GRR Reviews The Hitman's Mistake by Sally Brandle

Miranda accidentally witnessed a crooked cop and an assassin tried to take out a judge, and managed to save the judge. But the crooked cop and the killer knows who she is, and she had to run for her life. Her only hope was an FBI agent she only had an awkward encounter with in a small Montana town where she's a stranger. // Grant was heading home in Montana to visit his folks and help his dad out by taking supplies to a mountain man. Finding Miranda on the path, with a bullet wound to her side, was definitely not in his plans. How did she find him? Is she an accomplice or an innocent bystander caught up on the web of deceit? And how can he protect her?

Two major plot holes that beg explanation: 1) NOBODY in town can protect her, and she had to get all the way to Montana to trust a man she doesn't even know how to find? WTF? 2) The darkest hour was a TSTL (too stupid to live) moment. Let's just say... A certain boogeyman knows when to just... pop back up. Oh, and there's a certain weapon mentioned, only moments before the darkest hour, but never used.  3.5/5

GRR Reviews Veiled Mirror by Frankie Robinson

Ellie and Beth are twins. Beth was glad that Ellie had married a loving and rich husband, Chris. When Beth learned that Chris died in a freak accident, Beth rushed to console her twin. But Ellie was convinced that Chris was murdered... and police are not taking her seriously. When their truck crashed and Ellie was mortally wounded, Ellie made Beth swear to find her killer... who probably also killed Chris. And the only way Beth can see to do that... is to assume Ellie's identity, and pretend Beth had died in the crash. But her next task is even more difficult... Meet with Jason, Chris's best friend, FBI agent (on convalescence due to injury in the line of duty)... and Beth's former lover. Can she afford to let him know the truth? But she will need his help, because the killer is still out there, and he's not done yet...

Other than Ellie's spirit appearing multiple times to "help things along", the mystery is tight and everything flowed properly. However, the way sex was included in the initial scenes was a bit jarring and almost out of context. 4/5

GRR Reviews The Opposite of You by Rachel Higginson

Vera, back from a year in Europe with a culinary degree, sunk her savings into a food truck. And the only place to operate it, with proper clientele, is also across a parking lot from a famous restaurant with Michelin-starred chef Killian Quinn. Vera had a VERY BAD experience with a chef (who was also her boyfriend, but he gaslighted her and physically abused her when she figured it out) so when Killian came by (to spy? not that a food truck is a competition with his restaurant) Vera can't put up with his holier-than-thou attitude. But as they settled into a grudging respect for each other, Vera's evil ex returned...

There is one thing about this that bothered me. I am reasonably sure that a food truck has no place to actually prep the food, and the actual prep had to be done in a proper industrial grade kitchen. Yet I don't recall seeing any mention of that in the book. And the shift from grudging respect to love was kinda... weird. Oh, and it was mentioned Killian has a beard, but I don't ever recall any sort of facial net was mentioned... 4/5

GRR Reviews Beauty and the Bitch by Ginger Voight

Sofie Vincent had to bury her past to become the most successful TV producer in Hollywood. Her show had been bringing in viewers like mad, and that's because her "bitch" demeanor somehow brings out the best... Because if you managed to cross her, even by accident, she will utterly DESTROY you.  Until she ran into the one person she could not control... // Hospice nurse Fletcher just wanted to make one of his patients, Rose, happy. She kept looking for "Pudgie", her daughter, and yes, Rose is dying. Fletcher just wanted to reunite them before it's too late. But Sofie does NOT want her past revealed, even by a do-gooder like Fletcher. First she destroyed him by causing him to be fired (it's technically a HIPAA privacy violation), then she "hired" him and bound him to an NDA as her "assistant". But Fletcher is not ready to give up. // As far as Sofie's concerned, Rose cannot be forgiven. Rose wrote a series of children's books based on Sofie's childhood mishaps and failures. Rose believed her mother destroyed her self-esteem by publicizing her faults. But Fletcher is there to make sure she gets a different view, and maybe, turn Sofie back into a human being... Before it's too late to make amends.

Love the tale... even though it's basically one of those "hold a forever grudge, only to have an epiphany" plot. It's REALLY well polished, and Fletcher here is a complex character and almost a perfect match to Sofie. 5/5

GRR Reviews Mr. Write by Chelsea Hale

Liz had to dump her "Mr. Perfect" only 4 days before their wedding. The pain was too raw, causing her to swear off virtually all men. She's happy to fill her life with her NFL player brother's charity, her job, and her graduate studies. But when his brother's biographer Tyler came to town for interviews, Liz is intrigued, after spilling root beer all over him. And Tyler is definitely into Liz, a lot. And the attention was reciprocated. But when it seems Tyler may skip his obligations toward Liz for his own book tour, will Liz's choice for Mr. Right / Write prove to be another monumental mistake?

Why is it that the darkest hour almost ALWAYS comes down to "worst-case assumptions, fragile ego"?  Good polish, great meet-cute, good build-up, but trope darkest hour. I have trouble imagining Liz suddenly feeling so inadequate she'd make that worst case assumption despite months of bliss. 4/5

GRR Reviews The Not So Bad Boy by Raquel Belle

Hayley has a dilemma... She doesn't want to be alone. In fact, she has a thing for "bad boys", but her heart kept getting broken by them, she had sworn off bad boys altogether. Her present boyfriend, Eric, is nice, sometimes sweet, stable, and dependable (boring). She thought she had it good, until she met the latest teacher's aid and co-worker, James, who has the quintessential bad boy look including tattoos. But as Hayley found out, James is also sweet, a closet geek, and excellent at work. Hayley thought she should break up with Eric and go with James, but can she take a chance with her heart?

Hmmmm... Hayley is a bit TOO nice to others, and not to herself, and came off as a bit... doormat. This "I should be break up with Eric and go to James... or Not" went back and forth, back and forth SEVERAL times, usually for the most minor of reasons.  She saw a beautiful woman next to James on Instagram, she did not break up with Eric (but the girl turns out to be James' sister). Eric cooked a 3 course meal for her, so she can't break up with him that night...   It's a bit exasperating to read sometimes. But otherwise, it's pretty good. 4/5

GRR Reviews Then He Happened by Claudia Burgoa

Eileen has ALWAYS been overlooked by her family, when her sister got all the drama. Now that her sister's pregnant, Eileen has been shanghaied and guilted by her family into planning a shotgun wedding... Scheduled on her birthday AND graduation day, in merely weeks. Good thing the best man is gorgeous, and seems to notice her... // Jason is a cynical and rich playboy who was left at the altar by a woman he loved with all his heart. Now he has none to give. Now his no-good cousin needs the biggest bailout of them all... He knocked up a girl and needs to marry her. Jason knew he'd end up footing most of the bill... and he can see that Eileen is the quiet one in the background, always bailing out her family... without complaint. And Eileen doesn't even fall for his charm. Now he's on a quest to show he's not as shallow as Eileen thinks he is... and perhaps... even prove he has a heart to give.

Awwww... Everyone knew siblings and families like that... and people who sit in the background, NEVER take any credit. Though this one is, for laughs, amped it up to 11. Nice tale. 5/5

GRR Reviews My Convenient Marriage by Rachel Taylor

Declan is a businessman too busy for love. So when CPS showed up at his business with a girl in tow, he was shocked... But there's no denying Callie was his daughter, and the mother... was in a less than legit profession as both mother and her BF were arrested. Having never cared for a child in his life, he was totally overwhelmed, as Callie won't even talk to him. As he had to work, the only solution was to enroll her in daycare. // Abby loves kids, but doesn't trust men. Working in daycare was the next best thing to having her own. Abby bonded with Callie, the new student, and cleaned her up... then noticed signs of abuse.. .and was mortified to find she had accused the wrong person, Declan. She offered to help, and Declan eagerly accepted. But when Declan tried to contest for custody, his lawyer told him he needs a real family... suburban house, picket fence, wife, and all that. And Declan saw his solution: he'll ask Abby to join him in a marriage of convenience. It was about Callie, not love... At least that's what he told himself...

Good polish, but nothing really out of the ordinary. I saw every major plot point coming a mile away. He thinks she doesn't love him (she kinda said so at the beginning), she thinks he doesn't love her (because she had said she didn't love him). It's a bunch of stupid assumptions until it boiled over and they had to admit their feelings, which is a trope in itself. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Nursing His Desire by Lacy Embers

Reggie has a real estate empire and a swimsuit model girlfriend. He's also gorgeous. It should be bliss, except for his "crazy old mother". It seems the only one who can handle his crazy old mother was nurse Jenna. In desperation, Reggie hired Jenna as her mother's in-home nurse. And Jenna accepts reluctantly. But she can never fall for her "boss"... That is not proper. And his swimsuit model GF is still hanging around...

Not bad, but nothing really that special. The "crazy grand/mother" trope is just that... a trope.  3/5

GRR Reviews Famous by Default by MK Harkins

Jax no longer has a life. Due to his brothers' fame as a boy band, he was mobbed anywhere public he appears, even though he wanted no part of it. Forced into exile in a far away farm town with "crazy aunt Betty", Jax is ready to spend his high school senior year alone and angry... Until he encountered Sivan, one of aunt Betty's foster children...  // Sivan grew up in the foster care system, after losing her entire family in one tragic day. Her next three foster families did not work out (and that's putting it mildly), and she's within a year of aging out of the system (at 18) and cast adrift in a world with no place for her. Betty's place is her last chance for any normalcy... and Jax is an unwelcome surprise... // The two, both angry at the world, slowly formed a friendship, then love. But both knew this is temporary. He's going back to his life after the mania dies down... and she would be leaving aunt Betty's place when she aged out. Should they go ahead and have the best times or their lives... or steel their hearts to avoid the inevitable heartbreak?

Awww, nice YA angst-y, but not TOO angst-y, except for the scenes of loss. And yes, there's really a darkest hour at the end. Something that can destroy them both.  5/5

GRR Reviews Second Chance Ranch by Virginia Hodgson

Charlie had to run her family ranch after her father passed away, and she needs help. When Lance applied, he seems to be a good fit. But turns out he's an orphan with a juvie record and on probation, and if he doesn't find honest work soon, he may go back to the slammer. But he can never find a job if he confessed to everything upfront... But Charlie has her own secrets... and it may tear them apart...

For a short piece (under 100 pages) there's a LOT of emotions packed in there, mostly of angst though. And one of those is "fragile ego / run away" trope. One quibble... the cover photo is that of a generic office hunk, when it should be a "ranch hand" or someone rougher, more blue collar. 4/5

GRR Reviews My Kind of You by Tracy Brogan

Emily, a house flipper, was forced to go home (Trillium Bay, northern Michigan) with her twelve-year-old, when she got a very bad lemon of a house (due to her partner hired a bad inspector). Desperate to stay afloat, she begged grandma for a loan, and grandma made it a condition that she had to come home during the summer to renovate one of the rental properties. // Also on the way to Trillium Bay was Ryan. He's a land developer, and he had just found out that his father had a total personality change. Instead of the work robot (that Ryan currently is), his father had taken up trail hiking, square dancing, and has gotten a girlfriend. Ryan was sure some golddigger had gotten her claws into his father, and he's there to rescue him. // Ryan and Emily shared travel mishaps, and some slight affection for each other developed. That is, until Emily and Ryan realized his father's girlfriend is Emily's little sister. Now she's sure that his father is an old lecher taking advantage of her innocent sister, and he's sure he's cavorting with a family of golddiggers. Hilarity ensued. But it seems his father is keeping even bigger secrets... and it may affect his affection toward Emily...

Awww, funny setup, lots of background complications (yes, the rental properties and land developer background fits into all that), and the kid is the perfect straight man in the comedy routine. 5/5

GRR Reviews Legacy of the Heart by Evelyn Boyett

In the old west, Abby was sent to a "finishing school" in the East at the age of 15, and forced to leave her beloved Montana ranch behind. She hated her father ever since and never returned... Ten years later, Abby returned upon learning of her father's death... and found that she had inherited the ranch, and foreman Mac will show her how it's done. But there's a saboteur among the ranch hands... For Abby has an evil uncle, who wanted revenge for having been slighted decades ago by Abby's father, and he will "encourage" Abby to sell him the ranch. Forced together by circumstances, Mac and Abby have to trust each other.

About as trope as Old West romance goes without invoking mail-order bride, there are so many tropes here (just look at the tags below). It felt as if it's written by formula, with tropes after trope piled on to make things last a bit longer. While the polish is good, it can't disguise that it's filled with trope after trope. 3/5

GRR Reviews Elof's Mission by Linda K Hubalek

In the year 1886, Elof, former soldier, has just delivered a grave marker to a Montana cemetery for a friend's father's grave. He plans to join them in Clear Creek, Kansas when he came upon a young woman and a child being evicted. Turns out the young woman, Linnea, was a mail-order bride that arrived and married the man eight days ago, and Jamie, the child, was the son of the dead man from a previous marriage. With nowhere to go, and Elof and Linnea both being Swedish descent, the widow and stepson agreed to accompany Elof to Kansas. Elof wanted to marry Linnea and provide for Jamie, but he has nothing at the moment. Then Jamie's grandparents arrived in Kansas to contest custody...

Sweet, but not much else. 3/5

GRR Reviews Rider's Desire by Laura Stapleton

Clay is a pony express rider that usually rides between Sacramento and Carson City. However, when his local station master revealed that a miner has died leaving several unclaimed letters, and obviously from a special lady, Clay decided he'll ride way east to return the letters. On the way, he had to open the letters to dry them, and he accidentally read one, then another... and he's in love... // Abigail started a pen pal relationship with a gold miner looking for a mail order bride. She's not expecting a letter informing her of her beau's death... And even less for the sender of bad news to show up on her doorstep only a few days later...

As an adventure, it's great. but as a romance, it's well below average. In fact, you don't see Abigail and Clay together until the 80% point. 3/5

GRR Reviews to Have and To Hold by Kristi Rose

Lottie and Bill have been together forever (since elementary school), but only as platonic friends. Now Lottie's a pastry chef, and Bill is a pastor. And Lottie is tired of waiting for Bill to "get a clue". So when someone offered to sell her cupcakes to a much wider area, and have her move to the city, she has a decision to make. // Elizabeth runs Meryton Matchmakers, and why would Willaim the corporate raider interested in her business? If Liz can't convince Will that her company means a lot more than just the tiny yearly profit, she may lose everything...

