Book Review – Falling For a Santini

04 Saturday Apr 2015

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Book Review, Falling for a Santini, Melissa Schroeder, The Santinis series

A crush that turned into love.

Being the only girl in a family with five Santini brothers was never easy on Elena Santini. She always tried to be faster and smarter to make sure they always took her seriously. They were always trying to tell her what to do, and worse, who she could date. That’s why falling for her oldest brother’s best friend wasn’t smart especially when he treats her like a sister. That is, until she gets him alone in her apartment one night.

One night in Heaven.

NCIS agent Jethro Thomas, known to everyone as JT, has always played it smart. When his admiration turned to attraction a few years ago, he started avoiding Elena. A guy wasn’t supposed to have those kinds of thoughts about his best friend’s little sister. After returning from an undercover assignment, and about to go on another one, he can’t seem to resist the temptation. One night with her and he knows he’s lost, but he has a job to do.

A changed man.

JT returns from the assignment with a few more scars, both physical and emotional–but he survived for one reason. He’s ready to start a new life with Elena, but a dark cloud hangs over the new love. When small incidents evolve into near death accidents, JT realizes someone from his past is ready to destroy his happiness, even harm Elena to make him pay.

Here we have another series that I joined in progress but luckily another one where it didn’t matter – Schroeder does a fantastic job of keeping you up to date on the pertinent details without actually overloading you with extra story. I love her mix of romance and suspense – mostly romance here but just enough suspense to keep you on your toes.

Elena is a wonderfully self-assured woman who goes after what she wants – and what she wants is JT (poor man never stood a chance). She’s strong, thanks to a houseful of brothers, and smart. She’s also loyal and sassy and a perfect match for JT. Unfortunately she’s also his best friend’s little sister so he’s been keeping his hands to himself … now she’s tired of waiting for him 🙂 JT is also strong and caring and has been fighting for a long time to hide his attraction to Elena. When she decides enough is enough, he can’t resist.

My only complaint is with the blurb. It makes a big deal about how JT comes back changed but it isn’t quite the way that the book makes it seem … or at least Schroeder didn’t play it out that way. They pretty much pick up where they left off, only with some time to realize how much they mean to each other. I think that if that part had been left out and it just went straight to the danger that comes from JT’s past then it would have made a little more sense. In the context of the story, the plot flows very well and it is engrossing. But if you are going off the cover then it doesn’t quite match up.

The best part though is the Santinis themselves. This rather large group of people is fantastic – they are funny and sassy and nosey and loving. They are right in each other’s business but they do it with a HUGE heart. I love the idea of a series surrounding this family and I’m definitely going to have to find some of the other books. I’m already looking forward to seeing Elena’s brother (and JT’s best friend) Anthony meets his match, especially after the hard time he gives them when he finds out about their relationship!

With a huge dose of humor, quite a bit of heat, a lot of heart and just that magic touch of danger, Falling for a Santini is a hit on so many levels. If you’ve never read one of Schroeder’s books, pick this one up and give it a try. You’ll be looking for more as well.

Spotlight – Contemporary Romances from Kensington/Lyrical Press

03 Friday Apr 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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A Taste of Sauvignon, Annabeth Albert, Baked Fresh, Book Review, Cindy Fazzi, Heather Heyford, In His Corner, Men Like This, Roxanne Smith, Second Chances, Stacy Finz, Vina Arno

I’ve only read one of these books (and my review is below), but they all look fantastic. With enough variety that you are sure to find something that appeals to you.

*****

In His Corner

by Vina Arno

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle

Blurb:

Work Out

No sex for almost a year could kill a guy, but when you’re the boxer known as the Juggernaut, it’s the price you pay for turning pro. Tommy’s fully dedicated to his craft, until he meets the incredibly gorgeous Dr. Siena Carr. Now he’s looking forward to taking on this prim and proper lady in a wet and wild work-out…

Knock Out

Siena has seen many patients come through the ER, but none as sexy as Tommy Raines. With a nasty cut over his eye, she knows he needs stitches, but after he takes off his shirt, she needs some air. With rock-hard abs and taut biceps, it’s clear this man takes care of his body. And all Siena can think about is letting him take care of hers…

For More Information

In His Corner is available at Amazon.

