Category Archives: Romance

May 6, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan

Title: Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan returns with a life-affirming exploration of love, loss, and how families come in all shapes and sizes…

New York florist Flora Donovan is living the dream, but her bubbly optimism hides a secret. She’s lonely. Orphaned as a child, she’s never felt like she’s belonged anywhere…until she meets Jack Parker. He’s the first man to ever really see her, and it’s life changing.

Teenager Izzy Parker is holding it together by her fingertips. Since her mother passed away a year ago, looking after her dad and little sister is the only thing that makes Izzy feel safe. Discovering her father has a new girlfriend is her worst nightmare—she is not in the market for a replacement mom. Then her father invites Flora on their summer vacation…

Flora’s heart aches for Izzy, but she badly wants her relationship with Jack to work. As the summer unfolds, Flora must push her own boundaries to discover parts of herself she never knew existed—and to find the family she’s always wanted.

Review:

Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan is a poignant novel of healing, family and love.

Florist Flora Donovan is effervescent, compassionate and intuitive but she is also emotionally scarred.  A people pleaser due to her childhood with an indifferent aunt, she avoids confrontation and easily gives in during conflict. Flora is delighted by her burgeoning romance with widower Jack Parker and although they are not rushing their romance, she does meet his grieving children, seventeen year old Izzy and seven year old Molly. Molly quickly warms up to her but Izzy is prickly and standoffish.  Flora knows Izzy’s reaction comes from her pain, but is there more to the teenager’s defensiveness than mourning her mother’s loss?

Jack is a genuinely nice man but he is a little clueless when it comes to his oldest daughter. He is a bit of a helpless single father who is trying to balance taking care of his grieving children and a demanding career.  Jack is sensitive to his children’s need to mourn their mother’s death, but he is also beginning to have feelings for Flora.  Their relationship is becoming more serious so when it is time for his family’s annual vacation with his deceased wife’s best friend Clare, neither he nor Flora are looking forward to spending three weeks apart. Jack invites Flora to join them, but how will Clare feel about the new woman in his life?

Izzy is not exactly coping well with her mother’s death. But she is also not willing to talk to anyone about exactly what is troubling her. Izzy is exhausted but she is also does not plan to give up any of her responsibilities.  She makes no effort to hide her animosity towards Flora and she does everything she can to push her away. But once they are on vacation together, can Izzy continue to contain her growing anger and frustration?

Family for Beginners is a heartfelt novel with a marvelous cast of characters, realistic issues and an idyllic setting.  The characters are vibrantly developed with wonderful qualities and relatable flaws. The storyline is engaging and moves at a brisk pace. With unexpected revelations,  Sarah Morgan brings this touching novel to a heartwarming and uplifting conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this fabulous novel to readers of contemporary fiction.

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Filed under Contemporary, Family for Beginners, HQN Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sarah Morgan

May 3, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title: The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray
Walnut Creek Series Book Four
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 302 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns to the charming and evocative Walnut Creek Series with an unforgettable novel following one broken young woman whose search for peace leads her back to her hometown, where she rediscovers her faith and reconnects with those she loves most.

Kendra Troyer always knew she would leave Walnut Creek the first chance she got. When she was accepted into design school, she tried her best not to look back at the four siblings she was abandoning, but ahead to Columbus, where she was determined to stay—far away from her abusive home and far away from Nate Miller, the boy she vowed to despise for the rest of her life.

Though she suffered through dark times in Columbus, Kendra found her faith in the Lord again, and years later, when she learned one of her good friends had died, she realized it was time to go home to those she left behind.

Back in Walnut Creek, Kendra has a life she never could have imagined: her own design shop, a pretty little house, and a tight-knit group of friends. After she settles down, though, unexpected visitors come knocking and dark memories begin to resurface. Complicating things even further is the ever-present Nate Miller, who now owns the hardware store two doors down and whose very presence stirs in Kendra a fierce need to turn away and hide from her past. But Nate is persistent in setting things right between them.

As Kendra tries to come to terms with the anger she holds from her childhood, will she be able to open her heart to forgiveness and find the comfort she has always longed for in Walnut Creek?

Review:

The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray is a sweet Amish romance of healing and forgiveness.  Although this latest release is the fourth full-length installment in the Walnut Creek series, it can be read as a standalone.

Kendra Troyer is back in Walnut Creek where she is reconnecting with friends and setting up a new business.  She is finally at a good place in her life when Nate Miller graciously offers her assistance.  Kendra has disliked Nate ever since she overheard him disparaging her to his friends when they were teenagers.  Can she forgive him for those long ago painful comments? And if she does, will Kendra welcome Nate into her life?

Kendra fled her abusive home as a teenager and she turned to unhealthy ways to cope. Finally getting her life back on track, she is happy to be back in Walnut Creek. Although she has tried to ignore Nate while she and their mutual friends are together, the close proximity of their businesses means seeing him on a more regular basis. Despite the pain he caused her in past, Kendra is quick to forgive but does that mean she is willing to truly become friends with him?

Nate regrets the hurtful comments he made about Kendra when he was a teenager. He is genuinely remorseful and his efforts to make amends are sincere. Kendra accepts his apology, but Nate soon realizes she is not ready to allow him into her life. Realizing his feelings run deeper than friendship, can Nate truly make up for his past mistakes?

Just as Kendra becomes settled into her new home and business, her younger sister Naomi surprises her with a request to live with her.  Although taken aback, she is quick to agree. But just as they are settling into a new routine, Naomi is upset to discover her beloved sister is keeping secrets from her. And even worse, both sisters feel pressured to forgive the family members who hurt them the most during their dysfunctional childhood.

The Trustworthy One is a heartwarming novel with warmly inviting characters and a charming small town setting. Kendra is a wonderful young woman who has overcome many obstacles in her life. Nate is a delightful man whose willingness to make amends for past mistakes is quite refreshing.  Kendra and Nate’s relationship transition from reluctant friends to romance takes place gradually in a realistic manner. Naomi is mature for her age but her lack of life experience results in conflict late in the story.  Shelley Shepard Gray brings this touching romance to a heartfelt and gratifying conclusion.  A wonderful conclusion the Walnut Creek series!

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Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray, The Trustworthy One, Walnut Creek Series

March 22, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane

Title: If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 432 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

If faking love is this easy… how do you know when it’s real?

When her partner of over a decade suddenly ends things, Laurie is left reeling—not only because they work at the same law firm and she has to see him every day. Her once perfect life is in shambles and the thought of dating again in the age of Tinder is nothing short of horrifying. When news of her ex’s pregnant girlfriend hits the office grapevine, taking the humiliation lying down is not an option. Then a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator with the office playboy opens up a new possibility.

Jamie Carter doesn’t believe in love, but he needs a respectable, steady girlfriend to impress their bosses. Laurie wants a hot new man to give the rumor mill something else to talk about. It’s the perfect proposition: a fauxmance played out on social media, with strategically staged photographs and a specific end date in mind. With the plan hatched, Laurie and Jamie begin to flaunt their new couple status, to the astonishment—and jealousy—of their friends and colleagues. But there’s a fine line between pretending to be in love and actually falling for your charming, handsome fake boyfriend…

Review:

If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane is a charming romance that is giggle inducing and emotionally compelling.

Lawyer Laurie Watkinson is completely blindsided when her boyfriend of eighteen years (!) Dan Price ends their relationship. She is also heartbroken and angry when she learns he was involved with his new (and pregnant) girlfriend before they split up. Laurie and Dan work together and gossip spreads like wildfire once their office mates discover the titillating news about the former couple. So when co-worker and ladies’ man Jamie Carter proposes the two of them enter into a fauxmance which will benefit both of them, Laurie is quick to agree. But as they spend time together, a surprising friendship springs up between them.  When Laurie begins to realize her feelings for Jamie are turning romantic, is there any chance their fauxmance will lead to a lasting relationship?

Laurie is a smart, sassy and sarcastic woman with a flourishing career.  She is comfortable in her relationship with Dan and she is happy to support him as he rises within the company.  An only child, her relationships with both her mum and father are fraught. Laurie’s best friend Emily Clarke is bluntly honest yet supportive. With her heart shattered and her confidence shaken, Laurie is contemplative as she looks back on her relationship and arrives at some very startling conclusions.

Jamie is a newcomer to the firm and he is not very well-liked. His reputation with women is well-known and he makes no effort to hide his confidence or ambition.  His bosses are pleased with his work but they are concerned about his serial dating. After an unexpectedly fun evening together, Jamie comes up with his brilliant fauxmance idea which he hopes will alter his superiors’ opinion of him along with providing the opportunity for Laurie to exact revenge on her cheating ex.

Thier first few fake dates are a little uncomfortable, so Laurie and Jamie are a little surprised by how much they enjoy each other’s company. Jamie is surprisingly down to earth and easy to talk to and Laurie soon realizes she misjudged him.  Their relationship takes an unexpected turn but with their goal soon in sight, will Jamie and Laurie do anything about their growing feelings for one another?

With plenty of humor, If I Never Met You is an absolutely delightful romance with a fantastic cast of characters and a realistic storyline. Laurie’s self-examination leads to a change in her perspective about both herself and her failed relationship.  Despite a bit of a negative first impression, Jamie is a kind-hearted, compassionate man.  A light-hearted read that has plenty of substance and depth that I thoroughly enjoy and highly recommend to old and new fans of Mhairi McFarlane.

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Filed under Contemporary, If I Never Met You, Mhairi McFarlane, Rated B+, Review, Romance, William Morrow Paperbacks

March 16, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne

Title: The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne comes a brand-new novel for fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs. RaeAnne Thayne tells the story of an emotional homecoming that brings hope and healing to three generations of women.

The life Olivia Harper always dreamed of isn’t so dreamy these days. The 16-hour work days are unfulfilling and so are things with her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when she hears that her estranged mother, Juliet, has been seriously injured in a car accident, Liv has no choice but to pack up her life and head home to beautiful Cape Sanctuary on the Northern California coast.

It’s just for a few months—that’s what Liv keeps telling herself. But the closer she gets to Cape Sanctuary, the painful memories start flooding back: Natalie, her vibrant, passionate older sister who downward-spiraled into addiction. The fights with her mother who enabled her sister at every turn. The overdose that took Natalie, leaving her now-teenaged daughter, Caitlin, an orphan.

As Liv tries to balance her own needs with those of her injured mother and an obstinate, resentful fifteen-year-old, it becomes clear that all three Harper women have been keeping heartbreaking secrets from one another. And as those secrets are revealed, Liv, Juliet, and Caitlin will see that it’s never too late—or too early—to heal family wounds and find forgiveness.

Review:

The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne is a delightful novel of healing, new beginnings and love.

Olivia “Liv” Harper left her home town of Cape Sanctuary for college and never looked back. Now settled in Seattle, she is working long hours between her regular job and her start up media business.   But when Liv hears that her slightly estranged mother Juliet has been injured in a fall, she does not hesitate to rush to her side.  Will spending extra time with Juliet help mend the rift between them?

Liv is a bit annoying in the beginning as she lets her fears and shame control her. She is also in over her head at the family owned nursery but she works hard to keep the business going.  She is patient with her mother who does not like to accept help from others. Liv is also troubled by her fifteen year niece Caitlin’s sudden animosity towards her.  But she is somewhat overwhelmed with juggling her mother’s care, the family nursery and keeping up with her businesses so she does not have the energy to delve deeper into what is bothering her niece.

Juliet has been on her own ever since her beloved husband passed away years earlier. She had no choice but to dedicate long hours to saving the family business and deal with her oldest daughter Natalie’s drug addiction. Unfortunately her relationship with Liv suffered and they have never quite fixed their still lingering issues. Although grateful for Liv’s help, Juliet struggles with being the person on the receiving end of assistance.

Caitlin absolutely adores her grandmother but in recent months, she has actively been trying to find out more information about her father. With the help of her best friend, Jake Cragun, she has settled on a plan of action. In the course of trying to find out more details about her mom, Caitlin stumbled across distressing information that she has allowed to color her viewpoint of her aunt Liv. Seething with resentment, Caitlin shuts out everyone but Jake as she continues searching for her dad.

In between the family and personal dramas, both Liv and Juliet are surprised when the possibility of romance arises. Liv has been keeping a secret for quite some time and she uses it as an excuse to put the brakes on a budding  romance with Jake’s dad, Henry. Liv’s childhood crush Cooper Vance has returned to town and she is a bit embarrassed when by the realization she is still attracted to him. When he expresses an interest in her, will Liv allow her fears of getting hurt prevent her from taking a chance on love?

With a serene setting and appealing characters, The Sea Glass Cottage is a captivating novel of hope and forgiveness.  The characters are vibrantly developed and they grow and evolve over the course of the story.  This newest release by  RaeAnne Thayne is heartfelt a story with realistic issues that will resonate with readers.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, RaeAnne Thayne, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Seaglass Cottage

March 4, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Billionaire in Boots by Julia London

Title: The Billionaire in Boots by Julia London
Princes of Texas Series Book Three
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 364 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia London delivers a sexy new contemporary western, where a lonesome rancher and a no-nonsense cowgirl learn that you don’t choose who you fall for–love lassos you….

As the firstborn son, it’s been drilled into Nick that he is the heir apparent to the Prince family empire. But cattle ranching has never been his true passion. Nick wants to be a pilot.  However, when his father dies, leaving Nick to clean up the mess, he knows he must do his duty before following his heart.

Charlotte Bailey can’t believe that Nick is back to run the ranch. As the office manager, she knows it’s her responsibility to help him. If only he wasn’t so brooding and cranky–and so hot it’s a wonder his chaps don’t melt right off him. But when sparks fly between them, she’s adamant about staying away from a cowboy on his way out the door.

Nick knows the ranch’s pretty, smart, and capable office manager is off-limits, but he needs her. And working in such close proximity to Charlotte every day is making Nick crazy. She smells good, she looks good, she makes him laugh, but most of all she makes him want to stay….

Review:

The Billionaire in Boots by Julia London is a funny and heartwarming romance. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Princes of Texas series, it can be read as a standalone.

Eighteen months after his father’s death, reluctant rancher Nick Prince is worried his chance to fulfill his dream is slipping through his fingers.  He is in charge of the family ranch which remains in a financially precarious situation due to his father’s gambling.  Nick loves his brother Luca and sister Hallie but he is slightly resentful they do not have to sacrifice their career choices for the future of the ranch. He loves the solitary home he has created for himself, but Nick is beginning to feel a little lonely. The highlight of his day is sparring with office manager Charlotte Bailey. Despite deciding not to pursue a relationship with her following their scorching hot encounter two years ago, Nick is finding it very difficult to resist his attraction to the sassy, spirited Charlotte.

Charlotte is funny, vivacious and bighearted.  Now in her early thirties, she is afraid her dream of  marriage and a family might not come true. At the urging of her sister Cassie, Charlotte is giving on line dating a whirl, but her dates fizzle more than sizzle. Charlotte truly enjoys her job and she has worked hard to push her one night with Nick and her interest in him to the back of her mind. But she still enjoys their teasing conversations, witty emails exchanges and humorous text messages.

Their flirtatious banter soon gives way to passion, but Charlotte and Nick live in the present and avoid planning for a future together. Charlotte is  close to her family and she is firmly planted in their small country town. Nick still yearns to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. When Nick comes to a startling realization, their relationship hangs in the balance as he makes decisions without consulting Charlotte. With two very different visions of their lives, is there any chance Nick and Charlotte’s romance will turn into a lasting relationship?

The Billionaire in Boots is a light-hearted romance with serious undertones. Charlotte is a refreshing breath of fresh air who is upbeat and loving. Nick is the epitome of the strong, silent type who can be a little grumpy. Despite their diverse personalities, they are a surprisingly well-suited couple.  With realistic problems to overcome, Julia London brings this heartfelt and engaging romance to a sweet and uplifting conclusion. This playful addition to  the Princes of Texas series is sure to be a hit with readers of contemporary romances.

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Filed under 5 Spot, Berkley, Contemporary, Julia London, Princes of Texas Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Billionaire in Boots

February 23, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham

Title: A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham
Highland, Georgia Series Book Two
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 313 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A Highlander in a Pickup is the second book in award-winning author Laura Trentham’s romantic comedy Highland Georgia series, full of love, laughs…and highlanders!

When a gorgeous new man—in a kilt—comes to town, life in Highland, Georgia will never be the same…

Iain Connors is the poster boy for the strong and silent type. Growing up a loner at Cairndow Castle in Scotland with only the cliffs and moors for company, it’s understood Iain will assume the mantle of Cairndow groundskeeper when his father is ready to relinquish it. But his stint in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces has opened up a whole new world—and now, rather than settle down, he accepts an invitation to travel to the States to take charge of the Highland Games. After all, he’s led men into battle, how hard can planning a party be?

Anna Maitland is ready to step up for her best friend Isabel Blackmoor, who can’t run the Games in their hometown this year. Surely Anna, a dance instructor with boundless energy, spirit, and charm, is up for the challenge? What she doesn’t anticipate is a man in a kilt who turns up claiming he’s the one in charge. What’s worse about this Iain? He’s so infuriatingly handsome that she can’t help but fantasize about him whispering sweet-nothings in her ear in his rumbly, sexy brogue. . .

Review:

A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham is a delightfully charming romance. Although this latest release is the second novel in the Highland, Georgia  series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Dance teacher Anna Maitland is in charge of organizing this year’s Highland Games. She does not  want or need the assistance of Iain Connors but she eventually grudgingly accepts his help. Anna also tries to ignore her growing fascination of and attraction to Iain. But will she be able to continue to resist the kilt-wearing, reserved Scotsman?

Anna is fiercely independent and does not trust easily. She has a complicated relationship with her mother who raised her on her own after her father abandoned them. Anna is devoted to her students and she is increasingly concerned about one of her young dancers. She has also had a string of bad luck with the men has dated, so Anna has no plans to act on her growing desire for Iain.

After leaving the military, Iain returned to Cairndow Castle where he is expected to take over as caretaker when his father retires. But he becomes increasingly restless and uncertain of his future the more time he spends at the castle. Feeling a bit trapped by parental expectation, Iain readily agreed to travel to Highland to help Anna with the Highland Games.  Although eager to lend assistance, Iain is a bit of a loner and lacks confidence with dating. He is immediately taken with Anna and his admiration for the sassy dance instructor continues to grow.

With Iain’s departure date looming, he and Anna are finding it more and more difficult not to give in to their mutual attraction. Finally throwing caution to the wind, they eagerly embark on a passionate fling. But what neither of them is willing to admit is their feelings for each other run much deeper than desire.  But what chance do they have for a future together when Anna’s destiny is firmly in Highland and Iain is obligated to return to Scotland?

A Highlander in a Pickup is a heartwarming romance with an enchanting small town setting and marvelous cast of characters. Anna and Iain are beautifully drawn, vibrant characters that are immensely appealing. The storyline is engaging and fast-paced. The romance between Anna and Iain is sweet yet steamy.  Laura Trentham brings this marvelous romance to a heartfelt and uplifting conclusion.  The touching epilogue will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the marvelous Highland, Georgia  series.

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Filed under A Highlander in a Pickup, Contemporary, Highland Georgia Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks