Category: Contemporary Romance

Marry Me by Karen Stivali

Posted March 28, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 1 Comment

Title: Marry Me
Series:
Author: Karen Stivali
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Light Erotica
Published: March 24, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

When British drummer Ben Davis lost his childhood sweetheart, he vowed to never love again. He immerses himself in his music, which propels him to international stardom and a lavish lifestyle, but has left his heart cold—until he meets creative and sexy clothing designer Julia Jones.

Julia’s career may be skyrocketing, but her personal life tanked when her last boyfriend crossed the line from controlling to violent. Certain that romance is not in the cards for her, she focuses on her career. Then devastatingly sexy Ben strolls into her life and his intoxicating charisma is impossible to resist.

Once Julia allows Ben into her bed and her heart, they fall hard and fast. But when Julia’s life is endangered, Ben’s reaction terrifies her. They both must confront their past demons if they want a chance at a future together.

Read on for my thoughts on Marry Me. No true spoilers, promise.

Rebel Cowboy by Nicole Helm

Posted March 10, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

Title: Rebel Cowboy
Series: Big Sky Cowboys #1
Author: Nicole Helm
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Cowboy Romance (modern), Sports Romance
Published: January 5, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Mel Shaw is determined to keep her family ranch from going under, so she takes on a job helping some city slicker get his old ranch up and running. And if that means being in tight quarters with the hot NHL-star-turned-cowboy? Well, she did say she’d do anything for family.

After leaving his NHL career behind, Dan never expected to find a home on his rundown Montana ranch, but with Mel guiding the way, he finds that and so much more.

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

Risking It All by Christi Barth

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

Title: Risking It All
Series: Naked Men #1
Author: Christi Barth
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 8, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Who doesn’t love Naked Men? In Christi Barth’s irresistible series, a group of close-knit friends talk out their problems with naked honesty on a popular blog. Bonded by a high-school tragedy, they’re moving on from the past—and fighting for the future with strong and sassy women.

Griffin Montgomery helps people. As a teenager, he kept his best friends alive after their soccer team’s bus crashed in the Alps. Now, as a Coast Guard search and rescue pilot, he saves lives with reckless abandon—until he goes too far and earns a lengthy suspension. Working on the Naked Men projects keeps his mind busy, but Griff’s itching to get back in the action. That’s when he finds his latest rescue mission: a pretty wallflower who’s stuck in her comfort zone.

Chloe Widmore doesn’t take risks. As a professional letter writer, she gets enough excitement out of expressing other people’s emotions. So when the hottest man she’s ever seen invades her coffee shop, Chloe surprises herself with how much she wants to be with him. Routines make her feel safe. Griff makes her deliciously unsafe, in so many ways. But falling for him is one risk she might just have to take . . . whether she’s ready or not.

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

Jackson’s Trust by Violet Duke

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

Title: Jackson’s Trust
Series: Fourth Down #1
Author: Violet Duke
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 8, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

It’s no secret that sports analyst Jackson Gray doesn’t do relationships. What is a secret, however, is the reason why. Jackson’s life is . . . complicated. And it doesn’t help that his current hands-off “friendship” is with the cute-as-hell new sideline reporter he’s assigned to train. Turns out, not only is the woman damn sweet, she also knows as much about football as he does. Like it or not though, Jackson has to remind himself that sex is the only thing he has to offer . . . until now.

Leila Hart’s fast-growing friendship with Jackson is something she’d never risk, no matter how unbelievably seductive the reward. Becoming an NFL sportscaster has always been the goal, and thanks to Jackson’s fierce support and mentoring, it all finally seems within reach. Problem is, a girl can only take so much of that sexy-as-sin voice whispering dirty, filthy football stats in her ear before she loses all self-control. A workplace romance with Jackson is a disaster waiting to happen, especially for someone with big dreams . . . and secrets of her own.

Read on for my thoughts on Jackson’s Trust. No true spoilers, promise.

