Eat Your Heart Out by Shirley Goldberg


Eat Your Heart Out by Shirley Goldberg
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

When a tyrant in stilettos replaces her beloved boss, and her ex snags her coveted job, teacher Dana Narvana discovers there are worse things than getting dumped on Facebook. Time for the BFF advice squad. Alex—hunky colleague, quipster, and cooking pal extraordinaire is Dana’s staunchest ally. So what’s with the smooching after hours? And why won’t this grown man make up his mind?

Actor turned teacher Alex Bethany craves a family of his own. Newly hotified, he’s now got the confidence to try online dating. Meanwhile he’s sending Dana mixed messages in the kissing department. After a surprising event rocks his world, Alex panics, certain he’s blown his chances with his special person. Funny and bittersweet, Dana and Alex’s story will have you rooting for them all the way to dessert.

What a fun, relatable story!  I love these characters – and can honestly say I’ve known people like all of them, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And, I think that’s what makes this book so appealing. The characters are all real. They aren’t perfect. They are just like our friends.

As a … ahem… woman of a certain age, I can definitely relate to Dana and her struggles – with dating, with food, with balancing life and work, with having friends. I want to be a part of her gal pal squad!

I also love the friends to lover trope. It has to be one of my very favorites!

This is part of a series, but it is easily standalone. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Goldberg has in store for the rest of these friends!  4 stars.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Power by Geraldine Anello


Power by Geraldine Anello
Truth Series

Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Power is Geraldine Anello’s latest poetry book from her series Truth. Power takes heartbreak and turns it into self-empowerment. The most inspiring poetry told over the course of just one week, this fast-paced collection of deep thought-provoking poems leads the reader on a journey to personal development.

Love has many faces.

One of the things I appreciated the most about this collection was how it focused on the quiet little moments in a romantic relationship. Something as simple as listening to a partner breathe can be romantic if it’s approached with the right frame of mind. It was delightful to slow down and savor these glimpses of love that are beautifully ordinary.

There were multiple times when I wished these poems were more detailed. For example, “Casualty” spoke of a protagonist who had been badly hurt by his or her ex-partner. The anger of the speaker bled through perfectly well, but I couldn’t help but wonder whether the pain they felt was physical or emotional in nature. It could have been interpreted in so many different ways that it sure would have been nice to have a clearer understanding of what was going on. This was a pattern that repeated it so often I felt the need to give a lower rating than I might have done so otherwise.

With that being said, there were times when the minimalistic nature of the author’s writing style worked beautifully. “Moth to a Light” was a good example of this. It was written from the perspective of someone who kept attracting new partners only for them to realize that the speaker wasn’t necessarily the best person for them to spend time with. I enjoyed getting to know this character and seeing the world from their unique perspective.

Power was a thought provoking collection that I’d recommend to anyone who appreciates romantic poetry.

The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale by Jessie Gussman


The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale by Jessie Gussman
Sweet Water Ranch Western Cowboy Romance Book 6
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

He’s the billionaire heir of Sweet Water Ranch. His family is throwing a ball and he must choose a wife.

She’s too poor to attend the ball as a guest. But she can go as the hired help.

One magical dance and a case of mistaken identity later, and nothing is as it seems.

If he backs out, he loses everything.

She never had anything to lose to begin with. Other than her soul-mate.

Will he choose love over a multi-billion dollar business and the biggest ranch in North Dakota? Can she let him give up everything for her?

If romance fans enjoy the Cinderella trope for their heroine, then this author has written a book filled with all the best parts to entertain her readers.

