Category Archives: Sourcebooks Casablanca

January 19, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: Happy Single’s Day by Ann Marie Walker

Title: Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker
Hashtag Holidays Series Book One
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 244 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Author Ann Marie Walker brings you a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’ll warm your heart for Singles Day (the true anti-Valentine’s Day!) and every day after!

Single and proud of it! Oh, oops…

As a Certified Professional Organizer, everything in Paige Parker’s world is as it should be. Perfect apartment, perfect office, perfect life. And now, the perfect vacation planned to celebrate Singles Day. After all, what’s better than celebrating her pride in being single? Because who needs a man anyway? They have zero taste in quality television, leave the toilet seat up, and sleep with your best friend. No thanks. Her life is fine just the way it is.

As the owner of a now-dormant bed & breakfast, single dad Lucas Croft finally has some peace and quiet. It’s only him and his five-year-old daughter, which is just the way he likes it. Because who needs a woman anyway? They nag you to clean up your stuff, want the toilet seat put down, and expect the dishes to be done the same day the meal is cooked. No thanks. His life is fine just the way it is.

But when Paige books a room that Lucas’ well-intentioned sister listed without his knowledge, their two worlds collide. If they can survive the week together, they just might discover exactly what they’ve both been missing.

Review:

Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker is a fun romance set in the Outer Banks.

Paige Parker is a very successful business owner who works too hard. After a discussion with her assistant/hilarious friend Samuel Lee,  she impulsively books a beach vacation at a B&B. Her arrival reveals many surprises and when she finds herself stranded by a storm, Paige decides to make the best of things. She is shocked by her unexpected attraction to her curmudgeonly host, B&B owner Lucas Croft.  Will Paige continue to resist giving in and enjoying a vacation fling?

Lucas is a very reluctant host so he is gruff and rude to his unwanted guest. But not wanting to completely ruin his business, he does finally change his attitude toward Paige (whom he thinks is a little too tightly wound). Lucas is still grieving the death of his beloved wife and he has dedicated himself to raising their precocious, adorable four year old daughter Maddie.  Lucas is also not exactly pleased to discover he is attracted to Paige but he does realize he might just be ready to move on from his devastating loss. But should he give in to his desire for Paige?

The relationship between Lucas and Paige goes from contentious to friendship in a realistic manner. Their simmering attraction underlies their interactions as they gradually get to know each other. Paige has been deeply hurt in the past so she has no desire to risk her heart again. Until meeting Paige, Lucas has been unable to come to terms with his wife’s death.  With both of them aware a relationship would have a definite shelf life, they decide to indulge their passion for each other. But when Paige returns to Chicago, will either of them be able to forget their burgeoning feelings for each other?

Happy Singles Day is a heartwarming novel of healing and love. Lucas and Paige are well-drawn characters who evolve and grow after getting to know one another. Their romance is understated but their desire and emotions ring true.  The beach setting springs vividly to life and serves as the perfect backdrop for Lucas and Paige’s  relationship.  Ann Marie Walker brings this charming romance to a sweet conclusion. A wonderful beginning to the Hashtag Holidays series  that readers of contemporary romances are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Ann Marie Walker, Contemporary, Happy Singles Day, Hashtag Holidays Series, Review, Romance, Sourcebooks Casablanca

March 27, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: Cowboy Trouble by Joanne Kennedy

Title: Cowboy Trouble by Joanne Kennedy
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this reissue of Joanne Kennedy’s heart-winning debut novel Cowboy Trouble, love under the wide blue skies awaits… 

You can’t go it alone in a place this hard

Her latest love-life disaster behind her, Libby Brown flees to the Wyoming countryside to fulfill a childhood dream by starting her own chicken farm from scratch. But the West is wilder than she expected, and while she’s determined to succeed on her own, the sexy, sturdy cowboy next door sure is helpful…

Rancher Luke Rawlins is impressed by the sassy, independent city girl and he’s ready to prove that he’s with her for the long haul. But a mystery from the past soon threatens their new bond and tests their love in ways Luke and Libby never could have imagined…

Review:

Cowboy Trouble is a re-release of Joanne Kennedy’s debut romantic suspense Western.

Libby Brown is a crime reporter who relocated to Wyoming following a bad break up that also led to the loss of her job. Realizing her dream of running a chicken ranch, she is also working for  the local newspaper. While not a lot goes on in this small town, Libby is immediately drawn into investigating the still unsolved disappearance of Della McCarthy.  In the course of her investigation, she meets town sheriff Cash McIntyre, whose intensity is a little unnerving. Libby is a gutsy heroine, but she not looking for love which is why she tries to ignore her attraction to Luke Rawlins, the sexy cowboy who lives on a neighboring ranch. Can Libby unearth the truth about what happened to Della? And will she decide to take a chance on love again?

Libby is an independent woman who does not need a man’s help to get her chicken ranch up and running.   However, she is very reluctant to accept Luke’s assistance but she is smart enough to know she is out of her depth.  Before long, she discovers her feelings for the handsome cowboy run deeper than friendship, but will Libby risk her heart again?

Luke is a charming man who still lives on his family’s ranch. His parents are much older and their health is declining. Luke is pretty irresistible but, much to his dismay, Libby is intent on keeping their relationship platonic. As her investigation into Della’s disappearance intensifies, he grows concerned for her safety. Can Luke convince her to let him help keep her safe?

There is plenty of chemistry between Luke and Libby but her lack of trust becomes a huge obstacle for them. She  does not trust her judgment and it does not take much for Cash McIntyre to raise doubts about Luke. Libby is also determined get to the truth about Della’s disappearance, but this leads her to make some ill-advised choices throughout her investigation.  Rushing headlong into to danger, will Libby’s quest for answers put her in the crosshairs of a killer?

Cowboy Trouble by Joanne Kennedy is a quirky romance that has plenty of suspense. Libby has several good qualities, but her lack of trust and her propensity to act without thinking are annoying. Luke is a sweet man but his character is not very well-developed.  The mystery aspect is interesting and really takes off in the last third of the book. Although Libby is clueless about who might have harmed Della, readers will most likely have NO problem solving the crime.  While the rest of the story is a bit predictable, the conclusion is quite heartwarming.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cowboy Trouble, Joanne Kennedy, Rated C+, Review, Romance, Sourcebooks Casablanca, Suspense

December 26, 2018 · 11:58 pm

Review: The One You Fight For by Roni Loren

Title: The One You Fight For by Roni Loren
The Ones Who Got Away Series Book Three
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

How hard would you fight for the one you love?
Taryn Landry was there that awful night fourteen years ago when Long Acre changed from the name of a town to the title of a national tragedy. Everyone knows she lost her younger sister. No one knows it was her fault. Since then, psychology professor Taryn has dedicated her life’s work to preventing something like that from ever happening again. Falling in love was never part of the plan…

Shaw Miller has spent more than a decade dealing with the fallout of his brother’s horrific actions. After losing everything—his chance at Olympic gold, his family, almost his sanity—he’s changed his name, his look, and he’s finally starting a new life. As long as he keeps a low profile and his identity secret, everything will be okay, right?

When the world and everyone you know defines you by one catastrophic tragedy…
How do you find your happy ending?

Review:

The One You Fight For by Roni Loren is a poignant and realistic romance. Although this newest release is the third installment in The Ones Who Got Away series, it can be read as a standalone.

Taryn Landry is a survivor of the Long Acre school shooting but tragically, her younger sister lost her life. The tragedy was a defining moment in Taryn’s life and fourteen years later, she is still feeling its impact. Guilt-ridden, she willingly changed her plans to remain close to her parents. Now a psychology professor, Taryn is working on a project that she hopes schools will implement in order to prevent future school shootings. She is a workaholic who has little time, energy or desire for a relationship.  However, after a health scare,  Taryn agrees to a no strings fling  with Lucas Shaw (aka Shaw Miller).

Shaw Miller has good reason to change his name when he and his best friend go into business close to Long Acre.  Shaw’s brother, Joseph, was one of the school shooters and Shaw has no desire to open himself up to public scrutiny again. He has lived under the radar following a very public display of anger years earlier and he also avoids relationships.  Shaw is also living with crushing guilt that he is partly guilty for his brothers actions.  Just like Taryn, Shaw is not looking for love, but he is surprisingly open to a casual relationship.

Taryn and Shaw are both well-developed and likable characters. Of the two, Shaw is the most sympathetic and it is easy to understand why he lives such a low key life. Taryn is so wracked with guilt about the night of the shooting that it is incredibly easy for her parents to emotionally blackmail her into remaining close by.  Given the circumstances surrounding their relationship, the issues that arise between Taryn and Shaw are quite predictable as are her parents’ reactions. Luckily for Taryn, her close friends rally around her and offer their support but is there any chance for a happily ever after for her and Shaw?

The One You Fight For is an enjoyable romance but it is a little slow-placed and predictable. While it is easy to understand why Taryn wants to be close to her parents, she should not have to live her life for them.  Shaw’s situation offers a insightful and educational glimpse into how a family member’s crimes affect their lives in the aftermath. Shaw and Taryn share some very steamy scenes but a real relationship is impossible due to their need keep Shaw’s identity secret.  Roni Loren deftly deals with the aftermath of the shooting and its effects on those touched by the tragedy with sensitivity. The The Ones Who Got Away series packs an emotional punch and while the subject matter is heavy, it is quite gratifying watching the various characters find a measure of peace as they fall in love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Review, Romance, Roni Loren, Sourcebooks Casablanca, The One You Fight For, The Ones Who Got Away Series

November 19, 2018 · 11:58 pm

Review: You Had Me at Cowboy by Jennie Marts

Title: You Had Me at Cowboy by Jennie Marts
Cowboys of Creedence Creek Series Book Two
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

This cowboy is falling hard

Mason James is the responsible one who stayed behind to run the ranch while his brother, Rock, took off to play professional hockey. Women have used him before to get to his brother—and Mason intends never to get burned again. But after he meets quirky Tessa Kane at his brother’s wedding, Mason discovers he’s ready to take a chance on love.

Tessa Kane is a reporter on the verge of losing a job she desperately needs—unless she’s clever enough to snag a story on the famous Rockford James. But when she falls for her subject’s brother, she’s caught between a rock and a hard-muscled cowboy. What will happen when Mason finds out who she really is?

Review:

You Had Me at Cowboy by Jennie Marts is a sweet yet steamy love at first sight romance. Although this newest release is the second installment in the Cowboys of Creedence Creek series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Reporter Tessa “Tess” Kane is devoted to her beloved grandmother “Mimi”, who has gotten herself into a very precarious financial situation. Determined to help Mimi, Tess finds herself in an untenable situation in order to keep her job. Her latest assignment is to uncover the dirt on hockey player Rockford James and his upcoming quickie wedding. Meeting Rock’s brother, Mason, provides her with the opportunity to get the inside scoop but her unexpected attraction to Mason quickly complicates the situation. With Mimi’s future hanging in the balance, will Tess continue surreptitiously gathering information for her article once her feelings for Mason deepen?

Mason is loyal to his family and he loves working on the family ranch. He and Rock have a great relationship but he is often eclipsed by his famous brother. Having been used in the past by women who want to get close to Rock, Mason avoids romantic entanglements. He is instantly captivated by Tess and he is surprised by how well-matched they seem to be. His insecurities occasionally lead to doubts but overall, Mason is happy with how well his new romance is progressing.

Tess is wracked with guilt about using her fledgling relationship with Mason to gather information on Rock. However, she feels like she has no choice but to write the article in order to secure her job and earn some much needed money.  When Mason finally learns the truth, will he give Tess chance to explain?  Or will his previous experiences cloud his judgment?

You Had Me at Cowboy is well-written, but the plot is predictable and some of the situations are a little over the top. Mason is a likable and sympathetic character but Tess is a little too stubborn and her lack of honesty is a bit irritating. The chemistry between Mason and Tess is palpable but the love at first sight element of their romance is unrealistic.  With a quick resolution to the conflict between Mason and Tess, Jennie Marts brings the novel to a sigh-worthy conclusion. The brief glimpse of Colt and his love interest Chloe will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next book in the Cowboys of Creedence Creek series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cowboys of Creedence Creek, Jennie Marts, Rated C+, Review, Romance, Sourcebooks Casablanca, You Had Me at Cowboy

January 3, 2018 · 11:58 pm

Review: Collision Course by Marie Harte

Title: Collision Course by Marie Harte
Body Shop Bad Boys Series Book Four
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

He’s always had a way with the ladies
She won’t give him the time of day
Sparks fly when two hearts in motion collide.

Florist Joey Reeves is working overtime to stay away from Lou Cortez, the ace mechanic with a reputation for irresistible charm. She’s a single mom with enough on her plate—the last thing she needs is entanglement with the hottest guy in town…

“Well, hello there.”

Joey glanced up and froze. The man who’d been haunting her sleep looked even better in the hard light of day.
“H-hello.” She coughed. The guys who worked at Webster’s Garage all looked larger than life, covered in tattoos, muscles, and that indefinable sense of danger they wore like a second skin. But this guy, the tall, Latin lover with dark-brown eyes and lips made for kissing, who had snared her.

Review:

Collision Course is the fourth scorching hot installment in Marie Harte’s sinfully sexy Body Shop Bad Boys series. This latest  addition can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the entire series.

Lou Cortez is an all around wonderful man who is well-liked by his friends, co-workers and bosses. Although he is quite charming and rather irresistible to women, he is not interested in a long-term relationship. Lou is dedicated to his family and he has a wonderful relationship with his mom, sisters and extended family. He is relatively grounded but his childhood definitely has an impact on his view of relationships and this affects his dating life since he steers clear of single mothers. Despite his ease with women, Lou has not had much success snagging the attention of his crush Josephine “Joey” Reeves.

Joey is in her early twenties, but due to her life experiences, she is an old soul. A single mom to an almost nine year old son, Brandon, she has finally been given a well deserved promotion at work. Joey and Brandon live with her parents who have never quite gotten over their disapproval or disappointment of their only child’s teen pregnancy. Joey has not dated much over the years and she is not looking for a relationship when she tentatively agrees to go out with Lou.

The relationship between Lou and Joey is sweet but there is plenty of heat between them. Joey’s past dates have been quite disappointing so her expectations are rather low when she starts going out with Lou. The attraction between them is explosive and Joey is more than happy to let Lou take charge of their sex life.  His dirty talking and dominance hits all of her hot spots and their encounters are sizzling hot.

Although Joey and Lou are very compatible in the bedroom, trouble is waiting around the corner for the couple. Joey is stunned to discover the Brandon’s father is back in town and she is very afraid of what threat this will pose. She is also struggling with her parents’ continued negative attitude towards her and the situation between them is quickly building to a confrontation. Lou is shocked by the realization his feelings for Joey are much deeper than just attraction. He is hoping for a more permanent relationship with Joey, but his vision for their future is in jeopardy once Lou uncovers the secret she has been keeping from him.

Collision Course is a blazing hot romance that stars two extremely likable protagonists. Lou is a swoonworthy hero with a heart of gold and a commanding presence in the bedroom. Joey is an endearing single mom who finally finds the gumption to stand up to her parents in a dramatic but applause worthy showdown.  The conflict that eventually arises between Lou and Joey is realistic and quickly resolved. A sweetly entertaining and delectably steamy installment that old and new fans of Marie Harte’s Body  Shop Bad Boys series are going to love.

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Filed under Body Shop Bad Boys Series, Collision Course, Contemporary, Marie Harte, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sourcebooks Casablanca

December 27, 2017 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren

Title: The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren
The Ones Who Got Away Series Book One
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

It’s been twelve years since tragedy struck the senior class of Long Acre High School. Only a few students survived that fateful night—a group the media dubbed The Ones Who Got Away.

Liv Arias thought she’d never return to Long Acre—until a documentary brings her and the other survivors back home. Suddenly her old flame, Finn Dorsey, is closer than ever, and their attraction is still white-hot. When a searing kiss reignites their passion, Liv realizes this rough-around-the-edges cop might be exactly what she needs…

Liv’s words cut off as Finn got closer. The man approaching was nothing like the boy she’d known. The bulky football muscles had streamlined into a harder, leaner package and the look in his deep green eyes held no trace of boyish innocence.

The Ones Who Got Away series:
The Ones Who Got Away (Book 1)
The One You Can’t Forget (Book 2)
The One You Fight For (Book 3)

Review:

The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren is a sweet yet steamy second chance at love romance that is both poignant and uplifting. This first installment in The Ones Who Got Away series features four friends twelve years after they survived a fictitious high school shooting that occurred during prom.

In high school, Olivia “Liv” Arias was a bit of a rebel with a quirky fashion sense. The daughter of a landscaper, her family expected her to follow a traditional path of attending college and earning a sensible degree. After surviving the horrific shooting at her high school, Liv went a bit off the rails afterwards, but since graduating college, she is focused on her career as a web designer. Returning to her hometown for an interview about the shooting, she reunites with the three friends who supported each other after the massacre and surprisingly, her secret high school boyfriend, Finn Dorsey. Meeting face to face for the first time since that ill-fated night that forever changed their lives, Liv and Finn discover their attraction still burns brighter than ever, but with their lives taking very different paths, is there any chance for a future together?

After opening the time capsule Liv, Rebecca Lindt, Kincaid Breslin and Taryn Landry buried after the mass shooting, all of the women realize how far their lives have diverged from their high school dreams. Liv gave up her dreams of becoming a photographer and while satisfied with her web design career, she quickly realizes how empty and sterile her life has become.  She has no close friendships and while she has enjoyed many casual flings, she has never had a serious relationship with any of the men she has dated.  These realizations lead to her to reassess her life and while initially uncertain about making any major changes, Liv finally decides it is time to step out of her comfort zone just a bit. Deciding to begin her photography hobby again, Liv accepts Finn’s (platonic) offer to spend weekends at the lake house he is renting for the summer.

Just like Liv and the other survivors, Finn also struggled to overcome the adverse effects of the shooting.  He chose to face his fears head on and he eventually entered into a career in law enforcement. After the end of a very long and difficult case, Finn has no choice but to take time off from work.  Spending time with Liv is no hardship but he does have to work hard to keep their interactions strictly platonic.  While he greatly enjoys Liv’s company, Finn unexpectedly has to wrestle with his burning desire for his former flame while also experiencing residual guilt from their teenage romance and the night of the shooting.

There are absolutely no expectations from either Liv or Finn about their renewed acquaintance.  They genuinely enjoy each other’s company and despite their mutual attraction, both agree friendship is the wisest course for them. However, they finally decide they can handle a no strings fling that will end when Finn departs at summer’s end. But with such a complicated history between them, will Liv and Finn be able to keep their hearts out of their fun, flirty and sizzling hot summer romance?

The Ones Who Got Away is a heartfelt and engaging romance.  Liv and Finn are endearing characters who have managed to thrive despite their traumatic past.  Roni Loren handles the details of the mass shooting and the aftereffects in the survivors in a forthright and sensitive manner. The obstacles that Liv and Finn must overcome on their way to happily ever after are realistic and the resolution of the conflict that threatens their future together is unexpectedly romantic. The novel’s conclusion is emotional but at the same time, immensely gratifying.  Rebecca’s cryptic comments regarding the shooting will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next installment in The Ones Who Got Away series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Roni Loren, Sourcebooks Casablanca, The Ones Who Got Away, The Ones Who Got Away Series