Category: Contemporary Romance

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)

Every Little Kiss by Susan Hatler

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

Title: Every Little Kiss
Series: Kissed by the Bay #1
Author: Susan Hatler
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 3, 2015
Publisher: Hatco Publishing
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: Purchased, Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

When Wendy Watts left Blue Moon Bay, she vowed never to return to the small coastal town where her parents had abandoned her and her brother. Now she’s a successful Realtor, and a workaholic who stays away from complicated emotions—until her grandmother dies, leaving Wendy the Inn at Blue Moon Bay and mandating that if Wendy sells it, she must put it on the market herself “in person.”

As soon as Wendy arrives in Blue Moon Bay, bad memories, the inn’s poor condition, and her brother’s pleas to keep the inn overwhelm her. Then she meets a sexy laid-back stranger on the beach, and Wendy does something she never does . . . she opens up and confides her problems to him. Since Max Huntington’s only in town for one night, Wendy spontaneously kisses him, hoping to be distracted from her troubles for just one evening.

But when Wendy begins the painstaking process of fixing up the inn in order to sell it, Max tells her he’s staying on longer. He’s enchanted by the charming inn and even more with the kisses they shared on the beach. He wants to help her with the repairs, and she reluctantly accepts his offer.

Although she’s determined to remain detached from the allure of her inn, Blue Moon Bay and Max, every repair, every stroll on the beach, and every moment spent with Max, draws her in and reminds her of the local legend she’d believed as a child: that being kissed by the bay under a blue moon will lead to love that lasts forever.

No true spoilers, promise.

Turbulent Intentions by Melody Anne

Posted August 15, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Turbulent Intentions
Series: Billionaire Aviators #1
Author: Melody Anne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 9, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The Armstrong brothers are wealthy, wild-at-heart bad boys—until their father’s will demands they prove themselves and marry in order to inherit their fortune.

Eldest brother Cooper channels his reckless spirit into becoming CEO of his own airline. The only thing better than the adrenaline rush of flying is his one-night stand with a stunning stranger. At first he doesn’t recognize the fiery barista he clashes with years later at an airport coffee shop. But when Stormy Halifax turns up as his new house sitter, Cooper knows she’s his Cinderella. And he doesn’t just want her in his mansion. He wants her back in his bed.

Stormy can’t believe she’s living under Cooper’s roof. Gorgeous and arrogant, he’s convinced she’ll surrender again—and he’s right. But just as Stormy is succumbing to a world of pleasure, her trust is shattered. And the biggest challenge Cooper has ever faced will be proving he wants Stormy, now and forever, for all the right reasons.

Turbulent Intentions was originally published as Below the Radar – The Billionaire Aviators. This edition has been completely edited and revised, including significant plot changes.

You and Only You by Sharon Sala

Posted August 8, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: You And Only You
Series: Blessings, Georgia #1
Author: Sharon Sala
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 22, 2016 (Original February 4, 2014 different title)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

It’s never too late
Mike Dalton has secretly loved LilyAnn Bronte since they were all children together in the small town of Blessings, Georgia. But one fateful day T.J. Lachlan roars into town and starts showering LilyAnn with his charm, and Mike feels his dream of them being more than friends slipping away.

To find the love you missed
LilyAnn, as anyone in Blessings will tell you, let herself go after her fiancee was killed in Iraq. The attention of the handsome new guy shocks her into a revelation: she’s ready to live again, and maybe the best is yet to come. The thing is, everybody in Blessings is sure it’s Mike and LilyAnn who belong together-and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to make LilyAnn realize the love of her life has been by her side all along.

Read on for my thoughts on You and Only You. No true spoilers, promise.

Reckless in Texas by Kari Lynn Dell

Posted August 8, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

Title: Reckless in Texas
Series: Texas Rodeo #1
Author: Kari Lynn Dell
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Cowboy Romance
Published: August 2, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Violet Jacobs is fearless. At least, that’s what the cowboys she snatches from under the hooves of bucking horses think. Outside the ring, she’s got plenty of worries rattling her bones: her young son, her mess of a love life, and lately, her family’s struggling rodeo. When she takes business into her own hands and hires on a hotshot bullfighter, she expects to start a ruckus. She never expected Joe Cassidy. Rough and tumble, cocky and charming, Joe’s everything a superstar should be-and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out he’s way out of Violet’s league.

Joe came to Texas to escape a life spiraling out of control. He never planned on sticking around, and he certainly never expected to call this dry and dusty backwater home. But Violet is everything he never knew he was missing, and the deeper he’s pulled into her beautiful mess of a family, the more he realizes this fierce rodeo girl may be offering him the one thing he never could find on his own.

Read on for my thoughts on Reckless in Texas. No true spoilers, promise.