Posted June 8, 2023 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series, Small Town Romance, Women's Fiction / 0 Comments
She has one final wish before she puts a For Sale sign in front of the only home she’s ever known, but can her family make her dream come true?
Margaret Dane Clayton has spent her entire life at the Dane Crown Inn, the beautiful resort located in the quiet beachside town of Emerald Bay. But the inn once hailed as the “gem of Florida’s Treasure Coast” is showing its age, much like its fiercely independent owner. Margaret swears she’ll keep the doors of the inn open forever … until an accident forces her to accept the fact that she can no longer cater to guests on her own. After reaching the most difficult decision of her life, Margaret asks her daughter and nieces to grant her one final wish before she places the property on the market. But will these five women put their busy lives on hold to grant it?
One by one, each of the cousins arrives in Emerald Bay with armloads of excuses and far too much baggage. But when the town’s grumpy—yet oh, so handsome—mayor threatens to close the inn for good, the women agree to give the resort the overhaul it desperately needs. Working with a bank account that’s far too small and facing one crisis after another, Margaret’s daughter and her nieces race to fulfill her final wish. Only one question remains: Can this fractured family set aside their differences long enough to restore the inn … and rebuild the closeness they once treasured?
Titles in the Emerald Bay series include — Treasure Coast Homecoming —♦— Treasure Coast Promise —♦— Treasure Coast Christmas —♦— Treasure Coast Revival —♦— Treasure Coast Discovery —♦— Treasure Coast Legacy —♦—
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Posted May 22, 2023 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), NetGalley, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
As chaotic as it can be, Rosie Dean loves her unruly life. But between raising twins alone, running her struggling bookshop, and secretly writing a parenting advice column, the single mom can’t think about dating. At least that’s what she tells herself . . . until her high school crush (and his incredible blue eyes) returns to Heart Lake for the summer. Even though Evan has grown into a huge grump, he’s still a super sexy one, and soon sparks begin to fly.
Single dad and widower Evan Mills is used to hearing he’s too serious. But with a grieving tween daughter to raise on his own, the graphic designer is just trying to stay strong for her. He hopes a few weeks at the lake will be the fresh start they both need. Evan never anticipated reconnecting with Rosie, or that she could make him feel whole again—if he’d give her the chance. Will one steamy summer with Rosie be long enough to melt Evan’s heart?
Includes the bonus novella, Annie Rains’ Kiss Me in Sweetwater Springs!
Titles in the Heart Lake series include — Dreaming of a Heart Lake Christmas —♥— The Little Bookstore on Heart Lake Lane —♥— A Heart Lake Summer —♥—
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Posted April 27, 2023 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Entangled Publishing, Modern Western Romance, NetGalley, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Hope Roberts has a strict No Cowboys Allowed policy. Between raising her daughter, running her business, and trying to settle into her new ranch, Hope has no room for romance—especially when it comes to cowboys. What she needs is someone to help fix her ranch. But the only person to respond to her ad is the one man Hope still blames for her husband’s death…
In Wishing River, Dr. Dean Stanton is pretty much a legend. Cowboy, doctor, heir to his family’s ranching empire—everyone knows and loves him…with the exception of Hope. But Dean doesn’t trust a complete stranger to keep Hope and her daughter safe. And despite their troubled past, he’s still the best cowboy for her job.
Bit by cautious bit, Hope’s little family of two is making room for the man she once thought of as her enemy. Until one day, Dean looks like the perfect exception to her “no cowboys” rule. But he’s been keeping a secret from her that could destroy their newfound family…
Titles in the Wishing River series include — The Trouble with Cowboys —♥— Cowboy for Hire —♥— Wishing for a Cowboy —♥— Mail Order Cowboy —♥—
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Posted April 26, 2023 by Marsha in Author ARC, Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Holiday Romance, NetGalley, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Actress Catalina Jones has no intention of spreading Christmas cheer. She’s in St. Nicholas, Colorado, to save her career, not uncover the truth behind the famous “Scrooge Legend.” Besides, there isn’t enough magic in the world to fix the trust issues years in show business have given her.
