%)
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49 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,066 reviews565 followers
August 7, 2020
What an emotional ride this turned out to be! This is one of those stories that will sneak up on you in the greatest of ways. It’s a big story, not just a simple romance journey.

This one hit me in the #feels bad kids! That’s more of a me thing than the overall story although the story is quite emotional (well, that’s confusing!). What I mean is, that Katie’s situation just tugged at my heart for personal reasons which allowed me to connect to the story on a personal level. That’s where the story hit me. It’s a great feel good romance wrapped in a huge heart. I loved that both Emily and Jess had their own personal struggles that didn’t really depend on the other to be resolved. Dunbar made realistic choices for this story which allowed for it to be relatable and believable. She wrote characters you’d want to be friends with and a town you’d want to live in. I especially enjoyed how the HEA for Jess and Emily not only progressed but wrapped up. GAH, I loved this story!
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,032 reviews252 followers
July 3, 2014
4.5 Katie Stars

A copy was provided kindly by the author to read and review for an honest opinion.

At the end I honestly thought: "It's over already? No!"

I wanted to keep reading this book. I loved it and didn't want to put it down. I want to kick myself for putting this off for so long too. I can't wait to read book 2 in this series.

This is a story of:
Second chance love
Coping & Grief
Overcoming obstacles in life
Building bonds, friendship and love
Discovering what really matters in life

Its about two people wanting a second chance at love but afraid to take the biggest chance of all. It's about a little girl who needs the love from these two people, for one to believe in her, and to take a chance on her to break her free of what's holding her back. It's about one of these people with a great love for her Nana that she drops her life and comes to Nana's aid when she's needs someone most.

This story will pull a bit on your heart strings, make you cheer a little girl on, pull for the H/h to work it out, and rest easy with the way it finally unfolds.

What I Loved:
1. Katie
2. Katie's relationship/bond with Emily.
3. Jess' family
4. Fast paced and good pacing as well.
5. I enjoyed it all from one POV, although a few times I wanted into the head of the other main character.
6. This story made me teary a few times.
7. The note about how this story came to be at the end.
8. The fairytale undertones through out the book.
9. The synopsis sold me but the story sucked me in.
10. I felt Emily had a good balance to her and I liked her a lot.
11. Jess. I liked him and the way he's described. I liked his protective nature for Katie and Emily.
Profile Image for Rachel.
638 reviews38 followers
October 28, 2014
Overall rating: 4.5 "I Don't Hate You" Stars!

Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with ow/om:

HEA:

My review:

Emily Post is a 23 year old writer who lives in the city. Her parents are not alive and her only sister lives away from her with 3 kids, a husband and one child on the way. Emily goes back to where she grew up in the small town of Elk Rapids to take care of her Nana. While there back in Elk Rapids, she starts up a friendship with the 6 year old mute daughter of Jess Carter. Jess knows who Emily is when she struts back into town and because of a past relationship that went bad, he sees her and gets a sour taste in his mouth. Basically he feels like she is no different than his ex wife and her fancy pancy taste and superficial attitude. So when he starts to have FEELINGS for Emily, is where the angst comes in and the reason I gave this story 4 instead of 5 stars.

I think my favorite parts in this story were the interactions between Emily and "Katie girl".

I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,585 reviews856 followers
August 20, 2020
Penning a story brimming with hope and belief, Dunbar makes us believe in the power of love. It requires no words, just a connection based on good vibes
Emily Post from Chicago is a teen at heart, full of vivid colors of the rainbow, chasing her dreams of being a journalist. The temporary girl, who is forced to leave Bright Lights & Big City to take care of her Nana. Her type of men are suited, educated, sophisticated.
"You’ve always been one to chase your dreams. But how long do you chase before the dream needs to change? How long do you wait, letting all the other great stories pass you by while you’re still holding out for the big break?”

description

And then she gets enamored by a Small-town repairman. Single father. Living with his mom. Jess Carter.

