Category Archives: St Martin’s Paperbacks

July 29, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham

Title: A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham
Highland, Georgia Series Book One
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The timeless romance, soaring passion—and gorgeous men—of Scotland come to modern-day America. And the rules of love will never be the same…

Isabel Buchanan is fiery, funny, and never at a loss for words. But she is struck speechless when her mother returns from a trip to Scotland with a six-foot-tall, very handsome souvenir. Izzy’s mother is so infatuated by the fellow that Izzy has to plan their annual Highland Games all by herself. Well, not completely by herself. The Highlander’s strapping young nephew has come looking for his uncle…

Alasdair Blackmoor has never seen a place as friendly as this small Georgia town—or a girl as brilliant and beguiling as Izzy. Instead of saving his uncle, who seems to be having a lovely time, Alasdair decides he’d rather help Izzy with the Highland Games. Show her how to dance like a Highlander. Drink like a Highlander. And maybe, just maybe, fall in love with a Highlander. But when the games are over, where do they go from here?

Review:

A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham is a cute romance that is also quite humorous.

Isabel “Izzy” Buchanan lives with her widowed mother, Rose, at their family home in Highland, Georgia. Izzy is stunned when her mom returns from a trip to Scotland with a very handsome Scotsman, Gareth Connors. She is a bit uneasy and worried about their burgeoning romance but with little she can do about the situation, so Izzy forges ahead with planning their annual Highland Games. A bit frazzled since Rose is pre-occupied with Gareth, the last thing Izzy needs is another complication in her life. When Alasdair Blackmoor unexpectedly arrives to check on Gareth, Izzy is both attracted to and suspicious of the sexy Scotsman.  Will Izzy be able to figure out what Gareth and Alasdair want from her and Rose? And will she be able to resist giving in to her desire for the oh so charming Alasdair?

Izzy is an accountant by day and aspiring author in her spare time. She has a wonderful sense of humor and a penchant for spouting obscure facts when nervous. Due to a couple of embarrassing incidents,  Izzy lacks confidence and she does not like to be in the limelight.

Although Alasdair is slightly estranged from Gareth, he loves him and wants to make sure he is not being taken advantage of. He is charmed by the small town and he is also quite drawn to Izzy. Despite his qualms, Alasdair finds his time in Highland to be just what he needs to make some decisions about his career and his relationships with his family.

Despite liking Izzy, Alasdair still has doubts about her and Rose’s intentions towards Gareth.  Trying to protect Gareth, Alasdair impetuously sets something in motion that immediately spirals out of his control. As he and Izzy get to know one another, he keeps quiet about what is going on behind the scenes. But will Alasdair find a way to fix his mistake before it is too late?

A Highlander Walks into a Bar is a light-hearted romance that is fast-paced and engaging. Izzy and Alasdair are endearing characters who are vibrantly developed and easy to like. Their romance is sweet with just a hint of steam.  The conflict that arises between them is easy to predict but quickly resolved.  Laura Trentham neatly sets up the next installment in the delightful Highland, Georgia series with a lovely epilogue. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this laugh out loud romance!

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

May 26, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: Smitten by the Brit by Melonie Johnson

Title: Smitten by the Brit by Melonie Johnson
Sometimes in Love Series Book Two
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 382 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

DEFINITELY, MAYBE…OR LOVE, ACTUALLY?

English professor Bonnie Blythe expects her life to play out like her favorite novels, especially now that her long-term boyfriend has finally proposed. So when a shocking discovery leads Bonnie to end her engagement, she decides to close the book on love. But the plot thickens when a brand-new character enters the scene—and quickens Bonnie’s heart.

With his brilliant blue eyes, sexy accent, and irresistible charm, Theo Wharton is like a romantic hero straight out of a Jane Austen novel. When fate places Bonnie in England for a summer—conveniently close to Theo—she realizes a hot friends-with-benefits fling is exactly what she needs to start a fresh chapter. Just as Bonnie begins to believe she’s falling in love, an eye-opening revelation into Theo’s life makes Bonnie feel like she’s wandered into one of her favorite books. Will Bonnie have the courage to risk her heart and turn the page with the dashing Brit to find her true happy ending after all?

Review:

Smitten by the Brit by Melonie Johnson is a cute contemporary romance. Although this latest release is the second installment in the Sometimes in Love series, it can be read as a standalone.

Bonnie Blythe is patiently waiting for her childhood boyfriend and fiancé Gabe to FINALLY set their wedding date. He is about finished with his dissertation, so she is certain the upcoming summer will find her happily planning their nuptials. But alas, her heart is crushed when Bonnie discovers the real reason Gabe has been unenthusiastic about wedding plans. Luckily she has a group of gal pals who will do anything to help her through her heartbreak. Bonnie is even more delighted to spend time with Theo Wharton, the charming Brit she met last summer while on holiday with her friends. Is there a happily ever after waiting in the wings for Bonnie and Theo?

Bonnie loves all things British but she was a little unnerved by her attraction to Theo last summer. After all, at the time she was happily engaged even though she was a bit frustrated with Gabe’s lack of interest in wedding planning. Bonnie always sees the best in everyone and she is a little naive so it is unsurprising she missed a few glaring red flags where her now former fiancé is concerned. Although she is of course saddened by the end of her engagement, she is a bit shocked to discover she is not as heartbroken as she expected to be. Bonnie works hard to keep Gabe’s betrayal from shredding her self-esteem and well, Theo’s obvious attraction to her is a confidence boost. She genuinely likes and admires the sexy Brit, but is there any chance their blazing hot attraction will lead to a lasting relationship?

Theo is incredibly loyal and knows exactly where his duty to his family will take him. Under increasing pressure from his mother to wed a suitable woman of means, he is completely captivated by Bonnie. He is a little sly and sneaky as he maneuvers his way into her life, but Bonnie quickly gets over her pique. Agreeing to a “friends with benefits” arrangement, they give their sizzling attraction free rein. Theo is a complete gentleman in and out of the bedroom so he is very understanding when Bonnie is not sure she is ready to become involved so soon after her messy break up.  Is there any chance these star-crossed lovers will find a way to make a relationship work for them?

Smitten by the Brit is a light-hearted, sexy romance. Bonnie and Theo are delightfully engaging characters who are easy to like and root for.  The relationship between them is full of sexual tension and they genuinely care for each other. This newest romance by Melonie Johnson  is a marvelous addition to the Sometimes in Love series that readers are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Contemporary, Melonie Johnson, Rated B, Review, Romance, Smitten by the Brit, Sometimes in Love Series, St Martin's Paperbacks

May 12, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: Getting Hot with the Scot by Melonie Johnson

Title: Getting Hot with the Scot by Melonie Johnson
Sometimes in Love Series Book One
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

IT’S TIME TO FLIRT WITH A MAN IN A KILT

Cassie Crow, a pop-culture reporter for a TV talk show, is focused on becoming a “serious” journalist. But when she stumbles into a kilted Highlander with a killer accent, Cassie decides that taking one night off from work and spending it with a sexy Scot couldn’t hurt. . .

Logan Reid has built a career on his charm, hosting a series of off-the-wall hijinks on the Web. But when the Scottish prankster meets the all-American, equal parts intelligent and irresistible Cassie, Logan realizes that one night of fun won’t be enough. Could it be that this career-focused, commitment-phobic couple is finally ready to take a chance at true and lasting love?

Review:

The first release in the Sometimes in Love series, Getting Hot with the Scot by Melonie Johnson is a light-hearted romance.

Cassie Crow and her group of friends are close to wrapping up their European vacation when she meets sexy Scotsman Logan Reid.  Their first encounter is inauspicious since he is an internet sensation due to his popular prankster website.  Cassie works on a morning show back in Chicago and she is hoping her boss will allow her to move into more serious investigative reporting.  So the last thing she needs is to give Logan permission to air the footage of their meeting at a Scottish castle. However, unbeknownst to Cassie, Logan is in contention for a TV show but he needs to broaden his appeal to women viewers. Logan is determined to get her to sign the waiver to allow him to upload the video but what lengths will he go to change her mind?

Cassie is a serious career minded woman and she will not let her attraction to Logan derail her plans.  Despite a few reservations, she decides to indulge in a short no strings vacation fling with the charming Scotsman. Cassie is soon caught up in their holiday romance but when  she makes an unexpected discovery, she does not give him the chance to explain.  Will Cassie regret this decision?

Logan is a fun-loving  man but he will do just about anything to expand his career.  Without fully thinking the things through, he calls on his best friend, Englishman Theo Wharton, to help him on carry out his plan to gain Cassie’s co-operation. However, Logan is soon more focused on their burgeoning relationship than business and he is blindsided when she uncovers the truth about why he followed her to England.

Back in the US, Cassie’s life quickly returns to normal but Logan proves to be too impossible to resist when his job offer brings him to Chicago. Convinced Logan’s interest in her is purely personal, Cassie is soon embroiled in a very passionate relationship with him. However, after she meets the rest of his family, Cassie realizes there is a lot she does not know about Logan, who is very reticent to discuss his past. Will their lack of communication and a shocking betrayal destroy their chance at happiness?

Getting Hot with the Scot is an entertaining romance with a lovely cast of characters and endearing friendships. Despite a bit of predictability and misunderstandings, the story is engaging with witty dialogue and some very steamy love scenes. Fans of contemporary romance novels will enjoy this first release in Melonie Johnson’s Sometimes in Love series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Getting Hot with the Scot, Melonie Johnson, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sometimes in Love Series, St Martin's Paperbacks

December 30, 2018 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake

Title: The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake
Unlikely Duchesses Series Book One
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 333 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

When two childhood sweethearts find themselves together after years apart, does their romance have a chance to be rekindled now that he’s a duke and she’s a governess? Olivia Drake’s new Unlikely Duchesses series begins with The Duke I Once Knew, where first love is always the sweetest…

For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her parents and her siblings’ children. Now, eager to create a life of her own, Abby seizes upon a position as a governess on a neighboring estate. Unfortunately, her absentee employer is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, the notorious rake who once broke her youthful heart. But since he hasn’t set foot on his estate for fifteen years, Abby assumes she’ll never have to lay eyes on him ever again. Then, from out of nowhere, Max appears. He is stunned to come face to face with the girl next door he fell for years ago—before he went away, and she stopped writing to him. . .even though Abby swears that he is the one who left her without a word. Could it be that this spirited, witty spinster has won Max’s heart all over again—and that they may have a second chance at love?

Review:

The first installment in the Unlikely Duchesses series, The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake is an engaging historical romance.

Abigail “Abby” Linton is the youngest of five children and the only one who is unmarried. Having taken care of her now deceased parents for many years, her siblings use her as unpaid help with their families. Without any input from Abby, they are making the decision for where she will live next. Fed up with being taken for granted, she makes an impetuous decision to become the governess for Lady Gwen.  

Gwen is the teenage sister of Maxwell Bryce who just happens to be the man who broke Abby’s heart fifteen years earlier.  Since the Duke of Rothwell does not visit the estate where Gwen resides, Abby is certain she will not cross paths with her former love. Needless to say, she is rather dismayed when Max unexpectedly shows up with his mistress and three other friends in tow. The sparks soon fly between Abby and Max as they discover their simmering attraction burns hotter than ever.  But with both of them hurt and angry over how their relationship ended, will this pair of star-crossed lovers find their way back to one another?

Abby is a kind-hearted and compassionate woman who has no regrets about the years she dedicated to caring for her parents. She is devoted to her nieces and nephews but with her thirtieth birthday fast approaching, she realizes it is time to forge her own path in life. She is even hopeful a romantic prospect will appear on her horizon. But not even in her wildest imaginings does Abby believe she will ever see Max again. The way he ended their romance broke her fragile heart and she is somewhat stunned by his reputation as an infamous rake.

Although he deeply cares for Gwen, Max lives a fairly carefree life. After circumstances beyond his control leave him and his group of friends without a place to say, he does not think twice about taking them to his country estate. Without giving much thought to his actions, Max carries out his plan to make the widowed Elise his mistress.

Needless to say, Abby is outraged at Max’s behavior and the two are soon swapping pointed barbs.  With her family, Abby is a doormat, but she does not hesitate to stand up to Max.  Their unresolved past is huge source of conflict that could easily be solved if they would just talk to one another. Abby’s irritating habit of jumping to conclusions leads to some very heated discussions as she confronts Max with her unwarranted accusations. Elise creates some very predictable drama as she stoops to underhanded behavior to rid herself of her rival for Max’s affections.

The Duke I Once Knew is a sweet second chance at love historical romance.  The novel is well-written, the dialogue is snappy and the setting is the perfect backdrop for the unfolding story. The characters are a little frustrating but they do learn from their mistakes and they are quick to admit when they are wrong. The pacing is a little slow and the plot is somewhat predictable. Rife with historical details,  Olivia Drake brings the time period vibrantly to life.  Despite some flaws, this first installment in the Unlikely Duchesses series is an enjoyable read that I recommend to fans of historical romances.

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Filed under Historical, Olivia Drake, Rated C+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks, The Duke I Once Knew, Unlikely Duchesses Series

November 4, 2018 · 11:57 pm

Review: First Earl I See Tonight by Anna Bennett

Title: First Earl I See Tonight by Anna Bennett
Debutante Diaries Series Book One
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Once upon a time three young ladies vowed to record their first London seasons…and to fill in the gaps of their finishing school educations. Thus began The Debutante Diaries—and London will never be the same…

“Fans of Regency romance authors Eloisa James, Tessa Dare, and Mary Jo Putney will go wild.”—Booklist

An heiress with a daring proposal. An earl who’s determined to resist her. And a love that just might be written in the stars, in First Earl I See Tonight by Anna Bennett.

Recently jilted by his fiancée, David Gray, Earl of Ravenport is not in the market for a wife. Even if Gray didn’t have his hands full renovating his crumbling country house, it would take more than a bold marriage proposal from a headstrong young beauty to thaw his frozen heart. Gray is confident that spending a week at his ramshackle estate will change her mind about marriage, but every passionate moment he spends with her tempts him to change his…

A talented artist, Miss Fiona Hartley desperately needs her dowry money to pay off a blackmailer set on ruining her sister. The handsome earl seems a sensible choice for a husband…if only she can convince him that romance will play no part. But marrying in name only may prove difficult for Fiona. Gray can’t help but be dazzled by her genuine warmth. Yet as their feelings deepen, Fiona’s deadline looms. Will her secrets destroy them, or is true love their final destiny?

Review:

The first installment in the Debutante Diaries series, First Earl I See Tonight by Anna Bennett is a fun and heartwarming historical romance.

Miss Fiona Hartley is a feisty, spirited young woman who is devoted to her family. She is also a gifted artist but her pictures do not provide her any income. When a blackmailer threatens to reveal salacious information about her sister, Lily, Fiona decides a marriage of convenience is the solution to  her problem.  She has selected David Gray, the Earl of Ravenport, as her intended bridegroom.

David might hold a title, but he is cash poor. The recent end of his engagement has soured him on marriage, so he is not exactly amenable to Fiona’s daring proposition. Fiona is unwilling to take no for an answer so he invites her, along with her family and friends, to his ramshackle country estate. With his beloved grandmother and his best friend George Kirby by his side, David is hopeful the tumbledown estate will convince Fiona to give up on her marriage plans.

Fiona and David are a surprisingly well-matched couple. Both care deeply about their respective families and they will do anything to make them happy. David and Fiona are equally stubborn once they have made a decision. However, David is unexpectedly charmed by Fiona and he eagerly plans outings for them. Fiona already holds Gray in high regard and as she spends more time in his company, her feelings for him begin to deepen.  The couple share a sizzling hot attraction that proves impossible to resist. But will David agree to marry Fiona before their week in the country comes to an end?

Peppered with witty banter, First Earl I See Tonight is a humorous romance that is also rather steamy. Fiona and David are appealing protagonists whose shortcomings and strengths are relatable.  The secondary characters are equally well-drawn and quite likable. The conflict that arises between Fiona and David is somewhat predictable but it is resolved fairly quickly.  Anna Bennett brings this delightful novel to a sweet and sigh-worthy conclusion. The Debutante Diaries series is off to a wonderful beginning that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next release. 

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Filed under Anna Bennett, Debutante Diaries Series, First Earl I See Tonight, Historical, Rated B, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks

October 29, 2018 · 11:58 pm

Review: A True Cowboy Christmas by Caitlin Crews

Title: A True Cowboy Christmas by Caitlin Crews
Cold River Ranch Series Book One
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From USA Today bestselling author Caitlin Crews comes A True Cowboy Christmas, the first in a sensational series debut about a cowboy, a farm girl, and the greatest gift of all. . .

Gray Everett has a heart of gold but that doesn’t mean he believes in the magic of Christmas. He’s got plenty else to worry about this holiday season, what with keeping his cattle ranch in the family and out of the hands of hungry real-estate investors looking to make a down-and-dirty deal. That, plus being a parent to his young and motherless daughter, equals a man who will not rest until he achieves his mission. Now, all Gray needs is the help of his lifelong neighbor. . .who happens to have grown into a lovely, spirited woman.

For Abby Douglas, the chance to join forces with Gray is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. Much as the down-to-earth farmer’s daughter has tried to deny it, Abby’s been in love with stern, smoking-hot Gray her whole life. So when Gray proposes a marriage of convenience as a way to combine land—and work together toward a common cause—Abby can’t refuse. But how can she convince Gray that sometimes life offers a man a second chance for a reason. . .and that their growing trust and mutual passion may be leading to true and lasting love?

Review:

A True Cowboy Christmas by Caitlin Crews is an emotionally compelling romance that is funny, poignant and heartwarming. This first installment in the Cold River Ranch series is a must read for fans of contemporary westerns.

Gray Everett is devoted to his family ranch and his fifteen year old daughter. He has just buried his verbally and emotionally abusive father and he is constantly sparring with his younger brothers, bull rider Ty and financier Brady. Widowed for ten years, Gray has decided it is time for him to remarry, but he wants a marriage based on practicality not love.  He also wants a woman who knows what ranch life is like so he sets his sights on his longtime neighbor Abby Douglas.  Gray wastes no time proposing to Abby, but will she agree to his unemotional and unconventional proposal?

Abby has a full life but she has little experience with dating. She has secretly pined after Gray for half of her life but she never expected him to notice her. Due to her mother Lily’s indifferent mothering and verbal abuse, Abby’s self-esteem is at rock bottom.  At first disbelieving his proposal is genuine, she offers a few half-hearted (but valid) objections before agreeing to marry him. Abby is ill-prepared for Gray’s plans for an emotionless yet passion-filled union but she eagerly assumes her role of wife and stepmother. But how will Abby cope with the emotional baggage that Gray brings to their relationship?

Abby is an absolutely delightful character whose caring and compassionate nature shines throughout the novel. Despite the limited amount of time she has spent with her hateful mother, she takes Lily’s spiteful words to heart. Abby is continually off balance as she waits for Gray to reject her since she feels unworthy of his attention. Although she  lacks self-worth, she stands up to Gray and fights for what is important to her. Abby also struggles to reconcile her love for her husband as he maintains a sensible, businesslike approach to their daily interactions.

Gray is gruff, unsentimental and determined to be nothing like his father. He also carries deep scars inflicted by first wife  and he is quick to view his current marriage through the lens of his first disastrous union. Gray is stunned by the depth of his attraction to Abby but he does not let his desire for her change the parameters he set for their marriage. He is genuinely bewildered by his wife’s kindness to others and he stubbornly refuses to change his mind on the things that matter  to Abby. Gray is also astounded when her reactions to their differences do not match up to his previous experiences.

Alternating between Abby and Gray’s perspectives, A True Cowboy Christmas is a truly captivating romance. Abby and Gray are emotionally wounded characters with realistic issues to overcome. Despite the rather inauspicious start to the marriage, the chemistry between them is palpable but outside of the bedroom, Gray clings to his expectations of their life together. Abby gradually realizes she deserves more than Gray is offering, but will her love for him be enough to sustain their marriage?

Caitlin Crews perfectly balances angst with humor which results in a truly unique love story that stands out from other books in the genre. The glimpses of Ty and Brady will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next installment in the fabulous  Cold River Ranch series. Highly recommend to fans of the genre.

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Filed under A True Blue Cowboy Christmas, Caitlin Crews, Cold River Ranch Series, Contemporary, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks