The Greek’s Pregnant Cinderella by Michelle Smart

January 31, 2020 By Leave a Comment


The Greek’s Pregnant Cinderella by Michelle Smart
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (224 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

“You will go to the ball.”

And be seduced by a billionaire…

Hotel maid Tabitha is stunned to be gifted a ticket to an elite ball hosted by Greek tycoon Giannis Basinas. It’s meant to be a night of pure luxury. But this untouched Cinderella ends up in Giannis’s bed—utterly pleasured! Making a hasty morning exit out the window, Tabitha expects to return to her ordinary life. Until she discovers her midnight mischief had nine-month consequences!

Lose yourself in this enchanting Cinderella story…

When they are done well, I adore Cinderella themed stories. There’s something about a sweet person refusing to turn into a bitter, twisted person by life’s injustices, and a hero to swoop in to save the day by appreciating the person she really is. It’s even better when the hero isn’t two-dimensional, not prince-like at all. Giannis is far from a perfect hero which is why I felt he fit. Call him rich, powerful, assured … and broken.

The initial meeting between the two is magical, as it was meant to be. Then real life comes along and throws the hero a curveball. Tabitha is not who he thought and of course he’s furious. No alpha male takes being duped lying down. Even though lying down was sort of the catalyst for what happens in the story.

Tabitha was an interesting Cinderella-like heroine. She’s sweet and beaten down but unlike the fairy tale, she has the capacity to save herself. She just doesn’t know it. I have no idea what a ‘twonk’ is but I grinned when the heroine used the word. Actually, she let loose some really great lines of dialogue throughout the novel and I enjoyed that tremendously.

I also liked reading about the few times Giannis’s heart experienced a wrenching feeling because I knew what that meant. The romance had begun and Tabitha was getting under his thick hide. Corporate movers and shakers who think they have life figured out, and everything in life is going to be on their terms because they have money and power, well, let’s just say they don’t handle things well when they discover they’ve been lying to themselves. Giannis most definitely didn’t handle it well. Being able to see inside his head was interesting because he was so torn! He beat himself up for wanting Tabitha but for some reason he just couldn’t resist her. It was driving him nuts. I knew what was going on and I thought his fractious behavior highly entertaining. This was so much fun!

The plot really took off when Niki, Giannis’s sister, pops in. The love game was afoot and perceptions started to get blown to pieces. I really liked the hero’s sister. She was fun.

The passion between the two is off the charts and a reader is treated to detailed, spicy/hot shenanigans leaving no doubt they are highly compatible. Volatile, but compatible.

When I finally got to the good stuff, when Tabitha reveals who she really is, what she’s been through and how pragmatic and sweet she still was, Giannis’s reaction was all I could hope for in a hero. Okay, he did make a few stupid ‘man’ decisions but once again Niki took him to task as only a sister could. I really, really liked his sister.

There’s actually a lot more I can say about this story but I’ll end here by saying that I absolutely enjoyed reading The Greek’s Pregnant Cinderella. For fans of the fairy tale trope, this is excellent brain candy and I definitely recommend reading this one.

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Bought Bride for the Argentinian by Sharon Kendrick

January 30, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Bought Bride for the Argentinian by Sharon Kendrick
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (224 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The Argentinian returns…

With a shocking proposal!

Alejandro Sabato, the unforgettable man from Emily Green’s past, has hired the PR executive to redeem his playboy reputation. She suggests he take a convenient wife to show he’s changed. What she doesn’t expect is Alejandro’s insistence that she take on the role! Emily is dangerously aware of the enduring desire still sparking between them. But can she risk her heart again when she’s only a bride on paper?

Turn the page and begin this marriage of convenience…

The story opens up with a sensitive scene with an aging horse. Very soon after, the hero arrives to save the horse, but his motives are like an iceberg, I only saw the tip of the conflict. His effect on Emily, the heroine, is rather telling. These romance waters are turbulent and run deep. What fun!