description

Ironically the girl too busy with her career to settle down with a family, falls in love with his daughter- Katie. Their bond seems to Strengthen day by day and their mutual love for fairy tales and fairy godmother creates a miracle.
See! I told you this book will wave the magic wand and make your dreams come true!!
A nice departure from 40+ romance and I loved the small town feel, the simple sentiments and heartfelt emotions.
4 stars for The Beast and his Rose
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Profile Image for ~`*Ella Lee*`~.
546 reviews47 followers
June 10, 2014
Mild Spoilers


This was a sweet/cute read. It's one of those hometown reads. I can't say it was "unputdownable", but overall I enjoyed it.
Our two lovebirds meet when the h comes "back home" to take care of her ailing grandmother.
The H is pretty much the go to guy for anything that needs a'fixin.
When these two meet, the H instantly can't stand the h. There is a huge amount of animosity coming off of him and the h can't figure it out.
The barrier starts to come down from the H's heart thanks to his daughter, who, for years, hasn't spoken a word or really taken to any body other than him (the mom is not in the picture). The daughter takes an instant liking to the h, and helps, in her own innocent way, bring the two together.
There are some things I wish that were explored a little more to add some excitement to the book. For instance, there's another man trying to get the h's attention (he and the H can't stand each other), and it seems like this character would make a good bad guy. Instead, he kind of just gets pushed to the side and forgotten once the h makes it clear to him she doesn't want him.
I also would have liked a little more explanation on why the H couldn't stand the h. He only tells the h that he thought she and her sister walked around town in their bikini tops and shorts all the time thinking they were better than everyone else.
The H is also supposed to be or was, the town bad boy. But that couldn't be further from the truth with how he is written.
Other than those things, I would have given it 5 stars. Also, the smex is well written, but I don't recall this being very steamy and exciting in that department.
The H seems to be alpha and a tad possessive, but overall this is just a sweet read. I would recommend this to anyone coming off an angst high that needs a guaranteed HEA.
Profile Image for Rosemary Rey.
Author 12 books214 followers
October 1, 2014
I had a hard time reading this book in the beginning because it delved into the topic of dementia/Alzheimer's which I'm still living through as the child of a sufferer. But when I focused on the other plot line, I was intrigued by the potential love affair of Emily and Jess. There was so much chemistry and desire, but neither wanted to pull the trigger, having been hurt in the past and the responsibility of parenting. I loved how unconditionally Emily cared about Katie and found a solution and a means to get her to be the little girl she should've been allowed to be. Jess is a hot, sexy male who clearly wanted more from Emily, but both pulled away from their utmost desires. I loved how the story concluded. It made me want to shriek with glee.

