Category Archives: Contemp. Romance

Contemp. Romance, Part of a Series

#WOTR21 #Review – Smitten by the Brit, A Sometimes in Love Novel Book 2 by Melonie Johnson

Leave a comment

Smitten by the Brit (Sometimes in Love, #2)

DEFINITELY, MAYBE…OR LOVE, ACTUALLY? 

English professor Bonnie Blythe expects her life to play out like her favorite novels, especially now that her long-term boyfriend has finally proposed. So when a shocking discovery leads Bonnie to end her engagement, she decides to close the book on love. But the plot thickens when a brand-new character enters the scene—and quickens Bonnie’s heart.

With his brilliant blue eyes, sexy accent, and irresistible charm, Theo Wharton is like a romantic hero straight out of a Jane Austen novel. When fate places Bonnie in England for a summer—conveniently close to Theo—she realizes a hot friends-with-benefits fling is exactly what she needs to start a fresh chapter. Just as Bonnie begins to believe she’s falling in love, an eye-opening revelation into Theo’s life makes Bonnie feel like she’s wandered into one of her favorite books. Will Bonnie have the courage to risk her heart and turn the page with the dashing Brit to find her true happy ending after all?

Goodreads

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

OH THEO!!!  YES!!  I was so ready for you after the first book!!  He is totally my Mr. Darcy with his manners and polite charm….sigh right ladies!!!

Bonnie was a great character who has been through some hard times.  When your DB fiancée won’t marry you and cheats on you instead…yeah broken hearted was Bonnie.  She won’t let it stop her.  We see her and Theo giving eyes and flirting like crazy in book 1.  I was so excited to see them as the next book because I need these people to get together already!!  Theo also has his own issues because he needs to marry a certain kind of woman to please the family.  Being a Duke does have its perks and downfalls!!

This book was amazing!!  I enjoyed the first book and getting to know all the characters but this book because we KNEW everything it seemed to flow smoother.  Theo and Bonnie are such a great couple and I will definitely see myself rereading because their story was full of humor and sweetness.

A Star Wars junkie and Shakespeare groupie who quotes both Yoda and the Bard with equal aplomb, award-winning author Melonie Johnson—aka #thewritinglush—is a two-time RWA Golden Heart® finalist who loves dark coffee, cheap wine, and expensive beer. And margaritas. And mimosas. And mules. Basically any cocktail that starts with the letter m. She met her future husband in that most romantic of places—the mall—when they were teenagers working in stores across the hall from each other. Today, they live happily ever after in the magical land midway between Chicago and Milwaukee with their two redhead daughters, a dog that’s more like a small horse, and a pair of hermit crabs. After earning her Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude from Loyola University Chicago, Melonie taught high school English and Theatre in the northern Chicago suburbs for several years. Now she writes smart and funny contemporary romance and moonlights as an audiobook narrator under the pseudonym, Evelyn Eibhlin.

Visit her at meloniejohnson.com and find her on Twitter and Instagram at @MelonieJohnson.

Contemp. Romance

#WOTR21 #review #DebutBook #NewAuthor- Getting Hot with the Scot (Sometimes in Love #1) by Melonie Johnson

Leave a comment

Getting Hot with the Scot (Sometimes in Love, #1)

“Playful, passionate, and positively unputdownable!”—New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren

IT’S TIME TO FLIRT WITH A MAN IN A KILT

Cassie Crow, a pop-culture reporter for a TV talk show, is focused on becoming a “serious” journalist. But when she stumbles into a kilted Highlander with a killer accent, Cassie decides that taking one night off from work and spending it with a sexy Scot couldn’t hurt. . .

Logan Reid has built a career on his charm, hosting a series of off-the-wall hijinks on the Web. But when the Scottish prankster meets the all-American, equal parts intelligent and irresistible Cassie, Logan realizes that one night of fun won’t be enough. Could it be that this career-focused, commitment-phobic couple is finally ready to take a chance at true and lasting love?

“Witty, sexy, and oh-so-fun. . .Melonie Johnson is an addictive new voice in contemporary romance.” —New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker

Goodreads

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

I met this author at a book con. She told me all about her soon to be releases so when I saw them available, I grabbed them. I had no clue except she was absolutely friendly and kind to chat with.

Imagine my shock and delight when I see this book is about a hottie in a kilt….uhm YES PLEASE!!!

This story is super funny, sweet, and one that I am so happy to have grabbed of Netgalley. I will say since this is the first book in the series, there was a bit of “world” building getting to know the characters and all that jazz but stick with it because the story is great!!

This story is about Cassie and a couple friends who take a trip. All Cassie want is to have a wild one-night stand, but her box of condoms is still full……BOOO!! Cassie soon finds herself sidetracked with a certain kilt wearing hottie named Logan. Logan is all “full steam ahead” on helping her use as many condoms as possible before her trip is over. *Snicker*

Cassie is a bit of a serious chick. She so when Logan asks her to help him with some pranks she kinda flips out. Relax girl!! It’s all good!! LOL

I enjoyed the story so much and can’t wait to read the next book I the series.

A Star Wars junkie and Shakespeare groupie who quotes both Yoda and the Bard with equal aplomb, award-winning author Melonie Johnson—aka #thewritinglush—is a two-time RWA Golden Heart® finalist who loves dark coffee, cheap wine, and expensive beer. And margaritas. And mimosas. And mules. Basically any cocktail that starts with the letter m. She met her future husband in that most romantic of places—the mall—when they were teenagers working in stores across the hall from each other. Today, they live happily ever after in the magical land midway between Chicago and Milwaukee with their two redhead daughters, a dog that’s more like a small horse, and a pair of hermit crabs. After earning her Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude from Loyola University Chicago, Melonie taught high school English and Theatre in the northern Chicago suburbs for several years. Now she writes smart and funny contemporary romance and moonlights as an audiobook narrator under the pseudonym, Evelyn Eibhlin.

Visit her at meloniejohnson.com and find her on Twitter and Instagram at @MelonieJohnson.

Contemp. Romance, Novella

#WOTR21 #ThrowbackReview #Novella #Holiday – A Girlfriend for Christmas by Aly Grady

Leave a comment

A Girlfriend For Christmas

When a blizzard prevents teacher Caroline Crawley from getting home for the first Christmas after her mother’s death, a stranger makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

Dr. Colin Pepper is traveling home, but without the non-existent girlfriend his family is expecting.

Can a pretend girlfriend be Colin’s true Christmas miracle?

Goodreads

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

When Aly asked if I would like to review her new “sweet holiday book”, I jumped.  Her books have that feel good vibe you get when reading.

The story is about Caroline who is stuck in the airport trying to get home to her dad in Iowa for Christmas.  She meets and chats with a kind and attractive man who hands her the phone and says “hey talk to my mom would ya.”…yup and that is how this whole story starts.

Colin told a small white lie to his family about bringing a non-existent girlfriend home for the holiday.  When he finds out Caroline’s story, he offers to help her if she helps him.  Upon entering his childhood home, he throws the final grenade at her…she is his liv- in girlfriend!!

Caroline is a trooper, but she enjoys the family time since she is an only child and being around Colin’s mom since she has lost her own mom helps to heal her heart.  There is insta-love but honestly this whole book is just a feel-good story.

We do have some conflict in the form of LAURA….Growl…not a fan of her at all but the end of the story was adorable and I can say I enjoyed reading it the night before Thanksgiving when the Holiday seasons officially kicks off.

Indiana. He said we had to move to Indiana. Was I in for a shock. Actually, no, but it would have been a great story. I love living and raising my family in the Midwest. Living with a racer spurred my imagination and I created The Racer’s Widow series. Since then, I’ve gone on to start the Homecoming series with A Home to Love. You can find me on Twitter @AlyGrady and FB AlyGrady2012 where you can also sign up for my newsletter. My personal website at www.alygrady.com has links to my blog too. Look me up and give me a shout. I’d love to hear from you.

Coming of Age, Contemp. Romance, Fighters, Part of a Spin off series, Review

#Review – Rebellious and Reckless by Michelle A. Valentine

Leave a comment

Rebellious and Reckless (Campus Hotshots #1)

He’s Rebellious in the ring and Reckless in Love.

Sky Cold knows exactly what she wants, and it’s Luke Finnegan, the college campus star quarterback. The only problem is she’s not even a blip on his radar. In order to get noticed by her crush, she’s willing to exchange the extra bedroom in her apartment to Luke’s tattooed, older brother to find a way into his social circle.

Baker Finnegan is determined to get out of his father’s shadow and do things his way. When he falls on hard times, and the sexy, slightly nerdy co-ed Sky offers him a place to live in exchange for a fake friendship, he can’t pass up the opportunity. But when Baker quickly realizes the only match he wants to make for Sky is one with himself, he has to convince her to look past his reckless ways.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Sweet torture and a glutton for punishment. Life isn’t perfect and we don’t always get what we think we need. Think, being the key word. Things never seem to go the way you want but in the end it just works. The story is a bit on the cliche’ side because ultimately we have a nerdy type of girl who essentially has a makeover and then gets the attention of the hot guy. Only in this story, she has the attention of two brothers…both are hot in their own ways. Sky gets Baker to agree to help her get a date with his brother, Luke. Then the fun starts! Baker moves in with Sky as part of the deal. But then they start to get close. Both of them have secrets…and both involve part of their family. These secrets are most definitely not cliche’. You seriously need to read this.  As things continue to unfold they can’t deny the pull that they have between each other but Sky still can’t decide if she wants Luke or if she is falling in love with Baker. 

“Do you have your Finnegans confused?” This is one of my favorite lines because this sums Sky up completely!

We have the hot jock, the rebel fighter, and the sweet librarian. All of the makings of a romantic comedy that will keep you turning the pages. Even though some of the story is cliche’, it is still a fun read with its own twist. And that makes it a must read!

Michelle A. Valentine

New York Times Best Selling author Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned author of erotic and New Adult romance. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos and sexy musicians inspires her naughty characters. She loves connecting with her readers in “Valentine’s Vixens.”
Book teasers and excepts can be found on her website: http://www.michelleavalentine.com

Contemp. Romance, Standalone

#REVIEW – Mister Manhattan by Alexandria Sure

Leave a comment
My Thursday afternoon meeting was a no show. Imagine my surprise when a drenched, flustered brunette slipped into the booth across from me, acting like she was supposed to be there.

When she slipped back out with a snappy goodbye, I never thought I’d see her again.

Until I walked into my Friday morning meeting.

At first, I didn’t recognize her—she was dry this time. But from the look on her face, she recognized me.

When she gave the worst pitch I’ve ever sat through, I thought my boss, and mentor, was going to show her the door—except he accepts the proposal and tells me we have to work together.

I didn’t anticipate I would like her, let alone be interested in her. Sure, she was hot and sassy.

But something about her rubbed me the wrong way.

And yet I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

So, when she leaves the room and her phone chimes with a new text, I knew I wasn’t supposed to look.

I also knew I wasn’t supposed to cancel her date for later that evening.

And I definitely knew I wasn’t supposed to delete the entire exchange, so she had no idea what I’d done.

But I did. And then I showed up at the restaurant, pretending like this was all a big coincidence.

When the date is over, I want more. I need more.

We start pretend-dating because she needs practice, and I tell myself, New York’s most eligible billionaire bachelor, that this is just a bit of fun.

What could possibly go wrong?

This book. Ugh, I loved it so much! It’s sweet, funny and definitely what I needed. With everything going on in the world, this book took me out of the craziness of life, even if it was just for a couple of hours.
Jurnee (I love this name by the way) was in way over her head when she decided to move from Michigan to New York to set up a café. I totally understood her fear. New York is a whole other world compared to most cities. I loved how she wasn’t into pop culture or didn’t google people first. She was down to earth and definitely someone I could be friends with. She was real.
Anderson is definitely a hero you could fall in love with. He was patient with Jurnee and fell for her fast.
While they had an unexpected encounter originally after Jurnee thought he was someone else, feelings surfaced neither of them expected to have.
Although I haven’t read the rest of the books in this world or even if the originals, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Alexandria wrote it in such a way, that it made me want to go back and read the others so I could see how Graham and Soraya met. I also like Anderson’s friends and would love to see them get their own stories as well.
This is by far Alexandria’s best work to date and I’m honoured she let me read an early copy!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2N36nVC
Audible: https://amzn.to/39TlIkk
Contemp. Romance, Part of a Series

#WOTR21 #NewRelease – Just One Night by CA Harms

Leave a comment

JUST ONE NIGHT by CA Harms is LIVE!

One-Click: http://mybook.to/JONBuy

Add it to your TBR list on Goodreads today! http://bit.ly/JustOneNightTBR

A guy should never, and I do mean never, hook up with his friend’s sister.

It doesn’t matter how hot she is or how many times he’s imagined her in a not-so-innocent way. Nope. Those visuals should always remain hidden deep down in a dark place.

But of course, I just had to drink until I couldn’t see straight and screw everything up. Now, I know what you’re thinking, and I swear it wasn’t my fault. It was that damn tequila.

I never expected to wake up naked only a few feet away from the woman I never should have touched. But man, reality had been so much better than any fantasy I’d ever had.

But it all went downhill fast when she opened the door to leave and came face to face with none other than her brother, who is also one of my best friends.

I’m a dead man, but Jade might actually be worth it.

And to think, all it took to change everything was… Just One Night.

One-Click: http://mybook.to/JONBuy

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/JustOneNightTBR

Start the Oh’ Tequila Series Today: https://amzn.to/3sjJkpx

AUTHOR THE AUTHOR: C.A. Harms is an avid romance and mystery reader. She’s always had a love for books, getting lost in writing and storytelling even as a young girl. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories.

She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She holds an addiction for Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha’s and KitKat when she should really be focusing on water and maybe a fruit or two to make herself feel less guilty, but that feeling quickly passes…thankfully.

She is easy going, fun, and although she may seem like one of the quiet ones at first, you just wait until she gets to know you better…that quietness changes, fast.

NEWSLETTER | AMAZON | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | READERS GROUP

BDSM, Contemp. Romance, New Release, Review, Standalone, Uncategorized, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR21 – #Review – #NewRelease – Love Letters Lost by Miranda Lynn

Leave a comment

Love Letters Lost (Suspenseful Seduction World)

Genni

Being back in my small hometown for Gran’s funeral sent me into a full-blown panic attack, and at that moment, a handsome stranger swooped in, becoming my salvation. From first glance, Brian made me weak in the knees with his commanding disposition and firm yet gentle touch. He pulled me in.

I took a chance on him…and all hell broke loose. Caught in the crosshairs of a mob war, I’m kidnapped for the sole purpose of being used as collateral in a power struggle I can’t begin to comprehend. I believed he would save me though. I needed to trust Brian to get me out of there and to introduce me to the enticing world of BDSM. Now, my life is in his hands as we battle against the clock to ensure my survival.

Brian

Visiting Illinois to catch up with an old friend was an ideal weekend…made far more delectable when I saw her. Genni was a damsel in distress who awoke my Dom side with a desperate need to protect her..to care for her..to guide her into my world.

But there is evil out there I can’t shield her from, and it ensnares her in its ominous web. With my family’s background in high-stakes security, I call them in to help me track down her kidnappers. One way or another, I will get her back alive, and I will never let her go again.

*Love Letters Lost is part of Samantha A. Cole’s Suspenseful Seduction World

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Love Letters Lost is all about ending a chapter in your life and taking a chance on starting the next great adventure. This is such a wonderful story that pulls at your heartstrings but also has plenty of action, suspense, wit… and of course some amazing sexy time! Genni comes home to take care of her gran’s funeral. She is a mess over her gran’s death. She is trying to put on a great facade but Brian, a handsome sweet talking stranger, swoops in just at the right time to save her from herself. These two meet under not the greatest of circumstances but connect immediately and can’t stop thinking about each other. As these two start to get closer, an old friend decides to show his true colors and all sorts of truths start coming out of the woodwork. Including a secret about Brian being a Dom. An epic sh!tsh#w is going down and Genni is right in the middle. There is some fighting, some kidnapping, and some loving happening in what seems like the snap of a finger. Genni’s mind is whirling while all this is going on and trying to process Brian’s BDSM background. She is not sure if this is something she can get on board with, but also is in it a little too deep and not sure if she can just leave Brian alone. Thank the gods she decides to follow her heart (like her gran told her to) as she decides she needs to keep Brian and give this a try. 

This is a beautiful love story with all the right elements to keep you on your toes. One thing that I really loved about this story is that the only information that Genni had about the BDSM lifestyle is from what she read in romance novels but this author does an amazing job of describing the lifestyle and giving glimpses of the scenes without the story being consumed with sex. The story itself pulls you in with a deathgrip until you read the last page. All the rest is a bonus! 

Miranda Lynn

Escaping reality one book at a time has been Miranda’s motto since she learned to read. As an only child raised on a dairy farm her creative imagination brought words to life. She devoured more books growing up than her little town bookmobile could handle. It was inevitable that she would turn from reading them to writing them. This is her way to help not only herself but others escape the day to day drudge. Her books may take you on a journey through time, give you a look inside a fantasy realm, or delve into the magic of almost anything paranormal. Threading in heart stopping romance and dropping an occasional super sexy scene just to keep you on your toes.

Miranda’s stories are focused around strong female leads and sexy males who appreciate them. She strives to encourage her readers that they can have it all in real life too.
You can find her most days either subbing at the local high school or tucked away in her office working on the next story with a cup of java in her hand. She loves connecting with her readers online as well as in real life so make sure to find her on Facebook and check out where she will be signing throughout the year on her website.

Website: https://www.mirandalynn.com
Twitter: @MirandaLynnBks
Email: mirandalynnbooks@gmail.com

Contemp. Romance, New Release

#WOTR21 #NewRelease – A Heart Redeemed:An Everyday Heroes World Novel (Everyday Heroes World) by Dawn Brower

Leave a comment

A Heart Redeemed (Heart's Intent, #6; The Everyday Heroes World)

Dawn Brower’s A Heart Redeemed is a Suspenseful, Emotionally-Charged, Contemporary romance written in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes Worlds.

Paige Morris has secrets…

Her life has been filled with darkness for too long. After a terrorizing experience with her daughter’s father she makes necessary changes. Redemption isn’t always possible, but she hopes in time she’ll achieve hers. When she is asked to foster a little girl whose parents were murdered she automatically agrees.

Alexander “Lex” Foster is battling demons of his own…

He has witnessed a lot of awful things in his life, but the gruesome murder he’s assigned to investigate tops the list. The little girl he finds cowering in a cupboard breaks his heart. Solving the case becomes his top priority. What he doesn’t expect is his instant attraction to the foster mother who takes in the victim’s daughter.

Deception, murder, and inescapable passion…

What could go wrong? As Paige and Lex grow closer, so does the killer. After several disturbing messages Lex moves in to protect the girls. Ensuring their safety is his priority. He cannot afford any diversions; however, his growing desire for Paige may be his undoing. When the psychopath makes his move he might be too late to save them.

Goodreads

Amazon

USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys into productive young men. There is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.

She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To follow her or can find more about her check out her website for the pertinent information: www.authordawnbrower.com

Contemp. Romance, Fighters, Part of a Series

#Review – Hook Me (Men Of Inked, #2) by Chelle Bliss

Leave a comment
Bad boy fighter meets good girl doctor.

Michael Gallo spends his mornings training for the UFC championship and his nights working as a piercer at Inked, his family-owned tattoo shop. He’s on the road to winning a title when he meets woman who alters his world forever.

Dr. Mia Greco is dedicated to saving lives and helping the less fortunate. She doesn’t have time to meet Mr. Right and buries herself in her work instead. Then fate steps in and sweeps the rug out from under her. She tries to deny the pull to a man that uses his fists, but the universe won’t let her walk away so easy.?

This book includes Throttled, a Men of Inked bonus novella.

Oh well this series only gets better and better. I know I know. I’m super late to the game and should have read these books forever ago. Chelle’s going to be writing the grandchildren’s stories by the time I’m done.

Michael is a MMA fighter and a bad boy. Never thinking he’d settle down. You know the type.

Mia is a doctor and she definitely never thought she’d settle down. With her job taking most of her time, she doesn’t have any time for dating, that’s for sure.

Michael ends up in her ER after getting hurt and there was an instant connection. After bumping into each other again, sparks fly and they end up going on a date.

They have some fun because of course, Mia feels she isn’t ready for a relationship but Michael is a persistent one. He wants her happy and does something sweet for her that I had a smile on my face the whole time when he revealed the surprise to her.

I loved reading about the side characters again and reading about the Gallo family dynamic. The characters are strong and I want to be best friends with the girls.

Age Gap, Contemp. Romance, Part of a Series

#REVIEW – Scandalous (Sinners of Saint Book 4) by L.J. Shen

Leave a comment
From bestselling author L.J. Shen, comes a new, standalone, contemporary romance.

NOW A TOP TEN AMAZON BESTSELLER

“Best book of the year” – Angie’s Dreamy Reads.
“Best book I HAVE EVER READ” – Bookalicious Babes Blog.

They call him The Mute for a reason.
Hard, cold and calculated, he rarely speaks.
When he does, it’s with disdain.
When he does, his words aren’t meant for me.
When he does, my stomach flips and my world tilts on its axis.
He is thirty-three.
I am eighteen.
He’s a single dad and my father’s business partner.
I’m just a kid to him and his enemy’s daughter.
He’s emotionally unavailable.
And I am…feeling. Feeling things I shouldn’t feel for him.
Trent Rexroth is going to break my heart. The writing isn’t just on the wall, it’s inked on my soul.
And yet, I can’t stay away.
A scandal is the last thing my family needs. But a scandal is what we’re going to give them.
And oh, what beautiful chaos it will be.

This is by far my favourite book of the series! Until I read Bane of course cause he intrigues me. But for now, lets talk Trent! Holy schmoly. What a man! So I didn’t read the blurb for any of these books, so I had no idea that this was an age gap romance.

Leigh did an amazing job at bringing these two broken souls together. Even though Edie is much younger than Trent, I forgot the age gap half the time until her age was mentioned.

This book is filled with scandal, twists and turns and so many lies!

I also found this book the dirtiest of the series, which I definitely didn’t complain at all. Trent is fun. So so fun. But as fun as he is, Edie gives it right back to him. Tenfold.

I also loved seeing all the side characters again. Vicious is still a favourite and I enjoyed seeing him happy.

If you love age gap romances with some twists and turns, then I think you’ll like this one! All of the books in this series can be read as a standalone as well but I do think reading from the beginning would help you enjoy it more.