Keon, a doctor in London, had not had a good record with love. He met Darcy 12 years ago and married her soon after. Ten years ago, she wanted out of the marriage. Then nine-months later, her parents showed up with a baby and divorce papers. After that, Keon married Sarah, and Sarah was the only mother his daughter knew. But Sarah got alcoholism and left him to live in New Zealand. Then Darcy ended up in his emergency room... and he found to his shock that Darcy's liver is failing and she's refusing treatment. Keon shouldn't care about the woman who destroyed him and left his daughter motherless, but his plan to leave London behind and move to New Zealand (and near Sarah) is working against him... as he has just FOUR DAYS to find out why Darcy is giving up, and so his daughter would have some memories of Darcy, her birth mom. It's just for closure... right?
Okay, this plot gets a bit confusing with who knew what when, and there are too many characters to keep track of. Yes, there's certainly a LOT of emotional turmoil and angst and guilt and shame and more. And it seems everybody is keeping some secrets from someone. This is one of those books where you end up screaming at the characters "no, don't do that!!!!" as they do some seriously TSTL moments, even though it's *almost* understandable why they did so. 4/5
GRR Reviews The Lifeguard by Teagan Kade
Archer is a lifeguard for Miami beach. He's single, fit, and available, and he wasn't looking toward getting tied down... He had a cheating fiancee once and that's enough. Plenty of pretty tourists around looking for one-night-stands... Until he spotted Winter in the water, at night... And rescued her. And that's just the beginning... // Winter was on the run... and she barely talked Archer out of calling the police. There was no one to trust except Archer, for Winter is in trouble with the Cartel, and its leader called *Serpiente* (the Serpent). And Archer is ready to protect her... at any cost.
Nice job making Archer ex-military, so he knows guns. There's only one problem... forgot to mention the suppressor. With the way nobody reacting to the shots until they landed, Archer had to be using one. And nobody aims for the neck. Shooters aim for head or torso. Probably don't even need a scope at such a low range (warehouse ain't that big). 4.5/5
Nice job making Archer ex-military, so he knows guns. There's only one problem... forgot to mention the suppressor. With the way nobody reacting to the shots until they landed, Archer had to be using one. And nobody aims for the neck. Shooters aim for head or torso. Probably don't even need a scope at such a low range (warehouse ain't that big). 4.5/5
GRR Reviews Finding Southern Comfort by Barbara Lohr
Cameron did not expect to see Harper back so soon, applying for the nanny position. Cam had seen Harper not too long ago, as a dancer in Catwoman costume for a bachelor party at his mansion. He did enjoy her sass and spunk, and his daughter Bella really does need a nanny, even though neither Harper nor Cameron is good with the toddler. But then, Cameron's existing GF, TV personality Kimmy, is even worse. When Kimmy was a no-show for the gala, Cameron decided to dress up Harper as his date, and almost burned down the dance floor. But Harper can't fall for his boss, even if he's showing a southern comfort side she'd never suspected...
Nice, good background pieces, though Kimmy never really had a chance. 4/5
Nice, good background pieces, though Kimmy never really had a chance. 4/5
GRR Reviews Colt, Billionaire Reunion by Alexa Verde and Autumn Macarthur
Colt divorced his wife Mirabella when she disappeared chasing a case. He assumed she simply left him and the kids behind, and she kept so many secrets... But she's back, and she claimed to have been injured and lost 4 years of her memories. And the children... were not borne by her... but a surrogate... Yet another secret. How can he trust her ever again? // Mirabella didn't plan to be gone for years. Being caught by a serial killer in his deadman's trap that almost killed her also left her amnesiac for years. But she still has to find her best friend's killer... who was probably NOT the serial killer. But if it's a copycat, why? Who knew them well enough to be sending them daisies, the same MO as "the Daisy Killer"? And who is saving whom this time?
Hmmm... Good twist at the end, in presenting the whole thing as a murder mystery with a ton of angst-y issues to solve. But at times, the angst seems to have overtaken the plot. 4/5
Hmmm... Good twist at the end, in presenting the whole thing as a murder mystery with a ton of angst-y issues to solve. But at times, the angst seems to have overtaken the plot. 4/5
GRR Reviews The Handmaid's Billionaire by Gigi Marlowe
Mattie is a handmaid in Malibu, working odd service jobs while she tries to work on her writing. She would have never met Corbin, billionaire movie producer, and older guy, until Valentina, billionaire matchmaker, brought them together. They seem perfect together, but Mattie is unsure, as she was a runaway bride... left her fiancee at the altar, not ready to take that step. Does she deserve someone as handsome and rich and wonderful as Corbin?
NOTE: 111 page short novel
Not bad, pretty sweet, but the darkest hour wasn't that dark. Basically, Mattie has to decide between another go with her first love, or Corbin, who already loved her. The choice is pretty obvious. 3.5/5
GRR Reviews Welcome to Riverside Ranch by Sophie Mays
NOTE: Cliffhanger, kinda Happy-for-now ending, 126 page short novel
Piper was just handed her dream: being the assistant director for a film project she wrote. While she planned for a jungle adventure, being told by studio head to change the setting to a Colorado ranch/resort is not bad... but having her crush as the star? Run into production problems? And being attracted to the head cowboy, Blake? That could be a problem... // Blake knew that his family ranch has a ton of tradition, being owned by them for a VERY long time, but tradition won't keep the ranch running in the black. That's why a new wing of the resort is about to be done, and not even a film crew can ruin his good mood. But a feisty city girl named Piper leading the crew? That could be a problem...
Sweet, fun, and romantic, in that they try to accommodate each other. But the story is unfinished, as the Blake wanted to see Piper in her home element: Los Angeles. That's for the sequel... This volume by itself? Technically a cliffhanger. 3/5
Piper was just handed her dream: being the assistant director for a film project she wrote. While she planned for a jungle adventure, being told by studio head to change the setting to a Colorado ranch/resort is not bad... but having her crush as the star? Run into production problems? And being attracted to the head cowboy, Blake? That could be a problem... // Blake knew that his family ranch has a ton of tradition, being owned by them for a VERY long time, but tradition won't keep the ranch running in the black. That's why a new wing of the resort is about to be done, and not even a film crew can ruin his good mood. But a feisty city girl named Piper leading the crew? That could be a problem...
Sweet, fun, and romantic, in that they try to accommodate each other. But the story is unfinished, as the Blake wanted to see Piper in her home element: Los Angeles. That's for the sequel... This volume by itself? Technically a cliffhanger. 3/5
GRR Reviews Hired by the Single Dad by Whitley Cox
Doctor Mark makes a decent living as a radiologist, but he needs some serious help with his non-verbal autistic son Gabe after his wife left him, no longer able to cope with life with ASD child. On a rare night out, and stood up by another friend, he found himself paying attention to a group of women celebrating someone's separation leading to a divorce... And that's when Mark met Tori... // Tori wanted a degree to help special needs children, but she agreed to get her husband through dental school and he's supposed to fund her degree after graduation. Now that he graduated, she found him cheating with a dental hygienist, emptied the joint bank account, AND kicked her out of their home (lease is in his name). Tori was just pondering what to do when Mark offered her a full-time position: go with his son to and from school, and help him do homework, and other learning activities. And she quickly realized she can't turn it down. She'll also get practical experience as an intern for a counselor, helping her toward her degree. She also realized Mark is extremely... dreamy, and she liked Gabe a lot. She found herself a part of this family, but she's there just as an employee, right?
For 224 page novel, there is a LOT of back and forth and good escalation of the plot. The darkest hour felt slightly forced, but it's tolerable. Good use of ASD coping techniques and other details. 5/5
GRR Reviews Curves for the Billionaire by Gia Blackwood
NOTE: 91-page novella
Jane had been trying to get away from her evil ex Gavin for years, and he just found her again. With no escape, she took a chance on approaching the alpha-looking guy on the street corner... Who turned out to be billionaire Halcyon "Hal" Craft, who insta-lusted after her BBW figure that he almost immediately pledged to protect her from her ex. But he also suspects that his current troubles are caused by Gavin, so by helping Jane, he's also helping himself. And he'll up the ante by proclaiming to the public that Jane is his fiancee... AND destroy Gavin.
There really isn't much plot to the novel, as Jane basically plays hard-to-get (unintentionally, but nonetheless, feeling sorry for herself and kept thinking "Hal can't POSSIBLY want a fat chick like me") until Hal destroyed Gavin (via mostly talking, in third-person) and Jane finally believed him. Meh. And PLEASE hire a better Photoshop (tm) person to make the cover. That composite really sucks. 2.5/5
Jane had been trying to get away from her evil ex Gavin for years, and he just found her again. With no escape, she took a chance on approaching the alpha-looking guy on the street corner... Who turned out to be billionaire Halcyon "Hal" Craft, who insta-lusted after her BBW figure that he almost immediately pledged to protect her from her ex. But he also suspects that his current troubles are caused by Gavin, so by helping Jane, he's also helping himself. And he'll up the ante by proclaiming to the public that Jane is his fiancee... AND destroy Gavin.
There really isn't much plot to the novel, as Jane basically plays hard-to-get (unintentionally, but nonetheless, feeling sorry for herself and kept thinking "Hal can't POSSIBLY want a fat chick like me") until Hal destroyed Gavin (via mostly talking, in third-person) and Jane finally believed him. Meh. And PLEASE hire a better Photoshop (tm) person to make the cover. That composite really sucks. 2.5/5
GRR Reviews The Perfect Comeback by Kacey Shea
Matt is a former MMA contender forced to retire after injury. He took his savings and started a gym, forever hating his wife-beater of a father (who asked him to throw his final fight). But his gym is hitting hard times, and he needs some extra income to help train his few contenders for the semi-pro matches, hoping one of them get noticed by NFC scouts. It was when he's acting as a bouncer for a bar when he noticed Mia... // Mia was completely burned out and jaded on relationships... She prefers to be by herself and her female friends, and one gay friend Jared. Mia is a total nerd and was not impressed by Matt's muscles and alpha attitude, When Mia and her gay friend was assaulted by a drunk patron, Matt took care of the problem and offered to train her in exchange for updating his gym website, despite Mia's prickly and sassy attitude. Mia and Matt eventually got together, but neither would admit it's a relationship...
Some parts are good, some parts are TSTL. Mia just came across as bitchy, not sassy, until she mellowed out a little, at least until the darkest hour. Then she did the "overheard something and got the wrong idea but won't give them a chance to explain" trope. ARGH. Also, I am not sure a game designer is the best person to ask for website design? And a game designer is a very different position from a web PROGRAMMER... I like the background laid out for Matt, but Mia's thoughts and phobias came a bit too late for it to be believable (not enough foundation laid). 3.5/5
Some parts are good, some parts are TSTL. Mia just came across as bitchy, not sassy, until she mellowed out a little, at least until the darkest hour. Then she did the "overheard something and got the wrong idea but won't give them a chance to explain" trope. ARGH. Also, I am not sure a game designer is the best person to ask for website design? And a game designer is a very different position from a web PROGRAMMER... I like the background laid out for Matt, but Mia's thoughts and phobias came a bit too late for it to be believable (not enough foundation laid). 3.5/5
GRR Reviews The Trouble with Tabbies by A G Henley
Beatrix aka "Bea" is a romance writer who loved cats. Yes, she's the proverbial "cat lady", with well over two dozen cats at home. She wanted her trust fund so she can help build a new building for the local cat adoption facility, but she knew that her father, who had never approved of her choices, will question her lack of fiancee. So she needs a fake fiancee, and as a romance writer, she knew it's a trope that fake relationship inevitably turns real. She found Sebastian, photographer and bartender, and they agreed to a pact: she'll pay him to pretend to be her fiancee, with PDA (but no kissing or real feelings), but if they actually fall in love, he'll give up his beloved Canon camera... and she'll give up her personal fur baby... That should work... Right? But things are never that simple, as her father pulled out all the stops to break them ("for her own good") and even her old fiancee showed up, wanting a second chance...
Ah, an interesting twist on the fake fiancee, with a bit of fourth-wall-breaking about one being a romance writer. 5/5
Ah, an interesting twist on the fake fiancee, with a bit of fourth-wall-breaking about one being a romance writer. 5/5
GRR Reviews Claiming a Cowboy by Daisy Gold
NOTE: 60-page novella
Chloe made all the arrangements to leave her parents for three months so she can visit her sister, married to a cowboy in Oklahoma and a new baby already. It'd be a good escape as her father was always haranguing her about why doesn't she get a better job, why doesn't that new son-in-law upgrade their house, and so on. But she does owe them after her illness which almost bankrupted the family. Right? Until she saw who came to pick her up... // Liam wasn't happy to pick up Chloe. While Chloe was the woman of his dreams, he had rejected her that night, because she's his brother's wife's sister, and too young and innocent (over a decade age gap). But Chloe, despite feeling humiliated, is determined to show Liam that the attraction is mutual...
An interesting twist ending complete with a grand gesture. Good attraction if a bit instant. Good short, even if the evil turned out to be flat. 4.5/5
Chloe made all the arrangements to leave her parents for three months so she can visit her sister, married to a cowboy in Oklahoma and a new baby already. It'd be a good escape as her father was always haranguing her about why doesn't she get a better job, why doesn't that new son-in-law upgrade their house, and so on. But she does owe them after her illness which almost bankrupted the family. Right? Until she saw who came to pick her up... // Liam wasn't happy to pick up Chloe. While Chloe was the woman of his dreams, he had rejected her that night, because she's his brother's wife's sister, and too young and innocent (over a decade age gap). But Chloe, despite feeling humiliated, is determined to show Liam that the attraction is mutual...
An interesting twist ending complete with a grand gesture. Good attraction if a bit instant. Good short, even if the evil turned out to be flat. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews Closer by Roxie Wilde
NOTE: 76-page novella
Charlotte is known as the Condom queen, as her family deals with condoms and other related products, and she's the public face of it. She knew how to handle both boardroom and boardwalk. But she's not sure how to handle Xander, the negotiator from a conglomerate intending to take over her company... // Xander is the deal closer for Olivier Industries, even though the head boss is an old lecherous jerk. His boss basically told him to come back with a signed contract, or don't come back at all. But one look at Charlie and he's... smitten. But can he balance between his personal goals and his business objective?
Didn't feel much here other than some smooth-talking. The ending feels like a deus ex machina. 2.5/5
Charlotte is known as the Condom queen, as her family deals with condoms and other related products, and she's the public face of it. She knew how to handle both boardroom and boardwalk. But she's not sure how to handle Xander, the negotiator from a conglomerate intending to take over her company... // Xander is the deal closer for Olivier Industries, even though the head boss is an old lecherous jerk. His boss basically told him to come back with a signed contract, or don't come back at all. But one look at Charlie and he's... smitten. But can he balance between his personal goals and his business objective?
Didn't feel much here other than some smooth-talking. The ending feels like a deus ex machina. 2.5/5
GRR Reviews Luck of the Billionaire by Donna K Weaver
Kayn loved his job, until his sister was endangered because her husband got involved with the wrong people. Now her husband's dead, and she's hiding out, with a decoy, Sona, taking her place. (See book 1). Kayn found himself falling for Sona, esp. when Sona revealed that her grandma is dying, and wanted to visit Ireland, her homeland, one last time, to look for her family. He'll help that and more, but can he ever fall in love?
Good use of tech jargon, nothing out of place, and good job mixing part of the plot from book 1 here. I just find it surprising that Kayn can afford to leave the US for the trip to Ireland for so long, when he couldn't even get away to get his sister in Book 1. :) 4/5
GRR Reviews His to Claim by River Delaney
Elizabeth is secretary for a douchebag boss, who insist his chicken be fried to a husk (i.e. no juice inside), and insist on throwing tantrums in restaurant, screaming at servers, and sending his secretary into the kitchen to "demonstrate". But this time, he picked the wrong restaurant. // Michael, head chef, was surprised to see a gal in business attire and heels walked into his kitchen, and managed to abuse a piece of chicken. He tossed it into the trash, and redid it the right way. When the client then transfered the abuse to the secretary, he tossed the client out, which also resulted in Elizabeth getting fired. So he'll rent her his guest room, and teach her how to cook...
Really? It's over the top, but it's just cliche alpha stuff. It's also extremely short. 2/5
Really? It's over the top, but it's just cliche alpha stuff. It's also extremely short. 2/5
GRR Reviews Falling Hard by Elaria Ride
Autumn knew that as a forest ranger, her boss, ranger Asher, is unobtainable. Asher had grown up on these mountains and knew it backward and forward. Asher's just not interested in any women, much less a chubby gal like her. And what's with ranger Nick, who's always creepily smiling? // Asher knew he can't woo Autumn... he's broken from an experience way back when, but he liked BBWs... like Autumn. Nick... was an old family acquaintance (not a friend) that needed some help. But when Autumn slipped and hit her head just before a blizzard, there's nowhere to go except to his cabin...
Some good parts, like you know Nick is creepy but wasn't told why. Or how all the different threats will coalesce into one. Good foreshadowing and clues. 4.5/5
Some good parts, like you know Nick is creepy but wasn't told why. Or how all the different threats will coalesce into one. Good foreshadowing and clues. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews The Billionaire's Temporary Marriage by Tamie Dearen
Cole Miller is well known for his green mechanical arm and face of Limitless, the company launched by four friends, each with a disability. But people, esp. women, only see him as a billionaire, and his "iron-clad" contract to appear on TV show "Billionaire Matchup" didn't help, where he's supposed to marry a contestant or forfeit a million dollars. When he spilled Brooke's coffee at a local cafe, a solution presented itself... // Brooke can't believe she's finally pregnant... her now ex-husband divorced her because she couldn't... except that "one final time" somehow cinched the deal. But as a counselor to unwed mothers at a religious charity, she had to be married. When Cole heard about her circumstances, he proposed a temporary marriage. He can get out of marrying some TV contestant (since he's already married!) and save a million bucks (minus whatever Brooke gets), and she gets to keep the job which she desperately needs so she can get her counselor certification. Love's got nothing to do with it... Right?
Great plotting, as the escalation just keeps squeezing them tighter and tighter, without relying on tropes such as "weird will". Like the darkest hour (the hospital stay) and the grand gesture (tearing up the report). AND it's clean. 5/5
Great plotting, as the escalation just keeps squeezing them tighter and tighter, without relying on tropes such as "weird will". Like the darkest hour (the hospital stay) and the grand gesture (tearing up the report). AND it's clean. 5/5
GRR Reviews Her Favorite Mistake by Barbara Lohr
Vanessa wants to take her cake business to the next level, and joining a reality show where entrepreneurs decide if they want to coach her would give her the exposure and help. What she didn't expect was for one of the coaches on the show to be her one-night stand in Vegas from four years ago... // Alex, internet mogul, definitely recognized Vanessa from four years ago... She slipped out before dawn, and Alex was tempted to exact revenge... but he's also intrigued by her... and her child. After, he's her "favorite mistake", right?
Eh, didn't feel much with this one. Just doesn't feel that memorable. 3/5
Eh, didn't feel much with this one. Just doesn't feel that memorable. 3/5
GRR Reviews Her Destined Billionaire by Gigi Marlowe
Alex lost twice at love. He lost Samantha to another man, and it was his fault... He knew it. But Courtney... chose her nursing career over him. Three years later, a heart attack brought him to her hospital... where she's the head nurse. Does she feel accomplished enough to try again? Does he want to rekindle their relationship?
Wow, she made head nurse in merely three years from brand new nurse? I know this is a novella (under 100 pages), but nothing really happens much in this book. She has doubts, and he wants to buy her stuff. 2.5/5
Wow, she made head nurse in merely three years from brand new nurse? I know this is a novella (under 100 pages), but nothing really happens much in this book. She has doubts, and he wants to buy her stuff. 2.5/5
GRR Reviews The Problem with Pugs by A G Henley
Amelia's boyfriend Tim left for Bali more than three months ago, leaving his pug Doug behind for her to care, and only video calls once a week. Doug's behavior is getting worse and worse. The dog ate her underwear and destroys furniture. After cornering the building manager in a room, and biting Amelia's new guy (who sent her the medical bill) Amelia had to find help fast, which means the handsome mobile veterinarian Travis. It's clear Doug has separation issues, and maybe Amelia does too. The dog can be trained out of it. But what about Amelia?
A bit of a rom-com, and Doug is kinda funny. But the story is obviously about Amelia, and can she actually let go of Tim? It's sweet, but Travis is a bit too morose, at least by last half, to be a comedy. 4/5
A bit of a rom-com, and Doug is kinda funny. But the story is obviously about Amelia, and can she actually let go of Tim? It's sweet, but Travis is a bit too morose, at least by last half, to be a comedy. 4/5
GRR Reviews Breaking His Code by Patricia D Eddy
West, ex-SEAL, is still haunted by his final mission where the rest of his team was killed. He survived, and runs a gym back in the US, but he's getting pushed out by fancy CrossFit and slogan-driven gyms. His only solace was online gaming with friends, such as Camila "Cam". // Cam has her own nightmares. Exiled by her own family, she chose one of the most dangerous branches in the military for redemption: Explosive Ordnance Disposal, aka bomb squad. And she came back with a cane and scars. // Cam and West get along fine online. But when West tries to take the relationship offline, Cam bolted. In the meanwhile, Cam found herself overwhelmed at her job, when her boss (and her former CO) accepted an accelerated timeline to roll out a new security system for the hotel... And her code suffered mysterious bugs. Is her growing attraction to West a distraction? Or a source of strength?
Okay, the tech sounded "fine", except to a techie. It's 90% accurate. I'm surprised a company that deals with high-end security didn't employ version control on their source code. Should be obvious that someone slipped in unauthorized code if they have a version control system in place. And the twist was nice. Though his problem and her problem didn't really intersect. 4.5/5
Okay, the tech sounded "fine", except to a techie. It's 90% accurate. I'm surprised a company that deals with high-end security didn't employ version control on their source code. Should be obvious that someone slipped in unauthorized code if they have a version control system in place. And the twist was nice. Though his problem and her problem didn't really intersect. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews The Billionaire's Reckless Marriage by Tami Dearen
Finn is a billionaire philanthropist, who can't help but antagonize Laurie with caustic wit. Finn has cystic fibrosis, which will likely kill him before he turns 40, and that means only a few years left. He doesn't want to make anyone a widow, so he avoided all romantic entanglements. Laurie can't stand Finn, but his company, Limitless, seems to be a good fit, despite her lack of actual work experience. When one partner had to drop out of an event due to personal reasons, Finn is forced to with directly with Laurie, and they achieved a truce... and understanding about each other. But is that enough to sustain a relationship, even when he's opposed to the idea, and she's not sure if she hates or loves him?
Interesting details about CF and how one can live with the circumstances. It's also clean and sweet (no sex). 4.5/5
Interesting details about CF and how one can live with the circumstances. It's also clean and sweet (no sex). 4.5/5
GRR Reviews Enticing Elle by Kiara Cawood
Elle enjoys her job as a personal assistant to her boss, Adam. She rose from a single mother to a powerful assistant to a powerful man. She doesn't want to jeopardize it again, which she tried before when she had a relationship with another senior partner in the firm. It ended up with her transferred to serve Adam instead. She rather enjoys watching other women falling for Adam... and be rejected. But Elle is keeping secrets... She's actually an exiled billionaire heiress who got kicked out when she got pregnant underage... and that douche Richard is now engaged to one of Elle's friends. The two held an uneasy truce: you don't tell on me, and I won't tell on you. However, when Adam actually ended up kissing Elle at a fundraiser gala, it's clear they are more than friends... But not close enough to share her secrets...
Good escalation, with good reveals, but the way Adam broke away because Elle didn't share her final secret feels a bit forced. 4.5/5
Good escalation, with good reveals, but the way Adam broke away because Elle didn't share her final secret feels a bit forced. 4.5/5
GRR Reveiws My Boss, the Billionaire by Serenity Woods
Nicola, aka "Nix", is PA to Leon, the boss of Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary. Nix is secretly in love with her boss, but she'd never express ti at work. He's against relationships at work, after all. Until one of his dogs knocked her over during a fundraiser and gave her a concussion. Now he can't leave her alone...
Swoony, yes. Comedic? Not really. Sweet? Nope. Feels like a polished contemporary romance, and not much else. 3.5/5
Swoony, yes. Comedic? Not really. Sweet? Nope. Feels like a polished contemporary romance, and not much else. 3.5/5
GRR Review Best Fake Fiance by Roxie Noir
Daniel suddenly learned one day he's a father, when the baby's mother was arrested. He changed his life around for his daughter, Rusty, and raised her best he could. Six years later, baby's mother suddenly wanted to contest for custody after marrying a rich guy. In an act of desperation, Daniel lied that he's engaged. And the only person who can play his fiance is his best platonic friend, Charlotte aka "Charlie", who already loves his daughter, and loves him... Just not "that way". But they can pretend, right? Until the news of their engagement spread. What started out as a white lie quickly turned into a fake engagement, then fake marriage... then it felt very real indeed...
Good escalation from lie to a judge to lie to a few friends to lie to an entire town to "just make it real". However, it seems both Charlie and Daniel can't lie to save their life except in front of a judge (?!) And I STILL don't understand why have a custody battle at all? What's the "evil ex"'s motivation? 4/5
Good escalation from lie to a judge to lie to a few friends to lie to an entire town to "just make it real". However, it seems both Charlie and Daniel can't lie to save their life except in front of a judge (?!) And I STILL don't understand why have a custody battle at all? What's the "evil ex"'s motivation? 4/5
GRR Reviews A Truce for Love by Lydia Olson
Mia finally found herself in Tombstone Arizona, where her brother Jonas, married a dancing girl and operates a gambling hall and bar. But Tombstone is in the middle of a gang war, with the town divided between the Powell gang (technically, Powell brothers and cousins), and Redford gang (same idea). with the Dooley gang hanging around. But the Dooley gang are composed of rustlers and thieves and murderers... Killed a family and burned the ranch to the ground... and paid off the sheriff to look the other way. Mia found herself being an unwilling pawn in the power struggle... and being courted by Carson Powell... who's willing to learn civility and diplomacy to be with her...
The book gets a bit confusing as romance gets shunted to the background. A lot of the plot doesn't involve Mia and Carson, but rather, Dooley gang plotting who to attack next, and the town's counter-plot, but is it against the Dooleys, or is it against each other? Adventure is good, romance is kinda meh. 3.5/5
The book gets a bit confusing as romance gets shunted to the background. A lot of the plot doesn't involve Mia and Carson, but rather, Dooley gang plotting who to attack next, and the town's counter-plot, but is it against the Dooleys, or is it against each other? Adventure is good, romance is kinda meh. 3.5/5
GRR Reviews Mail-Order Brides of Spring Water Box Set (1-3) by Kathleen Ball
NOTE: This Box Set / Collection has three books and should be read in order. While they are independent stories, you get more if you do read them in order.
Book 1: Tattered Heart
Georgia aka "Georgie" lost everything and everyone in the Civil War, in spite of (or because of) high class. And she learned how to live quickly, with the former-slaves teaching and sheltering her. With no other possibilities, she accepted a mail-order bride proposal in Texas with a former-Confederate Captain. But her arrival completely surprised Parker, who was deceived and betrayed by a woman who he believed he will marry after the war. He had no idea his deranged mother had arranged for a bride for him. But he will marry her. He had no idea what depravities and cruelties Georgie would be subjected to while he's away for business...
Detailed, and Georgia was almost broken, which was very hard to read at times. It's mostly about Parker winning back Georgie's trust. 4.5/5
Book 2: Shattered Trust
Max wanted to win his own home offered by Parker and Georgie, and he decided to get a mail-order bride as well. He got Veronica, who came with a surprise: a 4-month old baby girl, even though she claimed to be a widow of 3 years. Veronica was clearly hurt before, and she can no longer live in the town that chose to condemn her (she was forced). Max wasn't sure how to treat Veronica, except very tenderly, and accepted her. Then the baby daddy showed up...
Nice, VERY detailed, and basically someone who's down and out, tries to do better, only to be beaten down again. And only faith and love can carry them through. 4.5/5
Book 3: Glory's Groom
Glory grew up in an orphanage, but she's old enough to be married off. She can teach, but is that going to be of any use on a Texas ranch? And what about being a wife? // Kent, a friend of Parker (see Book 1) won the next "house" by marrying Glory. Outside, hooded figures terrorized the freed slave community. Ranch owner Parker decided to hire the freedman as help on the ranch at the same salary as his other help. This leads to conflict with the town, while Glory found many children on the ranch without education and organized a school. But is that enough to sustain a marriage?
Good mix of adventure, and people at their best... and worst. 4.5/5
Book 1: Tattered Heart
Georgia aka "Georgie" lost everything and everyone in the Civil War, in spite of (or because of) high class. And she learned how to live quickly, with the former-slaves teaching and sheltering her. With no other possibilities, she accepted a mail-order bride proposal in Texas with a former-Confederate Captain. But her arrival completely surprised Parker, who was deceived and betrayed by a woman who he believed he will marry after the war. He had no idea his deranged mother had arranged for a bride for him. But he will marry her. He had no idea what depravities and cruelties Georgie would be subjected to while he's away for business...
Detailed, and Georgia was almost broken, which was very hard to read at times. It's mostly about Parker winning back Georgie's trust. 4.5/5
Book 2: Shattered Trust
Max wanted to win his own home offered by Parker and Georgie, and he decided to get a mail-order bride as well. He got Veronica, who came with a surprise: a 4-month old baby girl, even though she claimed to be a widow of 3 years. Veronica was clearly hurt before, and she can no longer live in the town that chose to condemn her (she was forced). Max wasn't sure how to treat Veronica, except very tenderly, and accepted her. Then the baby daddy showed up...
Nice, VERY detailed, and basically someone who's down and out, tries to do better, only to be beaten down again. And only faith and love can carry them through. 4.5/5
Book 3: Glory's Groom
Glory grew up in an orphanage, but she's old enough to be married off. She can teach, but is that going to be of any use on a Texas ranch? And what about being a wife? // Kent, a friend of Parker (see Book 1) won the next "house" by marrying Glory. Outside, hooded figures terrorized the freed slave community. Ranch owner Parker decided to hire the freedman as help on the ranch at the same salary as his other help. This leads to conflict with the town, while Glory found many children on the ranch without education and organized a school. But is that enough to sustain a marriage?
Good mix of adventure, and people at their best... and worst. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews Mail Order Misfit by Jenna Brandt
Cara became an orphan when her mother was killed, and somehow, her father was found guilty of her murder and hung. Being a fiery red-headed Irish lass that no one in town would touch, she had no choice but to accept a mail-order bride offer out to the Dakota territories. When a man tried to force himself on her, she defended her honor by threatening him with her knife. But when he turned it around and accused her of trying to rob him, she did not hesitate to jump off the train... // James, former Army scout, had built up a respectable life for his family... but when his wife died, leaving three children behind, he must find another wife. After rescuing his intended from the wilderness (she jumped from the train), and have her acclimated to his children, James was surprised to see Cara arrested for a crime she did not commit... James was determined to find the truth... and get his wife back... by chasing down the man responsible...
No plot-holes other than Cara looking guilty by running from the law. But the motivation is actually understandable. She doesn't trust the law as far as she's concerned. It was nice how the whole thing ties together. I find the ending a bit too quick and convenient though. 4.5/5
No plot-holes other than Cara looking guilty by running from the law. But the motivation is actually understandable. She doesn't trust the law as far as she's concerned. It was nice how the whole thing ties together. I find the ending a bit too quick and convenient though. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews Saved Kisses by Ella Goode
Amethyst aka Amie, felt extremely betrayed... when she found her supposed boyfriend shagging... her mom. She left it all behind, and went to a different city to seek a little help from a brother-in-law. She didn't expect to find an gruff alpha that will sweep her off her feet... // Greyson is busy expanding Sokolov Security and onboarding the rookies. He has no time to babysit boss's sister-in-law and the new office manager, but helping her get started would free him from the desk work he detested. He wasn't ready for Amie, or the protective feelings she evoked from him... or how he wanted to make her his forever...
Eh... didn't feel much. 3/5
Eh... didn't feel much. 3/5
GRR Reviews My Best Friend, the Billionaire by Serenity Woods
Izzy is physically scarred from an accident in her youth, and her family had always been poor. But she has great friends, including Hal King, one of the King brothers, whom she met back in high school. And Hal's rich and handsome and everything an (unwanted) girl can ask for, a great platonic friend. And now, they both work at Noah's Ark animal sanctuary. Izzy believed Hal will NEVER want her... but Hal is tired of holding back... He wanted to woo Izzy... forever. But can Izzy believe in him... and herself?
Okay, Izzy is in self-denial ALMOST to the point of being masochistic, and this is NOT a sweet romantic. There is sex, and there's drama because Hal's ex (another employee) is creating drama. And Hal has super-human patience, but then, it's almost like he's coaxing Izzy much like he coaxes a mistreated dog into accepting his help. 4.5/5
Okay, Izzy is in self-denial ALMOST to the point of being masochistic, and this is NOT a sweet romantic. There is sex, and there's drama because Hal's ex (another employee) is creating drama. And Hal has super-human patience, but then, it's almost like he's coaxing Izzy much like he coaxes a mistreated dog into accepting his help. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews The Guy on the Right by Kate Stewart
Theodore (Not "Teddy", and not "Theo", just) Houseman, former band geek, now marching band rock star, just found his forever girl on campus. And her name is Laney. Unfortunately, so did his roommate, football royalty, and campus superstar Troy. But this time, the #underdog will win, unless of course, Theodore forfeits. And why would he do that?
The story surprises me sometimes, that that doesn't happen often. There's a lot of sass and humor in this college, and I wish I went to a college like that. OTOH, I guess I didn't quite get why Houseman would blow up like how he did that caused the darkest hour. Though the grand gesture was perfect. 4.5/5
The story surprises me sometimes, that that doesn't happen often. There's a lot of sass and humor in this college, and I wish I went to a college like that. OTOH, I guess I didn't quite get why Houseman would blow up like how he did that caused the darkest hour. Though the grand gesture was perfect. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews Barefoot with a Bad Boy by Roxanne St Claire
Gabriel Rossi, ex-spy, now consultant, fell for CIA linguist Isadora while she was training under him. But she left on an assignment, and was later, declared dead. Gabe also learned of a child by Isa, presumably his, also dead. Years later, retired, Gabe was approached on the beach of Barefoot Bay by a woman, who knew things ONLY his Isa would know about... yet she looked NOTHING like her. His spy training told him this had to be a trick, but his heart wonders... could it be true? // Lila has been working deep undercover for years with full body modification, that she no longer sees herself as Isadora. But with unknown threat stalking her, despite her semi-retirement, and the need to protect her son, she had no choice but to approach Gabe for help. But any attempt to get close to Gabe resulted in a splitting headache. And Gabe, instead of offering her sanctuary to hide, offered to help her entrap whoever is after her. They don't realize the threat is actually MUCH closer than they realized... And betrayal comes from unexpected direction...
Good spy thriller combined with romance. 5/5
Good spy thriller combined with romance. 5/5
GRR Reviews The Billionaire's Black Book by Amy Deluca
Reporter Bonnie just got a prime assignment from her editor: go interview billionaire author Jack Bestia, whose multi-book fantasy saga has a TV series adaptation, and people are eagerly waiting for his 7th book in the series. Unfortunately, Bonnie gets super nervous in front of her idols, and Jack is one of her idols. And when Bonnie's super-nervous, she gets verbal diarrhea and her hands started waving all over the place... And Bonnie's previous encounter with Jack resulted in... uh... let's not talk about that. // Jack has already missed multiple deadlines, and hates any invasion of his privacy, esp. by a reporter. And he actually had barely a few pages written, a TINY fraction of what he SHOULD have written. This is due to someone leaking his novel outline... and all signs pointed to his ex-girlfriend, not that he'll ever let her in again. Jack decided to be gnarly and drive Bonnie away... but when Bonnie accidentally saw his "new" outline, he had to keep her isolated while he write the book... that means keeping her with him...
Eh... that barely works. And authors don't become billionaires, at least not from a single series. And he hits it big with his 2nd book ever? That's outright FANTASY. George R R Martin is now 71, and he had been writing for like almost 50 years, and he's only now pulling in millions in advances and royalties. He's certainly not a billionaire. And Jack is not behaving logically. He gets nasty, feels sorry, apologizes, then "keep her isolated" for a month, and suddenly, he can write 1000+ pages in a month? Dang, that's some writing speed. 2.5/5
GRR Reviews The Whole Story by Brooke St James
Story refused to ever fall in love again, after getting cheated on. Not even Max Blair, ex-baseball star, and now star sports agent, can tempt her. She will be his friend, and no more. But he wanted to know her... intimately. He wanted... the whole Story.
Yes, that's a bit of a pun, but what do you expect with a name like "Story"? Good polish, lots of reluctant romance, 4/5
Yes, that's a bit of a pun, but what do you expect with a name like "Story"? Good polish, lots of reluctant romance, 4/5
GRR Reviews Catching Him by Aurora Rose Reynolds
Leah wants Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now. She just didn't expect to meet him as her new neighbor, when her cat decided to visit his house. His name is Tyler, and he's here as a new construction foreman. Leah dated one other guy, Chris, like back in high school, and there was zero spark then, and zero spark now. She gave him a pity date dinner, and all he could talk about was himself. She ghosted on him, as she wanted to explore her chemistry with Tyler, who's alpha, and wanted her, and was willing to let her figure it out at her own pace. But someone broke into her house (while they were away), destroyed her belongings, and wrote WHORE on her wall, clearly someone is disturbed... Tyler will protect Leah, but Leah has to decide whether Tyler is worth catching...
Not bad, though I guessed the culprit by mid-point. The ending was a bit low-key, though karma is sufficiently portrayed. 3.5/5
Not bad, though I guessed the culprit by mid-point. The ending was a bit low-key, though karma is sufficiently portrayed. 3.5/5
GRR Reviews Southern Comfort Christmas by Barbara Lohr
Cameron is about to marry Harper, but the two families can't seem to agree on anything, as one's from Chicago, the other from Savannah. There are no agreements on venue or menu. Harper's mom wants to give Harper her old wedding dress, but it won't fit. Harper found that without the "Missus" to her title she can't do much to help Cameron... esp. after Cameron broke his ankle on a job site. And the disagreements just keep getting worse, even after the whole venue was moved to Savannah from Chicago. Harper's interior design business was also running into some problems with the bluebloods. Is there a way for this couple to have a blessed drama-free Christmas and wedding?
NOTE: This is technically a sequel to Finding Southern Comfort, and you'd get more out of this novel by reading the previous ones in the series. Some parts did drag a bit, as the complications did spin in a couple different directions. There's Harper's work, Cameron's work, Cameron's kid Bella has problems at school, the wedding planning, the two families didn't get along, their respective families "meddling", and so on. Both have pretty big families, so it can get a bit complicated keeping track of everybody. But the book felt longer than it actually is. 4/5
NOTE: This is technically a sequel to Finding Southern Comfort, and you'd get more out of this novel by reading the previous ones in the series. Some parts did drag a bit, as the complications did spin in a couple different directions. There's Harper's work, Cameron's work, Cameron's kid Bella has problems at school, the wedding planning, the two families didn't get along, their respective families "meddling", and so on. Both have pretty big families, so it can get a bit complicated keeping track of everybody. But the book felt longer than it actually is. 4/5
GRR Reviews Have a Heart by Jodi Watters
Tessa became a runaway bride after she found her fiancee banging a chick with pink hair in the backdoor, minutes before walking down the aisle. She simply drove away, and ended up in Nowhere, California when she blew a tire. She walked into the bar, looking and feeling like a hot mess. And that's where she met Jason... // Jason had a blackened and charred soul that he channeled into a military career, becoming a Navy SEAL. His dispassionate style earned him the nickname "Tin Man"... because he doesn't have a heart. He should have walked away from this hot mess of a woman, still in her wedding gown, but he can't.
At 416 pages, this book is long, but I didn't feel there's much fat to trim. Tessa and Jason both felt complex and real, and Jason actually feels like a SEAL, where he doesn't talk about himself except in a self-deprecating way, not bragging (maybe a little bit of humblebrag). And Tessa, having been dealt a devastating blow, was struggling yet you can sort of see a bright-and-chipper self struggling to shine through. Some rough language didn't distract from the overall enjoyment. 5/5
At 416 pages, this book is long, but I didn't feel there's much fat to trim. Tessa and Jason both felt complex and real, and Jason actually feels like a SEAL, where he doesn't talk about himself except in a self-deprecating way, not bragging (maybe a little bit of humblebrag). And Tessa, having been dealt a devastating blow, was struggling yet you can sort of see a bright-and-chipper self struggling to shine through. Some rough language didn't distract from the overall enjoyment. 5/5
GRR Reviews Mommy Loves the Doggy Doctor by Deb Kastner
Ashley became a widow when her husband and her daughter had an ATV accident. Her daughter Gweny was left wheelchair-bound for life. But that didn't stop them from bringing happiness to other people's lives, esp. nursing home visits with fresh cookies. And that's when they ran into the Luke and Grandma Bryant, who brought a whole litter of Dalmatian puppies to cheer up Luke's dad (dementia) and the rest of the nursing home. Luke is a bachelor veterinarian, and very shy, preferring animals to people. But when Grandma Bryant, seeing that Gweny has a connection to Pudgie, one of the Dalmatian puppies, offered the pup to her. And Ashley can't refuse anything that makes Gweny happy. That also brought the families closer, esp. when Pudgie needed some medical help... And Gweny wanted to put her mom and the handsome vet Luke together... With a little help from Grandma Bryant, of course.
Sweet, good use of the dog, and even training the dog to be a service dog for the disabled. Sweet shy love. The kind I like. No sex. 5/5
Sweet, good use of the dog, and even training the dog to be a service dog for the disabled. Sweet shy love. The kind I like. No sex. 5/5
GRR Reviews Keeping Cole for Christmas by Tuesday Embers
Abigail justed wanted a nice and quiet Christmas. Her veterinarian job is already tough enough... She has no time for frivolities... Even her fiancee Pierce hadn't seen inside her condo, as it's a somewhat long-distance relationship. Heck, Pierce won't even attend her family Christmas dinner. When her best childhood friend, and her brother's best friend Cole came back to town, she knew this Christmas will not be like any other. Abigail also wanted to save RT5, a three-legged cat that hadn't been adopted yet, but she knew she's too busy to have a pet. When Cole decided he wanted to be the person in Abigail's life, what will Abigail do? And what can Cole do to change her mind?
Enjoyed the cat, even though it's more of a symbol, as the cat itself didn't show much personality. Pierce is basically a placeholder, someone Abigail didn't have to let in very far into her life, as she won't butt into his. So why get engaged? Was it just... expected? 4/5
Enjoyed the cat, even though it's more of a symbol, as the cat itself didn't show much personality. Pierce is basically a placeholder, someone Abigail didn't have to let in very far into her life, as she won't butt into his. So why get engaged? Was it just... expected? 4/5
GRR Reviews Cherish... A Romance by Brooke St James
Charlie had been pining after Jacob for a long time, but because Jacob is committed to Haley, Charlie's friend, Charlie can only pine for Jacob from a distance. But on a group trip to Mexico, Charlie witnessed Haley cheating... So she stopped being Haley's friend. And soon, Jacob broke up with Haley after she started behaving weird. A few months later... Jacob started noticing Charlie as girlfriend material... But how would he woo her?
Somehow, the narrating style feels more "detached", even though the characters are nicely nuanced. There are no major plot twists, just old-fashioned slow-simmer attraction. 4/5
Somehow, the narrating style feels more "detached", even though the characters are nicely nuanced. There are no major plot twists, just old-fashioned slow-simmer attraction. 4/5
GRR Reviews The Secret Song of the Ditch Lillies by Jennifer Youngblood and Sandra Poole
Delia has a perfect life: a handsome and successful lawyer as her husband, money and social status, and a beautiful daughter Sybil. But her life is miserable, due to a ton of regrets in life that she never shared with her daughter, but simply tried to steer her away from. But Sybil wasn't happy with her life in Atlanta. When she discovered her husband was cheating, she uprooted herself and her daughter, Maddie, to a quiet town hour away... which actually is Delia's hometown that she NEVER talked about due to her traumatic experiences. // Sybil thought she would have a simpler life in a simple town, but the town is actually in turmoil, when a legacy land donation has divided the town. When the battle escalated to vandalism, and later murder, Sybil found herself an unwitting pawn. Sybil also found herself in a relationship with local police Kade, who may be the perfect man, if not for his own secrets... and it may involve Delia after all...
At 563 pages, this is practically a saga, and while the plot is intricate, it honestly felt it really should be 100-200 pages shorter. We are treated to plenty of flashbacks to Delia's childhood that explained her regrets which I won't spoil. Let's just say Delia wanted to escape, but eventually... was forced out, without sufficient preparations. But she made do, and never looked back (except with regrets). And she'd NEVER wanted Sybil to experience what she did... And what's the ONE PLACE she never wanted Sybil to go to? Yep, that's where she ended up. Both characters are exquisite, with strength and weaknesses we can relate to. I really wanted to give this 5/5 but in the end, it had to be 4.5/5 due to excessive length.
At 563 pages, this is practically a saga, and while the plot is intricate, it honestly felt it really should be 100-200 pages shorter. We are treated to plenty of flashbacks to Delia's childhood that explained her regrets which I won't spoil. Let's just say Delia wanted to escape, but eventually... was forced out, without sufficient preparations. But she made do, and never looked back (except with regrets). And she'd NEVER wanted Sybil to experience what she did... And what's the ONE PLACE she never wanted Sybil to go to? Yep, that's where she ended up. Both characters are exquisite, with strength and weaknesses we can relate to. I really wanted to give this 5/5 but in the end, it had to be 4.5/5 due to excessive length.
GRR Reviews A is for Author by Brenna Jacobs
Emma (actually Emmerson) is the daughter of a famous author, and her first (and only) book was adored by literary critics but doesn't sell that well. Aidan is a handsome former prosecutor turned thriller author, whose books do sell like hotcakes, complete with fangirls wanting signed copies. When they ended up in the same local author event, let's just say sparks flew, and not the loving kind. When they met again in a cafe, they decided to learn what really makes each other tick... Can a literary fiction author actually learn something from a "genre hack" and vice versa?
This is definitely Emma's story, as she's the one who changes the most. In fact, I'd say Aidan didn't really change much. Emma basically gained confidence in her own writing voice, and the background of each was put to excellent use, with Aidan talking like a lawyer (prosecutor) making his points hard-hitting. You can ALMOST call it a coming-of-age novel. But the love... Didn't feel that much of it. 4/5
This is definitely Emma's story, as she's the one who changes the most. In fact, I'd say Aidan didn't really change much. Emma basically gained confidence in her own writing voice, and the background of each was put to excellent use, with Aidan talking like a lawyer (prosecutor) making his points hard-hitting. You can ALMOST call it a coming-of-age novel. But the love... Didn't feel that much of it. 4/5
GRR Reviews Hero In My Bed by Piper Sullivan
Preston is with town's search and rescue. Definitely a hero of sorts, and the town's golden boy. But he can't keep his eyes away from the sassy bartender Nina... And the town, making a charity calender of the hometown beefcakes is definitely going to bring them together... Nina tries to resist the temptation... but Preston wanted to make her his forever...
Didn't feel much about this one. Nothing really stands out. 3/5
Didn't feel much about this one. Nothing really stands out. 3/5
GRR Reviews Mommy Loves the Rockstar by Shanae Johnson and Janae Ronniesha
Kiara is a single mother and nurse, raising pre-teen Camille. She's usually too tired to care. And she was surprised to run into one of her teenage idol and celebrity crush, Jett Anderson, temping as a substitute music teacher at her daughter's school... But he's only there for two weeks... // Jett used to be a part of a hot boy band and still has fans, but he's ready to settle down and get away from the tour life. When a friend visiting his gig was injured by rabid fans, he decided to take a two week break to help the friend out... by taking his place as a Middle School music teacher. But a music teacher isn't supposed to have fangirls... I mean fanwomen. Right? // Camille wants two things for Christmas... a new cellphone... and happiness for mom. When she realized her new music teacher is her mom's crush, she's determined to bring them together... even if she had to lock them in a room for them to work it out...
Okay, cute. You ALMOST don't realize Kiara is supposed to be black. I can't figure what ethnicity was Jett supposed to be, not that it really matters. 4/5
Okay, cute. You ALMOST don't realize Kiara is supposed to be black. I can't figure what ethnicity was Jett supposed to be, not that it really matters. 4/5
GRR Reviews Dream Chaser by Brooke St. James
June has a dream: she saved up a bit of money, and she will spend a year in each of the five cities she chose, working all the way, to experience life outside her small town. And just before she's about to leave to chase this dream, a local old lady asked her to consider visiting a small town called Astoria, where she'll meet a man named Jasper, who has a twin brother... and it just happens that Jasper's company's receptionist had to go on bedrest for her pregnancy, and they need a receptionist ASAP... But June was just visiting, and Jasper wasn't ready to fall in love... right?
Ah, nice. The intro was a bit long until the two MC's actually meet. THEN you see how they are made for each other. While this is standalone, you will probably get more out of the book by reading the entire series in order. 4.5/5
Ah, nice. The intro was a bit long until the two MC's actually meet. THEN you see how they are made for each other. While this is standalone, you will probably get more out of the book by reading the entire series in order. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews The Billionaire's Secret Marriage by Tamie Dearen
Branson "Bran" is totally blind, but a lifetime of adaptation means most people don't even notice his blue eyes aren't real. He's now rich and he has the perfect PA Stephanie "Steph", and possibly a fiancee too, but that's just a business deal. Bran knew most women don't care about him, only his wealth. