Category Archives: St Martin’s Paperbacks

July 30, 2017 · 11:58 pm

Review: Leave the Night On by Laura Trentham

Title: Leave the Night On by Laura Trentham
Cottonbloom Series Book Four
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Love, betrayal, and sweet revenge—life in Cottonbloom is about to get a whole lot hotter . . .

Sutton Mize is known for lavishing attention on the customers who flock to her boutique on the wealthy side of her Mississippi town. So when she finds a lace thong in her fiancé’s classic cherry-red Camaro, she knows just who she sold it to: her own best friend. In an instant, Sutton’s whole world goes up in flames. . .

Wyatt Abbott has harbored a crush on Sutton since he was a young kid from the other side of the tracks. He witnessed Sutton’s shocking discovery in the Camaro at his family-owned garage—and it made him angry. What kind of man could take lovely, gorgeous Sutton for granted? But then Sutton comes up with an idea: Why not give her betrothed a taste of his own medicine and pretend that she’s got a lover of her own? Wyatt is more than happy to play the hot-and-heavy boyfriend. But what begins as a fictional affair soon develops into something more real, and more passionate, than either Sutton or Wyatt could have imagined. Could it be that true love has been waiting under the hood all along?

Review:

Laura Trentham tugs on reader’s heartstrings with Leave the Night On, the latest addition to her heartwarming Cottonbloom series. Although this newest release is the fourth full length novel in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

After Sutton Mize discovers her fiancé Andrew Tarwater and her best friend Bree Randall have betrayed her in the worst possible way, she panics and invents a relationship of her own to save face.  From a prominent Cottonbloom family, she is finally beginning to chafe under the weight of her parents’ expectations.  However after a lifetime of never rocking the boat, Sutton finds it difficult to make choices based on her needs instead doing what other people want her to do. After she comes to the realization that she is living a somewhat bland life, Sutton is ready to take a bit of a walk on the wild side, but will she be able to overcome a lifetime of  worrying about what other people think of her?

Wyatt Abbott co-owns a garage with his three brothers and nearly a year after their father’s unexpected death, everyone is somewhat out of sorts. He is feeling a bit restless but he cannot quite pinpoint the cause of his dissatisfaction. Wyatt has absolutely no qualms about agreeing to help Sutton salvage her reputation, but his longtime crush on her quickly complicates things for him.

Despite their very different childhoods, socioeconomic backgrounds and careers, Wyatt is comfortable in his own skin so he has no difficulty fitting into Sutton’s life.  While Sutton is pretty keen to expand her horizons, she is a bit unsettled when confronted with new experiences.  Wyatt’s confidence in her is instrumental in helping her step out of her comfort zone both personally and professionally as she attempts to make positive and long overdue changes in her life. She has several misconceptions about Wyatt and although these negative assumptions do bother him, Wyatt never hesitates to set Sutton straight when she misjudges him. A sizzling hot attractions underlies their easygoing camaraderie but will either of them find the courage to turn their fake relationship into a real one?

Readers’ interest will be piqued by several tantalizing glimpses into Wyatt’s brothers’ lives. Mace has the weight of the world resting on his shoulders as he worries about the future of their business. Wyatt’s  twin brother Jackson is embroiled in a very intriguing situation with co-worker Willa Brown.  Ford has fallen WAY out his brothers’ good graces with his secretive behavior and it will be very interesting to how their relationship with him will fare in the future.

Leave the Night On is a delightfully charming romance that is fast-paced and engaging. Wyatt is a sigh worthy hero with enormous appeal.  Sutton undergoes the biggest transformation as she finally begins to discover who she is and what she wants out life.  One of Laura Trentham’s greatest strengths as an author is her uncanny ability to bring the town and residents of Cottonbloom vibrantly and realistically to life through her vivid descriptions and brilliant dialogue.  This latest installment of the Cottonbloom series is absolutely marvelous and will leave readers impatiently awaiting the release of When the Stars Come Out early next year.

