GRR Reviews Extreme Devotion by Cami Checketts

Jex is an extreme athlete and in love with his manager/agent Pearl for years, but he never dared to show it, just some teasing language before each stunt. Pearl yearns for Jex, but she's also terrified of losing him at every death-defying stunt he pulled. And something inevitably did. After a stunt gone horribly wrong, Jex almost lost his legs. Now forced to stay still and contemplate his fate, will he conquer his own demons... or will he push away everything and everyone he loved?

The build-up is good, but as you can probably guess, the darkest hour will last a bit so his own family can talk some sense into him. The grand gesture is nice. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Her Second Chance Fake Marriage Surgeon by Hanna Hart

Gemma had to go home to Baton Rouge after finding out her serious boyfriend left her pregnant and moved in with another woman. But she barely talks to her father, who's always too busy saving others (he's in law enforcement). Her family is with her uncle's family, then she ran into Liam, her high school sweetheart... // Liam is a surgeon in Baton Rouge, and has agreed to appear on a medical TV show, which would have given him a 5 million signing bonus... Unfortunately, his surgeon wife has died of an undiagnosed heart condition, leaving his contract in danger of cancellation. Finding Gemma again made him want to reconnect. Then he found that Gemma's headaches are due to a brain tumor...  And she has no money to test and confirm, much less operate. Liam has the perfect plan... He needs to be married. She needs the money... So they should get married... even if it's fake.

Eh, didn't feel much on this one. Not sure if it's even LEGAL to require a doctor to be married to get on TV. In a will? Sure. In an employment contract, esp. if it's beyond his control? it just screams "discrimination"!  The rest of the book was meh. 3/5

GRR Reviews The Patient Patriot by Sarah Gay

Mason Moore, one of the Moore triplets, is glad to have retired from professional football, and can't believe how fast his brothers had succumbed to marriage. He's determined to remain single, as the new principal of the Georgia Patriot Academy (linked to the football team). Meeting Anya at his brother's wedding, however, changed his mind... a little. But when he found out she's a teacher at the academy, he's determined to take it slow. Now, 3 weeks before end of the school year, it's time for the seduction to start. Then he learned that she is going back to Ireland, and he needed to pick up the pace. But when someone threatens their lives, he's ready to send her away to Ireland, but she refused to leave his side...

Somehow, the suspense part felt as if it came too late to matter. Also, this is a novella (not even 100 pages) and there are hardly any sports in it. Some plot consistency problems, and not enough family support among the brothers, left it as merely mediocre.  2.5/5

GRR Reviews Sweet Seduction Sacrifice by Nicola Claire

Genevieve has had enough of her loser boyfriend. He stole 150K from her (her inheritance from grandma) and somehow, she kept taking him back... four times. No more. She's going to meet with a lawyer and kick him out for good, while protecting her little cafe called Sweet Seduction. Meeting Dominic, one of the partners of the firm, was a surprise, for he's so alpha... and douchebag. But Dominic had fallen in love at first sight, and he will protect what is his... Even when Jimmy turned out o be a much worse asshole than anyone suspected, with ties to the underworld. But when Dom's sister was kidnapped to be traded for Genevieve, he's put in an impossible situation...

Uh, sorry, the villain here really makes no sense. Why does he keep coming back to Genevieve? Why threaten the shop? Neither does Genevieve. In fact, this was pointed out by another character. Anyone theatens the shop, she caves. Even someone who stole 150K from her... merely a POSSIBILITY of losing the shop and she chose to go back to him like a whimpering puppy. TSTL! 2.5/5

GRR Reviews Find Me, Save Me by Barbara Gee

FBI Special Agent Tucker had been chasing after the brutal and sadistic kingpin Jimmy for years. He actually arrested Jimmy once, but he somehow bribed enough cops to convince a judge that the evidence was planted and he was released on bail. By the time the dirty cops confessed, Jimmy is gone. Now Jimmy wants revenge... by kidnapping Libby, Tucker's sister. Unfortunately, they got the wrong girl... Her neighbor Madison instead. No matter, they'll torture her on camera. // Tucker must save Maddie, and eventually, he did. He admired the courage of Madison for standing up to the sadistic kingpin but he didn't know she had admired him from afar through his sister. Can he dare love her? Or will he decide his job only bring pain to those he loved?

The procedural stuff seems okay, and the tech details looks about right. But the problem here is Madison and Tucker didn't really spend that much time together. For half of the book she's being tortured hoping for a rescue. The other half she's mostly in the hospital and/or being moved to a secure location while Tucker tries to find Jimmy and arrest him for real. They barely met and spend much time together. Jimmy's plan and motivation also doesn't really make sense other than "he's a sadistic bastard". That's a pretty shallow villain.

3/5

GRR Reviews Up for Heir by Ruth Cardello

NOTE: Part of Westerly Billionaire series, In the Heir was reviewed earlier

Spencer never wanted to deal with his family issues and secrets. He didn't need his father's money to build his tech business. But the family matriarch, Delinda Westerly, is determined to bring Spencer back into the family, and she'll use the best bait available: Spencer's college sweetheart: Hailey. // Hailey became a single mom overnight when her brother and his wife died in a car accident, leaving her niece in her care. The shocked little girl stopped speaking, racking up the medical bills, and forcing her to seek other employment. When Delinda Westerly offered her a job, she can't refuse. Meeting Spencer again was an eventuality... And maybe this time, he may put her first... and never let her get away again...

Somehow, the novel doesn't quite measure up to book 1. Spencer, in Book 1, was supposed to fake marry Alisha to get money for his startup. Now that the startup is already wildly successful? How long later was this any way? Timing seems to be a bit off. Sure it's a reunion, but Spencer's character doesn't really come through. I am far more interested in Delinda's character, scheming, forceful (like an alpha), but with a benevolence behind it.  4/5

GRR Reviews Heart of the Billionaire: Sam by J S Scott

Billionaire Sam has only one regret in life: breaking Maddie's heart way back when. Sam and Maddie were lovers in high school, but they never had sex. Maddie thought Sam betrayed her when she saw him kiss another woman. Now Maddie is Dr. Madeline, and her best friend Kara is marrying Sam's brother Simon. (see Billionaire's Obssession) And Sam and Maddie are best man and maid of honor respectively, and they had to be civil to each other. And Sam's protective instincts came back out... He wanted her back, and he'll do anything, including paying for the entire free clinic for Maddie to run, if she'll have him back. And if she wanted to have a child, he'll even bed her until she's pregnant. But what Maddie needed is an answer on WHY he betrayed her back then... and the answer wasn't what she expected...

Uh, problem. If they really were the key to putting some criminals away back then, nobody recognized who they are now and wanted revenge, esp. when they are all rich billionaires? Sam's alpha growling tendencies are annoying, not adorable. And Maddie was so tired, Sam was able to carry her home, into his bed, and she never woke up even once? Hmmm... Some of these scenarios are kinda absurd. At least this wasn't CREEPY like book 1 where Simon basically stalked Kara for a year and rescued her at her lowest. 2.5/5

GRR Reviews The Gifted Groom by Sarah Gay

Max Moore is one of the Texas Titan Triplets, who insisted that he won't sign unless the team also signs his two brothers. He was hoping for a few years together to raise their twin sisters, until he learned that two of his brothers are cut or traded. Then he learned that he will be one of the bachelors being auctioned off for a charity... // Rosemary, a columnist for the tabloid Daily Sun, was given her first big assignment: buy a date with Max Moore (yes, with company money) while pretending to be a socialite, then dig up some dirt to dish about his family. She wanted the promotion and the raise that was promised to save her parents from selling her childhood home. Falling for Max and caring for his family wasn't a part of the plan. Now she's caught between doing her job and betraying Max, or destroying her own dreams, yet saving her heart...

Eh... Not feeling much for this one. Darkest hour was basically he found out she's a reporter, not a socialite. But then, what sort of socialite would accept his offer to babysit his sisters for money? And he didn't notice the discrepancy right there? Add the deus ex machina (her parents decided to downsize their home without needing her help) and it's a big "meh" for me. 3/5

GRR Reviews The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Kristi Rose

Meredith had enough of her life. Her father had completely changed after her mother's death. She was forbidden to have any male friends. She was told to "spy" at the social functions. Even her education was on hold. Her father refused to acknowledge her migraine headache and forced her to get out of bed to attend yet another function was the last straw. She had to escape, and becoming a modern mail-order bride wasn't quite what she expected, but she's desperate enough to trust a stranger... // Jace just got an ultimatum from his ailing father... Get married or get cut from the will. But all the women he knew can't handle ranch life, being hours from shopping and stuff. With not much time left to his father, suffering from ALS, Jace trusted a matchmaker to find him a temporary bride... and he got Meredith... who needed to get away. Everyone comes out ahead. So why does this marriage feels so real?

Good touches here and there. Father's treatment "sorta" makes sense, all under the guise of "protection and love". And it took a special encounter with a bear and appearances in the news for her father to finally locate her. But this darkest hour was kinda... meh? Of course, it took a sibling to point that out. At least the grand gesture was good. 4/5

GRR Reviews Second Chances by Henley Maverick

Kade had no choice but to move back to his home town with his 3-year old daughter after death of his fiancee. Finding Bria, his first love, as his daughter's pre-school teacher was a... welcome surprise. And now he can't think of any reason why they shouldn't get back together... // Bria let Kade go a long time ago, as she knew he had to take care of his baby, despite promises. She's perfectly fine with her life now... Until Kade came back. Can she forget the past for a future with Kade?

Eh... This plot had been done many times before, and this one is really nothing special. 3/5

GRR Reviews Pretty Daring by Jenn Hype

Paige's dad is a big wig politician and was getting death threats. Since her best friend Clara's brother CJ runs a security business, Paige can't even object to getting a bodyguard, who turns out to be Sebastian aka "Bas". Just as Bas caught a mugger who almost ran off with Paige's purse, she was shot in the head! Okay, it's just a graze, but the threat is apparently VERY serious. Now Bas will stick to Paige like white on rice... which makes for both romantic AND hilarious moments... As Paige won't change her life, even for her safety, and Bas is not the kind to take no for an answer. When Paige ended up in Bas's cabin "as a safety precaution", she decided to throw a party at Bas's place...  Can these... frenemies work out their differences and find out who is after her, and why?

Oh, I like the twist at the end, and while most romantic suspense is well, suspenseful, this one managed to balance the comedic aspects with the suspense. Though it's almost always the MMC being the straight man in comedy. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews The Wedding Gift by Lucy Kevin

NOTE: Lucy Kevin is Bella Andre's "sweet" pen name.

Julie's restaurant didn't make it, esp. after a 2/5 review from a celebrity chef / reviewer was made public. Julie ended up working as the chef for Rose Chalet, a full wedding venue, taking over from her aunt who had to retire for health reasons. And guess who's the first client for her first tasting? None other than hot celebrity TV chef Andrew Kyle, the person who gave her that 2/5 review, as the groom's brother. Andrew told Julie that while her technique is good, her creations have no spark. Incensed, Julie wanted to give Andrew a piece of her mind, but was instead invited onto his cooking show in a live cook-off. And it's clear they have chemistry together... On and offscreen. But getting involved with a client is a definite no-no at the Rose Chalet... While Andrew wanted Julie, Julie can't decide whether her career or her food is worth risking for a chance for love with Andrew...

Eh... not feeling too much with this one. Firing Julie from Rose Chalet seems really dumb, and the first "experimental meal" was created without ANY input from the couple, which is just stupid. Seems Julie only works in extremes... Either super conservative, or super-creative. Took her until end of the book to balance the two, which actually is character growth, but still, it's just stupid to create a menu WITHOUT looking at the client. Chemistry between Andrew and Julie also was unexplained. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Falling for You by Julie Ortolon

Aurora aka "Rory" always wondered about the mansion on one of the islands around Galveston, TX, that belonged to one of her ancestors. When she found that the mansion will be sold in a foreclosure sale, she enlisted her siblings to turn the mansion into a B&B... But they need a business loan... which means she needs to talk to a banker like Chance. // Chance knew his family wanted him to take a position in the family bank... and marry a matching socialite. But he always had a crush on Rory... He helped her write a business plan for the B&B, but he can't get more involved than that. Or can he?

The guy's WAY too wishy-washy to be an alpha, or even a beta. He practically tried to play both ways until the end of the book. Meh. 3/5

GRR Reviews Help Me, Hold Me by Barbara Gee

Vince was thankful for the rehab he had received at the Full Heart Ranch that he had achieved his best hockey season ever. So when it's time to go back, he didn't hesitate. Sand and surf have can't compete with friendly people and horses. // Callie's grandpa Jeremiah is dying of cancer, and it's terminal. While Callie's happy about having a pro-hockey player in town (at least temporarily),  her mood is still somber... Vince met Callie, and wanted to protect her and help her, and Jeremiah, intending to matchmake the pair, revealed a secret to Vince... to be revealed to Callie only AFTER Jeremiah's death... But they didn't know that Callie's life is already in danger...

The plot sorta made sense, and sort of didn't. The problem I have is with the age, which means I have to spoil the plot.

SPOILER

AHEAD

I WARNED

YOU!

Okay, turns out Callie's actually a kidnapped heiress, and it was her brother that got the nanny (whom he's bonking) to "get rid of her", but nanny can't do it, so nanny ran off and pretended to be her mom, while making everybody else believe she drowned. Even if she didn't have much memory, she was, what? 4 or 6? And her brother, bonking the nanny is like what? More than eighteen? And it's now, what? Almost twenty years later, and he wants to finish the job? Motivation for cover-up here is really lame. She didn't know anything, and even with she around she wouldn't divide up the fortune THAT much, could she? By attempting to kill her, he had actually caused the very thing he tried to avoid. Really made no sense at all. There's a lot of tell not show, as a lot of background was revealed through a private investigator. And that barely made sense. Furthermore, the suspense didn't mix well with the romance. It's as if we are reading two different books spliced together. 3/5

GRR Reviews What Comes After by Melissa Toppen

NOTE: Standalone sequel to "Ten Hours"

Abel was grieving after his wife Finely's death. It was expected, but that doesn't make it hurt any less. Then he met Peyton. She's not Finley. Yet she made him feel something OTHER than pain. But he's still imprisoned by grief... But maybe, Peyton will set him free... 

Nice, not quite as good as the first, as that one has the "inevitability of doom" feel to it. This one, you just kinda know that Able will finally get that HEA he deserves. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Fresh Temptation by Reeni Austin

Victor, one of the Barboza brothers, is rich, powerful, and tired of his ex-fiancee Alexis, who's forever scheming to get him back. When Cara caught Victor's attention as a waitress at one of the fundraiser galas, Alexis is steaming mad.  Cara is a single mom raising a young son, working three part-time jobs, and has a few extra pounds (not a BBW), nothing like Alexis. But Victor wants Cara. Cara is weary. While she'd welcome a man in her life, she's not sure of Victor's intentions... Was it just to make Alexis jealous? Does he want her just for sex? And what would Alexis do to break them up, which only makes Victor more determined to woo Cara?

Good triangle, with a good nemesis. 4/5

GRR Reviews Beautifully Undone by Susan Griscom

Melody and her brother Teddy have a best friend, Asher, a musician. Melody had a crush on Asher for the longest time, but he didn't reciprocate. Asher's parents are gone, and he's a bit despondent. When Melody announced she wants to give her V-card to a notorious womanizer (with a different girl on his arm every week) Asher made an (in)decent proposal... He'll show her a good first time. // Later, when Asher found a letter from his dead mother asking him to seek out his half brothers (turns out, Asher's mom was "the other woman") so he's not all alone in the world, Melody insisted that they'll go together. And then they discovered...

SPOILER

AHEAD

Okay, I'll just say it. She's pregnant. Yes, from that first time. Ever. *sigh*   Somehow, the two separate plots just don't mix together that well. And that TSTL moment about going off on a boat without checking the boat works? or even if it has oars? Meh. 2.5/5

GRR Reviews Even Still by Hannah Jo Abbott

Paige had to abandon all her plans when her parents died. She was the oldest, and she ended up raising five siblings, working as a waitress at twenty-two. She has no time to rest, much less find love... Until Russell came into her life. // Russell is back in his hometown and was excited to be the new country club manager. Meeting Paige was unexpectedly good, and she's unforgettable. And talks with the staff shows that Paige definitely deserves a promotion and raise to restaurant manager... she's already doing most of the job. AND he wanted to help her in other ways. But she's resistant... she's afraid of him pitying her... and more. But when a project forced them to work together, can she let God and love back into her heart?

Eh... the religious message is a bit overt here. We're talking about she talked to God, and He talked back (in one-word answers). Darkest hour and more made good sense. However, Russell is really bland as a character. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews The Beach Wedding by Lucy Kevin

NOTE: Lucy Kevin is Bella Andre's "sweet" pen name.

Jason is a successful novelist, but he always wondered if he could have made it with his one-time fiancee Liz. Now that his famous niece is getting married, he wants to arrange the perfect wedding for them, not stalked by paparazzi. So he went to Married in Malibu, who specialized in celebrity weddings. And guess who is in charge? None other than his ex-fiancee, Liz... // Liz let Jason go a long time ago, because he needed to be free of her to become successful. Meeting him again was... complicated. When news of marriage leaked, Jason and Liz must put on a show to distract the paparazzi from the real wedding couple, including dinners and more. But soon, the pretend romance turned very real indeed...

Oh, nice. Good plotting, with intertwining plots and motivations, further complicated by prior history and current circumstances. 5/5

GRR Reviews Mountain Cowboy by Jill Haymaker

Tex just arrived at the isolated Walker Horse Ranch in Peakview, Colorado. He prefers the wandering life, having left Texas a long time ago, and had worked for a while in Montana before moving to Colorado to take up a horse trainer job. He even brought his horse along. And yes, to avoid a cling-y cheating ex too. // Mary is going home whether she likes it or not. As a travel blogger, she traveled all over the world, but a climbing accident cut her trip in South America short, and she had to go home to recuperate... to Walker's ranch (Walker's her step-dad). It's just temporary. // Tex and Mary found themselves drawn together. They have virtually nothing in common, and they have a 12 year age gap between them. But they are both afraid of falling in love, yet that's exactly what happened. But she's leaving soon, right?

A bit of opposites attract, some jealousy, and an offer of a lifetime. All the tropes had been done before, but it's a good combination. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews The Billionaire's Obsession - Simon by J S Scott

Tech billionaire Simon has an obsession with Kara, a waitress in his mother's restaurant, taking a full course load AND working a full-time job. When Kara suddenly found herself homeless (turns out her roommate had been stealing her portion of the rent, then stole most of her possessions while she's out and they were evicted. When she found her possessions dumped in the street, she just about broke down. But Simon is there to save her. He'll provide for her, give her a place to live, pay her so she doesn't have to work, all for a chance with her. And when she's ready, he'll make love to her... with her tied down and blind-folded... For he's damaged, and he doesn't want anyone, much less her, to see him that way...

NOTE: "Mine for Tonight" is a teaser excerpt from this and frankly it reads creepy as ****. Once you read the whole book, it's less creepy, but it's still weird.

The author doesn't understand how a game is created nowadays. Games are created by TEAMS, esp. triple-AAA titles, not a single person, and if he's a billionaire, he's at best, game designer, not a programmer. And the list of people on a AAA title rivals that of a Hollywood production (credits roll would be about as long, hundreds of people).

AND I thought Kara is too busy working and studying to be playing ANY games? And how can a person game and not know what company made the game?

The romance just doesn't come across that much. Kara basically gave in to the only guy that was nice to her so far in life. Sorry, the whole thing just doesn't add up. 2.5/5

GRR Reviews Chasing Forever by Susan Coventry

Callie is a romance writer that hit a serious writer's block after her beloved grandma's death, and a breakup of her 7-year relationship. But her grandma left her a gift... An extended vacation on the island of Kauai... Eight weeks to get her mojo back. // Chase had enough of his life. As a divorce attorney he makes a good but uncomfortable living, and finding his girlfriend cheating on him was the last straw. He took a leave of absence and went off to Kauai. // Callie and Chase met and found they are beach neighbors. But she's not here for a fling (but to write), and he's running away from betrayal, and not ready to test the waters yet. But when they find out they were actually both from Michigan, they became friends. Can they be more... even after this vacation?

Good, though the darkest hour was, IMHO, a bit on the lame side. Basically, Callie was a bit of hypocrite, claiming Chase had known all along who she was (a romance writer) and didn't say anything when she had googled him and didn't say anything either. 4/5

GRR Reviews Billionaire Unattainable -- Mason by J S Scott

Laura is a plus-sized (super)model with her own business. She is financially secure, but she has no family. With her biological clock ticking, she wanted a child for her loneliness... but she has no boyfriend... at least none that are not jerks. Then came billionaire Mason... who wanted to help her... by knocking her up the natural way. And he's handsome, and former linebacker. Why would he offer himself to her? He's the unattainable billionaire... Right?

Eh... way too many tropes. She has inadequacy issues, he's wounded on the inside by his ex and doesn't trust any women, so he offers "business deals", not love. He wants plus-sized woman because he's afraid of breaking the thin ones. The darkest hour barely made any sense. Some parts are okay, but overall, mediocre.   There are better novels with this particular trope. 3/5

GRR Reviews Her Business Rival Billionaire by Eliza Ellis

Fredericka is about to break ground to build a homeless shelter at a plot of land her foundation had been acquiring for a very long time. Her only problem: billionaire developer Charles wanted to build a hotel on the same land. Freddie used to be school mates with Charles, but she had always been poor, and he had always been rich. And as each tries to convince the other to give up, the time they spent with each other allowed each to see the other really is... But Charles as another problem... It seems his business partner needs to have the hotel built... can Charles give up his dreams for Freddie? What about his business partner?

Eh... not too sure about this one. If all the "Irish Mob" wanted was a construction contract, they could have negotiated to have them build the shelter too. Instead, we have a deus ex machina where the business partner withdrew, but not before he left enough evidence to dismantle the mob, and Charles lived HEA with Freddie. Meh. Darkest hour was also really really forced, as if just to introduce the next character in the series.  3/5

GRR Reviews All the Little Things by B Hollidae

NOTE: Part 1 of 3, ends sorta on a cliffhanger

Rafael ran away from home because being sexually abused by his step-dad is worse. He was surprised he's still alive when his sister finally found him, and promised to move him to Arizona, where she lived, and never see his stepfather again. He got back into school, and met Akilah, who's surprisingly an emancipated minor that's such a straight-shooter, other girls are afraid of her. And they made an interesting couple... Dating after two months of meeting, and promising forever in less than a year. It is what dreams are made of... They even got married in Vegas. Until his mother showed up with his step-dad, wanted to congratulate them... and he wanted to... "resume things"...

Wow, that's... a bit weird. Sexual abuse is not a light subject to tread upon, neither is mental health. I guess I just have a problem with a sadistic asshole who goes both ways... abuses the wife AND fucks her kid too?  It just doesn't quite fit the profile of the two-faced abuser. Wife-beating is basically toxic masculinity, but WTF is fucking the kid and trying to convince him it's "love"?  AND he's able to keep a straight face for society? Somehow, it just doesn't quite fit. And there's a twist that REALLY churns your guts. 4/5

NOTE: As there is sort of a resolution by the end, I've decided cliffhanger penalty does not apply.

GRR Reveiws Something Borrowed by Eve Dangerfield

Elle hated weddings, esp. destination weddings. (She also hated to fly.) But for her best friend, she can make one exception... Until she found herself seated next to none other than her nemesis, Jackson... // Jackson was a douche, and he knew it. Emphasis on "was". He wants to prove he's reformed to Elle, but he can't think of how, esp. when Elle doesn't even want to be next to him. When he noticed something about Elle... He decided to take the gamble... One week of submission to Elle... any orders (short of illegal or dangerous stuff, of course) to him will be followed... EXCEPT getting himself off. Yes, that. He will go blue balls for a week. And if she STILL hated him by the end of the week, he'll leave her alone forever. Unable to resist, they get involved, and their relationship turned VERY complicated indeed... She found he had indeed changed, but is it for the better? And he found her domineering attitude in the bedroom refreshing... and he liked it... But will they really resolve their differences before the wedding?

Oooh... Femdom kink, albeit in such a delightful way that you almost don't realize you're reading D/s. Yes, Jackson tried to top from the bottom, but Elle put an end to that quickly. This may be the best "fun" intro to D/s relationship romance I've found so far. 5/5

GRR Reviews Love's Prayer by Melissa Storm

Ben is down and out. His brother was tired of his life and killed himself in the middle of town square. He had to abandone his scholarship to return to take care of his family. His father just left, no longer willing to deal with the situation, and his mother descended into alcoholism. With no way out, and barely working enough to keep a roof over their heads, Ben was thinking about ending his own life... when Summer came into town. // Summer wasn't a florist, but when her sweet aunt finally can afford the cruise she waited her life for, she had to step on and be a temporary florist in the small town of Sweet Grove. And there she met Ben, who was contemplating ending his own life, and even asked God for help, when Summer, at the end of the rope, asked him to help out. And he did. Then his life seems brighter... Summer's love for life is precious, and she even helped him and his mother got out of their funk. But when it's her time to leave, can he (and the town) convince her to stay?

Hmmm... Sweet, and there's talk about faith and all that, but somehow, I just didn't quite feel the love. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews The Snow Bride by Debbie Macomber

Jenna can't stand working for her boss any more, who never noticed her after six years.  She had befriended someone up in Alaska by the name of Dalton. So she quit and she'll fly up to Alaska to meet him a month before Christmas to see if they are compatible. On the flight to Fairbanks, she sat next to Reid, who's not impressed with her plans to meet Dalton (with good reason, as she later found out).  When Dalton was a no-show at the airport, Jenna was forced to ask Reid to fly her to Dalton. And Reid, determined to change her mind, flew her to his home in Snowbound instead, but his sister (the ONLY other woman in town) is out of town, and the weather soon closed in. Jenna found herself shanghaied to and stranded in a TINY town with a handful of old codgers, a bear or two, and the insufferable Reid. Guess who showed up later... Dalton, Jenna's mom, AND Jenna's boss...

Ah, the quintessential holiday romance tale, and it's indeed a classic rom com with sweetness. And to think this novel was originally published in 2003! A true classic indeed. 5/5

GRR Reviews Stormy Hawkins by Ana Morgan

NOTE: Historical Western

Blade had been looking for a ranch to buy in the Dakota Territories, so he can get away from his cheating ex-fiancee and his rich family. And looks like he finally found one... If he can just convince the ailing owner and the spitfire daughter to sell... So he assumed the role of a drifter... But Stormy may be too tempting to resist... // Stormy knew she's a spitfire... She'd rather wear pants and ride horses than wear a dress and do frilly things. Being motherless can do that. But the ranch's loan is coming and the evil banker wants HER as payment. Desperate for any help, she agreed to hire Blade as a ranchhand, after apologizing for mistaking him for one of banker's goons. But it seems he has his own designs on her...  and when Blade's true identity came out... Stormy found herself unable to trust anyone...

As adventure / romantic suspense with a bit of hidden identity / protector / hidden agenda, the plotting is great. The actual romance and characterization are a bit off though, IMHO. Stormy turned totally into a damsel in distress later, unable to do anything to affect her own fate. It's as if being married and pregnant flipped her personality. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Surrender by D M Mortier

Billionaire banker Ronan knew he's unique... Being half-Asian and grew up as a part of a crime family can do that. But he thought it left it all behind when he assumed control of his father's bank in Jamaica and made it successful. He had learned to never trust a woman as his equal, for he had witnessed how his Chinese mother had destroyed his father bit by bit. When he finally found the woman of his dreams, a junior attorney at his own bank, Tara, he did not hesitate to woo her... Tara will fulfill a role in his life as the mother of his children, nothing more. He shouldn't be surprised when his... "generous" offer was refused. // Tara had seen her mother with one man after another. In fact, she doesn't even know who her father was. Tara knew that when she marries, she would do so only for love. Casual sex? Forget about it. But when Ronan came calling... she wanted to give in. But his controlling ways? He'll get a kick in the balls first. // Ronan and Tara came together like a storm, and they fought just as hard. But Ronan has bigger problems... He's a part of a secret society called "The Order", doing good in the world by taking down criminal heads that the law can't touch. But someone is targeting him... and they will do anything to get to him, including targeting Tara, now pregnant with his child...

I'm not sure what to think of this. I like the idea of a half-Asian hero with a checkered past, but really, seems the author watched too many Chow Yun Fat movies where the hero mows down bad guys by the dozens. And let's just say the ultimate bad guy? "Mostly tell, little show".  It's kinda exciting, but the romance is a bit of "meh", esp. with the jealous possessive alpha Ronan that's surely NOT appreciated by Tara.  3/5

GRR Reviews Whole Lotta Love by Amity Cross

Juniper is just a small-town girl living in an Aussie beach town running a bookstore that's falling fast. Meeting a rockstar wasn't in her plans, but she didn't recognize Sebastian, lead singer for the hottest band Beneath. But Sebastian was best known for his one-night-stands, groupies, and out-of-control lifestyle, something he didn't want anymore, and hiding in this small town was his way of getting a break from it all. Yet Juniper can't stay away from him, for she saw through the shiny exterior to the man underneath. And they were thrown together, unable to resist their passion. But when media and their fellow bandmates and even their manager found them their bliss withered on the vine. Can Sebastian save her by leaving her behind? Or will he fight for a way for them to be together?

Ah, the price of fame. There's a bit of angst, but not THAT much. At least not until the media came to down. The saga continues in the series of 4 books, but there is an ending here, so it's not a cliffhanger. 4/5

GRR Reviews Filthy Vows by Alessandra Torre

Elle and Easton are happily married, except for one thing... no kids yet. Elle tried some fertility treatments... and this drug... is making her having some very... randy thoughts, but that's fine, as Easton is VERY well endowed and makes her VERY happy in bed.  But sometimes Elle can't help herself... she's starting to have fantasies about having a threesome. And to be totally honest, she told him. He's confused (huh?), angry (how can she...), possessive (how dare she...), delighted (I'm glad she's honest with me), happy (so that's what it was...)... Now she's embarrassed... But what if he wanted to make her dream come true?

Okay, not exactly my cup of tea, as there's a bit too much sex here. The romance never really seems to be at stake, so this feels more erotica than romance. 3/5

GRR Reviews Stiff Competition by Amy Pinkston

Fitz left his hometown to do what he wanted: play golf professionally. But one too many PR disaster (get caught drunk by cops and causing public nuisance), and he got a 6-month suspension, forcing him to go home to Hardwood Country Club, and he'd rather give lessons and sell ugly sweaters than listen to his father trying to force/cajole/teaser him into running the family auto dealership. That's also where he met Tabby... // Tabby is the tennis pro / coach at the club, but after a public break-up with a fellow employee, she found her job on the line, and she had to make a promise... never date another employee. But when Fitz helped Tabby plan the club's annual extravaganza, they came together... both mentally... and physically. But he's going back on tour... then what happens to her?

Okay, love it except ONE part... What happens to Tabby... after they get married?  That seems to be unresolved. 4/5

GRR Reviews Life After Perfect by Nancy Naigle

Katherine thought she had it all... a great job, a luxury car, and a sweet husband who contributes to the family and loves her... despite no immediate plan for kids. Until she witnessed him wine-and-dine and kiss a younger woman... at a time he claimed to be at a meeting. She packed and drove off... and landed in a small town called Boot Creek, NC. There, she can relax among the friendly residents, such as the handsome firefighter/doctor Derek. But she's still raw from the betrayal and shied away from relationships, and he is still grieving after the death of his wife from cancer years ago. Can they heal each other?

Good character growth. The title is especially apt... If Katherine had the perfect life, then what's "life after perfect"? The trope itself was very well executed. While there are no brilliant plot twists, the small town atmosphere and other characters plus overall polish and scars is what made this book great. 4/5/5

GRR Reviews Running with a Sweet Talker by Jami Albright

Luanne thought she grew up fine... Her father was absent most of the time, but he did pay for law school and gave her startup money to start her own lawfirm. And she even agreed to date his business associate, and even accepted an engagement. But on their wedding day, she overheard something that destroyed her world view. She had to get away, and that means accepting a ride from her arch-nemesis... Jack. // Jack had always enjoyed teasing Luanne and this has been going for... decades. He thought he'll just see her get married. So for her to do a run-away bride, then was nabbed by one of her father's goons was more than he can take. So he helped her escape... But he has his own problems to deal with... Turns out his father... wasn't his biological father. And he still wasn't sure he wanted to meet his other family. Add a set of elderly sisters who robbed them of their car and phone, a child in need, and a bunch of other coincidences, and this will be road trip of a lifetime... and start of something new for Luanne and Jack...

Nice and "zany", with a lot of heart. Jack's a bit too sweet, and often, a bit too sarcastic tease. Though some of the scenes are uproariously funny. let's just say that "Open Audition Night" revealed there's a side of Jack that no one had ever suspected. 4/5

GRR Reviews Holiday Sparks by Taryn Quinn

Darcy is a department store supervisor trying to get promoted to manager. And she hated Christmas... because it is hell for retail employees, esp. salaried people, who get to do overtime without extra pay. And given she spent most of her day surrounded by Christmas stuff she wanted a QUIET time at home. And one day was particularly hell... When an angry father, trying to return a girl's bicycle without receipt, angrily tossed the bike into the display tree and wrecked the display. Darcy came home and was greeted by a full-scale Christmas music and synchronized light display on her front lawn... put up by her tenant, Ben. // Ben has Christmas spirit to share, but when his landlord Darcy said to pull it down, he did. He was surprised next day that she needed his help to redecorate the wrecked department store Christmas tree... and now, with a proper budget, he can really razzle dazzle people with his custom design of lights and music... and that in turn, may help Darcy win a promotion. But what about their hearts?

Okay, it's cute, and funny, and good emotional touches, but I think the darkest hour was kinda lame. Basically, Darcy learned that the guy who tossed the bicycle and wrecked her display was none other than Ben's brother, and it's true, Ben's niece really did break her clavicle trying to ride that bike. And she froze him out for weeks because he didn't come clean right away. Hmmm... Uh.... That's kinda... childish. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Twisted by Stella Andrews

Sam is a billionaire, and he owed a favor to Ryder... head of the Twisted Reapers MC. Ryder needs Sam to take Katherine aka "Kitty", one of Ryder's former... lovers (okay, "club whore"), and ruin some of the most powerful people in the land... including POTUS, and his pack of senators, all of whom are hypocritical monsters behind their public service personas. But such endeavors never go smoothly... // Katherine once wanted Ryder, and only Ryder, until he married someone even more broken than she was. Now Katherine just wanted to be free of Ryder by doing him one last favor. This would require her to be a chameleon... hide her revulsions of depravity deep, play dominant or submissive as the role requires, and entrap some of the most powerful people in the land, to completely ruin them. Sam is a nice and powerful guy... an ally... and someone had seen her soul. And she can't help but wonder... What would life with Sam be like?

Hmmm... I have a little problem with one woman being able to switch from dom to sub and play both convincingly despite lack of experience in the lifestyle.  We're talking about playing a dom to satisfy a guy who frequents dominatrices, and convince a different dom that Sam was her dom, and she's leaking information (fake, of course). But the plot twists are pretty good. 4/5

GRR Reviews Kissing Micky by Ellen Devlin

Tom "Micky" McCullin is an enforcer for Washington Guardians pro ice hockey team... a perfect fantasy guy for Liz, who has major insecurity issues but covers it up by being friendly to a LOT of the players of her favorite hockey team. Liz and Tom met at a pool party, and it was lust at first sight. But Tom has a lot of problems, including unable to bear "wine and dine" events, and unable to take a joke. Will Liz mellow him out and let him play at his best? Or will his bad attitude and possessiveness end their relationship before it starts?

Some parts are good, some parts are funny and cringe-worthy at the same time... the best comedy? Let's just say Liz's solution for Tom's inability to bear "wine and dine" mingle events is to take him to a hotel room about once an hour and have hot sex, which mellowed him out for an hour. Repeat as needed. And at first his possessiveness was... maddening. I don't think enough hints had been dropped to explain his behavior. Later we finally learned why he's that way. IMHO, the pacing can use a bit of work, some plots can be rearranged better. And yes, there's a lot of sex.  3.5/5

GRR Reviews Impact by Haley Jenner

WARNING: Trigger issues: sexual violence, PTSD

Zoe was broken by one night she can barely remember... The night she was raped by an acquaintance. Yes, it was at a party. Yes, she thought he was nice. When he was acquitted, she left everything behind, her family, her job, her boyfriend... Because no one understood what she went through. Until she met Tripp. Sexy, kind, sweet, and saw through her pain, and wanted to love the woman at her core. Until she found out who his friend is...

Powerful prose, of depression and PTSD from rape, and the slow recovery through love and acceptance. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Shattered by A K McBride

Harper left her evil abusive cop husband behind years ago, assumed a new identity, and started over in Willow Creek with her now young son Flynn. Things are starting to feel normal. So why does attention from her neighbor, the gruff, big and tattooed Logan, make her feel something she thought she'd never feel again? // Logan has his own demons inside, even after more than a dozen years later. Yet he felt something with Harper that even his brothers noticed. He wasn't sure he's worthy, and he can tell she had a dark past, but he can't not try...

Two broken souls come together for mutual healing and support is hardly new, but this one has better polish than most. It's just not like... extra-ordinarily good. 4/5

GRR Reviews Off the Edge by Carolyn Crane

Lanie thought sending her husband to prison would be the end of her nightmares. She was wrong. She left the US and hid in a seedy hotel in Bangkok, protected by a friendly crime family there. But with her fake passport expired, and no funds other than her singing gig can produce, she's also stuck. And she can feel her husband's henchmen closing in... Can even her host be trusted?  // Peter Maxwell is a language professor teaching a class in Bangkok, but he's also an undercover agent for "The Associates", codename: MacMillan. He's in the city to hunt down a lost superweapon... a stealth laser drone that can take out a single person, or a whole city block. The weapon will be auctioned off. No one knew what the perp looked like... But Maxwell knew the perp's speech patterns. And he will need Lanie's help, voluntarily or not. And in a city where doublecross the norm, the two have nowhere to turn to... except each other.

Nice, good technothriller type plot and great seduction scene where Maxwell did a Robert Langdon. There are many different twists and turns in the plot and a LOT of dubious allegiances. I find the idea of a stealth laser drone slightly lacking in detail and plausibility, but that doesn't distract too much from the overall accomplishments. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Player of Life by Shandi Boyes

Nick is "The Player"... he ALWAYS plays the field. Being an impulsive guy who goes after what he wanted, he was blessed by good looks... and talent. Being a member of the hot new band "Rise Up" never hurts, esp. when he basically "forced" himself onto the band by joining one of their performances (without prior permission). But screwing another band member's fiancee, even though the girl is a nympho who will do most men with a ****? BAD CALL. But The Player is about to meet his match... by the name of Jenni... who's innocent, beautiful, and immune to his charms. Yet he can't stay away from her. Seems this Player will have to learn some new tricks, amidst the turmoil experienced by the band, including a stalker...

Not bad, but not like extraordinarily good either. 4/5

GRR Reviews Love Finally Takes Control by Carol Colyer

Amy Louise likes to speak her mind and as a result, no one in her town wanted to marry her. She decided to try her luck as a mail-order bride, and landed in the frontier, only to find her intended extremely ill to a fever. But she always loved hard work, and immediately took over the goat milking, cooking, cleaning, feeding, and other duties... but what does she know about the groom other than his name: Oliver? // Oliver was a scout and both speaks and is friendly with the Apache Indians nearby. But his failure to find several AWOL soldiers alive (they were found dead) leads to a local rich rancher (and rabble-rouser) spreading bad rumors about him. They can help each other, and they can help others in need... but can they love?

This is more of an adventure novel, as the pair ended up helping the town through multiple crises, saved a couple people from a conspiracy and potential murder. Adventure is 5/5, but romance? 3/5. Overall 4/5

GRR Reviews Ten Hours by Melissa Toppen

Ten Hours can change lives.

Finley just got the worst news of her life... She thought she'll finally get her life together after leaving her addict mom, and found her sister (or her sister found her) at 19. But her continual headaches turned out to be a brain tumor... Operation success rate is 30%, when combined with chemo. AND there's a chance of recurrence. Despondent, Finley wandered into a bar (but she's not even old enough to drink!) and that's where she met Abel... // Abel is a musician having a few brewskis with his buddies, but when his eyes landed on Finley, he can't turn away. They spent ten hours together, and it was... bliss. Then she left for her operation without ever giving him her full name... and went into a coma for two weeks, while he was desperately trying to find her again... When they meet again in the hospital, as his mom is having breast cancer surgery, he was happy, angry, confused... and she just wanted to hide. But the truth came out... and he wanted to marry her... no matter how much time they have left...

I'll just outright spoil the end and let you know there is NO HEA at the end of this book. You will cry for this tearjerker, and it is handled quite well. 4.5/5

NOTE: There is a semi-sequel called "What Comes After"

GRR Reviews Rich Soldier by Penny Wylder

Wallace is back in town after ten years away as a soldier and an entrepreneur. While he was a part of the Dirty Thirty pledge (f*** 30 women in 30 days before he's 30), he just wants his woman, Tia, back. But she won't give him the time of day, because he left without a word years ago. And he doesn't have much time to win her heart back...

Meh, the dirty pledge worked okay for the first novel, because it's kinda stupid and raunchy, but adding the lawsuit threat was so ridiculous, it also kinda ruined it. The shock factor and the threat didn't work this time. What you have is a pretty mediocre reunion / second chance romance.

2.5/5

GRR Reviews Until Tomorrow by Nancy Naigle

Flynn took over her grandparents' B&B with reluctance. She was jobless and figured "why the heck not". Now that her grandparents actually left for their vacation, she found herself struggling to keep the B&B in the black, as the old building has problems left and right, and she can't rent out rooms that have problems. She can turn the B&B back over (there's an "escape clause" for her) but that also means she had to find a new place to move to, as she can't face her grandparents if she had to give up. That's when Ford blew into town... // Ford is a master glass artist, and he met Flynn before at a wedding, and there definitely were sparks between them. Now that Ford will be nearby at an artist retreat for months, he'll drop by as often as he can, and see where things with Flynn can go. But Ford's real home is in Alaska, where his glass studio he rented was in danger of being foreclosed and auctioned off.  But Ford can buy it. Now Flynn is torn... fulfill her duties to her grandparents and run the B&B, or follow Flynn to Alaska for love?

Pretty good, but not like extra-ordinary good. 4/5

GRR Reviews Healing Hearts by Samantha Thomas

Alex is going to the one place she'd rather avoid: the ski resort she inherited from her estranged father... and where she lost her brother and left behind her first crush. So it's inevitable that she must run into that same crush... Bhodi, former winter Olympian, and best friend of her brother. But Bhodi just wanted to run his pub quietly, still scarred from the death of his best friend. When Bhodi got the news that Alex may want to sell the resort to a ruthless developer, he had to stop her. But this Alex was very very different from the young teenager he knew, and she had never forgiven him for the death of her brother and his best friend. Now he must show her the truth that he and she have both avoided for so long...

Good mix of tropes. with a good variation of "best friend's little sister" and something that haunted them both. The "evil developer" was a bit too flat, IMHO, and should have done better research before trying to make a deal. The rest of reluctance romance was pretty good. 4/5

GRR Reviews Mr. Vega by Xyla Turner

Faith is a failing artist and her home business can't keep her afloat. Forced to find a job, she fell back to what her Trinidad mother recommended and had done: being a nanny. And the interview with the Vega family was... unpleasant. Mr. Logan Vega is handsome as ****, European, and an utter asshole. His wife, however, was very nice, and hired her the next day, despite her lack of experience. And the kid accepted her with no problem, as Logan was often away on business. Until it was revealed Mrs. Vega has terminal cancer., and Faith became a part of the Vega family, without question, and eventually, Faith came to love her employer... Who wasn't as bad as she thought... But can she be her own woman amidst his alpha ways? Is she more than a rebound? Does he really love her?

Some parts are brilliant, like the culture shock (Caribbean black is NOT regular black). In case I hadn't made it clear, this is a BWWM romance of the "falling for the nanny" trope. The loss and grieving were handled nicely, as Faith was a part of the grieving process. And there was a good comeuppance in the epilogue on why do people assume she can't be a part of a family, esp. good when the (white) kid called her (a Caribbean black woman) mommy and why would people assume she's a nanny. Her own family drama was rather minimal though. 4/5

GRR Reviews Million Dollar Devil by Katy Evans

Elizabeth aka "Lizzie", despite being heir apparent to the Banks Fashion empire, can't seem to please her father. For the latest men's fashion line, she needed to recruit "the perfect man"... Suave, sophisticated, a successful businessman, and hers to control (just a little). When all eight candidates turned her down (some just ogled her), she was devastated and despondent. Wandering into a seedy bar wasn't her plan... Nor was meeting James aka "Jimmy", the Youtube Daredevil, who'll do almost anything for a few hundred bucks. Lizzie saw the diamond in the rough... If she can't find the perfect man... She'll create him... But can she ever let him go after that?

Okay, an interesting tale of gender-bent ugly duckling transformation, However, having multiple nemeses around doesn't really help the situation. There was "LB" her father's right-hand man (who secretly wanted her to fail)... What happened to him? There was ONE SENTENCE, and that's it. Oh, and the opposition? The rival fashion house Quill Couture? Who also has a daughter, dirty Kim, who wanted do James just for the heck of it? And the bullies that chased Jimmy's brother around just because they can? Nobody really got their comeuppance. The grand gesture was nice and fitting. But the resolution... a bit lame. Needs an epilogue. 4/5

GRR Reviews Abby's Promise by Rebekah Dodson

Joey and Abby were best friends and lovers. Until he left for the military, and they eventually lost touch. Abby ended up marrying Joey's best friend Evan, when she got pregnant, but he never really loved her... Then Evan died, and Abby became a single mom. Eight years later, Joey is back, taking a class in community college, when he found to his surprise that the history professor was none other than his Abby. She promised to never let him go, and so did he. Now he's back, but it seems she had moved on... Or did she?

This book has some weird plotting that sort of acted as complications, but they didn't quite make sense. Abby's mother-in-law and brother-in-law apparently were hostile toward Abby because she kept baby Zoey away from them. Joey's father was a strictly religious MD that claims to know secrets about the night of Evan's death (let's just say he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but was there someone ELSE in the room?) and wants to keep the pair apart.


SPOILER

AHEAD

I WARNED YOU!

Then out of nowhere, the brother-in-law Malachi resorted to kidnapping baby Zoey. Then somehow, the mother-in-law, who's using a cane and walked very slowly, was able to get baby Zoey out of the house down to the police station. WUH?  Then Malachi broke into Abby's house, and Joey had to charge in and save her, only to be arrested for "assault".  All of the evil are really flat and boring. The good parts are good, the bad parts, however, balanced out the good, leaving it a mess. 3/5

GRR Reviews Always Room for Cupcakes by Bethany Lopez

Lila was betrayed by her husband when she found him muff-diving on another woman in parking lot of Starbucks in a car. She took a photo, and plastered it all over town. Now she's divorced and raising three kids alone. That little expose lead to a private investigator, Moose, wanting to hire her for some work, and a group of close friends. Lila's latest assignment seems to be leading her into some drug cartel trying to setup in town headed by someone called Hector... and a sexy guy on a Harley and motorcycle leathers by the name of Cade who rescues her in times of need. But is he a hero... or a hidden villain? And when Hector found her interferring again and again... What will happen to her?

The book is weird, as if it was written by two different authors. The tone was funny and light and happy in the first half, esp. up to the point of Cade showing up and wanted to woo Lila. But the end, when Hector caught up, had a TOTAL tonal shift, with extreme violence (let's just say limbs, death, and destruction) and bondage play first time? Really? 3/5

GRR Reviews Back for More by Kayley Loring

Lily ran away from her father to seek her fame as an actress when she's 18. Five years later, she's back in town, almost broke, without much to show, and her father offered her a job in the family company. NOT as an exec though... As exec's assistant... and the exec? Wes, her former secret crush... and the family landscaper's son. But if she can work for a year, his father promised to release her trust fund early... By 24. She had to stay to keep her dreams... // Wes knew he wasn't good enough... as son of a gardener. He was happy when Lily's father gave him a job and a chance to be more... so he can court Lily properly one day. Now 25, he's the youngest VP in the company... But he was hoping for a few more years to make him absolutely indispensable to the company, so when he asks for Lily's hand in marriage, there would be no way to refuse him. Lily's early return derailed his plans, and it's obvious she's not happy working for him either... For there's tension underneath the hostility...

Good setup, a semi-reversal of fortunes, but the rest of the book was basically secret liaisons while they hide their feelings from the entire company, each other, and themselves. And the cover's kinda lame. Generic hunk in blue jeans? Really? 4/5

GRR Reviews It's Not Over by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black

Gwen and Harrison were married, but they are now separated. Sometime in the past, he was busy building his fitness centers that he somehow neglected his wife. And it had gotten so bad that when she told him to leave, he did, hoping it's just temporary. Except nine months later, they signed divorce papers. She knew she still loved him. He knew he made a huge mistake... he should have fought... And this time, he will convince her to take him back... and it just happened that their "one last time" resulted in her getting pregnant... But convincing her will not be easy... but it's not over between Gwen and Harrison, not if they can help it.

Wow, this book really makes you feel the raw emotions of regret and love. Add some other plot, like jealous people messing with them. I am surprised they didn't suspect the perp sooner. It seems they never suspect the most obvious suspect in romances.  I wanted to give this a higher grade, but failure to recognize sabotage, IMHO, is just a bit TSTL.  4/5

GRR Reviews Sara's Promise by Deanna Lynn Sletten

William thought he had a perfect life. He has a beautiful wife Sara, and two beautiful teenagers. Then Sara died suddenly, and it took Will YEARS to adjust to being a single parent, unable to let her go, because she promised to always come back to him. Then one day, William met Annie. She has the same blue-green eyes that Sara had... Annie was NOTHING like Sara. Yet they instantly connected, as if they knew each other. But Annie can't tell Will about her dreams... Where she met him, and knew more about him than she should... Is Sara helping Annie to fulfill her own promise to return to them?

Wow, serious emotional roller-coaster here. Take soulmates to the next level... love after life, in a way. Yes, there's a link between Sara and Annie. As for how, you'll need to read the book. This particular schtick has been done before, and it works if done right. And this one's done right.  5/5

GRR Reviews Beloved by You by Molly Sloan

Andrew used to be a male model and apparent heir to his family's diamond business. He loved Jennifer, but she left him when he won't step back from the fast life in the limelight. And she disappeared... for ten years. Andrew became an executive for the diamond business, but is always out acquiring mines and making deals and never stays in the office much. In Botswana, he almost ran over a woman cradling a child... and the woman turned out to be Jennifer... // Jennifer traveled the world doing charitable causes, until settling in Botswana, building a home for orphans of AIDS. She never expected to see Andrew again, yet there he is. And now, Andrew will never let her go...

Okay, but nothing too special. The setup was quite good, but the rest of the book, like the international deals, and crooked local official, doesn't quite measure up. The darkest hour also didn't quite make sense. Andrew made a deal to buy TWO mines so he didn't need to force the locals to move their ancestral cemetery. The plot was the crooked official used some excuse to keep the title, then somehow summoned a crew to bulldoze the cemetery at night, but Andrew and locals managed to stop that with a few verbal implied threats. And voila, there is no more problems. That doesn't even MAKE SENSE! Why do it? Push Andrew into paying a bribe? Why bulldoze the cemetery at night? It's as if it's just there to mess with our hero. 3/5

GRR Reviews In the Market for Love by Megan Squires

Sophie lives a busy and fulfilling life in the small town of Fairvale, California. She's a flower farmer, with a lease on growing fields. She also runs a successful farmer's market. Her flower arrangements and flower shop are beautiful, but she'd never been loved. She went out of town for a networking event. As she is on her way back to Fairvale, she managed to put her luggage in the wrong vehicle and it left without her... // Cole had tried to please his father for too long as a junior landscape architect. This assignment on the other side of the country was his first chance to take a lead role in designing a garden for a contest. He was surprised to find an extra piece of luggage in the trunk of his ride, and he had to return it. Meeting Sophie was... very nice. But she clammed up after learning that his landscaping will be on her flower farm... Even as they know they have feelings for each other, Cole wasn't ready to disappoint his father on his first solo outing... but Sophie wasn't ready to lose her flower farm either... Will they let a contest destroy what's between them?

Good conflicting responsibilities, though the solution came in the form of deus ex machinas, TWICE, which is rather... disappointing. 4/5

GRR Reviews Sisters by Killie Coates Gilbert

In the original ski resort of America, Sun Valley, Idaho, lived three sisters... Karyn, a widow who can't let go of the past due to her VERY nice in-laws, but a backcountry pilot tempted her like no one else... // Leigh Ann felt her husband had grown more and more distant... and keeping secrets from her. She will fight for her husband, but her plan has unintended consequences... // Joie moved home to save herself from a heartache she can't ever tell any one: she fell for a married man... her mentor and boss. When he showed up at Sun Valley, she was tempted to take him back, but how can it not be a mistake... again?

Good interweaving of stories among the three sisters, who are there to support each other. On the other hand, it also had that bit of cliffhanger or soap opera feel, where nothing seems ever "finished". 4/5

GRR Reviews Rocky Mountain Romance by Anna Leigh

Shannon is a university librarian living a quiet simple life until she found Will, a visiting reporter, in her parking spot. Yes, she had an ex who refused to accept they are over, but she doesn't want him to lose his job, so no formal complaints had been filed yet. Will was in town to do research on a daredevil canyon jump done more than ten years ago that somehow, felt off. Was there sabotage? Can anyone actually walk away from that failed first jump attempt? The connection between Will and Shannon is very real. But can they "have a fling"? Or do their heart already belong to each other? And what about the stalking ex?

Pretty good, managed to combine both solving a mystery AND conclude the stalking (AND love) by the end of the book satisfactorily. Felt a lot longer than 188 page length. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst

Harper is single and likes it that way; her life's busy enough running her rescue farm of various animals, including a rescued thoroughbred racehorse Phoenix. When a handsome stranger living at the B&B adjoining the farm found Phoenix, he revealed himself to be renowned horse trainer Aidan, who left Ireland under a scandalous cloud (probably involving a racehorse). Harper understands that Phoenix has the potential to be a race winner, maybe not the Triple Crown, but even one or two of them would provide a ton of money and recognition for her rescue farm. And Aidan saw a way to redeem himself... And as they get closer to the big race days, they also developed feelings for each other. But they have to keep their eyes on the ultimate goal... and if necessary... say goodbye...

The horse-racing scenes are good, as is the slow simmer romance, the "scandalous cloud", and so on. However, there are a couple things that made no sense. I know the way I explain it won't make sense unless you read the book, so it could sort of serve as a spoiler, so be warned.

SPOILERS

AHEAD

Anyway, Aidan threatened to blow the whistle on the horse owner for doping the racehorse. So they turned it around and not only threaten to frame Aidan for the doping, but also threaten to never let the horse race again, to force him to stay silent and leave the operation. This really made no sense, except maybe to a horse lover. Owner wants to make money on the horse, so the threat to never race it was an obviously empty one. And the frame job would not likely stand up to deep scrutiny, as an unethical operation that resorted to cheating would likely have a lot of OTHER shady details in the dark (see "cockroach theory"), so that should be an empty threat as well. Yet Aidan just packed up and left for America "to find himself". Phooey.

And the darkest hour was basically Aidan getting offers left and right to go back to Ireland, and he needs to decide whether to stay or go. Meh. 4/5

GRR Reviews Million Dollar Marriage by Katy Evans

Penelope (call me "Nell") and Luke both need half a mil. She needed to repay her student loans. He needed it to pay debt owed on his grandpa's bar (now his). They joined the new reality show "Million Dollar Marriage" where the couples, legally wed (but can be annulled at end of show), will join various challenge activities around the US (including Alaska). They are total opposites. She's a multi-PhD squeaky-clean nerd. He's a bar-owner who used to be an addict but cleaned himself up. Both are too busy to date. Both needed the money. The challenges will bring them together like nothing else... and it was just supposed to be a business transaction... Right?

While the "fake reality show love turned very real" plot had been done before, this is a very nice polished version of it. I am NOT too sure about the darkest hour though. I felt that was not explained well. 4/5