Category Archives: Romance

June 10, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Sisters and Secrets by Jennifer Ryan

Title: Sisters and Secrets by Jennifer Ryan
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 399 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

If you love Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery, then you won’t want to miss this newest novel by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan. 

There’s nothing more complicated than the relationship among family…Especially when the Silva Sisters are keeping secrets.

For Sierra it means returning home with her two little boys after a devastating Napa wildfire takes her home, her job, and even the last mementos of her late husband, David. Determined to start over, how can she ever reveal the truth—that her husband may have led a double life?

To the world, Amy’s world is perfect: handsome husband, delightful children, an Instagram-worthy home. But behind this facade lies an awful truth: her marriage is rocky, her children resentful, her home on the verge of breaking up.

Heather, impulsive, free-spirited, and single mom to an adorable little girl, lives for the moment wearing a carefree smile. But she refuses to reveal the truth about her daughter’s father, and his identity remains a mystery even to her family.

As the Silva Sisters secrets are revealed, each realizes that there is more to their family than meets the eyes…and forgiveness may be the only way to move forward and reclaim true happiness at last.

Sisters and Secrets is a moving novel of sisterhood, second chances, and the secrets that have the power to break or bond families—and alter destinies.

Review:

Sisters and Secrets by Jennifer Ryan is a family-centric, second chance at love novel.

Sierra Silva is still grieving the loss of her husband, David, when she and her sons, seven year old Danny and 5 year old Oliver lose everything in a fire.  She decides to return to her hometown to start over and she and her boys move in temporarily with her mom, Dede.  She is welcomed by her older sister Amy but younger sister Heather is a little taken aback by Sierra’s decision.  Sierra is also delighted by the warm reception she receives from their longtime neighbor Mason Moore. Over the next few months,  Sierra is ready to move forward with her life, but in order to do so, she is determined to learn the truth about troubling information about David. Will uncovering this secret derail her promising future with Mason?

Sierra is a charming woman who is devoted to her sons and loyal to her family. Moving past David’s death is not easy especially since she is conflicted about learning the truth about her suspicions about her husband. Sierra is determined to make the transition as easy as possible and the boys soon thrive in their new surroundings. Reconnecting with her sisters and her nieces and nephew is just what Sierra, Danny and Oliver need as they continue healing.  But it is her blossoming romance with Mason that helps Sierra truly begin to make peace with her past.

Mason has always regretted not taking the opportunity years earlier to tell Sierra about his feelings for her. He is a divorce lawyer whose experiences with his clients have provided him with valuable insight into relationships. Mason adores Danny and Oliver and he is incredibly patient and caring with them.  He is surprised and uneasy when Sierra requests his assistance in finding out what Danny was into before his death. Mason has harbored suspicions about just what that might be for quite some time and he reluctantly agrees to help her.

Sierra’s sisters are not exactly likable at first. Amy is an overachiever who has over-extended and over-scheduled herself and her children.  Her marriage to Rex has hit a rough patch and she knows she needs to make changes but she is completely overwhelmed about taking that first step. Heather is a spoiled and selfish single mom with a toddler daughter.  She has never revealed the identity of her baby’s father  and she continues to feel sorry for herself because he is not a part of their life.  By the end of the story, Amy is much more appealing due to her character’s growth.  Heather’s story arc is resolved but not everyone will agree with the outcome.

Sisters and Secrets is a novel of new beginnings, love and healing. Sierra and Mason are delightful characters who are very easy to root for as they fall in love.  The storyline is interesting but it is predictable and a little repetitive.  Jennifer Ryan brings the novel to a sweet, uplifting conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Jennifer Ryan, Review, Romance, Secrets and Sisters, William Morrow Paperbacks

May 31, 2020 · 11:56 pm

Review: The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis

Title: The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Five
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 365 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes a friends-to-frenemies-to-lovers story… Add in a few secrets. Shake. Stir. Then read on a lazy summer day at the beach…

Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.

And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She’s fierce, tough, and she’s keeping more than one bombshell of a secret from Brynn — her long-time frenemy.

But then Brynn runs into Kinsey’s best friend, Eli, renewing her childhood crush. The good news: he’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. The bad news: when he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have real connections, possibly love, and a future—if she can only learn to let go of the past.

As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them.

Review:

The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis is a heartfelt novel of new beginnings, family and love. Although this latest release is the fifth novel in the Wildstone series, it can be read as a standalone (but I recommend the other books in the series as well).

Brynn Turner returns to Wildstone with many regrets and a new promise to herself. Her moms would love nothing more than for Brynn to move back in with them, but she needs her space from her loving parents.  So when her long ago crush Eli Thomas offers her a room to rent, she cautiously considers moving in. Despite the discovery that her camp nemesis Kinsey Davis also lives there, Brynn decides to take the risk. Their relationship is still tenuous because Kinsey is still prickly. How will Brynn react when she learns the truth that Kinsey hiding from her?

Brynn is happy to be back in Wildstone but she is beating herself up over putting her trust in the wrong person.  She is taking a break from making decisions but she quickly learns that some choices will not wait until she is more sure of herself. Brynn immediately finds a job and she is thrilled to discover her trepidation about the position is unwarranted. She is also willing to put the past aside and work on her friendship with Kinsey. However, she soon discovers that her former camp partner is still a bit abrasive. Brynn is also still attracted to Eli but is she ready for a new romance?

Eli is laid back, easygoing and extremely loyal to the people he cares about. He is close to his younger brother Max but he is not in touch with the rest of his family. Eli also had a crush on Brynn when they were teenagers and he is still interested in her. He has not been in a relationship for several years due to the lingering effects of his dysfunctional childhood. But Eli cares deeply enough for Brynn to push aside his fears. But will she give a romance between them a chance?

Kinsey keeps everyone except Eli and Max at arms’ length. Her long battle with kidney disease leaves her afraid of getting close to anyone. She is afraid of hurting them if her health takes a turn for the worse. She has been in a “friends with benefits without the friendship” with nurse Deck Scott for several months. Although she cares deeply for him, she refuses to take their relationship to the next level.  Will Deck decide to give up on her once he realizes Kinsey will not give them a real chance for a future together?

Brynn and Kinsey’s relationship remains fraught as they try to put their history behind them.  Every time they make progress, it is immediately threatened.  As they finally become closer, Brynn demands complete honesty but will Kinsey’s reluctance to reveal important information derail their progress?

The Summer Deal is an engaging novel with appealing characters, interesting issues to overcome and witty dialogue.  Brynn’s struggles to balance trusting others and believing in herself ring true. Kinsey is a bit brusque but her reasons for trying to protect others are understandable. Eli is a wonderful man who is supportive and caring. The various relationships are sometimes frustrating to watch since some of the characters just cannot seem to get out of their own way.  The final misstep is frustratingly predictable but proves to be a much needed breakthrough. Jill Shalvis brings this charming novel to a delightfully heartwarming conclusion.  Old and new fans of the Wildstone series are sure to enjoy this newest installment.

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Filed under Contemporary, Jill Shalvis, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Summer Deal, Wildstone Series, William Morrow Paperbacks, Women's Fiction

May 25, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner

Title: Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Lesbian, Romance
Length: 333 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A showrunner and her assistant give the world something to talk about when they accidentally fuel a ridiculous rumor in this debut romance.

Hollywood powerhouse Jo is photographed making her assistant Emma laugh on the red carpet, and just like that, the tabloids declare them a couple. The so-called scandal couldn’t come at a worse time—threatening Emma’s promotion and Jo’s new movie.

As the gossip spreads, it starts to affect all areas of their lives. Paparazzi are following them outside the office, coworkers are treating them differently, and a “source” is feeding information to the media. But their only comment is “no comment”.

With the launch of Jo’s film project fast approaching, the two women begin to spend even more time together, getting along famously. Emma seems to have a sixth sense for knowing what Jo needs. And Jo, known for being aloof and outwardly cold, opens up to Emma in a way neither of them expects. They begin to realize the rumor might not be so off base after all…but is acting on the spark between them worth fanning the gossip flames?

Review:

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner is a charming debut romance set in Hollywood.

Emma Kaplan is a little uneasy when her boss Jo Jones invites her to attend an awards ceremony. Jo is under intense media scrutiny as she negotiates a new writing project and needs a buffer to keep questions at bay. Not thinking when she sees Jo in an uncomfortable situation on the red carpet, Emma rushes to her rescue. Immediately nervous now she is in the spotlight, she is grateful when Jo puts her at ease. Unbeknownst to the women, their moment is caught on camera and they are caught in a media storm about their “romance” . Hoping the attention will die a natural death, they continue to work together. But both of them are incredibly aware of one another which leads to them naturally wondering if maybe those rumors might be right…

In her late twenties, Emma is a refreshingly upbeat  and extremely competent woman. She finally knows what direction she wants her career to go, but she is content with her current employment. Emma greatly admires Jo and she does everything she can to make her life easier. Although she has always denied having a crush on Jo,  her sudden awareness  of her boss tells a different story.

Jo is force to be reckoned within the Hollywood community but she strives to keep her private life private. She is eager for the new project but she is a little distracted by thoughts of Emma. She has always liked her assistant and she definitely appreciates the little ways Emma makes her life at the office easier. Confident the rumors about them will die down, Jo refuses to comment on the gossip swirling around her and Emma. But Jo is beginning to realize that she might just feel more for Emma than she believes.

The relationship between Emma and Jo is a very slow burn. They grow closer throughout the story and there are a couple missteps and miscommunications that neither Jo nor Emma make much effort to overcome.  But following a workplace incident, the ice between them suddenly thaws. However, there are real life issues that prevent them from acting on their feelings. Jo is ever aware of how a romance between would look to the outside world and she refuses to taint Emma with that brush. Emma is also conscious of that both public and the movie industry perception would be negative if they started dating while she works for Jo.  Their patience eventually pays off but their road to happily ever after definitely takes place in the slow lane.

Something to Talk About is a delightful romance with a diverse cast of characters and enjoyable storyline.  Jo and Emma are multi-faceted characters who are quite appealing. The supporting cast of characters are also well-developed and likable. The plot is engaging with most of the the story taking place against the unique backdrop of a Hollywood studio. Meryl Wilsner brings this heartfelt debut to a sigh worthy, steamy conclusion.  I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this wonderful romance to readers of the genre.

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Filed under Berkley, Contemporary, Lesbian, Meryl Wilsner, Rated B, Review, Romance, Something to Talk About

May 20, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas

Title: Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas
Honey Creek Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

On the rolling hills that border the Brazos River lies Honey Creek, Texas—a small town where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love are always close to hand . . .

Piper Kate McKenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, won’t let a major scandal rip her quirky hometown apart, or jeopardize her dream of one day running for higher office. So she calls for reinforcements to find the source of corruption in the sheriff’s office—two men recommended by her Texas Ranger brothers . . .

At seventeen, Sam Cassidy left home, heeding the call to be a preacher. Later he found another mission: serving his country. After his one love died, he lost both his faith and his fight. Drifting from one assignment to another, he’s come to Honey Creek intending to earn his pay check and move on.

As a Dallas cop, Coby Riddell has grown skeptical and wary. People have a bad habit of disappointing each other, but the job never lets him down. This job in particular—his first undercover—is too intriguing to pass up.

Piper, who’s been wondering if Honey Creek might be the only real love of her life, suddenly finds herself drawn to two very different men. And if she can keep her town—and her heart—from going completely off the rails, there may be a sweet, unexpected future in store . . .

Review:

Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas is a homespun, small town romance with a slight mystery element.

Mayor Piper MacKenzie is the mayor of Honey Creek and she is well-liked by the townspeople. She unexpectedly finds herself in the midst of unwanted publicity when her childhood friend Boone Buchanan goes missing. MacKenzie went along with his fake girlfriend plan but she wants no part of his pretend fiancée scheme. Luckily her Texas Ranger brother knows just the person to help her get to the bottom of Boone’s disappearance.

Texas State Trooper Colby McBride wants to stay under the radar during his investigation. But convincing Piper to go along with his cover story takes a bit a persuasion. Colby is accepted at face value by everyone so he is able to glean startling information about Boone. In order to protect his fake identity, he continues to try to charm Piper into dating him. Within a few days, Colby realizes his feelings for her are becoming serious, but how Piper feels about him is difficult to tell.

Colby is not the only newcomer to town. Sam Cassidy  has accepted a short-term request to preach at one of Honey Creek’s local churches. Despite graduating from the seminary years earlier, Sam’s career has taken a couple of unexpected turns. He has fond memories of Honey Creek so he hoping to feel at home in the town. Sam is not sure he is called to preach but he does help a few of the residents who are struggling on their current paths. And he is very intrigued by Anna Presley who selflessly offers to help anyone who needs assistance.

High school senior Pecos Smith is surprised but delighted when longtime crush Kerrie Lane wants to spend time with him. He has big dreams for his future that do not include remaining on the family farm.  When Kerrie’s life takes an unanticipated detour, Pecos eagerly steps in to help her and he finds himself on an unanticipated, but welcome, new path.

With three separate story arcs unfolding at the same time, Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe is an charming novel that is a little slow paced. The characters are likable but lack development. Some of the dialogue is a little cheesy but it is easy to become invested in each of the characters’ fate.  Since the story takes place over a handful of days, there is a bit of an insta-love vibe to the various romances. The investigation into Boone’s disappearance is interesting but it sometimes overpowers Colby and Piper’s storyline.  With an appealing small-town atmosphere, Jodi Thomas has crafted a warm and inviting setting for the Honey Creek series.

All in all, a feel-good, light-hearted romance that readers of the genre are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe, Contemporary, Honey Creek Series, Jodi Thomas, Review, Romance, Zebra

May 18, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter

Title: Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter
Bluebell Inn Romance Series Book Two
Publisher:Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A jilted bride. A struggling innkeeper. And a romantic mountain getaway that changes everything

Rising Hollywood star Mia Emerson is looking for a safe place to land in the wake of a public breakup and celebrity scandal, and she finds it in the lake town of Bluebell, North Carolina—the location of her canceled honeymoon. She wants nothing more than to hide and wait for the tabloids to die down.

Soon after her arrival at the Bluebell Inn, Mia meets Levi Bennett, who runs the inn along with his two younger sisters. Drawn to one another from the start, Mia trusts Levi to keep her location from the press, and Levi confides in Mia about the precarious financial state of the inn—a secret he’s been keeping from his sisters.

When Mia and Levi discover an old journal that hints at a rare diamond necklace hidden in the inn, they set off on a treasure hunt to find the long-lost heirloom. What they don’t expect to surface are feelings they thought were safely locked away. Mia and Levi must decide if falling in love again is too big a risk—or if it will uncover a treasure of its own instead.

Review:

Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter is a sweet contemporary romance. Although this latest release is the second installment in the Bluebell Inn Romance series, it can be read as a standalone.

Levi Bennett and his sisters Molly and Grace are in the their second year of owning a bed and breakfast. The siblings are working hard to make their business a success so they can follow through with their plan to sell the business once it becomes solvent. Levi is handling the marketing and accounting along with manning the front desk and taking care of maintenance. He longs to return Colorado, but he cannot go back on the promise he made to take care of his sisters.  Levi is a compassionate man but he is a little overzealous  when it comes to his sisters.

Actress Mia Emerson wants to put as much space between her and Hollywood as possible following an unexpected scandal.  While not enthused about honeymooning alone, her room at the Bluebell Inn is paid for so that is the logical place for her to escape the media attention. She is a little wary of trusting Levi’s promise he will not try to cash in on her celebrity. But as they spend time together, she gradually trusts him to keep his word. Mia has a family tie to the B&B so she is excited to learn as much as she can about her estranged grandparents.  Her easygoing friendship with Levi slowly turns into an unanticipated romance, but will Levi’s sense of responsibility and Mia’s insecurities ruin their chance for a future together?

Carolina Breeze is a charming romance with appealing characters and interesting storyline. Levi and Mia’s respective issues are realistically portrayed and easy to relate to. Their relationship is heartwarming and a true joy to watch unfold.  The tranquil setting is atmospheric and vibrantly springs to life.  Denise Hunter brings this delightful romance to a heartfelt conclusion that is quite uplifting. Old and new fans are sure to love this newest addition the Bluebell Inn Romance series.

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Filed under Bluebell Inn Romance Series, Carolina Breeze, Christian, Contemporary, Denise Hunter, Rated B, Review, Romance, Thomas Nelson Publishing

May 17, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab

Title: Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Susannah Ramos has always loved the water. A swimmer whose early talent made her a world champion, Susannah was poised for greatness in a sport that demands so much of its young. But an inexplicable slowdown has put her dream in jeopardy, and Susannah is fighting to keep her career afloat when two important people enter her life: a new coach with a revolutionary training strategy, and a charming fellow swimmer named Harry Matthews.

As Susannah begins her long and painful climb back to the top, her friendship with Harry blossoms into passionate and supportive love. But Harry is facing challenges of his own, and even as their bond draws them closer together, other forces work to tear them apart. As she struggles to balance her needs with those of the people who matter most to her, Susannah will learn the cost—and the beauty—of trying to achieve something extraordinary.

Review:

Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab is captivating young adult novel.

Sixteen year old Susannah Ramos is a swimmer who is working hard to earn a spot on the Olympic swim team. However, after a big win two years earlier, she is struggling following a growth spurt. Her coach, Dave, has essentially given up on her but she refuses to accept she will not achieve her dream.   When Dave hires a new assistant coach, Susannah is initially not receptive to accepting advice from her. Eventually changing her mind, Susannah’s goals are finally within her grasp, but will circumstances out of her control end her Olympic dreams?

Susannah lives and breathes swimming and she works hard to please Dave who is overbearing and manipulative. She is stubborn and tenacious so she is sometimes not open to advice. Susannah is so focused on her goals that she sometimes neglects her friends and family.  Under self-imposed pressure to succeed, the last thing she needs is a distraction but after Harry Matthews join the swim club, she cannot ignore how drawn she is to him.

Harry is a gifted athlete but he does not seem to take the swim team too seriously. He is playful and fun-loving  which is something that frustrates both Dave and Susannah.   Harry and Susannah strike up a friendship and begin to grow closer as Harry offers to give her some pointers.

In spite of Susannah’s reluctance to take their relationship further, a sweet romance soon blossoms between them. She and Harry are soon spending as much of their scarce free time together as possible. The two are close but Susannah begins to notice little things about Harry that are a bit troubling. Will their romance survive Harry’s unexpectedly serious issues and Susannah’s intense dedication to swimming?

Breath Like Water is an engrossing young adult novel that provides an in depth portrait of competitive swimming. The storyline is interesting and the cast of characters is diverse. Susannah and Harry are wonderfully drawn teenagers who are quite appealing. Anna Jarzab deftly handles sensitive subject matter in a forth-right manner. The novel’s conclusion is surprising yet realistic. A terrific young adult novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to teenager and adult readers.

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Filed under Anna Jarzab, Breath Like Water, Contemporary, Inkyard Press, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Young Adult