Category Archives: Zebra

October 25, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Runaway by Lisa Childs

Title: The Runaway by Lisa Childs
Bane Island Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

I’m in trouble. Come get me.

On a remote island off the coast of Maine lies a secluded estate. There, behind wrought iron gates and rock walls, sits Halcyon Hall. Today, it is an exclusive spa catering to wealthy elites and pampered celebrities. But once, it had another name—and a terrifying reputation . . .

Rosemary Tulle has come to Halcyon Hall desperate to find her younger sister. Seventeen-year-old Genevieve left a brief, troubling message on Rosemary’s phone, begging to be picked up. But Rosemary is not on the visitor list, and no one will let her in . . .

Halcyon Hall was once Bainesworth Manor, an asylum for the insane. Such places often draw whispers about gruesome treatments and tortured inmates. In the case of Bainesworth, the reality may have been far worse. Now, staff insist that Genevieve ran away, but Rosemary’s instincts say otherwise. Rosemary and Genevieve share an unsual bond, and she knows Genevieve wouldn’t have just left. Compelled to turn for help to a man she hoped never to see again, judge Whit Lawrence, she tries to learn the truth about Genevieve. But it will mean uncovering secrets about Bainsworth Manor, and about Rosemary’s own dark past—secrets with the power to kill . . .

Review:

The first installment in the Bane Island series, The Runaway by Lisa Childs is an intriguing mystery.

Rosemary Tulle is frantically attempting to locate her missing seventeen year old sister Genevieve Walcott.  After receiving Genevieve’s terrifying message, Rosemary drops everything to travel to Bane Island, ME. Unbeknownst to Rosemary, her mom and stepfather sent Genevieve to Halcyon Hall for some unnamed treatment. Once known as Bainesworth Manor, the facility has a dark past because of its history as an insane asylum that horrifyingly mistreated their patients.

Rosemary is met with resistance at Halcyon Hall and she is warned away by local Sheriff Deacon Howell.  Angry and increasingly worried, she confronts Judge Whit Lawrence, the man she blames for long events that occurred when they were teenagers. Afraid to trust anyone and worried about her sister’s fate,  Rosemary refuses to give up searching for Genevieve.

Rosemary is so worried about Genevieve that she does not always make well thought out choices. She  also mistrusts Sheriff Howell so she is not always forthcoming with him.  As Rosemary finds herself in unexpected danger, she makes a worrisome decision to continue her search. Although Sheriff Howell does not always trust her, he also believes that something is not right at Halcyon Hall. After a shocking discovery, Rosemary grows even more determined to find out the truth about her sister’s disappearance and what is going on at Halcyon Hall.

The Runaway is an absorbing mystery that is suspenseful. The characters are interesting but they lack development.   The history of Halcyon Hall is fascinating and the people within its walls are harboring many secrets. With the chapters alternating between several points of view, the storyline sometimes feels a little disjointed.  Some elements of the plot require a suspension to disbelief. With some clever plot twists, Lisa Childs brings this atmospheric mystery to a mostly satisfying conclusion. A bit of a cliffhanger will leave readers awaiting the next release in the Bane Island series.

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Filed under Bane Island Series, Contemporary, Lisa Childs, Rated C+, Review, Romantic Suspense, The Runaway, Zebra

August 26, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Jeb’s Wife by Patricia Johnss

Title: Jeb’s Wife by Patricia Johns
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Patricia Johns’ sensitive storytelling brings depth and heart to this tender story of second chances, as an Amish woman embarks on marriage with the gruff farmer next door . . .

Once, Leah Riehl prayed for a husband. The man she loved chose another, wanting the children that Leah can’t provide. But she’s found a measure of peace, keeping house for her brother, Simon, and teaching in a nearby town. Now though, Simon’s debts to an Englisher gambling ring have left Leah with a desperate dilemma—and a surprising offer from her scarred, reclusive neighbor. Jebadiah King needs to marry in order to claim his family farm. A union, for appearances only, will help them both.

Jeb knows his scars make him a less than ideal husband, but he can be a useful one. It’s the least that Leah deserves. But despite the promises he made to himself, Jeb can’t help longing for his lovely, warmhearted new wife. His first marriage brought heartbreak, but Leah’s gentle smiles spark hope again. Are they willing to take the leap that love requires—and open themselves to all the challenges and joy a true marriage could bring?