It’s stories like these that make me glad that they are told in the third person point of view. I can see that Alej and Emily are both hurting. I was curious as to what happened. You know, what tied them together in the beginning, and what could bond them now? How could they possibly find common ground with so much angst and past history in the way to have a future? This is a romance after all. And, Alej is the perfect alpha male with attitude so that gets in the way, too.

This is the typical ‘convenient marriage” plot with a twist. They used to want the real thing, badly. Then external forces overwhelmed Emily, and being so young, didn’t stand a chance against the force of more experienced, hardened people around her. I felt bad, at first. Then, I realized the crux of the plot is to have them fall in love now, as the people they’ve become with the baggage of their life’s experiences. Being more mature, more realistic and with a passion that has more of an impact, what kind of fireworks would come from their clash of wills? Bought Bride for the Argentinian is classic romantic brain candy.

The scenes between the two were spicy and the bedroom door, and wherever else it happened, was wide open. Alejandro’s seduction of Emily was blatant and the descriptions left nothing to the imagination. Fortunately, there’s a lot of emotional byplay and push/pull of their personalities to see the romance advance; to see the hero’s perception change, little by little, to see him open up just that teensy weensy bit, giving Emily hope things could be worked out.

The one element that is classic is the hero’s propensity to justify every devious thing he does as payback. His emotions are volatile and his desire for revenge is paramount – or so he thinks. Why would someone want to go to THOSE lengths if he despised a person? Why would he buy certain things for a person he wanted revenge against? His actions belied his words. I liked it when Emily pushed back. She stood up to him just as a great heroine should.

The happy ever after was fulfilled by the epilogue. Since the characters were written well, I cared for them. The message of forgiveness was sweet, poignant and very satisfying. I enjoyed reading Bought Bride for the Argentinian.

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Firefighter’s Unexpected Fling by Susan Carlisle

January 24, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Firefighter’s Unexpected Fling by Susan Carlisle
First Response, Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (256 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When the best-laid plans…

…go up in smoke!

In this First Response story, with his impending promotion, hotshot fire captain Ross Lawson has no time for romance. Until stunning paramedic Sally Davis starts work at his station… Even if she wasn’t his best friend’s recently divorced sister, a workplace romance is out of the question. But their blazing attraction burns bright and deep and soon becomes one fire Ross might not want to put out!

Complications, work and romance.

I love Susan Carlisle’s books and I knew I had to have this one when I saw it. I’m glad I did. As I expected, the writing flowed well and I was drawn right into the story. It might have only taken me a few hours to read the book, but I couldn’t put it down.

Sally and Ross are good characters. They’re everything I’d want in a firefighter and paramedic. Dedication to the job and personable, they’re great. Ross is the guy who gets things done and Sally’s got determination, too. The sparks between them are off the charts. I rooted for them to get together and raced through this book to see what would happen next.

There are forces trying to keep Sally and Ross apart and I liked how the author handled the situations.

If you’re looking for a story guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings, then this is the book for you.

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Colton on the Run by Anna J Stewart

January 23, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Colton on the Run by Anna J Stewart
The Coltons of Roaring Springs series
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full length (186 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Where is Skye Colton?

One woman’s disappearance rocks Roaring Springs

When he finds a half-dead woman stranded in his barn, rancher Leo Slattery feels his blood run cold. Though she can’t remember who she is, she insists someone is trying to kill her. With his strong protective streak, Leo brings her into the fold and helps her heal. As they begin to solve the mystery of Jane Doe’s identity, a would-be killer works to eliminate her—forever.

Skye Colton can’t remember her name, her past, or her how came to be kidnapped but she has no problem at all seeing her future in the form of one sexy cowboy by the name of Leo Slatterly.

Colton on the Run is my first introduction to the Coltons of Roaring Springs series. Each book is written a different author but revolve around the same close knit family. It was interesting to get glimpses of the family as Skye’s memory slowly returned. Speaking of her memories returning, I liked how the author let that play out. It was realistic but she didn’t let it slow the pace of the story.

In true Harlequin fashion, Leo and Skye both feel an immediate connection. Not so much love at first site or even lust. Just electric and palpable. I could tell right away that chemistry wasn’t going to be a problem for these two.

PTSD that can arise from different forms of trauma is a theme in this story for both Skye and in regards to Leo’s deceased father. I thought the author handled the subject very well. Leo is acutely aware of how truly traumatized Skye is even if he doesn’t know the details. He’s gentle and encouraging to her and that won so many points with this reader.

The way Ms. Stewart introduces the bad guy creates a true feeling of evil and of a crazy psycho for sure. She let’s us inside his head, see his thoughts and plans, feel his excitement building at the thought of hurting someone again. The book opens with Skye in trouble and there’s no doubt that more of the same is on its way.

My first impression of the author’s writing was how vivid and ‘in the moment’ it put this reader. I like that and honestly look for it writers that I might want to read again in the future. This story has a steady pace and the right mix of action, mystery and romance. There’s obviously more to come from Roaring Springs since the serial killer has yet to caught. Plenty of reason for a return visit with the next installment.

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Pregnant with the Paramedic’s Baby by Amy Ruttan

January 23, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Pregnant with the Paramedic’s Baby by Amy Ruttan
First Response, Book 2
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (256 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

One-night passion—

To pregnancy bombshell!

In this First Response story, paramedic Kody Davis has kept his heart on ice since losing his wife. He’s careful not to let anyone in, save for his daughter, but he can’t ignore his attraction to his guarded but gorgeous new colleague, Dr. Sandra Fraser. So when one stormy night awakens a dormant passion in them both, they agree it will be one time only—until an unexpected pregnancy changes everything…

A baby and lots of problems, plus romance.

I’ve not read an Amy Ruttan book in a while and I’m glad I picked up this one. Her writing style is still fresh and imaginative, while keeping me flipping pages to know what will happen next. I felt like I was right there with the characters and couldn’t get enough of this couple.

I met Kody in the first book in the First Response series, but I didn’t need to read that book to know what’s going on. Kody and his daughter, Lucy, are happy enough. Kody isn’t looking for a relationship. Then Dr. Sandra shows up on the scene. I loved the chemistry between them and rooted for Kody and Sandra to get together. I liked the set of circumstances the author throws at the characters and how they work out the problems.

If you’re looking for a fresh take on the surprise pregnancy trope, then give this book a try. Recommended.

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Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue by Susan Carlisle

January 8, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue by Susan Carlisle
Pups that Make Miracles Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Full Length (256 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A chance to mend her body…

A doc to heal her heart?

In this Pups that Make Miracles story, search-and-rescue worker Cassandra Bellow arrives at Heatherglen Clinic injured and reeling from the loss of her faithful rescue dog. But a Christmas romance with the gorgeous clinic manager, Dr. Lyle Sinclair, along with Heatherglen’s adorable therapy dogs, restores Cass’s lust for life. Except soon she must return to America—unless guarded Lyle asks her to stay…

A cute story and a pup, too!

I can’t imagine losing my dog. Okay, I can because I’ve had to put a cherished pet down, but I can’t imagine being in Cass’s situation. Her rescue dog has passed and she’s been injured. She’s got to get back out into the world. Enter Lyle and his clinic that uses therapy dogs.

I liked the characters. The chemistry is palpable. This is a sweet novel involving two souls that should be together and their attempt to find their happy ending.

I knew going in this would be a good read. I’ve read other books by Susan Carlisle and wasn’t let down. The writing was crisp and moved along well. I’m looking forward to more books in the Pups that Make Miracles Series.

If you’re interested in a cute holiday romance, then this is the one for you.

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Messing Around With Max by Lori Foster

November 22, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Messing Around With Max by Lori Foster
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short story (137 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review by: Xeranthemum

Successful relationship columnist Max Sawyers has lived life in the fast lane andenjoyed every second of it, but with a cranky rescue dog named Cleo now ruling his lifeinstead of casual temptation, he’s decided it’s time to change his ways and find a wife.Between his own high standards and his new dog’s dislike of anything female, this is noeasy feat—especially when the worst possible candidate comes crashing into his life, andshe’s the only woman the capricious Cleo can stand.

Maddie Montgomery refused to take to heart the nasty things her ex-fiancé said aftershe caught him cheating, but perhaps he had a point about her naiveté with men. Shecertainly hasn’t ruled out marriage in the (very distant) future, but for now, she’s goingto go all out in the name of fun. Who better to practice with than the gorgeous Max?Problem is, he’s beginning to think he’s met The One, and she isn’t going to like findingout it’s her…

This is a perfect book for new readers of Ms. Foster. This story is incredibly romantic, lighthearted and delightful. Most of her recent series feature tough heroes and feisty heroines with serious conflicts to battle and overcome. Messing Around With Max is one of those rare treats that focuses on two people falling in love with lots of humor and madcap hijinks. It even starts in the very first paragraph. The initial meeting between Max, his dog Cleo, and Maddie is quite memorable for many reasons not the least of which is the dialogue. What a reader experiences in those beginning scenes is what they can expect throughout the book – adorable, cheeky and seductive fun. Maddie alternately confuses, confounds and seduces Max just by being herself. It’s a forgone conclusion that the hero is a goner.

I think what made this story work for me was Cleo. She’s a dog with attitude and she’s a little hard to love. The love she does receive is part of what made Max such a perfect hero. How he obtained his pet, how he takes care of her and his goal for her future well-being is the driving force behind a lot of his decisions when it comes to his relationship with Maddie.

For the heroine’s part, she has some ulterior motives, unusual friends, a heart of gold and a very healthy libido. Actually, it became clear that they both have healthy appetites in that area, which made for some very steamy, spicy and entertaining reading.

The pace is brisk, the entertainment solid and the love scenes are very well written. The secondary characters bring charm, insight and a few laughs. They are warm, wonderful and full of surprises.

The scenes with the most humor that really had me laughing out loud is when Max followed Maddie on the sly and saw her going into a specialized store. He jumped to conclusions, which I’ll admit were perfectly logical, and when the big reveal came about the true purpose, it completely threw me. Max’s reaction was priceless. It was awesome.

Messing Around With Max is a must read. For fans that might have missed it, check it out because it’s a gem. For new fans, it’s a great intro to Ms. Foster’s brilliant writing. For readers who are in the mood for a feel-good read after a stressful day, this is the perfect cure. This book pushes all my happy buttons and I guarantee it’s on my keeper shelf.

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A Debutante in Disguise by Eleanor Webster

July 23, 2019 By Leave a Comment


A Debutante in Disguise by Eleanor Webster
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (288 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

A society lady

…with a secret!

Determined to help people, Letty Barton has a double life—she’s a trained doctor! No one must know “Dr. Hatfield” is actually a woman. Called to an emergency, she comes face-to-face with her patient’s brother, Lord Anthony Ashcroft… They’d once shared a spark-filled flirtation—now he’s a brooding, scarred war hero. But how long will it be before he recognizes her beneath her disguise and the sparks begin to fly once more?

A Debutante in Disguise was a very interesting and well written historical romance story between a brave heroine, Letty and a commendable hero, Lord Anthony. The story starts with a desirable prologue that swiftly left me wanting to read more. I enjoyed the descriptive scenes and well developed characters.

Letty was a unique lady with dreams and goals that were limited by society. I enjoyed how she took leadership overcoming those obstacles. It was a huge risk she took and I could feel the tension and fear of being discovered. I’m so thankful that we don’t live in that era any longer. If fact, I didn’t think about it but most of my doctors that I see are women. I’m glad they don’t have to go through the charade of dressing up as men to be allowed to practice medicine as a doctor. I appreciate those in the past who made this possible by challenging society’s limits and paving a path for change. Letty was the perfect example of courage as she persisted to follow her dreams.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I appreciate a book that teaches me something new and is still entertaining. My education started with the Author Note in the beginning of the book. I didn’t know about Dr. James Miranda Barry’s life long masquerade. That was a fascinating fact that Eleanor Webster shared. I’m not a big history buff but A Debutante in Disguise was rather fascinating from beginning to end. The pace was a nice steady flow which brought the story to life for me or in this case, took me back into the past.

I felt many emotions throughout this story. I enjoyed a few laughs here and there to lighten up my mood around the hero, Anthony. The synopsis sums it up accurately. Anthony is a “brooding, scarred war hero”. His internal struggles pulled at my heart strings. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for not only him but for all the other war heroes who return with internal or external and often both internal and external ramifications from serving our country. A Debutante in Disguise brought hope to the reader through the heroine, Letty.

Letty and Anthony needed each other in more ways than one. They are the epitome of persistence. Together they can overcome any and all obstacles. There was no doubt that their love was genuine and everlasting.

This was my first Eleanor Webster book and it won’t be my last. Bravo for developing a heartwarming love story filled with compassion and romance.

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Holiday Kisses by Anna J Stewart

June 3, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Holiday Kisses by Anna J Stewart
Butterfly Harbor Stories, Book 5
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (384 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

His family’s honor is at stake…

And she holds the key

Calliope Jones, Butterfly Harbor’s free-spirited organic farmer, is the most vocal objector to Xander Costas and his design for the butterfly sanctuary that he hopes will save his family’s architectural firm. Strangely, it’s Calliope who shows him what the town, and he, really need. Calliope makes Xander listen with his heart. And soon his heart may be telling him to stay with this extraordinary woman!

Not that long ago I read a blog somewhere about how nice it would be to cast an unlikely heroine. You know, a non-stereotypical leading lady. One that wasn’t the usual trope of being pudgy. I wasn’t sure what the blog was looking for but I think I found it.

Calliope, the heroine, was extraordinary and I’m not one bit surprised that Anna J. Stewart was the one to pull it off. I’ve read stories by her in the past and loved each and every one. I am late to the boat in discovering the Butterfly Harbor Series as Holiday Kisses is book five. I haven’t read the first four books but I wish I had. Apparently Calliope’s story was long awaited for by readers who are following this series. I can say that Holiday Kisses can be read as a standalone but it’s clear that my enjoyment would have been even better if I had read the previous books.

Xander, the hero, was wonderfully matched with Calliope’s character. Together they made a heartwarming story. I enjoyed reading the process of how they came to a mutual compromise regarding their difference of opinions over important matters. Together, they are unstoppable.

I recommend this book if you are looking for a unique heroine such as Calliope. She was refreshing and intriguing. Xander couldn’t resist her charm and neither could I. Also, If you love butterflies then this is a must read.

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Diary of a War Bride by Lauri Robinson

May 7, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Diary of a War Bride by Lauri Robinson
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (198 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed Poinsettia

The land girl and the US officer

July 1942

Dear diary, despite the war raging around me, I find I can’t stop thinking about the American officer, Sergeant Dale Johnson. I’ve never known anyone as brave, kind and handsome! But I promised myself I wouldn’t care this much about a man again, especially when he could be transferred at any time. Yet that only makes me want to relish our time together. Now fighting my heart feels like the biggest battle…

They never know how much time they have.

Dale and Kathryn are both very strong, determined characters, and their first meeting is far from ideal. I still chuckle when I think of the mishap that brought them together, and Dale’s determination to make things right between them. Dale and Kathryn definitely have chemistry, but I like that they don’t instantly fall in love. Instead, I had the pleasure of watching their relationship gradually shift from mutual respect, to friendship, and finally love.

However, the path to their happy ending isn’t easy. They are in the middle of World War II, and neither Kathryn nor Dale are sure a wartime romance is a good idea. The future is uncertain, and Dale could be moved to a different base at any time. As their feelings grow stronger, both are reluctant to take their relationship to the next level. Dale and Kathryn seem to be under the impression that holding their emotions back is somehow sparing the other person pain. In reality, it seems to make things harder for them both. At the same time, they cherish each moment together as if it would be their last. Unfortunately, during a war this is a very real possibility.

Diary of a War Bride is a simple tale of finding love amid the chaos of war, and I think that is what I like most about this story. Dale and Kathryn’s romance is sweet, emotional, and genuine. It never once felt forced or fake. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read Diary of a War Bride and recommend it to fans of historical romance.

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