Category Archives: Carina Press

January 14, 2013 · 3:59 am

Review: Jar of Dreams by Liz Flaherty

Title: Jar of Dreams by Liz Flaherty
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 74,000 words
Book Rating: A

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

For as long as she can remember, Lucy Dolan has been jotting down her hopes on slips of paper and saving them in a pickle jar–her jar of dreams. It was the first thing she saved when the beloved family diner went up in flames, and it’s safely buckled in her beat-up minivan when she lands in Taft, Indiana, to start over. She rents a room and goes into business with her landlady, but then Gert’s nephew comes charging in to “rescue” his aunt.

Boone Brennan will be damned if he’ll let Lucy take advantage of Aunt Gert, who raised him and his sister. Believing that she’s just passing through, he’s deeply suspicious of her–despite the sparks that fly between them.

Just as Boone and Lucy are starting to open up to each other, a series of fires throws Lucy under suspicion. Boone wants to trust her and his feelings, but with the whole town against her, will he stay by her side? Or will Lucy move on and find another place to make her dreams come true?

74,000 words

The Review:

Liz Flaherty is, hands down, one of my favorite authors. She has an amazing ability to weave together stories that touch the heart as her characters overcome tragic losses and find happiness. Her latest release, Jar of Dreams is a poignant yet humorous novel that is heartwarming and sweetly romantic.

Lucy Dolan and Boone Brennan have experienced more than their fair share of tragedy in their lives. Instead of sinking into the depths of despair, they both maintain cheerful outlooks and move on with their lives. Their losses provide them a common bond and when their budding relationship sneaks up on them, Lucy and Boone must come to terms with their pasts before they can embrace their future.

What I like most about Ms. Flaherty’s characters is how optimistic they are despite the adversity in their lives. Lucy is literally beginning her life over in a new place with total strangers, yet she maintains a positive attitude. Yes, her hopefulness occasionally falters, but she quickly regains her equilibrium and continues working toward her goals. Lucy does not let her fears control her future and she is quite willing to risk her heart for a shot at happiness.

Boone is an endearing protagonist and my heart just ached for him as he worked through his grief. He is protective of his loved ones and extremely loyal, but he also does not hesitate to disagree with them when needed. Boone’s confrontation with his best friend Crockett forces him to re-examine his perception of past events and brings a measure of much needed peace their friendship.

Lucy and Boone’s relationship grows naturally out of their newfound friendship. Their romance builds slowly and I loved watching them get to know one another. Their dates are sweet, playful and full of friendly banter. Their sex scenes are sensual without being graphic.

The secondary cast of characters is quirky and vastly appealing. Aunt Gert is the heart and soul of the story and I want to be just like her when I grow up :). She is spunky, independent and she resists everyone’s efforts to coddle her (but she does give in gracefully on occasion). Boone’s sister, Kelly, is prickly and deeply suspicious of Lucy. Watching their friendship flourish is easily one of the richest and most satisfying aspects of the storyline. Crockett is working through his own issues and since they are not fully resolved by the conclusion of the novel, I am hopeful that Ms. Flaherty will bring us his story in the future.

Jar of Dreams is another captivating and emotional novel that fans of contemporary romances will not want to miss. It is a charming story of family, healing, and love that will resonate will readers. Liz Flaherty consistently delivers realistic stories that will make you laugh, cry and rejoice as the characters find their happily ever afters.

5 Comments

Filed under Carina Press, Contemporary, Jar of Dreams, Liz Flaherty, Rated A, Review, Romance

January 10, 2013 · 3:57 am

Review: Covert Seduction by Callie Croix

Title: Covert Seduction by Callie Croix
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Suspense, Romance
Word Length: 53,000
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Navy SEAL Reid Galvin is back from hell and eager to find comfort in Becca Anderson’s arms. He knows he hurt her when he cut contact during his deployment, so when his call interrupts her date with another man, he has only himself to blame. But he can’t forget what she means to him–or the sexy email she sent him–and he won’t miss this chance to claim her as his own.

It’s been weeks since Becca heard from the man she thought she was involved with. So when Reid wants to take up where they left off as if nothing happened, she refuses. Then he rescues her from a first date gone very wrong, and she realizes she’s not quite ready to let him go.

Reid and Becca have a lot to talk about, but since she’s not listening, he’s going to have to regain her trust another way–by bringing her most erotic fantasies to life. Making her surrender to pleasure just might be his most important mission.

53,000 words

The Review:

Do you enjoy romances starring Navy SEALs and the women they love? Then you should pick up a copy of Callie Croix’s latest release, Covert Seduction. It is a melt your eReader sizzling hot read that is also sweetly romantic.

Following a difficult rescue mission in Afghanistan, Reid Galvin withdraws from his non-military friends and family, cutting off all communication with his loved ones, including his girlfriend of several months, Becca Anderson. When he returns stateside, Reid plans to meet with Becca face to face to explain why he pulled away from her but much to his surprise, Becca is not patiently waiting for his homecoming. Becca has misconstrued his silence as his way of breaking things off with her and she has decided to begin dating other men.

Becca and Reid are terrific protagonists. Reid is an intense alpha male and extremely protective of the woman he cares about. Becca is a little insecure, but she is also strong and independent. Lack of communication and trust issues threaten to derail their relationship but their strong attraction to one another proves irresistible.

The sex scenes between Becca and Reid are highly detailed and quite erotic. Each encounter is quite lengthy and spans several pages. A very nice combination of sweet yet slightly kinky sex.

Ms. Croix packs a whole lot of action in Covert Seduction. The secondary story arc revolves around Becca’s job as a computer programmer for an investment firm. Becca unwittingly uncovers information that someone is willing to go to any lengths to keep hidden. Lucky for her, Reid is in the right place at the right time and comes to her rescue.

Overall, Covert Seduction is a fast-paced and entertaining romance with delightfully engaging protagonists. If you enjoy books that have a little bit of a mystery along with a whole lot of steamy lovin’, then you will love this quick read.

3 Comments

Filed under Callie Croix, Carina Press, Contemporary, Covert Seduction, Erotic, Rated B, Review, Romance, Suspense

January 7, 2013 · 3:59 am

Review: Stand In Star by Rachael Johns

Title: Stand In Star by Rachael Johns
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Word Count: 72,000
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

As an anthropologist, Holly McCartney is more comfortable in a museum than shopping on Rodeo Drive. She isn’t prepared for the media frenzy on her arrival in L.A. to accept a posthumous acting award for her late sister…or for her sister’s gorgeous friend Nate Devlin to come to her rescue. Though he resents her for some reason, she can’t fight their irresistible chemistry—especially when the paparazzi force her to stay at his mansion.

Photographer Nate only agrees to help Holly survive Hollywood for her sister’s sake, but she soon gets under his skin in a way no other woman has. The more time he spends with her, the more his attraction grows and he finds himself opening up to her in ways he never expected. But will ghosts of the past stand in the way of their perfect Hollywood ending?

72,000 words

The Review:

Rachael Johns’ Stand In Star is a sweet contemporary romance between a naive anthropologist and a jaded celebrity photographer. Holly McCartney is unprepared for the media frenzy surrounding her arrival in Hollywood, but luckily for her, Daisy’s close friend, Nate Devlin, rescues her and offers her a place to stay. Holly’s trip proves to be a healing journey as she comes to terms with the betrayal that caused their long standing estrangement.

Holly and Nate are beautifully developed characters that are both haunted by events from their past. Holly is fighting the insecurities caused by Daisy’s betrayal and her feelings of being overshadowed by her beautiful and successful sister. Devlin’s dysfunctional childhood is the driving force behind his success and the reason he keeps his emotions tightly in check.

Nate is very protective of those he loves and this protectiveness is both his best and worst trait. His best because he will do anything for those he cares about. His worst because his fear of failing them causes him to keep an emotional distance. Nate’s life is very compartmentalized and he steers clear of commitment.

Nate and Holly clash right from their very first meeting. Holly is instantly attracted to Nate, but he makes no effort to hide his animosity towards her. Nate is attracted to Holly as well, but as Daisy’s friend, he blames Holly for the estrangement between the two sisters. Both bring their preconceived ideas about the other to the relationship and it was such a delight watching them really get to know one another. Both characters allow painful events to distort their perception of the way they see themselves and I like how their viewpoints evolve along with their relationship.

Stand In Star by Rachael Johns is a character driven novel that is full of emotion. Holly and Nate are quite appealing and their flaws and imperfections are realistic and easy to relate to. An absolutely delightful love story that fans of contemporary romance are sure to enjoy.

2 Comments

Filed under Carina Press, Contemporary, Rachael Johns, Rated B, Review, Romance, Stand In Star

November 19, 2012 · 3:56 am

Review: Forbidden Desires by Jodie Griffin

Title: Forbidden Desires by Jodie Griffin
Bondage & Breakfast Series
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, BDSM
Length: 41,000 words
Book Rating: C

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

When it comes to sex, Bella Massey wants a man who’ll get down on his knees and beg. And although she’s got the hots for firefighter Marcus Aiello, she can’t believe an alpha male like him could have a submissive bone in his body.

Marcus isn’t looking for a relationship, but Bella is not like any woman he’s ever met. When he discovers what the sexy librarian is really looking for in a man, he’s even more intrigued. But giving up control is difficult for Marcus–no matter how much he desires it.

Despite their intense attraction, Marcus and Bella’s budding relationship is at an impasse. Until a weekend at a unique B&B offering all manner of naughty nightly activities teaches them both just how good it can feel to lose control

The Review:

Forbidden Desires is the latest scorching hot novella in Jodie Griffin’s Bondage & Breakfast series. The common theme is the BDSM B & B and some of the same characters, but the novellas can be read as standalone stories.

Bella Massey and Marcus Aiello carry scars from their previous relationships. They also have sexual desires that make them uncomfortable and they are afraid of how the other will react to them. Bella craves complete control in the bedroom while Marcus would like to give in to his submissive urges on occasion.

Although they both have reservations about getting involved with one another, Bella and Marcus quickly jump into a relationship. On their very first date, they reveal their desires but neither one is willing to talk about why their past relationships failed. This lack of communication continues to plague them throughout the novella and results in a frustrating on again/off again relationship that is full of unresolved issues.

The sex scenes between Marcus and Bella are quite erotic and while they definitely have a physical connection, there was not much opportunity for them to connect emotionally. The inability to talk about their desires comes between them again and again and they go for periods of time without talking or seeing one another. Bella eventually comes to understand her conflicting sexual needs but Marcus never really seems to be comfortable with his submissive desires.

While there is a BDSM aspect to the storyline, it is not hardcore. Neither Marcus nor Bella want to live a BDSM lifestyle but they enjoy experimenting with domination and submission. What makes Forbidden Desires unique is the fact that both characters are switches and that certainly makes for some pretty intense and seriously hot sexual encounters between them.

If you are a fan of romances with a little extra kink and a whole lot of heat, then you should pick up a copy of Forbidden Desires. I am looking forward to the next installment in Jodie Griffin’s Bondage & Breakfast series.

Read my reviews of the other books in this series HERE.

1 Comment

Filed under BDSM, Bondage & Breakfast Series, Carina Press, Contemporary, Erotic, Forbidden Desires, Jodie Griffin, Rated C, Review, Romance

November 12, 2012 · 3:58 am

Review: All He Ever Desired by Shannon Stacey

Title: All He Ever Desired by Shannon Stacey
Kowalski Family, Book Five
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 70,000 words
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A second shot at first love

After college, Ryan Kowalski decided to leave Whitford, Maine, rather than watch Lauren Carpenter marry another man. Now his siblings need his help to refurbish the family-owned Northern Star Lodge and he’s forced to face the past sooner rather than later when he collars a vandal–and learns the boy is Lauren’s son…

The last person Lauren needs back in her life is Ryan Kowalski. With a bitter ex-husband and a moody teenage son, she has enough man trouble already. But her son needs to learn a few lessons about right and wrong, even if Lauren has to escort him to Ryan’s door every day to work off his crime.

With all this close contact, Ryan and Lauren can’t deny the chemistry between them is as powerful as ever. But can a few searing kisses erase their past and pave the way for a second chance at true love?

The Review:

All He Ever Desired is another delightfully heartwarming yet super sexy installment in Shannon Stacey’s fabulous Kowalski Family series. It is Ryan Kowalski’s turn to find love when he returns to Whitford to help with renovations on the family’s lodge.

As a teenager, Ryan had a secret crush on Lauren but she was in love with Ryan’s best friend, Dean. Lauren and Dean married young, had a baby, and have been divorced for several years now. With an uncomfortable secret between them, Ryan has successfully avoided Lauren on his rare visits home over the years. But on this latest extended visit, Ryan and Lauren find their paths crossing on a regular basis. Unable to resist their simmering passion, they are soon burning up the sheets together. While their relationship manages to survive interfering relatives, Lauren’s belligerent ex, and her sometimes sullen son Nick it is Ryan’s return to Massachusetts that threatens their future.

I really like both Ryan and Lauren, as individuals and as a couple. Long since married and divorced, Ryan is a hardworking man who has built a successful construction business in Ridgeline. Although his siblings sometimes drive him crazy, Ryan is fiercely loyal to them and they are a close knit family.

Lauren is a strong woman who definitely knows her own mind. She is a wonderful mother who is actively involved in Nick’s life. She is tough but fair with him and she holds him accountable for his actions. Lauren’s relationship with ex-husband Dean is sometimes contentious as she tries to keep the peace between them for Nick’s sake. But she is no pushover where Dean is concerned and I love that she speaks her mind when she needs to.

In the beginning, the relationship between Lauren and Ryan is based on a mutual attraction. The sex scenes between them are playful yet sensual. Love gradually sneaks up on them and while Lauren is ready to figure out the next step, Ryan is at first reluctant to take her concerns seriously. This leads to a minor conflict late in the story, but mercifully, the angst is kept to a minimum. Their problems are realistic and I like how they work together to find viable solutions for their issues.

Mitch and Paige’s wedding brings the whole Kowalski clan together and it is so much fun to revisit past characters from previous novels. There is an interesting pairing between sister Liz and one of her brother’s friends and I am VERY curious to see what direction their relationship is going to go. Younger brother Josh is still chomping at the bit to get out of the family business and stretch his wings, but will he discover that his future is waiting for him in Whitford? Equally fascinating is the evolution of the relationship between mother/housekeeper Rose Davis and Andy Miller.

As always, I absolutely love the time spent with the Kowalskis. They are a fun loving yet devoted family and they are always quick to step in and lend emotional support when needed. Their interactions are often quite funny yet also incredibly touching.

Shannon Stacey does a wonderful job keeping the series fresh with unique storylines and charming characters that readers can easily relate to. And as always, she leaves her readers eagerly awaiting the next book in the Kowalski Family series.

Read my reviews of other books in the series HERE.

2 Comments

Filed under All He Ever Desired, Carina Press, Contemporary, Kowalski Family, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shannon Stacey

· 3:57 am

Review: Dying Art by Shirley Wells

Title: Dying Art by Shirley Wells
Dylan Scott Mystery #5
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 83,000 words
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Portrait of a mystery

Dylan Scott vowed never to return to the dreary town of Dawson’s Clough. But one visit from a beautiful ex-lover and he’s back in Lancashire, investigating a possible murder. The police think Prue Murphy died during a burglary gone wrong, but her sister isn’t so sure–and neither is Dylan. After all, the killer overlooked the only valuable thing in Prue’s flat.

So who could have wanted the quirky young woman dead, and why? Dylan’s search for answers takes him to France, where he discovers Prue’s family didn’t know her as well as they thought they did. And the more he digs, the more secrets he unearths–secrets someone would kill to keep buried…

83,000 words

The Review:

Dying Art is an intriguing installment in Shirley Wells’ marvelous Dylan Scott mystery series.

Ex-lover Maddie Murphy seeks out Dylan Scott following the death of her sister Prue. Local authorities believe her death is related to a string a unsolved burglaries in the neighborhood, but Dylan’s instincts are telling him there is more to her untimely demise than meets the eye. Returning to the much disliked town of Dawson’s Clough, Dylan uncovers several possible suspects as he tenaciously investigates Prue’s death.

While Dylan has fond memories of Maddie, he is not too clear on the details of their relationship. He certainly remembers how hot the sex was though and he is still drawn to her. But with his relationship with wife Bev back on track, Dylan has no intention of falling into bed with Maddie. When his investigation reveals how much Maddie has changed over the years, Dylan begins to wonder what role she might have played in her sister’s death.

Aiding Dylan in his investigation is his friend and retired Detective Chief Investigator Frank Willoughby. Together they follow where the clues lead them and they uncover a fairly large pool of suspects who have various motives for killing Prue. What is Prue’s connection to dead artist Jack McIntyre? Did Prue unwittingly reveal secrets worth killing for to local wine bar owner Danny Thompson? And where exactly does Prue’s disturbing landlord fit into the picture? Rounding out their suspect list are Maddie’s husband Tim and his business partner Eddie Bryson.

Of course, a Dylan Scott mystery would not be complete without guest appearances by Dylan’s extended family. His relationship with his wife Bev is always entertaining and rather humorous. Dylan and his son Ben are still close and I always enjoy their interactions. What, if any, significance is there to Dylan’s introduction to someone from his aging hippie mother’s past?

As with other novels in the Dylan Scott mystery series, Dying Art is well written with a compelling plot. Shirley Wells provides an entertaining story with plenty of twists, turns and unexpected secrets. The murderer’s identity is virtually impossible to figure out and a startling plot twist took me completely by surprise.

Another topnotch installment in one of my favorite series, I highly recommend Dying Art to anyone who loves a good mystery.

Read my reviews of the other novels in the series HERE.

1 Comment

Filed under Carina Press, Contemporary, Dying Art, Dylan Scott Mystery, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Shirley Wells