Review: Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson

Juliet Arabella's family's chocolate shop has resided across the street from the Mezzanotts for generations and the families have been bitter rivals. Until one night at a masquerade ball, she meets sexy Leo. Little does she know the passionate, spontaneous kiss she shared was with none other than a Mezzanott! Except now a spark has lit and the two can't seem to stay away, even when they should. Now both are competing in Italy for a prestigous chocolate competition. Their choice is to find a way to end the family feud or end the relationship.

I read Wilson's other book based loosely off Pride & Prejudice and was pretty impressed. This one mirrors Romeo & Juliet (with a happier ending). I'm not normally a big fan of these rewrites or lit-based books, but Wilson has a lovely writing style and humor that make these pleasurable reads. As with the first book, there were a couple of unrealistic plot points, but other than that, this was a great read. Perfect setting, involved characters, decent conflict. Recommended!

Review: A Highlander's Obsession, by Vonnie Davis

Paisley Munro has found meaning in her life by working as a veterinary assistant. Her gift of being able to communicate with animals has felt more like a curse. While traveling to Scotland for a relative’s funeral, Paisley fears that she really has lost her mind.  Creighton Matheson is the clan leader of shape-shifting bears who have been roaming the land freely for centuries. Now Paisley may inherit his home, putting his kind in grave danger. His mistrust only deepens when he realizes she can read his mind. Yet the attraction and pull between them cannot be denied and they must choose what's in their hearts to let go of what's in their heads.

Where to begin? Where. To. Begin… From start to finish, conflict to resolution, this was sheer brilliance. There's the paranormal edge with shape-shifting bears (bears, not wolves--so refreshing) and a heroine who can speak to animals, plus a family castle with ghosts. Then there's the contemporary end with quirky humor and real problems. This wasn't a typical book to lump into one category. The hero and heroine were both relatable and the chemistry was electric. Solid, nail-biting conflict. Scottish Highlands, hot guy in a kilt. Oh yeah. The setting was detailed and put the reader right there. Most impressive was the way the lingo and dialog were delivered. Davis did her research and never pulled me out of the story for a minute. Highly recommended!

Review: An American Girl in Italy, by Aubrie Dionne

Any woman would kill for the chance to tour Italy’s most famous cities for the summer, but for Carly Davis, it's a hindrance. She's had to turn down gigs and private lessons to tour the couple of weeks with the Symphony. But one attraction has caught her eye…and heart. Tour guide and vineyard owner, Michelangelo, is dark and delicious. They may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but he's helping her to land a big gig and is quickly working his way under her skin. But with her promising career back in Boston, can Carly really afford to lose her heart in Italy?

At times, this book read like a new adult, and other times it read like a women's fiction. Nothing wrong with either, but I never felt the romance category vibe. Periodically, the heroine Carly came off as abrasive, but motivations were explained well and never made me dislike her or want to stop reading. There was a lot to like about this book. What stands out was the setting and details the author weaved in, making me feel like I was right there, enjoying the experience. Hello? Hot Italian guy? Vineyard owner? Sign me up! Dionne writes with an elegance not often found nowadays and focuses on the sweet versus the heat. This book was a nice change of pace and recommended. Love the cover too! 

Review: 'Til Death by Sharon Sala

Twenty years before, Lincoln Fox was wrongfully railroaded and convicted in the murder of his father. Now, he returns to Rebel Ridge, Kentucky, deep in the Appalachian Mountains, to uncover what really happened and bring the real culprit to justice. A task he knows could put him in danger and anger the close knit community. Plans take a crazy turn when he finds Meg Walker's wrecked car at the side of a snow-covered road. Meg was his high school sweetheart and first love. She always believed in his innocence, but a lot of time has passed since they crossed paths. In a twisted game of revenge and lies, secrets are unveiled and now Linc's mission is putting them both at risk. Someone/s wants the truth to stay buried, at any cost.

Sala is one of my go-to authors. I know I can pick up any of her books and be happy. It's refreshing to read a romance that's not as invested in the heat as it is in the heart. Thrilling suspense and three dimensional characters, packed with detailed setting and an array of secondary characters only add to the books intensity and charm. This was no exception. This is a Rebel Ridge novel (I believe book two) and not to be missed. Most impressive about this book was the uncovering of lies and lengths people will go to in order to escape their past or bury their secrets. The ending was excellent in its realism. Recommended!

Review: Anything But Love by Beth Ciotta

Reagan Deveraux spent a year in hiding in Sugar Creek, Vermont--a cozy little town where family and friends come before everything--and the home of the Cupcake Lovers. She's never experienced anything like it, especially growing up with a fame-hungry, B list actress like her mother. So when she leaves Sugar Creek after receiving her inheritance, she feels lost. Now she's in a position to help the town restore the daycare center and aid the Cupcake Lovers in securing their book deal.  But pub owner Luke Monroe--bachelor and seriously irresistible--has put a wrench in those plans. He's having a hard time getting past his attraction to Reagan and the fact that she lied to him, to everyone, for a whole year. More than the two of them are involved now. Can they forgive and forget for the sake of all involved?

I didn't have the pleasure of reading the other books in this series, but I'll be picking them up. As it appears, this is Book Four in the Cupcake Lovers series. There are a lot of characters in this book--a lot. At times it was hard to keep track, but Ciotta did a pretty great job of using subtle reminders. Ciotta also does a great job of hinting at the next book by being in those characters POV to tease at their beginning while working this story. I didn't feel like I needed to read the other books to understand this one, making it a stand alone. The setting was just lovely, as were the secondary characters. I love these small town romances because the setting and people make me wish they were real. The heat between Reagan and Luke was realistic, as was the way they handled…everything. Most impressive was the fact that I didn't question motives or actions or the ending. Recommended! 

Review: Burning Dawn by Gena Showalter

Book Three in the Angels of the Dark series. A tormented past has left Thane with an insatiable need for violence, making him the most dangerous assassin in the skies. Yet when he's captured and poisoned by the Phoenix, it's a mere halfling that saves him. Worse, she's invoking some serious protective urges and desires within him. Elin Vale has her own deep-rooted scars, and her attraction to the exquisite warrior who freed her from slavery challenges her every notion. But together they seem to heal each other, and as the wounds start to seal, the past becomes less important than securing a future together.

I became addicted to Showalter with her Lords of the Underworld series and am hooked on this one as well. I know when I pick up one of her books I'll be transferred into a world of blood and gore and revenge, while coming out with a HEA to make me swoon. Thane's tale was particularly interesting in the fact that when he and his fellow warriors were captured in hell, he wasn't touched, but he was tortured just the same by watching his comrades suffer. He came out of it a broken man and Elin brought back his softer, protective side. The BDSM angle--immortal style--was fun to watch transition into something Thane no longer needed. I loved Elin's spirit too, as she wasn't a weakling, even with few/no powers. You'll see snippets of the Lords ties and the ending to that series with hints in the storyline in this book. Cannot wait for Bjorn and Xeries' books next. 

Review: Afterburn/Aftershock, by Sylvia Day

Gianna's finally settling into her life and getting everything she wants. She's working under Lei Young, one of the sharpest business women in New York. Ever since her epic relationship disaster with Jax Rutledge, she learned to never mix business with pleasure, and to never bring politics into the bedroom. But two years later Jax returns and sabotages the deal she's been working on. Worse, it appears he's in cahoots with Lei's enemy. Yet the heat is still sizzling between them, and Gianna can't stay impassive. This time she's wiser and knows the rules of the game, but will the knowledge protect her heart?

AFTERBURN was a release in 2013, with AFTERSHOCK coming in 2014. This edition had both. I suggest this version. It's been awhile since I picked up a Day novel, and I don't know why it took me so long. She never disappoints. Sexy, snarky and edge of your seat wit, this book/s kept me reading half the night and rooting for both characters to resolve their differences. Not without a lack of conflict, this concluded perfectly and realistically. The setting and secondary characters added nicely to the story, especially Gianna's family and Lei. Highly recommended! 

Review: Inn at Last Chance, by Hope Ramsay

Jenny Carpenter has put her dream of marriage and children on hold to focus on another dream--turning the local Victorian haunted mansion into a B&B. But plans veer off course when the house's former owner shows up wanting it back. Bestselling horror writer Gabe Raintree is as tortured as his characters. He's on a deadline and needs home to finish writing his next book. But ghosts and pretty inn owners aren't the only distractions. Memories return and suddenly he doesn't know which ones are real.

I love this Last Chance series by Ramsay, but this one is my favorite to date. A few ghosts, a few memories, a few crazy townsfolk, a few secrets, and quite a few stolen glances of longing. The characters were dimensional and interesting, the setting ideal, and the plot well-developed. I had a hard time putting it down. Very highly recommended! 

Review: Cider Brook, by Carla Neggers

Samantha Bennett just wanted to get in and out of Knights Bridge undetected. But her goal of doing that, and unearthing a three-hundred year old mystery while trying to salvage her good name, is thwarted when she's caught in the cider mill as it goes up in flames. Of course she's also rescued by good-looking Justin Sloan in the process. Now she's finding herself invited to weddings, falling in love with the town, and the center of attention. Justin's the one who alerted her former mentor to her iffy past and got her fired two years ago. So why is there this crazy chemistry between them now? Why is her wanderlust gene suddenly wanting to stay?

Neggers never lets me down. Never. Though this book didn't have the edge of your seat twists I've come to expect, I was nonetheless enthralled by the story. The pirate angle tied together both with satisfaction and sweetness. The secondary characters and setting were outstanding. I also enjoyed the realistic approach between hero and heroine. By not jumping the gun and laying their souls bare, they got to know one another on a gut-deep level that made their journey fun. This is part of the Swift River Valley series, and not to be missed.

Review: Unleashing Mr. Darcy, by Teri Wilson

When a scandal ruins her teaching career in New York, Elizabeth Scott crosses the pond to England with her darling dog to accept a temporary position on the dog show circuit helping a family prepare for their tour. But her escape has a distraction in the form of one billionaire dog breeder Donovan Darcy. He's arrogant and sexy and disarming. Maybe Elizabeth will take home more than a blue ribbon when her trip is through.

It's hit or miss on these Pride and Prejudice based books. This one was a hit. In my opinion, Wilson took aspects of Austen without knocking it off, making for a cute, clever and cozy read. The setting was fabulous as was the array of secondary characters I fell in love with. My only contention was I felt the antics at the dog shows over the top and highly unlikely. Nonetheless, a must read! 

Review: The Wedding Favor, by Cara Connelly

Tyrell Brown is stuck at a destination wedding with the woman he despises most. Victoria Westin has been a thorn in his side for months, and now they're forced into this charade of pretending to be friendly to make sure the wedding goes smoothly. Except, darn it, she's growing on him. Vicky's had her share of hardships in life, but nothing compares to the feelings this sexy cowboy is instilling. And once they're back in the States, things heat up and get even more complicated. Could be they both had each other pegged wrong.

This is Connelly's debut book, and overall, I'm impressed. She has a smooth voice, apt to humor, and knows her conflict. The love/hate relationship between the hero and heroine was hot. The array of secondary characters didn't detract, but added to the story. The setting, bouncing from France to Texas to New York, was illustrated perfectly. My issue lay in the pacing. I could've done without the last half to quarter of this book. I understand why she separated them and allowed a "cooling off" period, but it only dragged the plot and made me lose interest. In saying that, I wouldn't hesitate to buy more of her books.

Review: Be Mine Forever, by Marina Adair

I've had the pleasure of reading all of Adair's Vineyard books, falling in love with them page by page. I'm addicted to her quick wit, fresh writing style, roaring humor, and three-dimensional characters. This book was no different. However, of all the titles to date, this one seemed to have the most heart. Trey snagged me immediately, and Sara was a wonderful match for him. It was nice to see this play out realistically and watch them grow. As always, the setting and secondary characters were perfect. Not to be missed!

BLURB: Trey DeLuca is the VP of sales for his family’s wine company, he’s never in any one city—or with any one woman—for long, which is how he likes it. But when family obligations keep him temporarily grounded in his hometown, he finds the perfect distraction. Between raising her son and struggling to keep her dance school afloat, Sara Reed has her hands full. Dance students she needs—a steamy tangled sheets cha-cha with a self-admitted commitment-phobe? Not going to happen. But sparks fly as the town prepares for a big Valentine’s Day gala, and Sara needs to teach Trey some new steps or risk losing him—and her heart—forever.

Review: Searching for Someday, by Jennifer Probst

I've had a book crush on Probst since getting addicted to her Marriage series. I was pleasantly surprised to see the little book of spells resurface for some new victims, er…possibilities. Whether you've read the previous series or not, Probst will hook you in and keep you wanting more. A genuine mix of humor and heart are in store with every book. The storyline for this one was especially cute, mixing a jaded divorce attorney with a heart-strong matchmaker. Most impressive was the witty dialog and bantering. At times the conflict stretched a bit, but it did not deter me from reading. Recommended. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

BLURB: In charming Verily, New York, Kate Seymour has a smashing success with Kinnections, the matchmaking service she owns with her two best girlfriends. But Kate’s more than a savvy businesswoman: She’s gifted with a secret power, a jolting touch that signals when love’s magic is at work. It rocked her when she picked up a strange volume of love spells in the town’s used bookstore . . . and it zapped her again when she encountered Slade Montgomery, the hot-tempered—and hot-bodied— divorce lawyer who storms into Kinnections demanding proof that playing Cupid won’t destroy his vulnerable sister, Kate’s newest client. The only way to convince this cynic that she’s no fraud, and that love is no mirage, is for Kate to meet his audacious challenge: find him his dream woman. Can Kate keep their relationship strictly business when her electrifying attraction nearly knocked her off her feet? Or has the matchmaker finally met her match?

Review: Fear for Me, by Cynthia Eden

I've been a fan of Cynthia Eden for years. She brings a fresh voice and true story-telling ability to every book. Each publication is well-crafted and researched to deliver an edge-of-your-seat thriller combined with steamy, realistic romance. Best of all, her conflict is never lacking. This story was bone-chilling in the way she brought back an old serial killer to finish the job. The setting in Baton Rouge added to the depth of creepiness. The heat between hero and heroine drew me in as much as the mystery. Best of all, the conclusion was drawn out and left no strings. Highly recommended!

BLURB: A shared passion for justice first brought Baton Rouge district attorney Lauren Chandler and US marshal Anthony Ross together—when each played their part in bringing down the infamous Bayou Butcher. The sparks flying between the two made it clear they weren’t just a legal dream team. Then desire had to make way for duty, and what they had was done. But it would never be over. Five years later, it’s none other than the Butcher who gets things started again, when his shocking jailbreak reunites the lawyer and the lawman…and reignites their love. But this time, the pair is in danger of being permanently parted—by a killer with revenge on his mind, and Lauren on the top of his list. As a new wave of terror sweeps through the streets and swamps of Baton Rouge, one man will pit his boundless passion against another’s relentless hate, for the life of the woman who obsesses them both.

Review: Autumn in the Vineyard, by Marina Adair

Sorrento Ranch is Frankie Baudouin's last chance to prove to her family—and to herself—that she has what it takes to be an award-winning winemaker. After being fired and all but disowned from her family, she will stop at nothing to ensure her success—even if it means playing nice with the Italian enemy. Sorento Ranch is Nate DeLuca's chance to make a dream come true and carry on his father's legacy. So when he finds himself forced to cohabitate with the incredibly gorgeous Frankie to fulfill a court order until the land dispute gets reasoned out, Nate is surprised to discover that among the chaos, sparks are flying.

I got hooked on Adair after receiving book one in this Vineyard series for review awhile back. Similar to Shalvis and Higgins, Adair's writing style is humorous, witty and sweet. Amidst the laughing-out-loud moments is a deep understanding of dreams and conflict and how to balance these elements. It makes for an engaging read. The setting, pacing and secondary characters were engaging and perfectly complimented the story. The romance was hot and wicked fun. Don't miss this series. 

Review: So Tough to Tame, by Victoria Dahl

Reeling from a scandal that's burned nearly all her bridges, Charlie Allington returns to her small hometown in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to figure out what to do. Working for a new resort in town isn't her dream job, but she's out of options. The only upside is her neighbor and childhood friend, Walker Pearce. The sexy cowboy has his own shame and past he's trying to overcome, but if they own up to their mistakes and learn to be honest with each other, they may just find what they've been looking for…in each other.

I'm ashamed to admit this is my first Dahl novel. This was sexy, flirty and fun, with a deep undercurrent that's often difficult to pull off. My only quirk is I feel the conflict dragged toward the end of the book, but that was rectified and didn't keep me from reading. The plot, secondary characters, setting, and antagonists were well placed and added to the story nicely. The romance was hot. I won't hesitate to read future books. Great writing style.

Review: The Sweetheart Bargain, by Shirley Jump

The Sweetheart Sisters are a trio of sassy grannies ready to dispense advice and meddle in the love lives of Rescue Bay residents.

Animal therapist Olivia Linscott ran away from a bad marriage and a dull life in Boston to the Florida coast after inheriting a house from the mother who gave her up at birth. Except the depilated shack and run down animal shelter isn't exactly what she had in mind. Determined to get answers and a fresh start, she finds a sister she never knew, prying clients, a stray dog, and a sexy, elusive next door neighbor. Luke Winslow's dreams died in a career-ending eye injury a year before. Bitter, he wants nothing to do with the attractive woman who just moved in, nor her rescue retriever who comes by daily. But involvement is just what he gets and they both just might find healing with each other.

From the start, the heart behind this book moved me, even when the dark, witty humor was evident. Olivia was optimistic and likable, and Luke was detached and broody. They made for a heady pair. This book really shined with Luke and his injury, though. It was satisfying watching him heal slowly and having a new life laid out for him. The secondary characters were a delight and the setting perfect. Also notable was how Jump didn't sugar-coat the relationships, the back-story, or the road to recovery for any of the characters. My only two quirks were the internal with the grandmother, Greta, as I felt it could have been toned down. We were in her head a bit too much. And even though Luke had issues, the constant back and forth, walking out, grew a little tiresome. One, twice--okay--not over and over. Alas, highly recommended and I'd buy more from this author.

Review: Weekday Bride Series, by Catherine Bybee

WIFE BY WEDNESDAY:

 

Blake Harrison is rich, titled, and charming…and in need of a wife by Wednesday. Samantha Elliot is the owner of matchmaking firm Alliance and not on the marital menu…that is, until Blake offers her ten million dollars for a one-year contract. All Samantha will need to do is keep her attraction to her new husband to herself and avoid his bed.

The match-making end was a new twist to an old theme, as was the marry for money plot. I encourage hesitant readers to look past the worn story idea and read this. Fresh. I love Bybee's writing style--both a mix of humor and heart. The setting was detailed, the characters lovable, and the plot solid. Kept me reading. Recommended.

MARRIED BY MONDAY:

Carter Billings could have any woman he wants. When he makes his bid for governor of California, he knows he must settle down and become a family man. Eliza Havens'
job is matching couples, but long-held secrets mean getting married isn’t an option. Until now.

Second in the series, this continued with the same verve as Book One. What made this stand out for me was the back-stories. Really got me vested in the hero and heroine. Again, the setting was perfect, the characters real, and the plot steady. A great series to dive into.

FIANCE BY FRIDAY:

Gwen Harrison is the beautiful, high-born daughter of an English duke came to America to take over her sister-in-law’s matchmaking business. But an enigmatic man she can't have haunts her dreams and can cost her more than she bargained for. Neil MacBain is a retired Marine and can’t deny the effect blue-blooded Gwen has on his troubled soul or his battle-hardened body. But as a client, Gwen is off-limits—until a threat from Neil’s past returns…and Gwen is caught in the crossfire.

Of all the books so far, this interested me the most. These two were hinted at in previous books and I couldn't wait to get involved with them. I wasn't let down. Both funny and sweet, I enjoyed watching Neil give in and Gwen getting what she really desired. Each book has a mild mystery/action element, but this book held the strongest to date. I turned the pages late into the night to get to the end. This series won't let you down.

SINGLE BY SATURDAY: (Coming January 2014)

Review: Staying at Joe's, by Kathy Altman

Allison Kincaid's boss has sent her on a mission to find Joe Gallahan and bring him back to the PR firm for a very important client. Millions of dollars and her job is on the line if she fails. Except her and Joe were more than just colleagues. Their out of office romance is what cost her a promotion last year. Joe agrees to help only if Allison stays for two weeks to help him restore his run-down motel. But wielding a hammer and working side by side again may just give them the second chance they both secretly crave, if only there weren't so many obstacles in their path.

 

This was my first time reading Altman, and I'm pretty impressed. This wasn't a formulaic category romance. The conflict was solid, the back-stories were intriguing, the romance hot, the characters dimensional, the setting ideal, and the secondary characters hilarious. The book had a smooth pace, wanting me to keep reading, and Altman's writing style was both sweet and funny. My only quirk was secondary character, Marcus. Without throwing up a spoiler alert, I didn't feel being in his head added anything of substance we couldn't have gotten from the heroine or hero. Alas, recommended!

Review: Call Me Wild, by Robin Kaye

Sportswriter Jessie James just got the pink slip from her dream job. Unable to support herself, she moves from New York to Idaho to stay in her best friend's house. Her plan is to write a formulatic romance and publish it quick while looking for another job and figuring out what she wants to do. But Jessie doesn't believe in love, so she finds Dr. Fisher Kincaid to be her "research" partner. The thing about romance is, the heart always gets involved. Now she needs to accept she may have been wrong all along or lose the one guy she really found herself falling for.

 

My only issue with the book was the ridiculous notion Jesse had about writing a romance. Being a romance writer myself, I got not only frustrated, but angry with the way she went about writing this book and her idiotic theories. Honestly, it was downright insulting. Kaye did a great job in putting her in place and giving her the proverbial slap upside the head, rectifying the situation. However, in the end, "publication/the big break/the call" came way too easily, almost proving Jessie right.

 

In saying that, in true Kaye style, this was funny and sweet and satisfying nonetheless. Kaye never lets me down. It was so rewarding watching Jesse be proven wrong and seeing her fall…right into Fisher's arms. Fisher and his family were quirky and sweet. Hilarious. I haven't read the other books, but I really need to. Especially Karma (the sister). Can't wait. Recommended.