Category: Contemporary Romance

Review: Cinderella Had It Easy by Jennifer Conner

Posted May 9, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Cinderella Had It Easy
Series: The Cinderella Body Club #1
Author: Jennifer Conner
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Retelling
Published: March 23, 2015
Publisher: Books To Go Now
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Story one from the a new romance series of the timeless Cinderella story re imagined where four girlfriends make a wish on a locket. They all wish they were beautiful, and look like the girls they’ve always wanted to be. The belle of the ball.

Cami works in the basement of a television station which airs history documentaries. With scars on her face that she acquired in a car accident as a child, Cami finds it easier to be by herself. She gets into a heated debate with the handsome new host of the show she’ll be working on. Is Lance the knight in shining armor who can drag Cami out of her safe zone? With no carriage and no helpful mice, she has to rely on the magic from her grandmother’s locket.

Cami only has 24 hours in her Cinderella body, what will she do with it? Will she keep hiding or can she learn how to live life?

Read on for my thoughts on Cinderella Had It Easy. No true spoilers, promise.

The Consequence of Loving Colton by Rachel Van Dyken

Posted May 9, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Consequence of Loving Colton
Series:
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 21, 2015
Publisher: Amazon Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

It’s all fun and games…until someone’s heart is broken.

They’re not kids anymore, but Milo Caro is certain that Colton Mathews will only see her as his best friend’s little sister for the rest of their lives. After all, he made that clear the night before she left for college. But four years later, her brother is getting married and Colt’s the best man—and guess who is the best man’s last-minute date?

Milo vows to use the wedding to either claim the smoldering firefighter’s heart or douse this torch for good. When Max—her best friend from college, who may be carrying a torch of his own—crashes the party, they devise a plan to make Colt see what he’s missing. But after Colt catches on, he decides to cook up his own revenge.

Now it’s personal. Colt and Milo are at war, and between Max’s questionable acting methods, an unfortunate trip to jail, and a maniacal fiancée, what could possibly go right?

Read on for my thoughts on The Consequence of Loving Colton. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: How I Wonder What You Are by Jane Lovering

Posted May 9, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: How I Wonder What You Are
Series:
Author: Jane Lovering
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: December 2014
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 4stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

It’s been over eighteen months since Molly Gilchrist has had a man (as her best friend, Caro, is so fond of reminding her) so when she as good as stumbles upon one on the moors one bitterly cold morning, it seems like the Universe is having a laugh at her expense.

But Phinn Baxter (that’s Doctor Phinneas Baxter) is no common drunkard, as Molly is soon to discover; with a PhD in astrophysics and a tortured past that is a match for Molly’s own disastrous love life.

Finding mysterious men on the moors isn’t the weirdest thing Molly has to contend with, however. There’s also those strange lights she keeps seeing in the sky. The ones she’s only started seeing since meeting Phinn.

Read on for my thoughts on How I Wonder What You Are. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: A Twist of Date by Susan Hatler

Posted May 8, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: A Twist of Date
Series: Better Date Than Never
Author: Susan Hatler
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 2014
Publisher: Hatco
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Melanie Porter has been dumped—again. When others accuse her of “being in love with being in love,” she agrees to let her best friend, Patti, step in and direct her dating life.

The Boyfriend Bylaws

Rule #1: No giving out your phone number until approved to do so.
Rule #2: Must obtain permission to accept any date invitation.
Rule #3: No bringing up marriage, kids or the future.
Rule #4: No going to first base without authorization.
Amended Rule #4: No going to first base, or any other base, without authorization.
Rule #5: No scribbling your first name with some guy’s last name. Ever.
Rule #6: New rules may be added as Patti Hartley deems necessary.
Memorize it, live by it, and happy dating!

Read on for my thoughts on A Twist of Date. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: A Wedding To Die For by Adrianne Lee

Posted May 8, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: A Wedding to Die For
Series: Weddingville #1
Author: Adrianne Lee
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 5, 2015
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

A hundred years ago, a tiny town on the Puget Sound attracted a passel of bachelors desperate to marry. Thanks to the miracle of mail order, they did, and Weddingville was born. Hollywood costumer Daryl Anne Blessing knows that story all too well, and she hasn’t missed it, or much else about her hometown—except for hunky photographer Seth Quinlan. Now Daryl Anne returns to Weddingville to see her best friend say I do… and witnesses a whole lot of something hitting the fan—and it’s not rice.

As the maid of honor, Daryl Anne must keep the bride calm, no matter what. But last time she checked, “what” didn’t include the bride’s estranged mother turning up, scandalizing the locals—and getting herself murdered. Nor did it include digging for clues with Seth, while trying to remember exactly why she left him behind. It’s quite a juggling act, even for a seasoned multi-tasker like Daryl Anne. She soon attracts lusty glances from Seth—and the attention of a killer who’s determined to take this town out of business.

Read on for my thoughts on A Wedding to Die For. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: There Goes The Bride by Catherine Mann & Joanne Rock

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

Title: There Goes The Bride
Series: Runaway Brides #3
Author: Catherine Mann & Joanne Rock
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 5, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Hair stylist Lindsey Ballard hates answering questions about her family’s country music roots in Nashville. She’s been avoiding music producer, Myles Emery, at all costs, who’s trying to write a book on her famous relative. But he can’t get to her today. It’s her wedding day. Or so she thought…

When Lindsey suddenly needs to call off the ceremony to Atlanta’s popular mayoral candidate, she makes her getaway with the persuasive producer, all the while trying to ignore the chemistry between them that had never existed with her ex.

Myles Emery has his own reasons for needing the truth about a country music legend–secrets the Ballard family keeps closely guarded. But when he happens to catch Lindsey running out on her wedding, he knows his luck is about to change. Too bad Myles wants Lindsey on first sight and the attraction is making it complicated to stay on task. “Uncovering her secrets” begins to take on a whole new, delectable meaning.

Read on for my thoughts on There Goes the Bride. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The Fairy Tale Bride by Scarlet Wilson

Posted May 6, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Fairy Tale Bride
Series: Montana Born Brides #1
Author: Scarlet Wilson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 4, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Wedding fever has hit the little town of Marietta…

Lisa Renee loves weddings. As owner of Marietta’s bridal salon, Lisa takes charge when a celebrity wedding rolls into town and does what she does best: hosting the fairy tale wedding her clients dream of. But the celebrity’s badly behaving bridesmaids shatter Lisa’s poise, excitement, and hopes of putting Marietta and her boutique on the map. The only place she can find peace is on the pediatric ward of the local hospital where she volunteers, a place that holds more meaning to her than anyone knows. Leave it to the handsome and charming new doctor to change all of that…

Dr. Adam Brady is enjoying his new job and anonymity at Marietta’s hospital, but he hasn’t been able to focus entirely since the gorgeous business owner and hard-working volunteer piqued his interest. As he spends more time with her, sparks fly, and he realizes that he’s not the only one in Marietta with secrets…

Read on for my thoughts on The Fairy Tale Bride. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: His Forbidden Princess by Jeannie Moon

Posted April 30, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

His Forbidden Princess
Series: Royal Holiday #4
Author: Jeannie Moon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 30, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Eight years ago, university student Ian Stuart fell in love with his sweet, beautiful classmate and he’s never forgotten her. Sofie loved Ian with all her heart in return, but she didn’t trust him with one little detail about her life she’d neglected to share.

She was a princess, and they could never be together in the outside world.

Now Crown Princess Sofia is in danger. An insurgent faction in her country has targeted the royal family, and while Sofia is visiting the United States, she is forced to go into hiding. Assigned to protect her is none other than FBI Special Agent Ian Stuart.

Once again Ian and Sofie are in an impossible situation, fighting their feelings for one another, while trying to stay safe. Will their love for each other prove to be the most dangerous game of all?

Read on for my thoughts on His Forbidden Princess. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Cinderella’s Cowboy by Roxanne Snopek

Posted April 29, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Cinderella’s Cowboy
Series: This Old House #4
Author: Roxanne Snopek
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 28, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Chad Anders doesn’t know why mousy Cynthia Henley trips all over her tongue when she’s around him. Nor does he understand his undeniable attraction to this good girl. Wild and sexy is his type, like the dream-girl he caught a glimpse of years earlier he’s never forgotten.
Cynthia’s superpower is invisibility, especially with men. It’s better for everyone that way. Besides, she’s got a cat. She’s okay. But when playboy-rancher Chad hires her, she’s got a chance to shine. Professionally, at least. Until she learns of his fascination with a mysterious dream-girl, who was actually nothing more than a shy teenager on an ill-advised dare all those years ago. Cynthia knows she’s no man’s dream-girl and never will be.
But there’s magic at the ball. Princesses glow in the starlight, princes appear out of nowhere, and, sometimes, they look a lot like cowboys.

Read on for my thoughts on Cinderella’s Cowboy. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: A Match Made On Main Street by Olivia Miles

Posted April 24, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: A Match Made On Main Street
Series: Briar Creek #2
Author: Olivia Miles
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 28, 2015
Publisher: Forever
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

This kitchen isn’t big enough for both of them…

If there’s anything Anna Madison knows, it’s how to turn life’s lemons into a lemonade cocktail served in a vintage glass. So when her beloved Briar Creek café burns down, she sees it as an opportunity to start fresh. But the only kitchen available to her is in the diner down the street—owned by her sinfully sexy ex.

If Anna thinks she can take over his greasy-spoon kitchen with her high-end cuisine, Mark Hastings is about to set her straight fast. Their breakup is his biggest regret—not that he’ll ever admit it to her. Nope, he’d rather show her exactly what she’s been missing. With desire set on a high simmer, their menu is about to get a whole lot spicier.

Read on for my thoughts on A Match Made On Main Street. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: His Defiant Princess by Kathleen O’Brien

Posted April 23, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: His Defiant Princess
Series: Royal Holiday #3
Author: Kathleen O’Brian
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 23, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Brenna Tinley has decided to move to the Unified Isles of Cornetta, a fairy-tale kingdom just south of France in the Bay of Biscay to escape the recent tragedies in her personal life. The happiest summer she can remember was spent there, in the arms of a handsome, tender rascal who disappeared without a goodbye when Autumn came…

As fate would have it, the Royal House of Vicenza has engaged Brenna Tinley to clear up a public relations mess. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for this small-town American girl, but there’s only one problem. Her new employer, HRH Prince Ronan, aka her mystery summer lover of long ago, seems determined to pick up where they left off. Can Brenna work in the royal palace and not end up with a brand new broken heart?

Read on for my thoughts on His Defiant Princess. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Driven to Date by Susan Hatler

Posted April 21, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Driven to Date
Series: Better Date Than Never #7
Author: Susan Hatler
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 22, 2014
Publisher: Hatco
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Career-driven attorney, Jill Parnell, has worked long and hard to become a partner at Corbett, Gray, & Shaw. When the coveted position is given to the boss’s nephew, she does what any intelligent employee would do—attends a colleague’s wedding and schmoozes a high-powered partner at another law firm.

Her potential new boss has only one condition for her, that she demonstrate a personal life that will support a thriving career. Pretending to have a boyfriend is outside Jill’s comfort zone, but she invites the best man to act the part and Ryan is all-too eager to play her significant other. Sparks fly between them, but she reminds herself she’s only driven to date to get back on the partner track.

When Jill discovers Ryan is the lawyer who stole her promotion, her charade threatens to implode. But breaking off their pretend relationship could cost her the job of her dreams. And the more she gets to know Ryan, the more she’s tempted to tame the bad boy, and make him her own.

Read on for my thoughts on Driven to Date. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Cheaters Anonymous by Lacey Silks

Posted April 19, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Cheaters Anonymous
Series:
Author: Lacey Silks
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotica
Published: April 21, 2015
Publisher: MyLit Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

We’re both addicted to sex, just not with each other.

High school friends – nothing more.
That was our promise to each other, because let’s face it, infidelity spreads like a disease.
Everybody cheats.
Period.
And it’s easier to remain friends than hurt the only person you ever cared about – or so we thought.

Read on for my thoughts on Cheaters Anonymous. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Caught Up In You by Kim Boykin

Posted April 18, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

Caught Up in You Title: Caught Up In Love
Series:
Author: Kim Boykin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 21, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

After attending her baby sister’s destination wedding, Shelby Worthington decides she’s ready to do some husband hunting of her own. The only problem? She’s still insanely attracted to Declan Enright, her high school and college crush. He’s now a wildly successful painter who’s temporarily back in Magnolia Bay, but Declan should be Shelby’s last choice for possible husband material. He didn’t earn the reputation of runaway groom for nothing…

Declan has worked hard to make his mark on the New York art scene and has succeeded at everything he’s ever done…except love. But Declan has come back to the Bay to change that and care for his dying father, even if he’s still never forgiven Declan for leaving the family business. Shelby is determined to steer clear, but while her lips keep saying no, her heart is pounding out yes each time she and Declan are together. While she can’t deny her attraction, Shelby’s convinced that Declan’s track record means he will break her heart. Or has Declan changed for good, and made love worth the risk?

Read on for my thoughts on Caught Up In You. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Red Carpet Day Job by Tasha Cotter

Posted April 17, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Red Carpet Day Job
Series:
Author: Tasha Cotter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 9, 2015
Publisher: Bookfish Books
My Rating: 4 star
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Most residents of New York City don’t have to wrestle their skirts from beneath roosting chickens, or clean egg yolk off their stilettos each day before work. But Sophie Waldrop does, thanks to the organic egg business her boyfriend Scott runs from their 5th floor walk-up. Though they were high school sweethearts, nothing can make up for Scott’s inattention now. Finally, Sophie works up the courage to send him and his chickens packing.

Then Sophie’s boss introduces her to Nick Jackson, the hottest up-and-coming actor in Hollywood. When Nick asks her to go to a red carpet awards show with him, Sophie can’t believe her luck. She never expected to meet Nick, let alone like him. And she certainly never expected him to like her, too.

When her dream job lands in her lap, Sophie rejoices that her hard work has finally paid off. But she soon finds out that being a busy agent to the stars is nothing compared to being Nick Jackson’s new girlfriend. Tabloid tell-alls, Nick’s hectic schedule, persistent leading ladies, and Sophie’s own promotion and career ambitions further complicate their fairy-tale romance.

Can Sophie and Nick make their love last, or will their relationship be more like the paparazzi’s camera flashes—fast, bright, and fading?

Read on for my thoughts on Red Carpet Day Job. No true spoilers, promise.