The Single Dad’s Holiday Wish by Susan Carlisle

November 11, 2020 By Leave a Comment


The Single Dad’s Holiday Wish by Susan Carlisle
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Holiday
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

All he wants for Christmas…

…is her!

Christmas is supposed to be the most magical time of the year. But for single dad and doctor Carter Jacobs, it only holds painful memories. He definitely isn’t looking for romance. Until Carter meets hardworking Dr. Liz Poole. She offers a safe harbor and the promise of a future Carter thought lost to him… As Christmas approaches, might Carter’s happily-ever-after be just around the corner?

Two people who feel broken find they’re perfect in each other’s eyes.

I love the work of Susan Carlisle and grab her books as soon as I see they’re available. I wasn’t let down at all with this story. Great writing, great pacing and characters that are so realistic. That’s what I want in a book and I got them with this one.

Carter loves his son and has been through the wringer. I liked that he was human, rather than the superhuman I-have-to-do-everything kind of guy. He’s trying to balance and it’s not always possible. That made me root for him. Then there’s Liz. She’s got issues and it makes her just as human. I liked that she wasn’t perfect.

I loved the slow build-up between these two, as well. This story takes place before Christmas and it was fun to see how these characters come to see each other as more than friends. I love it.

If you want a story that’s full of holiday spirit and love, then this is the one to check out!

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

Fighting for the Trauma Doc’s Heart by Rachel Dove

October 7, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Fighting for the Trauma Doc’s Heart by Rachel Dove
Publisher: Mills & Boon (Harlequin)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

From professional rivals…
To a family of three?

Ex-army doc Jacob Peterson is still adjusting to life as a single dad when his job is threatened by returning trauma doc Michelle Forbes. The sparks of animosity with the smart, sassy doc soon turn to attraction. But there’s room in Jacob’s life for only one girl—his daughter—and he can’t risk her heart, or his, again. Resisting his growing bond with Michelle will be the fight of his life!

Two people wanting the same job. This should be good.

It was good. Jacob has some issues and he’s not perfect. Then again. Michelle isn’t exactly blemish-free, too. They were relatable and that’s huge.

This is the first book by Rachel Dove that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. The writing flowed well and drew me right in. I couldn’t put the book down. I felt like I was right there with them, too.

Jacob has stress in spades. He’s trying to keep his job, he’s got PTSD and he’s trying to raise his daughter, a little girl with autism, on his own. He’s in over his head. But he’s a sweet man and trying to make things work. When he meets Michelle, things click into place. Michelle has her own ghosts. She’s seen trauma up close and wants to be there for Jacob, but it’s hard for her to welcome people in. I liked that these characters aren’t perfect. It made the story more relatable to me.

If you’re looking for a story that’s got a lot of heart and chances for love despite the odds, then this might be the one for you.

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Pacific Paradise, Second Chance by Susan Carlisle

October 5, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Pacific Paradise, Second Chance by Susan Carlisle
Publisher: Mills & Boon (Harlequin)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Is their surprise reunion…
…enough to heal them?

Nurse Macie Beck never imagined she would see Dr. Landon Cochran again—especially in her small Pacific island hospital. But the shock of his arrival is overtaken by their obvious and unresolved chemistry… As they are forced to work with each other, memories of the past blur their professional boundaries. Keeping things strictly business becomes impossible…and they find themselves wondering if this might be their opportunity for a second chance together!

Second chances can make love come true?

Macie and Landon have a complicated history. He left and she’s still hurt. But this story, their love story, plugs along well and the writing doesn’t disappoint. I knew when I picked up this Susan Carlisle story, I’d be happy and end reading with a sigh. That’s exactly what happened.

I like a story where the characters are thrown together and have no choice but to deal with their issues. This book fit that bill. Macie has been hurt and it’s easy to think that Landon is kind of a jerk, but then the real reasons for the split come out and I couldn’t help but root for them.

I felt like I was right there with the characters and could’ve been in Saipan. The descriptions are rich and detailed. Plus, the characters are well-rounded and I loved them.

If you’re looking for a story that’s full of heart and second chances, then this might be the one for you.

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The Flapper’s Baby Scandal by Lauri Robinson

September 11, 2020 By Leave a Comment


The Flapper’s Baby Scandal by Lauri Robinson
Sisters of the Roaring Twenties, book 2
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Her undercover life…

Her secret child

Dancing in speakeasies at night is dutiful heiress Betty Dryer’s only escape from her father’s tyrannical control and marriage plans. There she meets mysterious FBI agent Henry Randall. Drawn into his investigation—and to emotionally scarred, lone-wolf Henry himself—Betty gives in to her desire, believing this could be her only chance at love before she’s forced to wed. Until she discovers she’s pregnant with Henry’s baby!

I have been looking forward to this book since I finished reading the first one in this series. I am pleased to share that I equally enjoyed The Flapper’s Baby Scandal and now I’m eager to read the third in the series when it becomes available. So far, each can be read as a standalone.

This time it was Betty’s turn to discover her happily ever after. Her love match was Henry Randall and together they made for an entertaining read. Henry didn’t make my book boyfriend list but he was perfect for Betty. Henry had multiple personal inner issues to contend with but nothing that Betty couldn’t handle. Betty’s conflict was her father. While I found all the characters to be well developed and relatable, I continue to dislike Betty’s father, Mr. Dryer, as much as I did in the first book. I totally understand how necessary it is for him to be written the way he is, but I’m still hoping his demeanor will soften by the end of the series. Because their love is the strongest element, I enjoyed the chemistry between Henry and Betty, regardless of the sour note Mr. Dryer brings to the plot.

I actually read this book on an airplane. I was on my way to move my youngest child into his dorm room. I had a lot of anxiety over wearing a facial mask on the plane and the anticipation of saying goodbye to my son until Thanksgiving. The Flapper’s Baby Scandal successfully distracted my churning thoughts.

I’m a Lauri Robinson fan so I’m biased about her novels. I have yet to be disappointed. It’s very easy for me to recommend this book.

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

Million Dollar Baby by Janice Maynard

August 27, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Million Dollar Baby by Janice Maynard
Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction Book 3
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

After one night with an anonymous cowboy…

…there’s a little secret on the way!

Going home with a stranger isn’t sheltered heiress Brooke Goodman’s MO. Neither is falling back into bed with the same sinfully sexy man…or asking him to marry her so she can inherit millions. But now she’s pregnant, and Austin wants to wed for real! Should she trust a man who can promise her his name but not forever?

One night can be all it takes for romance.

Janice Maynard is on my auto-buy list for a reason. Her work is always spot-on. The romance is sharp, but fun, the characters intriguing and I know I’ll have a good time while reading. This book was no slouch. I couldn’t put it down and stayed up past bedtime to finish it. I got emotionally involved with the characters, too. That’s a sign of a good book if it ropes me in long after the last page.

Brooke could be written in a snobby manner, but Ms. Maynard gives the heiress a much more human quality. I liked her right away. She has dreams and doesn’t want to be sheltered. I gave her props for wanting to break free. I could also understand her struggles with her family. Kudos to the author for making me feel for her and want to conk the parents on the head. Then there’s Austin. Oh, boy! A cowboy who wants to make good, even if he’s not sure how. I liked that he was broken in his own manner. I rooted for these two to get together and make things work.

If you’re looking for a book that’s sweet, saucy and will stick with you long after the end, then this is one to check out.

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

Secrets of a Playboy by Janice Maynard

August 26, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Secrets of a Playboy by Janice Maynard
The Men of Stone River Book 3
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Has this bad-boy bachelor met his match?

In business and pleasure, he needs his nemesis!

To catch the spy in his family business, Zachary Stone needs a first-rate security specialist. But the new hire is none other than Frances Wickersham, the girl who challenged a younger Zach at every turn. She’s always pushed him. This time around, the long-legged beauty is challenging his playboy ways. Now that they are all grown-up, can they ignore their undeniable chemistry?

Challenges, challenges. Ah, such is love.

I’m a sucker for a good romance with a set of enemies to lovers or friends to lovers. This one fit the bill. First, it’s written by Janice Maynard, so I know it’s solid. The story plugs along at a good clip and the characters are fun. Second, there’s the writing. It’s crisp. Third, the romance is wonderful.

I wouldn’t classify this story so much as an enemies to lovers story as much as a friends to lovers version. Zach never really hated Frannie and neither really went out of their way to make the other miserable. They were so competitive, which was refreshing. They were equals and I liked it. Plus, they have great chemistry. They worked well in and out of the bedroom–which is important.

If you’re looking for a fun romance that’s great for a chilly night, then this might be exactly what you’re looking for.

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

The Flapper’s Fake Fiancé by Lauri Robinson

August 4, 2020 By Leave a Comment


The Flapper’s Fake Fiancé by Lauri Robinson
Sisters of the Roaring Twenties Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

An inconvenient attraction…

To her convenient fiancé!

Patsy Dryer may be a biddable heiress by day, but nothing will stop her from dancing all night in Hollywood’s speakeasies—or fulfilling her dream of becoming a reporter. She’s investigating the mystery of an escaped convict with brooding, handsome newspaper editor Lane Cox…until they must pretend to be engaged! With their scoop linked to Lane’s tragic past, dare Patsy hope for a happy ending for their own story, too?

I love when I get the opportunity to begin a new series. Lauri Robinson is one of my favorite authors. The synopsis sounded unique. I haven’t come across many books written during the roaring twenties and I find this setting appealing. I appreciated the author’s list of slang words and phrases that were popular during that time period prior to the start of the story especially because it made me feel like I was back in that time era. Most of the words and phrases on the list were new to me and fun to learn. One of the reasons that Lauri Robinson is one of my favorite authors is because of her natural ability to write books with a realistic feeling. She consistently has a way of bringing a reader into the story with her attention to detail.

I can also testify to the consistency of the author’s writing skills for providing a cast of characters that are relatable and easy to bond with. This is not my first series by Lauri Robinson. The three sisters presented to the reader in this series were easy to connect with. The only character that I disliked was the father, Mr. Dryer. However, I get how it is necessary for him to be written as he is for he causes the conflict. I hope his demeanor will soften by the end of the series but I suspect it won’t. With having said that, it’s an example of how the book is unpredictable. The reader is taken on an adventure with a creative and twisting plot.

Patsy, the heroine, and Lane, the hero, kick of the series and they made for a great start. Their chemistry was thick in the air but innocent. I’d consider this to be a sweet/spicy romance. I loved Patsy’s spunk and Lane’s seriousness. Patsy brought out Lane’s fun side. Together they complete each other. I love how Lane was supportive of Patsy’s dream.

The story started with an attention gripper that hooked me and kept me turning pages until the end. I loved how there was an epilogue. I was left with feeling of glee and a definite book glow.

After reading this book, I am eager to read the next one in the series. I’m not sure which sister will be next but I can’t wait for each of them to have their own happily ever after.

If you are looking for a series to start then why not give this one a try?

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

The Neonatal Doc’s Baby Surprise by Susan Carlisle

May 29, 2020 By Leave a Comment


The Neonatal Doc’s Baby Surprise by Susan Carlisle
A Miracles in the Making, book 2
Publisher: HQN
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (190 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

From temporary fling…

…to baby bump!

Labor and delivery nurse Amanda is in Sydney for work, not to be distracted by “the baby whisperer”—neonatal specialist Dr. Lucius West. But Amanda loves a challenge—especially an intriguing, handsome one. Their fiery clashes in the OR soon turn into passion in the bedroom. But there are consequences to Amanda and Lucius’s insatiable desire…and they’ll have nine months to face them!

These two better choose what they want and fast—they’ve got nine months and counting.

I love the books of Susan Carlisle. I know I’ll get engaging characters and great plots. This book was no different. I was swept away in the writing and couldn’t put it down.

I met Lucius in the first book in this series (Risking Her Heart on the Single Dad by Annie O’Neil) and wasn’t sure I’d like him. He could be a bit of a pain. But I loved the way he evolved in this book. He grew and it was nice to see it.

Amanda has baggage. She’s not a perfect character, but that’s what made her great. That’s what made her relatable. She can be just as fiery and pesky as Lucius, so it was great to see them get together. I rooted for them all the way.

The scenes between them are steamy, but just right and I couldn’t get enough.

If you want a book that’s steamy, but not too much, and will warm your heart, then this is the book for you. Recommended.

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

Risking Her Heart on the Single Dad by Annie O’Neil

May 27, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Risking Her Heart on the Single Dad by Annie O’Neil
A Miracles in the Making, book 1
Publisher: HQN
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (187 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Dare she dream of a family…

…with a heartbroken single dad?

Kirri West is dedicated to helping women who can’t have children. A heartache she lives with every day. But as she joins Ty Sawyer’s groundbreaking clinic, the gorgeous surgeon and his little girl become the kind of distraction she’s long avoided! While they could be a perfect family, Ty and Kirri would have to lay their hearts on the line first…

Sometimes things just don’t work out, but sometimes they do.

This is the first book by Annie O’Neil I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. The writing flowed well and this was easily an afternoon read. It’s a simple book, but that’s not a bad thing. I knew what the characters wanted and how they’d get where they wanted to go, so I could just enjoy the story instead of trying to overanalyze it. It made my afternoon.

There’s a lot of medical information in the book, but don’t let that distract you. The two characters, Kirri and Ty are both damaged. I liked seeing them try to find a way together and the way his daughter warmed up to Kirri was great.

If you want a story that’s sweet, simple and a great way to spend an afternoon, then you can’t go wrong with Risking Her Heart on the Single Dad.

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

Love at First Sight by BJ Daniels

May 11, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Love at First Sight by BJ Daniels
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (256 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Karen Sutton never got in trouble or caused a scene

But when she witnessed a murder, good breeding went by the wayside. She set out to expose the murderer—and came away with amnesia. The only thing she knew: she’d married the sexiest, strongest, single most beautiful man she’d ever seen.

Solid and built, Jack Adams was a tough-guy cop who always got his man. But this time the girl next door got him—as her husband! Jack had tried everything to deter Karen from her pursuit. The only way to protect her was to pose as her new groom until the killer was caught or she remembered…or Jack died from wanting the witness.

She’s seen something she shouldn’t and he’s determined to keep her safe.

I’ve never read a BJ Daniels book, so I’m glad I remedied this. The author’s writing style is concise and kept me interested throughout. I read this in an afternoon and I enjoyed myself. The story moved at a good clip, and it’s got just enough mystery to be interesting, and even better, I didn’t figure out the mystery until the end.

I have to admit I wasn’t a fan of Karen’s. She seemed almost too perfect to be true throughout the book. She likes to eat but she’s athletic. She’s got a perfect figure. Then there were times when I wondered why she did some of the things she did. It was as if she didn’t trust Jack. Jack has his own issues. I wasn’t sure a cop would willingly go to a graveyard and dig up a grave…that seemed a little off to me.

Those things aside, this book did keep me entertained and I enjoyed the read. I’m on the hunt for more by this author. Why not give this one a try?

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