Category: Contemporary Romance

Wanting It All by Christi Barth

Posted October 1, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Wanting It All
Series: Naked Men #2
Author: Christi Barth
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 9, 2016
Publisher: Random House Publishing – Loveswept
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The heartthrobs of the Naked Men blog and podcast get a little too real about friendship, love, and sex. For one wealthy bachelor, the trouble starts when all three collide. . . .

After narrowly surviving a bus crash in high school with his best friends, science geek Knox Davis resolved to become so successful that he could have anything and everything he wants. Now he’s über-wealthy, a huge business success, and a notorious ladies’ man. Knox refuses to limit himself to one woman, but when his latest conquest—a blond beauty from the Alaskan bush—challenges his superficial ways, Knox begins to see the world through her eyes, and finds he likes what he sees.

A nurturer at heart, Madison Abbott wants to put down roots. She left Alaska to meet Mr. Right—and to track down Logan, the half-brother she’s never met. Instead, she finds Knox. Although the sexy-as-sin bachelor may not seem like marriage material, Madison’s starting to think that Knox is The One. But Knox refuses to settle down, especially once he learns that Madison is his best friend’s little sister. Now it’s up to her to convince Knox that she’s everything he really wants.

Titles in this series include: Risking It All, Wanting It All, Giving I All (January 2017), Trying It All (May, 2017)

Read on for my thoughts on Wanting It All. No true spoilers, promise.

Kiss Me in Christmas by Debbie Mason

Posted October 1, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Kiss Me In Christmas
Series: Christmas, Colorado #6
Author: Debbie Mason
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Actress Chloe O’Connor has become America’s sweetheart, but back in little Christmas, Colorado, she’s still remembered as a shy, awkward schoolgirl. And there’s no one she dreads (and secretly wants) to see more than her high school crush, Easton McBride. Just one look from the former star quarterback and it’s like she’s instantly transformed from daytime drama queen to tongue-tied teenager. She’s kissed Hollywood actors and famous cover models, so she can certainly play it cool while turning up the heat, right?

After an injury ended his military career, Easton McBride built a good life in the rugged countryside of his hometown. And the last thing he needs is his quiet solitude shattered by a high-maintenance temptress who isn’t anything like the sweet Chloe he misses. While he enjoys the flirtation with this new bold and beautiful woman, he can’t help but wonder whether a kiss could have the power to bring back the small-town girl he’s grown to love.

Titles in this series include: The Trouble With Christmas, Christmas In July, It Happened At Christmas, Wedding Bells In Christmas, Snowbound At Christmas, Kiss me In Christmas, Happy Ever After In Christmas

Read on for my thoughts on Kiss Me In Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

Treasured Dreams by Susan Hatler

Posted October 1, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Treasured Dreams Collection
Series: Treasured Dreams
Author: Susan Hatler
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 12, 2016
Publisher: Hatco Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley & individually purchased
Cover Description:

This book bundle includes seven short stories from the bestselling Treasured Dreams series.

Holly adores living in her small mountain town of Whitefish, Montana, treasures her beading business, but longs to fall in love. When she meets a handsome stranger at the Falling Leaves Festival, she starts to wonder if dreams do come true. . . .

AN UNEXPECTED DATE (6 pages, 1700 words).

Holly loves living in her cozy mountain town and all the surrounding beauty soothes her soul. She treasures beading jewelry for her own small business while watching nature and its amazing creatures outside her window. But, her mom begs her to move back to the city so she can find a man to marry.

Holly doesn’t want to give up on her dreams, but does that mean she’ll have to give up on love?

AN UNEXPECTED KISS (25 pages, 5200 words).

Holly is beyond excited about her first date with Dave. They share a love for her beloved small mountain resort town, plus she’s never felt such sparks for a guy before. But when her mom warns her to proceed with caution so she won’t get disappointed, Holly pulls back—until an unexpected surprise entices her to risk her heart completely.

AN UNEXPECTED LOVE (20 pages, 4500 words).

Holly receives an unexpected offer to expand her jewelry business, Treasured Creations, and she doesn’t know whether to accept the contract or not. Selling beaded jewelry at festivals in her small town is one thing, but a painful experience from her past has made her gun-shy about taking risks.

She wants to discuss her fears with Dave, her boyfriend of two months, but she’s falling in love with him and feels ashamed of her past failures.

Will opening up to Dave jeopardize their developing romance? Or will it lead them to a place more beautiful than she could’ve ever imagined?

AN UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL (24 pages, 5200 words).

When Holly’s boyfriend is offered the job of his dreams in Africa, Holly must choose between the love of her life and the small mountain town that soothes her soul.

AN UNEXPECTED WEDDING (24 pages, 5300 words).

Instead of being an excited bride-to-be, Holly’s frazzled beyond belief as she tries to plan her wedding. Her fiancé, Dave, says whatever she wants works for him, but she can’t get her mom and soon-to-be mother-in-law to so much as agree on a date.

The worst part is that her dad passed away four years ago, and she’s heartbroken he won’t be walking her down the aisle.

Holly begins to accept the wedding is doomed, but then an unexpected surprise reminds her why she’s getting married in the first place.

AN UNEXPECTED JOY (22 pages, 4900 words).

Holly is struggling with some of life’s greatest challenges, but hiking in Montana’s rocky mountains gives her much needed peace she hopes to share with Dave.

AN UNEXPECTED BABY (12 pages, 3200 words).

Holly’s already in over her head when she receives an unexpected surprise, which is beyond her wildest dreams.

Read on for my thoughts on Treasured Dreams Collection. No true spoilers, promise.

The Real Thing by Tina Ann Forkner

Posted September 29, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Real Thing
Series:
Author: Tina Ann Forkner
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 7, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Sometimes you have to don a pair of cowgirl boots…

Manda Marshall is ready to leave heartache behind when she marries Keith Black, a champion saddle bronc cowboy and man of her dreams. But going from the serenity of small town Tennessee to the exhilaration of the rodeo, nothing can prepare her for being a cowboy’s wife. Becoming the new stepmom to Keith’s little boy and teenaged daughter has Manda relying on her deep sense of longing for a family and budding love for her stepchildren to strengthen their bond.

Manda’s desire of being a rodeo cowboy’s wife begins to take second place as she works to reinvent a life for herself and new family, but when mysterious phone calls from Keith’s missing ex-wife dredge up the past, Manda finds her marriage and family in an unusual and heart wrenching dilemma. The life she had worked so hard to build is suddenly redefined and her commitment to her husband and family is tested.

What Manda discovers has the power to heal or break her family in this emotional tale of cowboys, rodeo queens, and what it really means to ride beside a cowboy and his family, no matter the risk.

Read on for my thoughts on The Real Thing. No true spoilers, promise.

Last Kiss Of Summer by Marina Adair

Posted September 29, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Last Kiss Of Summer
Series: Destiny Bay #1
Author: Marina Adair
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 30, 2016
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

He’s one bad apple she just can’t resist . . .

Kennedy Sinclair never dreamed she’d own a pie shop and an orchard in a small town like Destiny Bay. But nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it’s the perfect place to cross something off her “Life’s short so eat the icing first” list and start her life over from scratch. Her shop, Sweetie Pies, is famous for its hot, flaky apple turnovers and sinfully delicious deep dish pie. For Kennedy though, nothing is more enticing than the tall, strapping slice of temptation who keeps coming back for more.

Luke Callahan is determined to make his hard cider business a success. With his beloved father’s cider recipe and the opportunity of a lifetime in his grasp, he’ll stop at nothing to get this deal done. There’s just one catch: he needs Kennedy’s apples. At first, he thinks it’ll be as easy as pie to charm those apples right off her trees. But Kennedy isn’t falling for his tender charms or his wicked ways. When the negotiations start heating up, so do the feelings they have for each other. And it takes just one kiss to seal the deal .

Titles in this series include: Last Kiss Of Summer

Read on for my thoughts on Last Kiss Of Summer. No true spoilers, promise.

Girl Having A Ball by Rhoda Baxter

Posted September 28, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Girl Having A Ball
Series: Sequel to Girl On The Run
Author: Rhoda Baxter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

What if you had to learn to stand on your own feet?

Although Stevie lost her parents when she was very young, she’s always been able to rely on her brother, Marsh. But now Marsh is married and Stevie feels like she is losing him too. Determined to prove her independence, Stevie sets about transforming her life, giving up her dead-end job and following her passion for events management.

Her first assignment takes her to a stunning manor house in Oxford where she is tasked with organizing a charity ball on a shoestring. Between canape worries, celebrity guests and trying to keep the hyper-critical Lady Beryl happy, Stevie’s teenage crush, Tom, resurfaces to confuse things even further.

But ‘poor needy little Stevie’ is now ‘Stevie the strong woman’ and she won’t let a man get in the way of her dreams – will she?

Titles in this series include: Girl On The Run, Girl Having A Ball

Read on for my thoughts on Girl having A Ball. No true spoilers, promise.

Holiday In Your Heart by Susan Fox

Posted September 28, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Holiday In Your Heart
Series: Caribou Crossing #7
Author: Susan Fox
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books – Zebra
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

As the holidays approach, the air is filled with the festive sounds of bells chiming and carolers singing. Maribeth Scott loves Christmas, but she’s pretty sure that after years of waiting, Santa isn’t finally going to gift her with Mr. Right. In fact, the only thing she truly wants for Christmas is a baby to love. At thirty-nine, she’s determined to become a mother and she will make it happen, even if she has to do it on her own.

When Mo Kincaid returns to the rustic town after almost twenty years away, he’s seeking redemption from his checkered past. The last thing on his mind is romance, and he’s certain he doesn’t deserve it. But now there’s irresistible Maribeth, showing him the true spirit of Christmas and winning his heart. For the first time in Mo’s life, the future looks bright. Only one thing stands between them: Maribeth’s deep desire for a child and Mo’s conviction that he’s too flawed to be a father. Is his world-weary heart ready to take the ultimate leap of faith?

Titles in this series include: Caribou Crossing, Home On The Range, Gentle On My Mind, Stand By Your Man, Love Me Tender, Love Somebody Like You, Holiday In Your Heart

Read on for my thoughts on Holiday In Your Heart. No true spoilers, promise.

A Christmas Bride by Hope Ramsay

Posted September 27, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: A Christmas Bride
Series: Chapel of Love #1
Author: Hope Ramsay
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

A season of hope . . .

‘Tis the season in Shenandoah Falls and the first time Willow Peterson has been home in years. But she’s determined to fulfill the wishes of her recently deceased best friend and restore Eagle Hill Manor to its former glory-all in time to host the perfect holiday wedding. She just has to get the owner of the historic inn to hire her. Unfortunately, that means dealing with Scrooge himself…

After the death of his wife, David Lyndon has a bah-humbug approach to Christmas. But as December counts down and the wedding planning is in full swing, it’s harder and harder to stay immune to the charms of Willow, especially when he sees how much joy she brings his eight-year-old daughter. After a simple kiss under the mistletoe turns into something more, David is hoping he can turn the magic of the holiday season into the love of a lifetime.

Titles in this series include: A Fairytale Bride, A Christmas Bride, A Small Town Bride

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

That Mistletoe Moment by Cat Johnson, Kate Angell, & Allyson Charles

Posted September 27, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: That Mistletoe Moment
Series:
Author: Cat Johnson, Kate Angell, Allyson Charles
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

As the holidays descend, three single women take a thoroughly modern approach to good old-fashioned romance, and wonder if the best—and most complicated—gift of all is just a click, tap, or swipe away…

MADE UP
Like a Christmas miracle, the Build a Boyfriend App lets yousimply input the stats of your dream man, and witty texts, passionate emails, and hot Instagram pics start flooding in. No more awkward questions or pitying looks as you face the holidays alone!

MIXED UP
But even the best technology has its glitches. When real-life emotions come into play, this trio of
twenty-somethings find themselves in a tangle of crossed signals, flying wrapping paper, disastrous Christmas parties…and surprising kisses.

MATCHED UP
Yet despite the confusion of their mistletoe misadventures, when the New Year dawns, these very satisfied women just may find themselves waking up with true love beside them.

Read on for my thoughts on That Mistletoe Moment. No true spoilers, promise.

We Need A Little Christmas by Sierra Donovan

Posted September 27, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: We Need A Little Christmas
Series: Evergreen Lane #2
Author: Sierra Donovan
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books – Zebra
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

With its festive Snowed Inn and year-round Christmas store, the pretty town of Tall Pine knows how to do the holidays right. But this year, Liv Tomblyn’s homecoming trip may be bittersweet. Liv’s grandmother died soon after Thanksgiving, leaving a lifetime of belongings to sort through. Soon Liv is surrounded by memories, including a retro silver Christmas tree. And there’s Liv’s old friend Scott Leroux—the one-time class clown who’s become the town’s go-to handyman.

Scott enjoyed helping Liv’s Nammy with little fix-it jobs in recent years, but now he’s wondering if the crafty grandma had a much larger project in mind. Everything—from Nammy’s mysteriously malfunctioning heater to that silver tree—seems to be conspiring to throw Liv and Scott together. Not that Scott objects. For though Liv insists she’ll leave Tall Pine when the holidays are over, he’s hoping their holiday kisses might thaw her resolve and make this Christmas truly unforgettable…

Titles in this series include: Do You Believe In Santa?, We Need A Little Christmas

Read on for my thoughts on We Need A Little Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

Christmas Comes To Main Street by Olivia Miles

Posted September 27, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Christmas Comes To Main Street
Series: Briar Creek #5
Author: Olivia Miles
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The mistletoe is out, and the gloves are off . . .

‘Tis the worst season to be single, but Kara Hastings won’t let a little Christmas funk spoil the festive season. Sure, running her own bakery is a little harder than she expected, but she can handle it. And she’ll prove it to a certain infuriatingly handsome, bossy Big City guy. She may be sugar and spice, but she can kick his butt twice.

Nate Griffin is in Briar Creek only for the holidays, and he refuses to fall for the whole “small town, candy cane-scented Christmas Wonderland” thing. He’s more interested in the fresh-faced cookie chef who always knows exactly how to get under his skin. So when Nate challenges Kara in the town’s big holiday contest, it’s not just the competition that starts to heat up. If he’s not careful, Kara won’t just melt his icy resolve against a small-town Christmas . . . she’ll melt his heart too.

Titles in this series include: Mistletoe on Main Street, A Match Made on Main Street, Hope Springs on Main Street, Love Blooms on Main Street, Christmas Comes To Main Street

Read on for my thoughts on Christmas Comes to Main Street. No true spoilers, promise.

Roadside Assistance by Marie Harte

Posted September 22, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Roadside Assistance
Series: Body Shop Bad Boys #2
Author: Marie Harte
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 6, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Foley Sanders figured he’ll always be content with a life of cars and casual hookups. Until a run-in with Cyn, a statuesque firecracker with a hate-on for men, leaves him bewitched and intrigued-much to her annoyance.

Maybe Cynthia Nichols was a little hard on Foley, that muscular, tattooed, super-hot mechanic next door. But she’s tired of feeling defensive about her size and has sworn off men. She’s got a new job, new life, perfect plan. Foley has trouble written all over him-no way is she going to fall for his charms.

Foley might look like a bad idea, but underneath, he’s all gentleman. Too bad Cyn’s not buying it. What’s a bad boy to do when the goddess of his dreams won’t give him the time of day?

Titles in this series include: Test Drive, Roadside Assistance, Zero to Sixty

Read on for my thoughts on Roadside Assistance. No true spoilers, promise.

Fully Ignited by Shannon Stacey

Posted September 13, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Fully Ignited
Series: Boston Fire #3
Author: Shannon Stacey
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Carina Press
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

When Jamie Rutherford takes a temporary assignment as lieutenant of Boston Fire’s Engine 59, she doesn’t anticipate any problems. She’s been in the fire service for a long time and, even though she’s fairly new to Boston, she knows how to make any firehouse her home. What she’s not prepared for is her reaction to firefighter Scott Kincaid.

Scott is looking for a wife. It’s been a fun ride as a single guy, but he’s tired of being the third wheel, and nearly losing his brother-in-law finally made him realize just how much he wants a family of his own. When the new guy at the firehouse turns out to be a capable, confident and very attractive woman, his plan is completely derailed.

Hooking up with a fellow firefighter has never been part of Jamie’s plan, but she’s tempted by Scott—even though getting involved with him could tarnish the reputation she’s worked so hard for. And Scott can’t stop thinking about Jamie, despite the fact that she’s his superior and not sticking around. Chemistry can crush the best-laid plans, though, and while Jamie and Scott might not be each other’s future…there’s no resisting the right now.

Boston Fire Series titles: Heat Exchange, Controlled Burn, Fully Ignited

Read on for my thoughts on Fully Ignited. No true spoilers, promise.

You’re The One That I Want by Angela Britnell

Posted September 13, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

Title: You’re The One That I Want
Series: Nashville Connections #4
Author: Angela Britnell
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 13, 2016
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

What if you didn’t want to fake it any more?

When Sarah, a teacher from Cornwall, and Matt, a businessman from Nashville, meet on a European coach tour, they soon find themselves in a relationship …

Except it’s a fake relationship. Because Matt is too busy for romance, and Sarah is only trying to make her cheating ex-husband jealous … isn’t she?

As Matt and Sarah complete their tour of Europe, they do all the things real couples are supposed to do – from visiting fairy-tale castles in Germany to recreating the scene from Romeo and Juliet in Verona. And, of course, for every picturesque destination there’s a loved-up selfie and Facebook post to match.

But as their holiday comes to an end, Sarah and Matt realize that they’re not happy with their pretend relationship. Perhaps, they want the real thing.

Series titles: What Happens In Nashville, The Wedding Reject Table, Love Me For A Reason, You’re The One That I Want.

Read on for my thoughts on You’re The One That I Want. No true spoilers, promise.

Wild Hearts by Melissa West

Posted August 16, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Wild Hearts
Series: Hamilton Stables #2
Author: Melissa West
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 2, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books – Lyrical Shine
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Charming, reckless, and restless, youngest brother Alex Hamilton has a reputation for sweet talking his way into any woman’s arms—and failing at anything to do with the family business. So when he commits to managing their new breeding operation, it’s under one condition: he’ll focus on work and nothing else—no distractions, no fun…no women. But just when Alex has promised to keep his hands to himself, sweet, sexy Kate Littleton gallops away with his heart…

Kate knows Alex isn’t the long-term type—he proved that in a lot of delicious ways when they first met more than a year ago. But seeing him blazing with new dedication to Hamilton Stables, she can’t deny that he’s miles ahead of any other man who interests her. The attraction between them is electric right out of the gate, but it will take an unexpected loss to put them back in the race and headed for a passionate future together…

All the stories in the Hamilton Stables series can be read as stand alone books. The series included: Racing Hearts, Wild Hearts, Silent Hearts (so far)