Category Archives: Kensington

January 29, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Take a Chance on Me by Jennifer Dawson

takeTitle: Take a Chance on Me by Jennifer Dawson
Something New Book One
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Gorgeous runaway brides. . .

When Maddie Donovan runs out on her high school sweetheart moments before walking down the aisle, she ends up at a bar in the small town of Revival, Illinois, with only the wedding dress on her back, fifty dollars to her name, and her “good girl” reputation in tatters. Not ready to return to Chicago and face the music, she accepts hot bartender Mitch Riley’s offer to stay at his place. But sharing such close quarters is driving Maddie insane with desire.

Always drink for free. . .

Mitch thinks he’s seen it all–until Maddie strides into his bar in full wedding attire and downs three shots of whiskey. Though the gorgeous knockout seems tough as nails, he also senses her vulnerability. With a troubled past of his own, Mitch has no interest in ties of any kind–yet he can’t help falling for Maddie. Now he’s got to find a way to convince her to give love a second chance.

The Review:

Debut author’s Jennifer Dawson’s Take a Chance on Me is a sweet and very sexy runaway bride romance. The premise is cute but I was pleasantly surprised to discover this is not just a fluffy love story. Lead characters Maddie Donovan and Mitch Riley have real problems to work through and the fact that they fall in love along the way is just an added bonus. I adored Maddie and Mitch, but I also fell for the secondary characters as well so I was delighted to learn it is the first installment in the Something New series!

Maddie is in her late twenties, but in some ways, she seems much younger. She has lived a pretty sheltered life and she has fallen into the habit of letting everyone make her decisions for her. In the beginning she sometimes annoyed me with her immaturity but once her past is revealed, it is easy to overlook. It also helps that Maddie is aware her behavior is immature and that she is serious about taking charge of her life. Running away from her wedding is just the first step along the road to independence and although Maddie sometimes falls back on her old habits, she does a pretty decent job of finding her way.

I loved Mitch right from their first meeting. He is very charming with a fantastic sense of humor. Despite his intense desire for Maddie, he is also quite chivalrous which of course just adds to his appeal. Although at first, his life seems like an open book, Mitch too has a past he has been trying to escape. In the end, he is the character with the most to overcome and even though he is resistant to Maddie’s efforts to help him, her perseverance eventually pays off.

I am a hard sell on the love at first sight plot device, but I have to admit, I did not have any problem with that part of the storyline. There is a lot of chemistry between Maddie and Mitch and their connection is deeper than just desire. They enter into the relationship with a clean slate and they get to know each other before they reveal who they used to be. No expectations to live up to makes it easy for them (but Maddie especially) to not only figure out what they want, but it helps them become who they want to be as well.

A well-written story with a well-developed and likable cast of characters, Jennifer Dawson’s Take a Chance on Me is an easy to read and engaging romance. There is plenty of heat between Maddie and Mitch and their sex scenes are super hot. But it was the sweet, get to know you moments that convinced me this couple has what it takes to made it in the long haul.

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Filed under Contemporary, Jennifer Dawson, Kensington, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Something New, Take a Chance on Me, Zebra

January 19, 2014 · 11:56 pm

Review: Untouched by Maisey Yates

untouchedTitle: Unexpected by Maisey Yates
A Silver Creek Novel (Book Two)
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Imprint: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pdf pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the Silver Creek romance Unexpected, Cole Mitchell found love in the last place he ever thought to look. Now, in USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates’ newest novel, Cole’s little sister Lark is determined to have her turn…

Having never left the family ranch, Lark Mitchell needs a little adventure—or at least a romance that isn’t confined to the internet. Her older brothers Cole and Cade have always been too good at protecting her innocence, but even they can’t stop her from taking a second job—where her boss just so happens to be the kind of bad boy she craves. Too bad he’s also the one guy in Silver Creek she should never touch…

When Quinn Parker introduces himself, Lark tries to quit on the spot. Everyone knows Quinn was behind the accident that ended Cade’s rodeo career. But when he holds her to her contract, she can’t help wanting to get even closer. As she begins to see the man behind the gossip, she sees that not all of the things people say about him are true…even if there’s plenty about this bad boy she has yet to discover.

The Review:

In Untouched, Maisey Yates puts a fresh spin on what I thought was going to be a typical romance plot line and the resulting story is surprisingly unique and unpredictable. This second installment in the Silver Creek series can be read as a standalone, but I liked it so much I’m eager to dive into the previous releases as soon as possible.

Deciding it is time to spread her wings just a bit and take a step out into the real world, computer geek Lark Mitchell eagerly accepts a job at a nearby ranch. Unbeknownst to her, Lark’s new employer is none other than Quinn Parker, the man her brother Cade accused of causing the accident that ended his rodeo career. Quinn has a well-deserved reputation as a bad boy but deliberately hurting a competitor on the rodeo circuit is not a line he would ever cross. Permanently barred from the competing on the circuit, Quinn is planning on using Lark to pressure Cade into recanting his accusation and regaining his career. But will Lark convince this embittered cowboy to abandon his quest for revenge?

Lark is such a refreshing heroine. She may have grown up on a ranch, but she is not a cowgirl. Instead she a computer nerd who spends her days closeted in her bedroom running a successful tech support business and playing on line games. Her dating experience is woefully lacking and the man she had a crush on has just married another woman. So she is not only eager to experience a taste of life off the family ranch, but Lark is also craving the chance to indulge in a casual fling as well. She is dismayed then horrified by her attraction to Quinn and although she fights giving in to her passion, they are soon indulging their mutual desire. When obstacles are thrown in their path, Lark always keeps an open mind where Quinn is concerned. While she does not accept his excuses for his mistakes, she is willing to give him a fair chance to prove he is the man she knows he can be.

Quinn is such a mess that at first, it is difficult to see the good in him. He has let his past define him for most of his life and he clings to his belief that without the rodeo, he will revert back to old self-destructive habits. He realizes pretty quickly that he has made a big mistake involving Lark in his plans for revenge, but he honestly does not think he has any choice but to go forward with them. He can be hard and unforgiving, but he can also be super sweet and considerate. Although it seems hard to believe, there really is a good guy lurking behind Quinn’s bad boy exterior.

While at first it seems an unlikely pairing, Quinn and Lark are very well matched. Lark is different from the women he usually encounters and their budding relationship reflects this. Quinn’s experience is a wonderful contrast to Lark’s innocence and they end up bringing out the best in one another. Lark calls him on his bad behavior and he wants to be a better person for her. It was such a delight watching them figure out how to make a relationship work for them despite the obstacles in their path.

The sexual tension between Lark and Quinn is positively sizzling and their sex scenes are a wonderful mix of naughty sex and sweet lovemaking. The dialogue is crisp and the witty banter and snappy comebacks kept me giggling for most of the story. The only negatives in the story are the repetitive references to Quinn’s past and at times, he is dangerously close to stepping over the line in his search for revenge. Although the novel begins with deception on Quinn’s part, once his plan is revealed, he is surprisingly candid about his intentions.

Multi-faceted characters, an unpredictable storyline and a strong sense of family make Untouched a truly unforgettable romance. The Silver Creek series definitely stands from others in the romance genre and Maisey Yates skillfully offers tantalizing glimpses of Cade that will leave readers eager for the next installment.

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Filed under Contemporary, InterMix, Kensington, Maisey Yates, Rated B, Review, Romance, Silver Creek Series, Untouched

January 15, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Something to Prove by Shannyn Schroeder

somethingTitle: Something to Prove by Shannyn Schroeder
The O’Leary’s Book Three
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Word Count: 85,000
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Two ambitious people team up to prove themselves to their families–and find there may be more to their partnership than just business. . .

Elizabeth Brannigan is determined to show her father she’s capable of running the family business. Saving his struggling Chicago bar seems like the perfect project. But she’ll need a little help dealing with the rough crowd. Who better to assist her than the handsome co-owner of a thriving Irish pub? Of course, with so much work to do, there are bound to be a few late nights. . .

Colin O’Leary’s father passed away before he could prove to him that he wasn’t a screw-up. Now he wants to show his brother he’s responsible enough to own a bar of his own–and Elizabeth may be able to help him. But when their professional aspirations clash, tempers–and passions–flare. Are they mature enough to mix business with pleasure–or will they have to choose between the two?

85,000 Words

The Review:

Yay a new romance in Shannyn Schroeder’s fun and sexy O’Leary’s series! In Something to Prove oldest brother Colin finds love with Elizabeth Brannigan, but their road to happily ever after is anything but smooth.

Colin has been fighting to prove himself to his family since he returned to town after a three year absence. He has been steadfast and dependable working as a bartender in the family bar but earning his brother’s trust has been darn near impossible. While he has been content to work for Ryan, Colin’s dream is to someday purchase a bar of his own. So when Elizabeth Brannigan needs help renovating her family’s rough and tumble biker bar (!), Colin is eager to provide her with his expertise in exchange for a share of the profits. The fact that Colin is extremely interested in exploring their mutual attraction is added incentive to assist Elizabeth, but Colin is going to have to do some pretty fast talking to convince her to break her strict no mixing business with pleasure rule.

Elizabeth is all business, all the time. She and her brother Keith have been locked in fierce battle to secure the CEO position in the family’s business and with her father’s retirement looming, she is determined to come out on top. Seizing the opportunity to turn around the failing bar, Elizabeth undertakes the renovation on the sly with the hopes of impressing her father and winning the coveted position. Elizabeth has a take charge, no nonsense attitude and she butts heads with the more laidback, easy going Colin on more than one occasion. Working with a partner and taking his advice is difficult for Elizabeth, but if she is going to successfully revamp the bar, Elizabeth knows she needs to trust Colin’s judgment.

Colin regrets abandoning his family after his father’s death and he has been trying to make up for it ever since he returned to town. He has made great strides in restoring his relationship with his extended family but he still feels like he does not quite measure up to Ryan’s expectations. Helping Elizabeth revamp the bar will provide Colin with the money to buy his own place and hopefully show Ryan once and for all that he plans to stay in town for good. Colin is eager to help Elizabeth overhaul her business but he is also eager to loosen up his uptight, buttoned up business partner. An added bonus would be convincing Elizabeth that giving in to their attraction won’t affect their business arrangement.

Elizabeth and Colin’s professional relationship is anything but smooth in the beginning. Elizabeth is not willing to cede control and she is frustrated by Colin’s more casual approach to business. And of course there is also the matter of her attraction to her outgoing and flirtatious partner. The more time they spend together, the more difficult it is to resist giving in to their passion. Colin finally works past her defenses and presents a pretty convincing argument in favor of them indulging in their desire and although she still has reservations, Elizabeth agrees to a short term affair. When a health crises occurs, their casual fling begins to feel like a real relationship but will their personal insecurities tear them apart?

Elizabeth and Colin are appealing characters and their respective personal baggage brings a little bit more angst to the storyline than the previous novels. The O’Leary family dynamics are always compelling and their scenes together are always a joy. Elizabeth and Colin’s romance slowly simmers in the background as they wrestle with their personal demons but their conflicts are realistically and quickly resolved.

Something to Prove is another spectacular addition to Shannyn Schroeder’s O’Leary’s series and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Please click HERE to read my reviews of other books in The O’Leary’s series.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Kensington, Rated B, Review, Romance, Shannyn Schroeder, Something to Prove, The O'Leary's

January 6, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Forget Me Knot by Mary Marks

forgetTitle: Forget Me Knot by Mary Marks
A Quilting Mystery Series Book One
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Cozy Mystery
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Welcome to San Fernando Valley, California, where Martha Rose and her coterie of quilters are enjoying life on the good side of retirement—until murder pulls a stitch out of their plans…

Martha and her besties Lucy and Birdie are set to expand their Quilty Tuesdays by inviting newcomer Claire Terry into their group. Though at forty Claire’s a tad younger than their average age, her crafty reputation could perk up their patchwork proceedings, especially as they prepare for the fancy quilt show coming to town. But when they arrive at Claire’s home and find her dead inside the front door, and her exquisite, prize-winning quilts soon missing, Martha is not one to leave a mystery unraveled. Especially if she wants to stop a killer from establishing a deadly pattern…

The Review:

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, then you won’t want to miss debut author Mary Marks’ new Quilting Mystery series. Forget Me Knot, the first novel in the series, is a clever whodunit that has an engaging cast of likable characters.

Quilters and best friends Martha Rose, Lucy Mondello and Birdie Watson are considering adding Claire Terry to their weekly quilting sessions. Claire is an extraordinary prize-winning quilter and she is also member of their local quilting guild. But when the quilting trio arrive at Claire’s for their weekly meeting, they are shocked to discover her lifeless body. Her death is quickly ruled a homicide and the next day, Claire, Lucy and Martha’s award winning quilts are stolen from a local quilt show. Is Claire’s death somehow related to the thefts? But most importantly, why would anyone want to murder the wealthy philanthropist?

Martha Rose is the main protagonist of the series and she is a well-developed, unique character. The divorced mother of one is in her mid-fifties and disabled due to fibromyalgia. Martha is smart, savvy and nothing gets her back up faster than someone telling her she can’t do something. She is a loyal friend and she is a woman who keeps her word. Quilting is more than her hobby. It is her passion and it is also her therapy. (As someone who also quilts, I totally understand the therapeutic benefits of losing yourself in a project.)

Sidekicks Lucy and Birdie are equally well-developed. They each bring different strengths to the investigation and I enjoyed getting to know them. Lucy has been married to her high school sweetheart Ray for fifty years and they have five grown sons. When Martha lands herself in a bit of a tight spot, Lucy, Ray and the boys are quick to help her out. Birdie’s marriage is nowhere near as happy as Lucy’s and I am curious to see if this will change in any of the upcoming books in the series.

Martha first begins investigating Claire’s death at the request of Claire’s bereaved mother. Despite numerous pleas from homicide/robbery detective Arlo Beavers to stay out of the investigation, Martha continues poking around in Claire’s life. Martha uncovers important clues and her quilting expertise proves invaluable in eventually cracking the case wide open.

Forget Me Knot is a fast-paced novel that is sure to delight mystery lovers. The case is intriguing and just like Martha, I overlooked a vital clue that pointed to the killer’s identity. The quilting aspect makes the series unique and these details enrich the overall story. There is just the tiniest bit of a romance between Martha and Arlo, but it is very understated.

Forget Me Knot is an enjoyable first installment in Mary Marks’ Quilting Mystery series and I am very eager to read Martha, Birdie and Lucy’s next adventure.

2 Comments

Filed under A Quilting Mystery Series, Contemporary, Cozy Mystery, Forget Me Knot, Kensington, Mary Marks, Rated B, Romance

· 11:56 pm

Review: Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

huckleberryTitle: Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand
The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series Book One
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Christian, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With their thirteen children grown, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next adventure. That means trying their hands at matchmaking–because what could be more fun than igniting love when it’s right–and undoing mismatches when they’re wrong. Now Huckleberry Hill just might turn out to be the most romantic spot in Wisconsin. . .

Lia Shetler is resigned to being a spinster. She’s too tall and sturdy to ever be marriageable–so says her overbearing dat. Instead, she’s helping her pretty, spoiled sister Rachel secure the perfect husband–the Helmuths’ grandson, Moses Zimmerman. But the more Lia sees of Moses’ gently teasing ways and quiet understanding, the more she wishes he could be hers alone. . .

Moses knew his grandparents couldn’t resist trying to find him a wife. But he never expected it would be the graceful, sensible Lia–a woman who is tall enough to look him in the eye, and honest enough to make him question a promise holding him to his past. Now both will need the kind of miracles only faith and courage can bring to finally reach for a lifetime of happiness. . .

The Review:

Jennifer’s Beckstrand’s Huckleberry Hill is a witty, sweet and heartwarming romance. In this delightful first installment of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, Moses Zimmerman’s matchmaking grandparents scheme to set him up with Lia Shetler but this bachelor is determined to stay single. Although he has successfully evaded their efforts in the past, Moses finds Lia pretty difficult to resist. When Lia’s dat decides her sister Rachel is the woman for Moses, which, if any, of the Shetler sisters will win his heart?

Felty and Anna Helmuth are positively adorable and I absolutely loved them. Convinced their grandson needs help getting over his broken heart, Anna has been playing matchmaker for him. The latest woman in her sights? Lia Shetler. She convinces Lia’s dat to let her work for them for the summer and Lia has barely settled in when Anna’s finding ingenious ways to throw them together.

Moses is successful, hardworking and one of the most eligible bachelors in his small Amish district. He has remained dedicated to his ex-fiancée although she broke his heart when she left him and their Amish community. Moses is devoted to his grandparents and frequently helps them maintain their farm. Kind, caring and compassionate, he gently but firmly dissuades the women Anna keeps sending his way. So Moses is more than a little surprised by how much he enjoys spending time with Lia and he is shocked by his growing feelings for her.

Lia struggles with her self-worth as she lives in the shadow of her spoiled and selfish younger sister Rachel. She is an obedient daughter but she is excited about the opportunity to help the Zimmermans out for the summer. She is at first stunned by Moses abrupt pronouncement he is not going to marry her but she takes a humorous approach to his “rejection” and they end up sharing an light-hearted but meaningful friendship. When Rachel sets her sights on Moses, will Lia overcome the habits of a lifetime or will she let the man she is falling in love with go without a fight?

Rachel is self-centered and manipulative and even though her overly indulgent parents are to blame, it is impossible to like her! She is deliberately hurtful to Lia and when she does not get her way, she is mean and vindictive. Anna and Felty have her number right from the start and even though they try to guide her into changing her ways, Rachel manages to outmaneuver them on quite a few occasions. Rachel’s comeuppance is long overdue and I hate to admit it, but I really enjoyed watching it happen!

Lia and Moses are a delightful couple and it is so enjoyable watching them fall in love. They have such a wonderful friendship and they share a true affinity for one another. Theirs is the type of love that slips in when neither is looking and it actually takes a while for them to realize their feelings go deeper than friendship. Moses shows just how honorable he is with his treatment of his ex and his strong need to keep his word to her. Lia has to overcome a lifetime of acceding to her father’s wishes and it is wonderful to see her stretch her wings and find not only love, but her niche in life.

Huckleberry Hill is a charming love story but it is the personal growth of the characters that makes it such a fabulous read. Of course, Moses’ impish grandparents are an absolute delight and I am very much looking forward to their matchmaking shenanigans in Jennifer’s Beckstrand’s next story in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.

4 Comments

Filed under Amish, Christian, Contemporary, Huckleberry Hill, Jennifer Beckstrand, Kensington, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series, Zebra

December 18, 2013 · 11:56 pm

Review: The Sinner’s Club by Kate Pearce

Title: The Sinner’s Club by Kate Pearce
The Sinner’s Club Book One
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Aphrodisia
Genre: Historical, Erotic, Romance, Light BDSM, M/M, M/M/F, M/F
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

It’s known as the Sinners Club. . .a private gentlemen’s club whose members have mysterious pasts and secret fantasies too hot to reveal. . .

Total Pleasure

Unsure of his reception, Jack Lennox adopts the guise of his own secretary upon returning to his ancestral home to claim his father’s earldom. When he arrives, he’s stunned to discover the previous earl’s lovely young widow, a woman of beguiling curves and sensual smiles, warming the bed. . .

Absolute Surrender

Mary Lennox is determined to remain in Pinchbeck Hall and a mere secretary isn’t going to tell her otherwise. But Jack Smith is a man of many talents and soon she’s succumbing to his erotic games of pleasure. Only Mary may have underestimated the intensity of her wanton longings and the depths of Jack’s dark desires. . .

The Review:

Kate Pearce’s spin off series, The Sinner’s Club, is off to a scorching hot beginning with Jack Lennox’s story, The Sinner’s Club. Intriguing glimpses of Jack in the last book of the House of Pleasure series left me eagerly awaiting his novel and I am thrilled to say that it was well worth the wait!

Jack Lennox is next in line to inherit the family estate and title but a few questions about the previous Earl finds him going undercover to unearth the truth. He is also asked to look into Lord Keyes disappearance (an unresolved storyline from the House of Pleasure series) and coincidentally, Keyes’ trail leads to the same vicinity. Jack visits his ancestral home in disguise and he is shocked to discover his elderly uncle was married to a beautiful young woman, Mary. Jack quickly learns that Mary is prepared to go to any lengths necessary to secure her inheritance and keep a roof over not only her head, but her brother Simon’s as well.

As a child, Jack and his impoverished father led a vagabond life. Growing up, Jack learned to use any means necessary to make enough money to survive. Working as a government agent, he utilized the same tactics in order to obtain information from his enemies. This includes trading sexual favors and when he first arrives at the family estate, Jack is more than happy to continue this practice with both Simon and Mary. When his dream of finally putting down roots remains elusive, Jack returns to London where he continues searching for answers about Mary and Simon’s past.

Mary and Simon share a very complicated history and there is much more to their relationship than meets the eye. They are carrying as much emotional baggage from their pasts as Jack and they are fiercely loyal and protective of one another. Mary and Simon are likable characters but they are difficult to get to know because their secrets are not fully divulged until the very end of the novel.

The overall story is enjoyable but it felt a little disjointed in the beginning and I kept feeling like I was missing something. About a quarter of the way in, the writing is much more cohesive and the information I thought I had originally missed about Mary and Simon is finally revealed. The second half of the novel flows more smoothly and is much easier to follow.

The sex scenes in The Sinner’s Club are explicit, exquisitely detailed and plentiful. Jack and Simon share several steamy romps and while there is not an emotional bond between them, the encounters are quite meaningful for Simon. Jack also has an intense desire for Mary and their sex scenes are passionate and extremely erotic. Jack, Mary and Simon also indulge in steamy ménages that are so sizzling hot I am surprised my eReader did not melt.

The main storyline with Jack and Mary unfolds at a leisurely pace and is fully wrapped up by the novel’s end. The secondary story arc with Lord Keyes remains tantalizingly unresolved (again!). I am also left wondering what the future might just bring for Simon as well.

The Sinner’s Club is a must read for anyone who enjoys erotic historical romances. It is a steaming hot love story that is sure to be a hit with old and new fans of Kate Pearce. This first installment of the The Sinner’s Club series is absolutely brilliant and I am eagerly anticipating the next novel.

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Filed under Aphrodisia, Erotic, Historical, Kate Pearce, Kensington, M/F, M/M, M/M/F, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Sinner's Club, The Sinner's Club Series