Always a Bridesmaid by Marina Adair A Revved-Up Romance series #1. Contemporary sports related romance. Jane Drisdol is a Bridesmaid for Hire. She ownsAlways a Bridesmaid by Marina Adair A Revved-Up Romance series #1. Contemporary sports related romance. Jane Drisdol is a Bridesmaid for Hire. She owns a company that allows a bride to hire someone to stand in and help organize a wedding from within the bridal party. Jane has been hired to pretend to be a specific socialite at a wedding in England, a long time friend of the bride. After an unfortunate squabble with a pushy male at the airport, Janet finds out he is the brother of the bride and one of the main people that’s she’s supposed to fool with the socialite identity. Jane is used to performing, so spins story and after story to keep Henry Norris from guessing what’s going on. He’s used to fast cars and fancy women as a Formula One driver living in Monaco but Jane has him tied up in knots. Something about her just doesn’t add up and for every question he asks, she’s able to spin another explanation. Henry is both frustrated and revved up.
The Cloud Kingdom by Kristen Painter Midlife Fairytale series #3. Paranormal women’s fiction. Best read in series order. Not yet a complete series. QueThe Cloud Kingdom by Kristen Painter Midlife Fairytale series #3. Paranormal women’s fiction. Best read in series order. Not yet a complete series. Queen Sparrow has a goal of reuniting the Radiant fae with the Grym fae, but Queen Anyka thinks both kingdoms should be hers. Anyka thinks the answer is in the dark magic grimoire and she’ll do anything to get her hands on it. War or peace?
Hers for the Weekend by Helena Greer Cardigan’s Christmasland series #3. Contemporary sapphic romance. Fake relationship troupe. Can be read as a standHers for the Weekend by Helena Greer Cardigan’s Christmasland series #3. Contemporary sapphic romance. Fake relationship troupe. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series since couples from the previous books are secondary characters in this book. No-nonsense lawyer Tara Sloane Chadwick has been invited to her ex’s wedding. At Carrigan’s Christmasland. It’s not just a polite invite. They want her to attend. In a moment of panic, she commits to attending but tells them she’s bringing her new girlfriend. Now she just needs to find one. Holly Delaney is a waitress and baker and is being pressure to go home to Iowa for Christmas where her family is as well as her ex-wife. When Tara asks Holly to be her fake plus one at holiday wedding at Carrigan’s Christmasland, she jumps on the excuse to not go home. Plus, she’s got a major crush on Tara so it’s the perfect opportunity to have a fun fling and then walk away. A perfect setup in her mind. Tara and Holly agree to a temporary arrangement but feelings soon get in the way as well of their jobs and lifestyles. They will have to decide if they stick to the breakup plan or take a chance on more.
Both women have a past that’s getting in their way of a future. It will take their friends and a lot of self analysis to move forward. Neither wants to change their life. Plenty of angst, more sizzling steam between all the couples, and lots of cutesy Jewish Christmasland and wedding traditions. Reconnect took too long on the calendar IMO but I know the in depth heart searching couldn’t have been easy. It was fun to have the previous characters integrated into this story which I assume is the last in the series. Holiday romance. Holiday magic.
The Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull Historical romantic fiction. Multi-timeline and POV. Berlin 1961: Lise Bauer lives with her father and brother inThe Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull Historical romantic fiction. Multi-timeline and POV. Berlin 1961: Lise Bauer lives with her father and brother in East Berlin and is studying to be a doctor in West Berlin where she meets Uli Neumann. Uli and Lisa fall in love and get engaged. She won’t wear the engagement ring until they can have dinner with her father. Two days later, East Germany puts up a barbed wire fence, separating East from West, splitting the city into two hostile halves. Lise is on the East side when the wall goes up. They try to convince the guards they are engaged. They try to find a place to go over or around the wire but get caught. Lise is stuck behind the iron curtain when the wire is replaced with a more permanent wall of cement. Socialist East Germany will not let their citizens leave. Mail is censored. People are watched. Then Lise realizes she’s pregnant. Her life is now under a microscope.
On the West side of the Wall, Uli is devastated he can’t be together with Lise. He convinces his friends they need to build a tunnel to get Lise and other family out of East Germany. It’s a dangerous plan, more than likely to fail, but Uli was in school to be an engineer. He and his friends are sure they can figure out structure, support and placement. Digging and building will have to be in secret. This is not something that will happen in a week, but rather months. Uli and Lise will have to live on their own side and follow strict rules while waiting for the tunnel to be completed.
Devastating separation for so many families. The wall went up without warning and there was no way across for German citizens. The compelling storytelling broke my heart. I was too young at the time to remember it going up, but I do remember all the news of when the wall came down. Uli is so strong and committed to helping. Lise will do her part but living in the east comes with strict rules and so many eyes and difficult decisions. A lot of tears. When the wall comes down, and we know it did, there is a lot of healing to be done. Almost thirty years of loss, life, and missing family. This romance is difficult and long awaited. This story of Uli and Lise is a romance. So many others, weren’t so lucky.
Fighting for Magnolia by Katie Reus Redemption Harbor Security series #4. Romantic suspense. Spin off from Redemption Harbor series and Red Stone SecurFighting for Magnolia by Katie Reus Redemption Harbor Security series #4. Romantic suspense. Spin off from Redemption Harbor series and Red Stone Security series. Second chance troupe. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series since characters and some minor story mentions overlap. Seventeen years ago, as teens in school, Magnolia Lavigne and Ezra Hunt were from very different economic backgrounds but they fell in love anyway. They were making plans for the future until suddenly he ghosted her. She found out he went into the military but was never able to find him again. Ezra is back in New Orleans helping to open and work for the new branch of Redemption Harbor Security. He didn’t want to come back to the place where his heart was torn apart but it’s his job. When he sights a drive by shooter aiming for the house he’s in front of, he drags the women to the ground in protective mode. It’s Magnolia and she has a stalker and he’s going to make sure she’s now protected. When he finds out their breakup wasn’t her but interfering family, he’s all the more determined to make sure she’s safe.
Neither ever really forgot. Both still have feelings for each other. Add in a well brought up young man by a dedicated mother and successful business woman and the trio tentatively join forces for the future. Now to figure out who is sending the threats and stop them. Ezra and Redemption Harbor Security is on it. Fast moving story, and relationships. Friendships between the members of the security team are solid, and supportive which makes for a full cast in this story. Hot and steamy scenes for the couple. And a sweet dog from the prior book visits. A great romance built in with the friendships of found family. Loved it. ...more
I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram Contemporary diverse M-M romance. Alternating POV. At thirty-seven, Farzan Alavi thinks his love life is a I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram Contemporary diverse M-M romance. Alternating POV. At thirty-seven, Farzan Alavi thinks his love life is a disaster after his most recent heartbreak. There are times he thinks his whole life is messed up and going nowhere. He’s not particularly happy being a substitute teacher but what are his options? When his two besties aren’t available for a night out, Farzan goes alone to the new restaurant and gets a table for one. He’s surprised by the flirting by the hot sommelier but he’s free and single and goes with it. David Curtis is told that a famous and influential food critic is at the restaurant and he offers up a supreme bottle of wine. The two flirt through dinner and more. It’s only the next morning, both David and Farzan realize the error but they’ve had a great night and laugh it off. When Farzan inherits his family’s bistro, he knows just the person to call to help improve the wine list and make the restaurant a destination. But their fun can only be short term. David is moving to Los Angeles. And even though they both start falling in love, their future doesn’t appear to be together.
An Irish Bookshop Mystery by Lucy Connelly Mercy McCarthy mystery series #1. With the gift of an unexpected inheritance, sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarAn Irish Bookshop Mystery by Lucy Connelly Mercy McCarthy mystery series #1. With the gift of an unexpected inheritance, sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy move to Shamrock Cove, Ireland where their grandfather left them a house and a bookstore. Lizzy will run the bookstore while Mercy, as a mystery writer will be able to write from her new home office. As soon as they get to their new home, they find a woman on the floor. Fortunately she’s just sleeping but the next man down is shouting “you’re murders” and promptly dies with Mercy over him trying to save his life. As a mystery writer, Mercy feels like she has the ability to investigate. The police chief disagrees and the two have several run-ins as Mercy uncovers clues and basically gets in his way. Of corse, she doesn’t see it that way! She’s just trying to clear her name.
Wolf Promise by Asa Marie Bradley Norse Warriors Protectors series, #5. Paranormal wolf shifter romance. Alternating POV. Can be read as a stand-alone Wolf Promise by Asa Marie Bradley Norse Warriors Protectors series, #5. Paranormal wolf shifter romance. Alternating POV. Can be read as a stand-alone but many of the secondary characters have their own stories in the previous series books. Regina Lansford is the CEO of a Fortune 500 company about to go public and is receiving increasingly violent and threatening threats from an unknown source. Her grandfather hires a private security firm instead of going to the police. Wolf shifter Bolt Varg is used to protecting his assignments but is shocked when his boss sets up a fake fiance scenario. He’s already attracted to Regina and even his wolf is sitting up and taking notice of her. This is not a good start to a professional situation. Regina is attracted to the beefy and fit bodyguard and not used to someone always being around. She also has to keep her weird powers hidden and she’s not sure she can do that without her alone time to get them under control.
Threats, a wolf mate, dangerous powers, and learning the paranormal world is real makes this story suspenseful, a bit humorous, and a one sitting read. Highly enjoyable. 4.5...more
Dark Restraint by Katee Robert Dark Olympus series #7. Dark mythology Fantasy romance retelling with erotica elements. Can be read as a stand-alone. ADark Restraint by Katee Robert Dark Olympus series #7. Dark mythology Fantasy romance retelling with erotica elements. Can be read as a stand-alone. Ariadne Vitalis grew up with a strict and cruel father. She defies her virginity required destiny, aka political manipulation and has a steamy encounter with the Minotaur she’s always wanted. Complications and betrayal plus political maneuvers had Ariadne engaged to Dionysus. The Minotaur was promised Ariadne and he will do whatever is necessary to have her. She’s meant for him. And while she knows her father has ordered the Minotaur to kill her, she cannot resist the passion they share.
Very Dark and super steamy. Political games intensify setting up the next story. The Minotaur is violent except with Ariadne, but he is very possessive of her. Nothing, in capital letters, in this book is on my preferred troupes list, yet I continue to be compelled to indulge.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley as Wish Granted on release day. ...more
The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen Historical fiction, multi-time line. A child disappears in 1968 and the city is captivated, worrying about their own childThe Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen Historical fiction, multi-time line. A child disappears in 1968 and the city is captivated, worrying about their own children’s safety. Liz Haughton is a reporter wasting her skills assigned to Obituaries. Tired of being treated as if she has no skills, Liz follows a friend and police officer to Dorset. They find a history of missing children and Liz is plunged into personal memories and a compelling need to find answers about the ruins of the village of Tydeham.
An intriguing mystery investigation without the benefit of today’s technological advances. It’s also many years into the past and finding the right questions and people to talk to could be like a drop in a bucket of water. Maybe it’s small town or sheer luck, but she finds the first answer which makes her keep following any connections she can find. Luck or skill? You’ll know the answers before Liz does, but the story is still skillfully crafted and worth reading....more
What She’s Having by Laura Moher Big Love from Galway series #2. Contemporary second-chance romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but characters from tWhat She’s Having by Laura Moher Big Love from Galway series #2. Contemporary second-chance romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but characters from the first book are present in this second book and could be considered a spoiler. First person, present tense. Alternating POV. Multi-timeline via sequential letters. Joe Anderson moves back to Galway, North Carolina after twenty years hoping to reconnect with his one true love. He only recently learned that all the letters he wrote to her, were never delivered. He wants a second chance. He’s never stopped loving her. July Tate is a powerhouse in the town of Galway. She cooks and runs a popular and busy restaurant, helps and supports a group of veterans every week, plays on the town softball league and gets involved in other community improvements. What she doesn’t do, is involve her heart. The devastation left behind when she lost the love of her life is simply too much to bear a second time. When Joe shows up back in town with a pile of undelivered letters addressed to her, she’s unwilling to soften her heart. She simply can’t go a loss like that again.
Vampire’s Never Say Die by Gloria Duke Slaying It series #2. Paranormal vampire romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. First person, present tense, allVampire’s Never Say Die by Gloria Duke Slaying It series #2. Paranormal vampire romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. First person, present tense, all from Carrie’s POV. Carrie Adams wakes up “ripped” one morning and finds she’s now a vampire slayer. Crazy! Turns out an annoying coworker opted to become a vampire and universe rules require balance, thus Carrie’s change. She needs to figure out what this means for her aspiring acting career as well as her growing feelings for the vampire that caused all this.
Bishop’s Flight by Elizabeth Hunter Elemental Covenant series #4. A spin off from the Elemental Legacy series. Paranormal mystery. Can be read as a staBishop’s Flight by Elizabeth Hunter Elemental Covenant series #4. A spin off from the Elemental Legacy series. Paranormal mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series as there is an overall ARC. This book isn’t necessarily a cliffhanger, but there are unfinished issues at the end that will be part of the next book. Carwyn Bryn and Brigid Connor are elemental and altruistic vampires. In this story, they travel to Las Vegas to search for a kidnapped son of the vampire leaders of the city. Proof of life is received but there is a deadline that must be met or the boy’s life will be forfeited. Carwyn and Brigid use both their detective skills and their vampire abilities to search for clues knowing the kidnapping may have been directed at them as an underlying goal.
Intense. The game of chess has been around for a long time and the use in this storyline is impressive with descriptions of pieces in history and their importance by Lucas. His analysis and ability to express his thoughts make him brave and able to quasi remove himself, at least mentally, from his perilous situation. I hope we eventually get to see more of Lucas.
From the author notes, the next book will merge with the Legacy series so now is the best time to catch up!
Merged review:
Bishop’s Flight by Elizabeth Hunter Elemental Covenant series #4. A spin off from the Elemental Legacy series. Paranormal mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series as there is an overall ARC. This book isn’t necessarily a cliffhanger, but there are unfinished issues at the end that will be part of the next book. Carwyn Bryn and Brigid Connor are elemental and altruistic vampires. In this story, they travel to Las Vegas to search for a kidnapped son of the vampire leaders of the city. Proof of life is received but there is a deadline that must be met or the boy’s life will be forfeited. Carwyn and Brigid use both their detective skills and their vampire abilities to search for clues knowing the kidnapping may have been directed at them as an underlying goal.
Intense. The game of chess has been around for a long time and the use in this storyline is impressive with descriptions of pieces in history and their importance by Lucas. His analysis and ability to express his thoughts make him brave and able to quasi remove himself, at least mentally, from his perilous situation. I hope we eventually get to see more of Lucas.
From the author notes, the next book will merge with the Legacy series so now is the best time to catch up!...more
Worst in Show by Anna E Collins Contemporary romance. Enemies to lovers troupe. Cora Lewis is an aspiring fashion designer working in her grandfather’sWorst in Show by Anna E Collins Contemporary romance. Enemies to lovers troupe. Cora Lewis is an aspiring fashion designer working in her grandfather’s Happy Paws pet store, trying to keep it solvent. When a new Canine King goes in across the street, she gets worried about the competitiveness of her grandfather’s shop. When she finds out it’s owned by a popular home town man just one year ahead of her in school, her worry intensifies. A dog show prize motivates Cora to enter her grandfather’s rescue dogs. No surprise, Leo Salinger, from the new store enters his dog too and soon Cora and Leo agree to train their dogs together. Can the two stores coexist and can Cora and Leo find more in common?
The dogs and their uniqueness and funny antics are the cutest in this story. Leo is such a good guy with his positive attitude and willingness to read across street and include all his new neighbors in everything. I didn’t like Cora’s petty tricks and jokes but those are always a no for me. Both Cora and Leo have back family issues that are only touched on at a surface level but do muck up the works for the couple. Leo plays hero in the contest. Such a hero. 3.5
Holding Out for a Gyro by Mary Ann Marlowe Contemporary romance. Alternating 1st person POV’s. Chelsea Abbott and her best friend have a list of goals.Holding Out for a Gyro by Mary Ann Marlowe Contemporary romance. Alternating 1st person POV’s. Chelsea Abbott and her best friend have a list of goals. Some of it is easy, some is stuff that scares you. Each crossed out line item gets points for vacations and traveling which Chelsea loves to do. Visit a museum, take a class, double date, forgive someone, have an authentic and open conversation with a stranger. Out for a drink, the two women approach a couple of men at the bar where Chelsea is going to be totally honest even if it terrifies here. She surprised when they hit it off and she ends up going home with him. But Chelsea is a one-time and done woman. No ties. No commitments. Even if it was the best night of her life, she’ll walk away. Basil Stavros feels that he and Chelsea really connect and he sees a long term relationship between them. They live close to each other and between her coffee shop and picking up meals everyday where he works, they been crossing paths for months. He’s ready for more.
Chelsea has family issues and while she’s working on them with her therapist, it’s slow going. Bas wins her over with his food, his family, his enthusiasm and his heart. But she’s lived with her heart behind walls since she was young. There is a lot of heat as they date and there is also a lot of angst as she struggles with her growing feelings, knowing she can’t trust him to stay. So very slow relationship building.
Confirmed romance guaranteed ending but you’ll have to wait until the very end. It is awesome when she figures out that love opens a lot of doors.
There are occasional humorous moments but I would not call it a comedy or romcom. The below line though, had me chuckling and immediately marking it for sharing. He’s a chef. “From 2pm to 3pm, I cut the faces off crabs and drenched them through cornmeal, contemplating the horrors that awaited me in hell if these guys were there, too.”
The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord Contemporary romance. Second chance, friends to lovers, and fake relationship troupes. Trigger warnings of off page and The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord Contemporary romance. Second chance, friends to lovers, and fake relationship troupes. Trigger warnings of off page and prior to story loss of a sibling. June and Levi were childhood friends. He moved to New York for a job and they soon lost touch. Ten years later, after both experience a viral public breakup, they find themselves together again at her boardwalk tea shop, tentatively renewing their friendship. The come up with a scheme to fake date after a second viral moment and the slowly realize they want their old relationship back and perhaps to make it real this time.
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