Category Archives: St Martin’s Griffin

July 28, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: Lead by Kylie Scott

leadTitle: Lead by Kylie Scott
Stage Dive Series Book Three
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Comedy
Length: 256 pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Stay up all night with the sexy rockers in Stage Dive, the epic New Adult series from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, author of Lick and Play.

As the lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy is used to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, whether it’s booze, drugs, or women. However, when a PR disaster serves as a wake-up call about his life and lands him in rehab, he finds himself with Lena, a new assistant to keep him out of trouble.

Lena’s not willing to take any crap from the sexy rocker and is determined to keep their relationship completely professional, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when Jimmy pushes her too far and Lena leaves, he realizes that he may just have lost the best thing that ever happened to him.

The Review:

Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series, is, hands down, my favorite rocker series EVER! It just improves with each novel and the third installment, Lead, completely blew me away. It is an absolutely hilarious and achingly heart wrenching romance and I LOVED every single word of it.

Jimmy Ferris is the resident bad boy of Stage Dive and he has the addictions and out of control behavior to prove it. Having successfully completed another stint in rehab, Jimmy is on his last chance with his fellow band members so when he is in desperate need of yet another sober companion/personal assistant, they decide Lena Morrissey is just the woman for the job. Having recently sworn off men since her luck in the love department is abysmal, Lena pretty much gives up her personal life to keep Jimmy out of trouble, but her unexpected attraction to the sexy rocker puts their professional relationship in jeopardy.

Lena is my absolute favorite female character in the Stage Dive series. She is funny, saucy, sassy and she won’t take any crap off anyone. Not even Jimmy. No matter what he throws her way, she sets him straight and tells him like it is, or more importantly, she tells him how it is going to be. Lena’s inner dialogue is full of self-deprecating humor that is laugh out loud funny but it is also very poignant as she realizes that her feelings for Jimmy go beyond attraction. She tries to protect herself from getting hurt, but resisting Jimmy is virtually impossible.

Jimmy is closed off, brooding and so unbelievably vulnerable that it takes your breath away. He is arrogant and demanding, but with Lena pushing him, Jimmy’s rougher edges begin to smooth over. Jimmy reveals little about his demons, but with an incredible amount of patience and understanding, Lena gets him to open up about his dysfunctional past. Jimmy is slow to recognize what he feels for Lena and relationships are so far out of his comfort zone, he is at a loss at what comes next for him and Lena.

The relationship between Lena and Jimmy is slow growing and they form a somewhat uneasy friendship that Jimmy counts on to keep him on an even keel. He does not do well with change, so when Lena admits her growing attraction to him, Jimmy does everything in his power to help her get over him. Hilarity ensues but so does jealousy when Jimmy encourages Lena to get a personal life.

At this point in the story, there is an amazing amount of sexual tension between them, but Jimmy and Lena stubbornly refuse to give in to their desire. When they finally do act on their passion, their sex scenes are explosive, incendiary and scorching hot. Jimmy is no slouch when it comes to sexually satisfying Lena, but there is still room for improvement in his emotional education and just when their relationship should be turning a corner, they find themselves at another impasse.

Lead is incredibly emotional, laugh out loud funny and almost unbearably poignant at times. The characters are vibrantly developed, easy to relate to, and even when behaving badly (cough, Jimmy, cough), it is impossible not to like them. The plot is refreshing unique and watching Jimmy’s transformation from an emotionally distant and troubled rock star into a loving man willing to risk his heart is wildly entertaining and immensely gratifying. Kylie Scott continues to amaze me with this phenomenal series and I can hardly wait to read the next Stage Dive romance where it is finally Ben’s turn to find his happily ever after.

8 Comments

Filed under Comedy, Contemporary, Kylie Scott, Lead, Rated A, Review, Romance, St Martin's Griffin, Stage Dive Series

August 13, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: Lake Como by Anita Hughes

Title: Lake Como by Anita Hughes
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Hallie Elliot has a perfect life. She is an up-and-coming interior designer in one of San Francisco’s most sought after firms, and has just recently become engaged to Peter, a brilliant young journalist. But when she stumbles upon Peter and her boss in what seems to be a compromising position, her trust in her perfect life is shaken.

So Hallie escapes to Lake Como, Italy to spend time with her half-sister, Portia Tesoro, an Italian blueblood dealing with the scandal of a public estrangement from her cheating husband. While staying in the Tesoro villa, Hallie falls in love with the splendor and beauty of Lake Como, and finds work designing the lakeside estate of a reclusive American tech mogul. The caretaker of this beautiful estate is a handsome man named Angus, and Hallie finds herself drawn to his charm and kindness, despite hints of a dark secret in his past.

But just as Hallie is beginning to find her footing on Italian soil, she uncovers a family secret that upends all the truths she’s believed about herself, and calls into question the new life she’s built in Lake Como.

Sisterhood, family, career, and sumptuous descriptions of Italian life fill the pages of this newest offering by Anita Hughes. Lake Como is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of love, self-discovery, and the quest for truth.

Love, sisterhood, and sumptuous descriptions of la dolce vita fill the pages of Anita Hughes’ Lake Como, a heartwarming story of romance, self-discovery, and the quest for truth.

The Review:

In Lake Como, Anita Hughes brings Italy vibrantly to life during Hallie Elliot’s impetus visit to her half-sister’s magnificent family villa. In the midst of lavish and romantic surroundings, Hallie uncovers a long hidden family secret and reconnects with her half sister, Portia Tesoro, while she contemplates her future.

Hallie Elliot has a pretty charmed life. She has a close relationship with her socialite grandmother, she is an up and coming interior designer and her live in boyfriend Peter adores her. But when she catches Peter in a romantic embrace with her boss, Hallie impulsively travels to Italy to lend some much needed moral support to her sister as Portia deals with the fall out from her separation from her philandering husband. A meeting with fellow American Angus Barlow leads to a prestigious and advantageous career opportunity for Hallie and their friendship soon crosses over into romantic territory. Already reeling from a startling revelation about her mother, Hallie is devastated when she learns Angus has been keeping secrets of his own.

Overall, Lake Como is a light-hearted and fun read. This fast-paced and engaging story presents readers with an in-depth view into Italian royalty and the influential role of the family’s matriarch. The characters are well-fleshed and three-dimensional. Their issues are serious, but they are resolved with little drama or angst. The setting is brilliantly detailed and provides an exquisite backdrop for the unfolding story. Glitz, glamour and the lifestyles of the rich and famous are hallmarks of an Anita Hughes’ novel and she always provides readers a wonderful escape from everyday life.

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Filed under Anita Hughes, Contemporary, Lake Como, Rated B, Review, Romance, St Martin's Griffin

July 22, 2013 · 3:57 am

Review: The Heiresses by Allison Rushby

Title: The Heiresses by Allison Rushby
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Length: 350 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

In Allison Rushby’s Heiresses, three triplets—estranged since birth—are thrust together in glittering 1926 London to fight for their inheritance, only to learn they can’t trust anyone—least of all each other.

When three teenage girls, Thalia, Erato and Clio, are summoned to the excitement of fast-paced London—a frivolous, heady city full of bright young things—by Hestia, an aunt they never knew they had, they are shocked to learn they are triplets and the rightful heiresses to their deceased mother’s fortune. All they need to do is find a way to claim the fortune from their greedy half-brother, Charles. But with the odds stacked against them, coming together as sisters may be harder than they think.

The Review:

The Heiresses by Allison Rushby is an engaging historical novel with a refreshingly unique storyline. Separated at birth and raised in very different households, triplets Thalia, Erato (Ro) and Clio are reunited by their Aunt Hestia following their father’s death.

Mostly ignored by her foster family, oldest sister, Thalia, falls into a “fast” crowd and is soon spending her days and nights in an alcohol and drug induced haze. The least likable and most self-centered of the three sisters, she is emotionally damaged and harboring a tragic secret. It takes most of the story to learn what is behind her reckless and sometimes thoughtless behavior and once her history is revealed, Thalia becomes a much more sympathetic character.

Middle sister Ro has always longed for a large family so she is delighted to learn she has two sisters. Ro is very intelligent and dreams of becoming a doctor. She is quite sensible and level-headed so it comes as quite a surprise when she quickly falls head over heels in love. Determined to win the object of her affections, Ro goes to surprising lengths to win his heart.

Youngest sister Clio is the most innocent and altruistic of the three girls. Raised in a loving home by a Vicar and his wife, Clio is the most uncomfortable with her new glamorous lifestyle. She is a bit shy and naïve, but Clio has surprising depth and she is definitely no pushover.

Intertwined with the sisters’ personal stories is the intrigue surrounding the girls’ births and their quest for their inheritance. Their half-brother, Charles, has inherited their mothers’ fortune and he is not inclined to return it to the girls. The sisters are soon at odds with one another over the inheritance and their suspicions about one another’s intentions are aroused. There are many unexpected twists and turns as Thalia, Ro and Clio delve into the secrets of their past.

The Heiresses resonates with authenticity and Allison Rushby’s meticulous research paints a realistic portrait of both the good and bad of the Roaring Twenties. This entertaining novel is an absolute must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

1 Comment

Filed under Allison Rushby, Historical, Rated B, Review, St Martin's Griffin, The Heiresses

March 25, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: Market Street by Anita Hughes

Title: Market Street by Anita Hughes
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin/Macmillan
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 302 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Cassie Blake seems to lead a charmed life as the heiress to Fenton’s, San Francisco’s most exclusive department store. But when she discovers her husband, Aidan, a handsome UC Berkeley professor, has had an affair with a student, she flees to the comfort of her best friend Alexis’s Presidio Heights mansion, where she wonders if she should give their marriage one more chance.

Whether or not she can forgive Aidan is not the only choice Cassie has to make. Cassie’s mother is eager to have her oversee the opening of Fenton’s new Food Emporium, which Fenton’s hopes will become San Francisco’s hottest gourmet shopping destination. Cassie’s true passion has always been food, not fashion, and Cassie suspects her mother might be trying to lure her into the Fenton’s fold by entrusting her with such an exciting opportunity. And then there is James, the architect designing the Emporium, who is quietly falling in love with her…

The Review:

If you are looking for an easy to read story that is the perfect escape from ordinary, everyday life, then you are going to love Anita Hughes’ newest release. Market Street is a light read about finding oneself in the midst of betrayal.

After college, heiress Cassie Fenton chose marriage to ethics professor Aidan Blake over working in her mother’s upscale department store, Fenton’s. Ten years later, Cassie is a stay at home wife and stepmom whose love of gardening is put to good use as a volunteer teaching school children to grow vegetable. Just as her mother approaches her to open a new venture at Fenton’s, Cassie learns of Aidan’s infidelity with one of his students. Moving in temporarily with her best gal pal, Alexis, Cassie contemplates the future of her marriage while fighting her growing attraction to James Parrish, the architect she is working with at Fenton’s.

Cassie is overshadowed by both Aidan and her mother, Diana. Aidan and Diana have domineering, forceful personalities and Cassie has a difficult time standing up to either of them. Aidan is manipulative and controlling and he is incredibly self-centered. Cassie has a tendency to avoid conflict instead of confronting her problems head on until she discovers irrefutable evidence of Aidan’s infidelity. Once she moves in with Alexis, she finally finds her backbone and takes control of her future.

Market Street is an entertaining read that is refreshingly angst-free. Anita Hughes has an engaging writing style that draws the reader into the story. Her descriptive prose brings the setting vibrantly to life and makes it easy to visualize the imaginary Fenton’s and its stylish clientele. The characters are down to earth, likable and easy to relate to. The storyline is compelling and entertaining and I really enjoyed the glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich, famous and fashionable.

Another fabulous book by a very gifted storyteller that fans of contemporary women’s fiction are sure to love.

1 Comment

Filed under Anita Hughes, Contemporary, Macmillan, Market Street, Rated B+, Review, St Martin's Griffin, Women's Fiction

November 8, 2012 · 3:59 am

Review: Grace Grows by Shelle Sumners

Title: Grace Grows by Shelle Sumners
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: A

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Grace Barnum’s life is precariously balanced on sensible choices and uncomfortable compromise. She dutifully edits textbooks that, she fears, may be more harmful than helpful to kids. She is engaged to a patent attorney who is steady and reliable. She has a cautious relationship with her fascinating father, a renowned New York painter, and she prefers her mom slightly drunk.

Always a planner, Grace feels prepared for most eventualities. Until the responsibility-challenged Tyler Wilkie shows up. Fresh in town from the Poconos, Tyler has warm eyes, a country drawl, and a smile that makes Grace drop things. Worst of all, he writes devastating songs. About her.

Tyler reaches something in Grace, something she needs, but can’t admit to. Something she wants, but won’t succumb to. Tyler Wilkie loves Grace Barnum and ruins everything. And Grace grows.

The Review:

More than just a love story, Shelle Sumners’ debut novel Grace Grows is an incredible journey of self discovery and tremendous growth by lead character, Grace Barnum. Grace leads a comfortable, contented life with her long term boyfriend. She rarely takes risks and she goes to great lengths to plan for the unexpected. But all the preparation in the world can in no way prepare Grace for the changes that Tyler Wilkie is about to bring to her carefully ordered and well organized world. With her heart on the line, will Grace choose the familiar and safe life she has made for herself? Or will she take a leap of faith and accept the all encompassing love that Tyler is offering?

Grace Barnum’s cautious approach to life is reflected in both her personal and professional lives. She is complacent in her relationship with her boyfriend Steven and does not seem too concerned there is not much of a spark between them. Her career has become a source of frustration and her dissatisfaction with the arbitrary whims that go along with text book writing and editing is growing. Grace’s relationships with her divorced parents is pretty good but they definitely feel the strain of the emotional baggage from her childhood.

Handsome, sexy and always with a smile on his face, Tyler Wilkie is a carefree, fun loving character that I absolutely adored right from the very beginning of Grace Grows. Irrepressible and charming, he is pretty much Grace’s polar opposite. Well-adjusted with a rather bohemian family, Tyler travels through life with his eye on his destination but with no plan of how he is going to get there. With his innate talent and a natural ability to put his own personal spin on every song he sings, he is quickly on his way to super stardom in the music world. He remains refreshingly untouched by his growing fame and always maintains the exuberance that makes him so unique and appealing.

While it is apparent to everyone but Grace that Tyler’s interest is more than friends, their relationship begins as a friendship. The story takes place over a two and half year time span and it is chockfull of its share of ups and downs. Grace stubbornly keeps her blinders in place where Tyler’s feelings for here are concerned and blithely plans her future with Steven. That is until she experiences a dramatic epiphany about Tyler that quickly becomes a catalyst for some long overdue changes in her life.

As in real life, the road to happily ever after for Grace and Tyler is full of twists, turns and detours. Miscommunications and Grace’s annoying propensity to avoid conflict instead of facing it head on prove to a huge stumbling block in their relationship. On more than one occasion, I wanted to shake Grace in frustration over her inability to make a decision and stick with it. Help for the erstwhile couple comes from an unexpected source and finally provides them with the opportunity to work through their various issues.

Grace Grows is a thoroughly captivating novel that is fast paced and laugh out loud funny. The characters are quirky yet winsome and the storyline is refreshingly realistic and flawlessly executed. Shelle Sumners puts a fresh spin on what easily be a clichéd plot and takes this wonderful romance in an unexpected direction that will delight readers of contemporary romances.

Definitely a novel that should be on everyone’s reading list.

10 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Grace Grows, Rated A, Review, Romance, Shelle Sumners, St Martin's Griffin

July 3, 2012 · 3:57 am

The Woman at the Light by Joanna Brady

Title: The Woman at the Light by Joanna Brady
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Imprint: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 346 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

One afternoon in 1839, Emily Lowry’s husband vanishes from Wreckers’ Cay, an isolated island off the coast of Key West where he tends to the lighthouse. As days stretch into months, Emily has no choice but take charge of Wrecker’s Cay and her husband’s duties tending the light to support her three children–and a fourth on the way. Unexpected help arrives when a runaway slave named Andrew washes up on their beach. At first, Emily is intensely wary of this strange, charming man, whose very presence there is highly illegal. But Andrew proves himself an enormous help and soon wins the hearts of the Lowry family. And–far from the outside world and society’s rules–his place in Emily’s life, as steadfast now as the light, will forever change their futures. When Emily’s family is ripped apart once again, she faces untold hardships that test her love and determination and show how the passionate love of a defiant, determined woman can overcome any obstacle.

The Review:

The Woman at the Light is a beautifully written historical romance that details the social and racial prejudices of the 1800s. Joanna Brady brings Key West vibrantly to life in this fascinating story of heartache, tragedy and love.

Emily Lowry is a strong heroine whose life has more than her fair share of devastating losses. Yet, she emerges from tragedy triumphant and more determined than ever to survive. Emily is an independent woman whose circumstances force her to rethink long held beliefs and prejudices. Some of her decisions end with disastrous results and while she sometimes wallows in self-pity and could have beens, Emily is remarkably resilient.

What makes The Woman at the Light such a compelling and captivating read is Ms. Brady’s incredibly descriptive writing style. I could feel the sultry Florida humidity and the cooling breeze of the trade winds. I could easily visualize the stark, raw and untamed beauty of Key West during its early days and the stark and primitive splendor of Wrecker’s Cay.

Ms. Brady’s research is extensive and she weaves real and fictional events and people together seamlessly. Interspersed amongst the fictional events unfolding are interesting facts about the Seminole Indian Wars, shipping routes, cigar factories and the arduous duties performed by lighthouse keepers.

The Woman at the Light is a well-written novel that is full of unexpected twists and turns. There is an intriguing mystery surrounding Emily’s husband’s disappearance. There are shocking villains and unexpected betrayals. Emily’s life has ups and downs, bitter disappointments and setbacks. But she shares an enduring love that will survive despite seemingly insurmountable odds.

Fans of historical romances do not want to miss this stunning debut novel by Joanna Brady.

6 Comments

Filed under Historical, Joanna Brady, Rated B+, Romance, St Martin's Griffin, St Martin's Press, The Woman at the Light