Contemporary Romance – Page 4

April 26, 2017April 23, 2017

Kelly reviews Making Waves by Laura Moore

TITLE: Making Waves
SERIES #: Beach Lane #1
CHARACTERS: Max Carr & Dakota Hale
AUTHOR: Laura Moore
PUBLICATION DATE: April 25, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A self-made woman with a sweet, successful life discovers that even the best-laid plans are no match for unexpected passion in the beginning of a brand-new series for fans of Julie James and Tracy Brogan.

As the responsible daughter of an irresponsible socialite, Dakota Hale has plenty of practice catering to the whims of the rich and spoiled and she’s turned that experience into a thriving concierge business serving the needs of the Hamptons’ wealthy elite. But living and working among the upper crust has never tempted Dakota to follow in her mother’s jet-setting footsteps. Anytime the drama on land gets too outrageous, Dakota finds calm surfing the Atlantic waves. But when sexy mogul Max Carr hires her, it rocks her balance in a big way.

Max works hard, but he’s never had to put any effort into winning over a woman until now. With her stunning beauty and keen intelligence, Dakota is worth the effort. But it is plain she has no interest in a casual fling, and that’s all Max with his grief-stricken heart can offer. But one fraught night changes everything, with consequences neither Dakota nor Max anticipated. Now they must navigate the rough waters of society gossip and devastating secrets that threaten their fragile relationship. If they can trust in the strength of their growing feelings, they ll find that the dreams they’ve been chasing are close enough to embrace . . . together.”

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Dakota Hale has always known what it was like to be an outsider. From a birth she was an outcast in her family. But that didn’t stop her from becoming an wonderful person that has made her own success.
Max Carr is your Wall Street guy who only thinks about the next deal, the next dollar and the next adventure. He is pretty much a self absorbed rich guy. But buying Windhaven is about to change his life in ways he never could imagine.
Making Waves was a good read. I have enjoyed Ms. Moore’s books in the past so of course when I saw she was starting a new series I knew I needed to read. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. I would really like to see Piper and Mimi suffer more in future books.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

April 20, 2017April 16, 2017

Kelly reviews Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Any Day Now
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #3
CHARACTERS: Conrad Boyle & Sierra Jones
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: April 18, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The highly anticipated sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr’s What We Find transports readers back to Sullivan’s Crossing. The rustic campground at the crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide trails welcomes everyone—whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a whole new lease on life. It’s a wonderful place where good people face their challenges with humor, strength and love.
For Sierra Jones, Sullivan’s Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She’s put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn’t yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet.
Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she’s always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it’s a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan’s Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.

REVIEW:
Any Day Now was a great follow up book in Ms. Carr’s new Sullivan’s Crossing series. I really enjoyed book one What We Find and enjoyed Any Day Now just as much. I really enjoyed watching Sierra try to portray herself as this tough as nails and I don’t need anyone person. Only for her to find out that while yes she is stronger than she thought. And the idea of having people in her corner is really not that scary.
I loved the dog saving scene. I loved that Sierra would risk herself to save such a sweet puppy.
Connie and Sierra are get together. It was great to see how patient Connie was with her. Letting her realize what he knew all along.
I can’t wait to see what is next for this series.

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

April 18, 2017April 16, 2017

Kimberly reviews Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Any Day Now
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #2
CHARACTERS: Sierra Jones
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/18/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

For Sierra Jones, Sullivan’s Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She’s put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn’t yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet.

Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she’s always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it’s a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan’s Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Sullivan’s Crossing series. I enjoyed book 1 so I was excited to get this story. I was not disappointed.

The story is well written and perfect for woman’s lit fans. Sierra is trying so hard to prove herself, more so to herself than anyone else. But as we all know we are not meant to live a solitary life and needing someone is not a show of weakness. And it was great to see Sierra learn this lesson.

And I would bet any reader of this story is going to say how much they loved the dog rescue scene. LOVED IT!

Another great read from Robyn Carr.

