Category: Contemporary Romance

Carrying the Greek Tycoon’s Baby by Jennifer Faye

Posted August 25, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Series / 0 Comments

From one night…

To nine months!

For jaded tycoon Xander Marinakos, renowned wedding destination Infinity Island is just another opportunity to expand his empire. Until he’s captivated by its beautiful owner, Lea Romes…

When their one night together has unexpected consequences, Xander must negotiate the deal of a lifetime, and put his guarded heart on the table to convince independent Lea they can be a family…for infinity!

Titles in the Greek Island Brides series (trilogy) include — Carrying the Greek Tycoon’s Baby – Claiming the Drakos Heir – Wearing the Greek Millionaire’s Ring

Million Dollar Date by Susan Hatler

Posted August 22, 2019 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Abigail Apple is running late to meet her blind date when she’s pulled over for speeding. Unfortunately, the follow-the-rules cop doesn’t care that she’s late, let alone that she’s heartbroken because her favorite dog rescue is in danger of being closed. Now she has to meet her date with mud drying on her heels, dog hair covering her dress, and the smell of a barn perfuming her hair. When she arrives, however, Abigail learns her handsome blind date is none other than the cop who pulled her over.

Abigail has no intention of staying until she learns Cooper Hill is heading a committee for the city that will award a six-figure donation to a charity of their choice. So, what’s a girl to do? Abigail decides a second date is a perfect way to convince Cooper to vote for the dog rescue. Soon, however, Abigail is less interested in Cooper’s vote than she is in his deep voice, kind heart, and tender touch.

Will this follow-the-rules cop and this follows-her-heart animal lover learn that despite poor first impressions, second chances can lead to love?

Titles in the Do Over Date series include — Million Dollar Date – Double Date Disaster –

(this series is a spin-off from the Kissed By The Bay series – to find that series, all the titles involved and so much more please visit our Susan Hatler page)

Colliding Hearts by L.M. Connolly

Posted August 22, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

When hearts collide, can love survive?

After teacher and artist Rita Morley arrives in Houston from England for her art exhibition she’s so jet-lagged, she dives into a limo. Out climbs the man of her dreams – developer Daniel McCord. He’s also, as her best friend’s brother, off-limits, until he makes it clear that he shares the attraction that has always burned between them. They both agree to a vacation fling – one week of sexual bliss. Only Daniel asks her to stay longer, and things turn serious until Rita learns he plans to demolish the building holding her art exhibition. Suddenly the lovers find themselves on opposite sides of the fight.

For Daniel McCord, work has always come first over friends and family and fun until he meets Rita. The sexy and sassy English painter makes his night burn with passion and his days full of stolen moments and joy. He can’t imagine his life without her, but he’s not convinced he can build a life with her. They have different goals and values. Then Daniel’s world is rocked when he discovers he has two brothers he’s never met. He needs Rita in a way he could never have anticipated.

If he can’t convince her to stay, Daniel will lose Rita for good.

Titles in the Hearts on Fire series include — Racing Hearts – Captive Hearts – Colliding Hearts

Insider by Rebecca Crowley

Posted August 22, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

ER doctor Grace Reilly thrives on patching up her patients, propping them back on their feet and sending them home healthier, yet emotionally she feels flat on her back after being deceived by her ex-boyfriend. She’s shelved her malfunctioning romantic radar, possibly forever. But she’s not opposed to no strings attached sex, especially when she meets the brooding and enigmatic Oren Brody. Even better? After giving her a mind-blowing orgasm with no reciprocal expectations, he vanishes as mysteriously as he appeared.

Six months ago Oren Brody and his brothers, Asher and Ebon, bought the London Phoenix newspaper to save the esteemed daily from bankruptcy. They need a big scoop or a budget shortfall could shut them down. A confidential tip about corruption and potential medical malfeasance point Oren toward St. Hilda’s Hospital – the same hospital where his mother unexpectedly died after a visit to the ER for a pounding headache. He needs answers, and Grace seems to be the key. He’d tracked her down hoping she could be a source. Seducing her was accidental, but he finds himself unable to ignore their zinging chemistry and he doesn’t really want to.

Oren needs to earn Grace’s trust, but that’s a big ask since their first meeting began with a lie and ended with sexual fireworks. Grace has already been deceived by one lover, can she forgive and forget and give Oren a chance?

Titles in the London Phoenix series include — Insider –

Lost and Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis

Posted August 18, 2019 by Marsha in A Re-Read Review, Contemporary Romance, Series, Women's Fiction / 0 Comments

They say life can change in an instant…

After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.’s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she’s looking for a missing piece she can’t find?

The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.

On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn’t quite fit in right away, she can’t help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.

As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there’s another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn’t a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she’s searched so long for.

Titles in the Wildstone series include — Lost and Found Sisters – The Good Luck Sister (#1.5) – Rainy Day Friends – The Lemon Sisters –

Call Her Mine by Melissa Foster

Posted August 18, 2019 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Ben Dalton has always been honest, except where his heart is concerned. He’s been in love with his best friend—saucy, smart-mouthed Aurelia Stark—forever. But Ben’s a planner, and timing has never been on his side. When he finally decides to make his move, Aurelia beats him to the punch with a move of her own—to a different town.

Aurelia loves her new life in the charming town of Harmony Pointe. She has a great apartment and her very own bookstore, and best of all, the sinfully hot, commitment-phobic friend she’s crushed on for years is no longer just around the corner. Maybe she’ll finally be able to leave her unrequited love behind and move on.

But when a baby is left on Ben’s front porch—a baby that is presumably his—Aurelia is there for him. Neither one knows the first thing about babies, but how hard can it be? Ben and Aurelia are catapulted into a world of love, laughter, and tracking down the baby mama, and it might even add up to a very happily ever after… just not one either of them expects.

Titles in the Harmony Pointe series include — Call Her Mine – This Is Love (Dec. 2019) –

Harmony Pointe has a connection to (is a spin-off of) the Sugar Lake series with crossover characters. Do you “need” to read Sugar Lake first? No. But you’d be missing some great romances if you don’t check it out. IMO 🙂

Finding Our Way Back by Marianne Rice

Posted August 17, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Jenna Snyder has finally gotten her life back together. She’s left her shattered heart behind and is quite content being the caretaker to a flirtatious geriatric man. In between his daily marriage proposals and in-home nurse visits, she manages to relax and ease her mind at her potter’s wheel. The only thing holding her back from finding true happiness is the painful memories from her past that can never be erased. She wants to leave them behind, and that includes Tristan. It doesn’t matter that he’s smart and successful and sexy. Or that he’s the sweetest man she’s ever met. He destroyed her world and tore her heart into a million pieces and that can never be forgiven.

Tristan Ketch never thought his catering business would have him pairing his food with a small town winery in Crystal Cove, Maine. Or that he’d run into the woman he once loved. Hell, the woman he still loves. He regrets the way they ended, and he’ll do anything to make things right with her now. But first he needs to regain her trust, and that means doing everything in his power to make sure she never discovers the truth…the real reason behind what ripped them apart.

Titles in the Well Paired series include — At First Blush – Where There’s Hope – What Makes Us Stronger – Here With You – Finding Our Way Back –

Meant To Be Different by Amelia Foster

Posted August 16, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance, Series / 0 Comments

As a teen, I had my life figured out: graduate and make my dream of being a bull riding champion a reality. That is right up until the goth girl transferred to my school. Georgia laid the snark on as thick as her eyeliner, but I saw through the toughened façade and fell for her. Hard.

She was willing to give up her own dream to follow me as I pursued my passion, but I couldn’t let her do that. So, I made the hardest decision of my life…and walked away.

It’s been twelve years since I left home without her and the all-grown-up Georgia is just as feisty and fiery as she was back then. It’s clear she has no intention of making redemption easy for me. Thankfully, I’m a patient man who knows what he wants. I’ve never stopped loving her, and I know she feels the same.

Back then I was a rhinestone cowboy, and she was a dark angel, complete opposites, yet we fell in love anyway. We weren’t meant to be like every other cookie-cutter couple, we were meant to be different.

Titles in the Meant to Be series include — Meant to be Kept – Meant to be Different –

Texas on My Mind by Eve Gaddy

Posted August 15, 2019 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance, Series / 0 Comments

What happens when you discover that the woman who’s been a friend for years is actually the one you’ve been waiting for? If you’re Dr. Turner McBride you set out to prove that the two of you would be perfect together.

After betrayal and a failed marriage, Charlie Stockton returns to Last Stand, Texas, to run her bakery and avoid commitment. She’s delighted to resume her long-time friendship with far-too-sexy Turner – but no way is she ready or able to trust her heart again. Although she might be tempted into an affair, Charlie’s convinced their friendship is too important to risk losing by taking it to another level.

It will take all Turner’s determination and an unexpected wake-up call to prove to Charlie that risking her heart will be well worth the gamble.

Titles in the Heart of Texas series include — Heart of the Texas Doctor – Texas on My Mind –

(This series is part of the Last Stand, Texas group of connecting series. (think Marietta, Montana– Tule Publishing’s other large set of somewhat connecting series set in a fictional town. A listing of the connecting series and their stories can be found on our Last Stand, Texas page)

Tempt Me, Cowboy by Megan Crane

Posted August 15, 2019 by Marsha in A Re-Read Review, Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance, Multi-Author Series, Series / 0 Comments

Too much temptation…

Chelsea Collier wants nothing more than to save the old depot built by her railway baron ancestor and turn it into a museum—until it’s sold out from under her!

Jasper Flint made himself filthy rich in the Texas oil business by the age of 35. Now he wants a quieter life and building a microbrewery in Marietta, Montana is the perfect project.

Neither one of them knows what to do with the passion that explodes between them! But Chelsea knows a man like Jasper will never stay in one place for too long. Can he convince her that this time, he means to stay?

Titles in The 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo series include –#0.5 Rodeo Sweethearts by Lilian Darcy— Tempt Me, Cowboy by Megan Crane – Marry Me, Cowboy by Lilian Darcy – Promise Me, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael –Take Me, Cowboy by Jane Porter – Steal Me, Cowboy by Kim Boykin (Copper Mountain Rodeo spinoff)

Love any story that involves Marietta, Montana? Then you’ll want to check out two pages here that focus on this small town (and some neighboring ones as well) for titles, series, authors, and links to reviews done here at Keeper Bookshelf. Please visit our Marietta, Montana pages.

Quiet Man by Kristen Ashley

Posted August 15, 2019 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Charlotte “Lottie” McAlister is in the zone. She’s ready to take on the next chapter of her life, and since she doesn’t have a man, she’ll do what she’s done all along. She’ll take care of business on her own. Even if that business means starting a family.

The problem is, Lottie has a stalker. The really bad kind. The kind that means she needs a bodyguard.

Enter Mo Morrison.

Enormous. Scary.

Quiet.

Mo doesn’t say much, and Lottie’s used to getting attention. And she wants Mo’s attention. Badly.

But Mo has a strict rule. If he’s guarding your body, that’s all he’s doing with it.

However, the longer Mo has to keep Lottie safe, the faster he falls for the beautiful blonde who has it so together, she might even be able to tackle the demons he’s got in his head that just won’t die.

But in the end, Lottie and Mo don’t only have to find some way to keep hands off until the threat is over, they have to negotiate the overprotective Hot Bunch, Lottie’s crazy stepdad, Tex, Mo’s crew of frat-boy commandos, not to mention his nutty sisters.

All before Lottie finally gets her Dream Man.

And Mo can lay claim to his Dream Girl.

Titles in the Dream Man series include — Mystery Man – Wild Man – Law Man – Motorcycle Man – Quiet Man

Quiet Man is not only part of the Dream Man series but is also the lead-in to a new series beginning in May of 2020 entitled The Dream series… where the Dream Man world and the Rock Chick world combine with delightful and passionate results.

Rodeo Sweethearts by Lilian Darcy

Posted August 14, 2019 by Marsha in A Re-Read Review, Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance, Multi-Author Series, Series / 0 Comments

Melinda and Rob MacCreadie have been married for nearly thirty years, but she is the worst wife for a hard-working Montana rancher and she knows it.

With their five children grown and finding love, Melinda is daunted by the idea of accepting newcomers into the family. She and Rob still hold a secret that dates from before the birth of their triplets all those years ago.

Rob is such a fine man, strong and good-looking and endlessly patient. He’s wise, too, but is he right to insist that it’s time to tell people what happened?

Does he really understand how she feels?

The Rancher’s Secret Love by Paula Altenburg

Posted August 13, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Could home be ‘on the range’?

After teaching at a prestigious university, Luke McGregor is headed home to his family’s ranch in Grand, Montana, to help his brothers raise their baby niece and nephews and to help save the struggling ranch. His long-time girlfriend wants no part of playing cowgirl and dumps him fast. Luke commits himself to be home for at least a year and throws himself into family and ranch life. A chance meeting with a beautiful and free-spirited woman and a promising first date make him wonder if his place is necessarily in a big city.

Plucky Mara Ramos has lived much of her life on the road as a performer, but a dance injury, that permanently sidelines her professional career and ends her fling with a famous pop star, strands her in the middle of Montana. She likes the friendly small town and soon opens a dance studio intent on building a new life for herself. She enjoys inspiring her young students, but she can’t help but feel she needs more. A casual date with an enigmatic, flirty stranger, who is so much more than a cowboy, teases Mara with the possibility of putting down roots and finding a happy ever after.

When Luke’s former girlfriend announces she’s pregnant, he’s faced with the decision of a lifetime. If he’s all about family, can he make a decision that will keep Mara in his life?

Titles in The Montana McGregor Brothers include: The Rancher Takes A Family – The Rancher’s Secret Love –

Off the Market by Audrey Wick

Posted August 12, 2019 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

Can the man who saved the day win her heart?

Quinn LaFayette is in her inaugural year as library special programs director of Last Stand, but when the kickoff performance for the children’s summer program goes terribly wrong, she has to save face as well as her job. She has a surprising advocate in Cole, whom she did her best to ignore in school. Seven years has only made Cole more appealing, but Quinn is determined to resist the sparks that fly between them because they are too different.

Restaurant owner Cole Hutchinson is no bookworm, but thanks to his fast-thinking antics, he ends up saving the day at the library and earning Quinn’s praise in the process. He’s tempted to seek more, but he’s juggling plenty of female attention from gracing the June edition of Modern Texas magazine featuring barbeque. Cole’s not interested in revisiting a woman from his past, but there’s something about Quinn that he can’t quite ignore.

Can Cole prove that opposites really do attract?

Titles in The Texas BBQ Brothers series include — On The Market – Off The Market –

Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

Posted August 10, 2019 by Marsha in A Re-Read Review, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Choose the one guy you can’t have . . .

As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas—the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she’s in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.

Fall for him—hard . . .

Pub owner Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don’t ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.

And then tell him the truth.

Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it’s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story—because Pru’s been keeping a secret that could change everything.

Titles in the Heartbreaker Bay series include — Sweet Little Lies – The Trouble with Mistletoe – One Snowy Night – Accidentally on Purpose – Chasing Christmas Eve – Holiday Wishes – About That Kiss – Hot Winter Nights – Playing for Keeps – Wrapped Up In You – Twist of Fate (A Dark Nights line companion novella) –

If you love Jill Shalvis’ stories then check out our Jill Shalvis page for more titles, series, and standalone titles that have been reviewed here at Keeper Bookshelf. (At one time most of Ms. Shalvis’ romances were reviewed on a website of mine that no longer exists due to circumstances beyond my control. It is my intention to bring those “lost” reviews here to Keeper Bookshelf over time.)