Category Archives: HarlequinMira

September 24, 2012 · 3:58 am

Review: The Space Between Us by Megan Hart

Title: The Space Between Us by Megan Hart
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Ménage, F/M/F, F/F, M/F
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Tesla Martin is drifting pleasantly through life, slinging lattes at Morningstar Mocha, enjoying the ebb and flow of caffeine-starved customers, devoted to her cadre of regulars. But none of the bottomless-cup crowd compares with Meredith, a charismatic force of nature who can coax intimate tales from even the shyest of Morningstar’s clientele.

Caught in Meredith’s sensual, irresistible orbit, inexpressibly flattered by the siren’s attention, Tesla shares long-buried chapters of her life, holding nothing back. Nothing Meredith proposes seems impossible—not even Tesla sleeping with Meredith’s husband, Charlie, while she looks on. After all, it’s all in fun, isn’t it?

In a heartbeat, vulnerable Tesla is swept into a spectacular love triangle. Together, gentle, grounded Charlie and sparkling, maddening Meredith are everything Tesla has ever needed, wanted, or dreamed of, even if no one else on earth understands. They’re three against the world.

But soon one of the vertices begins pulling away until only two points remain—and the space between them gapes with confusion, with grief and with possibility….

The Review:

The Space Between Us is an emotionally complex and highly erotic romance. Megan Hart begins this compelling novel with a tantalizing peak at the ending. But this glimpse gives little of the story away. Instead, it entices the reader to join Tesla, Meredith and Charlie as they embark on an intense relationship that is quickly complicated by unexpected emotions.

The Space Between Us is told in first person from Tesla Martin’s point of view. Tesla is a free spirit, marching along to the beat of her own drummer. She and her brother, Cap, were raised by rather unconventional parents who took the family to live in a commune during their summer vacations. Tesla and Cap had little parental supervision during these visits and they experienced firsthand the free lovin’, partner swapping lifestyle her parents clearly enjoyed. As a result, Tesla is very open minded when it comes to sex and she is in fact, quite comfortable with her own sexuality. She does not conform to society’s expectations and she is actually considered to be a wild child by the people in her life. Of course, Tesla does not view herself this way. She is simply leaving herself open to all possibilities of relationships regardless of the persons’ gender.

At first, Meredith comes across as a warm and caring person. She is quite charming and she easily draws everyone around her into her orbit. She entices them to tell their most interesting stories but gives very little of herself away. A master manipulator, Meredith easily maneuvers Tesla into a ménage relationship with her and her husband Charlie. Although she clearly sees Tesla’s infatuation with her, she initially holds herself back from interacting with Tesla. Slowly but surely, Tesla and Charlie begin to see Meredith for what she truly is and the dynamics of the threesome begin to shift with this new awareness.

Charlie is a sweet, sensitive man. He is hesitant at first to enter into the ménage but Meredith pretty much steamrolls over any objections. Although their marriage is rock solid on the surface, the hidden cracks are slowly revealed. Meredith holds much of herself back and communication is definitely a problem with them. The affection and attraction between Tesla and Charlie is always apparent. As Meredith’s dissatisfaction grows, the more comfortable and close Tesla and Charlie become.

Interspersed with the ménage storyline are key events from Tesla’s past. Told in flashbacks, the events reveal how she became the person she is and provide hints as to why she makes the decisions she does. They show us her hidden desires even though she herself does not know exactly what it is she is searching for.

The Space Between Us is a well-written and multilayered novel. Megan Hart’s characters are always flawed and harbor deep emotional wounds. Her stories are learning experiences for both her characters and her readers. She always manages to touch a nerve and draw gut wrenching emotions from her protagonists. There are never easy fixes and love does not come easily. Many of her novels’ endings are not traditional happily ever afters. Instead, they are always a hint that maybe, just maybe, the couple might find lasting happiness.

Anyone who enjoys a steamy story with genuine and heartfelt emotions and realistic characters is sure to love The Space Between Us.

4 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Erotic, F/F, F/M/F, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, M/F, Megan Hart, Menage, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Space Between Us

August 27, 2012 · 3:58 am

Where Azaleas Bloom by Sherryl Woods

Title: Where Azaleas Bloom by Sherryl Woods
The Sweet Magnolias Book Ten
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Single mom Lynn Morrow is determined to put food on the table for her son and daughter. Her soon-to-be-ex-husband has failed to meet his obligations time and again—but it turns out that Ed is struggling with his own demons.

Enter contractor Mitch Franklin, an unlikely knight in shining armor. A widower with two grieving sons, Mitch once admired Lynn from afar. Now he sees in her not only the sweet girl who got away, but a woman desperately in need of support. While rushing to the rescue of Lynn and her children comes naturally to Mitch, he’s also wise enough to encourage Lynn to find her own way…hopefully straight into his arms.

The Review:

Part of The Sweet Magnolias series, and the final installment of this summer’s trilogy, Sherryl Woods’ Where Azaleas Bloom is a heartfelt and tender romance. My personal favorite of the three novels, it is a wonderful story of friendship, love and new beginnings as Lynn Morrow and Mitch Franklin slowly fall in love in the midst of Lynn’s impending divorce.

Lynn Morrow is not only reeling from the unexpected divorce from her husband Ed, she is struggling financially when her soon to be ex falls behind on his financial obligations. With few job opportunities, she is working several part time jobs to make ends meet and achieve financial independence. Although she is angry with Ed and deeply hurt by his actions, she puts aside her feelings and encourages her children to maintain their relationship with their father. Lynn shows admirable strength as she regains her independence, but she also lets her pride sometimes get the better of her. She also has some baggage from her past that interferes with her burgeoning relationship with Mitch.

Mitch Franklin is a fabulous character. Still grieving the death of his wife, he is a kind, considerate, loyal and infinitely patient man. He has a wonderful relationship with his college aged sons, although they are not quite prepared for their father to begin dating again. Mitch is understanding of Lynn’s need to take a slow approach to their relationship. While he is willing to let Lynn set the pace for the most part, he is no pushover. He is persistent when he needs to be, but he also knows when to back off.

Although not part of the Sweet Magnolias circle of friends, Lynn is quickly and warmly welcomed into their group. They offer her unconditional support and friendship just when she needs it most. One of the best aspects of The Sweet Magnolias series is how open and caring the characters are and how they are always willing to welcome newcomers into their fold.

Some of the subplots from the other books in the trilogy are resolved in Where Azaleas Bloom. Frances’ health continues to deteriorate, much to Liz and Flo’s dismay and decisions must be made regarding Frances’ living arrangements. A romantic entanglement featuring one of the older women is a wonderful reminder that love is not just for the young.

The resolution of Lynn and Ed’s divorce is very well done and carries a powerful message of forgiveness. I figured out pretty early on how that part of the storyline would play out, but I liked how Lynn and Ed worked things out between them.

Sherryl Woods is a long time favorite author of mine, and Where Azaleas Bloom is the perfect example of why. She brings her readers novels with realistic storylines about timely issues and true to life characters with believable flaws and imperfections. Ms. Woods always takes the time for her characters to get to know not only one another, but themselves as well. I always savor the slow buildup of emotions and I rejoice in the love that they find.

If you enjoy novels with close friendships, a tight-knit community and a sweet romance, you will love Where Azaleas Bloom. It can be read as a standalone novel, but with an author this talented, you will find yourself buying all the other books in The Sweet Magnolias series.

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

4 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Rated A, Romance, Sherryl Woods, The Sweet Magnolias, Where Azaleas Bloom

August 23, 2012 · 3:58 am

Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs

Title: Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
Lakeshore Chronicles Book Nine
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Length: 320
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Susan Wiggs’s Lakeshore Chronicles series has captivated thousands of readers with its relatable characters, warm humor and engaging stories. Now, with Return to Willow Lake, readers can enjoy a new chapter in the lives of the beloved characters of Willow Lake.

Sonnet Romano’s life is almost perfect. She has the ideal career, the ideal boyfriend, and has just been offered a prestigious fellowship. There’s nothing more a woman wants–except maybe a baby…brother?

When Sonnet finds out her mother is unexpectedly expecting, and that the pregnancy is high risk, she puts everything on hold—the job, the fellowship, the boyfriend—and heads home to Avalon. Once her mom is out of danger, Sonnet intends to pick up her life where she left off.

But when her mother receives a devastating diagnosis, Sonnet must decide what really matters in life, even if that means staying in Avalon and taking a job that forces her to work alongside her biggest, and maybe her sweetest, mistake—award-winning filmmaker Zach Alger. So Sonnet embarks on a summer of laughter and tears, of old dreams and new possibilities, and of finding the home of her heart.

Don’t miss a single tale in the Lakeshore Chronicles series–read the book that started it all, Summer at Willow Lake.

The Review:

Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs is a beautifully written and engrossing novel. At the heart of this thought-provoking and emotional story is Sonnet Romano and the various relationships in her life.

Sonnet Romano is a successful, overachieving young woman. Raised by her single mother, Nina, they share a close relationship. The news that her mother is pregnant is shocking, but Sonnet is excited about the upcoming birth. It is her mother’s devastating diagnosis that rocks her world and she willingly puts her life on hold to support her mother. Her move back to her small hometown of Avalon brings Sonnet to reassess not only her career, but many of her relationships as well.

Sonnet’s relationship with her dad, Senate candidate Laurence Jeffries is complicated. An absentee father for most of her childhood, they reconnected after Sonnet reached adulthood. Laurence is charismatic and compelling, and in an effort to win his approval, Sonnet relies heavily on his advice in her career and her love life. But as she soon discovers, his affection is not unconditional and his motives are sometimes self-serving.

Sonnet’s burgeoning relationship with Orlando Rivera is in its early days but he is tries to be supportive of her decision to return to Avalon. Introduced to Sonnet by her father, Orlando is also successful and very career driven. But will his position as her father’s campaign manager come between them?

Sonnet’s relationship with Zach Alger is a longstanding friendship forged from their early days in kindergarten. Zach is her closest friend, and she shares with him all the good and bad in her life. Their once close relationship has recently become a bit distant, but as always, Zach remains Sonnet’s steady rock and staunchest ally.

While there is romance in Return to Willow Lake it is incidental to main storyline. The novel spans several months and Sonnet’s realizations about her life and relationships are gradual. As is often the case, with distance comes clarity, and it takes some time for Sonnet to clearly see the impact she has allowed her father to have on her life.

Return to Willow Lake is an incredibly touching and heartwarming novel. The characters and setting are quite appealing and the overall story is engaging. Susan Wiggs delivers yet another entertaining story and I love how she resolves the various plot points and story arcs.

While part of a series, Return to Willow Lake can be read as a standalone novel.

3 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Rated B, Return to Willow Lake, Romance, Susan Wiggs, Women's Fiction

August 21, 2012 · 3:57 am

The Lovesick Cure by Pamela Morsi

Title: The Lovesick Cure by Pamela Morsi
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

What do you do when your groom gets cold feet?

For Jesse Winsloe, the answer is clear: head into hiding. Single again laid off from work, Jesse flees Onery Cabin to lick her wounds her ancient aunt Will—a Granny woman with the secret to healing the lovelorn.

Sure, Onery Cabin may be right out of Hollywood’s Lifestyles of the Poor and Hillbilly, but Marrying Stone Mountain has its charm—including the local physician’s assistant, Piney Baxley, a past recipient of Aunt Will’s pungent “heartbreak poultice.”

Between folk remedies and a “no strings attached” romance, Jesse is beginning to think she’s found her own brand of lovesick cure—because there’s nothing like a pinch of confidence and a dash of attraction to mend a broken heart.