This is a well written book with a lovely voice that is mesmerizing. The characters are sweet and infuriating which is typical in these types of romance books. I was rooting for them the entire read, and was not disappointed. When there was a sexy scene, which is more my genre, I found it very sensual and enthralling. I would've never known this book was a first for LB Dunbar. I'm excited to read more of her work and would highly recommend Sound Advice for Contemporary Romance readers.
27 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2014
I won this book from the author when she did a Facebook page takeover. Normally, I am not a fan of new adult or first person but I am glad I gave this book a chance.
Emily takes a long weekend to see her grandmother but ends up staying longer when she realizes her Nana is on the decline. During this time she encounters Jess and his six year old daughter, Katie, and becomes entwined in their lives. Jess and Emily get off to a rocky start but slowly become closer the more time they spend together. Emily struggles with what to do with her grandmother as well as her emotions regarding Jess. During this time she also becomes close with Katie, getting through to her in a way that others cannot. Jess struggles with not wanting to get too close to Emily, knowing that her stay is temporary and the negative impact it will have on his daughter when she leaves. The relationship Jess and Emily develop is sweet and poignant. This is a wonderful debut and I am looking forward to the author's next book.
Profile Image for Tiffy.
175 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2014
WHY OH WHY DID IT TAKE ME SO LONG TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!
I feel awful that I have had Sound Advice on my kindle for a while and just now getting to it. I loved it. How can you no fall in love with Jess. (where do I get one?) His sweet little princess Katie and Emily who is just too sweet and polite. I loved them all and all the side characters. (right now I'm taking a break from readin the second book in the Sensations Collections to type this up, so my mind is a all over the place) Its amazing that this is a debut novel, its so well written and oh just an amazing book. If your reading this you are already interested in this book so just get it and read it. You will be like me in the end asking yourself why you didn't get to it sooner.
Profile Image for Kristina Varner.
15 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. LB knows how to weave a beautiful tale. Jess is a man hell bent on protecting his mute daughter from anyone or thing that could hurt her but most of all women who may possibly leave her (and him) like her mother did and in doing so has closed himself off from dating and anyone that could possibly break through the icy exterior of his heart that his ex wife left him with but little did he know that city girl Emily who had vowed to never live in a small town again would come flying into town to take care of her ailing Nana would be the one woman that both him and his daughter needed. I read this book in one sitting and couldn't wait to start the second book in this collection. A must read for me.
Profile Image for Sharing My.
1,244 reviews17 followers
August 4, 2020
I loved both Emily and Jess! I adored Katie! Jess was a single father and would do anything for Katie, including protecting her from the beautiful woman next door that was visiting her grandmother. Emily was extremely efficient. She planned to help her grandmother fix her yard and a few things in the house, then go back home to Chicago. She wasn't prepared for her grandmother 's health to decline, and she definitely wasn't prepared for the gorgeous neighbor and his adorable little girl that didn't speak. Can she help where she is needed without losing her heart to the duo next door? Will she continue doing what she is comfortable doing in life, or will she follow her grandmother 's advice: "Live for now" and "Speak from the heart" ? This was a beautifully written story from L.B. Dunbar, and I can't wait for the next in this series!
Profile Image for Kilyn.
153 reviews79 followers
August 7, 2020
Y’all this book was so cute!! Just what I needed to help me get out of this crazy funk I’ve been in.

This book is a small town, single parents romance with a slight enemies to lovers trope thrown in there. And I absolutely adore the little girl Katie in this book. She has selective mutism and she is just so dang cute.

Emily & Jess butt heads quite a bit, but I enjoyed their relationship. There were some things I got annoyed with, but overall I really liked them together.

If you’re in the mood for a quick, fun, lighthearted book with the cutest little girl, look no further.. this is the book for you! Highly recommend you pick it up.

**arc received for honest review**
Profile Image for Monica Murphy.
275 reviews18 followers
August 9, 2020
I enjoyed this book. Jess is mostly set in his ways and is mainly concerned with his daughter Katie, who doesn’t speak. He is guarded and doesn’t want to get mixed up in a relationship, especially with someone who isn’t planning on being around.

Emily is trying to make a quick trip of checking up on her grandmother, who raised her and her sister after their mother died. She wants to return to Chicago and her writing career. But her grandmother doesn’t appear to be doing well and needs help around the house. Jess ends up helping her.

It was instant chemistry between the two of them, although they tried to fight it a bit.... guarding themselves. I sometimes feel that certain people come into your life when you least expect it, and definitely need it - and this relationship becomes that for Jess and Emily. And this book is just what I needed right now.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
1,927 reviews56 followers
August 1, 2020
A most beautiful, heart wrenching, steamy love story that will have you in tears, heart aching for all 3 of these beautiful souls and hoping and praying they get it together in the end. I loved it!!❤❤❤❤❤ I volunteered an honest opinion for this book.
Profile Image for Vfc.
1,510 reviews
November 29, 2022
This is Jess Walker and Emily’s story
(Jess is Katie’s father from ‘The Heart Remembers’).

Lake Michigan is a sleepy tourist place, despite not growing up there for a few years, her grandmother (Nana) lived with Grace and Emily after their mother died. Nana and Grandpa decided to move downstate so as not to uproot Grace and Emily, but the second Emily graduated from high school, they’d sold the girls’ home.

