Category Archives: HarlequinHQN

February 18, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: The Best Man by Kristan Higgins

Title: The Best Man by Kristan Higgins
Blue Heron Series, Book One
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 432 pages
Book Rating: A+ & A Recommended Read

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

SOMETIMES THE BEST MAN IS THE ONE YOU LEAST EXPECT…

Faith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she’s ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family’s vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there’s some great scenery there….

Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief—and best friend of her former fiancé. There’s a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it’s not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she’s having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosé, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk down the aisle.

The Review:

With her trademark wit, realistic characters and zingy one liners, Kristan Higgins brings readers yet another outstanding romance that is outrageously funny and full of emotion. The Best Man is a captivating novel that will keep you laughing out loud as Faith Holland heals the wounds of her past and finds love with Levi Cooper, the gruff yet lovable man who broke her heart when he stopped her wedding to the love of her life.

Escaping to San Francisco when her marriage was called off, Faith Holland is finally ready to return to her small hometown and the family winery. When her siblings need Faith’s help ejecting a scheming woman from their father’s life, Faith agrees to temporarily come home and find their dad a more suitable partner. This visit will bring her face to face with all of the complex issues and people she has successfully avoided in the past. Faith soon finds her small town, friends and family slowly working their magic on her, and she is soon considering making her homecoming permanent.

Levi Cooper is just as scarred by his past as Faith is. Growing up in a trailer park with his single mom and much younger sister, Levi worked his way through high school, played on the football team and enjoyed a close friendship with his best friend Jeremy Lyon, Faith’s high school sweetheart and former fiancé. The military was Levi’s ticket to a better future and after four tours in Afghanistan, he returns home with a wife and finds a new career on the police force. Now divorced, he works long hours as the police chief and he is dedicated to his younger sister, Sarah. He remains close friends with Jeremy and he maintains his slightly skewed perspective of Faith. He is the strong silent type with a heart of gold and I absolutely adored him.

One of the things that I have come to expect in a Kristan Higgins novel is a delightfully quirky cast of characters. They are always richly developed with realistic flaws that make them easy to relate to. Their interactions are laced with humor that is laugh out loud funny and sometimes so breathtakingly poignant it will break your heart.

As with Ms. Higgins’ previous novels, there is a strong family bond between Faith and her extended family. These relationships are wonderfully imperfect but the love between family members is always apparent. Faith’s grandparents’ relationship is full of bickering and beautifully illustrates that love is not always full of romantic moments. Faith’s older sister’s marriage shows that keeping the passion in a long term marriage takes hard work and creativity. With Faith’s father, we learn that love is not blind and that we love our partners despite their imperfections.

The Best Man is one of those multi-layered novels that quickly engages the reader. Each layer reveals many different facets of the characters and enriches the overall story. The romantic plot between Levi and Faith is slow growing and deliciously steamy. But before Levi and Faith can find their happily ever after, they each must deal with their respective messy pasts. Each of these storylines is fascinating and provides a great deal of depth and growth to both of their characters.

The Best Man is a novel that will make you laugh and cry and it is a story that you will hate to see end. Luckily, it is the first installment of Kristan Higgins’ Blue Heron series and we will have the chance to revisit this charming cast of characters in the not too distant future.

I loved every outrageous, zany, and heartfelt moment of this wonderful story and you will too.

7 Comments

Filed under Blue Heron Series, Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Kristan Higgins, Rated A+, Recommended Read, Review, Romance, The Best Man

December 13, 2012 · 3:57 am

Review: Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller
Parable Series Book Three
Publisher: Harlequin/HarlequinHQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 318 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sheriff Boone Taylor has his job, friends, a run-down but decent ranch, two faithful dogs and a good horse. He doesn’t want romance—the widowed Montanan has loved and lost enough for a lifetime. But when a city woman buys the spread next door, Boone’s peace and quiet are in serious jeopardy.

With a marriage and a career painfully behind her, Tara Kendall is determined to start over in Parable. Reinventing herself and living a girlhood dream is worth the hard work. Sure, she might need help from her handsome, wary neighbor. But life along Big Sky River is full of surprises…like falling for a cowboy-lawman who just might start to believe in second chances.

The Review:

More than a love story, Big Sky River is an incredibly heartwarming story of healing from a devastating loss and finding love where it is least expected. This third installment in Linda Lael Miller’s delightfully charming Parable series brings the long awaited romance of Sheriff Boone Taylor and his city slicker neighbor Tara Kendall.

Boone Taylor stole my heart as soon as we were introduced to the heartbroken lawman in Big Sky Country. Boone has been stuck in an endless cycle of grief since his wife’s death a few years earlier. While he goes through the motions, he cannot quite seem to move on despite the encouragement of his longtime friends Hutch Carmody and Slade Barlow. His sister is raising his young sons, Griffin and Fletcher and while they come for the occasional visit with him, Boone is not ready to be a full time dad. But when Boone’s brother-in-law suffers an accident and his sister has her hands full with her own family, it is time for Griffin and Fletcher to move home with their dad.

In the wake of her painful divorce, Tara Kendall leaves New York and purchases the ranch next door to Boone. Tara and Boone have butted heads a time or two over his dilapidated and run down property, but for the most part, they live a peaceful co-existence. Tara has settled into her life as chicken farmer and she has formed a tight friendship with Kendra Carmody, Joslyn Barlow and newcomer Casey Elder. While she is definitely over her ex, Tara still feels the loss of her stepdaughters Elle and Erin. When her ex-husband proposes she take the girls for the summer, she jumps at the chance to renew her relationship with the daughters of her heart and welcomes them with open arms.

Despite their age differences, the four kids enjoy spending time with one another and Tara and Boone’s paths begin to cross on a fairly frequent basis with the arrival the children. Boone’s job as sheriff brings after hours crises and Tara lends a neighborly hand when Boone needs it. Boone and Tara quickly begin to see one another in a whole new light, and as their perspectives evolve, so does their relationship. Their romance is slow growing, understated and mostly free of conflict. There are a few issues that do arise between them but they are resolved fairly quickly.

Linda Lael Miller’s characters are always refreshingly down to earth, compassionate, and easy to like. They are not larger than life, but instead they are everyday average people living ordinary lives. They are dealing with realistic problems and they make mistakes.

With Big Sky River, Linda Lael Miller delivers an emotionally satisfying and incredibly poignant novel. What I found most enjoyable about Boone and Tara’s story is their slow but steady progress as they triumph over their respective pasts. Love sneaks up on them when neither of them is looking and that just makes their romance that much sweeter. An absolutely wonderful addition to the Parable series that fans are sure to love.

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

7 Comments

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

November 20, 2012 · 1:55 am

Review: Caden’s Vow by Sarah McCarty

Title: Caden’s Vow by Sarah McCarty
Hell’s Eight Book Six
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinHQN
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: C

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

His past has haunted him for a lifetime…but one woman could be his salvation

Gunslinger Caden Miller’s compadres are becoming a bit too domesticated for his liking. So he’s off to Kansas territory to carve out a living and a space of his own—alone, just the way he likes it.

Maddie O’Hare has been drawn to Caden ever since she escaped to the Hell’s Eight compound from the brothel where she was born and raised. And she’s not ready to let him go so easily…until she’s captured by his new neighbors.

When Caden discovers that Maddie is being held by a rival at a nearby ranch, his plan to rescue her backfires, and he finds himself the groom in what’s literally a shotgun wedding. As shocked as Caden is by the bizarre turn of events, Maddie’s grateful kiss holds a fiery promise that’s far more unexpected. But with old enemies catching up with him, Caden and Maddie will face a danger that tests their passion—and will either bind them together forever or break them apart for good.

The Review:

Caden’s Vow is another action packed and very steamy installment in Sarah McCarty’s Hell’s Eight series.

Caden Miller lost his family the same day as the other members of Hell’s Eight. Caden is feeling pretty restless now the several of the Hell’s Eight men settling down and starting families. He is attracted to ex-prostitute Maddie O’Hare, but he decides to leave Hell’s Eight (and Maddie) to honor a long ago vow he made to his father. Caden’s solitude is short-lived when close friend Ace brings Caden the news that Maddie is missing. With Ace’s assistance, Caden tracks down Maddie and his rescue culminates in a very unexpected wedding.