Review:

Jeb’s Wife by Patricia Johns is a delightfully heartwarming Amish romance.

Thirty year old Leah Riehl’s engagement ended when she told her fiancé she was unable to have children. When he quickly entered into a new relationship, she took an out of town teaching position. Returning for the summer, Leah is dismayed and worried when she discovers her younger brother Simon has amassed a huge gambling debt.  Her landlord, Jeb King, proposes an unorthodox solution to secure his inheritance and help Simon.  Agreeing to a marriage of convenience, Leah and Jeb are now uneasily navigating a marriage that is a little more complicated than they imagined.

Leah is an outgoing woman who embraces the local community. She is still trying to understand how the man she was planning to marry could love her yet move on to a new relationship so quickly. Realizing her chance for marriage is slipping away, Leah hopes that her new union with Jeb will help her standing in the community.  She is hoping friendship will grow between her and her new husband, but she is surprised by how much he is beginning to mean to her. But will she risk her heart again?

Jeb is a reclusive man who eschews the local community. His first marriage and its tragic end hang over his head as everyone continues to view him with suspicion. Jeb is a kind and considerate man but he finds it difficult to participate in local events after he weds Leah. He would like to make her happy but he finds the whispers and stares extremely difficult to deal with. Having been deeply hurt by his former wife, Jeb is afraid of the feelings he is beginning to experience for Leah. When rumors about their marriage begin to spread, what impact will this have on the fragile bond that is beginning to grow between Jeb and Leah?

Jeb and Leah are a charming couple but they have very different expectations from their marriage. Jeb expects his life to remain the same whereas Leah wants to spend time as couple with friends and within the community. Jeb is willing to give her requests a try, but there is truth to his belief that he is not a part of the community. Leah is stubborn when she meets resistance but will this become a deal breaker for the newlyweds?

Jeb’s Wife is a heartfelt Amish romance that is rather thought-provoking.  Jeb and Leah are a wonderful couple but their life experiences are quite different.  Neither are prepared for the unexpected feelings that begin to grow as they get to know each other. Conflict from outside sources pose unexpected friction as they try to find their footing in their new marriage. Patricia Johnss brings this engaging romance to a sighworthy conclusion. This marvelous love story is an absolute must read for fans of Amish fiction!

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Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Jeb's Wife, Patricia Davids, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Zebra

May 20, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas

Title: Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas
Honey Creek Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

On the rolling hills that border the Brazos River lies Honey Creek, Texas—a small town where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love are always close to hand . . .

Piper Kate McKenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, won’t let a major scandal rip her quirky hometown apart, or jeopardize her dream of one day running for higher office. So she calls for reinforcements to find the source of corruption in the sheriff’s office—two men recommended by her Texas Ranger brothers . . .

At seventeen, Sam Cassidy left home, heeding the call to be a preacher. Later he found another mission: serving his country. After his one love died, he lost both his faith and his fight. Drifting from one assignment to another, he’s come to Honey Creek intending to earn his pay check and move on.

As a Dallas cop, Coby Riddell has grown skeptical and wary. People have a bad habit of disappointing each other, but the job never lets him down. This job in particular—his first undercover—is too intriguing to pass up.

Piper, who’s been wondering if Honey Creek might be the only real love of her life, suddenly finds herself drawn to two very different men. And if she can keep her town—and her heart—from going completely off the rails, there may be a sweet, unexpected future in store . . .

Review:

Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas is a homespun, small town romance with a slight mystery element.

Mayor Piper MacKenzie is the mayor of Honey Creek and she is well-liked by the townspeople. She unexpectedly finds herself in the midst of unwanted publicity when her childhood friend Boone Buchanan goes missing. MacKenzie went along with his fake girlfriend plan but she wants no part of his pretend fiancée scheme. Luckily her Texas Ranger brother knows just the person to help her get to the bottom of Boone’s disappearance.

Texas State Trooper Colby McBride wants to stay under the radar during his investigation. But convincing Piper to go along with his cover story takes a bit a persuasion. Colby is accepted at face value by everyone so he is able to glean startling information about Boone. In order to protect his fake identity, he continues to try to charm Piper into dating him. Within a few days, Colby realizes his feelings for her are becoming serious, but how Piper feels about him is difficult to tell.

