Book Review – An A to Z of Love

09 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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An A to Z of Love, Book Review, Sophie Pembroke

Everyone’s talking about Mia Page. Again.

Mia Page has been the subject of gossip in Aberarian for half her life, ever since her father ran off with his secretary–and the contents of the local museum safe–when she was fourteen.

Still, Mia loves her hometown, loves working at the A to Z shop, eating seafood with her best friend Charlie at his restaurant, catching the classic midnight movie at the crumbling Coliseum cinema. And if she ever wonders if things might be even better if Charlie were more than just a friend, well, it’s only an idle thought in a lonely moment. After all, friendship always trumps romance, doesn’t it? And she’s never been one to rock the boat.

But everything she loves is suddenly under threat from Charlie’s ex-girlfriend, Becky, and her plans to turn Mia’s beloved Coliseum into a casino, transforming the sleepy seaside town forever. As Mia tries to pull the people of Aberarian together to save the town they adore, her father reappears, and people start asking what he wants to take from them this time…

WARNING: Some sexual scenes. Also contains seafood.

Full of UK humor and odd characters, An A to Z of Love is a fun and entertainingly fast read.

Mia and Charlie spend more time second guessing how the other ones feels, and a little honest communication would have solved a lot of their problems, but where’s the enjoyment in that? Instead we get romantic avoidance at it’s most powerful, but it leads to a sweet happy ending.

In addition to their romance woes, they both have to deal some personal baggage. Mia is dogged by her father’s past and the potential changes to her beloved town brought by Charlie’s ex (and Mia’s childhood friend turned nemesis). Charlie has to face said ex but also decide what he wants to do with his future, deal with a failing restaurant, and help Mia save their town. All o this while facing their relationship dilemma.

While not quite as quirky-cute as Bridget, Mia and Charlie still have that wonderfully British feel and a sappy, happy love. Cute and quick, An A to Z of Love has that perfect bit of humor to go with its angst.

Spotlight – What a Lady Craves

08 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Ashlyn Macnamar, Book Review, What a Lady Craves

Now it’s time for Ashlyn Macnamara’s newest historical romance, What a Lady Craves.

*****

What a Lady Craves

Written by Ashlyn Macnamara

Published by Loveswept

August 19, 2014

ISBN: 978-0-553-39253-1

WHAT A LADY CRAVES on Goodreads

Blurb:

Ashlyn Macnamara weaves a delicious tale of two souls torn apart by circumstance and reunited by fate—perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries.

Henrietta Upperton is about to marry Alexander Sanford when he rushes off to India to salvage his family’s fortune. Then comes the devastating news that he has wed another. Eight agonizing years later, a storm washes Alexander ashore—injured, widowed, and hunted—and one glimpse of his ruggedly handsome face reawakens the desire Henrietta thought she had buried deep inside. Her body still yearns for his touch, but she’s determined not let him wound her again . . . not this time.

For Alexander, honor always comes first. But only now does he realize that when given the choice between two virtuous deeds, he picked the wrong one. On the run with his life in tatters and a pair of daughters in tow, Alexander burns for Henrietta. He knows he does not deserve forgiveness. And yet he longs to wrap his arms around her warm body once again. What’s more, he is sure the lady craves the same.

Get your copy of WHAT A LADY CRAVES

*****

Excerpt:

(from Chapter Two)

“Damn him. Damn him to hell.” A sharp gust off the sea ripped the invective from Henrietta’s lips.

The gray waters of the English Channel hissed over pebbles in an even rhythm that ought to have soothed after a sleepless night. They did nothing for her, nor did a lungful of salt-laden air. Bracing—that’s what they called this sort of predawn cold. It was meant to straighten one’s spine, stiffen one’s upper lip, and urge one forward. But her temper stood firm in the face of the steady headwind off the waves.

Damn him. Why did he have to come back still possessing the power to devastate her just as when she’d first laid eyes on him? Then, he’d done so with nothing more than his handsome features. Something about his somber expression had reached out and wrapped itself about her heart the night of her coming-out ball. She’d never believed he’d approach her among all the other hopefuls, and yet he had. He’d passed over a beauty like Sophia St. Claire and claimed Henrietta Upperton for a dance.

She closed her eyes against a memory of him—of Alexander—broad shoulders filling out a stark black topcoat, sand-colored hair falling in careless spiky locks, gray eyes sparking with interest. Unlike his friends, he’d never been a man given to easy smiles, but his square jaw, sharp cheekbones, and sculpted lips had drawn her gaze.

Then he’d led her to the dance floor and drawn her into a reel. His hand, large and steady every time they clasped, seemed to burn an imprint into her palm. Each separation left her breathless with anticipation for the moment when the dance brought them together again. Was she imagining his fingers lingering a moment too long? The slightest contact seemed magnified. All too soon, the music came to an end, and she had to recover from the sensation of soaring amid the other couples. He bowed low over her hand and promised to call, before leaving her with her mother, and she stood for the next few dances, the ghost of his lips tingling on the back of her hand, and a low pulse thrumming deep in her belly.

He kept his promise the following day. Before too many weeks had passed, he’d captured her heart.

No. She would not dwell on the pain that came afterward. But calling a more recent image to mind was hardly better. The intervening years had graven lines at the corners of his eyes and deepened the creases along his forehead. One might read such lines like a book of sorrows if one was so inclined.

Not that she was. Oh, no. She would not fall prey to that man once again. She would not allow the desire he’d awakened within her to overcome her reason a second time.

*****

Author Info:

Ashlyn Macnamara is the author of A Most Scandalous Proposal. She lives in the wilds of suburbia outside of Montreal with her husband and two teenage daughters. When not writing, she looks for other excuses to neglect the housework, among them knitting, reading, and wasting time on the Internet in the guise of doing research.

Connect with Ashlyn

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Connect with Loveswept

Website | Facebook | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

$25 egiftcard + Loveswept mug and tote

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/235babe788/

*****

Review:

I have to be honest, I thought Alexander was a bit delusional. He gets himself engaged to Henrietta but then has to leave to try to make money so he can support his family, ends up married to someone else for 8 years without proper explanation, then comes home with kids in tow (but no wife), and thinks that Henrietta is just going to let it go and marry him … really? He’s surprised that she’s not going to forgive him that easily? They are hardly together more than 5 minutes before he’s suggesting they get married … and he keeps doing it, without so much as an attempt to explain his behavior.

The rest of them are good – Henrietta seems to have a solid head on her shoulders (although she does waffle a bit on her feelings for Alexander), the girls are adorable, and Alexander’s great-aunt is a hoot and a half. And I thought that the mystery of what was going on around him – the fact that those close to him keep dying and that someone has followed him home from India – was captivating and very well done. But after about the third proposal I had to shake my head at his idiocy. If you can overlook it, though, What a Lady Craves has a lot of other redeeming things about it and I found plenty to keep me reading to the last page.

*****

Click on the banner to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – Between the Sheets

07 Thursday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Between the Sheets, Book Review, Boys of Bishop series, Molly O'Keefe

We’re already looked at Wild Child and Never Been Kissed, and now we get to check out the last in the series, Between the Sheets. I’ve read it and it definitely carries a big emotional punch.

*****

Between the Sheets

by Molly O’Keefe

Boys of Bishop, book #3

Blurb:

Perfect for readers of Susan Mallery and Rachel Gibson, Between the Sheets is Molly O’Keefe’s final book in the Boys of Bishop trilogy, featuring a sizzling romance between a sexy motorcycle bad boy and the girl next door who can’t resist him.

After years of running, Wyatt Svenson has now parked himself in Bishop, Arkansas, trying to do the right thing and parent a son he didn’t even know he had until recently. Over six feet tall and packed with muscles and power, Ty likes to get his hands dirty, fixing his motorcycle at night and keeping his mind away from the mistakes he’s made. Then his pretty neighbor shows up on his driveway, doesn’t bother to introduce herself, and complains about the noise. First impression? She should loosen up. Funny that she turns out to be his son’s elementary school art teacher—and the only one willing to help his troubled boy. Ty needs her. In more ways than one.

Though Shelby Monroe is safe in her structured life, she is drawn to Ty’s bad-boy edge and rugged sexuality. What if she just lets it all go: her worries about her mother, her fear of heartbreak, and her tight self control? What if she grabs Ty and takes a ride on the wild side? “What if” becomes reality—intense, exhilarating . . . and addictive. But Ty wants more than a secret affair. He wants it all with Shelby. But will she take a chance and open her heart? Ty is determined to convince Shelby to take the biggest risk of her life: on him.

BETWEEN THE SHEETS PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qz4fCG

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1jizY2a

WILD CHILD PURCHASE LINKS (book #1):

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1pdqiLp

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1jDyO1i

NEVER BEEN KISSED PURCHASE LINKS (book #2):

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qpWwn6

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/SXQ3U1

*****

Review:

I don’t find Molly O’Keefe to be as lighthearted as Susan Mallery or even Rachel Gibson (she’s more hard-hitting and doesn’t pull many punches) but she definitely has their flair for creating great characters.

Ty is trying to start over in a new town with his new found son, Casey. They are trying very hard to build a relationship that will work for both of them but it is hard. The lifestyle that Casey’s mom exposed him to has left scars and it is going to take a long time for him to trust anyone again. But Ty is trying. Very hard. He is a kind and caring man that had a rough go of it himself and he’s willing to do anything to make sure that his son has a good life.

Shelby seems to have her life in order but she’s definitely the one with much more serious issues. She’s had very little experience with relationships and her last one was very publicly devastating. Her home life, both now and during her childhood, is not a happy one and the stress of everything is getting to her. When Ty comes into her life, as much as she may want him, he definitely isn’t what she expects.

All three characters are troubled, facing amazing difficulties, but trying to come out better on the other side. They have to learn to let other people in and to lean on them during tough times. It’s a difficult journey for all of them but that’s what makes their HEA all that more powerful.

(This is the last in the Boys of Bishop trilogy, which I did not know when I picked it up, but I don’t think that it will really impact anything if you’ve not read the rest. I’m not sure how much Ty and Casey appeared in either of the first two – he works for one of the previous heroes – but I know that Shelby’s disastrous relationship will have figured in at least the first one. It might have helped provide additional motivation but I think that O’Keefe does a good job of giving you what you need to be able to enjoy this one even without having that background.)

*****

Author Info:

Molly O’Keefe is the RITA Award winning author of over 25 books and novellas. She lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband, two kids and the largest heap of dirty laundry in North America.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Site – http://www.molly-okeefe.com/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/MollyOKwrites

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MollyOKeefeBooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/223845.Molly_O_Keefe

*****

Giveaway:

3 winners will win an ebook of Wild Child and Never Been Kissed

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/726d2572189/

*****

Book Review – Baker’s Law

05 Tuesday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Baker's Law, Book Review, Denise McDonald

I’ve got nothing on my schedule today, so how about a review.

*****

Blue Collar Baker

In high school, Marissa Llewellyn had the hots for golden boy Jackson “Jax” Carlisles. So when he arrives at her bakery, yummier than ever, to investigate a series of break-ins, she can’t help being reminded of the awkward girl she was. But that’s not the reason she evades his questions…

Silver Spoon Sheriff

Jax grew up as part of the Fort Worth country club set, but as the new chief of police, that’s all behind him, much to the chagrin of his family. Though he may not remember Marissa, he can’t stop thinking about the woman she’s become—and the secret she’s obviously keeping from him.

A Recipe for Romance…or Disaster?

Marissa is determined to help the homeless teen she caught breaking into her shop, even if that means lying to Jax. And when the sparks between her and the sexy sheriff ignite into a passionate affair, Marissa will have to choose between following the rules he upholds, and her own sense of justice.

Baker’s Law is as super sweet as its cover and I devoured every page of it. It comes across as a light read but it has a surprising amount of depth and is the perfect break for those hot summer days.

I loved Jax and Marissa together. They are spicy and sassy and oh-so-sexy. The teenage crush all grown up storyline is always fun and McDonald does a great job with it. And while Jax might not have really seen Marissa all those years ago, he definitely sees her now and they can certainly heat up the pages.

Marissa still has a few hang-ups left over from being considered chubby in high school. She’s more confident now but those definitely come out, especially around her old crush. Jax is all man now and knows who he is in the world … even if it doesn’t sit well with his affluent mother. But he’s assured enough to know he wants to live his life on his terms. And now that includes Marissa as well.

There’s some trouble over break-ins around town and a secret that Marissa is keeping. I can see why she’s hesitant to bring it to Jax and why he’s concerned. It isn’t really a mystery but it does add a little extra drama to their romance.

Sweet and spicy, with fun characters and a fast-paced plot, Baker’s Law is a delicious addition to anyone’s beach bag.

Book Review – One Night of Sin

03 Sunday Aug 2014

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After Hours series, Book Review, Elle Kennedy, One Night of Sin

When it comes to sex, good girl Skyler Thompson always plays it safe, choosing stable and sedate over wild and thrilling. She doesn’t do one-night-stands, but one look at sinfully sexy Gage Holt and she’s willing to reconsider. He makes her want to be bad for once in her life, and she’s prepared to take what she wants.

Danger follows former MMA fighter Gage Holt like a shadow. Despite his successes as part owner of Sin, an exclusive nightclub in Boston, Gage can’t risk getting involved with a woman, especially one as sweet as Skyler. Still, he can’t resist a taste—and it’s so damn good he has to see her again.

As addicted as he is to her, Gage knows there’s no future for him and Skyler—not with his past lurking in the dark corners of an MMA cage. But Skyler’s tougher than she looks, and she’s ready to fight for her man.

Gage is haunted by his rough past and even though he’s tried to become a better man, circumstances keep him in the seedier world of him childhood. He believes he’s no good at relationships and that he can’t offer anything to someone as good and decent as Skyler. Skyler may be a good girl but she’s willing to play at being a bad girl if it means she can give in to her attraction for Gage. When their one night stand becomes a sex only relationship that begins to feel like more than just sex, things start to get complicated.

These two together are fabulous. Gage brings out a more daring side to Skyler, while she reminds him that he can be more than what he was. While One Night of Sin is novella in length, and a decent part of it is spent on the steamy interactions between the two (not that I’m complaining), Kennedy still does a good job of letting us see their relationship develop. We don’t get a lot of those more relationship-y interactions first hand, but we are told about them and we get to see their effect in the changes in their attitudes … and with how Gage starts to believe that he can be that better man. It’s a very fast read, a little over a hundred pages, but it moves well and left me with that happy feeling that I want from a good romance.

I totally got into this book and I kept thinking Elle Kennedy’s name was familiar. She’s the co-author of All Fired Up, the first book in the DreamMakers series with Vivian Arend, which I really enjoyed. (And I’m looking forward to reading the second book, Love is a Battlefield – review coming when I’m done.) I also think there is a good chance I’ve read one or two of her Harlequin stories, but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future stories. Based on her book list, it looks like she specializes in tough, troubled heroes and from what I’ve read so far she’s good at keeping them on their toes.

Book Review – The Promise

02 Saturday Aug 2014

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Book Review, Robyn Carr, The Promise, Thunder Point series

#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr returns to Thunder Point with an uplifting story about overcoming loss and finding unexpected love

Scott Grant has a bustling family practice in the small Oregon community of Thunder Point. The town and its people have embraced the widowed doctor and father of two, his children are thriving, and Scott knows it’s time to move on from his loss. But as the town’s only doctor, the dating pool is limited. That is, until a stunning physician’s assistant applies for a job at his clinic.

Peyton Lacoumette considers herself entirely out of the dating scene. She’s already been burned by a man with kids, and she’s come to Thunder Point determined not to repeat past mistakes. When Scott offers her a job, at a much lower salary than she’s used to, Peyton is surprisingly eager to accept…at least for now. She’s willing to stay for a three-month trial period while she explores other options.

Scott and Peyton know the arrangement is temporary—it isn’t enough time to build a real relationship, never mind anything with lasting commitment. But love can blossom faster than you think when the timing is right, and this short visit just might hold the promise of forever.

This series is so realistic and interesting and very addictive. Like the rest of the books, The Promise is all about the characters – smart, sexy Dr Grant and sassy, independent Peyton. They have to decide if they want to take the chance on each other and if they can make their lives fit together.

Like most of the people in Thunder Point, both Scott and Peyton are somewhat new to town. Scott’s been there a couple of years and Peyton is making a stop on her way to her next thing … whatever that may be. The majority of their troubles comes from some scars that Peyton carries from her last relationship, along with her choice on what to do with her life. As with any Thunder Point couple, these problems are normal and every day, something you would expect a friend to experience.

We also get updates on some of our other favorite characters as well as a preview of what we can expect to see in The Homecoming. I think that’s one of the things I like best about these books – we get new characters and old characters, helping to enhance that small town feeling. These people quickly become good friends and you want to know everything about them – their ups and downs, their happiness and troubles. You feel like you are taking their journey with them and it is what brings you coming back for more.

If you haven’t read a Thunder Point book before, that’s ok – you can start here … but you are definitely missing out on something great.

Book Review – So I Married a Werewolf

31 Thursday Jul 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Book Review, Kristen Miller, Seattle Wolf Pack series, So I Married a Werewolf

Earlier this week I promised a review for So I Married a Werewolf so here ya go! Perfect for those who like paranormal romances and those that like contemporary stories but don’t mind a little paranormal twist.

*****

So I Married a Werewolf

by Kristin Miller

Release Date: July 28

Genre: Paranormal Category

Blurb:

Carter Griffin, enforcing officer for the Seattle Wolf Pack, has a problem. He’s been offered the promotion of his dreams…if he can find a wife to prove he’s over his playboy ways. But Carter’s already walked the matrimonial road and bought the stinkin’ T-shirt. Besides, a werewolf only gets one fated mate. Been there, done that.

All werewolf dog trainer Faith Hamilton wants to do is earn enough green stuff to put her younger brother through college. Okay, okay, so she also totally wants Carter, her sexy next-door neighbor, to look at her as more than a friend. It’s too bad size 12 and plain isn’t his type. At all.

The two friends strike a deal to help one another out. They must face a variety of challenges from a psycho ex-girlfriend to a Yorkie with a shoe fetish…and that pesky problem of only having one-fated mate in a lifetime. Will a relationship ruin their friendship…or spark a love neither anticipated?

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Kristin Miller writes sweet and sassy contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance of all varieties. Kristin has degrees in psychology, English, and education, and taught high school and middle school English before crossing over to a career in writing. She lives in Northern California with her alpha male husband and their two children. She loves chocolate way more than she should and the gym less. You can usually find her in the corner of a coffee shop, laptop in front of her and mocha in hand, using the guests around her as fuel for her next book.

Author Website: www.kristinmiller.net

Author Blog: www.kristinmiller.net/blog

Author Twitter: @km_miller

Author Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorKristinMiller

Author Goodreads: goodreads.com/kristinmiller

Newsletter: found on my website www.kristinmiller.net

*****

Book Review:

I haven’t read any of the “Seattle Wolf Pack” novels but I really don’t think that it had much impact here. And for the most part it was more romance than paranormal so if that isn’t really your thing (but you are OK with it) then this is a book you’ll enjoy. There is some Were mythology and some pack dynamic stuff, but overall it boils down to a relationship story.

Faith has had a thing for Carter for a year, but he only sees her as a friend. He even discusses his girlfriends with her … not what she wants to hear when they are tall, blonde, skinny and gorgeous, while she’s short, curvy, and cute. Now he needs her to be his fake fiancé, what could go wrong? Yeah, exactly.

Carter has some serious trust issues, thanks to his cheating ex-wife. Considering the type of woman he’s dated since, it isn’t a surprise that he hasn’t really had any reason to change his mind about the fairer sex. Thrown together with his best-friend during their fake romance, he starts to see Faith differently. But since werewolves only get one true mate (here’s that Were lore part) and all of his relationships end horribly, what can he truly offer her?

So other than that one true mate thing, So I Married a Werewolf is a straight up trust/unrequited love thing. I love the friends-to-lovers relationship between the characters and their happy ending is sweet. With a ton of chemistry, likeable characters, and an intriguing story, I’m looking forward to seeing more from Miller.

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Gift Card

4 ecopies of Gone with the Wolf

4 ecopies of Four Weddings and a Werewolf

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb55495416/

*****

Schedule:

July 28

Guest blogging at I Smell Sheep

Book featured at Margay Leah Justice

Book featured at Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

Book reviewed at She Hearts Books

Guest blogging at Romancing the Darkside

July 29

Book reviewed at Sara’s Organized Chaos

Book reviewed at Ramblings of a Book Lunatic

Book featured at Book Nook Nuts

July 30

Book reviewed at Romance for Every World

Book featured at Read Your Writes

July 31

Guest blogging at Rhi Reading

Book featured at Romantic Reads and Such

August 1

Book reviewed at Booklover Sue

Book reviewed at In My Humble Opinion

August 4

Book featured at Fic Talk

August 5

Guest blogging at Suzanne Johnson

Book reviewed at Happy Tales and Tails

Book reviewed at Genuine Jenn

Book reviewed at Queen of the Night Reviews

August 6

Book reviewed at First Page to the Last

Book featured at Written Love

Guest blogging at Urban Fantasy Investigations

August 7

Book reviewed at Harlie’s Books

Guest blogging at Ramblings From This Chick

Book reviewed at I Smell Sheep

Book reviewed at Escape by Fiction

August 8

Book reviewed at Literary Addicts

Guest blogging at Becky on Books…and Quilts

Book Review – Hard Knocks

27 Sunday Jul 2014

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Book Review, Hard Knocks, Lori Foster, Ultimate series

In the stunning prequel novella to her new mixed martial arts series, New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster brings together an elite fighter and the woman he’s determined to win.

Brute strength. Unforgettable moves. It’s no wonder Harper Gates hasn’t been able to get her fling with Gage “Savage” Ringer out of her head. Months have passed since she laid eyes—or any other body parts—on him. Months without a word of contact…until, sidelined by injury, he comes back to town.

Staying focused on his training seemed like a smart move to Gage, even if he thought about Harper every day. Seeing her again only makes it clear how much is at stake. He’s got one night to earn back her trust. One night to show her that behind his breathtaking skill and ripped body is a man who’ll give her everything she needs.

I absolutely ADORED Foster’s SBC Fighers series and I’m super excited to see she’s bringing readers another MMA series!

I think the blurb is a little deceiving – Harper and Gage were starting a relationship when he got the chance at a main card fight. It’s a big deal and he’s sure that Harper will understand his need to go away to train without distractions … distractions like Harper. (Yeah, silly man!) So when an injury causes him to be cut from the fight, he heads home, thinking everything will be like before. (Yeah, very silly man!) Once he realizes what happens he does what he needs to in order to convince Harper how he feels. Basically he’s a typically clueless hero who has to fix his screw up and win back his girl. And it’s hot. And sweet. Did I say hot? Whew!

Foster has an absolutely stellar writing style (as proven by her 80+ story booklist and almost 2 decade career) and it’s in full force with Hard Knocks. We jump right in the middle of Gage and Harper’s relationship but it is never awkward as we learn their history and see them work their way toward a HEA. She gives us engaging characters, with realistic issues and feelings, and a lot of sizzle. I love the passion and genuine caring with Harper and Gage. They love each other but also their friends and their community. It’s a wonderfully tight little group that I can’t wait to get to know better.

Novella in length, but not in impact, Hard Knocks is a great intro to the “Ultimate” series. Added to the fun, we also get to meet the other guys at the gym, all of whom are likely to have a fantastic story of their own. No Limits is due on shelves in late August and another story follows early next year. And I can’t wait!

Book Review – One Night with an Earl

26 Saturday Jul 2014

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Book Review, House of Trent series, Jennifer Haymore, One Night with an Earl

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Haymore puts a sexy spin on Cinderella in . . .

Beatrice Reece, Lady Fenwick, has retired from polite society. Everyone knows her late husband treated her abominably, and she simply cannot bear the whispers of the ton. But it’s the night of London’s premier masquerade ball-and Beatrice’s one chance to revel in anonymity. She hopes no one will recognize her beneath her mask, not even the sinfully sexy stranger across the room who holds her captive in his gaze . . .

Andrew Sinclair would know beautiful Beatrice anywhere from the gentle sway of her hips, the richness of her hair, and the lushness of her body. When he asks her to dance, the attraction is instant and all-consuming. The only woman he’s ever truly wanted is finally in his arms. But when the clock strikes twelve, will this one reckless night fade into the morning light?

I’ve read at least one of Haymore’s House of Trent stories – His for Christmas, which I really enjoyed – and I found this one to be just as good. Not having read the rest of the series, I don’t feel like it really impacted things that much … except, the history of Beatrice’s husband was likely expanded on in at least one of the stories. I don’t think that it really made any difference in how much I understood and enjoyed this one, but I’m sure it would have provided more detail.

One Night with an Earl is short but well put together. By the time it was done I felt like I understood the characters and was rooting for them to get their happy ending, which doesn’t always happen in books that run around 100 pages. Haymore does a fantastic job of giving her readers the history they need to believe that the two could fall for each other so quickly, without creating any sluggishness in the current happenings.

I really enjoyed how, because it was short, we get to concentrate on Beatrice and Drew. We are hand in hand with them as they move from the initial attraction to deeper feelings. Beatrice is understandably reluctant to trust herself with another man and Drew is insightful enough to get that, and to move slowly with her. It’s sweet, tender and heartwarming to see them slowly get past her guard.

From what I’ve seen with His for Christmas and One Night with an Earl, I think that Haymore is definitely going on my permanent TBR pile. Luckily she’s got a decent booklist to keep me occupied until the next book releases.

Book Review – Wild Iris Ridge

25 Friday Jul 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Book Review, Hope's Crossing series, Raeanne Thayne, Wild Iris Ridge

Finally, today I get to share Wild Iris Ridge with everyone. If you haven’t read any of Thayne’s books you are missing out …

*****

Wild Iris Ridge

by RaeAnne Thayne

Release: July 2014

Imprint: Harlequin HQN

ISBN: 978-0-373-77859-1

Pages: 352

Blurb:

A big-city, high-powered advertising executive and a small-town firefighter learn that no matter where you started or what you’ve lost, if you open your heart, you can find joy and love again. WILD IRIS RIDGE is the latest book inUSA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne’s charming Hope’s Crossing series.

Lucy Drake and Brendan Caine have only one thing in common.And it’s likely to tear them apart. Because it was Brendan’s late wife, Jessie—and Lucy’s best friend—who’d brought them together in the first place. And since Jesse’s passing, Brendan’s been distracted by his two little ones…and the memory of an explosive kiss with Lucy years before his marriage. Still, he’ll steer clear of her. She’s always been trouble with a capital T.

Lucy couldn’t wait to shed her small-town roots for the big city. But now that she’s back in Hope’s Crossing to take care of the Queen Anne home her late aunt has left her, she figures seeing Brendan Caine again is no big deal. After all, she’d managed to resist the handsome fire chief once before, but clearly the embers of their attraction are still smoldering…

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*****

Author Info:

USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne loves words. This led her to a fifteen-year career in journalismas a newspaper reporter and editor. But through it all, she dreamed of writing the kind of stories she loved best, romance, and has since published more than 40 titles. RaeAnne finds inspiration in the rugged northern Utah mountains, where she lives with her hero of a husband and their children.

She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website, RaeAnneThayne.com or on Facebook

*****

Review:

I started the Hope’s Crossing series with book 5, Willowleaf Lane, and I definitely think I missed out by not having read the first four. Willowleaf Lane, Christmas in Snowflake Canyon, and now Wild Iris Ridge have to be some of my favorite stories – the characters are so real, the plots are touching, and the writing is so smooth. I sit down and before I know it hours have passed, and I’m always a little sad when I come to the end.

Although logically it doesn’t make a lot of sense, I understand the emotional reaction that Lucy has to Brendan. Her family history added to what happened after their very brief romantic encounter definitely makes it difficult for her to deal with him in anything but an emotional way. Mix in her current crisis and she’s a bit of a mess.

Brendan is finally starting to dig himself out of the hole left when his wife died suddenly. He’s amazingly strong, and has a great support system, and his family is much better off because of it. They easily could have slid into disaster but he’s done a great job of keeping everything together … only to have Lucy shake it all up again.

I enjoyed seeing Lucy find a path that works for her now, develop a stronger relationship with her sister, and discover the love of Hope’s Crossing again. It’s such a fantastic little town and the characters are so enjoyable. And while it is great seeing how everyone fits together, Brendan and Lucy spend a good portion of it apart (most of the time on purpose as they avoid each other and their feelings). My only complaint is that I would have liked to have seen a little more interaction directly between the two. They have the history but I think we needed to see just a little bit more of the two of them together now, especially with some of their dirty laundry aired and the chance at moving forward in a more positive way. Just a few more interactions between the two would have made me happy.

A small town full of warmth and heart, characters that you would love to call friends, touching family drama and a sweet second chance romance makes Wild Iris Ridge the perfect read for romance lovers everywhere.

(Although this is the last to be set in Hope’s Crossing, I read somewhere that Thayne is going to move to a new town but the first story will include Brendan’s brother Aiden, whose story I am so looking forward to. I’m super excited to get the chance to meet new characters to love.)

*****

Giveaway: