Category Archives: HarlequinHQN

October 29, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery

4th streetTitle: Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book 12.5
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length:336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

There’s nowhere better to spend the holidays than with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery in the town of Fool’s Gold, where love is always waiting to be unwrapped…

Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of it. That’s why she’s opening her own store in Fool’s Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that’s magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush.

Gabriel’s memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugarplums, thanks to his drill sergeant father. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from an injury sounds as appetizing as last year’s eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle…and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can’t stop sharing.

Gabriel didn’t think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse….

This edition is a reprint and includes the bonus story, Yours for Christmas (reviewed HERE).

The Review:

Christmas on 4th Street is a charming and very heartwarming addition to Susan Mallery’s delightful Fool’s Gold series. In this outing, relative newcomer to Fool’s Gold Noelle Perkins is paired up with Gabriel Boylan, an Army doctor who is only in town for the holidays. What makes this romance so fascinating is the fact they both went through similar experiences, yet their outlook on life is completely opposite. Further complicating their relationship is the fact that Gabriel is not planning on remaining in Fool’s Gold permanently. Will a little holiday magic bring this couple the happily ever after they so richly deserve?

Noelle has experienced more than her fair share of loss, but she embraces life to the fullest. Needing a life change, she moved to Fool’s Gold to open her Christmas shop and the town and its inhabitants welcomed her with open arms. Now with a large group of friends providing emotional support and unconditional friendship, Noelle is eager to move on to the next stage in her life: falling in love and settling down.

Gabriel has avoided spending the holidays with his family for several years, but an injury finds him stateside while he recovers both physically and mentally. In Fool’s Gold to reconnect with his twin brother Gideon, Gabriel is unpleasantly surprised to learn their parents will also be in town for Christmas. His relationship with his father remains contentious, so Gabriel offers to fill in at Noelle’s shop over the holidays.

Gabriel and Noelle share an easygoing friendship, but they both resist giving into the passion that simmers between them. Gabriel is honest that he does not want a long term relationship and Noelle is not willing to settle for a quick fling. Agreeing to ignore their attraction, they enjoy working together and with mutual acquaintances, they also spend time together socially as well.   The shift in their relationship from platonic to lovers is gradual and realistic, but their conflicting viewpoints on love quickly become a point of contention between them.

Christmas on 4th Street is a warm and inviting holiday story that old and new fans of the Fool’s Gold series are sure to enjoy. Despite some series topics, it is mostly a light-hearted romance between two very engaging and likable characters. Susan Mallery fully captures the spirit of the season with a storyline that is very endearing, but it is the fantastic cast of characters and loving community that make it such an outstanding read. Another emotional filled and uplifting novel that I highly recommend.

A quick note to readers: this edition is a reprint and includes the bonus story Yours for Christmas.

1 Comment

Filed under Christmas on 4th Street, Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery

October 26, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Yours for Christmas by Susan Mallery

for christmasTitle: Yours for Christmas by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book 15.5
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 98 pages
Book Rating:

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool’s Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot…he’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together…

Yours for Christmas can be purchased as a novella (HERE) but it can also be found in the re-release of Christmas on 4th Street (HERE).

The Review:

Yours for Christmas by Susan Mallery is the much anticipated romance between retired football player Kenny Scott and single mom Bailey Voss. Fans of the Fool’s Gold series are going to love this sweet and sigh-worthy love story that brings together two favorite characters in this captivating series.

Thrown together working the Fool’s Gold toy drive, Bailey and Kenny enjoy an easy friendship that also includes Bailey’s daughter Chloe. There is also a simmering attraction between them, but Kenny has an ironclad rule that he has no intention of breaking: he does not date single moms. He is upfront with Bailey that he does not want anything more than friendship and although she is disappointed, she understands his position. Of course, it does not take long before they are hanging out together on a fairly regular basis, and their feelings soon go much deeper than friendship.

Bailey has been interested in Kenny for quite some time, but she feels like she has nothing to offer a man who has dated super models and movie stars. Although she cannot help yearning for a little more with him, she is a practical woman and she is happy with his friendship. She steps out of her comfort zone when Kenny invites her to some rather posh events, but Kenny is still the same down to earth man she has always known.

Kenny has a very good reason for not wanting to get seriously involved with Bailey and by extension, Chloe. His fear of getting hurt and some major trust issues are the driving force behind his decision but he does not let that stop him from caring about both Bailey and Chloe. He continues to help Chloe with projects and Christmas shopping for her mom and it goes without saying that this super nice man is first to volunteer to help Bailey when she needs a helping hand. But a sudden realization that his heart is at risk causes Kenny to withdraw from both Bailey and Chloe.

Kenny and Bailey’s relationship slowly evolves from their friendship but most of their interactions include their mutual friends and Chloe. The gradual shift in emotions is believable given their longstanding acquaintance and various encounters from earlier books in the series. Their conflict is also understandable considering Kenny’s fears and I really like how Bailey was not afraid to speak up about her feelings when he pulled away.

Yours for Christmas is a very charming romance that fans of Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series are going to love. This enchanting story is quite engaging and full of heartwarming holiday cheer. As always, it is a true delight catching up with characters from previous novels and in true Fool’s Gold fashion, the whole community pulls together and works a little holiday magic when needed. It is another warm and entertaining addition to a beloved series that I highly recommend.

2 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery, Yours for Christmas

July 20, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: Looking for Trouble by Victoria Dahl

looking troubleTitle: Looking for Trouble by Victoria Dahl
Jackson Girl’s Night Out Series Book
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A good reason to be bad…

Librarian Sophie Heyer has walked the straight and narrow her entire life to avoid paying for her mother’s mistakes. But in tiny Jackson Hole, Wyoming, juicy gossip just doesn’t go away, so the last thing she needs is for history to repeat itself. Falling hard for the sexiest biker who’s ever rode into town would undo everything she’s worked for. And to add insult to injury, the sexy stranger is none other than Alex Bishop–the son of the man her mother abandoned Sophie’s family for. He may be temptation on wheels, but Sophie’s not looking for trouble!

Maybe Sophie’s buttoned-up facade fools some, but Alex knows a naughty smile when he sees one. Despite their parents’ checkered pasts, he’s willing to take some risks to find out the truth about the town librarian. He figures a little fling might be just the ticket to get his mind off of family drama. But what he finds underneath Sophie’s prim demeanor might change his world in ways he never expected.

The Review:

Looking for Trouble is the first full length novel in Victoria Dahl’s spin-off series, Jackson Girl’s Night Out, and it is FANTASTIC! This über sexy romance between Sophie Heyer and Alex Bishop is a scorching hot love story that has a surprising amount of depth.

Sophie and Alex had very different reactions to the scandal surrounding their parents’ long ago disappearance. Sophie goes to extreme lengths to maintain a squeaky clean image.   But underneath her prim and proper exterior is a sexy and vibrant woman who has put her hopes and dreams on hold while taking care of her father and brother. As one of the town’s librarians, Sophie is very much in the public eye, but she keeps her life as private as she can. She occasionally indulges in passionate flings with the local tourists, but Sophie carefully avoids any entanglements with the local men.

Alex could not leave town fast enough and for the past sixteen years, he has successfully avoided returning to visit. But when his brother, Shane (from Too Hot to Handle), asks him to come home for their father’s memorial service, Alex reluctantly agrees.   Alex is dismayed by his mother’s continued erratic behavior and while he keeps her at arms’ length, he and Shane work hard to mend the rift between them.

There is an instant attraction between Sophie and Alex and although Sophie knows she should stay far away from him, she cannot resist the tattooed biker. He brings out her inner bad girl which results in blistering hot sex scenes between them. However their casual relationship soon gives way to deeper emotions, but with Sophie’s strong commitment to her family and Alex’s vagabond lifestyle, is there any chance for a future for them?

Looking for Trouble is a fast-paced and engaging novel with an endearing cast of characters. The storyline has serious overtones but it is mostly a light-hearted, drama free read. Victoria Dahl has once again created a believable romance between two flawed but realistic characters whose relationship not only helps them heal the wounds from the past but ultimately makes them better people. This heartwarming, sweet, sexy love story is an outstanding addition to the delightful Jackson Girl’s Night Out series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

You may read my reviews of the other novels in the series HERE.

2 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Looking for Trouble, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Victoria Dahl

July 16, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Devil Takes a Bride by Julia London

devil brideTitle: The Devil Takes a Bride by Julia London
The Cabot Sisters Series Book Two
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From powerful love to sizzling passion, Julia London always delivers an incomparable Regency reading experience. Returning to her acclaimed Cabot Stepsisters series, we meet an earl who can only be tamed by one wicked lady…

A plan born of desperation…

Once the toast of society, Grace Cabot and her sisters now await the shame of losing high status and fine luxuries upon the death of the Earl of Beckington. The dire circumstances are inevitable unless, of course, Grace’s wicked plot to seduce a wealthy viscount into marriage goes off without a single hitch. But once a stolen embrace with the wrong man leads her to be discovered in the arms of Jeffrey, the Earl of Merryton, her plan takes a most unexpected—and scorching—twist.

…and altered by passion.

Governed by routine and ruled by duty, Jeffrey had no desire for a wife before he succumbed to Grace’s temptation. Though his golden-haired, in-name-only bride is the definition of disorder, he can’t resist wanting her in every way. But once her secrets meet his, society might consider their lives to be ruined beyond repair…while Jeffrey might just see it as a new beginning.

The Review:

The ending of The Trouble with Honor left me very curious about what mischief middle sister Grace Cabot was up to, so I have been impatiently awaiting the release of The Devil Takes a Bride. This second installment of Julia London’s captivating Cabot Sisters series was well worth the wait and I absolutely LOVED this delectably steamy romance!

Like her sister Honor, Grace is trying to wed before word gets out about their mother’s rapidly declining mental state. She has devised a rather daring plan to ensnare a wealthy husband, but her plan quickly goes awry when she is caught in a torrid embrace with her intended target’s older brother, the Earl of Merryton. With little choice in the matter, she and Jeffrey quickly wed and begin married life at his country estate where Grace learns a lot about herself as she tries to understand her rather enigmatic husband.

Grace is a wonderful heroine despite her somewhat reprehensible actions early in the novel. She takes full responsibility for her exploits and while an apology cannot possible right the horrible wrong, she is pragmatic about their marriage. She makes every effort to learn as much as she can about Jeffrey, but he is very closemouthed about, well, everything. She is challenged by her efforts to get to know her new husband, and she soon discovers a life of attending and throwing soirees leaves her ill-equipped for a sedate life far from society.  Determined to make a happy life for herself, Grace eagerly explores her surroundings and makes an unexpectedly fortuitous acquaintance who provides her with much needed insight into Jeffrey’s past.

Jeffrey is a very heartbreaking hero who is deeply scarred by his dysfunctional childhood. With the responsibility for his family resting on his shoulders, Jeffrey is often at odds with his brother who finds it impossible to live up to Jeffrey’s unbelievably high standards. Jeffrey suffers from severe OCD as he tries to meet his (long deceased) father’s expectations and Grace introduces nearly unbearable chaos into his perfectly controlled world. Having lived mostly by himself, Jeffrey finds it impossible to make what he considers unnecessary small talk and his almost desperate need to protect his family’s reputation forces him to keep his affliction a closely guarded secret.

There is a sexual component to Jeffrey’s OCD that he has tried and failed to suppress throughout the years. While the relationship between Jeffrey and Grace is extremely passionate, Jeffrey’s fears of losing control make their first encounters impersonal and unsatisfying for Grace. Once Jeffrey’s secrets are finally out in the open, he is pleasantly surprised not only by Grace’s reaction to his revelations, but the general improvement in his condition. Their lovemaking greatly benefits from Jeffrey’s honesty and as they find mutual satisfaction in the bedroom, their overall relationship improves as well.

The Devil Takes a Bride is a wonderful journey of self-discovery for both Jeffrey and Grace. Their problems are realistic and with very little angst, they struggle to make the best of their forced marriage. With a little determination and a whole lot of communication, Grace and Jeffrey find their much deserved happily ever after. It is an absolutely wonderful addition to Julia London’s Cabot Sisters series that is sure to delight fans of historical romances.

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

4 Comments

Filed under Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Historical, Julia London, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Cabot Sisters, The Fall of Lady Grace

June 30, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: Fanning the Flames by Victoria Dahl

fanning flamesTitle: Fanning the Flames by Victoria Dahl
Jackson Girl’s Night Out Series Book .5
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: Novella
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Burning for you

Some men are off-limits. Close friends of your ex-husband, for instance. Or firefighters who work in the same building as you. Yet despite her best judgment, librarian Lauren Foster can’t help noticing fire captain Jake Davis whenever he jogs by…shirtless. They’ve always been friends, but all it takes is one not-so-chance meeting at a local bar and one not-quite-innocent walk home to ignite a fierce, uncontrollable desire between them.

Widower Jake Davis has tried to ignore the spark he feels whenever Lauren’s around, but once he sees her curves in a little black dress, there’s no turning back. No matter how often she says she’s all wrong for him, the sexy, outspoken divorcée is driving him wild in the best possible way. Maybe she’s just blowing off steam. Or maybe he can convince her to fan these flames into something deeper, hotter and truer than they ever expected….

The Review:

Love, love, LOVE Victoria Dahl’s Fanning the Flames! This fast-paced and engaging novella is witty, flirty and oh, my goodness smokin’ hot! It is the perfect introduction to her upcoming Jackson Girl’s Night Out series and I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating story.

Lauren Foster and Jake Davis are wonderful characters and I love the fact that they are in their early to mid-forties and comfortable with themselves and their sexuality. Lauren is a divorced empty-nester whose libido is running at full throttle and she is seriously crushing on Jake. Jake also has a thing for Lauren but their long history together and the close proximity of their jobs makes both of them hesitant to act on their desires.

I absolutely adored Lauren and Jake and I could certainly relate to their trepidation about becoming involved with one another. They went to one another’s weddings and although they were not close friends, their paths have crossed fairly frequently over the years. Jake is friends with Lauren’s ex and Lauren feels like she can never measure up to Jake’s deceased wife. However when the two meet up while Lauren’s enjoying a girl’s night out, their mutual desire spirals out of control and the sexy goodness between them is SCORCHING hot.

Lauren and Jake are superbly developed characters and their shared past makes their new relationship believable. Lauren is gutsy, outspoken and incredibly honest about her insecurities and doubts. Jake is all kinds of sexy wonderful, but the fact that he makes the first move to sort out their relationship after they wind up in an embarrassing (but hilarious) situation just adds to his appeal.

Fanning the Flames is an angst-free, humorous and sexy romance that I highly recommend to old and new fans of Victoria Dahl. It is a very enticing introduction to the upcoming Jackson Girl’s Night Out series and I cannot wait to read Looking for Trouble which releases at the end of the month.

2 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Fanning the Flames, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Jackson Girls' Night Out Series, Rated B+, Romance, Victoria Dahl

April 27, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: When We Met by Susan Mallery

metTitle: When We Met by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book 13
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery invites you back to Fool’s Gold, where a newcomer to town might finally meet the man she never knew she needed…

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can’t be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool’s Gold, California, he’s cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he’s not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe to toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

The Review:

With When We Met Susan Mallery whisks readers back to the charming town of Fool’s Gold where Angel Whittaker and Taryn Crawford find not only love, but their places, in the close-knit community.

Finding herself outvoted by her PR firm partners (lovingly referred to as “the boys”), fashion loving Taryn grudgingly relocates from LA to Fool’s Gold. Completely out of her comfort zone amongst the happy and super friendly residents, she is starting to make friends and settle into her new life when super sexy ex-soldier and former Special Ops Angel makes his interest in her known. Neither Taryn nor Angel is looking for a long term commitment but both are more than happy to indulge in a sizzling fling.

Taryn and Angel are carrying emotional scars from their pasts. Angel is still grieving the loss of his family while Taryn’s problems stem from her abusive childhood. Their relationship begins as a light-hearted, casual flirtation but there is no denying their heated attraction for one another. Angel quickly begins his slow seduction and although impatient to move things along, Taryn eagerly anticipates his unpredictable invitations.

Their casual fling is just heating up when Taryn and Angel turn to one another for help in their personal lives. Angel is out of his depth with his community service volunteer position while city girl Taryn learns she is expected to join “the boys” on a camping trip to woo a client. As they give one another a hand, Angel and Taryn begin to open up about their respective pasts. Angel easily reveals his secrets but he continues to carefully guard his heart. Taryn’s trust issues run deep but she finds it easier to admit to her growing feelings.

The relationship between Taryn and Angel is based on mutual respect for one another. They are complete opposites but they appreciate their differences. Angel is rugged and outdoorsy but he finds Taryn’s love of clothes and shoes sexy. Taryn might never have been in love before but she admires Angel’s devotion and affection for his lost family and she always a sympathetic listener.

When We Met is another enchanting novel in Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. It is a sexy and playful romance between two wounded people who help one another recover from their painful pasts. Old and new fans are going to love this sweet yet saucy addition to the endearing and highly addictive series.

2 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery, When We Met