Category Archives: Romance

September 16, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey

Title: Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey
Hot and Hammered Series Book Three
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 367 pages
Book Rating:

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

In Tessa Bailey’s latest rom-com, two enemies team up to flip a house… and the sparks between them might burn the place down or ignite a passion that neither can ignore! 

 

Hair, makeup, clothing, decor… everything in Bethany Castle’s world is organized, planned, and styled to perfection. Which is why the homes she designs for her family’s real estate business are the most coveted in town. The only thing not perfect? Her track record with men. She’s on a dating hiatus and after helping her friends achieve their dreams, Bethany finally has time to focus on her own: flip a house, from framework to furnishings, all by herself. Except her older brother runs the company and refuses to take her seriously.

When a television producer gets wind of the Castle sibling rivalry, they’re invited on Flip Off, a competition to see who can do the best renovation. Bethany wants bragging rights, but she needs a crew and the only member of her brother’s construction team willing to jump ship is Wes Daniels, the new guy in town. His Texas drawl and handsome face got under Bethany’s skin on day one, but the last thing she needs is some cocky young cowboy in her way.

As the race to renovate heats up, Wes and Bethany are forced into close quarters, trading barbs and biting banter as they remodel the ugliest house on the block. It’s a labor of love, hate, and everything in between, and soon sparks are flying. But Bethany’s perfectly structured life is one kiss away from going up in smoke and she knows falling for a guy like Wes would be a flipping disaster.

Review:

Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey is a sweet and steamy contemporary romance. Although this newest release is the third romance in the Hot and Hammered series, it can be read as a standalone.

Bethany Castle finally gets up the courage to renovate the home she received from her sister’s fiancé. She is a perfectionist whose need to control everything dominates her thoughts and her life.  Although she is afraid of undertaking a project that she knows little about, Bethany is finally (mostly) ready to step out of her comfort zone.

Newcomer Wes Daniel surprises Bethany when he decides to leave her brother’s construction business to work with her. She and Wes have been trading barbs since he moved to town and she is a little hesitant to spend more time with him. Underlying their sarcastic banter lies an increasingly hard to ignore attraction.

Wes is caring for his five year old niece Laura while his sister Becky tries to get her life together after her marriage fell apart. Before coming to Becky’s rescue, the charming cowboy was living a footloose and fancy free life as a bull rider.  Wes is surprisingly settled into his new life and he is enjoying the challenges of working with Bethany.

Wes and Bethany gradually slide into a friendship and romance. Bethany is concerned that her old fears and insecurities will wreck their relationship but Wes is infinitely patient with her. She is beginning to relax and loosen her tight control. Growing up in foster care, Wes has learned to not count on anyone or put down roots. Laura has snuck into his heart and after he and Bethany become involved, Wes is starting to believe it might be time to settle down permanently. But as they enter a new phase of their relationship, will their respective emotional baggage ruin their future together?

Tools of Engagement is a captivating romance with appealing characters and an engaging storyline. Wes and Bethany are a fun and flirty couple who share some scorching hot love scenes. After a conflict threatens Wes and Bethany’s relationship, Tessa Bailey brings this marvelous romance to a heart-melting conclusion. A wonderful addition to the Hot and Hammered series that old and new readers are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Avon, Contemporary, Hot and Hammered Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Tessa Bailey, Tools of Engagement

September 14, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Title: The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Publisher: Waterbrook
Genre: Historical (’30s), Christian, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A traveling librarian ventures into the mining towns of Kentucky on horseback—and learns to trust the One who truly pens her story—in this powerful novel from the best-selling author of A Silken Thread.

During the Great Depression, city-dweller Addie Cowherd dreams of becoming a novelist and offering readers the escape that books had given her during her tragic childhood. When her father loses his job, she is forced to take the only employment she can find—delivering books on horseback to poor coal-mining families in the hills of Kentucky.

But turning a new page will be nearly impossible in Boone’s Hollow, where residents are steeped in superstitions and deeply suspicious of outsiders. Even local Emmett Tharp feels the sting of rejection after returning to the tiny mountain hamlet as the first in his family to graduate college. And as the crippled economy leaves many men jobless, he fears his degree won’t be worth much in a place where most men either work the coal mine or run moonshine.

As Addie also struggles to find her place, she’ll unearth the truth about a decades-old rivalry. But when someone sets out to sabotage the town’s library program, will the culprit chase Addie away or straight into the arms of the only person who can help her put a broken community back together?

