Mac of All Trades by Aurora Russell

December 16, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Mac of All Trades by Aurora Russell
Minne-sorta Falling in Love, book 2
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

She thinks she might be losing her mind…but she knows she’s losing her heart.

Poised. Elegant. Lovely. The local press loves to write glowing stories about Lana Fitzhugh, the youngest sibling and only sister of the famous Minnesota Fitzhugh family. But Lana’s past holds secrets, pain and shame…so much that she’s unworthy of a relationship with any good man, especially her brother Fitz’s close friend Mac. Keeping her distance from him is the right thing to do, so why can’t she stop thinking about him?

Finally settling into his first new job after long months of recovery from a severe injury, when Joe ‘Mac’ MacKenzie meets Lana Fitzhugh, the former Navy pilot thinks things might finally be looking up for him. His friend’s little sister is gorgeous, kind and makes his heart and body come alive again. But after they share an explosive embrace, she pushes him away so hard he’s still reeling.

When tragedy plunges Lana into the unexpected role of guardian to a preschooler, odd coincidences begin to happen…and grow increasingly more sinister. As Lana begins to fear that she herself might be the source of the danger, Mac doesn’t hesitate to return to help her. The only thing better than the joy they discover as a makeshift family is the passion they find in each other’s arms, but the unknown menace still grows closer every day. Will they be able to move beyond the past to grab for a future together?

Two people better together.

I love a good story featuring characters that belong together. This is one of those stories. Aurora Russell always writes captivating characters and this pair was no different. I couldn’t put the book down and had to know what would happen next. I haven’t read the first book in this series, but I didn’t feel like I’d missed anything.

I liked that Lana feels human–meaning she thinks she’s got flaws. She can sometimes be a bit over the top about that, but it’s relatable. She feels her past isn’t what it could be. I liked that she was normal (as normal as can be). I also liked Mac. He’s so devoted and he’s the quintessential romance hero. He steps in when he needs to and he gives her space to do her thing. I liked their interplay together.

This was a whirlwind feeling book, with lots of stuff going on, but it’s good stuff. I won’t give away spoilers, but it’s a great ride.

If you’re looking for a hot read with a twist of suspense and a preschooler, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker

December 16, 2022 By 1 Comment


The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

In this dark fairy tale adaptation of a medieval French legend, Issylte must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads her to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom.

Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of the Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his past and defend his king or lose everything. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks.
Haunted and hunted. Entwined by fate. Can their passion and power prevail?

Tristan and Iseult/Issylte has always been a favourite of mine.

When I read the blurb for this book, I knew I had to give it a go. What I got was so much more than I expected! It is a mixture of a well-known Arthurian story with Snow White, sprinkled with some Marian Zimmer Bradley feelings.

You definitely get both sides of the story with Tristan and Issylte having their own chapters. What I loved is that they have their own lives before they meet each other. In fact, part of Issylte’s life may impact the future stories, so I can’t wait to see if it does. It isn’t all sweetness and light either. The author describes the hardship of war, of those who pay the cost even if they’ve never lifted a sword. I loved the fantasy aspect with the Tribe and Avalon.

You have so much information given to you in this story and yet I was definitely left wanting more when I had finished. An excellent start to the series and I look forward to reading more. Absolutely recommended by me.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

On Common Ground by Mina Jane Madeley

December 15, 2022 By Leave a Comment


On Common Ground by Mina Jane Madeley
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

He’s thin-skinned and stubborn… But she won’t get kicked out without a fight!

After six years in Paris, thirty-four-year-old investment banker Adrian Hensley returns to San Francisco, engagement broken and ego wounded. His hope for some peaceful solitude is shattered when he finds a stranger subletting his home without his knowledge. The pretty brunette would be the embodiment of his sexy secretary fantasy, if it weren’t for her feisty temper and her tendency to get him worked up…in more ways than one.

Eva Duncan, a legal secretary with a knack for finance, makes a point of remaining independent. No man will ever decide her fate—not again. When Adrian comes barging into her quiet life, old childhood wounds reopen, and she won’t get kicked out of her home. At least, not without a fight. Yet, standing her ground proves to be tricky for Eva in front of a handsome, too-often-half-naked Adrian.

Between her tenacity and his arrogant façade, Eva and Adrian jump from one misunderstanding to the next, making their forced cohabitation as explosive as their attraction. How long will it take for them to learn that the “right decisions” are not always those which lead to happiness?

Two opposites who shouldn’t attract sure do!

I like enemies to lovers books and this one initially ticked the boxes for me. It’s cute, there’s a misunderstanding and the writing is good. I mean, I flew through the book. It was fun. Adrian has some serious issues and Eva is well…Eva. They shouldn’t work, but I liked when they did.