When Hollywood director turned wildlife photographer Jay Townsend hears Catalina is the lead in the production, he has no intention of lending a hand. She’d been his leading lady once…before she broke his heart.
But some things are just meant to be.
Together again in a winter wonderland filled with someone’s little helpers determined to spread Christmas cheer, Catalina and Jay find themselves on a journey of rediscovery and learn that love is the most powerful magic of all.
Titles in the Christmas in St. Nicholas series include — Colorado Christmas Magic —♥— A Movie Magic Christmas —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
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Posted April 25, 2023 by Marsha in Author ARC, Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Holiday Romance, NetGalley, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
When sparks start flying, these total opposites discover Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.
To raise enough money to start her own business, Nola Bennett needs to sell “The Castle,” her beloved grandmother’s historic house, and get back home to the city. But Heart Lake’s most eligible bachelor is insisting she hangs on to the property. He may be one of the hottest, grumpiest men she’s ever seen, but Nola has no time to pine over her high school crush.
All woodworker Tanner Dean wants for Christmas is some peace and quiet, but that’s not going to happen with the infuriating, irresistible Nola Bennett back in town. How can he persuade her to keep The Castle out of the hands of greedy developers when sizzling attraction flares every time they’re together? And the more time he spends with Nola, the harder it becomes to picture a future without her—unless he can convince her, once and for all, that Heart Lake is exactly where she belongs.
Includes the bonus novella The Christmas Wish by Melinda Curtis!
Titles in the Heart Lake series include — Dreaming of a Heart Lake Christmas —♥— The Little Bookstore on Heart Lake Lane —♥—
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Posted April 25, 2023 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, NetGalley, Small Town Romance, St. Martin's Press / 0 Comments
When newly divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love—but Ivy didn’t bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it’s a full-time job sorting through all of it.
At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit—beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit, she finds a note written in a childish hand: it’s from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?
Ivy’s quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.
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Posted April 6, 2023 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Kensington Books, NetGalley, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Starri Knight is a big believer in fate. How else to explain the compelling connection she feels to the stranger she pulls out of a wrecked car on the very same road where her parents died twenty years earlier? Alongside Auntie Ona-May, the only mother she’s ever known, Starri saves Rusty O’Sullivan’s life—just as Ona-May once did when Starri was an orphaned babe. But convincing Rusty he has something to live for is going to take all of Starri’s faith in miracles . . .
Like a wish he hadn’t even known to make, Starri landed in Rusty’s life, filling him with a longing for a family. . . . Then Jackson Landry, a new lawyer, turns up to present a surprise that will change the direction of his life: An inheritance from the father Rusty never knew—and the promise of the family he’d never had. It’s a lot for the hard-bitten loner to
accept as love rushes into his life . . .
A sense of duty has Rusty heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father’s estate—and find his lost siblings. But having a family is one thing; learning to love them is another. Good thing new friends are by his side to help him along the way.
Titles in the Someday Valley series include — Strawberry Lane —♦—
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Posted March 17, 2023 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, NetGalley, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance, Sourcebooks Casablanca / 0 Comments
A fresh start in a new place is always full of surprises…
After two back-to-back life-changing events, first-grade teacher Katie McGrath leaves Albuquerque for a fresh start in Borden’s Gap, Tennessee.
She is finally back in the classroom where she belongs, but it will take a little while for her to heal and truly feel like herself.
She’ll need to dig deep to find the courage to try again—in life and in love—but with some help from her neighbor Sam Youngblood and his adorable twin daughters, her future is looking brighter than she dared imagine.
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
Possible Trigger Warning: mention of drug abuse and school violence, not the main story, but if these might be a trigger for you, just be aware
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Posted March 10, 2023 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), NetGalley, Series, Small Town Romance, Women's Fiction / 0 Comments
Ashley Howland Scott has no time for romance as she grieves the loss of her husband, cares for her young son, and runs Magnolia Harbor’s only bed and breakfast. Ashley never imagined she’d notice—let alone have feelings for—another man after her husband was killed in Afghanistan five years earlier. But slowly, softly, Rev. Micah St. Pierre has become a friend . . . and now maybe something more. Despite her reluctance, Ashley has to admit that Micah is kind, thoughtful, and handsome to boot. All the more reason to steer clear of him. She can’t risk her heart again.
After becoming the center of Magnolia Harbor’s rumor mill once, Micah St. Pierre has no interest in letting the members of the local quilting club play matchmaker for him. Besides, the only woman he’s interested in is the one he can never have. Micah is not allowed to date a member of his congregation, so there’s no point in sharing his feelings with Ashley, no matter how much he yearns to. But the more time they spend with each other, the more Micah wonders whether Ashley is his match made in heaven.
Titles in the Moonlight Bay series include — The Cottage on Rose Lane —♥— Summer on Moonlight Bay —♥— Return to Magnolia Harbor —♥— A Wedding on Lilac Lane —♥— The Beachside Bed and Breakfast —♥—
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Posted February 10, 2023 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Kensington Books, Modern Western Romance, NetGalley, Romantic Suspense, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
In Morgan Valley, two wary loners discover they’re perfect together . . .
Beth Baker can tell that her summer tenant wants to be left to himself, and that suits her more than fine. Conner O’Neil is a brooding, retired Navy SEAL whose only friend seems to be his pet half-wolf, Loki. But Beth becomes concerned when Loki turns up on her doorstep, demanding she follows him back to Conner’s cabin . . .
Ailing, Conner would rather stay holed up like a wounded animal than allow anyone to nurse him back to health. But he quickly learns that resisting Beth is futile. Another discovery: they have more in common than he expected. She’s an irresistible blend of strength and gentleness, and soon enough, Conner wants to show her it’s okay to trust him because he’ll never let trouble reach her side again . . .
*Previously appeared in the anthology Lone Wolf
This title is connected to the Morgan Valley world, and while you do not have to have read those series to enjoy this one at all – it is part of a larger world with fascinating characters and really good stories.
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Posted February 8, 2023 by Marsha in Entangled Publishing, Historical Romance, NetGalley, Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com), Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
At the ripe old age of twenty-eight, desperate-to-retire gunslinger Adam Brady has exactly two rules. And one of them is never, ever get married. So he’ll be danged when his dreams of permanently avoiding the bounty hunter on his tail in Desolation, the only town where notorious men like him can find respite, come with one helluva string attached. The town has a new rule: gunslingers welcome—if they get a job…or marry.
Without realizing it, Adam stumbles into a big town wedding and accidentally marries Nora Schumacher, a sassy-mouthed mountain of a woman with legs as long as his wanted poster. So what’s a gunslinger to do but get himself unhitched and find a job. Any job. Except Adam keeps getting fired, one odd circumstance after another. And he’s running out of options.
Desolation was supposed to be his safe haven. Except, he’s not only running from his past but from the irresistible woman he married. And worse, he’s finding that he rather likes the enticing, if damnably independent, wife of his. But some men just aren’t the marrying kind. Only, if he leaves, his own life won’t be worth living. If he stays, he puts the lives of his newfound family and the woman he loves on the line. So much for Desolation being the answer to all his problems.
Titles in the Gunslinger series (standalone) include — Hitched to the Gunslinger —♥— The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
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Posted January 24, 2023 by Marsha in Booksprout ARC, Paranormal Cozy Mystery, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Magic in this witch’s family has a name: Trouble.
Sidney Grace is trying to adjust to her new life in Crystal Beach, Florida which comes with a whole new set of challenges. Mainly, what is she going to do to support herself now and how long can she stay illegally parked at the beach? The handsome Officer Reece is tough on criminals and even tougher on witches. But these aren’t even her biggest troubles…
For starters, her mom, the Tupperware Queen, is headed down for a surprise visit…to look at buying her own property in Crystal Beach. After all, who else is going to protect Sidney from her magic-wielding grandmother? Cue the funeral march on Sydney’s phone. Now she must contend with a pushy realtor, her crazy new boss, a botched mini-golf tournament, and her talking cat, while secretly unlocking her own magic.