Review:

Set in 1936, The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heartfelt Christian romance that is based on true life events.

Adelaide “Addie” Cowherd is almost finished with her junior year of college. Her much older parents have fallen on very hard times and they have been unable to pay her tuition. Thanks to the kindness of her co-worker, Addie has a place to stay until her job at the library finishes.   She is hoping to find a job in Lexington so she can pay her tuition and assist her parents financially until her father can find another job. Just as she is getting desperate, Addie accepts a position as a packhorse librarian in the very small town of Boone’s Hollow.

Emmett Tharp also attends the same college as Addie but he is a senior who is graduating. Like Addie, he immediately begins his job search, but he is turned down every place he goes. Disappointed, Emmett returns to his hometown of Boone’s Hollow  with hopes of finding employment in one of the nearby towns. On the verge of giving up hope, Emmett finds  unexpected job opportunities.

Addie is an independent and intelligent young woman with a strong faith. She is very devoted to her parents and she will do what it takes to help them. Kind and compassionate, Addie would never knowingly hurt anyone’s feelings. She also forms her own opinions so she chooses to live with the town’s pariah Nanny Fay Tuckett.

Emmitt is finding it difficult to settle back into life in Boone’s Hollow. His mom is very proud of him but his relationship with his father remains strained. And once they finally do find common ground, Emmett is uncertain whether or not he should do anything to upset their growing closeness.

Bettina Webber is thrilled that Emmett has returned from college. She has long harbored a crush on him and she immediately sets a plan in motion to capture his heart. Bettina’s life drastically changed after her mother passed away and she will go to any lengths to escape living with her father.

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow is a captivating novel with a vibrant setting and colorful characters. The plot is gripping and Kim Vogel Sawyer’s meticulous research brings this marvelous story vividly to life. The characters are guided by their faith and their ability to forgive and offer kindness no matter the situation reflects their deep spirituality. Although there is a slight romantic element, it is very understated. This heartwarming and engaging novel comes to beautiful, uplifting conclusion. Highly recommend this marvelous story to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Christian, Historical, Historical (30s), Kim Vogel Sawyer, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, WaterBrook

September 6, 2020 · 11:56 pm

Review: In Case You Missed It by Lindsey Kelk

Title: In Case You Missed It by Lindsey Kelk
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

When Ros comes home after three years away, she’s ready to pick up with life exactly where she left it. But her friends have moved on, her parents have rekindled their romance, and her bedroom is now a garden shed. All of a sudden, she’s swept up in nostalgia for the way things were.

Then her phone begins to ping, with messages from her old life. Including one number she thought she’d erased for good – the man who broke her heart. Is this her second chance at one big love? Sometimes we all want to see what we’ve been missing…

Review:

In Case You Missed It by Lindsey Kelk is a giggle-inducing contemporary romance.

Rosalind “Ros” Reynolds returns to the UK after working in the US for three years. She is immediately disoriented by her parents’ unexpected displays of affection. She is also dismayed to discover her dad built her new accommodations… a tiny shed at the bottom of the garden. Ros is delighted to reunite with her best friends, lawyer Sumi, married and very pregnant Lucy and guy pal Adrian. What she does not envision is an accidental text sent to Patrick Parker, the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart right before she moved to the US. Despite advice from her friends not to respond when he texts her back, Ros is soon embroiled in a hot and heavy relationship with “the one who got away”.

Ros is a likable woman but she views her past through decidedly rose colored glasses. She is so busy yearning for the “good old days” that she is always disappointed when her expectations do not match reality. Ros is also a pushover when it comes to Patrick and she easily overlooks his bad behavior. On the career front, she  accepts the first job that comes her way and Ros is soon working on a podcast that will make or break her new position.

In Case You Missed It is a funny contemporary romance that is also a journey of self-discovery. The cast of characters is diverse and well-developed.  Ros’s circle of friends is supportive but also willing to tell her the truth when  necessary. The romance element of the storyline is understated and a little predictable. Ros is a little slow to understand she deserves to be treated with respect and the realization serves a turning point  for positive changes.  Lindsey Kelk brings this light-hearted romance to a delightfully gratifying conclusion. An entertaining read that I highly recommend to fans of contemporary romances.

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Filed under Contemporary, HarperCollins, In Case You Missed It, Lindsey Kelk, Rated B+, Review, Romance

August 31, 2020 · 11:56 pm

Review: A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore

Title: A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore
A League of Extraordinary Women Series Book Two
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 448 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A lady must have money and an army of her own if she is to win a revolution—but first, she must pit her wits against the wiles of an irresistible rogue bent on wrecking her plans…and her heart.

Lady Lucie is fuming. She and her band of Oxford suffragists have finally scraped together enough capital to control one of London’s major publishing houses, with one purpose: to use it in a coup against Parliament. But who could have predicted that the one person standing between her and success is her old nemesis and London’s undisputed lord of sin, Lord Ballentine? Or that he would be willing to hand over the reins for an outrageous price—a night in her bed.

Lucie tempts Tristan like no other woman, burning him up with her fierceness and determination every time they clash. But as their battle of wills and words fans the flames of long-smoldering devotion, the silver-tongued seducer runs the risk of becoming caught in his own snare.

As Lucie tries to out-maneuver Tristan in the boardroom and the bedchamber, she soon discovers there’s truth in what the poets say: all is fair in love and war…

Review:

A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore is a sparkling historical romance. Although this newest release is the second novel in the A League of Extraordinary Women series, it can be read as a standalone.

Lady Lucinda “Lucie” Tedbury is estranged from her family due to her dedication to the suffrage movement. Lucie has carved out a life for herself with her three close friends and fellow suffragists, Hattie, Catriona and Annabelle. In order to promote their work, Lucie is finalizing a deal that will make them the majority owners of a publishing house. After the sale goes through, she is frustrated to discover that Lord Tristan Ballentine slipped in and bought out the other shares in the business.  How far will Lucie go in order to further the Cause that is such an integral part of her life?

Lucie is independent and strong willed. She never quite fit in with her family so she is not overly upset at her banishment from her family home. She works tirelessly in her efforts to give women the same rights as men. This endeavor puts her on the outer fringes of society but she is fine with her standing. In order to carry through with her plans, Lucie has to decide whether or not to take a deal with the devil to achieve her goals.

Tristan is a former soldier who carries the scars from the battlefield and his childhood.  As the second son, he never planned on the family title passing down to him. But following a tragic accident, he is now next in line. When his brutish father gives him an ultimatum, Tristan knows time is running out to secure his freedom from his family for good.  With much at stake, he unapologetically sets about ensuring his financial security.

The sparks fly between Lucie and Tristan every time they are together. They knew one another in childhood and while Tristan has fond memories of her, Lucie does not feel the same way. She is confused by her reaction to him but she does not plan to act on her inconvenient desire. Tristan’s interest in Lucie harkens back to the summers he spent with her family during his teenage years.  He is absolutely shocked to discover the years apart have not lessened his attraction to her.  It is only a matter of time before they give in to their passion but will Tristan and Lucie be able to keep their entanglement free of deeper emotions?

A Rogue of One’s Own is a charming historical romance with marvelous characters and a substantive storyline. Lucie and Tristan are appealing protagonists who are not afraid to go after what they want. With a few twists and turns,  Evie Dunmore brings this captivating romance to a heartfelt, uplifting conclusion. A fantastic addition to the A League of Extraordinary Women series that old and new fans of historical romances are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under A League of Extraordinary Women Series Book One, A Rogue of One's Own, Berkley, Evie Dunmore, Historical, Rated B+, Review, Romance

August 26, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Jeb’s Wife by Patricia Johnss

Title: Jeb’s Wife by Patricia Johns
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Patricia Johns’ sensitive storytelling brings depth and heart to this tender story of second chances, as an Amish woman embarks on marriage with the gruff farmer next door . . .

Once, Leah Riehl prayed for a husband. The man she loved chose another, wanting the children that Leah can’t provide. But she’s found a measure of peace, keeping house for her brother, Simon, and teaching in a nearby town. Now though, Simon’s debts to an Englisher gambling ring have left Leah with a desperate dilemma—and a surprising offer from her scarred, reclusive neighbor. Jebadiah King needs to marry in order to claim his family farm. A union, for appearances only, will help them both.

Jeb knows his scars make him a less than ideal husband, but he can be a useful one. It’s the least that Leah deserves. But despite the promises he made to himself, Jeb can’t help longing for his lovely, warmhearted new wife. His first marriage brought heartbreak, but Leah’s gentle smiles spark hope again. Are they willing to take the leap that love requires—and open themselves to all the challenges and joy a true marriage could bring?

Review:

Jeb’s Wife by Patricia Johns is a delightfully heartwarming Amish romance.

Thirty year old Leah Riehl’s engagement ended when she told her fiancé she was unable to have children. When he quickly entered into a new relationship, she took an out of town teaching position. Returning for the summer, Leah is dismayed and worried when she discovers her younger brother Simon has amassed a huge gambling debt.  Her landlord, Jeb King, proposes an unorthodox solution to secure his inheritance and help Simon.  Agreeing to a marriage of convenience, Leah and Jeb are now uneasily navigating a marriage that is a little more complicated than they imagined.

Leah is an outgoing woman who embraces the local community. She is still trying to understand how the man she was planning to marry could love her yet move on to a new relationship so quickly. Realizing her chance for marriage is slipping away, Leah hopes that her new union with Jeb will help her standing in the community.  She is hoping friendship will grow between her and her new husband, but she is surprised by how much he is beginning to mean to her. But will she risk her heart again?

Jeb is a reclusive man who eschews the local community. His first marriage and its tragic end hang over his head as everyone continues to view him with suspicion. Jeb is a kind and considerate man but he finds it difficult to participate in local events after he weds Leah. He would like to make her happy but he finds the whispers and stares extremely difficult to deal with. Having been deeply hurt by his former wife, Jeb is afraid of the feelings he is beginning to experience for Leah. When rumors about their marriage begin to spread, what impact will this have on the fragile bond that is beginning to grow between Jeb and Leah?

Jeb and Leah are a charming couple but they have very different expectations from their marriage. Jeb expects his life to remain the same whereas Leah wants to spend time as couple with friends and within the community. Jeb is willing to give her requests a try, but there is truth to his belief that he is not a part of the community. Leah is stubborn when she meets resistance but will this become a deal breaker for the newlyweds?

Jeb’s Wife is a heartfelt Amish romance that is rather thought-provoking.  Jeb and Leah are a wonderful couple but their life experiences are quite different.  Neither are prepared for the unexpected feelings that begin to grow as they get to know each other. Conflict from outside sources pose unexpected friction as they try to find their footing in their new marriage. Patricia Johnss brings this engaging romance to a sighworthy conclusion. This marvelous love story is an absolute must read for fans of Amish fiction!

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Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Jeb's Wife, Patricia Davids, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Zebra

August 24, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

Title: A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall
Publisher: Waterbrook
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 208 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

ECPA BESTSELLER • For fans of holiday romances and Amish life comes a new Christmas tale of surprising expectations and discovering miracles.

Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community’s ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she’s stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she’d cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene’s Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.

The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman’s illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season.

Review:

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall is a thought-provoking Amish romance.

Ivy Zook is a party-planner with her best friend and she is ready to leave her Amish faith in order to expand their business.  She also helps her mamm on the family’s dairy farm and she is ready to leave caring for cows behind her. Ivy has a big heart but she is also stubborn and outspoken.  Knowing she is breaking her mamm’s heart, will Ivy follow through with her plans?

Arlan Keim and his family are Swartzentruber Amish and this ultra-conservative sect is extremely strict. Despite his dream to own a farm with his brother, Arlan’s father is not allowing him to move just yet.  But this turns out to be fortuitous when his younger sister Magda becomes quite ill and their parents refuse to seek medical care.  Defying their wishes, Arlan devises a plan to help his sister. Despite their rather dramatic entrance into the Zook’s lives, Arlan and Magda find a much need sanctuary when they need it the most. At first objecting to the more relaxed Old Order Amish lifestyle, Arlan experiences a crisis of faith as he discovers that stricter does not necessarily mean better.

Ivy’s sister Holly also faces a bit of a crossroad as her wedding to Josh draws closer.  Holly’s Bishop has allowed her to follow her dream of helping Amish families understand the importance of taking their prescriptions. She is continuing her education to broaden her reach throughout the community. But after the wedding, Holly is expected to follow tradition and give up her job. She and Josh are hoping his Bishop will grant permission for her to continue working, but will he agree to their plan?

A Christmas Haven is a captivating Amish romance with marvelous characters and a unique storyline. All of the characters grow and evolve throughout this heartwarming story.  Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall bring this delightful romance to a heartfelt and gratifying conclusion. Highly recommend to readers of Amish fiction.

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Filed under A Christmas Haven, Amish, Cindy Woodsmall, Contemporary, Erin Woodsmall, Rated B+, Review, Romance, WaterBrook