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Summer in Napa

05 Wednesday Jun 2013

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cover23689-mediumLexi Moreau has come home to start over.  After a decade in New York, she has almost nothing left – no husband, no restaurant, nothing except her dream to work with her grandmother turning her bakery into a bistro … as long as she can avoid her grandmother’s over-the-top matchmaking efforts and the overwhelming (and unwanted) attraction to her ex’s best friend.

Lexi is that perfect mix of girl next door and Lucille Ball – she’s smart, sexy and a magnet for embarrassing situations.  She’s still a little shook up by her ex’s treatment so her confidence level is in the dumps but she still manages to be funny and appealing.  She’s also slowly working on getting her mojo back, with Marc’s help.  He may be her ex’s oldest friend and the town playboy, avoiding any romantic commitment, but he’s also gorgeous, fun and supportive.  He’s got his own issues getting his hotel up and running, and showing his brothers that he isn’t a screw-up, so he needs Lexi’s support as much as she needs his.

I adore these two together.  They have been fighting an attraction for years and, with all of that history, they manage to create a very supportive (and very entertaining) partnership.  They’ve known each other long enough that the blinders have come off, but that also means they know each other well enough to love what is underneath.  They know the bad, the good and the indifferent.  When they let all of that go and trust in themselves and each other, they have something spectacular.

Summer in Napa is the first “St Helena Vineyard” novels I’ve read and I must say I was absolutely delighted.  It kept me laughing, while touching my heart – a sweet and sassy charmer perfect for a long summer day.  I fell instantly in love with everyone in St Helena – from the busy-body grannies to the overly macho DeLucas, and their mouthy sister – and I can’t wait to see how the rest of them find their HEA.

Johanna’s Bridegroom

04 Tuesday Jun 2013

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cover24396-mediumYears ago a foolish mistake destroyed Roland Byler and Johanna Yoder’s relationship, both going on to marry other people and have children.  Now, both widowed, Johanna stuns Roland with a proposal.  She sees it as the perfect answer – she’d be a mother to his son and he’d be the father her two kids need.  But Roland has never forgotten the love he felt for Johanna those years ago and he wants more than an emotionless marriage.  Now he’s got to remind her what it was like when they were courting and that they can have those feelings again.

Johanna’s Bridegroom is a book in the “Hannah’s Daughters” series – sometimes it isn’t that important to have read the previous books but this is definitely one of those times that it would make a difference.  The core story of Johanna and Roland is wonderful and easy to follow – he’s determined to have a marriage full of love but, between his youthful indiscretion (which you don’t find out details of until the end) and problems with her last marriage, she’s not sure she can give her heart again.  I loved the interaction between Roland and Johanna.  He’s so steady and sure, hard-working and caring.  She’s assertive and brash, especially for the Amish, but she also has a deep love for her family and her community.  I enjoyed watching them come to terms with their past and their future.

But there is so much more to this series and the intricacies of the Yoder family are difficult to follow without having a familiarity with the previous books.  There was so much that I didn’t fully understand and I think that I would have enjoyed the book so much more if I’d had those details.  Don’t get me wrong, the book was interesting and I am glad I read it, but it was somewhat frustrating.  If you haven’t read anything else in this series, I highly recommend trying to find some of the others first or be prepared to have a few unanswered questions as you go thru it.  If this isn’t your first book, then I’m sure you are aware of the heart-warming story that you will find between the covers.

(I’m giving this one 3 stars because of the fact that it is so hard to read by itself but without that I would have given the core story 4 stars.)

It Had to Be You

03 Monday Jun 2013

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cover28067-mediumOnce again Jill Shalvis delights with her newest Lucky Harbor novel, It Had To Be You, bringing readers another of her to-die-for, rough & ready heroes in police office Luke Hanover, who meets his match in plucky, sweet Ali Winters.  After a high profile case ends badly, Luke comes back to Lucky Harbor to get away for a few weeks and recharge.  But instead of finding quiet isolation in his beachfront cottage, he gets bowled over by the oh-so-sexy Ali … who brings with her a ton of problems.  Ali has just broken up with her cheating boyfriend and needs a place to stay.  And apparently she also needs the help of a good detective because she’s being accused of stealing money she never touched.  As they work together to prove Ali’s innocence, their attraction gets the better of them, but Luke has no intention of staying once his vacation is over.  Can they enjoy a short-term fling without either of their hearts getting involved?

I’m always thrilled when a new Lucky Harbor book comes out – and the best part is you don’t have to have read any of the previous ones to enjoy this one.  It’s the first in a new trilogy in the quaint little town, introducing three friends who will each find their mate sometime in the next year.  Long-time readers will enjoy the chance at getting glimpses of previous characters, but this is definitely a prime place for new readers to start.

Luke is the quintessential Shalvis hero – he’s big, bad, manly and conflicted.  (And his friends are sure to be just as delicious!)  He’s carrying around a boat-load of guilt and angst, not just from the case he was working on but from a couple of incidences in his childhood.  He doesn’t think that he’s a good bet in a relationship … and definitely not for someone like Ali, who loves Lucky Harbor and is looking to put down roots.  Watching him fight his feelings is quite a lot of fun.

Ali also carries a lot of trademark Shalvis characteristics – she has her own issues to deal with but she’s fun, quirky and full of sass.  She’s an original and a delight, entertaining and funny.  She’s a great choice for Luke as she does a fantastic job of balancing out his more broody nature.  The mystery of who did steal the money adds just that touch of suspense to give this book a little additional punch.  It is well-developed and I loved how everything gets resolved.

I highly recommend running out and picking up a copy of It Had To Be You regardless of whether you’ve ever been to Lucky Harbor before.  It’s the perfect kick-off to the summer – a little bit funny, a little bit suspenseful, and a whole lot heartwarming – and you’ll find yourself ready to visit again and again.

Kissing the Maid of Honor

31 Friday May 2013

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cover31293-mediumAs a teenager, Sela Sullivan had a crush on her best friend’s older brother, Luke Watters, who also happened to be her older brother’s best friend.  One day she decided to go for it and, taking advantage of a kissing booth, put everything she was feeling into a kiss …. only to have him humiliate her.   Now a famous photographer, he’s back in town for his sister’s wedding – Best Man to her Maid of Honor.  She won’t do anything to ruin her friend’s wedding, but she plans to avoid Luke as much as possible.  But the more time they spend together, the more tempting he becomes.  Can she trust him again given how badly his actions hurt her before?  And does she dare to give her heart to a man who travels all over the world for a living?

Kissing the Maid of Honor is a sweet story about second chances.  Sela and Luke are fantastic together – their interactions are full of both wit and tenderness.  Luke has a lot of making up to do with Sela, not quite understanding how much damage his comments made when they were teenagers, but their growing trust and intimacy has so much warmth and heart that it kept me glued to the pages.  The development of their relationship was very realistic and I think that Bielman did a great job with the conflict.  The resolution was very touching and made me sigh just a little bit because I was so happy for them to get their HEA.

Kissing the Maid of Honor is actually part of a series and readers will get a glimpse into the next story (about Sela’s brother Shane, which looks like it is going to be fun).  It’s a fun little town, reminding me a little of Jill Shalvis’s Lucky Harbor, complete with an engaging group of friends & family that is sure to provide plenty of material for many good books to come.

Nicholas

30 Thursday May 2013

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cover21396-mediumNicholas Haddonfield, Lord Reston, promised his dying father he would marry before the end of the Season.  And Lady Leah Lindsey, who needs rescuing from being wedded to an old lecher, is the perfect choice for a marriage of convenience.  Only Nick never counted on his heart getting involved.

Nicholas is a companion book to Darius, released last month.  Given the barest of details of Leah’s marriage to Nick in that book, readers are now treated to the details of what really happened.  Nick has a secret – one that prevents him from giving himself fully to his marriage, one that he refuses to share with Leah.  I love Nick, almost as much as Darius.  He’s big, strong, smart and lethally handsome.  But he really needs to work on his communication skills.  A couple of conversations with the right people, a sharing of his burden and his guilt, would have changed his life completely.  But then he wouldn’t have married the lovely Leah.  She’s had a hard life and is facing a difficult future, then a chance encounter with Nick at a ball changes everything.  She just has to be strong enough to handle him and everything that he throws at her.

I adore these two together.  There might have been a couple of times that I had to shake my head at the poor confused man, but their relationship is sweet and fun, while handling serious problems on both sides at the same time.  Nick is so conflicted but Burrowes does a fantastic job of wrapping up everything in a HEA.  Nicholas is a must for readers of historical romances, especially those about big, strong, deluded men and the women smart enough to love them long enough for them to come to their senses.

Note:  This is one of those series where I don’t think it is necessary to read all of the books (although I definitely recommend it because so far they are fantastic).  Nicholas is complete by itself and I don’t think any of the nuances would be lost on new readers.  But those who read Darius will enjoy the revelation of exactly how Nick and Leah got together and how they go forward, and will find it fun to see Darius’s story from an outsider’s perspective.   Knowing what is happening with his life, it just adds that little bit of extra flavor to have someone else’s take on his actions.  Readers are also given glimpses of future characters – Nick’s brothers and his friend Val.  Based on how enjoyable I’ve found these two books, I’m can’t wait for future installments.

SEAL of Honor

29 Wednesday May 2013

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SOH

SEAL of Honor is the first book in Tonya Burrows’s Hornet series – one sure to please those who enjoy an enticing mix of military, mystery and love.  Gabe Bristow only knows how to be a Navy SEAL, but after an accident leaves him without a career, he flounders trying to figure out what to do with his life.  Like a gift, he’s given the opportunity to head a private hostage rescue team, only to find it’s filled with misfits – a drunk linguist, a nerdy ex-CIA analyst, a former FBI negotiator, a cowboy medic, and an explosives expert that might be more volatile than any bomb.  Now they have to figure out how to work together to find Audrey Van Amee’s kidnapped brother, without getting themselves killed.  And Gabe has to keep a professional distance from the very sexy Audrey, not easy when she insists on getting involved in her brother’s case.

All around SEAL of Honor is a fast-paced, captivating read – the characters are larger than life but sexy especially if you like your men big and bad, the suspense is well-developed and comes together very succinctly, the danger seems real and keeps you holding on, and the romance has just that right amount of zing and emotion.  Each of the Hornet team members left their former position under less than stellar circumstances and has the emotional & physical scars to prove it.  Add in the fact that they are all very Alpha, from different backgrounds, never worked together before … definitely a powder keg.  They sucked me in and I’m very much looking forward to getting the scoop on all of Gabe’s team in future books.  There is also a guarantee of adding even more members to the Hornet team, which can only lead to good things.

SEAL of Honor is perfect for those who look for bolder, edge of your seat summer reads filled with colorful characters and riveting story-lines.

Just One Kiss

28 Tuesday May 2013

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cover23875-mediumI’ll admit it, I’m biased.  I absolutely LOVE Susan Mallery’s books and I look forward to Spring because I know that it means that new Fool’s Gold books are coming out … and this year doesn’t look like it is going to disappoint.

Fifteen years ago teenager Patience McGraw fell in love with her best friend, Justice Garrett.  She finally got up enough courage to tell him how she felt, only he disappeared without a trace in the middle of the night.  Fool’s Gold and Patience were the best thing about Justice’s childhood.  In the witness protection program to escape his criminal father, he was stunned when they suddenly had to relocate after his father was seen in the area.  Now, after years in the military and a stint doing private security, Justice is back in the only place that ever felt like home to open a defense academy – and to see Patience again.  When they realize that their feelings are still strong, will they be able to trust in themselves and each other enough to commit to something more that Just One Kiss?

Once again Mallery brings readers her signature quirkiness and heart in a book full of humor, love and angst.  Although Patience is pretty well centered, Justice is struggling with the things he’s seen and done, plus his fear that he could hurt people like his father.  A fear like that goes deep and no matter how many people tell you otherwise, you are still going to have doubts.  I love the little boy hidden in the man – the one that wants so badly to connect to others, to have a normal life, and for someone to give him the comfort and love he didn’t have growing up.  No matter how big and strong and capable he is, I just want to give him a hug and a cookie.

As always, a Fool’s Gold novel is about more than the two people in the blurb.  It’s always like coming home for me when I pick up one of these books because the town is so real and the people are like old friends.  We’re given updates on everyone, but we’re introduced to new friends too, which is fun.  Mallery does a great job of giving you just enough about the people who will be in the next handful of books to tease you.  I’m actually restraining myself from picking up my ARC of the next novel as I know it is going to be so awesome.  Felicia, who will be the focus next, was definitely a highlight for me in an all-star supporting cast.  I just know she’s going to be a trip to get to know better.

New and long-term readers will love the newest in Mallery’s amazing series – with heart, humor and just that perfect tinge of heat, Just One Kiss is sure to please.

Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid

27 Monday May 2013

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cover31551-mediumAlice Shepard needs a gorgeous date for her sister’s wedding.  Her future brother-in-law just happens to be her cheating ex-fiance’s brother and she wants him to regret leaving her for her best friend.  Alice’s oh-so-hot next door neighbor is perfect.  Now she just has to convince the somewhat reclusive Noah Thorpe to spend a week with her on a cruise ship, pretending to be in love.  Noah needs to get out of town for a few days while his friends try to get him out of an arranged marriage – a vampire tradition that will tie him to a female that he’s never met.  Alice’s request is  just what he needs.  What could go wrong?

Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid is a fantastically fun read that will appeal to a wide range of people.  Even if you aren’t into paranormal romances, you should pick this one up – the fact that Noah is a vampire isn’t really a big plot point, it’s truly a relationship story.  The problems between the two could be found in any book, as Alice has some trust issues left over from her ex and Noah keeps secrets (some out of necessity but of course that isn’t going to sit well with her).

Both Alice and Noah are appealing characters and they get into some delightful scrapes together.  Alice’s family is quirky, adding just the right amount of humor to the story.  And as a part of the Sons of Kane series, there is plenty of opportunity to get more.  Noah has a couple of brothers who have potential for angsty, vampire fun and Alice has a brother that will likely play a part in a future story.  For me, that’s definitely a plus as everyone was deliciously entertaining.

If you are looking for a sweet, sexy, humorous beach read, Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid is the perfect summer treat.

One More Kiss

24 Friday May 2013

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OK, I usually start my reviews with a brief description of the book, but I thought I would let the book blurb do it for me:

Mary Blayney, the acclaimed author of Courtesan’s Kiss, returns to the Pennistan family with this new historical romance—the delectable story of a free-spirited beauty with no interest in marriage who getsmore than she bargained for when a seductive kiss leads to the possibility of love.

Dispatched by their ambitious father to snag a titled husband, Beatrice Brent and her twin sister, Cecilia, attend a house party with an array of eligible gentlemen. Defiantly ignoring her father’s wishes, Beatrice flirts shamelessly with Lord Jessup Pennistan, a gamer with scandal in his past—and the one man her father has warned her against. But when flirting goes too far, Beatrice suddenly finds herself engaged and, worse, estranged from her family. Though convinced that her fiancé’s wicked ways will bring nothing but heartache, Beatrice is powerless against Jess’s masterful seduction and the anticipated delights of the marriage bed.  
 
A gambling man who has lost more than his family is willing to forgive him for, Jess quickly realizes that compromising Beatrice was the best mistake he ever made. But to keep her he must right the wrongs of the past, reclaim his lost fortunes, and place the boldest wager of his life.  For now he has everything to win . . . and everything to lose.  
 

Now, the very first part is a good descriptor of the book, but the rest doesn’t happen until the end of the book.  When you read this kind of thing you come into a book with certain expectations and this one is kind of misleading.  Yes, Beatrice is told to avoid Lord Jessup.  And yes, they do start a flirtation.  But the compromising doesn’t actually happen until pretty much the end of the book.  The true heart of the book is the interactions between all of the many attendees of the house party and them getting to know each other.  Don’t get me wrong, it is a great book and I really enjoyed it, but it wasn’t what I expected.

Instead of focusing on Beatrice and Lord Jessup, we actually get them, plus her sister and Lord Destry, a scandal in Lord Jessup’s past, as well as some flirtations between Mrs. Kendrick and Lord Belmont.  It was quite a compelling read.  All the characters are interesting and their time at the house party leads them down some intriguing paths. I loved the romance involving her sister and I really wished I’d gotten more of Lord Destry.

For those who have read Mary Blayney’s previous books about the Pennistan family, this is a great opportunity to catch up, as well as see some beloved characters get their happy ending.  And for those, like me, who haven’t read one of her stories, don’t worry.  She does a fantastic job of making sure you can keep up.  The worst thing that will happen is that you will be itching to get those books to find out how all the prior romances played out.  Blayney has a deft hand at creating fascinating characters and I found myself looking for her backlist so I could add them to my To Be Read file.

So, don’t go into One More Kiss thinking you are going to get a story about two people who are forced to wed and have to figure out how to deal with the fall out.  Instead, it is a great opportunity to meet new friends and quickly get drawn into their lives as they spend time with each other.  It’s a fun, character driven historical romance that will draw you in and keep you reading.

Take it Like a Vamp

21 Tuesday May 2013

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cover31548-mediumNick Christos wants his best friend, Casey Meyers – she’s sweet, funny, irresistible and off-limits.  He’s a vampire, head of the Supernatural Council, and his life is too dangerous … but his resolve is weakening.  Casey thinks her neighbor is super yummy and way out of her league.  Agreeing to escort Nick to a charity function just proves it, because she may feel like Cinderella but she’s definitely not meant to live the life as a princess.  Now, though, she’s being targeted by some of Nick’s very powerful enemies.  Can he keep her safe … and his hands to himself?

Candace Havens brings readers a supernatural treat with Take It Like a Vamp and it is definitely one of my favorites this year.  It’s got that right amount of sass and fun, mixed with heat and humor – think Lynsay Sands’s Argeneau series or Erin McCarthy’s Vegas Vampires.

Nick is your typical 800 year old vampires (are there such things?) and thinks most about protecting Casey.  You would think that by now he’d have learned a few things about women but I guess since he wasn’t interested in more than a fling then he didn’t invest a lot in them.  But he is deliciously alpha and Casey definitely has what it takes to tame him.  She’s got enough spunk to keep up with him and everything that his life throws at her.

There are also a ton of fantastic supporting characters in Nick’s crew so I really hope that means that this is just the starts of a series.  I definitely want a HEA for the oh-so-dreamy Linc.  Take It Like A Vamp is the perfect introduction to their world – giving readers just enough details and characters to be interesting but not too much to overwhelm – and I’m looking forward to seeing more of it.

For readers who like romances with a little steam, a lot of fun, and a dash of heart mixed in with just that right amount of supernatural intrigue, Take It Like A Vamp is sure to delight.