There were moments when this book fell a bit flat for me. The pacing was a tad fast and at times came across as almost hard to believe. Adrian’s anger was a tad much, too. I get that he’s been through the wringer, but I wanted to see a little more reason why he flew off the handle that much or at least grovel more afterward.

Still, it’s a cute book and the connection is certainly deep. If you’re looking for a cute book with a romantic twist, then this might be the one for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

Running Scared by Elizabeth Lowell

December 14, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Running Scared by Elizabeth Lowell
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Risa Sheridan knows everything there is to know about gold-its history, its secrets, its allure, its perils. Her boss, Shane Tannahill, is addicted to the stuff, having already made the precious metal the theme of his ultrasuccessful Las Vegas gambling establishment, the Golden Fleece. Now an ancient Celtic piece is being offered to Shane for his collection, and the casino owner is hooked. But though she shares Shane’s enthusiasm, Risa is wary — because something about this particular artifact is troubling; something about it says “stay away.”

It is a voice that should be heeded but is not. And the artifact is placing them at the center of an insidious plot in the mad whirl and blinding glitter of Las Vegas.

A whole lot of heat and gold.

I had never read anything by Elizabeth Lowell before this book and I’m glad this was recommended to me. This was a fantastic book. I’m not really into romantic suspense, but this one was a big hit. Lowell writes a spellbinding story and kept me riveted to my seat throughout the story.

Risa is a smart woman, but she’s had hard knocks in life. She knows what she needs to do–she’s the person you turn to when you want a rare piece of jewelry handled. Is it real, is it fake? How old is it? She’s your girl. Shane Tannahill is her boss and is obsessed with having the best gold collection at his hotel in Vegas. It doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome, too.

I liked that there are a lot of threads running through this story. There’s the sort of romance between Risa and Shane, the gold that shows up, the show Shane wants to put on and Risa’s past. Keeping the threads separate and straightened out could be confusing at times, but it definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

If you’re looking for a story that’s a bit breathless, a lot mysterious and even a little romantic, then this might be the one for you. I’m on the lookout for more by this author.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Faces in a Window by Oliver C. Seneca

December 14, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Faces in a Window by Oliver C. Seneca
Publisher: Sunbury Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Every school has a secret.

After two beloved teachers pass away at St. Stephen’s Middle School, it’s up to Ian Evans & Michelle Thompson to fill their shoes.

But their eager anticipation soon turns to terror.

They are plagued with unexplainable nightmares and horrific visions: Students who aren’t really there; the school catching fire; scenes of their own deaths playing out before them.

Uncovering what it all means could cost them their jobs, or their lives. With each other’s determination to find the truth of the school’s past, and with the help of an old janitor, Ian and Michelle must risk it all to save more than just their souls.

Resting in peace isn’t always an option.

It took a while for the horror elements of the storyline to fully make their presence known, but it was well worth the wait. There’s definitely something to be said for giving readers tantalizing hints of what’s really going on without sharing everything right away, especially when the characters have excellent reasons for holding back some information from the newcomers.

The plot development was slow and uneven. There was plenty of thrilling material to work with here, but so much time passed between exciting moments that I struggled to remain interested in the storyline. This is something I’m confessing as a reader who was originally thrilled to pick this up and loves paranormal horror in general. The setting itself was delightfully scary. I simply needed more frightening moments and revelations about what was going on at this spooky school to justify giving it a higher rating.

I enjoyed the world building, especially when it came to how long it took the main character to discover anything substantial about the tragedy at St. Stephen’s Middle School that later generations had worked so hard to cover up. The hints about it were enough to keep my interest piqued, and it made a lot of sense to me that the surrounding community would have been so reluctant to share certain painful details about that day with newcomers.

Faces in a Window made me shudder.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

*Stained Glass Memories by Linda Carroll-Bradd

December 13, 2022 By Leave a Comment


*Stained Glass Memories by Linda Carroll-Bradd
Christmas Cookies Series
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Holiday
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

Caterer Lorelei Warner juggles her fledging Southern California business and raising young twins with the help of her mother and sister. Handling a three-day wedding event stretches her limits…and then her old beau walks in and threatens the delicate balance.

Stained glass restorer Wynn Tatum hopes to cross paths with the woman he left behind to pursue his dreams. What he doesn’t expect is that seeing Lorelei again sparks the feelings from six years ago. Now that he’s held her in his arms again, and learned he’s the father to five-year-old twins, he will do anything to stay in touch. How can his family be whole if he and Lorelei live on two different continents?

Stained Glass Memories is a beautiful and touching story about second chances. I loved reading Wynn and Lorelei’s story and I thought they were perfect together. Although the story is short, it is full of heartwarming love.

The plot is interesting, the characters are realistic, and the story left me with a good feeling. I loved reading this story about romance and second chances.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

*Ice Storm by Tracy Goodwin

December 12, 2022 By Leave a Comment


*Ice Storm by Tracy Goodwin
New York Nighthawks, Book 3
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Loveswept
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Women’s fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

When an injured hockey legend with a PR problem and a former teen star craving an edgier public image start a fake relationship, neither expects a real challenge—ignoring their fiery chemistry—in this steamy friends-to-lovers romance.

Theo: They call me Thor. I’m the showman with mad skills on and off the ice until a nagging injury forces me to confront—long-term—the possibility that my career is coming to an early end. All endorsement deals hinge on my reputation, and my bad-boy persona isn’t cutting it. To keep my sponsorships, I need a major image overhaul. Enter Olivia DeLaurentis, the quintessential girl next door who’s hell-bent on shedding her good-girl charade, and what better way than to get together with a rule-breaking Avenger wannabe? So she and I strike an agreement—we pretend-date. The odds of anything real happening between us are slim, especially since we’re already friends and she’s also my best friend’s sister. One problem: She turns me on, and I learn real fast that Liv is playing by her own rules.

Olivia: I was a teenage America’s Sweetheart, but what I once thought was the opportunity of a lifetime has left me typecast as an innocent, naïve girl—and I’m sick of it. My brother’s best friend, bad-boy hockey star Theo Ture, needs some positive PR, so I offer a fake relationship. It’s not my first. The difference? This time I’m in complete control. What’s there to lose? Certainly not my heart since Theo’s already friend-zoned. Plus, the poster boy for an alpha male—bold, brash, tattooed—is not my type. At all. But there’s one problem: I didn’t expect the explosive chemistry between us, or the vulnerability behind his tough-guy façade. Or that he has a hidden secret I’m desperate to uncover. He’s not the only one with secrets, though—and as the lines of our fake relationship blur, I’m worried I’ll be the one exposed. . . .

Ice Storm is a perfect blend of hockey, romance and friendship. I loved every minute of this heartwarming story. The plot is interesting, the characters are engaging, and I never wanted this story to end. The two main characters, Theo and Olivia are easy to connect with, they share a lot of chemistry, and I enjoyed reading about all of their encounters.

Theo is a professional hockey player dealing with the possibility of his hockey career ending. Olivia has been in Theo’s life for a long time and there has always been a spark simmering between them. They have always been there for each other through all the ups and downs in life.

Theo and Olivia’s story is enchanting. They are both dealing with some important issues in their lives and help each other come to some decisions about what their future will look like. They bring out the best in each other and their story left me with a smile on my face.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Christmas Wish Knotts by Avis M. Adams

December 5, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Christmas Wish Knotts by Avis M. Adams
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Holiday
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Sif is nothing like her namesake–the strong Norse goddess and wife of Thor. She still reels from the trauma of being left at the altar. When Dr. Roger sublets a condo at the Cliff Edge Condos, she is immediately drawn to his dark eyes and warm smile, but how can she trust him after what her ex-fiancé did? She prefers her view of Puget Sound and cat Mr. Martini to the fear of rejection. Her ex-fiancé left her scarred. But can the good doctor heal her wounds?
With the help of the condo HOA president, the Quatre Hens, and Nanc, Sif finds herself surrounded by friends who seem more like enemies to her peace and quiet. But with the magic of Roger’s charms, the Christmas season, and her ever-changing cookie recipe, will the Wedding Knotts turned Good Luck Knotts, turned Christmas Wish Knotts bring Sif the miracle she is hoping for?

If you are looking for a quick, sweet romance to read that puts the ‘happy’ into the happily ever after, then give this story a try. There’s no stressful angst or contrived overdramatic melodrama, just a tale about a nice cookie-baking teacher who was jilted at the alter and now must find her way back into trusting another man that seems too good to be true. Are all good-looking guys narcissistic users? No, and Dr. Roger is going to prove that to Sif. Somehow.

I say somehow, because this book is told only from the point of view of the heroine, Sif, short for Sifjar. It’s her thoughts, decisions, actions and dialogue, both internal and external, that show readers the progression of her journey from jilted bride to a hopeful woman willing to take a second chance at love. It’s Roger’s actions that show the heroine and reader just how smitten he is, how considerate and patient he is as he navigates Sif’s skittish ways. The story shows him as being attentive, caring and thoughtful. He’s not a wuss though. As with a lot of romance book themes with heroes or heroines being jilted at the altar, the ex makes an appearance to muck things up. That is when readers see another side of the good doctor – the hero.

This story is cute, and well written. The only contrary thing I noticed was the pacing. It’s not slow or bogged down – it’s actually quite brisk. It’s the choppiness of the telling. At times it’s abrupt, and jumpy, but it always moves forward towards the goal, lending the story that brisk pace I mentioned. Every now and again I felt a little lost during the transition but other than that, I liked the story, the characters, the romance and the delightful and wonderful holiday themed wrap-up that made me feel the warm and fuzzies.

The blurb mentions the Quatre Hens, and Nanc. Nanc is easy to explain, she’s Sif’s best friend, but the Quatre Hens need to be experienced in order to understand their relationship with the heroine. They are quite the personalities and they both hinder and help with the romance between Roger and Sif. They mean well though and I think, in their own way, they’re like adopted family. They are fun and sweet and give advice whether it’s wanted or not. Sounds like family, doesn’t it?

The Christmas Wish Knotts is a good read with plenty to recommend it. If you are looking for a light holiday themed romance, then this book is a splendid choice.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Falling for Two by Melanie Hoffer

December 2, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Falling for Two by Melanie Hoffer
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The party was supposed to be easy. Wear a mask, dress sexy, and get laid. When a stranger walked in, everything changed. I didn’t expect him to look at me that way or touch me so perfectly. I also didn’t expect to meet him again months later, working at the same company and leading the biggest project of my career. Luckily, he doesn’t remember me until one slip of the tongue throws me back in. Nathan Richards isn’t exactly single, and his roommate and boyfriend, Clark Peterson, has other…interesting ideas.

Hot, steamy and unexpected.

I like a good throuple romance. There’s something fun about two guys and a girl all enjoying themselves…and each other. This book had all the right things. Three people drawn to each other. Two guys devoted to each other, too. A woman who knew what she wanted. Romance. It was hot.

I liked the aspect of the party, the faceless interaction and heat, too. It really brought me into the story. The work romance aspect was good, too. Where some books have a struggle with throuples, this one balanced the various people rather well. I got a good idea of who each character was and how they felt about each other. It didn’t feel like one couple was more important than the other partners.

I wasn’t a fan of how Nathan and Bri got together. It felt like Clark had been left out and that bugged me. I’m also not a fan of first person stories. While this wasn’t my cuppa told in this POV, it might be perfectly fine for other readers, so don’t be deterred.

If you’re looking for something hot, spicy and exciting, this might be exactly what you’re looking for. Try it!

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Horribly Harry by Sarah Honey and Lisa Henry

December 2, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Horribly Harry by Sarah Honey and Lisa Henry
Bad Boyfriends, Inc., book 2
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Bad Boyfriend, Inc—when you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead?

To supplement his income while he’s completing his Early Education degree, Harry Townsend hires himself out as a terrible date—for a set fee, he’ll horrify parents and family members in all sorts of interesting ways. But when it comes to actual relationships—and sex—Harry doesn’t get the appeal. He doesn’t get the same tingly feelings everyone else seems to when they meet someone attractive, and he’s fine with that. He’d rather spend his evenings watching TV anyway.

Jack Windsor abandoned his uni degree to do an apprenticeship as a mechanic, much to his parents’ dismay. He’s happy with his choices, but leaving uni meant losing his accommodation, and now he’s crashing on his sister Mia’s couch. It isn’t ideal, but it’s only until he finds something else—which is proving difficult in Sydney’s brutal rental market.

When Jack almost kills Harry with a strawberry smoothie, he discovers that not only was Harry’s disastrous date with Mia a set up, but that Harry is looking for a roommate. Moving in with Harry is great, if only he wasn’t so distractingly cute—and totally uninterested in Jack. Except as they grow closer as friends, for the first time in his life, Harry tells Jack he’s developing feelings for him—tingly ones.

But how can Harry and Jack be together when Jack’s family thinks that Harry is the worst human being in the universe? And how can Jack convince them that his Bad Boyfriend is the best boyfriend he’s ever had, without admitting that Mia hired him to be terrible to them? When an approaching family event brings everything to a head, Jack’s going to have to step up to prove to Harry that he wants him in his life. And it might just take some bad timing, some good luck and the ugliest suit known to mankind.

Quirky and sweet.

I came to this book with no expectations other than to be entertained and I was. This was a fun read, sweet and quiet, too. The writing flowed well, and I was drawn right into the story. I’m looking forward to more in this series.

I love stories with a miscommunication and fumbling and this book had both. Harry’s there to be the bad guy, but he’s not all what he seems. Jack can’t help but be drawn to him. I loved their bond and the attraction that leapt off the page. This book is packed with chemistry. Jack and Harry are perfect for each other, even if Harry is trying his best to be horrible.

If you’re looking for something for an afternoon read that’s got chemistry and is a quiet, cute ride, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,
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