Born in a brothel and forced into prostitution as an eight year old girl, Maddie is emotionally fragile and often escapes reality by going off to a “special place” in her mind. But her time at Hell’s Eight has slowly been healing her wounds and Maddie has developed deep feelings for Caden. Struggling to find her place in life and devastated when Caden leaves her behind, Maddie decides it is time to take charge of her life and she sets out after Caden. Unfortunately, Maddie quickly runs into trouble and she is abducted by a neighboring rancher. But Maddie is stronger than anyone expects and things don’t quite go the way the kidnapper intended….

Caden is insensitive and very cruel to Maddie on occasion. He throws Maddie’s past in her face and he says horrible things to her. Caden is, of course, instantly remorseful, but that does not erase the hurtful things he says. He makes promises to her then immediately breaks them. Taking these facts into consideration, it is little wonder that Maddie finds it difficult to trust him later in the story.

In the beginning, Maddie’s self-esteem is non-existent and she finds it difficult to let go of the person she used to be. But Maddie is finally coming into her own and while she is a bit battered, she is determined to discover who she is and find a way to support herself. I truly enjoyed watching her find her inner strength and I admired that she firmly stood her ground with Caden.

I really struggled with the terrible things that Caden said to Maddie and the fact that he did it to her more than once. They spend a lot of the novel apart and I had a difficult time seeing the emotional connection between them. The story also focused mainly on Maddie and I did not feel like I really got to know Caden beyond a few superficial facts.

What made Caden’s Vow a worthwhile read for me was the growth of Maddie’s character. Her transformation was beautifully written and I loved seeing her find the self-confidence she needed to put her past behind her so she could find her self-worth.

Despite some of my reservations, I did enjoy Caden’s Vow. The Hell’s Eight series is one of my favorites and I am looking forward to seeing what Sarah McCarty has planned for Ace and Luke, the last two unmarried men in the series.

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

4 Comments

Filed under Caden's Vow, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Hell's Eight Series, Historical, Rated C, Review, Romance, Sarah McCarty

September 18, 2012 · 3:59 am

Review: A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

Title: A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book 10
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinHQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The unrelenting cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. She learned early on that Christmas miracles don’t happen, at least not for her. And this year seems like no exception. An injury has forced her to return to the family fold, no matter that they’re estranged. She won’t add to the awkward scenario by being seduced by the bad-boy charms of her brother’s best friend, the last man she should ever want to date. Even when she’s recruited to stage the Fool’s Gold winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move forward with her life anywhere but here.

Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers’ feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take! When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he’s unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend’s sister—off-limits unless he’s willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen…

The Review:

In A Fool’s Gold Christmas, Susan Mallery completes the Stryker siblings saga. The tantalizing glimpses of Evangeline “Evie” Stryker in the previous books reveal the strained relationship she shares with her siblings and her mom. Can Evie find it in her heart to forgive the mistakes of the past?

I have been looking forward to Evie’s story ever since her character was introduced in the previous Fool’s Gold novels starring her brothers Rafe, Shane and Clay. My heart positively ached for her when I read about her dysfunctional and neglectful childhood and her current estrangement with her family. I was eager to see if there was any possible way to mend the horrible rift between Evie, her brothers and her mother, May. Much to my delight, not only does Evie resolve her issues with her family, but she finds love with Rafe’s business partner, Dante Jefferson.

Conceived during a one night stand, Evie Stryker is a half-sister to Rafe, Shane and Clay. May and her three sons shared a close relationship and Evie was forever on the outside looking in while growing up. Leaving home at age seventeen, Evie has had little contact over the years with her brothers or mother. That is until she breaks her leg and her family moves her back to Fool’s Gold. Biding her time until she can leave, Evie maintains a uneasy truce with her siblings and the women in their lives. With good reason, she avoids May as much as possible. But in true Fool’s Gold fashion, the town slowly works its way into her heart, and she finds that leaving it and her family behind may not be possible after all.

Dante Jefferson is as wounded as Evie. A love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy, Dante protects his heart at all costs. He is always upfront that there is a shelf life to his relationships and he is careful to maintain an emotional distance. With neither one of them looking forward to the upcoming Christmas holiday, Dante and Evie embark on a casual, no strings attached affair.

Evie and Dante share so much in common that they really are perfect for each other. Neither gives their trust easily, both cannot wait to leave Fool’s Gold behind and Christmas is a holiday they would much rather avoid than celebrate. Throw in an incredible sexual attraction and it is little wonder they decide to indulge in some hot between the sheets action. A genuine friendship emerges as they spend their free time together helping out in various activities around Fool’s Gold. Dante is incredibly supportive of Evie, and he gives her some pretty good advice about dealing with her mother. Of course neither plans on falling in love and it shakes up both their lives when they discover their hearts have become in involved.

In Summer Days, May Stryker was quite whimsical but she gradually becomes more grounded during the following three novels. In All Summer Long, the cracks in her status as perfect mother become readily apparent as she reveals the mistakes she made with Evie. How someone could be such a wonderful, caring mom to her three sons yet be so neglectful of her daughter is absolutely astonishing. In A Fool’s Gold Christmas, she is ready to make amends for her mistakes and she is genuinely remorseful for how she treated Evie over the years. Evie and May have a long-awaited discussion about their past and both women are at last able to see things from each others’ perspectives.

The town and citizens of Fool’s Gold figure prominently in A Fool’s Gold Christmas. The sense of community is always obvious and I love how they always pull together to help one another when needed. Fans will love catching up with their favorite characters and once again, Ms. Mallery tempts us with glimpses of the characters in upcoming novels. I am especially intrigued with Gideon Boylan and I think it is incredibly cruel I have to wait until next year to read his story ;)!

Once again, Susan Mallery brings her readers a captivating story of forgiveness that is quite heartwarming and touching. Witty banter, lovable characters and a charming town make A Fool’s Gold Christmas a must read for anyone who loves a good story that is full of heart.

I highly recommend this latest installment in the Fool’s Gold series.

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

3 Comments

Filed under A Fool's Gold Christmas, Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Rated B+, Romance

· 3:57 am

Review: An Outlaw’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Title: An Outlaw’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinHQN
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With his wild heart, Sawyer McKettrick isn’t ready to settle down on the Triple M family ranch in Arizona. So he heads to Blue River, Texas, to seek a job as marshal. But in a blinding snowstorm he’s injured—and collapses into the arms of a prim and proper lady in calico.

The shirtless, bandaged stranger recuperating in teacher Piper St. James’s room behind the schoolhouse says he’s a McKettrick, but he looks like an outlaw. As they wait out the storm, the handsome loner has Piper remembering long-ago dreams of marriage and motherhood. But for how long is Sawyer willing to call Blue River home?

As the gray skies clear, Piper’s one holiday wish just might bring two lonely hearts together forever.

The Review:

An Outlaw’s Christmas is a heartwarming historical romance that will delight fans of Linda Lael Miller’s McKettrick series. Sawyer McKettrick journeys to Blue River, TX to take over his cousin Clay’s position as marshal. Arriving in the middle of a blizzard, he is greeted by a bullet from an unknown assailant. He collapses in the schoolhouse yard, where he is discovered by school teacher Piper St. James. A prim and proper lady through and through, Piper rescues Sawyer despite the very real risk of ruining her reputation. But Piper soon discovers the greatest danger is to her heart…

Piper and Sawyer are fabulous characters and I absolutely adore both of them. Piper is no shy and retiring miss. She is a bit of rebel and she has strong convictions that she stands up for no matter the consequences. Piper is also quite compassionate and caring. She might be prim and proper, but Piper is pretty feisty. She has a temper and she does not hesitate to speak her mind.

Sawyer is a McKettrick through and through. Stubborn and strong-willed, there is no changing his mind once he decides on a course of action. He has a mysterious reputation and he is reluctant to give up any personal information. Sawyer has certainly met his match in Piper, and with a lot of determination and perseverance she manages to learn his secrets.

Although love comes quickly to Piper and Sawyer, it never feels forced or rushed. Their romance is sweet and touching. Despite their mutual desire for each other, Sawyer is always a perfect gentleman. And when Piper’s reputation is threatened, he gallantly comes to her rescue.

An Outlaw’s Christmas is a feel good romance that is fast-paced and engrossing. Linda Lael Miller delivers yet another moving story about love and family that perfectly expresses the spirit of Christmas. A perfectly charming love story that fans of historical westerns do not want to miss.

3 Comments

Filed under An Outlaw's Christmas, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Historical, Linda Lael Miller, Rated B+, Review, Romance

August 28, 2012 · 3:58 am

Close Enough to Touch by Victoria Dahl

Title: Close Enough to Touch by Victoria Dahl
Jackson Series Book One
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinHQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 381 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Can a city girl make it in the wild, wild West?

For makeup artist Grace Barrett, Hollywood is less the land of golden opportunity and more the land of difficult divas, cheating boyfriends and unemployment. So when her great-aunt offers her a free place to stay in Jackson Hole, Grace thinks she’ll spend a little time in the sticks to figure out her life, and then move somewhere exciting to live out her dreams. But it turns out that there are a few more thrills in this small town than Grace was expecting…

Cole Rawlins is a rugged Wyoming cowboy born and bred. Yet he can’t help but be drawn to the fascinating big-city girl who moves in across from him. As they discover a sizzling attraction, it’s Grace who finds herself surprised. Cole’s the only man who’s ever dared to get close enough to see through her tough facade. And his mysterious past only makes him sexier.

They’ll need more than scorching-hot passion to make this opposites-attract affair work. But if they can learn to trust one another enough to reveal their secrets, they just might have a chance at forever.

The Review:

Victoria Dahl’s newest release, Close Enough to Touch is an intense and emotional novel. Starting over is never easy, but for Grace Barrett, she has no choice. Blackballed by her cheating and vindictive ex, Grace’s stay in Jackson Hole, WY is a temporary pit stop until her new job in Vancouver begins. Her next door neighbor Cole Rawlins is also playing a waiting game as he recovers from a serious injury that jeopardizes his future career plans.

My heart ached just for Grace Barrett. Her life has been difficult; she has struggled to make a success of her life, and one bad decision destroyed everything she worked so hard to achieve. She is angry, tough and fiercely independent. She keeps the world at a distance and clings tightly to her tough-girl attitude. Grace is also quite perceptive of those around her and she eventually becomes aware of her own destructive behavior.

Cole Rawlins is sexy, charming and brings to the relationship his own set of emotional baggage. On the surface, he is much more open than Grace, but as the story progresses, it becomes apparent he is also keeping his fair share of secrets. He is more honest and upfront than Grace and although their relationship is casual, he does try to get close to her.

With both characters holding so much of themselves back, it is impossible for them to have anything but a superficial relationship. There is a lack of communication between them that causes them to jump to wrong conclusions and misconstrue certain situations. Instead of feeling contrived, the misunderstandings feel natural; they are a natural extension of the characters inability to open up. In Cole’s case, shame keeps him from talking about certain events. Grace’s silence is purely self-preservation. She refuses to allow anyone to see what she perceives to be her weaknesses and she does not allow anyone to get close to her. Both characters are quick to run away from their problems instead of facing them head on.

While in many areas, Cole and Grace’s relationship is far from easy they are definitely compatible in the bedroom. The sex between them is raw and gritty, with very little tenderness. Grace does let her guard down some and she eventually accepts Cole’s more gentle gestures. With so much left unspoken between them, Grace has a few doubts about where she stands with Cole, and some of their sexual encounters feed her insecurities.

There are lighter moments in Close Enough to Touch. Some occur between Cole and Grace, but many are provided by the delightful secondary cast of characters. Bartender Jenny is wonderful, and she is the first person to slip past Grace’s defenses. Eve Hill is Grace’s boss, but also her friend. Grace’s Great Aunt Rayleen Kisler is gruff and no nonsense, but she also has an undeniable charm that makes her one of the most enjoyable characters in the novel.

Close Enough to Touch is not a typical Victoria Dahl novel. And in this case, that is a very good thing. It is a heavier romance with realistic characters who have genuine problems to solve. It is a bit angsty but watching Cole and Grace overcome their obstacles is incredibly gratifying and emotionally satisfying. A heartwarming romance with two flawed yet very appealing protagonists that I highly recommend.

4 Comments

Filed under Close Enough to Touch, Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Jackson Series, Rated B+, Romance, Victoria Dahl