A Little Sugar, A Lot of Love by Linn B. Halton

Posted June 16, 2016 by Marsha in Women's Fiction / 2 Comments

Title: A Little Sugar, A Lot of Love
Series:
Author: Linn B. Halton
Genre: Woman’s Fiction
Published: January 15, 2016
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Life isn’t all love and cupcakes …

Katie has had her fair share of bad luck, but when she finally realizes her dream of opening a bakery it seems things can only get better.

But the reality of running a business hits Katie hard and whilst her partner, Steve, tries to help she begins to sense that the situation is driving them further apart. Could Katie be set to lose her relationship and her dream job?

Then, one winter’s day, a man walks into her shop – and, in the space of that moment, the course of Katie’s life is changed.

But nobody finds happiness in the blink of an eye. Sometimes it takes two Christmases, three birthdays and a whole lot of cake to get there.

Read on for my thoughts on A Little Sugar, A Lot of Love. No true spoilers, promise.

What Happens In Texas by Carolyn Brown

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

Title: What Happens In Texas
Series:
Author: Caroline Brown
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Published: June 7, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Cathy Andrew’s biological clock has passed the ticking stage and is dangerously close to “blown plumb up.” While her twin sister Marty thinks settling down with one man is just a waste of good cowboys, Cathy wants it all: the perfect husband, the baby, and a little house right there in Cadillac. But even as the town is laying bets on whose wedding will be next, Cathy doesn’t see happily-ever-after happening anytime soon.

Fortunately, Cathy and Marty have best friends who aren’t afraid to stir up a ruckus-and if it means Cathy’s got to bust out and set the town on its ear they’ll back her up-no matter how hot things get.

(Originally published as The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society Jubilee.)

Read on for my thoughts on What Happens In Texas. No true spoilers, promise.

It’s In His Smile by Shelly Alexander

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

Title: It’s In His Smile
Series: Red River Valley #3
Author: Shelly Alexander
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 14, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Miranda Cruz isn’t just the best darned waitress in town anymore; she’s Red River’s newest innkeeper. But first, she has to find the contractor who’s disappeared with her life savings so she can start renovations. Not so easy for a woman who never depends on anyone, especially a man. And when a gorgeous old flame shows up, the fire between them is reignited and threatens to send her dreams up in smoke.

Acclaimed environmental architect Talmadge Oaks returns home to Red River on family business. He plans to get in and get out quickly because a professional catastrophe is waiting back in Washington. When an unforeseen snag keeps him in Red River longer than expected, he finds himself entangled in the renovations of his late grandmother’s Victorian inn. Handy with a hammer, he offers to help the beautiful new owner, but his motives aren’t completely selfless. Will his secret demolish everything they are building? Or can their undeniable passion keep them together?

Read on for my thoughts on It’s In His Smile. No true spoilers, promise.

Winning The Billionaire by J M Stewart

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

Title: Winning The Billionaire
Series: Seattle Bachelors #2
Author: J M Stewart
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 14, 2016
Publisher: Forever Yours (Grand Central Publishing)
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

When it comes to love, this billionaire is all business . . . Software mogul Christina McKenzie has loved billionaire Sebastian Blake since they were kids. So when Seattle’s most famous bachelor-and perennial playboy-finally asks Christina out, her fantasies kick into overdrive. Things become hot and heavy . . . but what’s she supposed to do when she starts to fall for him? Sebastian’s never been one to settle down, and Christina doesn’t want to be just another notch in his bedpost.

Sebastian knows that smart, kind Christina deserves better than him. But after the mind-blowing night they just shared, he’s ready to turn a sexy fling into the real deal. Keeping his freedom is one thing, yet keeping Christina in his bed-and in his life-is all Sebastian can think about.

Read on for my thoughts on Winning The Billionaire. No true spoilers, promise.

Learning To Love by Sheryl Browne

Posted June 14, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

Title: Learning To Love
Series:
Author: Sheryl Browne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 14, 2016
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …

Living in a small village like Hibberton, it’s expected that your neighbors help you in a time of need. But when Andrea Kelly’s house burns down, taking all her earthly possessions with it, it’s the distant and aloof Doctor David Adams – the person she would least expect – who opens his door not just to her, but to her three kids and slightly dotty elderly mother as well.

Andrea needs all the help she can get, dealing with aftermath of the fire and in the suspicious absence of her husband, Jonathan. But, as she gets to know David and his troubled son, Jake, she begins to realize that maybe they need her help as much as she needs theirs

Read on for my thoughts on Learning To Love. No true spoilers, promise.

Divergent Bloodline by T. J. Shaw

Posted June 13, 2016 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Divergent Bloodline
Series:
Author: T. J. Shaw
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: December 9, 2016
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

While tracking down a killer, clues lead homicide detective, Viviane Taylor to suspect, Julian DeMatteo. From the get-go, DeMatteo unsettles and irritates her. He is a force she has never encountered, someone who excites her even though he is forbidden. Her instincts warn that he’s hiding something and she is determined to uncover those secrets.

As king of the vampires, Julian DeMatteo protects the immortal clans. So, when the beautiful, bullheaded cop embroils herself within his world, he must choose between the woman who reminds him of the humanity he has lost or his loyalty to his people.

As confusing emotions awaken inside her, Viviane can either accept her fate as the one chosen to save the immortal race or lose her soul to darkness. With Julian’s help, she fights an evil that would rip her apart in order to forge a new future with the homicide suspect who has stolen her heart.

Read on for my thoughts on Divergent Bloodline. No true spoilers, promise.

Jilting The Duke by Rachael Miles

Posted June 13, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Title: Jilting The Duke
Series: The Muses’ Salon #1
Author: Rachael Miles
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance
Published: January 26, 2016
Publisher: Zebra
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Aidan Somerville, Duke of Forster, is a rake, a spy, and a soldier, richer than sin and twice as handsome. Now he is also guardian to his deceased best friend’s young son. The choice makes perfect sense—except that the child’s mother is the lovely Sophia Gardiner, to whom Aidan was engaged before he went off to war. When the news reached him that she had married another, his ship had not yet even left the dock.

Sophia does not expect Aidan to understand or forgive her. But she cannot allow him to stay her enemy. She’s prepared for coldness, even vengeance—but not for the return of the heedless lust she and Aidan tumbled into ten years ago. She knows the risks of succumbing to this dangerous desire. Still, with Aidan so near, it’s impossible not to dream about a second chance.

Read on for my thoughts on Jilting The Duke. No true spoilers, promise.

Congrats To My Pittsburgh Penguins – 2016 Stanley Cup Champions

Posted June 13, 2016 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

Pgh Pens 2016 Champs

It was a long road back, ten years to the day – but Lord Stanley’s Cup has returned to Pittsburgh.

Way to go guys – you worked hard and did us all proud. So proud to be from Pittsburgh!

Tempting Mr. Wrong by Kerri Carpenter

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

Title: Tempting Mr. Wrong
Series: Wrong Man #2
Author: Kerri Carpenter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 13, 2016
Publisher: Entangled – Lovestruck
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Lance Townsend craves freedom after years living a structured existence in the Army. But just as he’s about to start on his bucket list, Lance receives an unexpected request: check in on his goddaughter. The problem? The adorable little girl’s aunt is the one woman he’s never been able to forget.

Carly Quigley can’t believe her brother’s best friend, the man who jilted her years ago, is at her door. He claims her brother asked him to check in on her niece and their fixer-upper, but all either of them can focus on is their undeniable attraction. Carly knows Lance is counting down the hours to leave, which makes him the wrong man for her. Unfortunately, the wrong man has become oh-so-tempting.

Read on for my thoughts on Tempting Mr. Wrong. No true spoilers, promise.

Extreme Honor by Piper J. Drake

Posted June 12, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Extreme Honor
Series: True Heroes #1
Author: Piper J. Drake
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Published: January 26, 2016
Publisher: Forever
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

David Cruz is good at two things: war and training dogs. The ex-soldier’s toughest case is Atlas, a Belgian Malinois whose handler died in combat. Nobody at Hope’s Crossing Kennel can break through the animal’s grief. That is, until dog whisperer Evelyn Jones walks into the facility . . . and into Atlas’s heart. David hates to admit that the curvy blonde’s mesmerizing effect isn’t limited to canines. But when Lyn’s work with Atlas puts her in danger, David will do anything to protect her.

Lyn realizes that David’s own battle scars make him uniquely qualified for his job as a trainer. Tough as nails yet gentle when it counts, he’s gotten closer to Atlas than anyone else-and he’s willing to put his hard-wired suspicion aside to let her do the same. But someone desperate enough to kill doesn’t want Lyn working with Atlas. Now only teamwork, trust, and courage can save two troubled hearts and the dog who loves them both.

Read on for my thoughts on Extreme Honor. No true spoilers, promise.

The Tycoon’s Forced Bride by Jane Porter

Posted June 12, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Tycoon’s Forced Bride
Series: Bad Boy Short Stories #2
Author: Jane Porter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 28, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Malcolm McKenzie will never forget that night in New York when he put Ava Galvan in a taxi following a heated argument, and the Argentine beauty was involved in an horrific accident—one that ended her career as an acclaimed soloist with the Manhattan Ballet, and impaired her memory and ability to live an independent life.