Once she left the state of Michigan for college, she never once looked in the rearview mirror, having aspirations of being the next great columnist, similar to but not quite the same as her Nana. Her nana had been an award-winning writer on advice, specifically on matters of manners and behaviours in etiquette.

Upon her arrival yesterday, her Nana was disheveled standing on her front porch in a housecoat and curlers. She would never still be dressed in her robe and nightgown so late in the day, nor be standing on the front porch of all places in said clothing. Then there was the way she stared at her, or rather through her, unrecognisable. It was evident her nana did not recognise her until she introduced herself.
“Nana, it’s me. Emily”.
She realises it’s been a few years since she visited, but they spoke often on the phone. She hadn’t detected a hint to her . . . confusion.

Her grandmother was practically her second mother, replacing her own who had died when she was only twelve.
“How could Nana have forgotten me?”
Fortunately, Nana snapped out of her confusion over who I was rather quickly, but then she started mentioning my grandfather, John.
“John forgot to put out the porch furniture.”
John hadn’t cut the grass or tended the garden.”
“John wanted his circa-1920s radio fixed.”
The only problem with this list was my grandfather was dead. He died a decade or so ago, and Nana seemed to have forgotten this fact.How could she forget the love of her life was no longer alive?
She’d locked herself out of the house but told the neighbor John did it.

She returns home to Michigan from Chicago to check on her grandmother Elizabeth, after receiving a call from Sue, a concerned neighbour realising age and dementia has taken a grasp of her grandmother and she’s in a state of mental decline.

Emily at thirty-four is a journalist, constantly overlooked both romantically and professionally. A boyfriend of three months announced that she’s just not marriage material.
He married the next girl he dated.

Jess is thirty-six, he and his brother Tom are co-owners of an electric repair shop and Quick Fix, he’s also single father to six year old daughter Katie, who hasn’t spoken a word in two years since his ex-wife’s betrayal and abandonment. They were high school sweethearts, but she wanted out, she was three years his junior. He went off to college, and they did the awkward long-distance relationship, giving each other permission to do their own thing. She was wild, and he was dedicated to his studies.

He expected they’d eventually go their separate ways. Instead, she came to him after her high school graduation because she couldn’t get into the University of Michigan where he intended to be a grad student. He married her. She wanted to hold off on children. They weren’t . . . stable, and he was busy. Grad school. Internship with General Motors and then a job in R&D.

“I was working on the electric vehicle. Life was good, but my marriage wasn’t. Then she got pregnant. She didn’t want the baby and told me she might not be mine. Thankfully, a simple blood test proved Katie belonged to me, but I hated Deb for what she’d done. She’d cheated on me, but I kept her close because she was my child’s mother. Then one day when Katie was almost four, I came home and found my baby girl alone. No mother. No note. No clothes remaining in the closet. She wouldn’t talk. She could before, but she no longer did, and we’ve never known why. A psychologist, social workers, child neurologists, they all said the same thing. She was choosing not to speak. Selective mutism, they call it.”

After his ex-wife Debbie’s abrupt betrayal and abandonment, his daughter Katie hasn’t uttered a word in two years. Emily quickly befriends Katie which Jess finds concerning as Emily’s visit is fleeting and he fears Katie’s growing attachment to her. He’s been searching for years for the reason his daughter refuses to speak, suspecting his ex-wife as the catalyst for her silence.

Can the great divide between these two ever be crossed?

