Category Archives: Romance

January 27, 2022 · 12:02 am

Review: Much Ado About a Latte by Kathleen Fuller

Title: Much Ado About a Latte by Kathleen Fuller
Maple Falls Series Book Two
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A coffee war is brewing in Maple Falls, where Anita and Tanner are serving up plenty of sparks to keep the town buzzing.

Anita Bedford needs to face reality. It’s time to decaffeinate the dream that she and Tanner will ever be more than friends. Growing up in small-town Maple Falls, she’s had a crush on Tanner for years. But he’ll only ever see her as good, old, dependable Anita. Now she’s finally ready to make her own goals a reality. In fact, that deserted building next door to Sunshine Diner looks like a promising location to open her own café . . .

Tanner Castillo may know how to operate a diner, but he doesn’t know beans about love. After pouring his life savings into buying the Sunshine Diner, he needs to keep his mind on making a success of it and supporting his widowed mother, not on kissing Anita Bedford. First order of business: improve his customers’ coffee experience. Next, he should probably find out who bought the building next door . . .

It’s a bitter cup to swallow when ambition turns longtime friends and coworkers Anita and Tanner into rivals. Now that they own competing businesses, how could they ever compete for each other’s hearts? Or will the two of them come to see what’s obvious to the whole, quirky town of Maple Falls: potential for a full-roast romance, with an extra splash of dream?

Welcome to Maple Falls, where everyone knows your name, your coffee order, and your relationship status.

Review:

Much Ado About a Latte by Kathleen Fuller is a lovely, light-hearted friends to lover romance. Although this latest release is the second book in the Maple Falls series, it can be read as a standalone.

Twenty-six-year-old Anita Bedford is a waitress at the Sunshine Diner. She is very sweet which makes it easy for the customers to adore her. Anita’s relationship with her parents is a little strained because she feels like a disappointment to them. She is also insecure because of her learning disabilities but when she grows tired of her unrequited love for her co-worker Tanner Castillo, she decided to open her own business, a coffee shop next door to the diner.

Tanner has long hoped to purchase the diner so he jumps on the opportunity when the owner decides to sell. He has big plans in mind after the sale goes through, but he holds off revealing his recent acquisition. Tanner works long hours and continues to honor the promise he made to his father before his death. He enjoys spending time with Anita but he has no room for romance due to his business aspirations.

Much Ado About a Latte is a wonderful romance with a delightful small-town atmosphere. Anita and Tanner are charming characters whose biggest problem is their inability to communicate. Anita lacks confidence in her ability to get her business off the ground and she stubbornly refuses to accept help. Tanner’s reaction to Anita’s purchase is unfair and he is extremely slow to clear the air between them. Their romance is very understated but believable. Although the ending is a little abrupt, Kathleen Fuller’s epilogue is very heartwarming and sigh-worthy. I am a huge fan of the  Maple Falls series so I am very much looking forward to Harper’s book!

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Filed under Contemporary, Kathleen Fuller, Maple Falls Series, Much Ado About a Latte, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Thomas Nelson Publishing

· 12:01 am

Review: Marry Me, Millie by Amy Lillard

Title: Marry Me, Millie by Amy Lillard
Paradise Valley Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Amy Lillard’s uplifting new series unites a “Widows Club” of women who share solace, friendship, and faith in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri . . .

When her young husband died unexpectedly, Millie Bauman thought her life was over too—until she learned she was carrying his child. Now, as she awaits the baby’s arrival, Millie’s sure her future will revolve around motherhood, the B&B she runs with her Aunt Sylvie, and the beloved Whoopie Pies her Widows Club whips up each week. But when a handsome newcomer arrives in town, Millie is intrigued, and the club wonders if Millie might find a second chance at love . . .

Henry King plans to stay in Paradise Valley long enough to take care of some family business, and hopefully mend the heartache of his own lost love. As Henry and Millie cross paths, it’s clear their neighbors are gently trying to play matchmaker. Not wanting to disappoint, the two pretend to play along—but life gets complicated when a true and tender affection grows. As Millie gets ready to welcome her baby, they must rely on faith and fate to decide if they should risk their hearts on love again . . .

Review:

Marry Me, Millie by Amy Lillard is a sweet (in more ways than one!) Amish romance.

Twenty-four-year-old Millie Bauman is beginning a new life following the unexpected death of her husband. She is six months pregnant and recently moved to Paradise Springs to live with her Aunt Sylvie who owns a B&B. Millie has no intention of remarrying but her Aunt Sylvie is cooking up a plan to matchmake her niece with Henry King, who is in town helping his grandfather, Vern. Having his heart broken after his fiancée called off their wedding, Henry is not looking for love either. Will Sylvie and Vern’s matchmaking efforts change either Henry or Millie’s minds?

Millie and Henry are delightful characters who immediately figure out what their loved ones are doing. They agree to be friends and enjoy one another’s company. Millie knows in a few months she will be busy with her new baby. Meanwhile, Henry is hoping to convince his granddad to move out of state to live with him and his father. Believing they have outsmarted their matchmaking family members, what will Henry and Millie do when they realize they have fallen in love with each other?

Marry Me, Millie is an entertaining romance with a heartfelt storyline. Millie is an appealing yet stubborn young woman. Henry is charming, laidback and easy to like. Sylvie and Vern are certain their matchmaking efforts will succeed and they refuse to give up on their plan. Millie and Henry are a wonderful couple but Millie is prone to making decisions without discussing them first with Henry. With late in the story conflict and an unanticipated romance, Amy Lillard brings this delectable love story to a heartwarming conclusion.  Fans of Amish romances are sure to enjoy this first installment in the  Paradise Valley series.

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Filed under Amish, Amy Lillard, Contemporary, Marry Me Millie, Rated B, Review, Romance, Zebra Books

January 24, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: Forever Home by Elysia Whisler

Title: Forever Home by Elysia Whisler
Dogwood County Series Book Two
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

If home is where the heart is, Dogwood County may have just what Delaney Monroe needs

Newly retired from the Marine Corps, Delaney is looking for somewhere to start over. It’s not going to be easy, but when she finds the perfect place to open her dream motorcycle shop, she goes for it. What she doesn’t expect is an abandoned pit bull to come with the building. The shy pup is slow to trust, but Delaney is determined to win it over.

Detective Sean Callahan is smitten from the moment he sees Delaney, but her cool demeanor throws him off his game. When her late father’s vintage motorcycle is stolen from Delaney’s shop, Sean gets to turn up in his element: chasing the bad guy and showing his best self to a woman who’s gotten under his skin in a bad way.

Delaney isn’t used to lasting relationships, but letting love in—both human and canine—helps her see that she may have found a place she belongs, forever.

Review:

Forever Home by Elysia Whisler is a slow-burning romance set in warm, welcoming community. Although this latest release is the second novel in the Dogwood County series, it can be read as a standalone.

After twenty years in the Marines, mechanic Delaney Monroe is putting down roots. She finds the perfect place for her motorcycle shop and her new post-military life. As she is settling in, Delaney is surprised by the off and on appearance of a sweet pit bull. She quickly discovers the former owners abandoned the dog she names Wyatt and the brothers become a thorn in her side.  Still mourning the loss of her beloved father, Delaney plans to enter his vintage motorcycle an upcoming show. When someone steals the motorcycle, Detective Sean Callahan works on her case. The two grow close but will Delaney let him past her formidable defenses?

Sean is still reeling a bit from his divorce so he is a little surprised by how much time he spends thinking about Delaney.  He is not as certain as she is about the thief’s identity since something seems a little odd about the theft. Sean is concerned about the brothers’ continued animosity toward her. Although she can take care of herself, he cannot help but feel protective of her. As they enjoy one another’s company, Sean realizes his feelings from her are growing deeper, but is there are chance for a future with her?

Forever Home is an entertaining romance with appealing characters and adorable canines. Delaney is tough but tender as she settles into civilian life. She is gentle yet firm with a former marine whose path she crossed under difficult circumstances. Sean is charming and not at all put off by Delaney’s sometimes gruff manner. The motorcycle theft is an interesting story arc and ends with a surprising resolution. The community is welcoming and the townspeople are always willing to lend a helping hand. With flawed but likable characters, a sweet romance, and a tantalizing mystery to solve, old and new readers will enjoy Elysia Whisler’s second installment in the Dogwood County series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Dogwood County Series, Elysia Whisler, Forever Home, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Romance

January 20, 2022 · 12:02 am

Review: Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns

Title: Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns
Bunyip Bay Series Book One
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 344 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Faith and Monty are both looking for love…but are they looking in the wrong direction?

Faith Forrester is at a crossroads. Single, thirty and living on a farm in a small Western Australian town, she’s sick of being treated like a servant by her brother and father. Ten years ago, her mother died of breast cancer, and Faith has been treading water ever since. She wants to prove to herself that she’s done something worthwhile with her life. And she wants to find a man…

For as long as he can remember, Daniel ‘Monty’ Montgomery has been Faith’s best friend. When he was ten, his parents sold the family property and moved to Perth and ever since, Monty’s dreamed of having his own farm. So for the last ten years, he’s been back on the land, working odd jobs and saving every dollar to put toward his dream. Now he finally has the deposit. But there’s still something missing…

So when Faith embarks on a mission to raise money for a charity close to her heart, and Monty’s dream property comes on the market, things seem like they are falling into place for them both. Until a drunken night out ends with them sleeping together. Suddenly, the best friends are faced with a new load of challenges…

Monty and Faith are both ready to find a life partner and settle down, but they didn’t expect love to be so close by.

Review:

Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns is an absolutely charming friends to lovers’ romance set within a close-knit community.

After attending an alumna meeting from her boarding school, Faith Forrester decides it is time to make changes in her life. She makes up a fake boyfriend based on her childhood best mate Daniel “Monty” Montgomery.  Faith also pledges to raise money for a charity of her choosing. She is shocked that naming Monty as her fake boyfriend starts a series of vivid dreams of him that are quite steamy. But one of the biggest changes she is ready to make begins at home. When her beloved mum passed away from cancer eight years earlier, Faith stepped in at their family farm and took on all of the household chores. She would much rather work in the fields with her brother Ryan and their father. Telling them she is fed up has a positive impact on Ryan but her already strained relationship with her dad rapidly deteriorates. Regardless, Faith continues with her plans to begin dating and throws herself into her planning her charity event. Will an unexpected trip with Monty alter their relationship beyond repair?

Monty’s lifelong dream to be a farmer on his family’s land came to an end when his family sold the farm to move to Perth during his childhood. His younger brother Will requires specialized care for autism that is only available in a larger city. Monty never lost sight of his goal and he put in long hours to save enough money for a farm. Now his goal is within reach, he turns his sights to his long-neglected love life while waiting for a property to come on the market. Will Monty’s dreams of a relationship and owning a farm come true?

Outback Dreams is a heartwarming romance with engaging characters. The various friendships are close but welcoming of newcomers. Faith is down to earth and rightfully frustrated by her dad’s refusal to allow her to work on the farm. She is low maintenance but now discovering the joys of female friendship and exploring her more feminine side. Monty is charming and helpful but he has a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to his childhood.  Monty and Faith have realistic reservations about a romance between them but their hesitancy threatens to derail their longstanding friendship. Despite a few missteps and lack of communication, Rachael Johns brings this heartfelt romance to a delightful conclusion. This first novel in the Bunyip Bay series will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment of this brilliant series.

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Filed under Bunyip Bay Series, Contemporary, Mira, Outback Dreams, Rachael Johns, Rated B+, Review, Romance

· 12:01 am

Review: Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

Title: Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Lesbian, Nonbinary, Romance
Length: 285 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The first openly nonbinary contestant on America’s favorite cooking show falls for their clumsy competitor in this delicious romantic comedy debut that USA Today hailed as “an essential read.”

Recently divorced and on the verge of bankruptcy, Dahlia Woodson is ready to reinvent herself on the popular reality competition show Chef’s Special. Too bad the first memorable move she makes is falling flat on her face, sending fish tacos flying—not quite the fresh start she was hoping for. Still, she’s focused on winning, until she meets someone she might want a future with more than she needs the prize money.

After announcing their pronouns on national television, London Parker has enough on their mind without worrying about the klutzy competitor stationed in front of them. They’re there to prove the trolls—including a fellow contestant and their dad—wrong, and falling in love was never part of the plan.

As London and Dahlia get closer, reality starts to fall away. Goodbye, guilt about divorce, anxiety about uncertain futures, and stress from transphobia. Hello, hilarious shenanigans on set, wedding crashing, and spontaneous dips into the Pacific. But as the finale draws near, Dahlia and London’s steamy relationship starts to feel the heat both in and outside the kitchen—and they must figure out if they have the right ingredients for a happily ever after.

Review:

Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly is an intriguing romance that takes place during filming of a cooking show.

Dahlia Woodson is divorced, heavily in debt and sort of lost. She really has no idea what she wants to do career-wise. She does not know where she would like to live. While her marriage was in steadily going downhill, Dahlia discovered cooking shows and she is now a contestant on cooking show, Chef’s Special. She is bubbly, outgoing and a bit of a klutz which are endearing (but sometimes irritating) traits. However, her emotions swing wildly between high and low as she tries to figure out who she is and what she wants out of life.

London Parker is nonbinary and a bit on the serious and grumpy side. They are close to their twin sister Julie whose drunken dare is the reason they tried out for Chef’s Special. While the rest of the family is accepting of London, their father continually uses the wrong gender. London is open about being nonbinary but they run into prejudice from one of the competitors.

Love & Other Disasters has a cute premise but it is a little angsty. Dahlia and London are reflective so there are long passages of inner monologue from both characters. While they bring out one another’s best qualities, there is a lack of communication between them. The romance is sweet and steamy but neither Dahlia or London discusses what happens to them after filming of Chef’s Special concludes. The storyline is interesting but the pacing is slow and the romance has an insta-love vibe. Both characters undergo growth which is  wonderful to watch play out over the course of the novel. Anita Kelly brings this entertaining romance to a satisfying conclusion.

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Filed under Anita Kelly, Contemporary, Forever, Lesbian, Love & Other Disasters, Nonbinary, Rated C, Review, Romance

December 20, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: Return to Sweetheart Lake by Evelyn Jordan

Title: Return to Sweetheart Lake by Evelyn Jordan
Publisher: Alcove Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A sure hit for fans of Jill Shalvis, this complex novel illuminates how the secrets of our past can break us…or make us.

They were from opposite sides of the tracks: the wealthy Nortons and the working-class Michaels family. Yet Gray Norton and Charlie Michaels had become the unlikeliest of best friends, thick as thieves and utterly inseparable.

Consumed with guilt after Charlie’s untimely death, Gray fled his hometown to work as a doctor in a war zone. But Charlie’s demise isn’t the only thing that haunts Gray.

For years, Gray and Romey, Charlie’s sister, had been lovers–and Charlie never knew. Now a single mom, Romey has moved on from her painful relationship with Gray to work on her business, The Crusty Petal bakery. But when Gray returns to reconnect with the family he left behind–and the girl whose heart he broke–Romey’s world comes apart.

Romey has no intention of giving Gray the time of day, much less one of her famous pies. But can she resist the plan Gray has set in motion to make amends and win her back? Both have secrets and painful memories they’ve been harboring for years–but the past always has a way of catching up.

Food, family, and the search for self-acceptance come together in a richly drawn novel of exceptional emotional resonance.

Review:

Return to Sweetheart Lake by Evelyn Jordan is a heartfelt second chance at love romance.

Romey Michaels has not it easy the past few years but she is finally at a good place in her life. She is a single mother to an adorable baby girl and she has opened her own business. Romey works long hours and her hard work is paying off. So, the last thing she needs is the unexpected reappearance of her friend (with benefits) Gray Norton. He disappeared without a word almost two years ago and a lot in her life has changed since then. Romey has no intention of getting involved with him again but will Gray change her mind?

Gray is the only son of wealthy parents who were always too busy for him. After becoming best friends with Romey’s brother Charlie, he spent more time at their house than his. Gray and Romey became fast friends but their attraction has always been too strong to ignore. But their relationship never moved out of the friends with benefit stage nor did they ever take it public. Gray abruptly left to work for Doctors without Borders in order to escape his problems and when he returns, will Romey be willing to give him a second chance?

Return to Sweetheart Lake is a compelling romance with a peaceful setting. The characters are well-rounded and a bit eclectic. The storyline is quite engaging and moves at steady pace. Sweetheart Lake is a small town and some of its residents are small-minded. Romey is initially unwilling to offer much forgiveness after Gray’s return. But circumstances bring them together in unanticipated ways. Lack of communication becomes an issue between them and threatens to derail the progress they have made. Evelyn Jordan brings this marvelous romance to an absolutely heartwarming conclusion.

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Filed under Alcove Press, Contemporary, Evelyn Jordan, Rated B, Return to Sweetheart Lake, Review, Romance