Category Archives: Romance

August 16, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Breathe the Sky by Michelle Hazen

Title: Breathe the Sky by Michelle Hazen
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Two strangers start out saving animals and end up rescuing each other in this heartwarming romance from the author of Unbreak Me.

Mari Tucker is a wildlife biologist who scoops bunnies and endangered tortoises out of harm’s way on construction sites. Still haunted by her past, she takes the most remote jobs in the Mojave Desert to avoid people and hide from her ex. It’s a simple, quiet life filled with sweet animals and solar-powered baking until she ends up assigned to Jack Wyatt’s crew.

Construction foreman Jack Wyatt’s loud, foul-mouthed temper keeps even the most rugged of men on his crew in line. No mistake is overlooked, because out in the desert it could mean life or death. In his opinion, the job site is no place for sensitive biologists, especially one as shy as Mari. But instead of wilting from the heat and hard work, Mari wins over Jack and his crew one homemade brownie at a time.

Jack and Mari find a comfortable rhythm, building a friendship that’s rare for both of them. After Jack’s rocky childhood, they have more in common than they’d imagined. But even the Mojave sun can’t chase away the shadows when the past is determined to track them down…

Review:

Breathe the Sky by Michelle Hazen  is a marvelous contemporary romance with a breathtaking setting.

Following years of abuse, biologist Mari Tucker has escaped her ex-husband, Brad and started a new life for herself. She works in the Mojave Desert with a handful of other biologists who are monitoring a crew installing electrical lines. Mari is quiet, keeps to herself, and dreads the day Brad finds her. Due to her past, she is sensitive about loud and aggressive men, so the last person she wants to monitor is foreman Jack Wyatt. But as she gets to know him, Mari realizes they share more in common that she originally believes. And when she begins spending time with him outside of work, will Mari act on her growing attraction for brash, yet gentle, Jack?

Jack might have left Alabama but he still carries the scars from his abusive childhood and dysfunctional relationship with his brother Leroy.  Jack does not suffer fools lightly and although he is foul-mouthed and shouty, he genuinely cares about the men working for him. He is under a lot of pressure to keep the project moving so he impatiently and emphatically refuses to listen to the biologists’ explanations about why they are protecting certain species. But when Mari is assigned to watch him and his crew, Jack appreciates her quiet way of getting her point across.  Jack is protective of Mari but will he let down the walls he uses to keep everyone at arms’ length?

Mari and Jack’s relationship gradually shifts from professional to friendship to romance. Mari takes the first hesitant step to friendship but Jack is hard to read. She does not push hard but she is persistent as she sets aside her fears of rejection.  Jack is certainly enamored by Mari, but due to his past and the negative voices in his head, he is initially a little uneasy about  their budding friendship. Mari opens up to him about her past and while Jack tells her some details about his, he tends to be tighter lipped. Just as their romance is beginning to gain traction, Mari’s knee-jerk reaction and unrealistic expectations put a future together in jeopardy. For his part, Jack is willing to give her the space she requests but a family emergency is an additional threat to their relationship.

Breathe the Sky is a slow-growing, heartfelt romance. The characters are beautifully developed with back stories that tug on the heartstrings. The Mojave Desert springs vividly to life and provides the perfect backdrop for Jack and Mari’s heartwarming romance. With a few obstacles for Mari and Jack to overcome,  Michelle Hazen  brings this charming love story to an uplifting, sigh-worthy conclusion. A must read for fans of contemporary romances.

Comments Off on Review: Breathe the Sky by Michelle Hazen

Filed under Berkley, Breathe the Sky, Contemporary, Michelle Hazen, Rated B, Review, Romance

August 5, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Want You to Want Me by Lorelei James

Title: Want You to Want Me by Lorelei James
Want You Series Book Two
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

The new sexy contemporary romance in New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James’s Want You series, set in Minneapolis–St. Paul.

Hockey player Gabriella “Gabi” Welk spent her life in pursuit of championships, but she has little to show for it besides dusty trophies and second-place medals. Now her career consists of several part-time jobs to make ends meet. When Gabi gets a chance at her dream job, she swallows her pride and asks her nemesis—smart, sexy and savvy Nolan Lund—for help.

Since being named future CEO of Lund Industries, Nolan has tried hard to overcome his reputation as a fun-loving playboy and ladies’ man. For the first time ever, he’s more focused on the company than his personal life. He spends his free time at the ice rink his brother owns, cheering on his niece at her hockey games…and watching Gabriella Welk, the superstar athlete and assistant coach who gets under his skin in a way he can’t ignore. He’s shocked when Gabi agrees to trade a favor for a favor.

They have little in common besides their mutual mistrust, but between family crises and sibling rivalries, Nolan and Gabi realize they want to be more than just friends—much more.