They both exercised missteps in their relationship. Sami Knight, his go-to with benefits being one and Emily’s relentless pursuit of Katie finding her voice. Then there is the conflict of Emily’s job.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for pageswithpayten.
585 reviews60 followers
December 16, 2021
QOTD: What’s one family heirloom you treasure?
My A: My grandmother O’Connor’s claddagh ring! She wore it since she was a young woman and gave it to me when I turned 12.
.
I have this fun little thing of sorts I do with my husband when I can’t decide what to read. I ask him for a number and then I read whatever book that is in my Kindle library or my bookshelves. This book has been downloaded to my library for a bit now, but that’s why I have him choose! He somehow always lands on books I skip over on my own. Let me tell you, he picked a GEM of a book!
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An opposites attract romance that completely sucked me in, Speak from the heart was my first L.B. Dunbar novel but definitely won’t be my last! I loved everything about these too! Emily Post from Chicago, can we be best friends?? She was everything I want to be when I grow up... independent, smart, caring and gorgeous to boot. And then we were given the booding, sexy and sassy Jess. He’s a single dad who will do ANYTHING to protect his daughter, who has been mute by choice since her mother walked out of their lives. When their personalities clash, it’s clear the line between love and hate is THIN. Emily doesn’t just fall in love with Jess, she finds herself falling for his daughter, Katie, too. But she’s only in town to help her grandmother before returning to her big city life. But what happens when it becomes impossible to walk away?
Profile Image for Marybeth.
1,555 reviews
August 6, 2020
Wow! What a beautiful story that really touched my heart. It is so well written and the characters are so likable/lovable that I was completely entranced from the beginning. I don’t know what the first rendition was like because I hadn’t found LB Dunbar yet, but this updated version of the book is simply amazing!! I adore Jess and his little girl Katie and I think Emily came along at just the right time for both of them and became just what they needed. They had some difficulties but managed to be honest with each other and themselves eventually in order to find their HEA. I really enjoyed this book!!
Profile Image for Irene.
785 reviews
December 1, 2014
First let me say I Flove Katie.....

Sound Advice you think would be about your Nana's manners and how you go about your daily life with Yes, please, thank you and what not. I mean our older generation knows proper manners. I mean they know what is right to wear and what isn't right to wear to an occasion. They know when is the right to speak and when to be quiet. Why am I saying this?? Well.....

Emily she was raised from her early teens by her Nana. Her Nana distilled proper manners. Those manners that Emily used right up into adulthood. Oh my the times where I would of slapped George and cursed him out. Emily was proper and said all the right things even though it wasn't coming across clear to George.
See Emily went back home I guess you could say in a way. Her Nana needed some help and Emily was the only one who could help her. Her sister Rosie was off about to have a baby and had her own family to tend to. Emily did the right thing. As she was with her Nana and seeing how Nana was going downhill all these childhood memories came back to her. Nana lived in a small town, a town where everyone knew everyone and a secret wasn't kept.

In this small town was Jess and his daughter Katie. Katie had experienced a loss so great that she didn't speak. Her mom walked out on her and Jess. Emily and her proper manners and being nice took to Katie and Katie took to Emily. Emily helped this little girl out so much so that it will bring tears to your eyes. No one else in that town helped Katie like Emily did. Jess saw this and was worried for when it came time for Emily to leave town to go back to her own home and work. I swear those two were like teenagers. Like Jess's mom Mary said. The way they avoided each other, gave one another that look of longing, the way they kissed like they couldn't get enough of each other.

Emily being from the CITY still loved the SMALL TOWN. She just didn't know it. It took for Emily to sweep her up in her short little arms and fall asleep with ice cream all over to realize it. This book is about FATE as well. If we believe or if we don't. You think you should be doing this with your life but FATE steps in and boom you should be doing something else. This happened with Emily. I believe Jess's family saw it too. The way Mrs. Carter dropped the word fate a few times, as well as Jess's one sister.

Do you believe in fate? Do you use proper manners? Manners that your nana taught you? Do you think those manners could get you into trouble? Did Jess and Emily have a HEA? What happened to Katie to make her not talk? Did Katie end up talking again?

All those questions are answered in Sound Advice. I will say this reading all those little quotes at the beginning of each chapter has me thinking. Thank you L.B for Sound Advice I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Shanoff Reads.
431 reviews25 followers
June 25, 2014

***I received a copy of this book from the Author for an honest review***

This book is such a heartwarming read. I really enjoyed Emily's loving character. I will admit at first I thought that she was going to be a whiny self absorbed brat that was forced to visit her grandmother, when all she wanted to do is live her city life. But I was so wrong. The genuine sincerity of her character was amazing and I connected with her instantly. I have another confession...I absolutely hated Jess at first. I found him to be so rude to Emily of no reason at all, other than she seemed to remind him of his wife because she lived in the city and was visiting the small town. But holy cow did those two have some built up sexual tension. I will get back to that.

The turn around point for Emily and Jess started when she made the effort to befriend his daughter, Katie, and really showed the genuine interest to help them. I fell in love with Katie right off the bat. Such a sweet girl just trying to do what she thought she had to. Emily really made a strong effort to help both Katie and Jess with the "curse" that plagued them both. While Emily has made it her mission to help them, she too suffers a tragedy and it is Jess who is there to help her and things really start moving forward, but there is always a hesitation on Jess' part, because he knows that Emily's days are numbered in his small town. Neither of them want to hurt each other and Jess needs to think about not only himself but Katie too.

Jess seems like such a jerk in the beginning when him and Emily first meet. He seems to really dislike her and Emily has no idea why until a childhood friend explains what it couple be. Although he is a jerk to her Emily is still nice to him and his daughter. All three of them grow close. Jess and Emily have some serious sexual chemistry and let me tell you it is SIZZLING. There are so many situations where the build up is so intense that I think I will spontaneously combust if I don't get the pay off. Is there a payoff? I guess you will need to buy the book and read it to find out.

This author definitely has the ability to write a story to keep you interested and her steamy scenes and just that STEAMY!

If you like great characters with a heartwarming storyline then you should definitely give this book a try.
Profile Image for Morphys Book Blog.
101 reviews9 followers
July 18, 2014
Emily returns to her grandmothers home in a little town after receiving a worried phone call. She was only supposed to stay for a few days, long enough to get things straightened out when she finds herself having to stay longer. Emily got a lot more than she bargained for, she never expected a man like Jess to step into her life and turn it upside down.

I'm a mess, Sound Advice for me was a big emotional rollercoaster. It had so much depth, mixed with many emotions I felt right down to my bones. It just sucks you in until you feel everything the characters do. The writing was great and the storyline was creative. A real life fairy tale. If you like fairy tales and happily ever afters you'll love this one.

I don't want to go into too much detail as the littles thing could spoil it and I really don't want to do that. You need to be able to experience the whole book without knowing anything going in. I think that's part of why I enjoyed it so much, I didn't know what to expect. I didn't read any reviews before reading it and I'm glad as think it would have spoiled it for me.

All the characters were lovable. They were easy to like and all gave something to the story, they were all important. When so many different characters are involved sometimes it's hard to feel connected but you do, with each and every one.

Favourites, Katie was definitely my fav, I couldn't help but fall in love with her. I liked Sue Carpenter too, she was a big help to Emily and just a generally nice person. Jess Carter was swoon worthy but moody as hell which of course made it more fun.

Sound Advice is a story of love, power, happiness, grief and magic. If you read romance you'll love this. I wish there was more to it, especially towards the end. I wasn't ready to let Emily and Jess go.

**A copy was provided for review purposes**

Original review at: http://morphybooksblog.wordpress.com/...
Profile Image for bookedbysmut.
829 reviews11 followers
August 3, 2020
When I first read Sound Advice years ago, I fell in love multiple times. First and foremost, with LB Dunbar and how she makes her characters come to life. Secondly, with Jess. Because Jess. More on him in a moment. Thirdly, with Emily and Katie, for wearing a beast down, for helping show us who Jess could really be.

“In a garden of make-believe roses, I’d always pick you—the thorniest one—but also the most beautiful at heart.” LB Dunbar, Speak from the Heart

Honestly, LB was one of my first indie authors, and I really can’t recall where I first stumbled into her. I feel more like a collision happened because with the first book I read, book boyfriends became a real thing for me.
Jess was EVERYTHING in that first book, but what makes this version better is that LB has grown. Her writing has grown. Her love for these characters has grown, and it shows so beautifully.
Having a POV from Jess? Absolute FIRE. Putting his thoughts down? It’s so good. Knowing his thoughts makes this book more than I thought it could be.
I knew. I knew that Jess was my original book boyfriend for a reason.
Thank you, LB, for giving me something I didn’t even know I needed.




***Sound Advice Review*** June 2014
By the end of chapter 1, I was so emotionally invested, I couldn't put this book down. L.B. Dunbar had my stomach in knots, my heart thumping out of my chest, and my interest quickly. I kept telling myself that I would read one more chapter and then go to sleep. It didn't happen. I had to find out what happened next.
Jess is absolutely my dream guy right now. I'm telling you, I'm totally jealous of Emily!!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Mel Shank.
410 reviews11 followers
December 31, 2016
Sound Advice by L.B. Dunbar
*was given a copy by the author in exchange for a honest review

I cannot believe that this is a first novel!!! SOUND ADVICE by L. B. Dunbar is the first book in the Sensations Collection and is a must read. The character development and story is well developed and just screams to be read. I was asked to read it by the author herself and really who could refuse but was so pleasantly surprised about how much I loved this book. I have to admit it took me awhile to read it because I just did not want to see it end.

SOUND ADVICE is a story with so many different layers: First love, love of child, redemption, sorrow and grief, growing up, following your heart and changing your dreams. It has everything. The very simple description is this: Emily Post comes home to take care of her Nana and meets Jess Cater and his daughter, who is not speaking. Emily, through her caring nature, wants to understand why this child quit talking and then so much happens.

L.B. Dunbar adds “Matter of Manners” to every chapter and along with some of my favorite Disney themes running throughout the book. I know it sounds kind of different and it is but in such a good way. Nana reminds me so much of my grandmother, Big Mama. She was such a proper thing and I just loved her so. Dunbar brought back memories galore and at times I had to set the book down and just go look at pictures of my grandmother. I loved it, such emotions. I would recommend this little treasure to the masses.

SOUND ADVICE by L.B. Dunbar receives 5 out 5 Platypires!!
TEXAS HUGS & Happy Reading.
Profile Image for Kell's Bookmark Clique.
70 reviews11 followers
July 21, 2014
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop! I loved everything about Sound Advice, the characters were a delight to read, and the way the author wrote the scenery, I could picture in my head exactly how the town of Elk Rapids looked, it made me want to visit this little town, and stroll the main street, (mainly looking for Jess). Although, at first, I was hesitant about Jess' character, and I wasn't sure he was right for the heroine, Emily, I soon warmed to him, and kept hoping they would get together.
Emily is visiting her Nana in Elk Rapids, and soon finds, that she is needed for longer than was first expected, as her Nana is suffering from the first signs of Alzheimers. She builds friendships with the townsfolk , and becomes attached to Jess' daughter, Katie. Katie hasn't spoken since her Mum ran off and left her alone to wait for her Dad (Jess) to get home, and Emily makes it her mission to help Katie communicate, without talking. What follows is a beautiful friendship with Emily and Katie, in fact the whole town grows fond of Emily, and they don't want her to leave, as Emily was finding that life in Elk Rapids wasn't so bad either. This book takes you on a journey, that you will not want to miss.
I loved everything about Sound Advice, and I hope you decide to read it. This book had me crying a few times, so, you might need your tissues handy. A truly wonderful book!
Profile Image for Mary Ruth .
222 reviews52 followers
December 28, 2014
I won a copy of this book from the author.

I've been trying out new authors these days because I just want to explore new boundaries. This book did not disappoint me! Heck, this book needs a lot of attention! It's so subtle, sweet, and heart-warming. It touches issues that we have in our daily lives; family, feelings, and our pasts.

I loved the connection between the characters and how they were beautifully constructed. The writer's voice has a way of echoing into the heart and tugging into emotions. I loved that it was sincere and sensual rather than sexy and erotic which is a "trending" voice these days. The writer's prowess beautifully played with my heart as I anticipate with every progress of Jess and Emily's story. And dear dear Katie. That lovely little girl had me sobbing at hours in the morning. There were times when I needed to take a pause just to wipe my tears or to just close my eyes and feel that quenching feeling in my chest.

The dynamics of the characters were amazing. Emily has felt love for the first time and it's with Jess, a man who had a shot at loved and already refused to feel the pain of loving again. The journey to their happy ending was worth it. Each scene, each tear, each heartbreak, each laugh, and each lesson has embarked itself in my heart. If you're having thoughts of reading this book, drop it and pick this book up!

I will definitely look out for more of her books!

Profile Image for Kuvio House.
139 reviews17 followers
March 10, 2015
I won a author takeover competition on Facebook for Sound Advice...and was contacted by L. B Dunbar who sent me this story. The cover was simple yet elegant and was eager to read the story.

I didn't read what it was about and delved straight in!

What I did not expect was firstly, how simply magical this story was. Hopes and dreams of princess's and queens and a little princess that will steal your heart. Secondly, the sad undertone through out this story, that for me, helped me to reflect on my journey of life and the people that have touched me in some way. Whether it be a chance meeting or that special person, to family and close friends that you love dearly.

The story is not historical let me point out, and is not about a prince who becomes king and meets his queen and they have alittle princess and they live happily ever after. However you will understand these references when you read this story. Its about woman and her relationship with predominantly her grandmother and sister meeting a man(a horses arse I messaged to L.B Dunbar) and a precious little girl, and the relationship not only between these characters, but those around them.

It is intricately written yet beautifully eloquent in its simplicity about everyday life. I enjoyed and fell in love with the main characters of this story that took me on the emotional journey with them.

Thank you L.B Dunbar for this amazing emotional journey and sharing with us apart of you!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
2,218 reviews507 followers
July 19, 2014
3.5

This book sounded good to me. And I was quickly hooked into the story but I started having issues really early on.

I liked Emily. She was reserved by friendly and she returned home to help care for her grandmother after she started acting forgetful. I also loved Katie. She was such a sweet heart. And I couldn't help by be intrigued by the mystery that surrounded her and feel for her for all she's been through. I love the connection she and Emily forged. It was immediate and so sweet. I also liked Emily's scenes with her grandmother Nana, and I liked Nana's little pears of wisdom at the start of every chapter.

My biggest issue with the story was Katie's father Jess. From the first moment he was introduced, he was a cold jerk that rubbed me the wrong way. And with long hair and a bandana (his description), all I could picture was Duck Dynasty and that wasn't appealing to me at all (looks wise). Needless to say, I never warmed up to him so I wasn't invested in his relationship with Emily.

The author definitely has talent because she kept me hooked despite me not being into Jess. I'd definitely read more from her in the future.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashli Rose.
Author 4 books97 followers
July 14, 2014
This book was beautiful! It captured my attention right from the beginning and had me hanging on right till the end. I was conflicted between the characters at certain times while reading. There were times when I was siding with Emily and then there were times when I was siding with Jess. I have to admit I wasn't a fan of him in the beginning and I wasn't really sure what Emily saw in him. But, when the moment FINALLLY came, I found myself falling in love with Jess. He had been hurt before and kept his guard up, which is totally understandable when you aren't just worrying about yourself, but your six year old daughter as well.
I want to say that there are obstacles standing in Jess and Emily's way, but I feel that those obstacles are only put there by the characters themselves.
This book was an attack on all my senses and I found myself paying attention to every little sound around me. LB does an amazing job making kissing hot. I never wanted to make out more than I did after reading this book. I can go on and on, but then you wouldn't have to read it and we don't want that.
I would highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this collection. :)
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