Colby is not the only newcomer to town. Sam Cassidy  has accepted a short-term request to preach at one of Honey Creek’s local churches. Despite graduating from the seminary years earlier, Sam’s career has taken a couple of unexpected turns. He has fond memories of Honey Creek so he hoping to feel at home in the town. Sam is not sure he is called to preach but he does help a few of the residents who are struggling on their current paths. And he is very intrigued by Anna Presley who selflessly offers to help anyone who needs assistance.

High school senior Pecos Smith is surprised but delighted when longtime crush Kerrie Lane wants to spend time with him. He has big dreams for his future that do not include remaining on the family farm.  When Kerrie’s life takes an unanticipated detour, Pecos eagerly steps in to help her and he finds himself on an unanticipated, but welcome, new path.

With three separate story arcs unfolding at the same time, Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe is an charming novel that is a little slow paced. The characters are likable but lack development. Some of the dialogue is a little cheesy but it is easy to become invested in each of the characters’ fate.  Since the story takes place over a handful of days, there is a bit of an insta-love vibe to the various romances. The investigation into Boone’s disappearance is interesting but it sometimes overpowers Colby and Piper’s storyline.  With an appealing small-town atmosphere, Jodi Thomas has crafted a warm and inviting setting for the Honey Creek series.

All in all, a feel-good, light-hearted romance that readers of the genre are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe, Contemporary, Honey Creek Series, Jodi Thomas, Review, Romance, Zebra

November 23, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Reluctant Cowboy by Kate Pearce

Title: The Reluctant Cowboy by Kate Pearce
Morgan Ranch Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

After a turbulent childhood, the Morgan brothers went their separate ways, leaving the family cattle ranch and their cowboy days far behind. But now, one by one, they’re being called back home to California. Have they been summoned to save the land—or to start a new legacy?

Chase Morgan high-tailed it away from ranching life as soon as possible. But running a successful technology company can’t erase the memories, or secrets, of his youth. Coming home to help his Grandma Ruth may finally put some ghosts to rest—if he can just get a certain smart, beautiful houseguest out of his business. But getting her out of his head is proving even more difficult…

Determined to save the Morgan ranch, historian January Mitchell has pinned her hopes on the surprisingly rugged, surprisingly likable, and exasperatingly stubborn Chase. Surely his love of this breathtaking, mysterious land runs deep enough that he’ll once again embrace his inner cowboy. Or maybe, despite both of their skittish hearts, she’ll have to find a way to get him back in the saddle…any which way she can.

Review:

The first installment in Kate Pearce’s Morgan Ranch series, The Reluctant Cowboy is a sweet yet deliciously steamy novel that takes place on a California ranch that has been in the Morgan family for several generations.

With a host of unpleasant memories stemming from long ago events that tore their family apart, Chase Morgan avoids coming back to the ranch for visits. However, when his beloved Grandma Ruth needs his assistance in getting to the bottom of a puzzling financial problem, he reluctantly returns to help out. Chase is already experiencing a great deal of stress from work disagreements with his business partners who just happen to be his best friends. Unfortunately, his pessimistic attitude and need for control come into play when dealing with the situation with Ruth and they are soon on opposite sides while trying to decide the future of the ranch.  Rediscovering his roots has an unexpected positive effect on him but when forced to confront the events that led to his estrangement from his brothers, will Chase continue to let the past define him and his family?

January Mitchell is dedicated to preserving history and she is rather flummoxed at Chase’s disinterest in keeping the Morgan ranch in the family.  She refuses to back down despite his strenuous objections, but she also knows not to push him too hard as she tries to convince him to help Ruth stay in her home.  Gaining his cooperation in showing her parts of the ranch that only family members know about, January unexpectedly rekindles his love of the land.  With an uncanny ability to see through a problem to the heart of the matter, her insight into the various issues Chase is grappling with is invaluable. 

January and Chase are attracted to one another despite their differences and at first, it seems a romance between them would never work. Chase is very pragmatic and  with a businesslike approach to romance, he completely discounts love when it comes to his relationships.  January is searching for an emotional connection and  she is beyond shocked at his viewpoint.  When Chase proposes a friends with benefit arrangement for the duration of his time at the ranch, she refuses to even consider agreeing to his plan.  However, January soon reconsiders her decision and they are soon heating up the sheets as often as they can.  With mutual affection and genuine respect for each other along with a sizzling hot attraction, will January and Chase be able to keep their no strings fling from evolving into a real relationship?

Reluctant Cowboy is a captivating romance between two flawed but immensely appealing characters. The romance between them unfolds at a leisurely, but believable, pace.  The storyline is engaging and the complicated family history provides depth and substance to the plot.  This first installment in  Kate Pearce’s Morgan Ranch series is a beautifully written love story that will leave readers impatiently awaiting the release of the next book in the series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Kate Pearce, Morgan Ranch Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Reluctant Cowboy, Zebra

September 23, 2015 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Name of the Game by Jennifer Dawson

name of gameTitle: The Name of the Game by Jennifer Dawson
Something New Series Book Three
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Some people follow the rules. . .

A professor of forensic anthropology, James Donovan is the reasonable sibling among the passionate, impulsive Donovans. But there’s nothing reasonable about his reaction to baker Gracie Roberts. She’s all wild curls and mouth-watering curves, as deliciously tempting as the sugary treats she’s famous for–and twice as irritating. But before long, James decides that getting a taste of her is one indulgence he can’t pass up. . .

Some people play to win. . .

Independent, smart, and sexy, Gracie’s year-long dry spell has her itching for a man. Responsible, health-obsessed James? Not in a million years! She needs a guy who knows how to let loose! But when James sets out to show her just how satisfying a disciplined man can be when pleasure is at stake, she learns just how sweet–and spicy–he really is.

Have James and Gracie found the recipe for love?

Review:

The Name of the Game is the newest addition to Jennifer Dawson’s delightful Something New series. This incredibly charming antagonist to lovers romance positively sizzles with sexual tension as James Donovan and Gracie Roberts try to put aside their animosity for the sake of the friends and family. Old and new fans of the series are going to absolutely love watching this mismatched couple try to figure out their surprising relationship.

Gracie and James are complete opposites and they have been at each other’s throats right from their very first meeting. Gracie is a self-taught baker whose scrumptiously delicious desserts are a huge hit with everyone. James is a tenured professor of forensic anthropology at a prestigious college and occasional police consultant. Gracie is allergic to exercise whereas James is long distance marathon runner and health food nut. Gracie is exuberant and chaotic while James thrives on control and calm. Gracie’s lush figure and outgoing personality make her the center of attention. James, on the other hand, is more of an observer who hates to be in spotlight. Neither of them believes they have anything in common but their lives are intertwined through the relationships of their friends and family and both know it is time to stop making everyone uncomfortable with their nonstop hostility. However, Gracie and James are about to discover what everyone else already knows: their enmity hides a mutual attraction.

Gracie is unfailingly cheerful, flirtatious and incredibly stubborn. She has never lacked for male companionship but her relationships never seem to last. Since meeting James, she has gone a few lackluster dates that ended after one or two dates. She is genuinely pleased her friends have found love, but lately, she cannot help but feel a little jealous of their happiness. Once she and James overcome their loathing for one another, Gracie eagerly agrees to explore their mutual desire, but her fears make it impossible for her discuss their future.

James is absolutely wonderful and impossible not to love. Although he is very close to his brothers, they share little in common. His tight control often makes him appear aloof and his matter of fact, straight forward approach to life sometimes causes him to overlook subtle social cues. James is quite caring and compassionate but he too is afraid to admit he wants a lasting relationship with Gracie.

Gracie and James are reluctant to acknowledge their mutual desire but once they do, their sex scenes are blistering hot. Quiet, unassuming James definitely seizes control in the bedroom and surprisingly, this is just what Gracie needs. Their interludes slowly begin to take on a Dom/sub vibe and by the end of the novel, Gracie has to come to terms with this previously unknown aspect of her personality.

Once they agree to date, Grace and James settle fairly easily into their new relationship. For the most part, their romance is long distance and while they do not spend a huge amount of time together, they do get to know one another through daily phone calls. They find it easy to confide in each other about their pasts but they suffer from a serious lack communication about their future. Conflict arises when James takes the initiative to help Gracie solve an ongoing business issue. Needless to say, Gracie is not at all pleased with him and her reaction reflects her displeasure. Her response was a little over the top and she essentially uses this to prove her point that they are not destined to be together for the long haul. Thankfully, this conflict is solved rather quickly in a somewhat unorthodox fashion.