Review:

Want You to Want Me by Lorelei James is an entertaining, charming and steamy romance. This second installment in the Want You series can be read as a standalone (but I highly recommend book one).

Nolan Lund is the sharp dressing CEO in waiting of Lund Industries who is growing frustrated at being marginalized at the family business. He made a costly mistake in the past, but he has also taken full responsibility and works hard to ensure it never happens again. He is self-aware, does not try to play down his faults and he is working to improve himself professionally. In his personal life, Nolan has given up his revolving door of meaningless flings but his family has yet to acknowledge this change. He occasionally makes thoughtless comments but when he is called on them, Nolan is quick to apologize without making excuses.

Grabriella “Gabi” Welk is a refreshing breath of fresh air. She has given up her spectacular hockey career but she loves her coaching job.  Gabi is confident and speaks her mind but she is not afraid to admit when she is out of her depth. She is also dealing with a family issue but unlike Nolan, she needs time to process before dealing with it. She hides her hurt feelings behind sarcasm and avoidance.  When an unexpected opportunity comes her way, Gabi  needs a bit of a push to step out of her comfort zone.

Gabi and Nolan know each other casually through Nolan’s brother since he is her boss.  When Nolan just happens to be around when Gabi hits a low point, he volunteers to accompany her as she drowns her sorrows. They are just starting to get to know each other when Gabi overhears something that leaves her fuming at Nolan. Once they clear the air, they strike up an unlikely friendship that gradually turns into an unexpected romance. But a misunderstanding threatens to derail both their relationship and Gabi’s future professionally. At the same time, Nolan discovers how deep the betrayals at work run and he must make a tough decision about Lund Industries. With their professional lives uncertain, will Noland and Gabi find a way to fix their fractured love life?

Want You to Want Me is a fun, flirty and scorching hot romance. Both Nolan and Gabi are vibrantly drawn characters who are easy to relate to.  While the conflict in their relationship is a little easy to predict, the truth about what is going on at Lund Industries is an unexpected twist.  Lorelei James brings this captivating romance to a heartfelt, sighworthy conclusion. I highly recommend this marvelous addition to the fabulous Want You series  to readers of the genre.

Comments Off on Review: Want You to Want Me by Lorelei James

Filed under Berkley, Contemporary, Lorelei James, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Want You Series, Want You to Want Me

August 3, 2020 · 11:56 pm

Review: The Friendship List by Susan Mallery

Title: The Friendship List by Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 327 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

[ ] Dance till dawn
[ ] Go skydiving
[ ] Wear a bikini in public
[ ] Start living

Two best friends jump-start their lives in a summer that will change them forever…

Single mom Ellen Fox couldn’t be more content—until she overhears her son saying he can’t go to his dream college because she needs him too much. If she wants him to live his best life, she has to convince him she’s living hers.

So Unity Leandre, her best friend since forever, creates a list of challenges to push Ellen out of her comfort zone. Unity will complete the list, too, but not because she needs to change. What’s wrong with a thirtysomething widow still sleeping in her late husband’s childhood bed?

The Friendship List begins as a way to make others believe they’re just fine. But somewhere between “wear three-inch heels” and “have sex with a gorgeous guy,” Ellen and Unity discover that life is meant to be lived with joy and abandon, in a story filled with humor, heartache and regrettable tattoos.

Review:

The Friendship List by Susan Mallery is a warm and inviting novel of friendship, new beginnings and love.

Thirty-four year old Ellen Fox and Unity Leandre are lifelong best friends who support each other in good times and bad. But sometimes that support can contribute to clinging to unhealthy habits and decisions. Ellen gets a wake-up call from an overhead discussion between her seventeen year old son Cooper and one of his friends. So, the women put their heads together and devise a series of challenges that will force them out of their regular routines. But will Ellen and Unity overcome the habits that are keeping them from living life to its fullest?

Ellen is a single mom and teaches at the local high school. She and Cooper have a fantastic relationship  but she is stunned and worried that her son believes she cannot live without him nearby. Ellen surprisingly jumps into checking the challenges off her list. But little does she realize how much one of those items on the list is going to change her life.

Three years ago, Unity moved back to her home town following her husband Stuart’s death. She moved into her husband’s childhood home and she is surrounded by memories of him. Unity also begins working her way through the items on her list.  However, she quickly discovers how reluctant she is to deal with some of the issues that are preventing her from moving forward.  With a lot on the line for her, Unity must decide whether or not she will take the necessary steps that will allow her to make peace with her past.

With wry humor and realistic issues, The Friendship List is an uplifting and entertaining novel. Ellen and Unity are vibrantly drawn characters who are charming yet occasionally frustrating. They find themselves in relationships with wonderful men but both women tend to self-sabotage their respective romances. Susan Mallery brings this charming novel to a heartfelt, happy conclusion. I highly recommend this beautifully written story to readers of contemporary fiction.

Comments Off on Review: The Friendship List by Susan Mallery

Filed under Contemporary, HQN Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery, The Friendship List, Women's Fiction

July 30, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: RomeAntically Challenged by Marina Adair

Title: RomeAntically Challenged by Marina Adair
When in Rome Series Book One
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Growing up the lone Asian in a community of WASPs, Annie has always felt out of place.  Her solution?  Start a family of her own. Not easy when every man she’s dated, including her ex-fiancé, finds “his person” right after breaking up with Annie. Even worse than canceling the wedding eight weeks beforehand?  Learning the “other woman” plans to walk down the aisle wearing her wedding gown. New plan—find a fresh, man-free start. Too bad her exit strategy unexpectedly lands her working at a hospital in Rome, Rhode Island, rather than Rome, Italy, and sharing a cabin with a big, brooding, and annoyingly hot male roommate.

Home on medical leave after covering a literally explosive story in China, investigative photojournalist Emmitt embarks on his most important assignment—cementing his place in his daughter’s life. Three men and a baby might work in the movies, but with a stepdad and devoted uncle competing for Paisley’s attention, Emmitt has lost his place at the family table. Then there’s the adorably sexy squatter in his cabin, who poses another problem, one he’d very much like to solve up close and personal. But he can’t win—Annie has sworn off men, Paisley’s gone boy crazy, and Emmitt’s estranged father reappears with a secret that changes everything.

Annie and Emmitt are about to discover love comes in many forms, and sometimes the best families are the ones we make.

Review:

RomeAntically Challenged by Marina Adair is a charming contemporary romance.

Anh Nhi  “Annie” Walsh relocated to Rome, Rhode Island after her fiancé dumped her and immediately found someone new. She is enjoying her new job and friends but she is still struggling to figure out where she fits in.  Annie adores her parents but she wants to know more about her Vietnamese culture and heritage. She is also not looking for love so when her should have been absent landlord Emmitt Bradley appears, Annie resists her attraction to the appealing but irritating man.

After being seriously injured while on assignment in China, Emmitt has no choice but to return to Rome to recover.  Since he cannot convince Annie’s  boss to clear him so he can go back to work, Emmitt tries to work his magic on his unexpected roommate. He is a likable man but Emmitt comes across as a little superficial at first.

Emmitt is a little shocked by his fifteen year old daughter Paisley’s reaction  when they are reunited. He is used to being the “fun” dad since he spends most of his life traveling the globe. They have always shared a special bond but Paisley is not at all pleased to see him. Since Emmitt will be in town much longer than usual he must learn to navigate co-parent with his daughter’s stepdad.  Thankfully Annie offers sound advice that proves to be invaluable.

RomeAntically Challenged is a sweet romance with engaging characters and  well-developed storyline. Both Annie and Emmitt grow and evolve throughout the story. Their romance is a slow burn but their scenes together and their witty exchanges are quite enjoyable.  In spite of a late in the story conflict, Marina Adair brings this wonderful romance to a sighworthy conclusion. An outstanding first installment in the When in Rome series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting book two.

Comments Off on Review: RomeAntically Challenged by Marina Adair

Filed under Contemporary, Kensington Books, Marina Adair, Rated B, Review, Romance, RomeAntically Challenged, When in Rome Series

July 20, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn

Title: More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Growing up under his punk rocker dad’s spotlight, eighteen-year-old Luke Greenly knows fame and wants nothing to do with it. His real love isn’t in front of a crowd, it’s on the page. Hiding his gift and secretly hoarding songs in his bedroom at night, he prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly-happy-with-his-long-term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. But that’s not Luke’s only secret. He also has a major un-requited crush on music blogger, Vada Carsewell.

Vada’s got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom’s boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil’s music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley’s prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor’s summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stone internship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out of this world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, really wishes it was her?

In More Than Maybe, Erin Hahn’s swooniest book yet, Luke and Vada must decide how deep their feelings run and what it would mean to give love a try.

Review:

More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn is a charming young adult romance.

Luke Greenly is the son of a former punk rock sensation.  Although he and his twin brother, Cullen, produce a weekly podcast, Luke is shy and does not want to be in the spotlight. Under pressure from his father, Luke gave up writing music years earlier, but he has recently begun to compose again. The song he has recently written is inspired by his long-time secret crush Vada Carsewll. When the two begin working on a school project together, will Luke work up the courage to act on his feelings for her?

Vada is also big into the music scene.  She writes a very popular music review blog and she is thrilled by her acceptance to Berkeley.  She is frustrated and hurt by her  bio-dad’s reluctance to truly invest himself in her life. But luckily for her, Vada’s mom is absolutely wonderful and her boss and mom’s boyfriend, Phil Josephs, is supportive and caring. And despite being tongue-tied in his presence, the absolute highlight of her week is chatting briefly with Luke. Agreeing to collaborate with Luke on a music and dance project, will Vada’s infatuation with Luke turn into a real romance?

Vada and Luke are wonderfully drawn, appealing characters. Vada’s struggle to come to terms with her absentee father is heartbreaking to watch. Equally frustrating is Luke’s inability to convince his father that he truly has no interest in pursuing a singing career. Despite their respective issues with their fathers, Vada and Luke’s friendship is fun and angst-free. Their friendship and love of music are the perfect springboard for their delightful slow burn romance.

More Than Maybe is a fast-paced and engaging young adult romance.  The primary and secondary characters are vibrantly developed and likable. The storyline is well-written and unique. The various friendships and romances are realistic and supportive. Music lovers are sure to enjoy  this light-hearted, enjoyable young adult romance by Erin Hahn.

Comments Off on Review: More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn

Filed under Contemporary, Erin Hahn, More Than Maybe, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Wednesday Books, Young Adult

July 15, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: What You Wish For by Katherine Center

Title: What You Wish For by Katherine Center
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job, the kids, and her school family with passion and joy for living.

But she wasn’t always that way.

Duncan Carpenter is the new school principal who lives by rules and regulations, guided by the knowledge that bad things can happen.
But he wasn’t always that way.

And Sam knows it. Because she knew him before—at another school, in a different life. Back then, she loved him—but she was invisible. To him. To everyone. Even to herself. She escaped to a new school, a new job, a new chance at living. But when Duncan, of all people, gets hired as the new principal there, it feels like the best thing that could possibly happen to the school—and the worst thing that could possibly happen to Sam. Until the opposite turns out to be true. The lovable Duncan she’d known is now a suit-and-tie wearing, rule-enforcing tough guy so hell-bent on protecting the school that he’s willing to destroy it.

As the school community spirals into chaos, and danger from all corners looms large, Sam and Duncan must find their way to who they really are, what it means to be brave, and how to take a chance on love—which is the riskiest move of all.

With Katherine Center’s sparkling dialogue, unforgettable characters, heart, hope, and humanity, What You Wish For is the author at her most compelling best.

Review:

What You Wish For by Katherine Center is an entertaining romance with eccentric yet lovable characters.

Samantha Casey adores her job as a librarian at the Kempner School.  She has finally found a family for herself so she is heartbroken when the principal and co-founder of the school unexpectedly passes away. Surprising everyone, his workaholic son-in-law now in charge of the board and he hires Duncan Carpenter as the school’s new principal. Samantha is both horrified and delighted about the news. She worked with Duncan a few years earlier and his fun-loving playful personality will be an excellent fit with the teachers and students. But she dreads seeing him again since she had the worst crush on him when they were co-workers. However, Samantha’s joy turns to dismay when Duncan is nothing like she remembers him.  Why is Duncan so serious and strait-laced? And can Samantha help him find his way back to the joyful person she once knew and loved?

Samantha is vivacious and full of life. She is also quite passionate about her job and the Kempner School. The school’s relaxed and creative atmosphere is a huge part of its success so she is horrified at some of the changes Duncan plans to make. She is also very concerned at the differences in the man she once admired from afar.  Samantha’s crush dies a quick death but she cannot help but still worry about Duncan.

Duncan is laser focused on ensuring the students’ and staff’s safety. He does not see or appreciate the school’s charm and he is impossible to dissuade as he begins making changes. Duncan is now sadly lacking in joie de vivre and he remains stodgy and ignores Samantha’s efforts to change his mind about his plans.

Despite her distress over  the new and not at all improved Duncan, Samantha is still drawn to him. She never quite gives up hoping he will revert back to the zany man she once knew and admired. Finally seeing flashes of the Duncan, is it possible to rekindle his wacky, fun-filled spirit?

With a friendship forming between them, Samantha is hopeful she will find out why Duncan’s personality is so drastically different.  As she tries to help him find the joy in life, they become more at ease with one another. Samantha realizes her feelings for Duncan have not changed but is there any chance for a future together?

What You Wish For is a quirky romance with an uplifting message. Samantha is an effervescent and compassionate woman who has learned the hard way to embrace and enjoy life. Duncan is a little bit broken but he is a willing partner as Samantha aids him on a healing journey. Katherine Center brings this charming novel to an unpredictable but sigh worthy conclusion.  An absolutely delightful novel of hope and resilience that I enjoyed and highly recommend.

Comments Off on Review: What You Wish For by Katherine Center

Filed under Contemporary, Katherine Center, Rated B, Review, Romance, What You Wish For, Women's Fiction