Category Archives: St Martin’s Paperbacks

August 22, 2018 · 11:56 pm

Review: Face Off by Brenda Novak

Title: Face Off by Brenda Novak
Evelyn Talbot Chronicles Book Three
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak comes Face Off, the next installment of Dr. Evelyn Talbot and her murderous home for psychopaths.

SHE VOWED NEVER TO BE A VICTIM AGAIN. BUT NOW A KILLER HAS HER IN HIS SIGHT. . .

Tortured and left for dead at sixteen, Evelyn Talbot turned her personal nightmare into her life’s work—studying the disturbing psychopathy of some of the world’s most vicious serial killers. Now a leading psychiatrist at Hanover House in a small Alaskan town, she tries to believe the past will never come back to haunt her—until a woman goes missing from a cabin nearby, and every clue points to the man who once brutalized her…

As her boyfriend, who is the area’s only police, begins to investigate—and finds not one but two bodies—Evelyn can’t forget that her would-be killer, Jasper Moore, was never caught. But there are no new faces in tiny Hilltop, no one who seems suspicious or potentially violent. In this twisted game of cat and mouse, Evelyn is certain of only one thing—Jasper must be hiding in plain sight. And if she can’t find him before he comes for her, she won’t be lucky enough to survive twice…

Review:

Face Off by Brenda Novak is a suspenseful, tension-filled mystery. This third installment in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles can be read as a standalone.

Picking up eight months after the previous novel left off, Sgt. Benjamin “Amarok” Murphy’s investigation into a missing person’s case stokes fears in Hilltop, AK that a killer is once again in their midst. Amarok’s search for missing tourist Sierra Yerbowitz  is hindered by an early winter storm. Dr. Evelyn Talbot who lives with Amarok, is afraid her nemesis, Jasper Moore, is now in Alaska and responsible for whatever happened to Sierra. However, without evidence, she tamps down her fears but unbeknownst to Evelyn and Amarok, Jasper is much, much closer than either of them could possibly imagine. Will Jasper finally finish what he started twenty-two years earlier? Or will Evelyn and Amarok outsmart the wily serial killer?

With this latest outing, not much has changed for Evelyn. She is still deeply devoted to her study of psychopaths at Hanover House. She remains conflicted over her future with Amarok who is looking for a commitment she is unable to give. Amarok’s ex-girlfriend is still waging a campaign to win him back. Evelyn’s extended family continues to pressure her to give up her work to return to Boston and set up a private practice.

Amid fears Jasper is in Alaska, Amarok invites Evelyn’s sister Brianne to visit. Her visit is fraught with tension and resentment and she lays a big guilt trip on Evelyn. Will Evelyn decide it is time to give in to her family’s demands even though she is uncertain she is ready to give up her relationship with Amarok or her study of psychopaths?

As for Jasper, he is integral to the unfolding story and he has many more on page scenes than earlier installments. In almost a comedy of errors, his attempts to nab Evelyn are stymied time and again yet he remains steadfast in his efforts to kidnap her. With his frustrations growing, Jasper makes foolhardy mistakes and numerous missteps, but will this (FINALLY) lead to his capture?

Face Off by is a well-written mystery but the story arc with Jasper has worn thin. The storyline contains virtually the same elements as the previous installments which is extremely frustrating. Evelyn remains the quintessential “woman in peril” and her insecurities, indecision and continual handwringing over her family have become tedious.  Amorak is a fantastic character and while he wants a future with Evelyn, he makes it clear that she needs to make a decision about their relationship. Much of the Japer story arc is unrealistic and the lack of discretion concerning evidence is absolutely mindboggling. It will be interesting to see what direction Brenda Novak takes the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles in the next book in the series, Blind Spot.

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Filed under Brenda Novak, Contemporary, Evelyn Talbot Chronicles, Face Off, Rated C, Review, St Martin's Paperbacks, Suspense

July 29, 2018 · 11:57 pm

Review: Set the Night on Fire by Laura Trentham

Title: Set the Night on Fire by Laura Trentham
Cottonbloom Series Book Six
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Cottonbloom is the perfect place for starting over, finding your way back home—and falling head over heels. . .

Ella Boudreaux has a lot to prove to her family, friends, and foes—and to herself. So when her marriage ends she decides to invest her energy and money into a place that brings back some of Ella’s happiest memories: the Abbott brothers’ garage. Maybe, if she puts her mind to it, she can teach skeptical, stubborn Mack Abbott how to make the business a true success. Which would be a lot easier if the hunky mechanic didn’t make her motor run quite so fast…and hot.

Mack was furious when his brother, Ford, sold his share of the business. He’s in no rush to team up with a wealthy divorcée who shows up to the garage in stilettos—and the longest, sexiest legs he’s seen in forever. But Ella’s grit and determination won’t quit…and soon Mack can see that she’s been down a few rough roads herself. Neither Mack nor Ella can deny the fierce attraction that’s revving up between them. Could it be that true love has been in the backseat all along…and they’ve finally found the key?

Review:

Set the Night on Fire by Laura Trentham is a charming enemies to lovers romance. This sixth installment in the delightful Cottonbloom series can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the previous novels as well.

Following her divorce, Ella Boudreaux moved to Cottonbloom to start over. She has made incredible strides overcoming the damage wrought on her self-esteem and self-confidence by her ex-husband.  Ella is a highly intelligent, savvy businesswoman and she has very quietly amassed a fortune through her keen business investments. Her most recent business acquisition means Ella now owns a quarter of the Abbott brothers’ car restoration and garage. She immediately butts heads with Mack Abbott, who is furious with his brother Ford for selling his shares of the family owned business. Ella has plenty of backbone and she refuses to allow Mack to intimidate her and a surprising attraction catches both of them off guard. Will  Mack’s animosity toward her prevent them from giving into their scorching hot passion?

Mack is the de facto boss of the garage and Ella’s purchase of Ford’s shares grates on him. He has finally come to terms with the sudden death of their father two years earlier but he cannot quite bring himself to forgive Ford’s betrayal. Mack is also dealing with the sudden reappearance of his mother, whom he has not seen since she walked out on their family when he was a child. Needless to say, the last thing Mack needs is unwanted business partner, but will he give Ella a chance to implement her shrewd ideas for growing and streamlining their business?

The relationship between Ella and Mack is contentious but neither of them can deny their sizzling attraction for one another. Much to Mack’s frustration, Ella remains undaunted by his attempts to browbeat her into staying away from the garage.  She is plucky and resourceful and she rises to whatever task he throws her way. Mack’s brothers, Jackson and Wyatt, genuinely like Ella and they become her unlikely champions with Mack. The transition from business foes to a wary friendship paves the way for their budding romance but a misunderstanding threatens the future of their relationship.

Set the Night on Fire is a fun-filled, heart-felt romance that is fast-paced and engaging. Ella is a feisty, compassionate woman whose recovery from an emotionally abusive marriage is inspiring. Mack is a gruff yet immensely appealing man who is in danger of repeating the same mistakes of his beloved father. Ella and Mack are a sweet couple whose fiery attraction leads to some blazing hot love scenes. Despite some drama late in the novel, Laura Trentham brings this newest addition to her beloved Cottonbloom series to a sigh-worthy conclusion. A captivating read that I great enjoyed and highly recommend to readers of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cottonbloom Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Set the Night on Fire, St Martin's Paperbacks

May 16, 2018 · 11:57 pm

Review: All Night With the Cowboy by Soraya Lane

Title: All Night With the Cowboy by Soraya Lane
River Ranch Series Book Two
Publisher: St Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Billionaires, cowboys, and second chance romance collide in All Night with the Cowboy by Soraya Lane.

BACK IN THE SADDLE. STRAIGHT TO THE HEART. . .

At the Ford family ranch, getting thrown from a horse is a part of growing up. But one cowboy is still learning the ropes when it comes to falling in love.

Tanner Ford has been riding bulls and busting broncos his entire life. So when he takes a hard spill—and sustains serious injuries—he refuses to believe his rodeo days are behind him. He’s determined to restore his body and revive his career. There’s just one problem: the finest physical therapist in town just happens to be the only woman he’s ever loved.

Lauren Lewis knows she made a huge mistake when she walked away from Tanner. But she was young, ambitious, and focused on her medical career. Now, after all these years, Tanner’s back—and, in spite of his injuries, looking better than she allows herself to admit. She agrees to work on Tanner’s big bruised muscles until he’s back in bull-riding shape again. But how can Lauren resist the smoldering attraction between her and her old flame. . .and will she be able to live without him?

Review:

All Night With the Cowboy by Soraya Lane is a second chance at love romance between former high school sweethearts. This latest addition to the River Ranch series can easily be read as a standalone.

Billionaire bull rider Tanner Ford is seriously injured in the arena and he is going to need intense physical therapy to help him recover in order to resume his career. He has resisted all efforts from his family to hang up his spurs so he will do just about anything to continue participating in the sport he loves. However, Tanner is not at all happy to discover that his sister has just hired his former high school girlfriend as his physical therapist.

Lauren Lewis gave up the only man she ever loved to ensure she received the best college education her parents could buy. She has worked hard to make sure her reputation as physical therapist for the Texas Rangers is impeccable so she makes it clear to Tanner there will be no hanky-panky between them.  The two soon jet off to Fiji for a working vacation where the romantic island soon has Lauren rethinking her stance on maintaining a professional distance from the only man she ever has ever loved.

Neither Lauren nor Tanner ever really recovered from their broken hearts so their initial encounters are prickly with lots of animosity especially from Tanner. He never quite understood why she broke things off with him and he has never been involved in another serious relationship. Although Lauren knows she made the right choice, she does have a few regrets about how she handled the end of their romance. Like Tanner, she has steered clear of emotional entanglements since their split and she has intention of doing anything to jeopardize her carefully cultivated reputation in sports medicine.

However, Lauren quickly changes her mind about not acting on the still sizzling hot attraction between her and Tanner. Their no strings fling has a short shelf life since their new mantra is “what happens in Fiji stays in Fiji” but will they be able to forget about one another again after they return to their regular lives? Will the memories of their painful breakup continue to serve as a cautionary tale for a real reunion between them?

All Night With the Cowboy by Soraya Lane is a well-written but somewhat insipid romance that has few surprises. Tanner is ridiculously stubborn and his continued resentment towards Lauren becomes tiresome. Lauren’s reasons for their initial break up are a bit weak and once they are on Fiji, she abandons her principles at an astonishing speed.  Their renewed relationship feels superficial and it stretches the bonds of credibility to believe they are still in love given the passage of time and Tanner’s simmering anger towards Lauren for breaking his heart. Readers might feel hard-pressed to feel much sympathy for Lauren’s claim she is heartbroken over their break up since it was her decision to end things with him.  All of their lingering issues are wrapped up fairly quickly and this second installment in the River Ranch series comes to a sweetly romantic conclusion.

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Filed under All Night with the Cowboy, Contemporary, Rated C, Review, River Ranch Series, Romance, Soraya Lane, St Martin's Paperbacks

January 29, 2018 · 11:56 pm

Review: When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham

Title: When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham
Cottonbloom Series Book Five
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Cottonbloom. A beautiful, faraway place where a woman can escape her past—and find reason to stay forever in Laura Trentham’s When the Stars Come Out. . .

Willa Brown never planned to stay in Cottonbloom. She was on the way to somewhere else when she landed there and found work at the Abbot brothers’ garage. . .and a sense of comfort and safety that she had never known. The same holds true for Jackson Abbott himself. With one glance in her direction, he can make Willa’s heart melt. But what begins as an unrequited crush turns into something far more powerful than Willa could have ever imagined. . .

Jackson’s most meaningful relationship has always been with his car—and he’s not afraid to admit it. Still, he can’t help but become emotionally entangled with his new star mechanic Willa, who is definitely hiding some dark secrets of her own beneath the hood. Jackson desperately wants Willa to trust him, and to seek protection in his arms. But even as the two slowly surrender to their shared attraction, the danger lurking in Willa’s past remains a stubborn obstacle. Can she open up enough to give them both a chance at having real and lasting love?

Review:

When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham is a heartfelt and engaging romance. This latest addition to the beloved Cottonbloom  series easily stands on its own, but I highly recommend the previous installments as well.

Willa Brown loves her job at the Abbot brothers garage but she has worked hard to remain under the radar for the past two years. She is more comfortable in her coveralls and blue jeans than frilly, feminine clothes and when not working, she keeps to herself. Maintaining a low profile in town, she has formed an unexpected but very touching friendship with librarian Marigold Dunlap. Willa has also been crushing on one of the co-owners of the garage, Jackson Abbot, ever since they met but she would never act on her attraction for him.

Jackson and Willa make a formidable team while working and although he knows she is clearly hiding something, he has never really tried to persuade her to confide in him. Once Jackson allows himself to really notice how attractive she is under her unflattering but serviceable clothes, he cannot stop thinking about her. Despite not wanting to cross a line that might make her feel uncomfortable, Jackson cannot resist helping her once he knows a little more about her life outside the garage.

Jackson and Willa are one of those couples who are just made for each other. They truly “get” what makes the other person tick and they both enjoy the same activities. They are also incredibly supportive of one another when it comes to the things they are dealing with outside of work.  However, Willa has deep trust issues and she is extremely reluctant to divulge her secrets. Jackson truly wants to help Willa, but in his frustration over her inability to completely open up, he makes a decision that might end up jeopardizing their future together.  Has Willa grown enough to forgive him when she finds out the truth? Or will she revert to her old pattern of running from problems instead of facing them head on?

When the Stars Come Out is an absolutely delightful romance between two emotionally damaged people. Willa is extremely closed off and incredibly skittish of making another mistake. Jackson has never quite dealt with his mother’s abandonment and he and his brothers are also facing uncertainty over the future of the garage. Willa and Jackson have a bit of an uneasy transition from co-workers to lovers but their longstanding acquaintance provides a rock solid foundation for their fledgling relationship. Both Willa and Jackson undergo significant growth individually as they finally face the baggage from their respective pasts. Old and new fans of Laura Trentham will absolutely love this newest addition to the charming Cottonbloom series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cottonbloom Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks, When the Stars Come Out

January 1, 2018 · 11:57 pm

Review: Cowboy Stole My Heart by Soraya Lane

Title: Cowboy Stole My Heart by Soraya Lane
River Ranch Series Book One
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

It takes true grit to build a billion-dollar dynasty like the Ford family ranch. But when it comes to finding love, all it takes is one handsome cowboy to steal a woman’s heart in Cowboy Stole My Heart by Soraya Lane.

SHE’S RIDING SOLO
As one of the heirs to the River Ranch fortune, Mia Ford is practically Texas royalty. But that doesn’t mean she’s some pampered princess. She can saddle up and ride a horse as well as any man, even a hard-working cowboy like Sam Mendes. For years, she’s harbored a crush on the strong, silent horseman. But how can she make a move when she’s his boss?

HE’S TAKING THE REINS
Sam Mendes is through with love—or so he thought. Still recovering from a breakup, he’s doing everything in his power to resist Mia Ford. It’s bad enough she’s the kind of beauty who drives men wild with desire. It’s even worse she’s got him so worked up, aching to kiss her lips, when he’s supposed to be working her ranch. Is this lovestruck cowboy willing to risk losing his job—and breaking his heart—to win the girl of his dreams?

Review:

Cowboy Stole My Heart is a cute first installment Soraya Lane’s River Ranch series.

Sam Mendes is a well-renowned horseman with an incredible reputation for being able to help even the most troubled horses overcome their problems. He is ready to take a break from the constant touring to promote his unique abilities when wealthy ranch owner Walter Ford wants to hire him to see if he can help his daughter Mia’s out of control and dangerous stallion, Tex. Sam is carrying a lot of emotional baggage from his dysfunctional childhood and an acrimonious break up. He has sworn off relationships and despite his attraction to Mia, his first meeting with his new client gets off to a very rocky beginning.

Mia is used to being under estimated by everyone she meets but she immediately bristles when she senses Sam has the wrong impression of her. She has quietly built a career without relying on anything except her skills and prize money. Fiercely independent with a strong emotional attachment to Tex, Mia is determined to save the horse even if it means dealing with Sam.

The relationship between Sam and Mia begins with misconceptions on both sides. Their first few interactions are tense as they somehow manage to keep antagonizing one another.  Sam is the epitome of the strong silent type and he is most comfortable working with horses. Mia is not used to showing her vulnerabilities so she is less than forthcoming with information about Tex.  When they finally work through their differences,  their sizzling attraction becomes too strong to ignore. Agreeing to a no strings fling, will Sam and Mia keep their casual relationship free from any emotional entanglements?

While Sam and Mia’s relationships with family members and friends are quite enjoyable, the romance between them is a little superficial.  They spend nearly half the novel leaping to erroneous conclusions about one another and there is a serious lack of communication between them which leads to even more misunderstandings between them.  While Mia does reveal some very personal details about herself, Sam is not one to discuss his past. With no real foundation for anything other than a casual fling, there does not seem to be much of a future for them once their relationship hits a rough patch.

Cowboy Stole My Heart is a well-written novel but the storyline is rather predictable. Mia and Sam are great characters individually but they never quite seem to mesh as a couple. Their romance feels contrived with a bit of an insta-love vibe that never feels natural or believable. The secondary characters are absolutely fantastic and these relationships feel much better developed than the romance between Mia and Sam.  The novel’s conclusion is sweet but a little rushed. The next installment in Soraya Lane’s River Ranch series looks promising since it stars Mia’s bull riding brother, Tanner.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cowboy Stole My Heart, Rated C, Review, River Ranch Series, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks

December 10, 2017 · 11:57 pm

Review: Bel, Book, and Scandal by Maggie McConnon

Title: Bel, Book, and Scandal by Maggie McConnon
Belfast McGrath Series Book Three
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 315 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Maggie McConnon rings in Christmas in Bel, Boiok, and Scandal, the third adventure for everybody’s favorite Irish-American culinary artist turned amateur sleuth.

Bel McGrath tries her best to keep herself on the straight and narrow but she just has a taste for trouble. This time danger arrives in the form of a newspaper left behind by visitors to Shamrock Manor—and a photograph that jolts Bel out of the present and back into a dark chapter from her past. The person in the photo is Bel’s best friend Amy Mitchell, long gone from Foster’s Landing, at a commune in upstate New York shortly after her disappearance. The picture, and Bel’s burning desire to find out what happened to Amy—and whether she may still be alive—is the catalyst for a story in which old secrets are revealed, little by little…and certain characters are shown to not be as genuine as Bel once thought.

Review:

Bel, Book, and Scandal by Maggie McConnon is an entertaining cozy mystery with a fantastic cast of delightful characters and a perplexing missing person’s case to solve. This third installment in the Belfast McGrath Mystery series can be read as a standalone.

A photo in a newspaper gives Bel McGrath a starting place in her search to find her long missing best friend, Amy Mitchell.  Amy went missing right after their graduation and the case has cast a long shadow over Bel since many of the townspeople believe she was involved in her friend’s disappearance. Without thinking, Bel impetuously rushes to the small town  where she hopes to learn more about the now defunct commune that might have been a haven for Amy. Coffee shop owner Tweed Blazer quickly shuts down when Bel begins asking questions but she remains undeterred as she follows every lead she uncovers. Will Bel finally uncover the truth about Amy’s disappearance?

Bel is still trying to make peace with the unexpected detour her life has taken in the past few years. Never expecting to return home, she is making the best of her position as the chef at her parents’ special events and wedding business. She is also still smarting over the painful breakup with her ex-boyfriend, Brendan Joyce, and her former high school boyfriend Kevin’s recent marriage to the police chief’s (in Bel’s eyes) perfect daughter Mary Ann.

Undeterred when her investigation into Amy’s disappearance hits a snag, Bel, along with her new friend, Alison Bergeron, doggedly continue following the scant clues they manage to unearth. She stumbles onto more proof that Amy might still be alive, but she is frustrated when she quickly hits a dead end. Bel is certain Tweed knows more than he is telling but before he can tell her everything he knows, someone tries to make sure his long buried information remains hidden.

Bel, Book, and Scandal is an intriguing cozy mystery that is quite humorous due to Bel’s snarky sense of humor and hilarious one-liners. Bel’s attempts to uncover new evidence about Amy’s whereabouts end in disappointment but she remains hopeful she will find her long missing friend.  Maggie McConnon brings this third installment in the Belfast McGrath Mystery series to a twist-filled and action packed conclusion.

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Filed under Bel Book and Scandal, Belfast McGrath Series, Contemporary, Mystery, Rated B, Review, St Martin's Paperbacks