In this version, there is the step-father, two step-sisters and a younger half-brother. The yoke of responsibility that tethers Nell to her family farm is her half-brother, Vinton. Her love is so strong that it carries her through the times that would break a less determined person. Her respect and adoration of her deceased mother, and her guidance and advice while she was alive, buoys Nell up when she needs it the most. It’s said that the meek shall inherit the earth, but being meek doesn’t mean a person doesn’t stand up for themselves. It means they have an inner strength that a lot of people can’t fathom, and when something is really important, they step up to the plate with dignity and stand for what they believe in. They choose their battles with wisdom. Nell wouldn’t believe that of herself, but that’s what I saw. It may not come out until the end of the novel, but again, that’s when it counts the most and the author made sure readers would cheer for her heroine when the time came.

Ryder is the hero with a lot riding on his shoulders. He’s rich because he worked hard and is dedicated to what he does – so dedicated that it cost him in his first marriage. The author has the hero growing emotionally and in maturity during the course of The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale so that clarity comes to him. It takes getting to know Nell and Vinton to show him the way and I enjoyed watching all those baby steps and seeing how they guide him.

There were secondary characters of import besides Nell’s step-sisters. There is Roxie, Ryder’s sister, and then there’s Michelle, a character I didn’t like at all. I’m sure that was the point, and the author created an effective plot conflict using Michelle’s conniving and manipulative actions as she aimed to get what she wanted. I think that’s also where I had a hard time in the book. The angst got to me. When a certain scene came up, I knew exactly what was going to happen and I despised that eye-roll moment but I couldn’t help myself. I got that feeling of “oh, come on!” and I couldn’t take it. I walked away from the story for a bit. But, I had to come back; I had to know how the happily ever after could overcome what was going to transpire. I have to give the author credit, it didn’t play out exactly as I expected. It was much more devious than that. So, when Nell decided it was time to make her move, to finally stand up for what was of the utmost importance, she didn’t disappoint. She did it with dignity while wearing a fashion statement that is sure to never be forgotten. It was a little over the top, but then again, what Cinderella-themed trope isn’t? It wouldn’t work otherwise.

The happily ever after does occur but again, not quite in the way readers may expect. That fact makes this book stand out. It’s not expected perfection, but it is perfect and in line with what I enjoyed in the previous story, The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage, and it’s what makes The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale well worth reading. And, just like the previous book I read, the author includes a hook in the epilogue to get a reader interested in the next story. I believe it’s about Clay, a/k/a Preacher. He’s a nice guy and he’s helped the heroes and heroines in previous stories so it sounds like he’s overdue for his own HEA. It’s something to look forward to, that’s for sure.

Alaskan Dreams by Beth Carpenter


Alaskan Dreams by Beth Carpenter
A Northern Lights Novel Book 6
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The dream she wants

The love she found

Lauren Shepherd has traded her hectic office job for a quiet life working on an elderly friend’s farm. Risking everything to move to Alaska might just be the perfect opportunity for her—if Lauren can convince handsome and fiercely protective Patrick O’Shea that she’s not swindling his grandmother. But when financial troubles threaten her dream, Lauren and Patrick unite in a hunt for a legendary treasure…only to discover something between them more precious than gold.

After reading this novel, now I want to do yoga with goats!!! Alaskan Dreams is a delightful, engaging and fun romance loaded with heartwarming moments, adorable goat antics and a hero and heroine perfect for each other. Patrick’s grandmother is a spunky sweetheart and her yoga ladies are amazing secondary characters that add to the warmth and community within the book’s pages. The hunt for a lost chunk of gold adds to the mystery as all parties pitch in to discover the clues and search for what many have written off as a fanciful story from days gone by. That might have stayed the case if not for a teeny tiny key found by both Lauren and Patrick. The wondering if there really was a treasure to find was a compelling thread woven throughout the story. As a hook, it was effective, but what really grabbed my attention and kept it was watching Patrick and Lauren fall in love. It was wonderful.

Ms. Carpenter wrote this sweet/sensual story with a skill at storytelling that impressed me. I liked the attention to detail when it came to the personalities of Lauren’s goats and learning a little bit about their care, feeding and the challenges that accompany critters who love to climb high and jump for fun. It came in handy during yoga, but poor Patrick’s Jeep didn’t fare so well. I thought Spritz the goat was hilarious, especially when she took a shine to Patrick. I think the doe had good taste.

If anyone raises an eyeball regarding yoga with goats, please don’t scoff too loud. There’s a farm not too far from me that hosts Cow Yoga, sometimes called Farmhouse Yoga, but the cows are the draw. It’s quite popular so I totally believe Yoga with Goats would be just as popular for real. I think it’s an awesome idea.

The character with the most emotional growth is the heroine, Lauren. Her only example of relationships and love came from her mother. Believe me when I tell you that the heroine doesn’t have a clue about how true love and a healthy solid relationship works. She is skittish because she wants to avoid anything that smacks of the path her mother took. Fortunately, Bonnie, Patrick’s grandmother, is wise as she is loving and adventurous. She’s the perfect secondary character to help guide her grandson and Lauren to believe in what could be. They just have to learn how to do one important thing – trust. I think readers are going to get the happy feels when things come to fruition.

The only downside of the book was that one scene that made me sad and gave me the sniffles. I felt so bad but I also appreciated the reality. Such a thing can happen to farmers and often does so I could really relate to Lauren’s emotions. It leads to a few powerful scenes that end up being pivotal in the novel.

Alaskan Dreams is a truly wonderful read. The focus is on what it should be – two strangers coming together, learning about each other and joining forces to follow the dream of someone they both love, Bonnie, Patrick’s grandma. Her dream eventually leads Lauren to realize her own, and Patrick comes to respect and love the woman who took a chance and moved all the way from Oregon because of goats. The love of family, the love of the land, the love that Patrick and Lauren eventually have for each other, all of it is what makes Alaskan Dreams such an amazing read and one I heartily recommend for readers looking for a feel-good story.

Broken by Elise Faber


*Broken by Elise Faber
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

He was forty years old.
He was single.
He had his dream job as GM of the Baltimore Breakers hockey franchise, and he was happy.

Lie.

Because the woman he was in love with was married.

To a perfectly nice man who loved her and cared for her and treated her like the queen she was.

But then Lexi showed up at his house, tears in her eyes, Caleb out of the picture, and he finally had a shot.

A real shot.

At love.

The trouble was that Luc had spent almost the entirety of his adult life running from love. He didn’t do relationships, not any longer.

But . . . Lexi was hurt, absolutely devastated, and she needed care and gentleness and deserved all of the romance in the world.

So he needed to man up and find a way to convince her to give him that shot.

I loved reading Broken, it is a beautifully written story about Luc and Lexi. Luc, a former hockey player, is now the GM for the Baltimore Breakers hockey team. Luc immediately falls for Lexi, when she starts working for the Breakers as their attorney. When Luc finds out Lexi is married and he realizes he can’t date her, he becomes her best friend. Until Luc finally has a chance to win Lexi when she divorces her husband.

Elise Faber is one of my favorite authors. I think she is a wonderful storyteller and she does a fantastic job in telling Luc and Lexis’ story. I found this story to be light and refreshing with great plot weaving. The characters are well developed and realistic and I loved reading their story. At times I found this story to be both heartbreaking and heartwarming and there is a lot of underlying tension zinging between Luc and Lexi. It is slow burn at its finest and I loved all the interactions between Luc and Lexi; as two best friends slowly fall in love.

Luc is a good guy and the perfect boyfriend. I loved the way he treats Lexi; he is so patient with her and he never wavers in his feelings for her. Luc is charming, thoughtful and caring and totally dedicated to Lexi.

Luc and Lexi have so much passion about life, their relationship and for each other. They are perfect together. I never wanted this story to end and I loved being in Luc and Lexi’s world. I felt all their emotions as they were going through them and I enjoyed all their interactions. As an added bonus, this story takes place in the world of hockey, where Luc and Lexi both work and I love any book about hockey. I thoroughly enjoyed this upbeat story.

The Pretenders by Joan Wolf


The Pretenders by Joan Wolf
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Mistflower

Gentle Reader:

At the time it seemed like a good idea. Reeve and I had been friends since childhood, so when he needed to persuade his trustee to turn over his inheritance, we decided to pretend to get engaged. Reeve was the Earl of Cambridge, after all. It wasn’t fair for him not to have his money.

Who would have thought that Lord Bradford would insist we actually marry before he handed over the dibs? Who would have thought that my feelings for Reeve would change so radically, that I would want him as a lover as well as a friend? And who would have thought that someone would be trying to kill me before I even made it to the altar?

—- Deborah Woodly

Oh my goodness! The Pretenders is the epitome of a romance book. You just have to trust me on this. A Best Book for me is when the hero and heroine demonstrate to a reader what love is and how it feels. The writing style was fluent, articulate and chatty. There are several characters that were well developed and relatable. There were many vivid settings throughout the story. The length of the scenes and the speed at which the author distributed the story made for a perfect pace. I highly recommend this story to go on readers’ “to be read” list. It’s going on my keeper shelf. The hero, Reeve , is going on my book boyfriend list. The synopsis was the perfect commercial which gave me the highlights and caught my interest and attention. The plot was exciting, emotional with unexpected series of events. My review is just a bit of why The Pretenders is my new favorite book.

The heroine, Deborah, was my ideal heroine. She was independent, smart, responsible, caring, and loyal with a bit of rebelliousness. She was the hero, Reeve’s, best friend.

Reeve had similar characteristics, however he had an irresponsible streak as a result from some unfair set of circumstances. These unfair set of circumstances were what drove Deborah and Reeve together into their scheme. A scheme that had me laughing and shaking my head with a smile. This and much more will make more sense once the book is read. Therefore, without giving out spoilers, all I can suggest is to pick up this book and start reading.

There is a great deal of enjoyable depth to this book. Many layers, and plot twists. I have no choice but to be vague because I refuse to spoil anything. What I enjoyed most was seeing the transition between Deb and Reeve from childhood friends to something more. The chemistry between them was undeniable. The epilogue was exquisitely beautiful.

If you are looking for a heart touching romance book then this is an excellent possibility. I, for one, highly recommend The Pretenders by Joan Wolf.

The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage by Jessie Gussman


The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage by Jessie Gussman
Sweet Water Ranch Western Cowboy Romance Book 5
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

It was supposed to be simple.

Marry the tall Texan. Her children get a father. They save the ranch.

A business transaction, nothing more. She definitely wasn’t going to fall in love. After her husband ran off with her little sister, she was no longer susceptible to cowboy charm.

Except, the North Dakota girl had never met a Texas cowboy.

He married her for the ranch.

A former champion bull rider needs a spread to call home, even if it is in North Dakota.

Even if it comes with four little kids.

And a big, black, slobbering dog.

Especially if it comes with a woman with enough sweetness and enough toughness to rope his heart and heal it.

The cowboy’s not afraid of anything…except losing his heart again.

Reading this romance was like breathing in a sweet, refreshing gust of air that cleared my mind of current worries and concerns. I needed an uplifting, positive romance read and I found it in The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage. I’d never read a story by Ms. Gussman before and I am pleased that my first book by this author ended up being a great experience.

The premise is simple. Rich guy leaves a lot of money to various people after he dies, but puts restrictions and provisos that seem ridiculous and unattainable at first glance. I don’t know how other books fared in the series, but in this book, even though it uses a well-known trope, the business arrangement of a marriage, or a marriage of convenience, was perfectly executed and delightfully told.

Rem is a banged up cowboy who has ridden his last champion bull. Elaine is a woman who’s burdened by choosing love and motherhood over the sometimes easier but often-chosen path of shared parenting in her divorce. Her burden isn’t because she chose single-parenthood – it’s because her family legacy and love of the land she called home is causing a hardship that was forcing her to face a choice she didn’t want to make – sell the farm. She’s hanging on by the skin of her teeth when Rem steps up to the plate.

I found it interesting that the author used other people, who must have been characters from a previous romance story, to vet and verify the quality and veracity of Rem and Elaine’s characters so the story could jump right into the good stuff. Two strangers agree to marry to secure their own ends and meet their most pressing concerns but end up doing the very last thing they thought they’d do – fall in love and heal the needs, hopes and lost dreams of their hearts. It’s their journey that the book is about and it’s filled with family, love, sacrifice and gentle humor.

There are too many details to cover that justify my high rating of this novel. I don’t want to accidentally spill spoilers either, so I’ll be vague. Rem’s growing relationship with Elaine’s four children is heartwarming to watch. The dog is sparsely applied but effective comic relief. Rem’s estranged relationship with his father and brother is briefly explored but provided interesting insight. Rem’s mom kind of rubbed me the wrong way – passive aggressive manipulation isn’t a favorite ploy of mine, but I still get the feeling that Rem loves his mom anyway, and she did love her son. The description of inside the home he grew up in kind of makes me understand why his mom might be the way she is. And, I’m really glad Rem ends up in North Dakota. I respect a man who makes his own decisions and makes his way in the world by not backing down from challenges. Elaine’s situation is a huge challenge to be sure, and the hero is more than up to the task of dealing with what looks to be insurmountable financial odds. I say insurmountable because the rich guy’s bequest might not be the boon everyone expected. How Rem deals with that is what makes him an awesome hero.

I would classify this romance as sensual. There are passionate thoughts, kisses and temptations but I appreciated that when the time finally came to be husband and wife in more than name only, the bedroom door closed. I am left knowing that they were satisfied with that part of their relationship and it was blissful, but I didn’t need explicit scenes to believe that their love and compatibility in that arena was genuine and beautiful.

The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage ends with an emotionally satisfying happy ever after with feelings of joy, contentment and the knowledge that they are now truly one big happy family where love and faith guide and nurture their hearts. The epilogue also includes a very effective hook for the next installment of the series. I’ll have to check it out because it sounds interesting and if it’s anything like this story, I’ll be in for another great read.

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston


Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

What happens when America’s First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?

When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius―his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There’s only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving an Alex-Henry altercation, U.S./British relations take a turn for the worse.

Heads of family, state, and other handlers devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between the two rivals. What at first begins as a fake, Instragramable friendship grows deeper, and more dangerous, than either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly unstuffy Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations and begs the question: Can love save the world after all? Where do we find the courage, and the power, to be the people we are meant to be? And how can we learn to let our true colors shine through? Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue proves: true love isn’t always diplomatic.

A fun story of love conquering all.

This is my first book by Casey McQuiston and won’t be the last. The characters were fun and the story intriguing. It’s cute. Royals and the closest thing America has to royals getting together and being gay! Sounds like a winner.

The writing style sort of put me off at times. I’m not a fan of present tense writing, but this might not be a turn off for all readers. There were times when the story was choppy, but again, this might not be a bad thing for all readers. It was me. I would’ve rather had the story from Alex and Henry’s point of view, instead of the way it was done—but that’s on me.

If one is looking for super hot scenes this one might not work, but if you’re looking for cute, sweet scenes where it’s implied things are happening in the bedroom, then this one is for you.

A cute story for a lazy afternoon.

In Too Deep by Kira Sinclair


In Too Deep by Kira Sinclair
SEALS of Fortune, book 1
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

He didn’t want to need her…

Trouble just walked onto Knox McLemore’s ship—trouble with lush curves, red hair and an uptight attitude that both grates on his nerves and heats his blood. But former Navy SEAL Knox knows all about control. Especially when this sexy nautical archaeologist is the only thing standing between his diving team’s claim on a famous shipwreck…and utter ruin.

Dr. Avery Walsh is grateful her icy persona hides the effect intimidating (and way-too-hot) Knox has on her. For two people who don’t trust—or even like—each other much, the physical chemistry between them is unbelievable. But getting in too deep with Knox is the last thing Avery needs. Because she has a job to do…and dark little secrets to hide.

Friends to lovers and so much more.

I like stories that are enemies to lovers and this one, while they start out on friendly terms, goes to enemies to lovers quickly. It’s okay because the story plugs along at a good clip and the writing is fun, so I had to know what would happen. I’m glad I read this book. It’s hot, but not too hot, and sweet, but not saccharine.

Dr. Avery wants to help with the shipwreck and identify which it is, but Knox has other ideas. He wants to keep her away from the wreck. Unfortunately, there are forces that want these two together, no matter how much they want to stay apart.

I liked the extra threads running through this story—redemption, trust and action–, but I won’t give too much away as to not ruin the plot. Knox and Avery have chemistry, which is great because they get thrown together, but there were times when I thought Avery could’ve cooled it a little. She tried too hard to keep him away. That said, it was relatable. She came across as very human and when she does get with Knox, it’s hot, hot, hot.

If you want a beach read that’s fun, then this might be the one for you.

Lady August by Becky Michaels


Lady August by Becky Michaels
Publisher: Mildred Press
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

August Summer thinks she is a nobody until a London solicitor barges into her employer’s drawing room, revealing not only is she the daughter of an earl but a wealthy heiress as well. Optimistic about a new life, she travels to her ancestral home of Linfield Hall, only for her brother to banish her to London to live with her aunt, a dowager duchess with a reputation.

When Lord Bolton asks him to fetch his illegitimate daughter, solicitor Samuel Brooks does not expect himself to become so invested in the young woman’s debut after wanting nothing to do with dinners and balls before. But as August navigates her way through this new world of the British aristocracy, Brooks is the one who is most dazzled by her unexpected charms.

Since society demands every young girl must marry, August decides she will accept nothing less than someone’s heart in exchange for possession of her newfound fortune. Forced to reexamine his negative views of love and marriage or lose August forever, Brooks soon realizes his heart is the only thing in danger of becoming possessed.

This synopsis sounded amazing. The best part was that the synopsis didn’t give every plot thread away.  I’m thrilled to tell you that Lady August is so much more than just the synopsis. Thank you Becky Michaels.

I was excited to read a story about a heroine that was consider a nobody until it was revealed that she was in fact the daughter of an earl. It was wonderful to read how that transpired and evolved. I appreciated the detail involved with the significance of the heroine’s name, August Summer. Her character was smart, strong and mixed with a little naivety. I easily related to her and quickly cheered her on.

The hero, Samuel Brooks, was a steady hero but not my typical book boyfriend. While he worked well with August, he had some issues he had to deal with that I felt he over-dramatized. However, Samuel and August were heartwarming together.

The best part of this story was that it was like an onion. There were multiple characters with side plot lines. It was easy and fun to follow along. I found the pace to be consistent and non-troublesome as some story lines flowed with expected and unexpected situations.

The writing style was smooth and authentic for a historical novel minus one curse word, or so I thought. I Googled the timing of when that curse word was invented and was surprised to learn that it is indeed an accurate historical curse word.

One thing that was an eye-opener was how the majority of the love scenes were sweet/sensual. It wasn’t until near the end of the book that a certain couple turned up the heat level. I wasn’t prepared for that intense heat index. Fortunately I don’t have an issue with that but my mother would. Ha, ha.

In conclusion, Lady August was a very nice read. I’m not sure if this is a series or not but I would like a book with the hero being August’s brother Charles. I’d like to see him redeemed. A third book would be nice with the heroine being August’s sister, Rosamund. I’d like Rosamund to find her happily ever after. I loved the epilogue that did tie up all the lose threads and gave me a feeling of satisfaction. I am just greedy and wanted more. Lady August is a welcoming addition to my list of books that I gladly recommend.