Category Archives: HarlequinHQN

July 18, 2013 · 3:58 am

Blog Tour Stop, Review & Contest: From This Moment On by Bella Andre

Title: From This Moment On by Bella Andre
The Sullivans Book Two
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publicist

Summary:

Expanded Edition! More Story! More Sullivans!

Fans of Bella Andre’s Sullivan Series will love this long-awaited print edition of FROM THIS MOMENT ON. It features a longer, more-detailed story with all the emotion and sensuality that readers love. Not to be missed!

Just one night…

Marcus Sullivan has always been the responsible older brother, stepping in to take care of his seven siblings when their father died. But when the perfectly ordered future he’s planned turns out to be a lie, Marcus needs one reckless night to shake free from it all.

Known throughout the world by only one name—Nico—pop songstress Nicola Harding is seen as the ultimate sex kitten. But it’s all a lie. After a terrible betrayal she refuses to let anyone else close enough to find out who she really is…or to hurt her again. Especially the gorgeous stranger at the bar.

One night is all Nicola and Marcus agree to share with each other. But instead, a deeper connection than either of them could have anticipated begins…

The Review:

If I had to pick one word to describe From This Moment On I would have to choose “unpredictable”. This second installment in The Sullivans series is full of delightful surprises beginning with Marcus Sullivan and Nicola Harding’s first encounter and author Bella Andre keeps them coming through the rest of their sweet yet steamy romance.

Both Marcus and Nicola make a split second decision to step out of their comfort zone and hit a local hotspot. Their attraction to one another is scorching hot and they embark on a one night stand that does not go exactly as Marcus and Nicola planned. When an unexpected connection brings them together, Marcus and Nicola give in to their passion for one another, but they soon discover one night is not enough to fulfill their desire.

I had a lot of reservations about From This Moment On, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying the story. I did not care too much for Nicola at first, but she won me over by the end of her first meeting with Marcus. I was initially concerned about how their age difference would affect the overall story, but thankfully, it is pretty much a non-issue.

The biggest obstacle for me to overcome in From This Moment On is the “insta-love” between Nicola and Marcus. Considering that Marcus just ended a long term relationship, I really did not think I could overlook how quickly they fell in love with each other. But Ms. Andre beautifully redeems this part of the storyline with an astute observation from Nicola that puts a new perspective on his previous relationship. The “aww, how sweet” plan Marcus comes up with to win Nicola’s heart just sealed the deal for me.

An overall engaging story, From This Moment On is light read that is sure to delight old and new fans of Bella Andre’s heartwarming series starring the Sullivan family.

Contest

I am giving away a print copy of From This Moment On to one lucky commenter. Contest is open to US ADDRESSES ONLY. To enter today’s contest:

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (upper left corner). One email daily with the day’s posts.

OR:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Reviews & More by Kathy Facebook page

OR:

3. Follow me on Twitter (@BookReviewsMore)

OR:

4. Friend Book Reviews & More by Kathy on Goodreads

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

5. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Reviews and More by Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don’t forget to:

6. Leave a comment on this post by 5 PM Mountain Time Monday afternoon. This contest is open to US ADDRESSES ONLY.

It’s that easy! The winner will be selected using random.org. . The winner will be posted HERE on Monday.

Follow the rest of the tour HERE.

9 Comments

Filed under Bella Andre, Blog Tour, Contemporary, Contest, From This Moment On, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Sullivans

June 11, 2013 · 3:56 am

Review: Willowleaf Lane by Raeanne Thayne

Title: Willowleaf Lane by Raeanne Thayne
Hope’s Crossing Series Book Five
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sometimes going back is the best way to start over

Candy shop owner Charlotte Caine knows temptation. To reboot her life, shed weight and gain perspective, she’s passing up sweet enticements left and right. But willpower doesn’t come so easily when hell-raiser Spencer Gregory comes back to Hope’s Crossing, bringing with him memories of broken promises and teen angst. A retired pro baseball player on the mend from injury—and a damaging scandal—he’s interested in his own brand of reinvention.

Now everything about Spencer’s new-and-improved lifestyle, from his mission to build a rehab facility for injured veterans to his clear devotion to his preteen daughter, Peyton, touches Charlotte’s heart. Holding on to past hurt is her only protection against falling for him—again. But if she takes the risk, will she find in Spencer a hometown heartbreaker, or the hero she’s always wanted?

The Review:

Willowleaf Lane by Raeanne Thayne is a wonderfully heartwarming and engaging romance with delightfully charming characters and a lovely small town setting. This fifth installment in the Hope’s Crossing series can easily be read as a standalone story.

Charlotte Caine is the type of heroine that it is easy to like. She is kind, generous and an all around nice person. Charlotte’s weight loss and dedication to exercise are inspiring and realistic. She is still trying to overcome her insecurities and she is actively working to change how she views not only herself but her perceptions of how others see her. Even though she is reluctant to get involved with Spencer because of events in the past, Charlotte is eventually able to let go of her preconceptions of him and see the person he has become.

Spencer Gregory is a work in progress and I loved watching his character evolve throughout the story. He is very protective of his daughter, Peyton, and although frustrated by her attitude, he is extremely patient with her. As he soon discovers, Spencer’s good memories of growing up in Hope’s Crossing have been overshadowed by his dysfunctional childhood and watching him rediscover his friendships is quite satisfying. What I admired the most about Spencer is his willingness to own up to past mistakes and make amends for his wrongdoings.

The relationship between Charlotte and Spencer is slow growing and a true delight to watch unfold. Charlotte has good reason to distrust Spencer and although it takes some prodding, she does finally reveal what went wrong between them years ago. Their romance is sweet and unhurried with a simmering undercurrent of desire.

In addition to Charlotte and Spencer’s romance, there are a couple of compelling storylines involving secondary characters. The first subplot revolves around troubled pre-teen Peyton and her issues are handled with a great deal of sensitivity. The other story arc involves Charlotte’s brother Dylan and his recovery from a devastating war injury. Since this storyline is still unresolved, I am hoping Dylan’s book will be next in the Hope’s Crossing series.

Willowleaf Lane is a fast paced and engrossing novel. There is a great deal of substance to this fabulous story and Raeanne Thayne deftly tackles some serious issues with compassion and very little angst. It is a thought-provoking addition to the Hope’s Crossing series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Hope's Crossing Series, RaeAnne Thayne, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Willowleaf Lane

May 28, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review & Contest: A Brother’s Honor by Brenda Jackson

Title: A Brother’s Honor by Brenda Jackson
Grangers Series Book One
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The Granger brothers left behind their family’s Virginia estate—and the bad memories it holds—years ago. But their dying grandfather’s request brings them home: to a failing business, a legacy of secrets and a deathbed promise to make things right.

As the eldest brother, attorney Jace Granger is determined to take responsibility for Granger Aeronautics, his family’s failing business. But the years of mismanagement seem impossible to untangle. As CEO, he hires a consultant to turn the company around. Smart, sexy Shana Bradford is the right person for the job—and the right woman to turn Jace’s world upside down.

But the passion between them is jeopardized when old secrets begin to emerge. A woman from Jace’s past suddenly reappears. And an explosive discovery changes everything Jace thinks he knows about his mother—and his father, who was convicted of her murder.

Jace Granger tried to leave his family history behind once before. But this time he needs to face the past…or risk losing his future.

Three brothers. One legacy. A lifetime of secrets.

The Review:

The first installment in Brenda Jackson’s Granger series, A Brother’s Honor is a fascinating family saga that is a perfect blend of romance, mystery and intrigue.

Jace, Caden and Dalton Granger were raised by their grandfather after their father was convicted of their mother’s murder. After graduating from college, the three moved from their family home, but they have remained close. Oldest brother Jace is a divorced lawyer. Middle brother Caden is a successful musician. Youngest brother Dalton is a bit of a playboy whose investments have made him a fortune. Brought together when their grandfather suffers a heart attack, they make a deathbed promise to him to take over the failing family aeronautical business and prove their father’s innocence.

There is an immediate smoldering attraction between Shana Bradford and Jace Granger. While they both acknowledge their desires, both agree to keep their relationship strictly professional. Working closely together, Jace and Shana’s passion grows hotter and ends in an explosive encounter that neither can easily forget. There is a bit of an insta-love element to Jace and Shana’s relationship since the book only spans a couple of months, but overall, I enjoyed watching them become a couple.

There is a lot going on in A Brother’s Honor but it is easy to keep track of the various storylines. The dynamics between the brothers is fascinating and although the men have varied interests and different careers, they work together to save the family business. Their interactions are full of playful teasing and as they spend more time together, they gain a better understanding of one another.

The mystery aspect of A Brother’s Honor is very well done. There are plenty of suspects when it comes to the corporate espionage investigation and Ms. Jackson throws in some very unexpected twists and turns. The mystery surrounding the death of the brothers’ mother is briefly touched on but I expect this storyline will develop over the course of the next two novels.

In A Brother’s Honor, Brenda Jackson not only brings readers Jace’s story, but she also lays the foundation for future books in the series. The various characters are well-developed and the background information on each of them provides insight into their pasts and intriguing glimpses of possible romantic pairings in future novels.

Find Ms. Jackson on the web: Website * Facebook * Twitter

Contest

To enter the contest for one of TWO print copies of A Brother’s Honor (OPEN TO US/CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY):

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (upper left corner). One email daily with the day’s posts.

OR:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Reviews & More by Kathy Facebook page

OR:

3. Follow me on Twitter (@BookReviewsMore)

OR:

4. Friend Book Reviews & More by Kathy on Goodreads

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

5. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Reviews and More by Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don’t forget to:

6. Leave a comment on this post by 5 PM Mountain Time Friday afternoon. OPEN TO US/CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY

It’s that easy! The winners will be selected using random.org. The winners will be posted HERE on Saturday.

5 Comments

Filed under A Brother's Honor, Brenda Jackson, Contemporary, Contest, Grangers Series, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Rated B, Review, Romance

May 27, 2013 · 3:56 am

Review: Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery

Title: Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book Ten
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

He won’t hesitate to put his life on the line…but will he ever risk his heart?

Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw’s otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now he’s back in Fool’s Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won’t abandon her again—and her daughter, too?

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He’s returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can’t resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice’s past doesn’t make him husband, or father, material.

Patience and Justice think they’ll succumb to just one kiss… Then one more… Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone’s control.

The Review:

Just One Kiss is another heartwarming and charming installment in Susan Mallery’s fabulous Fool’s Gold series. In this outing, Patience McGraw and Justice Garrett take center stage but as with other books in the series, readers get the opportunity to catch up with favorite characters from previous novels.

Fifteen years after he disappeared without a trace from Fool’s Gold, Justice Garrett is back in town to open a new business. He immediately looks up his old friend Patience McGraw and they pick up their easygoing friendship without missing a beat.

Patience was on the verge of confessing her feelings for Justice when he vanished from Fool’s Gold. While she always wondered what happened to him, Patience married young and gave birth to daughter, Lillie. After her marriage fell apart, she moved back in with her mom, Ava, went to beauty school and settled into life in her beloved hometown. Thrilled with Justice’s return, Patience is a little wary of giving her heart to a man whose future in Fool’s Gold is uncertain.

As with the other characters in this series, Patience and Justice are well-developed with realistic imperfections. Patience is sweet and infinitely upbeat and cheery. She is a little bit quirky, but that is what makes her so likable.

Justice has a complicated past and he has serious doubts about not only staying in Fool’s Gold but whether he is husband and father material. His conflict is believable and I like that he did not jump into a relationship with Patience without putting a lot of thought into his decision beforehand.

Ms. Mallery does a wonderful job keeping the series fresh with the addition of new characters. Newcomers Felicia and Isabel are quite intriguing and they blend right in with Patience and her friends. Their books are the next two in the series and I am very excited to read their stories.

An interesting plot with just a hint of suspense along with some very steamy love scenes keep Just One Kiss moving at a brisk pace. Susan Mallery has created a wonderful, tight-knit community for her colorful cast of eclectic characters. All in all, another light-hearted and appealing romance that I highly recommend to old and new fans of the delightful Fool’s Gold series.

Read my reviews of the other novels in the Fool’s Gold series HERE.

4 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Just One Kiss, Rated B, Review, Romance

May 23, 2013 · 3:56 am

Review: Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller
Paraable Series Book Four
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, welcomes you home to Parable, Montana—where love awaits.

With his father’s rodeo legacy to continue and a prosperous spread to run, Walker Parrish has no time to dwell on wrecked relationships. But country-western sweetheart Casey Elder is out of the spotlight and back in Parable, Montana. And Walker can’t ignore that his “act now, think later” passion for Casey has had consequences. Two teenage consequences!

Keeping her children’s paternity under wraps has always been part of Casey’s plan to give them normal, uncomplicated lives. Now the best way to hold her family together seems to be to let Walker be a part of it—as her husband of convenience. Or will some secrets—like Casey’s desire to be the rancher’s wife in every way—unravel, with unforeseen results?

The Review:

Big Sky Summer is another delightfully sweet installment in Linda Lael Miller’s Parable series. I have been eagerly awaiting Casey’s story and it was well worth the wait!

Casey Elder’s long ago decision to keep the identity of her children’s father a secret comes back to haunt her when Walker Parrish wants to take more of an active role in his kids’ lives. Both Casey and Walker have come to regret their agreement to relegate him to the role of “family friend”. While son Shane is thrilled to learn Walker is his father, daughter Clare is angry and resentful at being lied to over the years. In an effort to minimize publicity and make the transition easier on Shane and Clare, Casey and Walker agree to a marriage of convenience.

Youth and immaturity played a role in Casey and Walker’s original decision to lie about Shane and Clare’s paternity. Was Casey selfish to put her career first? Absolutely. But she did a great job keeping Clare and Shane’s lives as normal as possible and when she realized it was time to give them a more stable life, she stopped touring and moved to Parable to be near Walker. With a little introspection, Walker comes to the realization that he could have been more proactive about the situation with Casey and the kids. While he may have taken the easy way out not fighting for custody or visitation, Walker is actively involved in their lives.

Casey’s marriage to Walker becomes a turning point for her. She finally works through her unresolved issues from childhood. Casey also goes through a bit of an identity crisis as she tries to decide what direction her career is going to take next.

The plot of Big Sky Summer is a little far-fetched, but I could easily put aside my skepticism and enjoy the overall story. Linda Lael Miller has an uncanny ability to create sympathetic, likable characters that I become emotionally invested in and genuinely care how they are going to overcome their problems.

Big Sky Summer is another wonderful addition to the Parable series and old and new fans will enjoy this heartwarming romance.

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

3 Comments

Filed under Big Sky Summer, Contemporary, HarlequinHQN, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance

March 26, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: Too Hot to Handle by Victoria Dahl

Title: Too Hot to Handle by Victoria Dahl
Jackson Series Book Two
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

This good girl’s going bad….

Merry Kade has always been the good girl. The best friend. The one who patiently waits for the guy to notice her. Well, no more. Merry has just scored her dream job, and it’s time for her life to change. As the new curator of a museum in Wyoming, she’ll supervise a lot of restoration work. Luckily she’s found the perfect contractor for the job.

Shane Harcourt can’t believe that someone wants to turn a beat-up ghost town into a museum attraction. After all, the last thing he needs is the site of his dream ranch turning into a tourist trap. He’ll work on the project, if only to hasten its failure…until the beautiful, quirky woman in charge starts to change his mind.

For the first time ever, Merry has a gorgeous stud hot on her heels. But can she trust this strong, silent man, even if he is a force of nature in bed? When Shane’s ulterior motives come out, he’ll need to prove to Merry that a love like theirs may be too hot to handle, but it’s impossible to resist.

The Review:

Victoria Dahl’s second installment in her Jackson Hole, WY series, Too Hot to Handle is a light, easy to read romance that fans of contemporary westerns romances are sure to enjoy.

Merry Kade has finally found her niche in her new job and she is bubbling over with enthusiasm with the renovation of the Providence ghost town. Hoping to jumpstart the slow moving project, Merry takes the initiative and hires local carpenter Shane Harcourt to begin restoring the dilapidated buildings. Unbeknownst to Merry, Shane is the reason the project has stalled and his reasons for accepting the job are not exactly as altruistic as she thinks.

Merry is an absolutely delightful breath of fresh air and I adored her. She is refreshingly down to earth with realistic insecurities and self-doubts. Merry’s childhood was not easy, but she has an optimistic and sunny outlook on life. She deliberately looks for the good in people and although she is not naive, she is trusting. Merry is not overtly sexy or drop dead gorgeous. Instead she is every guy’s best gal pal; the one they discuss their woman problems with. So when Shane begins to treat her like she is a sexy, desirable woman, Merry is flustered and her self-esteem issues cause her to doubt his intentions. But when she eventually accepts that his attention is genuine, she eagerly enters into a no strings attached passionate fling.

Shane is a little more difficult to like since he is deceiving Merry. He has abandonment issues that stem from his childhood and he has serious commitment issues. In his favor, he is upfront with Merry that he is not looking for a permanent relationship. Of the two characters, Shane undergoes the most growth. Part of his change in attitude results from Merry’s positive attitude. New information about past events also comes to light and he finds closure for a childhood loss.

Some of the characters from the first novel in the series, Close Enough to Touch, play key roles in Too Hot to Handle. As Merry’s closest friend, Grace Barrett is fiercely protective of her and she is always looking out for her. While Grace is distrustful of Shane, but she is respectful of Merry’s decision to become involved with him. Grace always has Merry’s happiness and best interests at heart.

Too Hot to Handle is an entertaining novel and an excellent addition to the Jackson Hole, WY series. The romance between Merry and Shane is sweet and their sex scenes are deliciously steamy. Victoria Dahl’s writing style is humorous and engaging and her characters are well-developed and true to life. An all around lovely story that I highly recommend.

Read my review of Close Enough to Touch HERE.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Jackson Series, Rated B, Review, Romance, Too Hot to Handle, Victoria Dahl