Review:

In His Corner is the only one of today’s books that I’ve read – I just finished it and I have to say I thought it was great! There’s an interesting mix of things going on. Siena is a little uptight and secure in her gilded life. She volunteers to help the less fortunate, works in an ER (but at an upscale hospital) and gives to charity, but she doesn’t really know how the other half lives. Then Tommy steps into her life … and gives it a good shake. At the beginning, we see her fighting her attraction for him because of his more coarse nature – he’s nothing at all like she’s used to. Then once they are together those differences continue to cause issues. I think I’d like a glimpse of how they work things out longer term (because they are so different) but I really loved the ending and the realizations that they come to. It is less a book about a fighter than it is about a high-class girl and a working-stiff, but the old plotline works for a reason. In the hands of a good author, like Arno, it makes for a fantastic read.

Author Info:

Cindy Fazzi was born and raised in the Philippines. She has worked as a journalist in the Philippines, Taiwan, and the United States. Her two decades of experience as a news reporter, writer, and editor includes working for the Associated Press.

Her first romance novella, In His Corner, written under the pen name Vina Arno, was published by Lyrical Press, an imprint of Kensington Publishing. It’s scheduled for release on April 14, 2015.

Her short stories have been published in Snake Nation Review, Copperfield Review, and SN Review. She’s the author of a series of four nonfiction children’s books about the Philippines, Peru, Pakistan, and Ireland, published in 2005 by the Rosen Publishing Group. The books were part of a series called A Kid’s Guide to Drawing the Countries of the World.

She has a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Ateneo de Manila University and a master’s degree in journalism from Ohio State University. She lives in picturesque Utah with her husband, Vincent, and their daughter, Nina.

For More Information

Visit Vina’s website.

Connect with Vina on Facebook

*****

Baked Fresh

by Annabeth Albert

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle

From its famous coffee to the mouthwatering fare at its cafés, restaurants, and bakeries, Portland, Oregon, has a lot to whet the appetite, including the hard-working men who serve it all up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…

Vic Degrassi is a baker on the rise, and it’s all thanks to his rare ability to make—and keep—his New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s losing weight, giving up smoking, or graduating from culinary school, Vic goes after what he wants—and gets it. This year? He wants Robin Dawson, the sweet-hearted hottie who volunteers with him at the local homeless shelter. When he learns that Robin is suddenly single after being unceremoniously dumped, Vic is more than happy to offer a shoulder to cry on—or at least a fresh-baked pastry to bite into. But it’s been a long time since Vic’s gone on a date, and he’s nervous about risking his friendship with Robin. So when their flirtation turns into a steamy night together, Vic and Robin have to figure out if they’re friends with benefits or lovers in the making, and if Robin is ready for something more than just a rebound. There’s only one way to find out: turn up the heat…

For More Information

Baked Fresh is available at Amazon.

Author Info:

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

For More Information

Visit Annabeth’s website.

*****

Second Chances

by Stacy Finz

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle

Nugget, California, is a spot-in-the-road that’s easy to miss. But this little mountain town knows how to give the struggling and discouraged many paths back to happiness—and love…

Reporter Harlee Roberts is used to finding the story, not living it. Unfortunately, losing her dream job and glittering city life means she needs a serious rewrite. Downtime at her parents’ cabin in Nugget is a break she could really use. But the less her rugged woodworker neighbor has to say to her, the more Harlee’s natural curiosity is piqued, and the more she wants exclusive access—to his heart…

Nugget’s open spaces and mountain quiet are the perfect refuge for Colin Burke. All he wants is solitude, to mind his own business—and for Harlee to mind hers. Still, her live-wire personality and take-no-prisoners commitment to those she cares about are a temptation pulling him way too close. Is their connection strong enough to survive his secrets—and risk a future together?

For More Information

Second Chances is available at Amazon.

Author Info:

Stacy Finz is an award-winning journalist. After more than seventeen years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns for the San Francisco Chronicle, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. In 2012 she won the Daphne du Maurier Award for unpublished single-title mystery/suspense. She lives in Berkeley, California with her husband.

For More Information

Visit Stacy’s website

Connect with Stacy on Twitter and Facebook

*****

A Taste of Sauvignon

by Heather Heyford

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle

Join Heather Heyford as she returns to Napa for a third taste in her series following three wine heiresses, each as vibrant and unique as the grapes for which they were named…

Sauvignon St. Pierre has always been fiercely ambitious. She easily could’ve cashed in on her family’s fortune, but instead, she struck out on her own, breezed through law school, and landed a job at a small firm in Napa. Savvy’s life is as tidy and straightforward as her sizable collection of little black dresses, and she likes it that way—but every now and then, she can’t help but long for her first sip of love…

After a chance encounter with Esteban Morales, the caliente son of Papa St. Pierre’s long-time rival, something inside Savvy wakes up. It could be that Esteban’s interest in cultivating lavender appeals to her passion for perfumery. But there’s something else about the charming but down-to-earth farmer that she simply can’t resist. They both know their families are an unlikely pairing, but together, Savvy and Esteban just may be the ideal varietals for a perfect blend…

For More Information

A Taste of Sauvignon is available at Amazon.

Author Info:

Born in the Northeast, Heather Heyford learned to walk and talk in Texas, and then moved to England. (“Ya’ll want some scones?”) While in Europe, Heather was forced by her cruel parents to spend Saturdays in the leopard vinyl back seat of their Peugeot, motoring from one medieval pile to the next for the lame purpose of ‘learning something.’ What she soon learned was how to allay the boredom by stashing a Cosmo under the seat. Now a recovering teacher, Heather writes love stories, feeds hardboiled eggs to suburban foxes, and makes art in the Mid-Atlantic. She is represented by the Nancy Yost Literary Agency (NYLA, @nyliterary) in New York City. The first book in her Napa Wine Heiresses Series from Kensington Publishing, A Taste of Chardonnay, is now available in print and ebook on Amazon and B&N!

For More Information

Visit Heather’s website

Connect with Heather on Facebook

*****

Men Like This

by Roxanne Smith

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle

Can she trust a man who pretends for a living?

Horror author Quinn Buzzly knows all about the dark side, but when she meets actor Jack Decker, she’s moved to explore something completely different—at least on paper. With his sexy good looks, intriguing manner, and charming Irish-tinged English accent, Jack is the perfect model for her next hero. Quinn decides to spend one year in London writing a historical romance inspired by him. Until real life butts in…

Jack’s jealous ex-fiancée sparks a media storm when she accuses him and Quinn of having an affair. But Jack knows how to play this game. At his insistence, Quinn agrees to go along with the faux romance until the chatter subsides. Then they’ll stage a quiet breakup and go their separate ways. Yet Jack is a shameless—and irresistibly convincing—flirt, and Quinn has to remind herself it’s an act. Or is it? If Jack means business, he’ll have to find the words to convince a wordsmith that their love is the real thing…

For More Information

Men Like This is available at Amazon.

Author Info:

Men Like This, is my debut novel, the first story in a series of three I’ve decided to call Long Shot Romance–long odds and stubborn hearts make love a thing to fight for. I’ve always loved characters who surprise me and make me laugh, with just a tad of the dramatic tossed in, and I hope that’s something I’ve been able to do for my readers. So much of what inspires me comes from the unexpected; the fork in the road you might trip over. Life takes funny turns and there’s not much you can do but hang on.

Most of us pick up a pen with the understanding that the odds are against us. It’s a dream. I decided in my early twenties to take writing seriously and try. With trying came falling flat on my face more times than I can count, but there’s always something to be gained from effort, and I took that and ran with it like I was a wide receiver gunning for the end zone at the bottom of the fourth on Superbowl Sunday. Lots of revising, rewriting, and tears between then and now, and a whole stack of friends and family at my back.

I’m a mom and wife before I’m an author, which is just as well. You can’t leave the little people behind once you’ve ascended to greatness. Remember where you came from. My kids are my two favorite people. They’re weird and hilarious. They’re at that age where they’re forming into something unique and apart from everyone else. They’re developing self. It’s probably one of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced as a parent so far, right up there with teaching them bathroom independence. A teen parent twice over, I’ve done just as much growing as they have in the last decade, and I’ve done it with the perfect partner–married 11 years and still arguing over who gets to drive the hypothetical Corvette.

For More Information

Visit Roxanne’s website

Connect with Roxanne on Facebook and Twitter

*****

Tour Info:

April 3

Books featured at Romantic Reads and Such

April 7

Books featured at Review From Here

April 8

Books featured at Literal Exposure

April 10

Books featured at The Book Refuge

April 13

In His Corner reviewed at Book Freak

April 14

Books featured at The Literary Nook

April 15

In His Corner reviewed and all books featured at Romance for Every World

April 16

Books featured at First Page to the Last

April 17

Books featured at The Dark Phantom

April 20

Roxanne Smith interviewed at Chosen By You Book Club

April 21

Books featured at Bent Over Bookwords

April 22

Books featured at I’m Shelf-ish

April 23

Books featured at The Revolving Bookshelf

April 24

Men Like This reviewed at Margay Leah Justice

April 27

Men Like This, Second Chances and A Taste of Sauvignon reviewed at Written Love

April 28

Books featured at Voodoo Princess

April 29

Books featured at Confessions of a Reader

April 30

Books featured at Lover of Literature

*****

Book Review – This Heart of Mine

01 Wednesday Apr 2015

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Book Review, Brenda Novak, This Heart of Mine, Whiskey Creek series

First love. Second chance?

As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him—especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next.

Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob’s father isn’t exactly welcoming.

Riley doesn’t trust Phoenix, doesn’t want her in Jacob’s life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he’s about to find both!

I have not been afraid to share how much I love Novak’s Whisky Creek series – When Lightning Strikes, When Snow Falls, When Summer Comes, Home to Whiskey Creek, Take Me Home for Christmas, and Come Home to Me. And This Heart of Mine is no different. Every single book I’m drawn to her characters, connecting with them emotionally and taking them in like old friends. And the plots are absolute page-turners – I find myself glued to my e-reader and tuning out the rest of the world for hours on end.

Understandably, Phoenix is afraid of getting on Riley’s bad side. He controls access to her son and years ago he crushed her heart. Coming out of prison, she’s strong but hesitant to do anything that would impact her chances to finally be a mother to Jake. I’ve got to think that being in jail, and all of the things that happened to her, would have made her a harder person, but she’s absolutely amazing.

And that is what causes Riley to be conflicted – I will say that I’m a little surprised at how quickly Novak had Riley change his mind about Phoenix. He’s spent almost two decades thinking that she was an awful person, who killed another girl. I think I would have liked just a little more conflict on his side but I do like that he was willing to look beyond her history to the person beneath. He’s a good man, a good father, and a good friend. Hard-working, intelligent and caring, he’s great hero material.

Unlike most of the stories, we spend most of the time focusing on the Stinson group, but we do get a little bit of the rest of the friends and quite a decent amount of Kyle. The closeness of this group has been one of my favorite things about this series and although I missed the others a little, I did love the extra bit of Kyle. I can’t wait to see what Novak has in store for him – I really hope he finally gets his girl in the next story!

I think the mark of a fantastic writer is making readers feel deeply for the characters – and I absolutely ached for Phoenix. She lost so many years, not only in jail but in getting to know Jake. This Heart of Mine is definitely emotion-packed and my own heart broke a time or two. Full of tears and laughter, friends and family, the little town of Whiskey Creek provides a fantastic read every single time.

Book Review – Bringing Home the Bad Boy

27 Friday Mar 2015

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Book Review, Bringing Home the Bad Boy, Jessica Lemmon, Second Chance series

The Bad Boy Is Back

Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what’s worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend’s memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can’t stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan’s mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they’re brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . .

Bringing Home the Bad Boy is a very emotional start to Lemmon’s newest series. I love the idea of these three “bad boys” all grown up. Who doesn’t like a reformed rake, right? (Evan is related to characters from her Love in the Balance series, but as far as I can tell, since I didn’t read those books, this one can stand on its own. I’m sure his history makes an appearance but Lemmon does a great job of keeping readers current with the new series.)

I was very impressed with how Lemmon handled this story. There were so many ways that this could go but I really enjoyed the fact that in the end it was just Charlotte who needed to get past the fact that Evan was married to her best friend. It’s been years and he’s done his grieving, accepting the things that cannot change and that life moves on. It’s not been easy and he knows that to fully heal he has to make a new life for himself.

Charlotte’s difficulty is complicated by the fact that long ago, before Evan and Rae got together, she had a thing for him. She got past those feelings when it was obvious that Evan and Rae belonged together but it just gives added depth to her current guilt. Evan is willing to help her come to terms with the change in their relationship but it’s a step she’s going to have to be willing to take.

With a sexy single father, who is doing a fantastic job raising an absolutely adorable kid, and a fun-loving but hesitant “Aunt Charlie”, Lemmon delivers a can’t-miss emotional read. With a devilish twinkle in his eye and a smirk to his smile, Evan will become your new fictional boyfriend. Although he may have some competition from the other bad boys, Asher and Donovan – I can’t wait to see what comes next in the Second Chance series.

Book Review – Ares’ Temptation

26 Thursday Mar 2015

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Ares' Temptation, Aubrie Dionne, Book Review

At the wedding of two Greek gods, Kaye Underhill is the only mortal in a sea of scantily clad nymphs and fickle satyrs. And worse — she’s dateless. The only bright side is the hot, muscled hunkiness of the God of War, who’s seated next to her. But there’s no way Kaye could ever grab a god’s attention… Is there?

Ares is in big trouble. A vengeful witch curses him, and the first person he touches will steal his strengths, while he receives their weaknesses. When Kaye trips, Ares catches her and poof! His powers disappear, and Kaye suddenly has the strength and coordination of a Greek god. To break the curse and regain his powers, Ares must get Kaye to fall in love with him.

But for the god who makes war, making love presents a whole new set of problems…

Ares’ Temptation is a lot of fun – I really enjoyed the idea of gods in our world, especially one who is without his powers. My only complaint is that it didn’t seem like enough time was spent having Ares learn from his time being powerless. He does and we see it to a certain degree but I think maybe there was a chance to delve a little deeper into that.

Buuuut, what I got I enjoyed. I liked seeing his interactions with Kaye. She’s funny and spunky and a good foil for him. He’s sexy and hunky and a little lost which is also fun. It isn’t a huge fish out of water story, just some touches, mostly because Ares is too proud to show it too much. And the time he spent with Kaye’s family does teach him a thing or two about patience and forgiveness. There is also a bit of a battle at the end, adding just that touch of danger and suspense to the story and showing off Ares’ new attitude.

I love these reimaging stories – taking well known (and sometimes even lesser known) fictional characters and giving them something new. Dionne does a good job here and I’m thinking that it might be fun to see what she can do with Ares’ brothers and sisters.

Book Review – His Moment to Steal

24 Tuesday Mar 2015

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Book Review, Cathryn Fox, His Moment to Steal, In the Line of Duty series

Once a thief, always a thief…and he’s just walked away with her heart.

In the Line of Duty, Book 4

Ex-military security specialist Luke Phillips would like nothing more than to walk away from his latest job, especially when he realizes the upscale market owner is the daughter of the man responsible for his year spent in juvie.

Except he promised the kids at the community center new and updated equipment. He has no choice but to keep to himself and try not to get mixed up with Emery Vincent. No matter how sweet and sexy she is.

One look at Luke starts Emery’s heart fluttering—along with other specific body parts. But she knows better than to act on those urges with a bad boy who looks at her like he’s been living off rations and she’s the market’s hot lunch special.

But when he rescues her and bandages up her scuffed knee, the heat between them explodes. While a future between them is impossible, hot, sweaty sex is guaranteed—at least until the job is done. Unless Luke can let go of the past and risk it all for love.

Warning: This book contains a smoking-hot ex-convict from the wrong side of thetracks, and a silver-spoon lady who gets oh, so much more than she bargained for when shehires him for a job.

I love these “In the Line of Duty” books. The guys are all Alpha and the women are spunky – my favorite kind of combination – and His Moment to Steal fits right in. Make sure you check out His Trouble in Tallulah and His Taste of Temptation.

If you take on the latest in the series, be prepared for some steam because the story is rough and coarse and sexy as hell, just like its hero. Luke is off-the-charts sexy but he’s carrying around a lot of baggage. Spending time with Emery, daughter of an old enemy, though, quickly has him reconsidering some of his views. He’s as stubborn as he is hot so it is hard for him to let go completely and learn to trust, which isn’t going to lead to an easy HEA.

Emery’s been let down enough times not to expect much from people. While it seems like what they have is a no-strings affair, emotions get involved pretty quickly (of course). And as much as she wants to give her heart and trust to Luke, it isn’t easy for her. His hesitancy to let her all the way in doesn’t help things much so you know there is going to be trouble in paradise. The ending though had me all smiles and squishy feelings though, just the way I like it.

With smooth writing, delectable characters and sizzle between the sheets, Fox delivers another winner!

Book Review – It Must Be Your Love

22 Sunday Mar 2015

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Bella Andre, Book Review, It Must Be Your Love, The Seattle Sullivans

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Bella Andre brings you a new set of Sullivans to fall in love with…

Successful Seattle Realtor Mia Sullivan is nobody’s fool…apart from that one week five years ago when she gave her heart to a sexy musician who gave her nothing in return but a few sinfully perfect days—and nights—in his bed. Though she swears she never wants to see him again, he’s the one man she’s never been able to forget.

One of the hottest rock stars in the world, Ford Vincent can have any woman he wants…except Mia Sullivan. But he knows millions of strangers singing along with his songs can’t fill the hole inside him. Only Mia’s love has the power to do that—so he vows to do anything and everything it takes to win her heart again.

From the first moment they see each other again, intense sparks of attraction fly. But can Mia and Ford finally rediscover a love strong enough to last forever?

I think I’ve read one of the other Sullivan series but I’m not an avid reader so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one (especially without the history). The characters are charismatic, deeply developed, and their interactions are so very realistic. I felt like I knew these people when I was done … and found myself wishing for my own spot at the Sullivan dinner table.

I loved the idea that these two, who are absolutely perfect for each other, met at a time in their lives when they weren’t ready. It led to five years of heartache but the resulting story of reunited love is excellent. Not only does Ford work hard to get back in Mia’s good graces, but they both have to take a look at themselves and figure out what is truly important.

From what I can tell, family is an important theme in Andre’s books and it definitely makes an appearance here. Not only thru the love and support of Mia’s family but the opposite that Ford gets from his. It’s an extreme comparison but one that helps highlight the people they’ve become and to show what they could be if they learn to forgive and trust. It also adds that extra depth to the characters that makes them to feel so very real.

With that perfect balance of heart and heat, love and support, without a lot of unnecessary drama, It Must Be Your Love has introduced me to another author that I’ll be reading for years to come. With the Sullivans, Andre has given the world a family to root for, to love and cry with, and to call friends.

Book Review – Wicked Dark Dragon

19 Thursday Mar 2015

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Book Review, Dragon Heat series, Lolita Lopez, Wicked Dark Dragon

THE SEXIEST DRAGON OF THEM ALL

Adopted at birth, Ivy Morales always suspected she was more than human. Still, she keeps the outlandish thought to herself-even though she can’t ignore her powerful dreams of an ancient blood feud . . . or the darkly erotic turn of those hallucinations. Kidnapped in Mexico for her visions, Ivy has only one chance to escape: find the wickedly sexy man in her dreams.

Welsh dragon shifter Ian Madoc doesn’t understand the strange dream connection he shares with an unknown, beautiful woman. Yet after the seductive images turn into pleas for help, Ian rushes off in the middle of the night, hell-bent on rescuing her. But will she turn out to be the soul mate he’s always longed for . . . or the downfall of his entire clan?

For once I’ve actually been reading a series since the beginning … yea me! This time I think it does make a difference. Lopez does the best she can to keep you up to date on all of the goings on in the dragon world but it is just so much better when you’ve read Dead Sexy Dragon and Red Hot Dragon. Luckily for new readers both books come in under 100 pages so it won’t take much to catch up 🙂

The stories up to this point have been HOT and Wicked Dark Dragon is no different. We got a peek at Mad’s story in Red Hot Dragon and I knew it was going to be a doozy. With Ivy imprisoned by the Knights and Mad out to rescue her it gets a little suspenseful. And of course you have to have a climactic ending battle – one that actually has a huge surprise for the dragons.

In between the fighting though Mad and Ivy get to know each other, which is very sweet … even if it is done behind bars. Together they have the perfect amount of humor and passion that kept me turning pages – there were some great giggle moments but also a lot of sexy ones.

Lopez seemed to deliver more action and danger with this one, which is a lot of fun, but she doesn’t scrimp on the heat and heart. If you like your paranormal romance with a kick (and sizzle), the Dragon Heat series is a winner. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat one minute, fanning yourself the next and laughing out loud when you least expect it.

Book Review – In For A Penny

18 Wednesday Mar 2015

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Book Review, In For A Penny, Rose Lerner

Grand Passion…or epic disaster?

Lord Nevinstoke revels in acting the young wastrel, until his father is killed in a drunken duel. Never one to do anything halfway, Nev throws off his wild ways to shoulder a mountain of responsibility—and debt—vowing to marry a rich girl and act the respectable lord of the manor.

Manufacturing heiress Penelope Brown seems the perfect choice for a wife. She’s pretty, proper, and looking for a husband.

