Through the Snow Globe by Annie Rains Contemporary holiday romance. A touch of paranormal via Groundhog Day scenario. Diana Merriman is probably the onThrough the Snow Globe by Annie Rains Contemporary holiday romance. A touch of paranormal via Groundhog Day scenario. Diana Merriman is probably the only person in the small town of Snow Haven, North Carolina, who isn’t looking forward to Christmas. Her fiancé, Linus, is in a coma after being hit by a car on the way home from the toy store he owns and manages. Diana’s only wish for Christmas is to have Linus alive and back home. A neighbor, trying to help Diana feel better, puts an enhancement on a snow globe gift and Diana finds herself reliving the day of the accident over and over again.
The major overall feeling of this story is sadness and heartbreak. As the same day progresses over and over again, we learn more about Diana and the reasons she has withheld herself from others. Just like in the movie, Diana has to learn to open her heart to others. It is a love story, both to her finance and to Diana herself as well. It’s an incredibly emotional story that had me crying along the way. It’s a romance as well, and we do get a happily ever after so don’t despair. The ending feeling is breathtaking and beautiful. But it is a hard fought journey. I would recommend this to any romance reader that doesn’t mind a good cry knowing they will get their hea.
Curves for Days by Laura Moher Contemporary romance. Alternating POV. Grumpy Sunshine, friends to lovers, slow burn. Rose has had a working class life. Curves for Days by Laura Moher Contemporary romance. Alternating POV. Grumpy Sunshine, friends to lovers, slow burn. Rose has had a working class life. Often exhausted from hard work, with some trauma in the past that makes her a bit skittish to open up and make friends. With constant harassment from people about her newfound wealth, she leaves her apartment under cover of night and ends up in the small town of Galway, North Carolina. Angus served in the military, has PTSD as well as the need to help people to pay a debt. He spends time both as a counsel for military vets and construction work. He agrees to help rebuild the new home that Rose buys and is intrigued by her sunny disposition though he doesn’t understand it himself.
Kennedy Deveraux by Bernadette Marie Deveraux Family series book #1. Contemporary romance. Kennedy Deveraux owns and runs a high end jewelry and clothiKennedy Deveraux by Bernadette Marie Deveraux Family series book #1. Contemporary romance. Kennedy Deveraux owns and runs a high end jewelry and clothing design boutique. There’s a new bar opening next door to her shop and the owner is intriguing and worth watching. Joel Kingsley finds he likes Kennedy watching him and the two soon find a romance getting serious.
Attraction of the beautiful people may not be as easy as it seems. I think Kennedy took her tantrum a bit too far. Happily family helped and turned the romance back in the right direction. Joel’s family is interfering but adorable and well meaning. I look forward to Chase’s story which is the next in the series. ...more
Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick Contemporary women’s fiction. Chick lit. Esme Cahill returns home to Asheville at the request of her Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick Contemporary women’s fiction. Chick lit. Esme Cahill returns home to Asheville at the request of her late grandmother. She feels leaving New York’s publishing industry as a failure of her lifelong goals. She finds the once charming lakeside retreat is run down, sad, and closer to financial ruin. Esme, her mother and grandfather come up with a plan to do the repairs themselves, and renew the retreat for the future. While working on repairs and reorganizing, Esme finds quilts her grandmother made and untold stories of her life. Esme starts putting together a history that needs to be shared.
Family is a large part of this book, both related and made. The residents ban together for a common goal. She finds that she didn’t fail at life at all. It’s simply a different chapter now in life.
Emotional, strengthening, and a reminder that a moment in time is not a whole life....more
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie Contemporary romance. Three interconnected romances around a small town bookstore. Sadie and CharliThe Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie Contemporary romance. Three interconnected romances around a small town bookstore. Sadie and Charlie bump into each other at the bookstore and during checkout, Leona wraps their books and “accidentally” mixes the two up. Serendipity for these two with lots of things in common but it’s their first meeting in the bookstore. Author Fiona Gable sees many posters around town for her ex husband’s band. Going into the bookstore starts a string of events that bring him back into her life. Leona has set up couples but never experienced a fated love herself. Until a repairman comes in and fixes more than a burst pipe.
The stories intermix and have a lot of connection points and common couples. Each of the stories is sweet and comforting where love happens quickly. Additional background stories make their connections all the more special. ...more
Remy by Elle James Bayou Brotherhood Protector series #1. Spin off from other Brotherhood Protectors series and locations. Ex military romantic suspensRemy by Elle James Bayou Brotherhood Protector series #1. Spin off from other Brotherhood Protectors series and locations. Ex military romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone romance. Remy is hired to set up the new Louisiana location of the protection agency Brotherhood Protectors. With perfect timing, he is available to go to the aid of Shelby Taylor, a sheriff’s deputy that has been hurt in the line of duty. Remy and Shelby have known each other for a long time and only recently had a weekend of fun together. Remy will do whatever he needs to do In protecting Shelby because she may just be his future.
Fast moving suspense, action and catching the bad guys. With a little relationship building and steamy fun times along the way. Follows the basic format for all the various Protectors books, this one with the heroine also being law enforcement and helping push back the criminals from her small home town. It’s always an adventure with these ex military men as they protect, serve, and find a love to last a lifetime. 4.5...more
The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy Avalon Bay series #3. Contemporary romance. New Adult. HFN. Can be read as a stand-alone. Alternating first person chapThe Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy Avalon Bay series #3. Contemporary romance. New Adult. HFN. Can be read as a stand-alone. Alternating first person chapters between Cassie and Tate. Cassie Soul is spending the summer of her twenty-first birthday in Avalon Bay. She plans to have a fun and easy summer and to reconnect with her father and step sisters. Maybe she’ll even have a summer fling. Tate seems to be the perfect candidate to have some fun with but he’s keeping her firmly in the friend zone.
The Block Party by Jamie Day Mystery suspense, dual timeline. Multiple POV’s. There is a murder at the annual Alton Road summer party. Only the residenThe Block Party by Jamie Day Mystery suspense, dual timeline. Multiple POV’s. There is a murder at the annual Alton Road summer party. Only the residents of the exclusive cul-de-sac are invited and neighbors outside the block want to know what happened and why. Going back one year, we meet the residents and gradually learn about their lives and more, their secrets.
He’s My Cowboy, anthology by Diana Palmer, Rebecca Zanetti and Delores Fossen Contemporary romance. Cowboy country in Colorado, Wyoming and Texas. SligHe’s My Cowboy, anthology by Diana Palmer, Rebecca Zanetti and Delores Fossen Contemporary romance. Cowboy country in Colorado, Wyoming and Texas. Slight paranormal edge to the Palmer story. Second chance troupe for the Zanetti and Fossen stories. Ex-military in all three stories.
The Hawk’s Shadow By Diana Palmer Nemara is called to investigate a skeleton found in the small town of Benton, Colorado. She’s a forensic anthropologist that Gil’s called in, knowing he doesn’t have the expertise needed to clear the scene. While initially seeming antagonistic, Gil soon realizes there is more to Nemara than he expected when she observes details that he totally overlooked. The two investigate the twelve year old crime and while they talk with various people that remember the man, they also find they have a lot in common with each other.
A match is made in the the most unexpected places. Sweet and geeky.
Rescue: Rancher Style by Rebecca Zanetti Greg leaves the military and returns to the family ranch to take care of his brother’s children. Tara, his former girlfriend and local schoolteacher is asked to be a character witness at a custody case. Tara gets pulled into the family as Greg tries to support the children while they get over their grief and figure out their way forward.
From the Redemption, Wyoming series, wild wolf Harley laughs after he’s made Tara drive off the rode and into a local marsh. From there, it’s family drama and rebellion. Greg really needs to work on his communication skills. The silent cowboy thing and “my word is law” is not working for anyone!
A Cowboy Kind of Romance by Delores Fossen Brenna leaves the military to return home for a job as deputy. Her homecoming reception is filled with surprises, the biggest is that the families want her to get back together with Theo from their high school days. Theo is also back in town to to stay after a successful rodeo career and he’s still feeling the heat of Brenna though he knows he hurt her when he left town back then. Everyone is matchmaking and Brenna and Theo are having a hard time ignoring it all.
Sparks cannot be denied in this second chance romance between a cowboy and soon-to-be deputy.