The two plots don't intersect that well. It's as if the author just basically bashed the two separate plots together. 3/5

GRR Reviews The (Not So) Perfect Day by Maggie Dallen

Ellie is about to get married, but without her best platonic friend Ian. He seems to be ignoring her... // Ian had received the wedding invitation for weeks, but he's avoiding the obvious... He can't imagine Ellie to be with anyone good enough for her. Not even himself, because he travels a lot and doesn't want to get married. But he had to support her decisions. But there's something definitely wrong with Ellie's fiancee, and not NOT just jealousy. Can he come clean (with himself) with his feelings, and show her that her best man is really the best man for her?

There's some serious angst, and Ian is in DEEP self-denial there. There's a bit of back and forth, but Ellie had to see for herself that whoever she was marrying was not good for her. 4/5

GRR Reviews The Start of Something Good by Jennifer Probst

Ethan returned to Hudson Valley after being discharged from Special Forces. He had failed someone on his final mission, and while his body has mostly healed, his heart hadn't. He kept mostly to himself on his sister's farm and B&B. Until a woman wandered onto the farm... // Mia is a city girl, and a top PR agent out of Manhattan, but as a special favor to her favorite client, a politician, she'll do babysitting duty... Make sure that the politician's daughter serves out her community service at the farm away from prying eyes. Her uptight city-bred manners clashed immediately with Ethan's relaxed brooding attitude. But as the summer went on, they discovered a lot about each other that they liked, even as the truth about the politician's daughter came to light...  But Mia has a career in the city, and Ethan has no desire to leave the farm. Can such a relationship ever work? Or will their past hold them back?

Nice detailed history about both, without making them super-angst-y. The initial clashes are quite masterful, both believing the other is wrong, but it's one of those "looks are only skin deep" kind of deal. I think the ending was a bit too... convenient (someone had an epiphany).  4.5/5

GRR Reviews Basketball Mom by Ginny Baird

Tess, single mom, wants the best for her son, Jake. And Jake wants to be on the basketball team. Unfortunately, his abilities are somewhat lacking. It didn't help when their neighbor, single dad Colin, is the basketball coach, and his daughter, Dakota, is dribbling circles around Jake. In desperation, Jake wished upon a shooting star to become the best basketball player in the state or even the world... But the magic landed on his mother instead. Tess's accidental demonstration at her son's basketball tryouts was filmed and immediately went viral, and Colin's friend, a WNBA scout, came to town to investigate #basketballmom. Tess is overwhelmed, as even she can't explain her freakish abilities, and now Jake's mad at her for "stealing" his wish. Tess is also drooling over her handsome neighbor Colin, but she can't get involved with her son's coach... Right?

Ah, nice comedy with a dose of magic. Let's just say Tess doesn't get to keep her ability, but Jake didn't turn into a superstar either. But the love that came from that temporary gift is what lasts forever. A fun tale. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Matchmaking for Beginners: A Novel by Maddie Dawson

Marnie wanted an ordinary life... she already has a fiancee, now she just needs to get him to the altar and go for the HEA, then kids, suburban house, minivan... Until Marnie meets aunt Blix, her fiancee's eccentric matchmaking great aunt... who's dying... and Blix told her EVERYTHING will change... and they did. Marnie's marriage lasted only 2 weeks. Her depression led to a breakdown that got her fired from her teaching job.  Now she's back home, divorced, and living in her teenager room. She got back with one of her old boyfriends, and it was good... But she's not aware that life has other plans for her... or her own gift of spotting the right matches for other people. She was shocked when she got the news that Blix has died... and left her the Brooklyn Brownstone... and all the neighbors and tenants living there, for her to match. And it is there, perhaps, she'll recognize the greatest truth of all...

Awww, touching, but not too angst-y, sweet, but not sacchrine. Blix is unusual, but not to the point of totally weird or fall into stereotype of "wild oldster" (often found in romcoms, i.e. "grandma buys a Harley") and Marnie was both loving AND broken at the same time... a lot like Patrick. 5/5

GRR Reviews Best of Intentions by LK Farlow

Nate and Jenny are acquaintances. Nate's little sister is Jenny's best friend. Nate and Jenny are NOT a couple, and they have different ideas about love. Nate's a bit of playboy, love-em-and-leave-em kinda guy, and a cop. Jenny's mate-for-life kinda girl, but strong and beautiful and sassy. But Jenny has had a crush on Nate for a long time. And after a wedding, it was the perfect chance to get a taste of Nate. It'd be just for one night... Except it's never really that simple.

Okay, nice job throwing diabetes there for Jenny to deal with in addition to life. You'll get an explanation for why Nate's the way he is, and he did change. Not too angst-y. 4/5

GRR Reviews The Nanny's Billionaire by Carly Morgan

Evie is out of a job and soon to be homeless. Her career as a country music singer was dashed when a prospective label suddenly dropped her. She would love to be a nanny to two adorable girls, but it's their father that she has a problem with... For he's none other than Kane Warren, country music's bad boy, recently divorced with drama covered in all gossip rags and news. But she also loved his music. Her phone has a playlist full of them. But what chance does a girl have to spend time at an island beach resort? She had to go... but someone had already called dibs on Kane... his business associate and widow Penelope, who told Evie, in no uncertain terms, Kane is out of her league. Then she found that her ex is also on the island as a backup musician, and wanted her back. Add a kitten named Fabio, a freak thunderstorm, and a lost girl, and it's clear that Evie's feelings about Kane (and possibly vice versa) are complicated.

Kitten and kids are cute, but some of the angst makes no sense. You can really stretch the truth by claiming Kane's special event on the island was an expense item that forced the label to drop Evie, but that'd be really stupid reasoning, just looking for something to blame. And some of the complications, like Evie's ex, are very late and didn't tie in well to the main plot. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Nanny for the Billionaire by Jenna Brandt

Roger is a rich but reformed playboy. But when his secret son was left at his doorstep due to mother's legal problem, he's definitely not ready for fatherhood, and he had to seek help, even from a frenemy. // Celeste did not like Roger... as he almost broke up her best friend's relationship. But when Roger needed her help to find a nanny for his "sudden son", she can't refuse. When no viable candidates were found, Roger asked her to fill in. And suddenly, it's domestic bliss in Roger's home. But is this all play-acting and temporary? What happens when the child's mother comes back and contests custody?

Eh, nothing really surprising about this one. It's trope all the way, with decent polish, but not much else. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Her Marriage Pact with the Billionaire by Lucy McConnell

Ten Years ago, Quinton and Virginia promised, on graduation night, to marry each other if both are still single after ten years. Quinton became a successful amusement park engineer, designing roller coasters, while Virginia wandered the world doing philanthropic work, avoiding the pharmaceutical company founded by her father, and now, ran by her stepmother. But the time's up. Quinton never forgot Virginia's kiss, and Virginia promised to return after 10 years to take control of the company. The reunion was nice, but it's clear both have been changed. They got married as promised, but is there actually love, despite each's complications?