The Name of the Game is a heartwarming addition to Jennifer Dawson’s fabulous Something New series. James and Gracie are multi-faceted, sympathetic characters and while they are flawed, these imperfections are easy to relate to. Their relationship is a fantastic blend of blazing hot sex and tender, heartfelt moments that perfectly showcase their deepening emotions. An overall entertaining and engaging love story that fans of contemporary romances are sure to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Jennifer Dawson, Rated B, Review, Romance, Something New, The Name of the Game, Zebra

July 22, 2015 · 11:56 pm

Review: The Orchard at the Edge of Town by Shirlee McCoy

orchard edgeTitle: The Orchard at the Edge of Town by Shirlee McCoy
Apple Valley Series Book Three
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Apple Valley, Washington, is where starting over means surprising new chances, facing trouble always brings a helping hand—and the most unlikely hopes can forever come true…

Apricot Sunshine Devereux-Miller needs to stay lost.  Her eccentric aunt’s home in Apple Valley is the perfect place to forget her cheating ex-fiance and get her no-longer-perfect life back under control. Plus, it couldn’t hurt to fix up the house and turn its neglected orchard into a thriving business.  And if Apricot can keep deputy sheriff Simon Baylor’s two lively young daughters out of mischief, maybe she can ignore that he’s downright irresistible—and everything she never dreamed she’d find …

Simon isn’t looking to have his heart broken again.  He already has his hands full raising his girls. And lately he’s thinking way too much about Apricot’s take-charge energy and unwitting knack for stirring up trouble. He can’t see a single way they could ever be right for each other. Unless they can take a crazy chance on trusting their hearts—and risking the courage to finally find their way home.

Review:

The Orchard at the Edge of Town by Shirlee McCoy is a super sweet romance between two very appealing protagonists. This third installment in the Apple Valley series is another fun, feel good novel that old and new fans are sure to love.

After canceling her wedding to her cheating fiancé, Apricot Sunshine Devereux-Miller retreats to her aunt’s house in Apple Valley to figure out what she wants to do next. She is a successful businesswoman who grew up on a commune with several siblings and squabbling, eccentric parents, and she wants nothing more than a normal, calm and peaceful life. Her unconventional arrival in town stirs up plenty of gossip but it is her involvement with Deputy Simon Baylor and his twin daughters Evie and Rori that adds unexpected complications to both their lives.

Apricot is a caring and compassionate woman who is firmly grounded in reality despite her rather offbeat upbringing. She eagerly left the chaos of the commune behind and set about creating a serene life for herself. Although her family did not particularly embrace her ex-fiancé, she was content with their stable and serene relationship. After finding out he was cheating on her, Apricot did not hesitate to end the relationship and although she is now a bit lonely, she does not regret her decision. The quiet atmosphere in Apple Valley is just what she needs to reassess her life and figure out what comes next.  Apricot is surprised by her attraction to Simon and while she feels it is a little too soon to become involved with another man, she finds it hard to resist the charming widower.

Simon moved to Apple Valley after his wife’s death and his daughters have thrived in the quiet town. He is grateful he gets to spend extra time with them and he is thankful that his sister-in-law Daisy is willing to help out with the girls. While Simon is no longer mourning the death of his wife, he still feels guilty for overlooking just how troubled she was. Although he has dated, he has not really been interested in pursuing a relationship with anyone until he meets Apricot. He is immediately drawn to her and even though he has a few reservations about getting serious with her, Simon is willing to explore the possibility of a future with her. However, just as they begin dating, Apricot begins having doubts due to the arrival of her wacky family and Daisy’s escalating shenanigans.

The Orchard at the Edge of Town is a wonderful addition to Shirlee McCoy’s marvelous Apple Valley series. Simon and Apricot are well developed, sympathetic characters that are easy to love. Although their romance is low key, there is no mistaking the genuine and heartfelt emotion they have for one another. Simon’s daughters are adorable and the two little charmers easily steal the scene on more than one occasion. It is another heartwarming stop in Apple Valley that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy, homespun romance novels.

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Filed under Apple Valley, Contemporary, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shirlee McCoy, The Orchard at the Edge of Town, Zebra