Determined to rise above her common birth, Penelope prides herself on her impeccable behavior and good sense. Grand Passion? Vulgar and melodramatic. Yes, agreeing to marry Nev was a rare moment of impulse, yet she’s sure they can build a good marriage based on companionship and mutual esteem.

But when they arrive at the manor, they’re overwhelmed with half-starved tenants, a menacing neighbor, and the family propensity for scandal. As the situation deteriorates, the newlyweds have nowhere to turn but to each other. To Penelope’s surprise, she begins to fervently hope that her first taste of Grand Passion in her husband’s arms won’t be her last.

First published by Dorchester in March 2010.

Warning: Contains kisses in the breakfast room, account books in the bedroom…and murder in the garden. Featuring a heroine who’s used to settling, a hero who’s used to getting what he wants without trying, and a love for which they’ll both have to fight tooth and nail.

In For a Penny is an absolutely delightful romance about two engaging people who find themselves tied together in a marriage of convenience. Fortunately they are both likable and have good hearts, which of course quickly leads to them dealing with sticky emotions like love and affection.

Nev finds himself in over his head when his dad dies, but he has good intentions and a lot of integrity. He may not be the most savvy in matters of money but he’s good with people and wants the best for everyone. Luckily he has Penelope to help him. Both of them bungle their way thru situations that neither are really prepared for but with the support of each other they manage to figure things out. Their unorthodox courtship and deepening feelings are the center point of the story and it is fantastic.

There’s some suspense toward the end and a little more politics involved that I usually enjoy in my historical romances but Lerner does a fantastic job of fitting everything into the story so it works. I hate to say it but I’m not very knowledgeable on history so even though I get the basic idea of what is going on it didn’t resonate as well as it might have. It is described well though so I could easily keep up and understand the impact.

A fantastic read for those who like historical romances – not a lot of society trials but a refreshing look at life (and difficulties) in the country for a land owner. In In For a Penny, love, laughter & trouble highlight a sweet story of a boy, a girl and their path to a HEA.

Book Review – The Spinster Bride

15 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Jane Goodger, The Spinster Bride

Mr. Charles Norris needs help finding a wife…

For he has the unfortunate habit of falling for each Season’s loveliest debutante, only to have his heart broken when she weds another. Surely Lady Marjorie Penwhistle can help him. She’s sensible, clever, knows the ton, and must marry a peer, which he is not. Since she’s decidedly out of his reach, Charles is free to enjoy her refreshing honesty and her unexpectedly enticing kisses…

Lady Marjorie Penwhistle doesn’t want a husband…

At least not the titled-but-unbearable suitors her mother is determined she wed. She’d rather stay unmarried and look after her eccentric brother. Still, advising Mr. Norris is a most exciting secret diversion. After all, how hard will it be to match-make someone so forthright, honorable, and downright handsome? It’s not as if she’s in danger of finding Charles all-too-irresistible herself…

I’m going to do something I rarely do – start off my review with a complaint. The reason I’m putting it first is because I really like Charles and Marjorie and their romance so I just want to get it out of the way.

About three quarters of the way thru the book, a side story is thrown in that seemed a bit of an oddity. It is a pretty important bit so I’m not giving any details but it kinda came out of nowhere and didn’t really seem to do all that much for the story. Granted there were a couple of things that happened because of it but if this plotline had been in more of the book I think it would have not only been more enjoyable it would also have done more to progress the main story. Now, I know that all of this is vague but I kinda have to throw it out there because it shook the flow of the book for me and I think it might do the same for others. The real shame is that I think it could have made a fantastic secondary plot if it had been developed more.

Now then, with that out of the way I can get to the praise. I really enjoyed these two together. They form such a great friendship which develops into so much more. Together they are fun and sassy and full of life, making a perfect romance that at first seems to be fated to not be but of course you know everything will work out in the end.

From what I can tell, we’re continuing in a world that has already been created – I found When a Lord Needs a Lady on Amazon, which comes out in February, and I know that couple is featured here. But the nice thing is that other than some references I didn’t fully understand it didn’t really make a difference.

Goodger’s writing is quick and witty, her characters are entertaining and realistic, and the romance is both sweet and sexy. If you like your romances packed full of lords and ladies, The Spinster Bride is a fantastic choice. A little ill-fated love and some romantic ingenuity blend perfectly to create a decidedly enjoyable love story.