The Scottish tycoon and philanthropist lives with his guilt, and another consequence: Ava was pregnant with his child the night of the accident. Ever since that night, Malcom has raised Jack as a single father.

But Ava is stronger now, and Jack wants his mommy to come home. Malcolm has never stopped wanting her and he’s determined to do whatever it takes to claim Ava—with or without her consent.

Read on for my thoughts on The Tycoon’s Forced Bride. No true spoilers, promise.

The Baby Arrangement – Baby I’m Yours – Baby Be Mine by Samantha Chase

Posted June 11, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: The Baby Arrangement – Baby, I’m Yours – Baby Be Mine
Series: Life, Love and Babies complete novella series
Author: Samantha Chase
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 2, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

An exciting reissue of all three novellas in the beloved Life, Love, and Babies series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase

For anyone who’s ever lost their heart to a man, or a baby…or both

The Baby Arrangement
Derek Sloan is more than shocked when someone mysteriously delivers a baby to his office. Kayleigh Mitchell naturally steps up to help her boss, and soon hopes he’ll see her as more than just a temporary solution.

Baby, I’m Yours
When Nicole Taylor rediscovers the father of her child three years after their one wild night of passion, Josh Masterson is determined to prove there’s still a chance for their own happily-ever-after.

Baby, Be Mine
Jake Knight came home one night to find trouble on his doorstep-times two. With infant twins to care for, Jake desperately calls on a heartbroken ex for help…and the more time he spends with Olivia, the more he wants this makeshift family to be permanent.

Read on for my thoughts on this charming anthology. No true spoilers, promise.

Sealed With A Kiss by Susan Lute

Posted June 11, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Sealed With A Kiss
Series: Sellwood Novellas #3
Author: Susan Lute
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 18, 2016
Publisher: Crazy Hair Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

When friends become lovers, is there a chance friendship can turn into something more?

Cyber security consultant, Sloane Cooper is dumped by her wanna-be politician boyfriend, his parting shot—not only are you the worst girlfriend I’ve ever had, but you’re a lousy kisser, too! So she turns to game developer Miles Preston for “kissing lessons”, but very quickly realizes, though there’s a surprising attraction there, playing kissing games with her safe, easy-to-talk-to best friend isn’t the solution to her problem.

Who is the real Sloane Cooper?

For two years Miles has been Sloane’s best friend while he watched her play house with another guy. Secretly he’s wanted more, but never once thought he’d catch her on the rebound. How does he convince the enchanting woman steamy kisses are not enough? Helping her open a cyber cafe is a start, but the real fun begins when he hires her to alpha test his new game. Traditional wooing won’t work. Can a few well chosen gaming obstacles do the trick instead?

Read on for my thoughts on Sealed With A Kiss. No true spoilers, promise.

What A Gentleman Wants by Caroline Linden

Posted June 11, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Title: What A Gentleman Wants
Series: Reese Family #1
Author: Caroline Linden
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance
Published: January 2016 This Is A Reprint Originally Published January 2006
Publisher: Zebra
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Two strangers are swept into a sizzling, spellbinding world of daring deception and unexpected passion. . .

Marcus Reese, Duke of Essex, has spent most of his life pulling his twin brother out of trouble. A thank you would suffice; instead, his resentful sibling forges his name to a marriage license and presents him with an unwanted wife. She’s a vicar’s widow with a mind of her own, and the first person in Marcus’s well-ordered life to make him feel. . .completely out of control.

Dire straits have led Hannah to the altar with a gentleman she hardly knows. Played for a fool, she’s embarrassed, furious, and worse, married to an equally outraged, exasperating man who unleashes all manner of emotions in her–not to mention unwanted desire. Reluctantly, Hannah agrees to play the wife until he can sort out the mess. But the undeniably attractive Duke unsettles her well-guarded heart–making her want to do so much more than “act” the role of blissful bride.

Read on for my thoughts on What A Gentleman Wants. No true spoilers, promise.

Dream A Little Dream Of Me by Cobie Daniels

Posted June 11, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Dream A Little Dream Of Me
Series:
Author: Cobie Daniels
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 9, 2016
Publisher:
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

It’s 1995, and though raised in a conservative home, by a controlling mother; Kelsey Chapman has graduated from high school, met the love of her life and is about to embark on a summer adventure in York, England. Although she leaves a waiting Jason Bauer behind, she will spend the summer with Gareth Blythe who falls in love with Kelsey and tries to convince her, he’s the one she should marry.

Gareth has no way of knowing he is about to set into motion a chain of events that will revisit him in 2015. Kelsey Chapman has a wonderful life ahead of her but it will be filled with life altering decisions, adventure, love, heartache and second chances. Except she doesn’t know it yet.

Read on for my thoughts on Dream A Little Dream Of Me. No true spoilers, promise.