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

April 3, 2017 · 11:55 pm

Review: 72 Hours by Bella Jewel

Title: 72 Hours by Bella Jewel
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A red-hot, pulse-pounding thrill ride by USA Today bestselling author Bella Jewel!

It’s all part of his sick game. A game he’s been planning for an entire decade. Now everything is perfect: One woman and one man have been selected. They used to be a couple—and they can no longer stand one another. They are the perfect victims. He doesn’t intend for the game to be easy. He wants to push them to the brink of insanity, to make his hunt real. . .

Lara and Noah have been captured and dumped into a massive wooded area. There’s only one rule in this fatal game: They will have 72 hours to find a way out before a sadistic serial killer begins his hunt . . .But what he never could have expected was the explosive passion that ignites between the two ex-lovers—one that makes them strong. Fierce. And determined to do whatever it takes to escape—and to survive.

72 Hours by Bella Jewel is a sexy, page-turning thrill ride!

Review:

72 Hours by Bella Jewel is a fast-paced, suspense-laden novel that pits two estranged lovers against a sadistic psychopath.

Lara and Noah’s break up was acrimonious and despite Noah’s best efforts to discuss what led to their split, Lara adamantly refuses to talk to him. So when they are kidnapped and left in the Florida swamp and told they have 72 hours to find their way out or they will die, will they be able to work together to save themselves? Or will Lara’s lack of confidence and dislike of Noah hinder their efforts?

At one time, Lara was self-confident and fearless, but after a life defining loss, she is filled with self-loathing and her self-esteem is at an all time low. At the first sign of trouble with Noah, she bailed without giving him a chance to tell his side of the story and she has gone out of her way to avoid him in the months since. When she begins running into Noah in the days leading up to their kidnapping, she is surprised to realize she still cares for him, but will she give in his pleas to talk to him?

Noah is somewhat aggressive and heavy-handed in his attempts to reconnect with Lara. He still loves her and he would like nothing more than to explain the situation that led to Lara breaking up with him.  After the kidnapping, Noah is harsh with Lara as he tries to get her focus on trying to find a way out of their predicament. Once he has convinced her to work with him, his attitude softens and he has a much easier time getting her to co-operate with him.  If they are able to figure out a way to save themselves, is there any chance Noah will be able to salvage their relationship?

While the premise of 72 Hours is unique and interesting, poor character development and very irritating personality traits make it impossible to like or really connect with either Lara or Noah. Even in a life or death situation, Lara is incredibly whiny and virtually impossible to motivate to DO anything to save herself.  Yes, she went through something awful at one time, but to have absolutely no self-preservation instincts after the kidnapping is just too hard to believe. Noah deserves a medal for finding the patience to put up with her and it is extremely difficult to understand why he still wants to be with her considering her ridiculous behavior.

Which brings us to the romance element of the storyline. Life or death situation. 72 hours to save themselves. And yet, Noah and Lara find the time to hook up  couple of times.  They also manage to have a heart to heart talk about what caused their break up. Suspension of disbelief is often a necessity when reading fiction, but the plot of 72 Hours is a little too far-fetched to believe.

Most of the novel is written from Lara’s perspective, but there are also short passages from the killer’s point of view. While it is obvious this person is quite troubled, these peeks into his mind are so ridiculous they really add nothing to the storyline.

72 Hours by Bella Jewel has plenty of action and the final resolution of Noah and Lara’s horrific ordeal is quite satisfying.  A little predictable but overall, an entertaining read that will appeal to fans of romantic suspense.

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Filed under 72 Hours, Bella Jewel, Contemporary, Rated C, Review, Romantic Suspense, St Martin's Paperbacks

March 5, 2017 · 11:57 pm

Review: One Wild Night by Melissa Cutler

Title: One Wild Night by Melissa Cutler
One and Only Texas Series Book Three
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley\

Summary:

Return to beautiful Briscoe Ranch Resort in Melissa Cutler’s next steamy installment of the One and Only Texas series, One Wild Night.

Get ready for the ride of your life…
A cowgirl at heart, Skye Martinez has a rebellious streak she’s determined to shake. Especially since she’s poised to take the reins of her family’s business at Briscoe Ranch Resort. It’s time for her to settle down and get serious about her future…right after one last night of fun with a handsome stranger she meets in the resort’s stable. But when a midnight horseback ride turns into a red-hot weekend with one of country music’s biggest stars, Skye’s world is rocked beyond her wildest dreams…

Gentry Wells rode his bad boy image all the way to the top of the country music charts. But churning out hits has dried up his creativity, and he can’t remember the last time his life was his own. Skye is a sexy distraction he can’t resist, especially since she breathes new life into his music. They bring out the wild side in each other, which is great for Gentry’s career–but a major threat to Skye’s. Too bad he’s fallen in love with her. With their hearts and futures on the line, can Gentry convince Skye to turn their joyride into a real chance to ride off into the sunset together?

Review:

One Wild Night by Melissa Cutler is the latest addition the One and Only Texas series.  Although this newest release is the  third installment in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

Skye Martinez is ready to settle down, but with a string a disastrous dates behind her, she is beginning to lose hope she will find a man to spend the rest of her life with.  When she decides to take a midnight ride, she is rather surprised to find a handsome stranger in the barn.  Skye decides to throw caution to the wind when she invites him to join her and then agrees to meet him the next night.  Unbeknownst to Skye, the sexy man whose company she is enjoying is fading country superstar Gentry Wells.  With completely different plans for their respective futures, Skye and Gentry agree to part ways after they spend a passionate night together.

Skye made an ill-fated choice almost a decade earlier that she has no intention of repeating.  Finally deciding it is time to live up to her mother’s expectation of settling down with a nice Catholic man, Skye is running out of options when she meets Gentry. He is everything she is trying to avoid, but she cannot resist one final fling before she resumes her search for the “perfect” husband.  Their night together exceeds her wildest dreams but once Gentry confides he has no plans to marry, Skye does not have any trouble walking away from him.  She is still searching for Mr. Right when Gentry makes an unexpected return but will she be able to resist letting her wild side free one last time?

Gentry is considered the bad boy of country music but none of his adoring fans realize that he is nothing like his beer swilling, skirt-chasing public persona.  Trying to revive his flagging career, he is struggling to write the songs for his next album when he meets Skye. The sultry beauty immediately fires up his flagging libido and helps him break free from his writer’s block.  Despite their fiery attraction, Gentry has no plan to marry again, so when their time together is over, the two go their separate ways.  However, Gentry cannot stop thinking about Skye and he tempts her into unleashing her rebellious streak again but their reunion has barely begun when disaster strikes.  In the aftermath, can Gentry convince Skye to give him another chance?

Gentry and Skye are interesting characters who are both carrying around plenty of baggage from past mistakes.  Gentry loves his career but he is ready to shed his bad boy image that made him famous. Skye is also trying to reinvent herself by denying the fun-loving side of her personality. Skye and Gentry share a combustible chemistry, but there does not seem to be any future for them since they both want different things for their respective futures. Following a crisis, Gentry makes a pretty dramatic transformation, but the same event solidifies Skye belief she is being punished for her choices.

One Wild Night by Melissa Cutler is an entertaining romance that is delectably steamy.  Although there is plenty of chemistry between Gentry and Skye, their romance is a little lackluster since they spend very little time with each other.  Skye’s need to change her personality is a little frustrating since it is quite obvious she is trying to mold herself into what other people want her to be.  Gentry’s change of heart is a little too drastic to believe despite his obvious commitment to his new life. Although this latest addition to the One and Only Texas series is an enjoyable read, the relationship between Gentry and Skye is a somewhat underdeveloped.

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Filed under Contemporary, Melissa Cutler, One and Only Texas Series, One Wild Night, Rated C+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks

October 3, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: One More Taste by Melissa Cutler

Title: One More Taste by Melissa Cutler
One and Only Texas Series Book Two
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

If you can’t take the heat…

Chef Emily Ford has the talent and ambition to make it in the cutthroat culinary world―which is why she refuses to accept her demotion at the hands of Knox Briscoe, the new CEO of Briscoe Ranch Resort. He has grand plans that include bringing in a celebrity chef to helm an exciting new restaurant at the resort, but Emily has plans of her own―to do whatever it takes to change his mind…

ONE MORE TASTE

Cut out of the Briscoe fortune by an old feud that left his family in ruins, Knox grew up dreaming of revenge. Out-maneuvering his uncle for control of Briscoe Ranch is merely the first step in a grand plan that doesn’t include the brazen and beautiful Emily Ford…or the attraction that sizzles between them. With both their futures on the line, can they keep their desires on simmer―or are they headed from the frying pan straight into the fire?e?

Review:

One More Taste by Melissa Cutler is an engaging romance between a chef and a CEO with an agenda.  This newest addition to the delightful One and Only Texas series easily stands on its own, but I highly recommend the previous installments as well.

Determined to right a thirty plus year wrong, Knox Briscoe has cleverly maneuvered himself into a position that will allow him to wrest control of the Briscoe Ranch Resort from his estranged Uncle Ty.  Knox is part owner in a very lucrative investment company and he has carefully planned to take revenge on the branch of the family that cut his now deceased father off without a penny.  With no idea what caused the rift in the family, Knox is finally getting to know his Granny June and assorted cousins, but his need to avenge his dad is the driving force behind his plans for the resort.  While he begins to care for various relatives, Knox has no plans to alter his plans but when culinary genius Emily Ford begins to work her way into his heart, will he change his mind?

Having escaped her dysfunctional family when she was a teenager, Emily considers the resort her home and she has nothing but respect for the entire Briscoe family. She is on the verge of achieving her dream of opening her own restaurant on the ranch when Knox arrives and threatens to derail her plans.  Using her incredible skills for reading people, Emily sets about proving that she is more than capable of owning a high end restaurant.  What she does not count on is how far Knox is going to get under her skin once she figures out what makes him tick. Realizing she needs to face her past so she can have a future with Knox, Emily makes an impetuous decision that could destroy everything she has worked so hard to achieve.

Knox and Emily are both surprised by how much they enjoy  each other’s company.  Emily’s past relationships have convinced her that sex and love are overrated so she is determined to ignore her attraction to her boss.  Knox has enough going on in his life so he is not looking for any type of distraction. He throws out the challenge for Emily to prove herself without thinking things through and he is quite shocked at how much he looks forward to spending time with her. Their sizzling hot attraction leads to a unexpected romance but will their unexpected feelings for one another change their plans for the future?

The reason behind the Briscoe family estrangement is a closely guarded secret that no one will talk about.  Knox’s father died an embittered man who never forgave his family for turning their backs on him.  Knox is merciless as he sets his plans in motion and although he feels a twinge of doubt as he moves forward, he refuses to back down.  When the ultimate revenge is within his grasp, an unexpected betrayal threatens to destroy his family’s legacy.  With his Uncle Ty feeling threatened, he turns on Knox and his shocking revelations turn Knox’s world upside down. Will this newfound knowledge alter Knox’s plans for the Briscoe Ranch Resort?

One More Taste is an absolutely delightful romance that beautifully illustrates how love can soften even the hardest of hearts.  This latest addition to Melissa Cutler’s One and Only Texas series is a wonderful journey of healing for Knox, Emily and the Briscoe family that old and new fans are sure to love. 

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Filed under Contemporary, Melissa Cutler, One and Only Texas Series, One More Taste, Rated B, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks

August 1, 2016 · 11:56 pm

Review: Till I Kissed You by Laura Trentham

Title: Till I Kissed You by Laura Trentham
Cottonbloom Series Book Three
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

It’s summertime in Cottonbloom, where two lovers find themselves at a crossroads just as things start to heat up. . .

