Category: Contemporary Romance

Bachelor For Hire by Charlene Sands

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

Title: Bachelor For Hire
Series: Bachelor Auction Returns
Author: Charlene Sands
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

Ex-Army sergeant and security expert, Cody Matthews recently walked away from his company to work The Lucky B Ranch just outside of Marietta, Montana. The ranch is his refuge, but his hiding out is short-lived when he’s recruited into the Marietta Bachelor Auction and his high school ex-crush bids a small fortune to spend one weekend with him.

Hollywood starlet, Hayley Dawn O’Malley has had decent, honest, sexy Code Matthews on the brain ever since she left Marietta after high school to pursue her dreams. But now she’s back in town and someone is threatening her. Cody, a natural-born protector, is the only man she trusts to keep her safe.

Spending their weekend date in a remote cabin, Cody plays the role of reluctant bodyguard, yet Hayley isn’t going to let the tormented man deny his feelings for her, no matter the threat to her body or her heart.

Read on for my thoughts on Bachelor For Hire. No true spoilers, promise.

The All-Star Antes Up by Nancy Herkness

Posted May 31, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: The All-Star Antes Up
Series: Wager of Hearts #2
Author: Nancy Herkness
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Published: May 31, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

“No strings, no rings.” That’s Luke Archer’s motto. As the champion quarterback for the New York Empire—not to mention a self-made billionaire—Luke has given up on serious relationships. Women only want him for one thing: the thrill of being with a superstar. And he likes it that way too. But when his best friend announces he’s retiring from football to spend time with his wife and kids, Luke feels like he’s missing out on something much bigger than his career.

The assistant concierge in Luke’s luxury high-rise, Miranda Tate fled her family’s dairy farm to come to the bright lights of New York City. She works hard to move up and sends her spare earnings home to her brother. When she and Luke meet, there’s an instant sexual attraction which turns steamy quickly, but they’re in completely different leagues. Could Miranda be just the woman Luke needs to win the most important game of his life?

Read on for my thoughts on The All-Star Antes Up. No true spoilers, promise.

Shanahan’s Revenge by Julie Mac

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

Title: Shanahan’s Revenge
Series:
Author: Julie Mac
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 1, 2016
Publisher: Escape Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

When the CEO of one of New Zealand’s biggest companies steps down, heir apparent Kate McPherson and Australian outsider Sam Shanahan are left fighting for control of McPherson & Co.

But Sam hasn’t just travelled to New Zealand for business. He’s there to avenge the wrongs done to his mother three decades ago, and he’s determined that no one—especially not his beautiful arch rival—will get in his way.

Poised to take over the company from her father, Kate has fought hard for her success and will do anything to defeat the stranger who’s after her job—no matter how strong the chemistry between them.

Sam and Kate are driven apart by ambition and drawn together by fiery attraction. And between them sizzles a family secret that threatens to blow Kate’s world apart.

Read on for my thoughts on Shanahan’s Revenge. No true spoilers, promise.

Chasing Memories by Anna James

Posted May 28, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Chasing Memories
Series: Forevermore #2
Author: Anna James
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 12, 2016
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Lucas Morgan wants to know the cause of the hit-and-run accident that killed his grandmother, and he s certain the truth is locked inside the head of India Leone an interior designer apparently suffering an all-too-convenient case of amnesia.

Determined to either trip her up in a lie, or wait for her memories to return, Lucas offers India a job at one of the luxury hotel properties he s developing. He never thought he’d wind up falling for the woman at the top of his suspect list.

India isn’t so sure herself how she ended up at the wrong place at the wrong time. Until her memories return, how can she possibly move on with her life? The police say she’s innocent, but too many questions linger.

Desperate to get away, she seizes Lucas’ offer, never expecting to fall in love with him. Or that he would be keeping secrets that could not only break her heart, but cost her life.

Read on for my thoughts on Chasing Memories. No true spoilers, promise.

Outlaw Cowboy by Nicole Helm

Posted May 24, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Outlaw Cowboy
Series: Big Sky Cowboys #2
Author: Nicole Helm
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 3, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Ever since his father’s accident, Caleb Shaw vowed he’d mend his wild ways, and he means to keep his word. He’s a changed man. A better man. And he knows he should want absolutely nothing to do with his crazy old life…or the maddening temptation that is Delia Rogers.

Because Delia? Is nothing but trouble.

Delia’s been stealing her sisters away from their violent father ever since she was old enough to fight back. But now with the police on her trail and all her bridges burned, there’s nowhere left to run but back into the arms of the one cowboy she knows she shouldn’t need. Caleb has always been too good for her, no matter how bad he claimed to be. Yet when close quarters turn into something more, Delia and Caleb are forced to decide what really matters: mending their reputations or healing their wary hearts.

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

Cop On Her Doorstep by Karen Docter

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

Title: Cop On Her Doorstep
Series:
Author: Karen Docter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 25, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

In the six years since her husband was killed by S.W.A.T., Carrie Padilla has spent long hours at work, rebuilding a life for herself and her son. The little time she has at home is spent keeping her eight-year-old son out of trouble, but he is all too eager to try to be the man in the house. When a handsome cop shows up on her doorstep, her errant son in tow, Carrie’s heart stutters. The sexy Italian cop sets off all kinds of bells in her system, and she knows there’s only one thing she can do to save what is left of her family, her husband’s memory, and her heart…avoid her new neighbor at all costs.

S.W.A.T. officer Jake Stafani already lost one little boy to gang violence, the dead boy’s older brother is missing, and Jake’s not about to let the same thing happen to a neighbor’s son. He drags the youngster home only to discover much more than a passing interest in the boy’s beautiful, but wary, mother. Forced to take a leave of absence after a bust goes awry, Jake can think of nothing better to occupy his time than to keep Carrie and her son safe, and locate the missing teen who holds the key to taking the gang off the streets, once and for all.

But Jake doesn’t count on his stubborn, intriguing neighbor distracting him from his job, or the passion that flares between them. He doesn’t expect her amazing son to steal a piece of his heart. Jake is ready to risk everything for Carrie, body and soul. But it’s not all up to him. If their new love is to survive, Carrie will need to be strong enough to see the man’s beating heart behind the badge, to look beyond the pain of her past, and decide that loving again is worth the risk.

Read on for my thoughts on Cop On Her Doorstep. No true spoilers, promise.

Strip You Bare by Maisey Yates

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

Title: Strip You Bare
Series: Deacons of Bourbon Street #4
Author: Maisey Yates
Genre: Contemporary Romance, MC Romance
Published: January 5, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Micah Carpenter hates New Orleans. Hell, after ten years he no longer has much affection for the Deacons of Bourbon Street motorcycle club, either. But when the brotherhood calls, Micah answers. Joining the hunt for their mentor’s killer, he crosses paths with a Southern belle who exudes class—and sex appeal. Micah knows better than to mess with ice princesses: No matter how hot things get, they never melt. And yet he can’t stop himself from offering her a taste of the wrong side of the tracks.

Sarah Delacroix understands that reputation is everything. The daughter of a prominent family rocked by scandal, she’s desperate to restore their good name. Micah’s exactly the kind of man she should be avoiding. Behind his sleek and sophisticated exterior beats the heart of a predator—and she knows it. But, like the tattoos beneath his tailored suit, his rough edges are irresistible. And all too soon Sarah finds him getting under her skin . . . and living out every one of her hottest fantasies.

Read on for my thoughts on Strip You Bare. No true spoilers, promise.

Project Virgin by Megan Crane

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

Title: Project Virgin
Series:
Author: Megan Crane
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 21, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Maybe the worst idea she’s ever had is actually the best thing she could ever do…

Newbie lawyer Scottie Grey spent entirely too many years listening to her ex-fiancé’s lies. Now that she’s finally kicked that cheater out of her life, she wants to waste no time getting rid of the albatross around her neck: her virginity.

Damon Patrick is the worst possible candidate for the project. He’s too good-looking, too experienced. He’s too well known around San Francisco—mostly for his many sexual exploits.

He’s also kinda, sorta Scottie’s boss.

Damon is the worst man for the job imaginable… which might just make him the only one Scottie can imagine giving her virginity to after all.

Read on for my thoughts on Project Virgin. No true spoilers, promise.

Welcome Home, Cowboy by Annie Rains

Posted May 9, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Welcome Home, Cowboy
Series: Hero’s Welcome #2
Author: Annie Rains
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance
Published: April 26, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

After a bad breakup leaves Julie Chandler completely devastated, she comes to Seaside seeking a fresh start. A talented, compassionate yoga teacher, she has developed a program to help alleviate the effects of PTSD, but getting a bunch of bullheaded Marines into downward facing dog might be impossible. So Julie’s shocked when one of her first students dives in headfirst—and almost tempts her to take down her walls with his easy smile and electrifying touch.

Ever since Texas cowboy turned Marine pilot Lawson Phillips lost a crew member in a helicopter accident, he hasn’t been able to fly. When a psychologist orders him to attend, of all things, a yoga class, Lawson’s outraged—until he finds out Julie is the instructor. She’s beautiful, graceful, and completely guarded when it comes to his advances, but he’s determined to find out what makes her tick. Because underneath Julie’s hard shell is a woman Lawson knows he could fall for—and he’s not ready for the ride to end.

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

Lake of Dreams by Linda Howard

Posted May 5, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Lake of Dreams
Series:
Author: Linda Howard
Genre: Contemporary & Paranormal Romance
Published: REPRINT pub. May 2, 2016 (Original anthology May 1, 1995)
Publisher: Pocket Stars
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Dreams and reality collide—with potentially deadly consequences—in this stunning novella from New York Timesbestselling author Linda Howard, available for the first time as a standalone ebook at an unbeatable price!

House painter Thea Marlow hasn’t been sleeping very well. Her nights are plagued by dreams, the setting by the water and the mysterious man who appears in them always the same. But the outcome of the dream changes nightly: sometimes the man loves her…and sometimes he kills her. Desperate for some much needed relaxation, Thea travels to her family’s remote country lake house. Imagine her surprise when a knock at the door reveals the man from her dreams…who happens to have just rented the house next door.

So will he love her—or will he kill her?

Originally published in the anthology Everlasting Love by Linda Howard, Jayne Ann Krentz, Linda Lael Miller, Kasey Michaels and Carla Neggers.

Read on for my thoughts on Lake of Dreams. No true spoilers, promise. Read More

Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle

Posted April 25, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Hold Your Breath
Series: Search and Rescue #1
Author: Katie Ruggle
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Published: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder…

As the captain of Field County’s ice rescue dive team, Callum Cook is driven to perfection. But when he meets new diver Louise “Lou” Sparks, all that hard-won order is obliterated in an instant. Lou is a hurricane. A walking disaster. And with her, he’s never felt more alive…even if keeping her safe may just kill him.

Lou’s new to the Rockies, intent on escaping her controlling ex, and she’s determined to make it on her own terms…no matter how tempting Callum may be. But when a routine training exercise unearths a body, Lou and Callum find themselves thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who will stop at nothing to silence Lou-and prove that not even her new Search and Rescue family can keep her safe forever.

Read on for my thoughts on Hold your Breath. No true spoilers, promise.

On His Watch by Katie Ruggle

Posted April 25, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Title: On His Watch
Series: Search and Rescue 0.5 prequel
Author: Katie Ruggle
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Published: January 5, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder…

Ice rescue diver Derek Warner never meant to be a hero. But when two little girls go missing, he’s the first in line to bring them home-even if that means scouring the wilderness with the woman he once loved and lost, Artemis Rey.

Artemis has never stopped wanting Derek. Now, racing to find the girls before it’s too late, minutes turn to hours. Night falls. Old flames rekindle. And a danger grows in the darkest wilderness that may be more than even the Search and Rescue brotherhood can hope to face…

Read on for my thoughts on On His Watch. No true spoilers, promise.

Once Upon A Wedding by Kelly Rae

Posted April 24, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Once Upon A Wedding
Series: One Day At A Wedding #1
Author: Kelly Rae
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 12, 2016
Publisher: Forever Red Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Cassie Anderson, bridesmaid extraordinaire, is tired of attending her friend’s weddings either solo, or with her best friend, Thad. Finding a real date is simply too much work. Especially when she sees an old acquaintance from high school, Dan, at her friend Shelley’s wedding. After the spark shared between them, Dan has become the object of her affection. Too bad he has a nasty habit of having a date on his arm at every turn. Stealing another woman’s date is against the rules, but if she could just catch him at an event alone…well, that would be fair game! Unfortunately, timing is everything, and she and Dan seem to have the worst. Always the bridesmaid, walking away with nothing more than a dreadful dress,

Cassie is committed to changing her luck and getting her man.

Dan daydreamed about Cassie Anderson through most of his high school classes. She barely knew he was alive – but that didn’t stop him from wanting her for all those years. Unfortunately, her return to his life comes at the worst time possible. As he tries to put his life back together, he keeps an eye on her, hoping to find her single at the right time. A time when it all hurts a bit less. A time when he can offer her all of the love she deserves. After three weddings of happenstance meetings, Dan finds himself to be a little more ready for everything that is Cassie. Putting himself out there, he can only hope she is everything he thinks she might be — his forever girl.

Read on for my thoughts on Once Upon A Wedding. No true spoilers, promise.

Emergency Engagement by Samanthe Beck

Posted April 24, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Emergency Engagement
Series: Love Emergency #1
Author: Samanthe Beck
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 15, 2016
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

He needs the kind of rescue only she can provide…

Glass artist Savannah Smith expected a marriage proposal for Thanksgiving—just not from her strong, silent, super-hot neighbor. But when misplaced mail and a wayward can of paint lands them in a compromising position right as her family arrives for dinner, they assume he’s “The One” she’s been talking about.

Then his family shows up.

Fate dealt a crippling blow to paramedic Beau Montgomery’s heart, and he isn’t about to put it at risk again. Except, with his mother crying tears of joy over his surprise engagement to the sexy little blonde next door, he can’t bring himself to ruin her “Christmas miracle.”

Somewhere between the paint can to the head and the chaotic family trip to the ER, Beau manages to talk Savannah into being his fake fiancée long enough to survive the holidays.

If, of course, they don’t fall in love first…

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

Love To Believe by Lisa Ricard Cllaro

Posted April 24, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Love To Believe
Series: Fireflies #2
Author: Lisa Ricard Claro
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 30, 2016
Publisher: Black Opal Books
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

A woman in a man’s world…

CPA Rebecca Walker wields a hammer and saw with skill, but it’s like fighting tooth and nail to prove to her chauvinistic father that she’s capable of managing the family construction business. Romance is a luxury Rebecca can’t afford.

A man with secrets…

Thanks to his past, romance isn’t in Sean Kinkaid’s future, so when Rebecca proposes ‘friends with benefits,’ Sean agrees. It’s the perfect scenario until love sneaks in—and Sean’s secrets tear them apart.

Believe…

But Rebecca has a secret too, one she fears Sean will never accept. It will take intervention from an unlikely source to convince these two lovers they have the one thing neither of them ever expected to find…a love to believe.

Read on for my thoughts on Love to Believe. No true spoilers, promise.