As she opens her mind to her psychic powers to help the residents at Shifting Sands, Sidney discovers a second chance for love, but her heart is pulling her in two different directions, and one direction could very well be deadly.
The Crystal Beach Magic Mystery (a Paranormal Cozy Mystery) series include — Cat Scratch Murder —♦— Claw of Attraction —♦— Feline Like a Suspect —♦— A Meowing Suspicion —♦— Paws in Space —♦—
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Posted January 18, 2023 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Kensington Books, NetGalley, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Benjamin Monroe is pretty sure how his life will play out. He’ll continue teaching chemistry in his small college, and spend his free time biking through the valley. Eventually, he’ll retire to putter around in his garden and greenhouse.
His colleague, Virginia Clark, is not one for routines. She’s chatty, spontaneous, and bubbly, and before Benjamin realizes what happened, she’s talked him into collaborating on a research project—studying the mating habits of college students.
Ketch Kincaid, one of Benjamin’s star students, returned to college after serving in the army. He needs something to get his mind off his recent breakup and collecting research data might do it.
And there’s another distraction on the horizon—a woman who looks like she, too, knows about heartache. Soon enough, their project, “The Chemistry of Mating,” is gaining notoriety. Friends, neighbors . . . the whole town has become involved. But no matter what the data determines, one conclusion seems inescapable: love follows its own rules . . .
Titles in the Honey Creek series include — Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café —♥— Picnic in Someday Valley —♥— Dinner on Primrose Hill —♥— Sunday at the Sunflower Inn —♥—
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Posted January 16, 2023 by Marsha in Cozy Mystery, Kensington Books, NetGalley, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
ʼTis the day after Christmas, following a wicked-busy time of year for Mac’s bike shop. It’s just as well her Cozy Capers Book Group’s new pick is a nerve-soothing coloring book mystery, especially when she has last-minute wedding planning to do.
But all pre-wedding jitters fade into the background when Mac and her fiancé, Tim, begin a cottage renovation project and open up a wall to find a skeleton—sitting on a stool, dressed in an old-fashioned bridal gown . . .
As Mac delves into the decades-old mystery with the help of librarian Flo and her book group, she discovers a story of star-crossed lovers and feuding families worthy of the bard himself. Yet this tale has a modern-day villain still lurking in Mac’s quaint seaside town, ready to make this a murderous New Year’s Eve . . .
Titles in the A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series include — Murder on Cape Cod —♦— Murder at the Taffy Shop —♦— Murder at the Lobstah Shack —♦— Murder in a Cape Cottage —♦— Murder at a Cape Bookstore —♦—
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Posted November 12, 2022 by Marsha in Fantasy, Paranormal Women's Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
I love the Grimm Cove series by Mandy M. Roth. It’s quirky, funny, a touch dangerous, and always a reading experience that I return to as often as possible. The most recent addition to the series is Thunder with a Chance of Lovestruck, and I’m excited to say it’s in my pile of books to be read this coming week.
When Detective Drest Bright meets his newest charge, sparks literally fly. There is no denying the instant attraction he feels for Rachael Frankenstein. But she’s off-limits, and he knows as much. Her family has been a thorn in the side of the Nightshade Fae Hunters for over a hundred years, and they aren’t about to let him run off into the sunset with her without a fight. But if it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they’ll get because this lovestruck Fae will do anything he can to be with his mate again.
But in the meantime, if you haven’t already gotten started on the Grimm Cove series now is a great time to start – and if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription then it’s even easier to get started. 🙂
Titles in the Grimm Cove series include — Cloudy with a Chance of Witchcraft —♦— Hexing with a Chance of Tornadoes —♦— Spellcasting with a Chance of Spirits —♦— Starry with a Chance of Nightshade —♦— Thunder with a Chance of Lovestruck —♦— Wind with a Chance of Wolfsbane —♦—
Find Thunder with a Chance of Lovestruck on Amazon for the Kindle with this link.