Regan Lovell grew up on the wealthy Mississippi side of Cottonbloom—and now, as mayor, she’s determined to save it from the fate of so many small towns. Part of her plan to help the local economy is the Labor Day tomato festival. If only she wasn’t being undermined by Sawyer Fournette, who’s planning a crayfish-themed celebration on the Louisiana side of the river on the very same weekend. The pranks and sabotage are getting out of hand, and she’s had it with him—no matter how much she enjoyed those stolen hours in his truck bed, so many years ago…

Sawyer knows that Regan’s never forgiven him for breaking her heart—but despite his reputation as a low-class swamp rat, he’d never hurt the woman who still secretly drives him crazy with desire. Someone in Cottonbloom has it out for her, though, and Sawyer intends to watch her back…and the rest of her too, if she can ever let go of her distrust. But will a common enemy be enough to unite them—and finally fulfill the promises they made one passionate night under the stars?

Review:

Till I Kissed You, the final novel in Laura Trentham’s wonderful Cottonbloom series, is a beautiful second chance at love romance.

Regan Lovell and Sawyer Fournette’s complicated past is a major factor in their tempestuous relationship in the present.  Their teenage romance ended due to parental interference and a major misunderstanding and although they have avoided one another for years, Regan and Sawyer are joining forces to discover who is trying to sabotage their upcoming festivals. They are currently embroiled in a heated competition to win the contest that would provided much needed funds for projects for the winner’s town. Every time they seem to make progress in putting their animosity behind them, their unresolved issues and personal baggage put Regan and Sawyer at odds time and again.

Regan is the mayor of the Mississippi side of Cottonbloom which is much more affluent than the Louisiana side.  In addition to her mayoral duties, she also owns a thriving interior design business.  Regan is down to earth, smart and dedicated to improving conditions for her town.  She is a little unreasonable when it comes to her failed romance with Sawyer and she is quick to blame him for the vandalism that seems to be targeting the upcoming festival. Their previous relationship remains a sore spot for both of them but until they discuss the most troubling aspects of their break up, misunderstandings frequently arise.

Sawyer is charming, persuasive and well-liked by most everyone who knows him.  Although he has come a long way from his humble childhood, he has never quite gotten over feeling like he is not good enough for Regan.  While he has put the most of these insecurities behind him, he is surprised when these uncomfortable emotions return and he is never quite certain where he stands with Regan now they are back on speaking terms.  Sawyer and Regan frequently walk on egg shells trying to maintain the fragile truce between them.   This sometimes leads to each of them jumping to conclusions about the other and their relationship remains quite volatile.

As Sawyer and Regan spend time together, both of them are surprised by the resurgence of those long ago feelings.  There is plenty of sexual tension between them and their intense attraction results in some explosive encounters.  However, as soon as their passion is sated, uncertainty returns since there is little in depth communication between them. Old hurts and misunderstandings lead to some ugly scenes as Sawyer and Regan lash out in anger which then leads to a cycle of making and breaking up.  Childhood insecurities are also a problem for both Sawyer and Regan as is their conviction the other is at fault for their painful break up all those years ago.  Who will finally work up the courage to broach these uncomfortable subjects?  Will their fragile peace hold long enough to work through their issues?  And equally important, can Sawyer and Regan put aside their personal differences long enough to uncover the identity of the person trying to sabotage their festivals?

Till I Kissed You is a poignant novel of healing for both Sawyer and Regan.  Emotional, vibrant and filled with passion, this final installment in Laura Trentham’s Cottonbloom series is a heartwarming romance between two wounded yet lovable characters.  A sweet epilogue wraps up all of the loose ends and although it is difficult to leave Cottonbloom and its inhabitants behind, this final novel is incredibly uplifting and heartfelt.  A must read for fans of small town romances.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cottonbloom Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks, Till I Kissed You

April 11, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: Island in the Sea by Anita Hughes

Title: Island in the Sea by Anita Hughes
A Majorca Love Story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Juliet Lyman is a senior executive at Yesterday Records. Music is her passion and she’s very good at her job. That’s why her famously philanthropic boss Gideon sends her to Majorca, Spain to work with a very tortured, but talented client. Lionel Harding is one of the best song writers of the 20th century, the multi-Grammy award-winning lyricist of the third most recorded song in history. But now he’s 42 and six months overdue on the his latest paid assignment. Juliet is not leaving Majorca without either new lyrics or a very large check.

To Juliet, business comes first. Emotions are secondary, and love isn’t even on the menu. But to Lionel, love is everything, and he blames Gideon for his broken heart. He’s determined to show Juliet that nothing is more important than love, but Juliet is just as determined to get Lionel to create the music that made him famous. If she can sign up local talent, even better. Her new friend Gabriella has a voice like an angel, but she’s not interested in fame. Her grandmother, Lydia, wants the world for Gabriella, and she wants Juliet’s help to give it to her.

As her professional and personal lives start to mix for the first time, Juliet is forced to reevaluate her priorities. Gideon hasn’t been totally honest, and love may be the only thing that gives them all what they need.

Island in the Sea is Anita Hughes’ captivating sixth novel, filled with exotic descriptions of food, fashion, and romance.

Review:

In Anita Hughes’ latest release, Island in the Sea, readers are whisked away to an idyllic island setting when  music exec Juliet Lyman travels to Majorca, Spain to convince songwriter Lionel Harding to fulfill the terms of his contract.

Juliet is passionate about her career and although she works long hours and spends a lot of time on the road, she loves working in the music industry.  With her job on the line, she is determined to convince Lionel to either pay back his advance or turn in the songs he was contracted to write.  When he insists on telling her a story that explains his lack of progress, she extends her visit by two weeks, becomes friends with locals Gabriella and Lydia and begins dating tennis player Henry Adler.  With her departure date looming, Juliet unexpectedly finds love but will a surprising discovery ruin her chance at happiness?

Juliet does not have much time for a private life and while fulfilled her in professional life, she is taken off guard when she feels a little lonely after her long days come to a close.  At loose ends while waiting for Lionel to finish his story and turn in his songs, she explores Majorca, gets to know Gabriella and Lydia and enjoys extravagant dates with Henry.  When Henry surprises her with a declaration of love, Juliet is confused by her own feelings and when he begins planning his future around their budding relationship, she is shocked by her reaction.

Lionel is self-indulgent, whiny and somewhat shallow.  The story of his rise to fame is initially interesting but as he falls victim to the trappings of success, he becomes just another overspending jerk who loses sight of what is truly important in life.  Easily convinced to go on the road despite his promises to his girlfriend (and muse), a misunderstanding and behind the scenes maneuvering leads to the demise of their relationship.  Despite his continued success, Lionel really never got over his first love and when he finds out the truth about the real reason their romance failed, he becomes morose and petulant. He also makes a  somewhat passive aggressive decision to not fulfill the terms of his contract.

While the descriptions of Majorca bring the setting vibrantly to live, the rest of the storyline falls a little flat.  Lionel’s past is revealed through a series of flashbacks which detail a lovely romance that ultimately falters under the weight of his career aspirations.  The transitions between past and present are a little abrupt and not always clearly marked.  Juliet is a likable character but she comes across as much younger than her actual age.  The romance aspect of the plot has a bit of an insta-love quality and the reasons for the behind the scenes manipulations seem a little heavy handed and arrogant.

Despite a few issues with some of the plot, Island in the Sea by Anita Hughes is a lovely, light read with an exotic and relaxing setting. Overall, an angst free romance with a unique storyline that fans of contemporary romances will enjoy.

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Filed under Anita Hughes, Contemporary, Island in the Sea, Rated C+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Griffin, St Martin's Paperbacks