The Review:

Pamela Morsi can always be counted on to deliver a heartfelt and thought-provoking novel with a charming cast of characters that will capture your heart and The Lovesick Cure is no exception. The romance between Jesse Winsloe and Piney Baxley is sweet yet steamy but it is Aunt Will who shines the brightest in this outstanding story set in the Ozark Mountains.

If you are a longtime fan of Ms. Morsi, you will recognize the setting of Marrying Stone from two of her previous historical novels, Marrying Stone and Simple Jess. It is wonderful to revisit the small Ozark town, catch up on the family and see the impact the past has on the present. It is not necessary to read these books to enjoy The Lovesick Cure but for those who have, it adds an extra layer to this contemporary story.

Laid off from her teaching job and nursing a broken heart when her fiancé marries someone else, Jesse Winsloe heads to Marrying Stone for a short visit with her Aunt Will. Is Aunt Will’s lovesick cure (a stinky poultice) just what Jesse needs to fix her broken heart? Is she just too busy reconnecting with a slew of relatives and learning to subsistence farm to moon over her ex? Or is her friends with benefits fling with sexy physician’s assistant Piney Baxley responsible for mending her wounded heart?

Piney Baxley has had his heart broken in the past, and it took Aunt Will’s lovesick cure to fix it. A single father raising his teenage son, Tree, Piney is dedicated to his job and loves living in Marrying Stone. But living in a small town where he is related to half the residents, there is a definite lack of eligible women for Piney to date. Jesse does not have to do much talking to convince Piney a short term affair is just what the doctor ordered.

Aunt Will is the heart and soul of The Lovesick Cure. Full of wisdom, this granny woman is revered by most of the townspeople. She is practical, no nonsense and not afraid to speak her mind. While on the surface, she appears to be an open book, she is actually harboring a few surprising secrets.

The Lovesick Cure is a beautiful journey that takes the reader through the ups and downs of life, love and family. Jesse and Piney’s romance is sweet and slow growing and plays out in the midst of all of life’s joys and sorrows. There is a delightful secondary romance between Tree and his girlfriend Camryn that reflects Piney’s strong influence on his son and Tree’s maturity.

I found The Lovesick Cure easy to relate to and an accurate depiction of life in the Ozarks. I grew up around and lived in some of the towns mentioned and I have relatives who resemble some of Ms. Morsi’s characters. Everyone should be so lucky as to have an Aunt Will in their lives.

Ms. Morsi does a wonderful job capturing the differences between the generations. Coming from an older generation, Aunt Will keeps her private life private and carries her secrets close to her heart. The storyline with Camryn and Tree is realistic and the resolution is perfect.

The Lovesick Cure is wonderful romance with a lot of heart. Pamela Morsi is a favorite author of mine that I highly recommend. As always, I am eagerly anticipating her next novel.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Pamela Morsi, Rated B, Romance, The Lovesick Cure

August 20, 2012 · 3:58 am

False Impressions by Laura Caldwell

Title: False Impressions by Laura Caldwell
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Chicago attorney Izzy McNeil is ready to take a break from private investigation and focus on her career in criminal law. But as a favor, she agrees to work with Madeline Saga, a beautiful art gallery owner who fears that artwork she has sold is fake. Who in Madeline’s tight circle of artists and gallery owners is guilty of the forgeries?

When Madeline’s life is threatened, Izzy is suddenly asking a more troublesome question: Who wants the gallery owner dead?

As the case spins out of control, there’s only one person who makes Izzy feel safe—Detective Damon Vaughn. But getting close to her former nemesis is full of surprises. Astonishing truths about the glittering Chicago art scene will introduce Izzy to the deadliest art of deception…

The Review:

False Impressions by Laura Caldwell is another fabulous mystery starring Izzy McNeil. Just as she is about to focus on her law career, John Mayburn asks Izzy to look into the threatening comments and e-mails that gallery owner Madeline Saga has been receiving. Adding to Madeline’s problems is the discovery that some of the works she has sold appear to be forgeries. Who is stalking Madeline? And why?

While the investigation into Madeline’s stalker is integral the storyline, Izzy is the main focus of False Impressions. Her growing friendship with Madeline is complicated by her inability to rule her out as a suspect. While Izzy’s relationship with her father is much improved, they still experience some tense moments. Her love life is filled with intriguing and surprising possibilities as she begins dating again. And her professional life is about to undergo a dramatic change as she assumes more responsibility at the law office.

The mystery surrounding Madeline and her art gallery is quite engrossing. The list of suspects is quite long with Izzy trying to figure why anyone would threaten Madeline. Madeline is a fascinating character, and the art aspect of the story is quite interesting.

Laura Caldwell keeps this delightfully innovative series fresh with unique storylines, ever evolving characters and unpredictable twists and turns. Although it is the sixth installment featuring Izzy McNeil,False Impressions can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.

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

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, False Impressions, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Laura Caldwell, Mystery, Rated B

August 3, 2012 · 3:57 am

Friday Feature: Guest Blog Linda Lael Miller, Review & Contest for Big Sky Mountain

When brainstorming your next storyline, do you know whether it will be a trilogy or a stand-alone book? Can you discuss the differences between writing a trilogy or a stand-alone?

I usually think in terms of a series—there are actually six books in the Parable/Big Sky group. I’ve tried many times to write a stand-alone book—I meant The Man from Stone Creek to be one—but I seem to be wired for trilogies. Some engaging secondary character always appears, with a story to be told, and the next thing I know, I’m off and running. Some of my early books—Fletcher’s Woman and Willow come to mind—were intended as single stories and stayed that way, but the series thing goes back a long way. My first series was the Corbin books—there were brothers, and an interesting sister, too. So the first book turned into four. It’s organic with me—I guess I just think in terms of big, sweeping stories with casts of thousands!

Follow the TOUR for your chance to win a Cowboy necklace:

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Title: Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller
Parable Series Book Two
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he’s done some growing up—making peace with his illegitimate half brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his. These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can’t buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcée Kendra Shepherd.

Kendra’s quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most—a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet. She can’t get Hutch Carmody out of her mind. But a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.

The Review:

The second installment in Linda Lael Miller’s Parable series, Big Sky Mountain begins and ends with wedding scenes. While the groom is the same for both weddings, the ceremonies have completely different endings. What happens in between is a beautiful second chance at love story that will tug at your heartstrings.

Once a couple, Hutch Carmody and Kendra Shepherd’s relationship fell apart and Kendra married another man. With Kendra now divorced, the attraction is burning hotter than ever between them. Will Hutch and Kendra forgive the mistakes of the past and find love again?

Big Sky Mountain is an understated romance between two ordinary people who need to come to terms with their issues and emotional baggage before they can have a healthy relationship. With no grand gestures or big dramas, Hutch and Kendra’s story unfolds in a realistic fashion.

The conflict in the story is internal and both characters are quite introspective. They are able to see their past relationship with new perspectives and figure out why it failed the first time. Hutch and Kendra also make peace with their respective childhoods. The accept that their parental figures did the best they could given the difficult circumstances facing them. The growth of the characters, both as individuals and as a couple, is phenomenal.

Ms. Miller is well-known for her ability to create homey, close-knit communities and she certainly does that in Big Sky Mountain as well. The residents of Parable are wonderful and their concern for one another always comes shining through. Details about old and new characters are revealed, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next novels in the Parable series.

Friendship, family and values are always strong components in Linda Lael Miller’s novels and Big Sky Mountain is overflowing with them. Hutch and Kendra’s story is a delightful addition to a wonderfully heartwarming series that fans of contemporary romances will not want to miss.

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

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11 Comments

Filed under Big Sky Mountain, Blog Tour, Contemporary, Contest, Friday Feature, Guest Blog, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B+, Romance