This one is not quite up to the author's standards. The threats to each are slow, shallow, and doesn't really complicate their respective love life directly.  Quinton is trying to fend off Chinese industrial spies and copycats only to see a betrayal from an unexpected source, while Virginia found herself integrating back into her father's company rebuffed by her stepmom, forcing her to take drastic measures.  But the marriage itself just has a lack of emotion to it, even as they second-guessed each other. 3/5

GRR Reviews The Executive's Secret by Kimberley Montpetit

Caleb and his partners have built a billion-dollar enterprise in the past decade. But he had never forgotten Kira back in a Denver high school, the pianist that he admired... from two rows back. Back then, he's the invisible geek with the greasy hair and acne. But now, he's gorgeous, rich, and if he wanted to be, irresistible. In the very evening when he and his team returned to Dever, Colorado, he found Kira, as one of the waitresses there... // Kira had to quit school after an auto accident crippled her father and now, her mother had gotten dementia. She's barely scraping by, helping her parents with the medical bills. She did not remember Caleb, but when a handsome and rich guy pays attention to you, you can't ignore it... And Caleb wanted to help Kira... and have a relationship with her, if possible. But Caleb has a secret that can destroy EVERYTHING...

Ah, the geek gone gorgeous, sorta genderbent ugly duckling, and rich as sin. There's gotta be a downside, and it's that secret he'd been hiding. Let's just say it's NOT QUITE as bad as you'd expect it to be, even though it was very selfish of him, even though it's also kinda sweet if you look at it a different way.  I guess the problem is Caleb is almost a bit TOO good and ideal. And Kira a little TOO selfless.  4.5/5

GRR Reviews Her Dream Date Boss by Cami Checketts

Mae had been working for Slade for a while, by remote, usually via video chat. Mae had fallen for Slade a long time ago. When Slade is flying to her and wanted to have dinner, she accepted eagerly. But she went a little overboard... and totally transformed herself... so much so, he didn't recognize her. Then she suddenly gets the idea to "test" him by claiming she's Josie, and see how will Slade react to Josie... and will he still be "loyal" to Mae...  // Slade wanted to have dinner with Mae, but can't find her at the restaurant. Finding Josie there was a stroke of luck, but he's really attracted to Mae... Decisions, decisions...

Basically a "wrong twin" scenario with the same person as "both twins". I find Mae's reasoning to be a bit... suspect. Her insecurities are so deep that she allowed a waiter to manipulate her into messing with Slade's affections. And how can Slade not recognize her up close, despite a total transformation?  4/5

GRR Reviews My Virtual Prince Charming by Maggie Dallen

Suzie is having a bad senior year in high school. Someone decided to humiliate her with an unflattering photo at the first school day, and hottie jock Luke seems to be out to annoy her every day. Her only escape was online in an Indie MMORPG and her best bud there is also her ideal man. But when Luke quit basketball and joined her computer science club and was made her programming partner for the contest, things may get awkward... VERY awkward. // Luke has a secret. He loved his online gaming buddy, ever since he discovered the buddy's female. He's even more surprised one day when he realized his online crush was none other than Abby, his neighbor and fellow student. He had to know her better, but she rebuffed him at every turn. So he had to join her computer club and get closer to her... But will sharing that secret destroy that relationship?

Awww, this one is more YA, and all the terminology sounds authentic. It's basically secret identity love triangle. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Wife for Now by Penny Wylder

Celia is Luke's personal assistant, and she had a crush on Luke for the longest time, but both treat each other professionally, with some verbal flirting, but nothing else. Then one day he shocked her with a proposal... Pretend to be his wife, since he has a bit of a bet with his friend who's getting married. And it was the best days of her life, as Luke treats Celia just like a wife... Including a ring, honeymoon suite, and even his husband duties (yes, in bed too). But... it was just pretend... right?

Sweet, sexy, and the darkest hour works, even though it's also a bit... naughty. Not to spoil the story, but it's quite nice, even though the tension isn't quite there. 4/5

GRR Reviews Broken Hero by Aubrey Wright

Natalie is a skilled lawyer, but she chose the wrong boyfriend, Joey. Turns out, Joey's a mob prince, and he won't take no for an answer. When not even the cops are willing to do something, Natalie had to hire her own security, Garrett. And Garrett is strikingly handsome and powerful. But Garrett has a secret... He's actually working for Joey, because Joey is threatening his sister studying in California. Garrett is supposed to dissuade Natalie from going to the cops... because she knew too much about Joey. But Garrett had fallen for Natalie. How can he extract himself, his sister, AND Natalie from Joey's trap? Can his relationship with Natalie be saved? Or will he be betrayed just like he betrayed her?

Pretty good twists and turns. 4/5

GRR Reviews The Wife Arrangement by Penny Wylder

Jasper is the head of Quint Motors until his father made him a deal he can't refuse: find a wife before the family reunion, or the control of the company will be handed to one of his married cousins. To spite his father, he and his assistant came up with the most outrageous plan... Hire someone to play his wife, but someone so unsuitable she'll NEVER be accepted by his family so that his father will BEG him to divorce her and let him retain the company. They picked one of the interns, "Dee". // Dee is pretty much alone in the world and relatively poor. She joined Quint Motors hoping to work in design, as she knew cars. She was offered a letter of recommendation and a stipend to go to a college of her choice for her to act as Jasper's wife. She was NOT told that she was set up to fail. What she didn't expect was for Jasper to fall for her... for real.

While the twist on "weird will" leading to "fake marriage real love" is quite novel, the whole setup also felt a bit... childish.  3.5/5

GRR Reviews Restless by Paris Hansen

Savannah wanted forever with a man, even though she does have a bit of a crush on the bartender, Gabe, at her favorite restaurant. But she just agreed to be matched by a professional matchmaker. When Gabe approached her, she can't say no. Turns out Gabe was actually the owner of the restaurant and an excellent lover. But when Gabe's ex-fiancee returned after the death of her father (and his mentor), will Savannah be left broken-hearted?

Hmmm... I think Savannah is a bit too... "fragile ego", but Gabe's also a bit too quick to go to the bottle instead of talking it out. Some TSTL moments. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Boss I Love to Hate by Mia Kayla

Brad is one of the three brothers running a big printing business. Sonia is his secretary, and obviously will NOT sleep with the boss. In fact, she was strictly ordered NOT to by the other two brothers. Brad can be horribly annoying that Sonia told others he's BILK (boss I'd like to kill) but Brad's actually not that bad in private... When Sonia found out that her ex, along with his new girl, was invited to a wedding she must attend, she panicked. She hadn't dated in a long time, and in desperation, she asked her boss, Brad, to pose as her date, even if she had to cash in a favor... It'd be easy for Brad, right? Except this time, Brad knew who he wanted to complete his family... Sonia...

Good combination, hot-for-boss mixed with fake-date-to-show-my-ex. The problem is Sonia's self-inadequacy... Why must she have a fake date, just to show her ex off? It's sorta understandable, yet kinda laughable at the same time. Brad's a nicely complex character. The order NOT to sleep with Brad was because Brad had seduced several secretaries before, and cause more than a few problems. That's a bit... cliched trope aka "manwhore". 4/5

GRR Reviews Accidental Husband by Crystal Kaswell

Griffin "Griff" and Juliette "Jules" have been friends since elementary school, when he protected her from a bully. Twelve years later, Jules had to call off her own wedding. Griff consoled her by taking her to Vegas. However, after one drunken night, they woke up married to each other. Jules started to panic as she just got away from one betrayer, but Griff had been protecting her. Can she trust Griff with her heart, despite all of their respective issues they brought into the relationship?

Accidental spouse mixed with friends to lovers is a pretty good mix, but this book is really about personal demons and how to exorcise them so the person can love. 4/5

GRR Reviews Way to My Heart by Barbara C Doyle

Paisley is content to live her own awkward single life with just her cat. She's already working multiple jobs, and thinking "is this all there is to life". Then Caleb entered her life... Caleb is the brother to her best friend, and initially, quite cocky.  But his charm eventually won Paisley over. Paisley may be single (and still has her V-card, but nobody is supposed to know that), and she's not model thin, but she knows that and is comfortable with it. When she learned that Caleb wanted to woo her, will she accept? Or will her past scars prove too much to handle?

Sorta ugly duckling finally meets the guy who appreciates her, with a good dose of rom-com. I have a LITTLE problem with Caleb started off as a hot jerk that somehow transitioned into the sensitive male. I didn't quite feel the transition. 4/5

GRR Reviews No Love Left Behind by Jenni M Rose

Mercedes was once a rich and entitled brat... The world was her plaything, men or women. Until one insane moment of rage that changed her life forever. Seven years and one felony prison sentence later, "Sadie" was born. Sadie just wanted to live in the country with her friendly neighbors, her dogs, and stay far away from the limelight at Boston, where she was told she does NOT belong, by none other than her own father. But her brother has other plans. // When Lincoln's big dog destroyed his home again, he needed help fast. And it turns out, "Sadie" has a reputation as a dog whisperer. But Linc was also Sadie's childhood crush, and definitely a part of her "old life" in Boston... But Linc was persistent, the dog eager to please, and Sadie can finally see that Linc sees her as she is, not as she was. But there was a nemesis from her past, who believe she hadn't paid enough for her misdeed, and will do ANYTHING to keep tormenting her... until she breaks.

Oh, nice. The dog scenes are perfect, and so was the darkest hour / total heartbreak. Linc was perhaps, a little too perfect, and Sadie has a TSTL moment where she believes TALKING with her nemesis can resolve anything. But other than these minor quibbles, this is an excellent book. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Second Chance With her Athlete by Hanna Hart

Ruby and Carter were high school sweethearts in Baton Rouge, Louisiana... He's not approved by her family, but they didn't care. Carter was destined for college football, and picked UC Berkeley in California. They were supposed to go together. Until Ruby suddenly vanished one day, and all Carter got was "she's fine, stop contacting us". // Five years later, Ruby was forced to move home as a single mother. Unknown to her, Carter is also back in town, to take care of his uncle (who has MS), and is currently the quarterback of the Baton Rouge Bears. Carter was surprised when he found Ruby... even more surprised that she has a daughter. Just imagine his shock when he finally realized he's the father... But when the season finale game coming up, will the shock affect his game? Will he ever forgive her?

Well, this book is your standard "secret baby" and all the tropes are used. But some parts about American football seems to be a bit... off. Why she ran without asking him five years ago was also a bit of... "fragile ego". Other parts are quite good.  4/5

GRR Reviews The Playboy by Madeline Ash

Alexia knew Parker was a playboy... He was an entitled and rich SOB, and almost pressured Alexia into giving up her v-card. Years later, Alexia has a TV role and possibly a movie role as well... But she can't do the sexy scenes... She doesn't look confident on camera. In fact, she still has her V-card. The movie producer told her to find some confidence before the shooting starts in a month, or the role's going to someone else. Desperate for inspiration, she went back home to Australia... and found Parker, still there on Byron Bay. But she just want someone to teach her how to love, at least on camera... without actually falling in love... it doesn't have to be Parker... but the more time she spend in Byron Bay, the more she realized Parker has changed. But she's on a strict timeline... She's going back in less than 3 weeks. And Parker is ready to make amends... By her using him for practice... if just for penance...

Now that's an interesting combination: "learn sex" trope combined with "reunion" and "return", and there's definitely a character arc for Alexia. Some parts gets really angst-y, and I'm not sure I quite like the ending, but it's good. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Man Seeking Woman by Leah Holt

Ella is desperate. She just lost her lease on her apartment, and she can't find any job that fits her teaching credentials. Then she spotted a very vague ad: man seeking woman. She answered it. The guy met her at a 5-star restaurant, but the proposal was so outrageous, she stormed out... // August found that due to his father's weird will, he may end up with nothing (despite his near billionaire status) unless he produces an heir soon. But none of the woman he met he'd want to bear his child much less love. Ella is... perfect. She is beautiful, has her own mind, is not a sycophant, and may just desperate enough to consider his proposal. But how can he convince her? // Ella eventually moved to August's place, and August won Ella over. But with paparazzi circling, and his mother meddling, will this relationship last?

Somehow, this book is rather lacking. There were several spelling mistakes, and August can't seem to stay away from lascivious thoughts about Ella even before she moved in. The result is "creepy" instead of "charming". Once they got together, the relationship did sparkle a bit, but the darkest hour was basically "fragile ego, wrong conclusion" and "run away to sort my feelings", and the grand gesture being August shows up to talk about it.  3/5

GRR Reviews Lights, Camera, Reality by S E Hall and Angela Graham

The latest reality show "Date, Mate, Fate: Celebrity Edition" has eight men and eight women, in one mansion in paradise. Computerized compatibility testing says everybody's soulmate is there. The objective is to eliminate other couples (by figuring out who's their soulmate) and send them packing, and be the last couple left. Among the guests are a former porn star, a bull rider, a football star, a cowboy, an actor, a model, a motocross racer, and more. You have the innocent, the gamer, the sexpot, the backstabber... // Harlow came with her footballer fiancee Oakley. They were high school sweethearts. He "came back" for her after making it big. But why join this show? And is Oakley really her one and only? In a show where everyone has secrets and secret agendas, how will one recognize a soulmate?

Nice. With 16 people it is a little crowded as you have to add the producer, but the characters are different enough that you can easily keep them straight, and the revelations just keep coming. There isn't a dull moment. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews The Devout Groom by Lucy McConnell

Brad, a professional football player for the Texas Titans, has a secret he can't share... He has kept track on Petra, and her ex for a long time. He felt guilty because in his last college game, he broke her ex's arm in a hard tackle, ending his NFL dreams, and ruined her marriage. And if he'll admit to himself, he had fallen for her then. It's been years, and she's now a single mom dental hygienist, and back in his life. And he wanted to woo her, to love her (but he's afraid of dentist chair)... But can he ever tell her his secret? And will that destroy their relationship when she found out?

Hmmm... Pretty good, but seems to be a lot about guilt. Really angst-y. 4/5

GRR Reviews A Sincere Billionaire's Forever Love by Kristen Iten

Billionaire racer Raul has the perfect girlfriend, school principal Marie. They are deliriously happy together. He even won when he hadn't placed in top ten. She's his lucky charm. He was able to anticipate her needs... All except one: her need to be a mother. When she took in a foster child, Raul recoiled in horror. He had secret guilt for a decade for the death of his father... He thought his father died because he gave him money to buy the plane that crashed. He tried to avoid it by inviting a reality TV show into his life, which made the very private Marie incensed. Now he's not sure how to reconcile the two very different visions of the future... and he must choose...

Hmmm...  His inability to talk about his problem makes him a bit TSTL.  3/5

GRR Reviews Secret Daddy by Scarlet West

Trina and Drake were a secret couple. Drake is best friend with Trina's brother Tom, but Drake left town to pursue his acting dreams. Ten years later, he's back in town, and wanting to see how was Trina doing. What he didn't know was Trina has a daughter, almost 10. She never told anyone who the father was and was almost disowned. Drake suspected, but wasn't sure if he's the father. But he will find out...

For the secret baby trope, this book really added nothing special. Everything was drawn out, and made longer, and the thinking process only kinda/sorta make sense. He's like "if I'm the father, she would have told her brother, who would have told me, so I can't be." when it's obvious she didn't tell anyone. She's like "but I can't tell him..." because she had to fall back into love with him first... Eh...

3/5

GRR Reviews His Little Wife Lie by Sloan Storm

Lily finally conceded to her manager's demand to accept a date from his nephew. But it's the third date and the guy's just creepy. When he tried to force her on the forest trail, she ran, and Griff ended up saving her. But Griff has other plans for her. Griff is actually a rich billionaire heir, but his grandpa just pulled a weird will on him: get married, or the company will be liquidated and assets donated. Griff needs to find a wife quick, and the only suitable candidate seems to be Lily. But will Lily go along?

Griff is both smart and TSTL at the same time. Falling for the "can I wait inside" trick was just unforgivable for someone who managed a billion-dollar company. Playing detective and track down the bait was pretty good. But the serendipity was... a bit too coincidental.  2.5/5

GRR Reviews A Beautiful Mistake by Ashlee Price

Dustin, a rich playboy, is in the hospital, loopy from pain meds, after suffering a busted appendix. In his confused state, he somehow got himself married to resident doctor Marian. A few weeks later, he found out about the marriage, and wanted to get it annulled, but after meeting Marian, totally sober this time, he wanted to get to know her better before serving her divorce papers. Marian is trying to get away from her ex Liam, who's turning downright stalker-ish. Dustin agree to help Marian get rid of Liam by playing up the husband/wife angle. One thing leads to another... Would Dustin and Marian consummate their relationship? Would they actually get a divorce? When the hospital suffered a catastrophe, would they ever see each other again?

What kind of official would marry someone who's loopy and someone who's simply walking away? While the "married by mistake" scenario is cute, it's also completely implausible. And the rest of the scenario... I'd say there's something not quite right in Dustin's head. When one wants a divorce, one does not try to seduce the "wife", no matter how cute. The ending also felt it kinda came out of nowhere. 3/5

GRR Reviews Playboy in a Suit by Alex Wolf

Brody is a playboy, and when his brother's getting married, he threw a bachelor party. Brody took a liking to one of the exotic dancers, April, and they had sex... without protection, even though she's on the pill. Both apparently drank spiked wine and both kinda forgot about that night. A few weeks later, April found out she's pregnant... and Brody kinda figured out it was his... and he will claim her...

Eh... not much here. There really wasn't much conflict, or darkest hour, or grand gesture. 2/5

GRR reviews A Reason to Live by T K Chapin

Jonathan lost his wife four years ago, and in full grief, he pushed everyone away, including God, and only work numbed his pain. When a relative left her daughter in his care while she put herself together after abuse, Jonathan ended up taking guardianship of her, but he soon realized he can't both do his job and raise a child. So he hired Kylie. // Kylie knew she wasn't on best terms with God... her one night of lust left her a son as a reminder. She needed a change, and when a stranger in a restaurant offered her a babysitting job that pays her better, she can't really refuse. And in time, she came to know Jonathan's wounds, but she can never be with a man who hadn't found God...

Some parts are quite good, but some parts are really "meh". 3.5/5

GRR Reviews His to Save by Julia Keanini

Lottie is heading home for the summer to work in her family B&B in Blue Falls, Idaho. Her job as a teacher doesn't pay that well, and living in a big city means money is tight. Knowing the handsome cop Leo on the flight back was delightful, but not much else. // Leo is one of the heirs to the Heathcliff fortune... he already has a billion dollar trust fund, not that he needed it as a police detective. But when his grandpa said the family resort in Blue Falls is not doing well, something is definitely wrong. The resort is first class, but the place is less than half full when it should be completely full. // Leo and Lottie arrived in town and soon realized their respective families are at all-out war, both sides claiming the other has sabotaged their business. But something wasn't adding up. With battle lines being drawn, Leo and Lottie will have to choose sides...

Ah, that's a nice romantic suspense mixed with some small-town charm and comedy, and a nice dose of mystery. The setup took a while, but it was worth it. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Flirting in Flagstaff by Keira K Barton

NOTE: Part of At the Altar series by Kirsten Osbourne

Tess had fallen for too many 'wrong guys' that in desperation, she joined Matchtrimony with her three friends, and put her "fate" into the hands of Dr. Lachele, matchmaker extraordinaire. But Dr. Lachele specialized in "at the altar" matches... She won't see his groom until at the altar. // Levi wants to buy Mr. Earl's ranch, but the old man won't sell to a bachelor. But Levi doesn't know any one to marry... and signing up with Dr. Lachele wasn't the instant solution he needed, even when Dr. Lachele told him to move to Flagstaff, as his future bride is in the area. What he didn't know was he ended up working on Tess' ranch, and Tess is his intended match. They fell for each other BEFORE their respective weddings, not knowing they'll see each other at the altar... But he hadn't told her his plans...

Hmmm... Nice, short, sweet, but his plan to go back wasn't quite... well thought out. But the end was a bit of gift-of-the-magi mutual compromise. 4/5

GRR Reviews Blind Date by Victoria Snow

Ellie moved to Florida and found a job as an elementary school teacher. She has a hot neighbor single dad, who's also ended up as her blind date. His name is Will, and they got into an NSA relationship. But her school has a no-dating-staff-and-parents policy. And while Will keeps saying "no love" because his daughter's mom ran away, Ellie may have fallen for Will, but Ellie doesn't want to lose her job...

This is sorta erotic romance, as the book got into sex almost immediately (with thoughts of masturbation). It's not bad, but it's not particularly good either.  3/5

GRR Reviews The Protective Patriot by Sarah Gay

Tessa found she can never have children. She dedicated herself to library science, and be unattractive. She befriended a woman and her daughter who comes to the library often. When the woman was attacked by her crazy husband and almost killed, Tessa was asked to take care of the daughter... but she needs help, and there comes Miles... // Miles is the new left tackle of the Georgia Patriots. When he came to the downtown library, he witnessed a shooting, saved the woman, chased down the gunman and apprehended him, and fell for the librarian Tessa. When the shooting victim asked Miles and Tessa to take care of her daughter in case anything happened to her, they can't refuse. But to make sure the daughter doesn't get gobbled up by the state foster system, Miles and Tessa need to get married quickly. But what will Miles do when he found out Tessa cannot bear children? Is this just pretend marriage, or for real?

Okay, the conflict is real enough. It moved a bit too fast IMHO, but it's an interesting variation on insta-love. 4/5

GRR Reviews Her Beast of a Billionaire Boss by Lucy McConnell

Seattle has a beast, and his name is Adam Moreau. He's the most notorious lawyer in the city, and he crushes his opponents, like his nickname. He created a different legacy, what became known as the Billionaire Cove (by nickname only). When a loser in court threw acid on him, leaving him scarred, he became even morose and reclusive... and only a beauty like Bella can draw him out... // Bella is a law intern, and her father works for Adam Moreau as in-house counsel. When her father had a heart-attack, Bella had to take over the projects. Bella's boyfriend Christian had just abandoned her to woo his way into Wolf, Wolf and Wolf (the Wolf Brothers law firm). Bella thought herself unable to love, but soon, she fell for "the Beast", who she saw through to the core. When Christian found a chink in Beast's armor... a document that can utterly destroy the Beast and his entire legacy, will Bella be able to save him?

Obviously a takeoff from Beauty and the Beast, there are good moments, but there are also many TSTL moments (where Adam refuse to listen to his uncle and other people, which lead to him being blind-sided by the "chink in his armor". 4/5

GRR Reviews Hunted by Aria Adams

NOTE: Spanking and D/s play, violence, quasi-sensual situations

In a dystopic future, the Brotherhood had taken over the cities, and machines produce everything. Ember was one of the roller cheerleader girls of the city's sports team. She thought she was honored to star in "The Chase" in a reality show that lasts an hour. What they didn't tell her was she'd be stripped naked and be hunted by evil men with hunting dogs. But she survived... so far. She even hurt a few with traps. But it's been two days since she had any food or water... Until she stumbled into Hadley... /// Hadley may be the last rancher left alive, but the Brotherhood need some real beef and other real food, so he'd been left to exist in isolation in exchange for provisions. When she came out of the forest, naked, wounded, but determined to fight to the end, he intervened. But when she turned defiant against logical safety rules, he had to discipline her with spankings, for she can't go back to the city... And eventually, Hadley will claim her, and together, they may be able to take down the Brotherhood...

Hmmm... The problem with this future is it makes no sense. it's obviously inspired somewhat by the Hunger Games, where the leaders hold themselves above the law and manipulate everything. But how does such a society really function? Where do the raw materials to feed the machines come from? How about energy? And if you take away the dystopia, what you're left with is a guy grooming an innocent girl to be his sub, and as expected, she will fall for him. Is this dark romance? Not quite. Is it scifi? Sorta. Is it good? Hmmm... Okay, I guess. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Reformed by a Scotsman by Katie Douglas

NOTE: Contains Daddy dom / spank play

Adeline was sent to Edinburgh to live with her father's friend and Scotsman Edward, who was given full responsibility to correct the recalcitrant lady through "any means necessary". Adeline already tried to run away, get off at the wrong station, and so on, but soon Edward found her, and it wasn't long she ended on bent over Edward's knee for a spanking... or worse, as her behavior dictated. But she found his firm-handed dominance arousing... and imagined a life with him as her husband... But will he ever see her as more than a girl he had to reform?

Historical daddy dom / spank novel, but with an actual character arc. it's... an interesting combination. I usually have a problem with the quasi-sensual BDSM play, and spanking, esp. when it was meant as punishment, somehow turns into sex. And it's clear Edward really wanted her (fingering her into her first orgasm). So there's definitely some taboo aspect involved. The darkest hour is kinda trope though... Spank play version (she runs away, feeling inadequate, he caught her, brought her back, punished her for running and doubting herself, then loved her). It's better than I expected. 4/5

GRR Reviews Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendson

Katie knew that New York is weird and wonderful, but this small-town Texas girl is feeling a bit lost in the city. Working as a marketing director's assistant was not a joy when her boss is a boss from hell (blames her assistant for her own lack of organization). It's gotten to the point where even she doesn't notice the weirdness anymore. That's when she got the job offer from MSI... Magic, Spells and Illusions Inc. Turns out, magic is very much alive in the world, and Katie has a special gift: she's immune to magic. Which makes her uniquely qualified as a "verifier" in the magic business... No one can pull off a magic trick on her.  But office politics can be even MORE of a hassle when girls' night out involves fairies, her boss is an actual ogre, and she's got a crush on the shy but powerful wizard who's the head of R&D. Oh, and the CEO is Merwin, better known in history as Merlin (as in King Authur and Camelot). When MSI suddenly got a competitor who wants to sell black magic to the world at large, Katie's solution may be the only way forward...

Interesting take on "urban fantasy", and it's a load of fun to read. Romance is minimal, but everything flowed great. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews The Geeky Billionaire by Karly Stratford

Billionaire geek and game developer Jimmy Martin is at Coconut Island Resort to get everybody playing his game H2O. The fact that his game also helps developer actual water systems using limited resources (just like the game) was secondary. But his eyes are on the non-gamer hiding in background, Caroline... a woman different from all the golddiggers that wanted a piece of him... // Caroline is at the resort because her brother guilted her into it. Getting hit on by the nerd, who actually knows Jane Austen, and is actually quite charming, was a surprise. But having gotten away from a terrible gamer BF, Caroline wasn't ready to try again. But Jimmy won her over. // Their bliss lasted until tragedy struck Caroline's brother, and Jimmy's enemy insinuated that Jimmy's VR test rig may be the cause. Now they have to see if they can actually learn the truth, or let impressions ruin their HEA.

The tech is mostly there. Don't see major holes until they started crashing and had to roll back the version. The bad guy was just creepy, not really that dangerous. And Jimmy, but all his geekitude and business acumen, seems to be merely hormone driven when it comes to his nemesis. 4/5

GRR Reviews Laid Over by S E Hall

Lily knew she's about to be taken to the cleaners... Her soon-to-be-ex husband is divorcing her, and taking EVERYTHING away from her, including the house she had decorated from scratch, even though he's the one cheating. In an act of defiance, Lily used his credit card to upgrade to first class. // Trevor always travel first-class, and usually in his own jet. Finding Lily as his seat companion on a commercial jet is a breath of fresh air, and her panic and vulnerability just made him want to help fix all her problems. // When the flight was canceled due to mechanical problems, Lily was in a total panic, but Trevor is there, hiring a car to make the trip. And even went into the courtroom with her, to lend moral support. May there be a happy ending to them both?

Short but sweet story about serendipity... meeting the right people at the right time. 4/5

GRR Reviews A Little Atonement by Maggie Ryan

NOTE: Contains spank play, daddy dom D/s

Liam wasn't expecting his ex-fiancee Elena to be at his remote mountain cabin. Liam loved Elena, but she ran away. Why is she back? He'll give her a second chance, but she's not going to run away this time from her "daddy" dom...

Basically a steamy version of daddy dom book. Elena is not that much younger, but they'll engage in spanking, D/s, daddy dom play, shaving, age play, and a lot more. There is a theme beyond all the sex and kink, about finding oneself instead of all the self-sabotage "inadequacy" feelings (i.e. "I am not worthy") that a daddy dom can fix with a spanking. It's hot, but also taboo. If you like this sort of thing, it's also quite titillating. 4/5

GRR Reviews Force of Nature by S L Scott

Bennett Everest, one of the three Everest brothers, is trying to close a deal by chasing down the wayward daughter of the owner of a company he's trying to acquire. He found her in Paris, but Winter is nothing like he imagined. Instead of a feisty rebellious woman, he got a slightly-scared mature wistful woman. And they fell for each other. Soon, they are embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens to envelop them both... Where not even family can be trusted...

Okay, some parts of this are quite good, but the final confrontation requires a TSTL moment as a setup. It's OBVIOUS that the box was a trap, and Winter went ahead and stepped on it, even though there was NO PROOF there's anything of value in the box. Also, how did they nab her from TWO guys who was supposed to be right next to her in the first place? That scene still doesn't make sense.

The conspiracy and grand plan works. The little details... do not.

4/5

GRR Reviews Doctor Daddy by K C Crowne

Hope is a travel writer who just arrived in Paris. Meeting a tall, dark, and handsome stranger doctor Colin was a delight. Having her every needs met, esp. sex was... wonderful. Too bad they only have three nights. Unfortunately, he was called back to the US for an emergency consultation (who turned out to be his evil ex). And in their farewell sex, condom broke. She promised to get Plan B (aka morning after pill), but after travel and writing assignment, she completely forgot. Thus she found herself pregnant with TWINS, and due to her pre-existing condition of diabetes, she's in need of a specialist...  who turned out to be Colin himself...

The FMC needs some serious work. The author tried to make her "feisty and independent", but in reality she came across as rude and crass. And the MMC is just TOO perfect, which only made the contrast worse. This plot has also been done before. 2/5

GRR Reviews Always in Albuquerque by Kirsten Osbourne

Alexis has achieved everything she wanted... Except finding a life partner. She's a trained and certified life coach with an established clientele, but her training doesn't cover finding a date that she'd want a second date with, much less getting married. Desperate for a solution, she went to her old mentor, Dr. Lachele, who agreed to find her a match... AT THE ALTAR, much like a modern-day mail-order bride. // Dirk is a college professor (and vegetarian) who's way too serious about his image, yet he knew he couldn't date to save his life. Being matched to Alexis AT THE ALTAR seems to be an epic mismatch... She's way too... flamboyant for him, and he's too straight-laced for her. But can they see through their surface difference to their HEA?

Hmmm... this series is about some apparently epic MIS-matches that turn out to be... not mismatches at all, usually with some hidden truth revealed about why is each person the way s/he is. So it's deeper than it seems, but you're not going to find a surprising twist or super-angst-y emotion here. 4/5

GRR Reviews My Life in Shambles by Karina Hale

Valerie lost everything before Christmas. She got downsized, her boyfriend called off the engagement, and she lost her apartment. When her sisters asked her to join them in Ireland for adventure, she can't refuse. Spending a night with the sexy Irishman Padraig wasn't part of the plan, knowing he was/is a top rugby player was a shock. What came next... was even more surprising... Padraig wanted Valerie to go with him to his hometown of Shambles, and pretend to be his fiancee for a few days so his ailing father can have some peace of mind before he passed. It sounds simple, but nothing ever is. Hounded by media, a small town's full of gossips, and the respective ex's, their every secret may soon be exposed...

Ah, this book can get seriously angst-y at times, sorta tear-jerker, but everything flows properly. For a "fake to real" romance, this is VERY good. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Daddy Takes Charge by Amelia Smarts

Lydia had always lived on Jackson's ranch, but after the death of her father, she turned into a total brat, ruining every job she'd been given. Yet she's an adult. Jackson was finally pushed too far, and decided what Lydia needs is a good spanking over his knee... and call him "daddy". And while bad girl gets a spanking... good girl gets... orgasms. However, when Lydia realized the ranch is in financial trouble, can Lydia help Jackson put the ranch back into the black?

Hmmm... It's quasi-sensual spanking, and sorta... weird. Lydia is kinda seeking attention. The 'daddy dom' subgenre of BDSM (which usually includes spanking) pushes taboo / embarrassment aspect as its main naughtiness and appeal. It's pretty hot, but the transformation from brat to good girl, IMHO, was a bit too fast. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Austen, Party of Two by Britney M Mills

Lexi had a bad experience with romance during culinary school, and after graduation, threw herself into her food truck business, with no time for love. Speed-dating didn't help, as she's becoming known as a one-date-wonder (nobody wanted to date her twice). When her best friend asked her to be one of the coaches for a charity celebrity bake-off series, she can't refuse... Until she found out her student is the gorgeous jerk from last week's speed-dating event... // Brennan is a journalist and a fitness guru. When his family charity is holding a celebrity bake-off, he had to join, but he's as shocked as her when she's assigned as his baking coach. And he's definitely feeling the heat. But Brennan proved to be a surprisingly fast learner, perhaps, not as bad of a jerk as he had shown Lexi. But Brennan had one item he hadn't confessed to... He was the food critic that gave her horrible reviews a few months back... when he didn't know ANYTHING about food trucks...

Awww, just enough angst to make it worthwhile in this sorta enemies-to-lovers combined with a reality show that's NOT about bachelors and auctions, but more of a Top Chef style show. Nice. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Crazy for the Boss by Ashlee Mallory

James was the black sheep of the family, but when his grandpa gave him another chance after he had to take a break for health reasons, James was determined to do things right as the interim CEO. And the first thing he did was hiring Quinn Taylor, a young attorney that is championing an employee assistance program (EAP) that should improve morale.  But Quinn is beautiful and passionate, and James fell for her... // Quinn knew about being an underdog... Her mother was badly treated by her last employer after PTSD left her unable to work. Working for James comes with a large salary that would put a dent in her debt far faster than she imagined... if she doesn't have to sell her soul in the process. // When a trip left both stranded in her hometown, the sparks flew, but an unexpected source of trouble means James may have to make a choice... Do the safe thing, or go for what he wanted?

Somehow the darkest hour didn't QUITE work for me. But it's still good. 4/5

GRR Reviews Absolving Amy by RJ Gray

NOTE: BDSM "Daddy dom", "Domestic Discipline" aka spanking

Amy managed to survive foster homes, and she's taking classes. But she's currently homeless, working 3 jobs and summer classes, just living out of her car. She had a one-night stand with a wonderful police detective Ben as a bridesmaid for her best friend, but she can never be with anyone, because nobody would want her long-term after they learned what she had done... // Ben was smitten with Amy after that one-night stand, but she disappeared before he woke up, but he can't stalk her... He's a detective, after all. But having her car skid to a stop in front of police station, car riddled with multiple bullet holes, brought out all his protective daddy instincts. She just witnessed a murder by a high-ranker in the Los Diablos gang, and there's a price on her head. He can protect her, and even love her, but he plays by daddy dom rules. And Amy... wasn't quite sure if she wants to play... esp. when she's caught between shame (I don't deserve him) and defiance (how dare he dictate to me).

Hmmm... I like the twist at the end, which I won't spoil. And this "domestic discipline" thing, is a subset of BDSM, a power exchange where the dominant assumes a "daddy" role, that's NOT sugardaddy nor full-time dom. It's pretty hot, if you're into that sort of thing. OTOH, doing that to a witness he's protecting? Hmmm... Bit of a morally gray area, odd for a cop. :)  4/5