Category: Contemporary Romance

A Cowboy Firefighter for Christmas by Kim Redford

Posted October 7, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

A Cowboy Firefighter for ChristmasTitle:  A Cowboy Firefighter for Christmas
Series:  Smokin’ Hot Cowboys #1
Author:  Kim Redford
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published:  October 6, 2015
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Warm up this Christmas with a sexy cowboy firefighter who knows how to ignite flames as well as put them out…

Trey Duval is a rancher, proud as can be of his Wildcat Ranch. He’s also the top volunteer firefighter of Wildcat Bluff, Texas, the town that pulls out all the stops for its Christmas festivities.

City girl Misty Reynolds comes to Wildcat Bluff just in time to help Trey put out a suspicious fire, leading him to dub her his “Christmas angel.” Unfortunately, Misty’s past has left her with terrible memories of fire, and of Christmastime.

As the two are thrown together again and again, Trey finds himself wanting Misty more and more, and Misty feels stronger and braver when Trey is around. Though their trust grows slowly, their passion for each other is burning hot…

Read on for my thoughts on A Cowboy Firefighter for Christmas.  No true spoilers, promise.

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All Is Calm, All Is Bright by Colleen Coble

Posted October 7, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

All Is Calm All Is BrightTitle:  All Is Calm & All Is Bright
Series:
Author:  Colleen Coble
Genre:  Christmas Romance
Published:  October 6, 2015
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson – Fiction
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

ALL IS CALM

Brendan Waddell needs a place to recuperate. Lauren Everman needs a place to hide. It’s going to be an unexpectedly romantic Christmas at Bluebird Ranch.

Brendan Waddell has always considered Bluebird Ranch a little piece of heaven: an idyllic ranch that pairs abused children with abused horses, run by one of his old Marine buddies. Now, recovering from an on-the-job injury, Brendan thinks the ranch is the perfect place to spend Christmas healing up.

When Lauren Everman was a seventeen-year-old foster kid, Bluebird Ranch was the safest place she knew. Now it’s the perfect hideout for a woman on the run. As the witness to a murder, Lauren needs somewhere to lie low, and her skill with horses means she’ll be able to lend a hand with the troubled kids at Bluebird—without answering too many questions.

Lauren’s rich hair, high cheekbones, and dark eyes immediately get Brendan’s attention—but so does her secretive behavior. This Special Ops Intel man knows a woman on the run when he sees one, and he’s not about to let her put Bluebird Ranch at risk.

But as Brendan and Lauren get to know each other, their suspicions evaporate and romance starts to sizzle. But this would-be couple has more to worry about than each other—there’s a killer on the loose who wants Lauren kept quiet.

ALL IS BRIGHT

A romantic, Christmas wedding at her seaside hotel gives Delilah a chance to shine with her unique gifts. But will her light be snuffed out before the bride and groom say “I do”?

As manager of the Tidewater Inn, Delilah Carter has been planning a spectacular Christmas wedding for her friends at the grand hotel overlooking the ocean. While picking up still more twinkly lights and some last-minute groceries for the reception dinner, a huge truck runs her off the freezing, wet roads into the dark night. Her car stops just short of an enormous tree and the truck speeds off into the night. Delilah escapes with her life and has almost convinced herself the whole thing was an accident, but then she begins to receive threatening phone calls. With the wedding just hours away, she’s distracted and anxious. Then Sheriff Tom Bourne stops by the inn and volunteers to help.

Tom has always had a soft spot for Delilah, and he’s determined to protect her. But he is pulled away by a bizarre Christmas stunt that has the neighborhood reeling, and Delilah is attacked again.

Will Delilah have to cancel the Christmas wedding at Tidewater Inn? And will Tom’s protection be enough to save Delilah from the shadowy figure looming in the background?

Read on for my thoughts on All Is Calm & All Is Bright.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Home For Christmas by Lily Everett

Posted October 6, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Home For ChristmasTitle:  Home For Christmas
Series:  Sanctuary Island #4
Author:  Lily Everett
Genre:  Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance
Published:  October 6, 2015
Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Magazine columnist Libby Leeds has made a name for herself sharing heartwarming stories from her perfect life on Sanctuary Island. There’s just one minor detail she’s left out: she hasn’t set foot on the island since her childhood. Orphaned and heartbroken, she departed years ago and never looked back-except in her fictional columns. Now a wounded war hero is returning to Sanctuary Island, and Libby’s editor insists she cover the story by taking the long road back…

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Army Ranger Owen Shepard is a tall, handsome single father, and now a media sensation. He wants to reconnect with his daughter, Caitlin, and make up for lost time by giving her a Christmas to remember. When “America’s Favorite Homemaker” Libby Leeds offers her help, he jumps at the chance. But the sweet, reclusive writer is more intriguing, and more tempting, than Owen could have imagined. Soon, Owen and Caitlin are spending their holiday with Libby, decorating trees, making gingerbread houses, and warming up by the fire. It’s the closest Libby has come to love and family since she was a child-but until she and Owen admit what is in their hearts, the home they are creating together will be only in their dreams.

Read on for my thoughts on Home for Christmas.  No true spoilers, promise.

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The Christmas Cottage & Ever After by Samantha Chase

Posted October 6, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

The Christmas Cottage & Ever AfterTitle:  The Christmas Cottage & Ever After
Series:  The Christmas Cottage #1 & #2
Author:  Samantha Chase
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published:  combined reissue October 6, 2015
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

An exciting reissue of both books in the beloved Christmas Cottage series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase, just in time for the holidays .

Legend has it that any couple who spends the night in the Christmas Cottage shall have love everlasting…

THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE
Lacey Quinn does not believe in happily-ever-after or the legend of the Christmas Cottage. But her best friend does, and she’s the one getting married. It’s Lacey’s job to make sure everything at the cottage is perfect for the newlyweds. Instead, she finds herself snowed in with the best man, and she begins to wonder if fairy tales really can come true.

EVER AFTER
Ava Callahan wants desperately to believe in love everlasting. But when Brian McCabe walks back into her life and upsets her carefully organized world, her commitment to perfection makes it hard to accept the love that’s right in front of her. Will it take a night in the Christmas Cottage for Ava and Brian to find their happy ending?

Read on for my thoughts on the reissue of The Christmas Cottage & Ever After.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Keep Me, Cowboy by Nicole Helm

Posted October 5, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Keep Me, CowboyTitle:  Keep Me, Cowboy
Series:  Montana Born Rodeo 2015 #3
Author:  Nicole helm
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  October 2, 2015
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Rodeo cowboy Cole McArthur has spent the last ten years running from Marietta, Montana, from his father’s expectations, and from the only woman he’s ever loved. But now his past is at his front door, begging for his help.

Jess Clark doesn’t want to face the only man who’s ever claimed enough of her heart to break it, but her foster family needs their prodigal son home, and she owes them too much to not make that happen. Seeing Cole for the first time in a decade unlocks the kind of desire she’s only ever felt for him, and never acted on with anyone.

Back in Marietta facing family betrayal and family secrets, heat explodes between them, and feelings buried long ago rise to the surface. But can Jess convince this wandering cowboy that his home is with her?

Read on for my thoughts on Keep Me, Cowboy.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Wish Upon A Christmas Cake by Darcie Boleyn

Posted October 5, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Wish Upon a Christmas CakeTitle:  Wish Upon a Christmas Cake
Series:
Author:  Darcie Boleyn
Genre:  Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance
Published:  October 2, 2015
Publisher:  Carina UK
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

The most wonderful time of the year?

Katie Warham has just one wish this year…to have the best Christmas ever!

If only she could lock herself away in a cloud of flour and sugar at her cosy little tearoom, Crumbtious Cakes, instead of spending the festive season trapped with her judgemental mother, crazy Aunt Gina and loved-up celebrity brother Carl…

But Katie never expected her ex-boyfriend, widower Sam – and his two adorable children – to turn up on her doorstep. She didn’t think that any man could tempt her under the mistletoe this year, but Sam might just prove the exception! And as the snow begins to fall and Katie puts the final touches to her famous Christmas cake, she begins to wonder, could her Christmas wish actually come true?

Read on for my thoughts on Wish Upon A Christmas Cake.  No true spoilers, promise.

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The Engagement Game by Jenny Holiday

Posted October 5, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

The Engagement GameTitle:  The Engagement Game
Series:  49th Floor #3
Author:  Jenny Holiday
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  October 5, 2015
Publisher:  Entangled Publishing, Indulgence
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

The black sheep of the old-money Rosemanns, advertising executive Marcus has made his own way in the world—and done extremely well for himself—but his family is still pressuring him to join their investment firm and settle down with a quiet, unobjectionable girl.

Which is why the sexy Rose Verma is the perfect date for his family’s charity ball. A bleeding-heart lefty from the wrong side of the tracks, Rose has never met a stray dog she didn’t love or a polka-dotted mini-dress she couldn’t rock. Marcus has enough dirt on Rose to “convince” her to play along. And if he lets it slip that they’re engaged, all the better.

But all’s fair in love and blackmail, and Rose is ready to play a few cards of her own.

Read on for my thoughts on The Engagement Game.  No true spoilers, promise.

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The Name of the Game by Jennifer Dawson

Posted October 3, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

The name of the GameTitle:  The Name of the Game
Series:  Something New #3
Author:  Jennifer Dawson
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  September 29, 2015
Publisher:  Kensington Books, Zebra
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Some people follow the rules. . .

A professor of forensic anthropology, James Donovan is the reasonable sibling among the passionate, impulsive Donovans. But there’s nothing reasonable about his reaction to baker Gracie Roberts. She’s all wild curls and mouth-watering curves, as deliciously tempting as the sugary treats she’s famous for–and twice as irritating. But before long, James decides that getting a taste of her is one indulgence he can’t pass up. . .

Some people play to win. . .

Independent, smart, and sexy, Gracie’s year-long dry spell has her itching for a man. Responsible, health-obsessed James? Not in a million years! She needs a guy who knows how to let loose! But when James sets out to show her just how satisfying a disciplined man can be when pleasure is at stake, she learns just how sweet–and spicy–he really is.

Have James and Gracie found the recipe for love?

Read on for my thoughts on The Name of the Game.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Do You Believe In Santa? by Sierra Donovan

Posted October 3, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Do you believe in ChristmasTitle:  Do You Believe In Santa?
Series:  Evergreen Lane #1
Author:  Sierra Donovan
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published:  September 29, 2015
Publisher:  Kensington Books, Zebra
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Miracles don’t just happen on 34th Street. They can happen right in your living room—if you’re willing to believe…

What grown woman claims to have seen Santa Claus? Mandy Reese, for one—on a very special Christmas Eve when she was eight years old. These days, Mandy works at a year-round Christmas store in Tall Pine, California, where customers love to hear about her childhood encounter with Saint Nick. But when Jake Wyndham arrives in town—charming, gorgeous, extremely practical—Mandy faces a dilemma. Deny what she saw, or let Jake think she’s sugar plum crazy?

Jake scouts hotel locations all over the country, but he’s never met anyone quite like Mandy before. Her warmth and sparkle are irresistible, but…meeting Santa? Really? Jake’s no Scrooge but he’s definitely skeptical. Then again, there are all kinds of things Jake never experienced until he came to Tall Pine. Like autumn snow. Mind blowing kisses. And the magic of falling head-over-heels, madly in love.

Read on for my thoughts on Do You Believe In Santa?  No true spoilers, promise.

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Better Date Than Never by Susan Hatler ~ Box Set 7-10

Posted October 2, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Better Date Than Never (7-10)Title:  Better Date Than Never Boxed Set 7-10
Series:  Better Date Than Never
Author:  Susan Hatler
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  July 13, 2015
Publisher:  Hatco Publishing
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  Purchased
Cover Description:

This book bundle includes four contemporary romance books (one novel and three novellas) from the bestselling series, Better Date than Never. Dating is so much easier when you have good friends to lean on. . . .

(Driven to Date, Book 7)
When Jill Parnell’s promotion is nabbed by nepotism, she is offered another position on the partner-track, by pretending to date Ryan—the man who got her job.

(Up to Date, Book 8)
Ginger Nielsen donates her decorating services to a charity auction and now must work for the one man with the power to break her heart.

(Déjà Date, Book 9)
Melinda Morgan must complete her dad’s challenging Carpe Diem list in time to buy her beloved neighborhood bakery, but her plan gets complicated when the owner’s son, who broke her heart, comes back to town.

(Date and Dash, Book 10)
Mary Ann Nielsen, an impulsive blonde beauty, accidentally bids on the wrong auction item and must use her winning bid to go on a reality TV dating show and pretend to be in love with sexy but irritating risk management analyst Trevor Brooks in order to win enough money to buy back her beloved grandmother’s bracelet.

Read on for my thoughts on the Better Date Than Never Boxed Set of books 7-10.  No true spoilers, promise.

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One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggot

Posted October 2, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

One Wish In manhattanTitle:  One Wish in Manhattan
Series:
Author:  Mandy Baggot
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published:  October 2, 2015
Publisher:  Bookouture
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to fall in love

The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish on her mind…to start over.

With her nine year-old daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for an adventure. From hot chocolates and horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park, to ice-skating at the Rockefeller Centre, and Christmas shopping on 5th Avenue – they soon fall in love with the city that never sleeps.

But there’s more to New York than the bright twinkly lights and breathtaking skyscrapers. Angel has a Christmas wish of her own – to find her real dad.

While Hayley tries to fulfil her daughter’s wish, she crosses paths with Billionaire Oliver Drummond. Restless and bored with fast living, there’s something intriguing about him that has Hayley hooked.

Determined to make her daughter’s dream come true, can Hayley dare to think her own dreams might turn into reality – could A New York Christmas turn into a New York Forever?

Travel to the Big Apple this Christmas and join Hayley and Oliver as they both realise that life isn’t just about filling the minutes…it’s about making every moment count.

Read on for my thoughts on One Wish in Manhattan.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Snowflake Bay by Donna Kauffman

Posted October 1, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Snowflake BayTitle:  Snowflake Bay
Series:  The Brides of Blueberry Cove #2
Author:  Donna Kauffman
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  September 29, 2015
Publisher:  Kensington Books, Zebra
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

There’s no place like seaside Blueberry Cove, Maine, at Christmas—and there’s nothing like a wedding, the warmth of the holidays, and an old crush, to create the perfect new start…

Interior designer Fiona McCrae has left fast-paced Manhattan to move back home to peaceful Blueberry Cove. But she’s barely arrived before she’s hooked into planning her big sister Hannah’s Christmas wedding—in less than seven weeks. The last thing she needs is for her first love, Ben Campbell, to return to neighboring Snowflake Bay…

As kids, Fiona was the bratty little sister Ben mercilessly teased—while pining after Hannah. But Fi never once thought of Ben like a brother. And that hasn’t changed. Except Fi is all grown up. Will Ben notice her now? More importantly, with her life in a jumble, should he? Or might the romance of the occasion, the spirit of the season, and the gifts of time ignite a long-held flame for many Christmases to come…

Something old might just become something new…

Read on for my thoughts on Snowflake Bay.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Love Somebody Like You by Susan Fox

Posted September 26, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series, Women's Fiction / 0 Comments

Love Somebody Like YouTitle:  Love Somebody Like You
Series:  Caribou Crossing #5
Author:  Susan Fox
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  September 29, 2015
Publisher:  Kensington Books, Zebra
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Since the death of her husband three years ago, young widow Sally Ryland has kept to herself and focused on her struggling business, Ryland Riding. Folks assume she’s still grieving, because Sally has never shared the truth about her abusive marriage, or the trust issues that remain. But when a sexy rodeo rider from her past turns up for a visit, he’s a reminder of the feisty woman she once was—and maybe still could be…

Ben Traynor was always attracted to Sally, but he didn’t move fast enough. Now what Sally needs is patience and gentleness. With an injury keeping him from his next rodeo, Ben has the perfect excuse to stick around and help with her chores—and her healing. And as Sally finds the courage to face her demons and open her heart again, she’ll have to decide if what she has with Ben is more than safety, gratitude, and short-term passion, but a forever love.

Read on for my thoughts on Love Somebody Like You.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Hold Me, Cowboy by Alissa Callen

Posted September 25, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Hold Me, CowboyTitle:  Hold Me, Cowboy
Series:  Montana Born Rodeo 2015 #2 & Wildflower Ranch #5
Author:  Alissa Callen
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  September 25, 2015
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Marietta home town girl Kendall Dixon knows who she is and what she wants, even if the stubborn and slow-smiling cowboy who owns her heart is long gone from Montana.

Rancher Brent Ashton returns to Marietta to care for his sick mother. Haunted by the death of his father, he must save his derelict home and resist rekindling the romance with the only girl he’s ever loved. He can’t let her sacrifice her dreams for him.

But the shy and sweet Kendall he left behind has become a strong and determined woman. A woman who won’t let her cowboy walk away for a second time.

Read on for my thoughts on Hold Me, Cowboy.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Wrecked by Sinclair Jayne

Posted September 25, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

WreckedTitle:  Wrecked
Series:  Sons of San Clemente #2
Author:  Sinclair Jayne
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  October 1, 2015
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Hollis Remington is slinking home to San Clemente, California. Needing to hide out at her grandmother’s beach cottage to lick the wounds from her latest professional failure, she’s stunned to find her ex lover and professional surf god, Kadan Carson, lounging in the only bed. Naked. Hollis can’t afford a hotel, and no way will she let her family or friends know she’s broke, but Kadan’s refusing to leave. He does, however, agree to share…

Professional surfer Kadan Carson is recuperating after his third ankle and foot surgery, and while it’s highly possible his professional career may be over on the brink of his most lucrative corporate sponsorship deal, he’s determined to fight the inevitable effects of age, gravity, and injury on his body in private. No fans. No nurses. No distractions. Until Hollis shows up, who has always been one hell of a distraction. Six years after she walked out for the last time accusing him of infidelity, she’s still the one woman he hasn’t been able to exorcise from his heart, head or body. And he doesn’t really want to.

There’s no way Hollis can forgive, but she also can’t forget. Kadan was and is her first and only love. Can she help him to heal without losing her heart again?

Read on for my thoughts on Wrecked.  No true spoilers, promise.  Read More

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