Contemporary Romance – Page 2

January 3, 2018January 2, 2018

Kelly reviews Sweet Tea And Sympathy by Molly Harper

TITLE: Sweet Tea & Sympathy
SERIES #: Southern Electric #1
CHARACTERS: Margot Cary & Kyle Archer
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 27 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: November 21, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beloved author Molly Harper launches a brand-new contemporary romance series, Southern Eclectic, with this story of a big-city party planner who finds true love in a small Georgia town.

Nestled on the shore of Lake Sackett, Georgia is the McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop. (What, you have a problem with one-stop shopping?) Two McCready brothers started two separate businesses in the same building back in 1928, and now it’s become one big family affair. And true to form in small Southern towns, family business becomes everybody’s business.

Margot Cary has spent her life immersed in everything Lake Sackett is not. As an elite event planner, Margot’s rubbed elbows with the cream of Chicago society, and made elegance and glamour her business. She’s riding high until one event goes tragically, spectacularly wrong. Now she’s blackballed by the gala set and in dire need of a fresh start—and apparently the McCreadys are in need of an event planner with a tarnished reputation.

As Margot finds her footing in a town where everybody knows not only your name, but what you had for dinner last Saturday night and what you’ll wear to church on Sunday morning, she grudgingly has to admit that there are some things Lake Sackett does better than Chicago—including the dating prospects. Elementary school principal Kyle Archer is a fellow fish-out-of-water who volunteers to show Margot the picture-postcard side of Southern living. The two of them hit it off, but not everybody is happy to see an outsider snapping up one of the town’s most eligible gentleman. Will Margot reel in her handsome fish, or will she have to release her latest catch?

REVIEW:
Sweet Tea & Sympathy is the first book in Molly Harper’s new Southern Eclectic series (check out Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck prequel novella). In Sweet Tea & Sympathy we get to meet the long lost McCready family member after an unfortunate event involving some flamingos, shrimps and they death of Margot’s career. Just when Margot thinks she is at her lowest point Aunt Tootie finds her and convinces her to move to Lake Sackett and work for the family.

Another wonderful story from Molly Harper.

The amazing Amanda Ronconi lent her talent and voice to another of Mrs. Harper’s novels. Amanda does a great job of bringing the McCready family alive. I always love having Amanda read me one of Molly’s stories! I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 29, 2017December 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Pines Of Winder Ranch by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: The Pines Of Winder Ranch
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek #5 & #10
CHARACTERS: Quinn & Tess / Taft & Laura
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Come home to Winder Ranch in these two beloved stories, where broken hearts can find exactly what they need to heal–and love again
A COLD CREEK HOMECOMING When Quinn Southerland returns home to Winder Ranch, Idaho, to find former high school queen bee Tess Claybourn serving as his dying mother’s hospice nurse, he’s far from pleased. But recently widowed Tess has done a lot of growing up since then. And as the two reconnect, she can’t help but wonder if there’s room in Quinn’s tortured heart for forgiveness–and maybe even love…
A COLD CREEK REUNION After Taft Bowman lost his parents ten years ago, he buried himself in a grief that shut fiancee Laura Pendleton out completely. But now she’s back, recently widowed with two kids in tow, and Taft refuses to let her slip away again. Laura just wants a fresh start, but that’s easier said than done when seeing Taft stirs up feelings she thought she’d left in the past…

REVIEW:
What a sweet second chance romance. RaeAnne Thayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors but I missed this release 5 years ago before I really got into this author.

What I enjoyed most I think is Laura being so determined to keep Taft away. She doesn’t say “not again” and then a day later is back in love. She really fights herself and her feelings for Taft. She even makes it a “rule” to stay away from him but we all know rules are made to be broken.

Another great read from Thayne and one anyone who enjoys a romance about second chances in a small town will love this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 28, 2017December 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: Now That You Mention It
CHARACTERS: Nora Stuart
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back.

Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There’s only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn’t necessarily want her. At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments.

With a tough islander mother who’s always been distant and a wild-child sister in jail, unable to raise her daughter–a withdrawn teen as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was–Nora has her work cut out for her if she’s going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family.

But as some relationships crumble around her, others unexpectedly strengthen. Balancing loss and opportunity, a dark event from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise…and the chance to begin again.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Higgins is one of my go-to authors. She never disappoints and she didn’t with this one either.

Nora is having the worst day. I know we have all had those kind of days but this goes above and beyond what anyone has ever been through. First a vehicle accident that puts her in the hospital, when she wakes up her boyfriend is flirting with someone else and more. So Nora heads “home”. But she is not welcome there either. Talk about life being hard.

The characters in this story are enough to keep the reader laughing for more than half of the story. What a great read. As I started out you can’t be disappointed with a Higgins novel and this is a great one to start with if you haven’t read her before and if you have add it to the collection.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 27, 2017December 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews Can’t Forget You by Rachel Lacey

TITLE: Can’t Forget You
SERIES #: Risking It All #3
CHARACTERS: Jessica & Mark
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST LOVE

Jessica Flynn can’t wait to buy up that patch of unspoiled North Carolina woodland next door and expand her spa. What could be more sensual than a hot-tub soak under the stars? Jessica would love to bask in the romantic view herself-but first she needs to find the right man to join her in this fantasy. Back in high school, she thought that was the dark and brooding Mark Dalton. But then he left to join the Special Forces, and when he returned to town, it felt like their teenage love affair had never even happened.

Mark Dalton has his eye on the same property for his own business. Yet there’s something he wants to have even more. Because Jessica is sweeter than he remembered, and he’s finding it hard to resist his attraction to the competition. When they finally find themselves alone, deep in the forest, nature can’t help but run a little wild. But if she ever finds out what he’s been hiding all these years, she may never forgive him…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts OK this book hit really close to home. Why, you ask? Because I have recently reunited with my high-school sweetheart. Because of this I really found myself wanting to find out how things turned out.

It has been ten years since the young lovers were together and now they are back together after the same property. And yet Mark realizes there are more important things than property like getting an unexpected second chance.

The story felt real. That feeling of not knowing what to say the first time you see each other again. The emotional roller coaster of not knowing why you feel the attraction even after he hurt you. It was just so real and exactly what I needed to read right now.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 21, 2017November 19, 2017

Kelly reviews Save A Truck, Ride A Redneck by Molly Harper

TITLE: Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic .5
CHARACTERS: Carl & Marianne McCready
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: October 16, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Molly Harper brings her signature “clever humor, snark, silliness, and endearing protagonists” (Booklist) to the charming small town of Lake Sackett, Georgia with the new Southern Eclectic series.
Carl and Marianne were highschool sweethearts, loving the way only teenagers can—with no thought to logic or pride, just a bone-headed, optimistic frenzy of unicorns and hormones. That was all they needed. Or so Carl thought.
Scared of being stuck in Lake Sackett, Georgia, like so many of her friends—without a real shot at a future or achieving her own dreams—Marianne panicked and bolted to college after stomping Carl’s heart into the high grass. But when she returns to Lake Sackett for the summer with her family after years away, she and Carl are drawn together like moths to a flame. As they rekindle their old romance and remember what it was like to be in love, they have to wonder: is this, finally, their real chance at happiness?
Perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Amy E. Reichert, this warm hearted and witty love story introduces Molly Harper’s new Southern Eclectic series set in the small town of Lake Sackett, Georgia. This story about second chances proves that “Molly Harper never lets the reader down with her delightfully entertaining stories. Humor, emotions, and romance are cleverly matched, and her likable characters are most appealing” (SingleTitles).

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Below is my review of Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck. So this is my review of the audio book version.
If you follow my blog (or reviews) at all you will know that I am a huge fan of Amanda Ronconi and she doesn’t disappoint in this story! Even though I already read the novella having Amanda read it to me felt like I was reading it again for the first time. It is amazing how a talented narrator can bring a story to life more than I can in my own mind!!!

Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is the pre-quel to Molly Harper’s new series and I couldn’t be more excited!! I mean a family that has a bait shop/funeral home (yes, you read that right!!!) has to be fun right?? The McCready family has been in the Bait/Funeral business (oh that sounds bad!! They don’t use the bodies as bait I promise) for generations!! I am super excited to see what is in store for this family.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is a second chance love story for Marianne & Carl. I won’t give to much away (because you need to read) but I will say that I enjoyed the journey that Marianne & Carl’s story! Carl is very sweet and forgiving (although I do hope that he gives Marianne a hard time every now and a gain 😉 ).
I am loving Marianne’s family and can’t wait to see who a story. I can’t wait for the next installment Sweet Tea & Sympathy (November 2017)!! Also can’t wait to get the audio version of this story! The amazingly talented Amanda Ronconi is lending her voice to this series also!!! Watch for audio review to come soon.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 30, 2017October 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews Totally His by Erin Nicholas

TITLE: Totally His
SERIES #: Opposites Attract #3
CHARACTERS: Sophie & Finn
AUTHOR: Erin Nicholas
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Actress Sophie Birch is used to having to look out for herself. So when her theater catches fire and a big guy scoops her up into his arms to save her, she’s going to fight every step of the way. Even if he’s a cop. And really sexy. And his arms feel oh-so-good.

Finn Kelly can’t help but appreciate how good the woman in his arms looks in her sexy pink lingerie. Even if she’s currently resisting arrest.

But as the two get to know each other, they’re both surprised by the things Finn is willing to do to get closer to her. And when Sophie’s estranged father arrives in town and starts causing trouble, the stage is set for disaster…unless Finn can convince her that, for once in her life, she has someone to lean on.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but each book can be read as a stand alone. Each story is so adorable.

Sophie is a complicated character. She has been through a lot and still has a sense of humor and a sweetness that while I had a bit of a hard time sometimes getting to know her but she is worth the hard work.

But oh how I adored Finn. There is just something so alpha and yet diamond in the rough for this character.

But together this couple is just too adorable for words. They are truly meant for each other and the author did a great job connecting them.

A story not to be missed!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 16, 2017October 15, 2017

Kimberly reviews Closer To You by Jill Sanders

TITLE: Closer To You
CHARACTERS: Tyler & Kristen
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/10/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders strikes gold with a sizzling series about oil-rich playboys whose hearts are up for grabs.

No one’s more surprised than Tyler McGowan when he discovers he has a knack for running the family’s oil business—a role he took on after his father’s sudden passing. Now, to keep the old man’s legacy afloat, Tyler’s giving up his playboy ways and settling into small-town life. But his newfound resolve is tested when trouble strides into his office in five-inch heels.

Kristen Howell has spent the last five years working her way up the corporate ladder. And somehow it’s landed her smack-dab in the middle of nowhere: Haven, Montana. It’s her job to convince the head of McGowan Enterprises to sell. But the tall and rangy hunk is proving to be exceedingly stubborn—and overwhelmingly hot. When someone attempts to derail her negotiations, Kristen is ready to get down and dirty. But the sparks she and Tyler are throwing near the oil field may be dangerously combustible…

REVIEW:
Too dang adorable and yet it had so much content. The romance of Kristen and Tyler is slow and steady but has so adorable scenes. There is a bit of suspense to the book which fortunately I never figured out until I read it which to me is a sign of a good suspense.

This is the first book I have read from Jill Sanders but it will not be the worse by a long shot.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 3, 2017September 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: At The Heart Of It
CHARACTERS: Kate & Jonah
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.

TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.

Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Oh my! How great was this book. It has everything you need to enjoy a fun romance. The humor in this story is worth the read even if the romance wasn’t there… but it is.

Jonah is a heart stealer. He stole mine for sure. And Kate and Jonah are perfect together and it is a fun adventure to get them together.

You can’t go wrong with Fenske’s books if you enjoy a light hearted funny romance.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 2, 2017September 29, 2017

Kelly reviews At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: At the Heart of It
CHARACTERS: Jonah Porter & Kate Geary
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: October 3, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.

REVIEW:
Loved it!!! I just adore authors who set their books in my home state (or a least part of the book!!) Kate and Jonah are so much fun right from the very start. It was hard not to root for these two. I alway enjoy reading Ms. Fenske’s books. She can take your typical boy meets girl story and turn it upside down and shake it up like a snowglobe. We know that there has to be a happy ending when just don’t know how all the pieces will fall together or how long it will take.
I do hope that there will be another book set in this world because Amy really needs to fall in love.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 29, 2017September 24, 2017

Kimberly reviews Second Chance Girl by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Second Chance Girl
SERIES #: Happily Inc #2
CHARACTERS: Mathias & Carol
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A touching modern fairy tale that won’t let go of your heart, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances!

Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.

Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Welcome back to Happily Inc, California. A town only Susan Mallery could dream up and make you want to move there. As a fan of her Fool’s Gold series I grabbed this book and the first in the series and really enjoy learning the new town as well as the new characters.

We met Mathias in Fool’s Gold a while ago and now it is his turn to find is Happily Ever After. And to do that we meet Carol. Carol has lived in Happily Inc for a while now and this town is just not a normal town. It has an animal sanctuary near the recycle center/dump and Carol is the gamekeeper. Her latest addition is a giraffe named Millie. And the book wraps around Carol trying to get money to purchase more giraffes so Millie has a herd.

Mathias is love shy. After watching his parents relationship and then dealing with his un-twin brother pulling away he just can’t trust. But when he meets Carol he wants to.

There is also a background story of Carol’s sister Violet and Ulrich her teenage crush and current Duke. This background story was just as enjoyable.

This is another great trip to Happily Inc. Having read every single Fool’s Gold book reading this series was a no brainer. But it did take book one and some of book two to get into the feel of the new town. It is quirky and friendship/family based like Fool’s Gold. But then how can you go wrong with anything Mallery writes?

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

September 26, 2017September 24, 2017

Kelly reviews Lost & Found Sister by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Lost & Found Sister
SERIES #: Wildstone #1
CHARACTERS: Quinn Weller & Mick
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: June 20, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes her first women’s fiction novel—an unforgettable story of friendship, love, family, and sisterhood—perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Susan Mallery, and Kristan Higgins.

They say life can change in an instant…

After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.’s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she’s looking for a missing piece she can’t find?

The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.

On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn’t quite fit in right away, she can’t help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.

As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there’s another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn’t a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she’s searched so long for.

REVIEW:
A wonderful start to a new series for Ms. Shalvis!
Quinn Weller has it all the perfect family, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect job, the perfect everything. Up until her sister was killed in a car accident. From that point on Quinn’s life has been anything but perfect.
So when she learns she has just inherited something from her birth mom her world is turned upside down. But when she learns that she has a real sister Quinn drops everything and rushes to find her.
This was a really good story. I loved Quinn!! She is hilarious! The bee scene in the tree too funny (once we know she was okay). How Quinn and Mick meet is hilarious too!!

I can’t wait for the next visit to Wildstone!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 8, 2017September 3, 2017

Kimberly reviews Here Comes The Bride by Hope Ramsey

TITLE: Here Comes The Bride
SERIES #: Chapel Of Love #3
CHARACTERS: Laurie & Andrew
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsay
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There goes the groom . . .
For Professor Laurie Wilson, planning her wedding to longtime boyfriend Brandon Kopp has been a whirlwind. But somehow, between all the cake tastings and dress fittings, she never imagined being left at the altar. In the aftermath, she does what any sensible woman would – she swigs champagne and considers keying his car. Until someone knocks on her door with a much better idea for revenge.

Best man Andrew Lyndon thinks Laurie’s better off without Brandon. But Laurie’s father – and Andrew’s boss – isn’t going to accept anything less than a reconciliation. And he’s made it Andrew’s problem to solve. So Andrew decides to make Brandon jealous by setting Laurie up on a string of “dates.” After a couple of weeks, Brandon will be begging Laurie to take him back. But Andrew’s plan works a little too well because suddenly he’s the one falling for Laurie — and planning a proposal of his own.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts For the most part I enjoyed this story. Hope Ramsey is on my list of authors I try not to miss. The story is pretty typical. She gets left at the altar, best man checks on her and sparks fly. Ok maybe not that simple but still the gist is the same.

The characters are good and the writing is mostly good. I thought the book had some really funny scenes and some sweet scenes. No real hot and heavy scenes. It is a love story and a second chance story.

The problem was the way Ramsey wrote about men in the story. I am not sure what happened in her (or someone she knows) life but she is pissed at all men… men in general in the book are scum and women are superior. I get that women rock thing but the men are horrible thing took away from the book a bit for me.

Again that being said the story is good and the characters and romance are sweet.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.