Worth The Trouble by Jamie Beck

Posted March 3, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Worth The Trouble
Series: St. James #2
Author: Jamie Beck
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Cover girl Cat St. James’s picture-perfect life is anything but flawless. Luckily, she’s a master of hiding the truth from the camera. Relying on that skill, she conceals her latest secret from her family while attending her brother’s wedding. Her only trouble now is Hank Mitchell—the soft-spoken carpenter she’d once brushed aside. Seeing him at the reception underscores her private heartache and ignites unwelcome longing, which she promptly drowns in champagne.

Hank is no stranger to sacrifice, having set aside his own ambitions to take care of his family. One thing he won’t forsake is his pride, which Cat already wounded once. But when the maddening beauty’s reckless behavior forces him to rush to her rescue, he sets in motion a series of events that leads Cat to make a business proposal granting him his dream job.

When Cat and Hank mix business with pleasure, promises and secrets unravel, and each must decide if and what they’ll surrender for love.

Read on for my thoughts on Worth The Trouble. No true spoilers, promise.

Tall, Dark, Billionaire Texan by Mandy Baxter

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

Title: Tall, Dark Billionaire Texan
Series: The Billionaire’s Club
Author: Mandy Baxter
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Cowboy Romance
Published: March 1, 2016
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley (& e-book versions of 3 owned)
Cover Description:

In The Billionaire Cowboy, Ryder is a rough-riding cattle baron. When a gorgeous, feisty veterinarian arrives at the ranch, he meets the one spirit he can’t tame. And now he will do anything to show her what he’s really made of…

Dallas Cowboy Jase is a pro at charming women, including the hot waitress he meets in The Billion Dollar Player. But when their passionate encounter inspires Jase to do better on the field, he can’t help but wonder: Are his days as a player numbered?

Rock star Luke has enough money and groupies to last forever. But when his wild life wears him down, he goes home in search of the one woman who’s ever meant anything to him. But will she see past his fame and love him for who he really is in Rocked by the Billionaire?

In The Billionaire Sheriff, Noah pulls shifts in the police department. He doesn’t need the money, but he wants to make a contribution. So when beautiful bar owner Naomi lands in trouble, Noah is eager to help her out…and offer protection in his strong, loving arms.

Read on for my thoughts on Tall, Dark, Billionaire Texan. No true spoilers, promise.

Dangerous To Know by Dawn Ryder

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

Title: Dangerous To Know
Series: Unbroken Heroes #1
Author: Dawn Ryder
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance
Published: March 1, 2016
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

She’s too good to be bad

A bad-boy member of an elite Special Ops team, Mercer has never been assigned an undercover mission he couldn’t complete. But when his latest job requires him to gain the trust-and get into the bed-of his newest target, the sexy, fiery colonel’s daughter, he has a whole new challenge ahead of him. All evidence points to her being a traitor to the country he’s sworn to protect, but the crackling desire between them is too strong a feeling to ignore…

He’s too bad to resist

Zoe has always kept her secrets close to the vest. The only woman in a decorated military family, she’s been taught that to let someone close is to flirt with disaster. But when the dangerously handsome, alpha-strong Mercer comes blazing into her life full-speed, it’s all Zoe can do to resist his wicked seduction. As danger circles closer, Zoe must decide if she can trust him to protect her-but there’s no way he could be bad when he makes her feel this good.

Read on for my thoughts on Dangerous To Know. No true spoilers, promise.

Bayou Beckons by Linda Joyce

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

Title: Bayou Beckons
Series: Fleur De Lis #3
Author: Linda Joyce
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 3, 2015
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Party-girl and bayou babe Camilla Lind treats life like a game. After sleeping with her sister’s fiancé, she’s struggling to change, but karmic payback is a bitch. When the actions of her past crash into the present, they stand to ruin her future…and destroy any chance of love with the only man she’s ever wanted.

Rancher Jared Richardson guards his heart carefully after suffering the pain of infidelity. He never expected to fall for a woman like Camilla Lind, nor did he think he’d follow her across the country to beg for a second chance at love.

As Hurricane Katrina bears down on them, can they weather the storm and put aside past hurts to embrace their future together?

Read on for my thoughts on Bayou Beckons. No true spoilers, promise.

Distilled Heat by Jennifer Bramseth

Posted February 26, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Distilled Heat
Series: Bourbon Springs #6
Author: Jennifer Bramseth
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Woodford Press
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Pepper Montrose has only known bad luck for most of her life. But when incredible good luck finally strikes, her life is irrevocably changed by unexpected good fortune—as well as an unexpected encounter with Jon Buckler, her lifelong best friend.

Yet after finding each other, Pepper discovers something that opens old wounds and strikes at the heart of her fears about their new relationship. Jon doesn’t give up and is there for Pepper as she faces new challenges in her new life. His instincts emerge to protect her, but those same instincts end up threatening the future he desperately wants to claim with his best friend….the love of his life.

Read on for my thoughts on Distilled Heat. No true spoilers, promise.

A Girl’s Guide to Moving On by Debbie Macomber

Posted February 23, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series, Women's Fiction / 0 Comments

Title: A Girl’s Guide to Moving On
Series: New Beginnings #2
Author: Debbie Macomber
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Published: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Ballantine Books
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

When Nichole discovers that her husband, Jake, has been unfaithful, the illusion of her perfect life is indelibly shattered. While juggling her young son, a new job, and volunteer work, Nichole meets Rocco, who is the opposite of Jake in nearly every way. Though blunt-spoken and rough around the edges, Rocco proves to be a dedicated father and thoughtful friend. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Jake wagers everything on winning Nichole back—including their son Owen’s happiness. Somehow, Nichole must find the courage to defy her fears and follow her heart, with far-reaching consequences for them all.

Leanne has quietly ignored her husband’s cheating for decades, but is jolted into action by the echo of Nichole’s all-too-familiar crisis. While volunteering as a teacher of English as a second language, Leanne meets Nikolai, a charming, talented baker from Ukraine. Resolved to avoid the heartache and complications of romantic entanglements, Leanne nonetheless finds it difficult to resist Nikolai’s effusive overtures—until an unexpected tragedy tests the very fabric of her commitments.

An inspiring novel of friendship, reinvention, and hope, A Girl’s Guide to Moving On affirms the ability of every woman to forge a new path, believe in love, and fearlessly find happiness.

Read on for my thoughts about A Girl’s Guide to Moving On. No true spoilers, promise.

Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill

Posted February 19, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Call Me, Maybe
Series:
Author: Ellie Cahill
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 9, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Clementine Daly knows she’s the black sheep. Her wealthy, powerful family has watched her very closely since she almostgot caught in an embarrassing scandal a few years ago. So when Clementine’s sent on a mission to live up to the Daly name, politely declining isn’t even an option. Of course, the last thing Clementine does before departure is grab a stranger’s phone by mistake—leaving the hunky journalist with her phone. Soon his sexy voice is on the line, but he doesn’t know her real name, or her famous pedigree—which is just the way Clementine likes it.

Despite all the hassles, Justin Mueller is intrigued to realize that the beautiful brown-eyed girl he met at the airport is suddenly at his fingertips. They agree to exchange phones when they’re both back in town, but after a week of flirty texts and wonderfully intimate conversations, Justin doesn’t want to let her go that easy. The only problem? It turns out that Clemetine has been lying to him about, well, everything. Except for the one thing two people can’t fake, the only thing that matters: The heat between them is for real.

Read on for my thoughts on Call Me, Maybe. No true spoilers, promise.

Hidden Heat by Carla Swafford

Posted February 19, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Hidden Heat
Series: Brothers of Mayhem #1
Author: Carla Swafford
Genre: Romance, MC Romance
Published: February 16, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Cassidy Ryder refuses to be intimidated by anyone, even the hell-raising, hard-drinking Brothers of Mayhem. The daughter of their former president, she’s not above smashing a few heads to keep her teenage brother safe. But when Cassidy’s big mouth gets her in trouble, the only thing that saves her is some quick thinking from the Brothers’ bartender. He’s commanding and strong, and as smooth as the whiskey he pours: the ultimate temptation for a girl who swore she’d never be a biker’s plaything.

But Thorn Savalas is no ordinary biker. He’s a cop, and he’s worked too hard earning the Brothers’ trust to blow his cover over a female—even one who rocks a pair of jeans like Cassidy. The only way to protect her is by claiming she’s his old lady. Trouble is, Thorn can’t just pretend. He wants Cassidy, and every scorching touch tells him she feels the same. But acting on their hottest fantasies could leave them both exposed . . . even if nothing else has ever felt so real.

Read on for my thoughts on Hidden Heat. No true spoilers, promise.

The Turning Point by Marie Meyer

Posted February 3, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Turning Point
Series:
Author: Marie Meyer
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Published: January 12, 2016
Publisher: Forever Yours
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Author’s Gift
Cover Description:

It’s funny how a piece of paper can change your life-a diploma, a ticket . . . a plain, white envelope.

For as long as I could remember, I was the girl with the plan. Good college, good medical school, good career. I would save lives instead of standing by helplessly, watching while they slipped away.

That was before my father called for the first time in fifteen years to tell me about the terminal illness stealing his life-an illness that might be stealing mine, too. It was before he gave me the name of a doctor and a plane ticket to Italy. Before I flew across an ocean. Before I realized how brilliantly bright life could be. Before I met Lucas.

He’s everything I’ve always wanted, and the timing couldn’t be worse. I can’t do this to him-he deserves so much better. My head tells me I can’t afford to fall in love with Lucas, but my heart won’t listen. Lucas is fearless about the future, while I’m not even sure I have one. There’s only one way to know what’s ahead and it’s waiting for me at home inside a plain, white envelope.

Read on for my thoughts on The Turning Point. No true spoilers, promise.

Loving Her Crazy by Kira Archer

Posted January 18, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

Title: Loving Her Crazy
Series: Crazy Love #3
Author: Kira Archer
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 18, 2016
Publisher: Entangled Lovestruck
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Iris Clayton is supposed to be on a tropical island, soaking up the sun and a few dozen mojitos. Instead, she’s snowbound in Chicago overnight, holding out hope the morning flight isn’t cancelled. Good thing there’s a hot cowboy to keep her company. And it doesn’t hurt that Mr. Tall, Calm, and Sun-Streaked can make her tremble with one sultry look from under his well-worn hat.

Montana rancher Nash Wallace sucks at ice skating, has no clue what a selfie is, and may be a tad averse to breaking and entering, but being with Iris makes him want to bend a few rules. Or, hell, throw them out the window altogether. She’s fun, spontaneously crazy, and can rock a Muppet fur coat like no one’s business. He’s falling hard and fast, but wanting to spend his life with someone after one night is insane.

Except, nothing has ever felt so right, and neither of them wants the night to end.

Read on for my thoughts on Loving Her Crazy. No true spoilers, promise.

For Seven Nights Only by Sarah Ballance

Posted January 18, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: For Seven Nights Only
Series: Chase Brothers #2
Author: Sarah Ballance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 18, 2016
Publisher: Entangled Lovestruck
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Kelsie Reed is over bad luck and bad men. Newly dumped, she’s now the pathetically single maid of honor in her sister’s wedding—and her ex is the best man. Her bad luck continues when a plumbing meltdown in her apartment sends her sexy neighbor running to her rescue. He’s got “serial dater” written all over him, which is unfortunate because the man is hot.

Sawyer Chase loves women, but settling down? He’ll leave that to his brothers. But when Kelsie confesses she’s a dating disaster and is about to become the laughing stock of her family wedding, Sawyer takes control. He’s got one week to teach her how to land the man of her dreams, and he’ll do it on her terms: no touching, no kissing, and definitely nothing more.

But some rules need to be broken, especially when, for once, there’s something on the line worth fighting for.

Read on for my thoughts on For Seven Nights Only. No true spoilers, promise.