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Sultry with a Twist

11 Thursday Oct 2012

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Sultry with a Twist is the sweet debut romantic novel from Macy Beckett and she brings readers a winner. Mae-June Augustine left her home town of Sultry Springs nine years ago with a broken heart and she’s not been back since. But now she discovers that, due to an indiscretion on graduation day, she has to go home to serve a month of community service. Being back brings her together with the two people who hurt her all those years ago – the grandmother who raised her and the man who held her heart before crushing it. Will this prove to be her time for second chances or will she leave devastated all over again?

You’ll find yourself wanting to shake Luke and then give him a big hug. He has self-esteem and relationship problems related to his childhood – his mother left him with June’s grandmother when he was 12, causing him to feel that he isn’t good enough to be loved. These abandonment issues have driven his life so far but he’s finally at a point where it could turn around. Because otherwise he’s a good man – kind, hardworking, thoughtful, and generous – he just needs to see that in himself.

June has done some growing up and coming back home shows her things she hadn’t seen before. She was too young then to realize there were reasons for the way both her grandmother and Luke acted. But she’s got the spunk and the patience to handle things differently this time around.

Sultry with a Twist is a wonderful emotional mixture – humorous, sexy, and heart-warming. The characters are home-grown, solid folk and Beckett makes them real. She also makes them quirky, funny and fun. This is the first in a series so readers can expect to see more of this great little town and its entertaining population, which will be a treat. Full of small town charm, Macy Beckett’s books will be a fast addition to the gotta read pile.

Hunk for the Holidays

09 Tuesday Oct 2012

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Katie Lane’s Hunk for the Holidays brings readers the classic romance plot device of mistaken identity – Cassie McPherson works hard at her family’s construction business and since her last relationship ended a little over a year ago she’s not had time to date. So to avoid any matchmaking from friends and family, she hires an escort to take her to a holiday party. This isn’t the first time she’s had to do this, but it is the first time she’s wanted more from the guy she’s hired . . . or at least she thinks she’s hired. Bowled over by his first glimpse of Cassie, James Sutton goes along with her misconception and quickly finds himself seriously attracted to her. But as things start to heat up, he needs to find a way to tell her that he’s not actually an escort but her business’s biggest rival.

Even using a common theme, Lane does a wonderful job giving readers characters that are appealing, sexy and fun to read. You might wonder if anyone would actually find themselves in this situation, but then you realize that you are enjoying yourself too much to care. Cassie successfully and hilariously channels Lucille Ball, managing to get herself in one embarrassing situation after another. She’s not all that confident in her appeal, more comfortable on a job site than in anything girlie, but she’s smart and sassy which gives her her own unique style. Jake, with I Love Lucy moments of his own, is attractive, funny and charming. And definitely interested in Cassie. He just has to figure out how to get out of the mess he’s made.

The story is more slapstick than deep, but it works just fine. The characters are engaging, the story is funny, and it makes for an entertaining, satisfying read – that’s more than enough for me.

The Accidental Bride

07 Sunday Oct 2012

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Christina Skye brings readers another chapter in her Summer Island series with The Accidental Bride. Jilly O’Hara is a driven chef with her own restaurant and food line. One night during dinner service, she collapses and is diagnosed with a heart condition – one that may force her to quit the job she loves dearly. Based on her doctor’s orders to rest, her friends send her on a vacation to a knitting retreat in the mountains of Wyoming. Arriving at the airport, she meets marine Walker Hale and his amazing service dog Winslow. With her life and health in flux, Jilly doesn’t have time for romance but their attraction may be too strong to deny.

The Accidental Bride is a heartwarming story of two people trying to find their way again. Jilly has only ever wanted to be a chef and now her health has taken that from her. She’s not in the best frame of mind and she’s got intimacy issues stemming from being abandoned when she was a baby. For all her prickliness though she’s an appealing character. Walker and his dog were injured in the Middle East while trying to save fellow marines. He, like so many other soldiers, has come home with emotional and mental scars to go with the physical ones. He’s slowly struggling to find a place for himself in society and , because of his own issues, he’s a good fit for Jilly and helps her work through her problems.

The inhabitants of Lost Creek, Wyoming make the perfect supporting cast. They are interesting, fun and full of heart. They care about each other and meddle, which always makes for interesting reading. I hope that they’ll get their own spin-off, since this series concentrates on the four friends from Summer Island.

If you are a fan of books by Jill Shalvis or Susan Mallery, you will enjoy this story. The characters are well-developed and easy to love. And the world Skye creates is realistic, so smoothly delivered that you’ll feel like you’ve been there before. It’s a fast-read, with warmth and humor, enjoyable straight through until the end.

(Even though this is part of a series, it can definitely be enjoyed by itself. Readers of previous stories will get updates on characters but Skye handles it in a way that doesn’t leave new readers lost.)

Finally Home

29 Saturday Sep 2012

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Finally Home is Helen Scott Taylor’s sweet story about a woman having to let go of her past in order to move forward with her future. Melanie Marshall is cautiously building a life for herself and her son as the manager of Greyfriar House Hotel. When her boss comes back from what was supposed to be his wedding trip without a wife, things get complicated. For unknown reasons, Jack Summers uses his new hotel manager as an excuse to call of his wedding. But now he can’t get her out of his thoughts and as he gets to know her and her son better, he realizes there may have been a reason after all. When Helen’s past finds her, though, can the budding romance between them be enough?

Melanie has some serious issues related to her marriage and the criminal actions of her dead husband. I really liked the fact that Taylor acknowledged that these would not be easily fixed. Too often romance novels solve problems with the power of love, which is nice in fairy tales but not so much in real life, and Taylor does a great job of avoiding this trap. Instead she gives us a more realistic look. Readers are given an in depth look at Melanie’s troubles and, though the may be hard to relate to, they are detailed and believable.

We don’t get to see into Jack quite as much, but he does show himself to be honest and loyal – both things that Melanie needs in a new mate. He’s happy, emotionally stable (although he has moments where he needs to grow a backbone), and content with where life has taken him. He’s a good influence on Melanie, showing her that she needs to relax and let herself be happy. He does occasionally prove that he isn’t as in tune with Melanie as he should be, especially at the end, but then again we all see things through our own filter. Overall, he’s supportive and works to help Melanie face her past.

This is a good choice for someone who is looking for a touching story about two people falling in love with a bite of realism. It’s not all roses, but then neither is life.

The Heiress and Her Fake Fiancé

28 Friday Sep 2012

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Jessica Heymore returns to her home town to evaluate her life and her future. Her father has once again meddled in her life and she needs to decide what she wants to do from here. Matt Lawson has also returned to Blakely and is looking for a wife to settle down with. Thanks to Jessica’s matchmaking grandmother, the two find themselves sharing a house. Jessica doesn’t know what she’ll do next but it will be someplace away from home. Matt wants a woman who will stick around. Unfortunately a powerful attraction may have other plans for them.

I liked the premise for The Heiress and Her Fake Fiancé, however by the time I was halfway through the story I felt like yelling at the two to talk to each other. I get that misunderstandings are a common romance theme, but for some reason it really got to me this time. I liked both Jessica and Matt, and I was rooting for them to get together, there was just so much confusion and hurt feelings that could have been addressed with a simple conversation.

The interaction between the two (outside of their failure to talk) was fun and they had good chemistry together. Hope did a good job of creating believable characters with sizzle. I just got frustrated at them.

I recommend giving the book a chance – the characters are likable and the plot is solid. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself wanting to sit them down and make them figure it all out.

A Fool’s Gold Christmas

25 Tuesday Sep 2012

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The exceptional Susan Mallery once again brings readers a delightful and heartwarming story with A Fool’s Gold Christmas. Evie Stryker isn’t happy to be in Fool’s Gold because it is way too close to her family. She’s always been the odd man out in the group and has learned it is better to be apart from them. She just needs to bide her time until she is healthy enough to move away and a romantic entanglement doesn’t fit into that plan. Dante Jefferson learned the hard way that there can be a price for love and he isn’t looking to do it again. An overwhelming attraction to his business partner’s sister is definitely not in his plans either. But Christmas in Fool’s Gold comes with its own share of miracles and may bring these two exactly what they need.

Mallery’s gift is her ability to bring characters to life. She creates people that are vibrant, detailed, and realistic – they always leap off the page. By the time you finish one of her books you feel as if you know them personally and Evie & Dante are no exception. You experience everything right along with them, all their highs and lows. The story flowed very smoothly with a sweet ending that, even though you wanted to smack Dante a little, was satisfying. I love these two and am so happy that they found each other.

A Fool’s Gold Christmas is a rich, engaging romance that will definitely get you in the mood for the holidays. It can stand on its own, but for reader’s of Mallery’s other Fool’s Gold novels this is also a nice chance to catch up with old friends and get a glimpse of those to come. If you haven’t been to Fool’s Gold before, don’t let that intimidate you. Pick this one up – you’ll be happy you did … and will want to visit often.

Watch Me

24 Monday Sep 2012

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Watch Me is the first in a new series by Lisa Renee Jones based around a reality TV show. Meagan Tippan is the producer on a dance competition show. This is Meagan’s baby, her idea and hard work. Several mishaps have caused people to say there is a curse and if Meagan can’t fix things her show will be canceled. Sam Kellar is head of security for the studio and it is his job to help things run smoothly. But the sexual tension between Meagan and Sam may make things explosive.

Meagan is very prickly about her independence. Sam, with his Special Forces military background, is very alpha male and he immediately sets her on edge. Jones’s characters are well-developed for such a short book, with enough insight to make their actions understandable. The relationship that develops between Sam and Meagan is sweet, although sometimes I got tired of her pushing him away. Jones does a great job making her actions reasonable but still that kind of thing can get old. Sam, though, handles it well and the resolution of their issues is satisfying.

Fans of reality TV and sexy romances will find this the perfect book. The behind-the-scenes look at making the show is fun and interesting and there are more stories to come so readers will get other perspectives in the future. Since this is a Harlequin Blaze title, there are a lot of steamy scenes between the two leads, so be warned if this isn’t your cup of tea.

The Reunion

19 Wednesday Sep 2012

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Dan Walsh’s The Reunion is an amazing story of love, faith, family and hardship. Aaron Miller is one of those people that quietly influences the people around him. But he hasn’t always been like that. In the Vietnam War, he was injured while heroically saving the lives of three young soldiers. When he got home, he had the typical adjustment issues of veterans, except society turned its back on that war and those it left behind. Without the help that he needed, Aaron quickly found himself addicted to drugs and alcohol, without his wife & kids, and living on the streets. When he finds God a few years later and gets back on his feet, it is too late to salvage a relationship with his family. More years pass and he is now the handyman in a trailer park, but still managing to touch the lives of those around him. When a reporter writing a book on Vietnam vets comes looking for him and his story, is he willing to be brave enough to be found?

This is a quick read, smoothly told from multiple perspectives, with a conclusion that leaves readers more than satisfied. The characters have depth and believability, with such detail that it makes you feel like you know them personally. The pain and heartbreak that these people experienced is so realistic and raw that it leaps off the page and settles in your chest. I just wanted to find these people and give them a hug, to do anything I could to make it better for them. I was so caught up in the story that I found it hard to remember that this was a work of fiction.

Walsh does a fantastic job of weaving a multi-faceted tale that will please a large audience. I feel comfortable recommending this story to anyone – young, old, male, female. Those who enjoy a well-told story will find something they like in The Reunion.

How to Date a Henchman

11 Tuesday Sep 2012

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In Mari Fee’s How to Date a Henchman, Gina is the receptions for EnClo Corp, only she has no idea what the company does and her curiosity is getting the better of her. Today, though, some of her questions may be answered because the mysterious owner, Mr. Sparks, is coming for a visit. When he arrives he also brings along his oh-so attractive associate, Burke. Burke is what is known as a henchman, because Mr. Sparks is actually the supervillain Static. EnClo is the hub of their latest scheme and, with a superhero on their trail, the last thing he has time for is an attraction to the receptionist.

This is a novella (about 26,000 words) and I’m not sure if it is the start to a series, but I really hope so. How to Date a Henchman gives readers a humorous take on how a super-hero world would work and how a regular person could get caught up in it. Their world is just like ours, except that it contains people with powers, and Fee does a fantastic job of giving readers a look into it. I loved how she brings up problems that could arise in such a world, like an increase in your insurance rates due to damage because of a fight between super-people or the danger a henchman faces just running daily errands for his boss. How people treat the superheroes like they treat famous athletes and actors, complete with magazine layouts and endorsements, is hilarious. This is a new take on their world, one where their daily lives are just like ours and the differences between heroes and villains aren’t black and white, and it is fantastic.

The characters are entertaining, with plausible issues to give them depth. The interactions between Burke and Gina are flirty and sweet, and Static is a hoot. He’s sarcastic, brilliant, twisted and so much fun. Burke and Gina’s level-headedness is the perfect foil to his eccentricity. Together they make an amazing team and an entertaining read.

Being short, this is fast-paced, but it packs a punch for so few pages. If you are looking for something a little off-beat, without losing its believability, this is a perfect choice.

Charming Blue

09 Sunday Sep 2012

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Charming Blue is an update to the story of Bluebeard. He used to be one of the Charmings, as in a Prince Charming, but he’s spent that last couple of centuries in an alcoholic haze. He believes that is the only way to protect others from himself, considering that he’s killed fifteen women. Jodi Walters has a magic that allows her to fix things and she spends her time working with the magical in the LA area – helping them get jobs, homes or assistance adjusting to our world. When she’s approached by Contankerous Belle (yes, she is related to Tinker Belle) to help Blue, she’s very skeptical. In addition to being a fall down, stinking (literally) drunk, he killed his wives. But there’s a stalker in LA that is claiming to be Bluebeard and Tank needs Jodi’s help figuring out what is going on. What she finds out could change how everyone sees Blue, including himself.

I love the retelling, modernization, updating, etc. of fairy tales. I don’t mean when an author uses the same theme, but when it is actually the same characters. Bluebeard is a more obscure one, which Grayson’s story points out, and I think that allows her to give readers a more imaginative book. Her make believe world isn’t too complex and it follows along with some well known ideas, but gives them a unique twist. She brings a world full of magical creatures with just enough differences, due to misrepresentation by fairy tale authors, to keep everything interesting.

Blue isn’t your normal hero – most days he is drunk, smelly, and disgusting. It is used as a shield and it is an effective one. When sober he does clean up exceptionally well, as to be expected, but that still leaves a man that is disturbed and awkward with people after years of a self-imposed exile. With Jodi’s help, Blue works on the stalker case and begins the process of bringing himself back from rock bottom.

Charming Blue will appeal to a wide range of readers – it’s a great mix of fairy tale, romance, paranormal, and mystery. The characters are interesting, with compelling problems, and there’s a touch of whimsy with the magic involved. It’ll make you take a second look at the stories you’ve been told all your life.

(This is a story in Grayson’s Charming series, all modern updates to classic fairy tale characters – Sleeping Beauty, her Prince Charming, Snow White’s stepmother, and CinderElla’s Prince Charming have all been featured so far. Each book can stand on its own, however they all share a supporting cast of characters.)