The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher Cold Stone Creamery series #1. Contemporary women’s Christian fiction. After Dawn’s finance tells her he doesn’tThe Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher Cold Stone Creamery series #1. Contemporary women’s Christian fiction. After Dawn’s finance tells her he doesn’t want to get married only a few days before the wedding, Dawn decides to take the honeymoon trip anyway. Dawn’s mother decides to go with. She lost her own husband less than a year ago and together the two women can get away for a week and either relax or try to make decisions about their future. In Cape Cod, Marnie finds a mostly abandoned creamery and decides it’s just the thing to restart their lives. Pretty soon Marnie and Dawn are in the middle of rehab and ice cream.
A light emotional journey as the two women access their current lives and twist to the unexpected. They get help from a local pastor and grief from the president of the Preservation Society as they move through the spring with purpose and determination.
A charming rebirth / reassessment for the two women....more
Wolf on the Wild Side by Terry Spear Paranormal wolf shifter romance. Not listed as part of a specific series but many characters from prior books makeWolf on the Wild Side by Terry Spear Paranormal wolf shifter romance. Not listed as part of a specific series but many characters from prior books make appearances. Kayla and Nate have been dating exclusively for awhile. Both were fine with taking their relationship slowly and now feel it’s time to take the next step to mate. Meanwhile, local jewelry stores are being broken into evidence points to one or more of the robbers stayed at the inn that Kayla helps manage. Danger ramps up as a stranger is found dead in the woods and another escapes the police when questioned. Kayla and Nate decide to go camping to get away and find trespassers, and trouble, over and over again.
Repeatedly finding trespassers and people around what is supposed to be a secluded cabin began to be comical. Kayla and Nate are either blessed or cursed by interruptions of their alone time. And they are apparently charmed as well in finding hidden bags of jewelry. Bringing in previous characters such as the sheriff and pack master and prior couples makes the story fun for regular readers. Sisters trying to beat each other through the door and bestie pets make the story comforting and precious. I got a little bored of the dressing and undressing, shifting, and cooking meals for the day. I know it was to extend the timeline but there were lags of nothing happening, then another trespassing and shifting. Lots of high heat and sexy scenes included too. 3.5
The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen Contemporary magical realism. Multiple timelines. Emily moves in with Grandpa Vance. When she firstThe Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen Contemporary magical realism. Multiple timelines. Emily moves in with Grandpa Vance. When she first gets there, the house is old and gray with shingles and paint chips raining down in the yard. She loses her charm bracelet that was her mother’s but it shows up back on the table outside. She’s not sure how it got there. Emily knows nothing about her mother at her own age and she doesn’t understand why she’s asked to leave a party, so spends time asking questions of Wynn Coffee, her grandfather and people from the small town. There is a secret the town keeps that she thinks may be why her mother left and never returned. Julie bakes pastries and pies for the BBQ restaurant she inherited to make enough money to sell. She’s staying two years only. Julie offers to be a friend to Emily. Julie and Sawyer reconnect but Julie has a secret as well. The story continues with Julie in the current timeline, as well as some of the past, while Emily learns about her mother’s past.
Overlapping and interwoven timelines and life of the three women. ...more
Summer on Sunshine Bay by Debbie Mason Contemporary romance. Multigenerational family. Lila is surprised with a trip to Sunshine Bay by her fiancé. He Summer on Sunshine Bay by Debbie Mason Contemporary romance. Multigenerational family. Lila is surprised with a trip to Sunshine Bay by her fiancé. He has been hired to manage a new resort restaurant in the community which is in direct competition with her family restaurant. Lila’s family is happy to have her home but because of a marriage curse, will try to sabotage the massive wedding that’s planned in just a few short weeks.
Multiple romances bloom and grow in this story across generations. It’s sweet. There are a lot of secondary characters but all are important to the various storylines that lightly branch from the main line. So much can be said about family and how they all interact. This is primarily strong women focused with women supporting each other. Lovely.
Gone Rogue by Stephanie Rowe 3rd book in the Mia xxxx mystery series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Cozy Murder mystery. It’s the time of year for the Gone Rogue by Stephanie Rowe 3rd book in the Mia xxxx mystery series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Cozy Murder mystery. It’s the time of year for the Bass Derby Strawberry Bake-Off and Rogue is missing. She’s won 4 times and this our be the year the trophy would be named after her. Hattie, Mia and Lucy try to find Rogue but find a dead body instead. Of course they do. It’s been a whole ten days since they found the last one, so it was time. The dead woman left town years ago with the rumor of a million dollars in diamonds. With her own bodyguard missing, Mia is on the suspect list. It’s going to be up to Seam Ripper crew to track the clues and find the answers.
Crazy antics, unbelievably insane women, in a “what are they thinking?” kind of way, following the clues, and making all the pieces fit together. Zany mystery and group of amateur sleuths, getting it done. Even while real murder and danger threatens. Twists and turnabouts that defy logic. Just go along for the ride. It’s amusing and crafty.
Excerpts that totally amused me: “Gather as many Seam Rippers as you can and meet us at the entrance to the contest tent to help us unload. We'll have about three minutes to set up. And help Lucy stall the judges." "Got it!" Bootsy hung up immediately without asking for more info, which made me wonder exactly how often the Seam Rippers got into trouble. Given what I knew about them, it was probably pretty frequent. Did I really want to hang out with them? Yes. Yes, I did. —————————————————————-
Friends didn't let friends get revenge-killed for murders they didn't commit. Basic friendship rules right there. ——————————————————————
“But if they're innocent and we don't warn them, and then they get murdered, the guilt will haunt us forever." "Speak for yourself," Hattie said. "Everyone is responsible for their own well-being. Our job is to find the murderer and keep other folks from being murdered." I raised my brows. "You literally just said that other people being murdered isn't our problem." Hattie sighed. "We have to let people fend for themselves so we can save them. Obviously.” Excerpt From Gone Rogue by Stephanie Rowe ...more
Peril anthology A cop killer plans a bank robbery in Denver, escapes and travels through Redemption, WY where a number of robberies occur. On the run Peril anthology A cop killer plans a bank robbery in Denver, escapes and travels through Redemption, WY where a number of robberies occur. On the run again, the fugitive goes back to Colorado trying to escape capture.
Redemption by Alexandra Ivy Pike, Wisconsin 4.5. Or series spin-off. Romantic suspense. Police procedural. Closed door. Tessa Ralston is working cold cases in Pike, WI when she gets word that a cop killer is on the way back to Denver. She jumps on a plane and heads home to catch this criminal once and for all. Ian Sullivan is very happy to have Tessa back in Denver. He will partner with Tessa on the case and hopefully convince her to also heat up their past relationship and give it another try.
Suspenseful and action packed. A couple twists are eye opening for Tessa and spin her world around.
Rescue: Hero Style by Rebecca Zanetti Redemption,WY series. Romantic suspense. Caden has PTSD and nightmares. When he has one with Elle in his bed, he’s afraid he will hurt her, so he leaves to get training on dealing with his issues. Unfortunately he didn’t tell Elle all the details. She felt abandoned and left him. Now that he’s back, they need to deal with the misunderstandings if there is any hope of reconciliation. Meanwhile, a few new people in town are stirring up trouble and Elle seems to be in the middle of every time.
Emotional conflict, sheriff car stolen, coffee shop and diner robbed, dynamite charges going off and the CattleMan Club that Caden is sure is more than just helpful new citizens. Plus, Harvey is a wild wolf but shows up in strategic places. He may be following Elle? Definite unanswered questions in this story but the romance wraps successfully.
One Last Kiss by Kat Martin Blood Ties: The Logan’s, #3.5. Romantic suspense. Libby is an heiress. But in order to get her money, she needs to spend 30 days at a ranch. Working! Her Louboutins will never survive. Sam was brought up with good manners. He can’t believe he made Libby carry some of her own luggage up to her room. But the will rules are strict and he’s to treat her like any other employee. It’s going to be a struggle to ignore his own attraction to the beautiful woman. But is not all horses and hay bales on the ranch. Someone doesn’t want Libby to succeed. They want her dead.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley ...more
Wyoming Mountain Murder by Juno Rushdan Cowboy State Lawman series #5. Harlequin Intrigue. Contemporary romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-aloneWyoming Mountain Murder by Juno Rushdan Cowboy State Lawman series #5. Harlequin Intrigue. Contemporary romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone. Closed door. Charlie runs a self-defense training company. She also advocates for abused women and helps them escape when needed. After getting a call from a cop’s wife, Charlie goes to the house to help but finds the kitchen covered in blood and drag marks out the door. Conventionally for someone, the house catches fire and then explodes as Charlie gets outside. The wife is missing and Charlie is sure it’s the cop and there is a coverup by his fellow officers. Helping Charlie investigate is Wyoming detective Brian Bradshaw from a joint task force. His first job is to keep Charlie safe.
Fast paced intrigue and action. This book in the series has a bit more romance than the prior books. Brian and Charlotte met at a charity ball the prior year and they both acknowledge their chemistry is intense. She’s skittish though and doesn’t want anything to do with cops because of childhood experience. They have to put it all aside as they try to find the missing woman. Explosive finish. ...more
Doctorshipped by Savannah Scott Getting Shipped series #5. Contemporary romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone. Grumpy sunshine troupe. Jayme feDoctorshipped by Savannah Scott Getting Shipped series #5. Contemporary romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone. Grumpy sunshine troupe. Jayme feels like she’s the last single person in Bordeaux. She handles her multiple jobs with dexterity and joy. She has a goal. Accepting a tutoring job for the new doctor and his daughter has Jayme feeling a bit smitten. Maybe her man-free declaration was premature.
The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak Contemporary romance / mystery or romantic suspense. Twenty years ago a young girl went missing on Mariners Island. The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak Contemporary romance / mystery or romantic suspense. Twenty years ago a young girl went missing on Mariners Island. Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teens themselves and friends that spent their days on the beach together. When police asked where everyone was at the time, Ivy and Ariana stretched the truth and covered for Cam that night. New evidence has surfaced and reopened the investigation. Cam is again the prime suspect and Ariana has to help find answers. She can’t believe he would hurt anyone.
Strong friends, rekindled love interest, and a mystery that’s been left unsolved for too long. Someone knows more. And this time, Ariana doesn’t want to walk away from Cam.
Cam is very needy. There is an underlying story there. I enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery. It was more than I expected from a summertime read. ...more
Return to Hummingbird Way by Reece Ryan Holly Grove Island #2. Contemporary diverse/own voice romance. Small town, Second chance troupes. Garrett DavenpReturn to Hummingbird Way by Reece Ryan Holly Grove Island #2. Contemporary diverse/own voice romance. Small town, Second chance troupes. Garrett Davenport returns home for a family event. Sinclair Buchanan has organized the event and seeing Garrett there gets her heart racing. He reciprocates but both have busy lives and aren’t sure anything more is possible, much less advisable. Enter granny, Mama Mae with a rehab decorating project she wants Sin to manage, has Sin and Rett working together on the project. Can their geographic differences be overcome so they can peruse a more permanent relationship?
Sin and Rett clearly have chemistry (steammmy!) but competing careers and where they peruse those careers is a big factor. One or both will have to make changes and compromises. Both seem happy and successful where they are so that typically means something changes over the course of the story. I was thinking that I dislike this conflict, but I guess it’s real life. Your new job / opportunity / love may require some changes. Sin and Rett work well together on the rehab and in their relationship. Mama Mae adds some wonderful life commentary, and yes, change happens to get our HEA. Steamy, and charming.
Dread and Buried by Angie Fox Southern Ghost Hunter mystery series #12. Paranormal. Can be read as a stand-alone but better if at least the first few iDread and Buried by Angie Fox Southern Ghost Hunter mystery series #12. Paranormal. Can be read as a stand-alone but better if at least the first few in the series are read for character background. Verity and Ellis agree to a treasure hunt weekend adventure for Melody’s birthday. Melody’s boyfriend, Alec Duranja, will team up with Melody, which makes it a bit like a couples weekend. Verity has promised herself and Melody that she will be nice and respect his position as a team member, though it goes against everything she feels about the man. But for Melody, Verity will learn to hold her tongue. Verity has also brought along her resident ghost, Frank. He may bring an advantage to the treasure hunting on the little island that’s said to be haunted by pirates.
What do you get when you mix a ghost from the gangster era with pirates? A taxidermy parrot that clips to the shoulder, swashbuckling chatter, drinking and probably a duel or two. And a mystery killer that doesn’t want someone else to find the treasure. While this specific book doesn’t take place in Sugarland, Verity takes her charm and southern wit along for the ride and she will need all the patience she can manage trying to get along with Duranja. Another fun ghost adventure. It’s amusing, and a bit scary, when the ghosts acknowledge the living. ...more
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