Finally Home

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Book Review, Finally Home, Helen Scott Taylor

Finally Home is Helen Scott Taylor’s sweet story about a woman having to let go of her past in order to move forward with her future. Melanie Marshall is cautiously building a life for herself and her son as the manager of Greyfriar House Hotel. When her boss comes back from what was supposed to be his wedding trip without a wife, things get complicated. For unknown reasons, Jack Summers uses his new hotel manager as an excuse to call of his wedding. But now he can’t get her out of his thoughts and as he gets to know her and her son better, he realizes there may have been a reason after all. When Helen’s past finds her, though, can the budding romance between them be enough?

Melanie has some serious issues related to her marriage and the criminal actions of her dead husband. I really liked the fact that Taylor acknowledged that these would not be easily fixed. Too often romance novels solve problems with the power of love, which is nice in fairy tales but not so much in real life, and Taylor does a great job of avoiding this trap. Instead she gives us a more realistic look. Readers are given an in depth look at Melanie’s troubles and, though the may be hard to relate to, they are detailed and believable.

We don’t get to see into Jack quite as much, but he does show himself to be honest and loyal – both things that Melanie needs in a new mate. He’s happy, emotionally stable (although he has moments where he needs to grow a backbone), and content with where life has taken him. He’s a good influence on Melanie, showing her that she needs to relax and let herself be happy. He does occasionally prove that he isn’t as in tune with Melanie as he should be, especially at the end, but then again we all see things through our own filter. Overall, he’s supportive and works to help Melanie face her past.

This is a good choice for someone who is looking for a touching story about two people falling in love with a bite of realism. It’s not all roses, but then neither is life.

The Heiress and Her Fake Fiancé

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Book Review, Kimberly Hope, The Heiress and Her Fake Fiancé

Jessica Heymore returns to her home town to evaluate her life and her future. Her father has once again meddled in her life and she needs to decide what she wants to do from here. Matt Lawson has also returned to Blakely and is looking for a wife to settle down with. Thanks to Jessica’s matchmaking grandmother, the two find themselves sharing a house. Jessica doesn’t know what she’ll do next but it will be someplace away from home. Matt wants a woman who will stick around. Unfortunately a powerful attraction may have other plans for them.

I liked the premise for The Heiress and Her Fake Fiancé, however by the time I was halfway through the story I felt like yelling at the two to talk to each other. I get that misunderstandings are a common romance theme, but for some reason it really got to me this time. I liked both Jessica and Matt, and I was rooting for them to get together, there was just so much confusion and hurt feelings that could have been addressed with a simple conversation.

The interaction between the two (outside of their failure to talk) was fun and they had good chemistry together. Hope did a good job of creating believable characters with sizzle. I just got frustrated at them.

I recommend giving the book a chance – the characters are likable and the plot is solid. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself wanting to sit them down and make them figure it all out.

A Fool’s Gold Christmas

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A Fool's Gold Christmas, Book Review, Fool's Gold, Susan Mallery

The exceptional Susan Mallery once again brings readers a delightful and heartwarming story with A Fool’s Gold Christmas. Evie Stryker isn’t happy to be in Fool’s Gold because it is way too close to her family. She’s always been the odd man out in the group and has learned it is better to be apart from them. She just needs to bide her time until she is healthy enough to move away and a romantic entanglement doesn’t fit into that plan. Dante Jefferson learned the hard way that there can be a price for love and he isn’t looking to do it again. An overwhelming attraction to his business partner’s sister is definitely not in his plans either. But Christmas in Fool’s Gold comes with its own share of miracles and may bring these two exactly what they need.

Mallery’s gift is her ability to bring characters to life. She creates people that are vibrant, detailed, and realistic – they always leap off the page. By the time you finish one of her books you feel as if you know them personally and Evie & Dante are no exception. You experience everything right along with them, all their highs and lows. The story flowed very smoothly with a sweet ending that, even though you wanted to smack Dante a little, was satisfying. I love these two and am so happy that they found each other.

A Fool’s Gold Christmas is a rich, engaging romance that will definitely get you in the mood for the holidays. It can stand on its own, but for reader’s of Mallery’s other Fool’s Gold novels this is also a nice chance to catch up with old friends and get a glimpse of those to come. If you haven’t been to Fool’s Gold before, don’t let that intimidate you. Pick this one up – you’ll be happy you did … and will want to visit often.

Coming Soon – The Devil’s Thief by Samantha Kane

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Samantha Kane, Sneak Peek, The Devil's Thief

Take a first look at – http://www.scribd.com/doc/103080466/The-Devil-s-Thief-by-Samantha-Kane-Excerpt

“Samantha Kane’s writing sizzles with unforgettable characters and electrifying sensuality that draw you in and provides a slice of reading heaven for lovers of historical romance everywhere!” Renee Bernard, USA Today Bestselling Author

“Great characters, terrific dialogue, a fun plot, and a yummy hero . . . What more could a reader want in a book? Cheryl Holt, New York Times Bestselling Author

“The Devil’s Thief is a sizzling cat-and-mouse romp through Regency London sure to excite readers. Samantha Kane’s determined hero and passionate heroine are perfectly matched.” ~ Katharine Ashe Bestselling Author of How a Lady Weds a Rogue

Sneak Peek – UNTIL THERE WAS YOU by Jessica Scott

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Jessica Scott, Sneak Peek, Until There Was You

From the author of Because of You comes an all-new contemporary eBook romance. Though he plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed military leaders will prove that opposites attract . . . even under fire.

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. Since that brief lapse in judgment, Evan has been at odds with her. But when he is asked to train a combat team alongside Claire, battle-hardened Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to achieve her high military rank. In Evan Loehr, Claire sees a spoiled commander who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. Army orders force them together and Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye. He too has dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other. 

Watch Me

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Book Review, Harlequin Blaze, Lisa Renee Jones, Watch Me

Watch Me is the first in a new series by Lisa Renee Jones based around a reality TV show. Meagan Tippan is the producer on a dance competition show. This is Meagan’s baby, her idea and hard work. Several mishaps have caused people to say there is a curse and if Meagan can’t fix things her show will be canceled. Sam Kellar is head of security for the studio and it is his job to help things run smoothly. But the sexual tension between Meagan and Sam may make things explosive.

Meagan is very prickly about her independence. Sam, with his Special Forces military background, is very alpha male and he immediately sets her on edge. Jones’s characters are well-developed for such a short book, with enough insight to make their actions understandable. The relationship that develops between Sam and Meagan is sweet, although sometimes I got tired of her pushing him away. Jones does a great job making her actions reasonable but still that kind of thing can get old. Sam, though, handles it well and the resolution of their issues is satisfying.

Fans of reality TV and sexy romances will find this the perfect book. The behind-the-scenes look at making the show is fun and interesting and there are more stories to come so readers will get other perspectives in the future. Since this is a Harlequin Blaze title, there are a lot of steamy scenes between the two leads, so be warned if this isn’t your cup of tea.

The Reunion

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Book Review, Dan Walsh, The Reunion

Dan Walsh’s The Reunion is an amazing story of love, faith, family and hardship. Aaron Miller is one of those people that quietly influences the people around him. But he hasn’t always been like that. In the Vietnam War, he was injured while heroically saving the lives of three young soldiers. When he got home, he had the typical adjustment issues of veterans, except society turned its back on that war and those it left behind. Without the help that he needed, Aaron quickly found himself addicted to drugs and alcohol, without his wife & kids, and living on the streets. When he finds God a few years later and gets back on his feet, it is too late to salvage a relationship with his family. More years pass and he is now the handyman in a trailer park, but still managing to touch the lives of those around him. When a reporter writing a book on Vietnam vets comes looking for him and his story, is he willing to be brave enough to be found?

This is a quick read, smoothly told from multiple perspectives, with a conclusion that leaves readers more than satisfied. The characters have depth and believability, with such detail that it makes you feel like you know them personally. The pain and heartbreak that these people experienced is so realistic and raw that it leaps off the page and settles in your chest. I just wanted to find these people and give them a hug, to do anything I could to make it better for them. I was so caught up in the story that I found it hard to remember that this was a work of fiction.

Walsh does a fantastic job of weaving a multi-faceted tale that will please a large audience. I feel comfortable recommending this story to anyone – young, old, male, female. Those who enjoy a well-told story will find something they like in The Reunion.

How to Date a Henchman

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Book Review, How to Date a Henchman, Mari Fee

In Mari Fee’s How to Date a Henchman, Gina is the receptions for EnClo Corp, only she has no idea what the company does and her curiosity is getting the better of her. Today, though, some of her questions may be answered because the mysterious owner, Mr. Sparks, is coming for a visit. When he arrives he also brings along his oh-so attractive associate, Burke. Burke is what is known as a henchman, because Mr. Sparks is actually the supervillain Static. EnClo is the hub of their latest scheme and, with a superhero on their trail, the last thing he has time for is an attraction to the receptionist.

This is a novella (about 26,000 words) and I’m not sure if it is the start to a series, but I really hope so. How to Date a Henchman gives readers a humorous take on how a super-hero world would work and how a regular person could get caught up in it. Their world is just like ours, except that it contains people with powers, and Fee does a fantastic job of giving readers a look into it. I loved how she brings up problems that could arise in such a world, like an increase in your insurance rates due to damage because of a fight between super-people or the danger a henchman faces just running daily errands for his boss. How people treat the superheroes like they treat famous athletes and actors, complete with magazine layouts and endorsements, is hilarious. This is a new take on their world, one where their daily lives are just like ours and the differences between heroes and villains aren’t black and white, and it is fantastic.

The characters are entertaining, with plausible issues to give them depth. The interactions between Burke and Gina are flirty and sweet, and Static is a hoot. He’s sarcastic, brilliant, twisted and so much fun. Burke and Gina’s level-headedness is the perfect foil to his eccentricity. Together they make an amazing team and an entertaining read.

Being short, this is fast-paced, but it packs a punch for so few pages. If you are looking for something a little off-beat, without losing its believability, this is a perfect choice.

Charming Blue

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Book Review, Charming Blue, Kristine Grayson

Charming Blue is an update to the story of Bluebeard. He used to be one of the Charmings, as in a Prince Charming, but he’s spent that last couple of centuries in an alcoholic haze. He believes that is the only way to protect others from himself, considering that he’s killed fifteen women. Jodi Walters has a magic that allows her to fix things and she spends her time working with the magical in the LA area – helping them get jobs, homes or assistance adjusting to our world. When she’s approached by Contankerous Belle (yes, she is related to Tinker Belle) to help Blue, she’s very skeptical. In addition to being a fall down, stinking (literally) drunk, he killed his wives. But there’s a stalker in LA that is claiming to be Bluebeard and Tank needs Jodi’s help figuring out what is going on. What she finds out could change how everyone sees Blue, including himself.

I love the retelling, modernization, updating, etc. of fairy tales. I don’t mean when an author uses the same theme, but when it is actually the same characters. Bluebeard is a more obscure one, which Grayson’s story points out, and I think that allows her to give readers a more imaginative book. Her make believe world isn’t too complex and it follows along with some well known ideas, but gives them a unique twist. She brings a world full of magical creatures with just enough differences, due to misrepresentation by fairy tale authors, to keep everything interesting.

Blue isn’t your normal hero – most days he is drunk, smelly, and disgusting. It is used as a shield and it is an effective one. When sober he does clean up exceptionally well, as to be expected, but that still leaves a man that is disturbed and awkward with people after years of a self-imposed exile. With Jodi’s help, Blue works on the stalker case and begins the process of bringing himself back from rock bottom.

Charming Blue will appeal to a wide range of readers – it’s a great mix of fairy tale, romance, paranormal, and mystery. The characters are interesting, with compelling problems, and there’s a touch of whimsy with the magic involved. It’ll make you take a second look at the stories you’ve been told all your life.

(This is a story in Grayson’s Charming series, all modern updates to classic fairy tale characters – Sleeping Beauty, her Prince Charming, Snow White’s stepmother, and CinderElla’s Prince Charming have all been featured so far. Each book can stand on its own, however they all share a supporting cast of characters.)

How to Disgrace a Lady

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Book Review, Bronwyn Scott, Harlequin Historical, How to Disgrace a Lady

Merrick St Magnus is a second son without clear direction, who survives on his charm and what money he wins from bets. He’s notorious for his womanizing and daring activities. Alixe Burke firmly believes herself to be on the shelf, and she’s happy to be there. When her parents throw a country party in the hopes of luring eligible men, Merrick gets an invite based on his association with Alixe’s brother. The two find themselves in a compromising (and totally innocent) situation, but since his reputation is well known, her father offers a deal. He has until the end of the season to make her the toast of the Ton, and secure her a suitable husband, or Merrick has to marry her himself.

How to Disgrace a Lady is the first in a new trilogy by Bronwyn Scott called Rakes Beyond Redemption. Readers are given the typical – an outlandish rake trading on his looks but hiding something from the world and a beautiful bluestocking who doesn’t want a Ton lifestyle. Working within a well-used structure, Scott still keeps it engaging by giving her readers interesting characters and a fast-paced story. Proving that just because it has been done before, doesn’t mean that it can’t be done with style.

I like Merrick. He’s funny, charming, and bold, but of course all the best rakes are. He’s not all that happy with where he’s heading, which opens him up to the influence of the right woman. Alixe is sweet, but she’s also saucy, with a daring side that Merrick brings out. His reputation, most of it deserved, makes him a less than appropriate suitor, but then, in true romance style, reformed rakes make the best husbands.

Merrick’s friends, Ashe and Riordan, also make an appears which sets up the next two books in the trilogy (How to Ruin a Reputation due in October and How to Sin Successfully due in November). Though you don’t get a lot of detail, you learn enough to know these two have problems of their own.

If you are looking for a historical romance, this is a perfect choice. The characters are fun and appealing, and they’ll have you turning pages well after you should be asleep.