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

April 7, 2017April 2, 2017

Kimberly Fighting Attraction by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Fighting Attraction
SERIES #: Redemption #4
CHARACTERS: Penny & Jack
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
My sweet, sexy Penny has a dark side. Just like me.
I will have her. And then I will lose her, and suffer a lifetime of regret.

Rampage. Everyone loves him. He is Redemption’s top heavyweight fighter and the biggest gossip in the gym. But he isn’t the teddy bear everyone thinks he is. He’s hiding a dark secret-and he hates himself for it.

Twice a week, Rampage transforms into Master Jack, a notorious dom only the most hard-core submissives will play with. How can he-a Southern gentleman, bred to respect and protect women-want to dominate them?

But Penny Worthington wants him. Beneath her pearls, kitten heels, and prim British exterior beats a tortured heart…Master Jack is the only one who can set her free.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Holy Smokes! This story is sweet, dark, sexy and intense. Penny and Jack both have a secret that they keep hidden from everyone including those closest to them. Both are into pain. Giving and receiving it. They seem perfect for each other but are they really?

This is really really dark and yet Sarah Castille manages to lighten it up. Penny has suffered since she was young at the hands of men she thought loved her and when she starts to feel she is not lovable or worthwhile she starts cutting to feel the pain. Her emotional pain is palpable and you hurt for her. Jack needs to give pain. He wants to inflict as much as he can to get out the stresses in his life. But are these the same kind of pain that they should be together?

The out of the bedroom/club scenes between Jack and Penny are so cute. He is so different in the real world and while overly protective and possessive he wants to care for the one woman who understands him. I loved the playfulness they have together. I love all the guys of Redemption to be honest. I just want to climb into the book and hang out with these guys and girls. While the couple is the main focus the others take care of their own.

Any fan of this series, of romance, of erotica/BDSM will love this story. But understand the darkness isn’t the bedroom/club scenes it is the inner turmoil and scenes of emotional to physical pain that pulls at the readers heart.

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

April 6, 2017April 2, 2017

Kelly reviews Wild Ride by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Wild Ride
SERIES #: Black Knight Ink #9
CHARACTERS: Ozzie & Samantha
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: April 4, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The hero we’ve all been waiting for…

Ethan “Ozzie” Sykes

Former Navy SEAL

Underground operator for Black Knights Inc., the covert government defense firm disguised as a custom motorcycle shop.

In a black-on-black international mission that went seriously sideways, Ozzie was badly injured—now he’s stuck at BKI headquarters in Chicago, champing at the bit to get out into the field again. To his disgust, he’s tasked with distracting Chicago Tribune ace reporter Samantha Tate, who’s been trying to dig up the dirt on BKI for years. Turns out Samantha’s beauty, intelligence and sense of humor are a seriously big distraction, and Ozzie’s losing his desire to keep her at bay.

Ozzie’s tired of hiding, and Samantha may be the best-and worst—person to share his secrets with…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts OZZIE!!!!!!
Need I say more? Oh, I do? So telling you that Ozzie finally gets his story is not enough for you? Telling you that Ozzie is awesome is not enough? Telling you that we learn so much more about Ozzie and his history that is beyond heartbreaking is not enough? Telling you the Samantha Tate is a rock star reporter that will not ever give up? How about Ozzie and Samantha in the kitchen. Sharing a nice meal together? What more do you want from me????
But seriously, I loved Ozzie’s book. I loved that we get to know him so much better than just the sweet, sexy, Star Trek lovin’ and lover of everything 80’s computer nerd. I really enjoyed the talk between Becky and Ozzie. Yes, there might have been a tear or a lot… If you are a BKI fan you will LOVE Ozzie’s book. If you are new to this series you really should read this series in order so that you get a better understand of the world. Plus you get a lot of Ozzie throughout the whole series. And of course we get to see a lot of Christian. Can’t wait for his book.

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

April 5, 2017April 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Forever Mine by Erin Nicholas

TITLE: Forever Mine
SERIES #: Opposites Attract #2
CHARACTERS: Maya & Alex
AUTHOR: Erin Nicholas
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Maya Goodwin doesn’t believe in holding back. Ever. As a cop, she never hesitated to throw herself into harm’s way to save someone. Even after an injury on the job forces her to retire, she’s not afraid to keep risking it all to get the life she wants. With a new career teaching martial arts to kids already underway, she’s looking forward to the future – and taking a chance on the unbelievably hot Dr. Alex Nolan.

Maya – daring and spontaneous – is the exact opposite of what Alex always thought he wanted. But when a nine-year-old daughter he never knew existed shows up on his doorstep, Maya is the one who helps them hold it together. With love on the line, will the guy who’s always played it safe be willing to take the biggest risk of all?

REVIEW:
This is a really cute story. I had a bit of a hard time getting into it but once I was I couldn’t stop reading. Alex and Maya are adorable. They are so different from each other and yet so good together. I really enjoyed the beginning connection between Alex and his new found daughter. He is trying so hard but as a doctor/scientist he is very methodical. How sweet is it that whenever he learns something new about Charli he puts a note in his phone so he doesn’t make any mistakes later on.

This is not a story that will change the world but it is a great beach read that leaves you feel good about life.

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

April 4, 2017April 2, 2017

Kelly reviews This Time Around by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: This Time Around
CHARACTERS: Jack Carpenter & Allie Ross
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
NARRATOR: Carly Robins
PUBLICATION DATE: April 4, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Allie Ross is not living the life she once dreamed. Her law career ended before it ever started, her parents landed in jail for running a Ponzi scheme, and she just inherited her grandmother’s B&B—which is nice, even if it is full of extra-toed cats. As for her love life…she’d rather not talk about it.

When Jack Carpenter reaches out to reconnect with Allie, the girl who broke his heart in college, his plan is to impress her with the adult he’s become. Sure, he was a deadbeat then, but life has forced him to grow up. And it’s a relief to find out that things didn’t necessarily go the way Allie expected either.

As Allie and Jack get reacquainted, they rediscover the things they loved—and hated—about each other. But who they are now isn’t who they were then, and secrets—old and new—will test whether they have a future together, or if the past is destined to repeat itself.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts When we meet Jack he is coming back to Portland Oregon. One of his first order of business is to meet up with his old flame Allie. This first meeting is hilarious. It doesn’t quite go according as planned. When Jack offers to help Allie at the B&B everything changes.
Jack & Allie learn so much about themselves and each other. That had they stayed together their lives may not have turned out as amazing.
This was such a fun second chance at love story. It almost makes me wish I had someone in my past to reconnect….. Nope! I will leave that to Jack and Allie.

I had the honor of listening to this book. I do love me some audio books. This was my first story to have Ms. Robins narrat for me. She did a good job. My biggest issue was the male voices. At times it was a little hard tell the difference between Allie and Jack. I am not sure if it was because I was listening in the car? Or if there was just not enough difference in the depth of the voice.
If you are looking for a fun second chance at true love read you really should pick up a copy of This Time Around! If you are an audio book love go listen to the sample of this story!

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

March 28, 2017March 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews A Small Town Bride by Hope Ramsay

TITLE: A Small Town Bride
SERIES #: Chapel Of Love #2
CHARACTERS: Amy & Dusty
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsay
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Amy Lyndon is tired of being the Poor Little Rich Girl of Shenandoah Falls. In her prominent family, she’s the ordinary one – no Ivy League education and no powerful career. But when her father tries to marry her off, she knows it’s finally time to stand up for herself, despite the consequences. Now that she’s cut off from the family fortune, her first challenge is to fight her attraction to her handsome new boss.

When Amy shows up looking for work with his landscaping crew, Dusty McNeil thinks there’s no way such a pampered princess will ever get her hands dirty. But as Amy proves him wrong and gets down to the nitty gritty, Dusty’s admiration turns to like, then lust – and then love. But can a high-society woman like Amy ever fall for a man like him?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So this is a bit of a typical story. Spoiled little rich girl needs to grow up, daddy kicks her out, she hooks up with the bad boy playboy and they fall in love because they both see that the other is not what the expected. We all know this storyline and yet we still come back to it time after time.

The problem was I didn’t find either character had pulled me in. Amy is written very naive and young. When I started the story I wondered if I had picked up a YA by accident but nope Amy is in her 20’s. She is written as a stereotypical rich girl but even if she is spoiled it doesn’t mean stupid but in this book it goes hand and hand.

Dusty seems a bit mean or maybe un-compassionate at first. I mean Amy is homeless, sleeping in her car, has no money and all he does is tell her the best place to park so she can sleep in her car safely? He also sends mixed messages. But the part that drove me a bit crazy was he kept calling his father “Daddy” but doesn’t even like him. I mean he is a man in his 30’s calling his father “Daddy”. It just seemed weird.

Now all that being said the story is good. It is a cute story and even though neither of the characters really caught on for me they are sweet and I look forward to the next in the series.

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

March 22, 2017March 19, 2017

Kimberly reviews Don’t Stop Me Now by Colleen Coleman

TITLE: Don’t Stop Me Now
CHARACTERS: Poppy & Tom
AUTHOR: Colleen Coleman
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/22/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A hilarious feel good read about finding your feet when life pulls the rug out from under you.

Poppy Bloom has a Life Plan: PhD in psychology, research job at her university, and a life of domestic bliss with handsome boyfriend Gregory.

But then she finishes her PhD with no job offer, no relationship, and nowhere to live. Being unemployed and living back at her mum’s house in her vampire-themed childhood bedroom was definitely not the plan.

Poppy is back to square one and miserable, so when she runs into childhood friend Leanne she jumps at the opportunity to catch up. The chance to run into Leanne’s gorgeous brother Tom is just a bonus…

Soon Poppy’s scored an internship at a radio station, a boyfriend, and a whole netball team of friends: things are on the up.

But life has a way of tripping you up when you least expect it, and Poppy soon has to decide where her priorities lie… With new friends, a new career and a new romance, can Poppy keep everyone happy, or is everything about to tumble down around her?

REVIEW:
I have decided that I am not going to request the books that claim to be laugh out loud funny because in all honesty they never seem to be that funny. The story is good. The moral for lack of a better word is good too. Sure we can all come back from the dreams we thought we had and have the reality be even better.

The problem was I really never connected with these characters. I didn’t find it all that funny. I actually felt like it was trying too hard to be funny. I also think I might just not get Brit-lit. That may be my issue with these books!?!?!?

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

March 2, 2017February 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews What We Find by Robyn Carr

TITLE: What We Find
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #1
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Cal
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/05/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Join Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as she explores the healing powers of rural Colorado in a brand-new story of fresh starts, budding relationships and one woman’s journey to finding the happiness she’s long been missing

Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency, high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a malpractice lawsuit—and experiencing levels of anxiety she’s never faced before. It’s in this desperate moment that Maggie’s boyfriend decides he can’t handle her emotional baggage, and she’s left alone, exhausted and unsure of what her future holds. One thing is certain, though: she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan’s Crossing.

Named for Maggie’s great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide trails have been passed down through the generations and now belong to Maggie’s estranged father, Sully. Though raised by her mother and stepfather after her parents divorced, Maggie has always adored Sully—despite his hands-off approach to fatherhood. When she shows up unannounced in Sullivan’s Crossing, he welcomes her with opens arms, and she relishes the opportunity to rebuild their relationship.

But when Sully has a sudden heart attack, Maggie’s world is rocked once again. Consumed with his care, she’s relieved to find that Cal Jones, a quiet and serious-looking camper, has been taking over many of Sully’s responsibilities as he recuperates. Still, Maggie is suspicious of this mysterious man’s eagerness to help—until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation.

Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon…if only they can learn to find peace and healing—and perhaps love—with each other.

REVIEW:
Robyn Carr is one of my favorites and this book lets you know why. I really enjoyed this story. The characters are delightful and real. The story had lots of emotion including but not limited to love, laughter, sweetness, understanding and so much more. It makes you believe in love and want to fall all over again.

The story isn’t perfect. Well I guess I should say the writing isn’t because the middle of the book was pretty wordy for no reason. It didn’t add anything but did slow the book down a bit. Cal could have had a bit more personality but all that being said I really enjoyed the story.

Can’t wait to read the next in the series.

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

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February 27, 2017February 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews A Million Little Things by Susan Mallery

TITLE: A Million Little Things
SERIES #: Mischief Bay #3
CHARACTERS: Zoe, Jen & Pam
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the bestselling author of The Girls of Mischief Bay and The Friends We Keep comes a twisty tale of family dynamics that explores what can go terribly, hysterically wrong when the line between friendship and family blurs

Zoe Saldivar is more than just single-she’s ALONE. She recently broke up with her longtime boyfriend, she works from home and her best friend Jen is so obsessed with her baby that she has practically abandoned their friendship. The day Zoe accidentally traps herself in her attic with her hungry-looking cat, she realizes that it’s up to her to stop living in isolation.

Her seemingly empty life takes a sudden turn for the complicated-her first new friend is Jen’s widowed mom, Pam. The only guy to give her butterflies in a very long time is Jen’s brother. And meanwhile, Pam is being very deliberately seduced by Zoe’s own smooth-as-tequila father. Pam’s flustered, Jen’s annoyed and Zoe is beginning to think “alone” doesn’t sound so bad, after all.

Friendship isn’t just one thing-it’s a million little things, and no one writes them with more heart and humor than book club sensation Susan Mallery!

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series. I am not sure if there will be more. Mallery usually has an added trilogy beyond her Fool’s Gold series so I wonder if this will be the last one. These stories are more real than the Fool’s Gold books. These aren’t really about romance even though romance is involved. The trilogy stories are about life. This is the story of Pam, Zoe and Jen. Each dealing with their own life and loss.

I enjoy these extra series books. However, I am more of a fan of Fool’s Gold series. These books make you think and have some inner reflection. You can never go wrong with Susan Mallery. Nothing she writes will ever be a disappointment… how could it be when she is the queen of romance?

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

February 7, 2017February 5, 2017

Kimberly reviews Crossing Hearts by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Crossing Hearts
SERIES #: Cross Creek #1
CHARACTERS: Kimberly Kincaid
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/07/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunter Cross has no regrets. Having left his football prospects behind the day he graduated high school, he’s happy to carry out his legacy on his family’s farm in the foothills of the Shenandoah. But when a shoulder injury puts him face-to-face with the high school sweetheart who abandoned town—and him—twelve years ago, Hunter’s simple life gets a lot more complicated.

Emerson Montgomery has secrets. Refusing to divulge why she left her job as a hotshot physical therapist for a pro football team, she struggles to readjust to life in the hometown she left behind. The more time she spends with Hunter, the more Emerson finds herself wanting to trust him with the diagnosis of MS that has turned her world upside down.

But revealing secrets comes with a price. Can Hunter and Emerson rekindle their past love? Or will the realities of the present—and the trust that goes with them—burn that bridge for good?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I enjoyed this story. The reason I gave it 3.75 instead of 4 is there are just so many with the second chance at love storyline that it gets to be the same over and over. Now that being said this story was really good.

When Emerson comes home it is not because it is where she wants to be but because she is sick and even though she doesn’t tell her family she still needs to be home. Hunter is a good guy who, of course, never got over his first love. I have to say the sex scenes are worth reading.

The biggest problem was the illness. It just seemed to only be relevant when it was part of the plot and not other times. Meaning she can barely function at one point but can have the hot sex scenes I just talked about and let’s not even discuss the other physical activities she does without mention of hurting but having to push on, etc.

I think the story is good and worth the read.

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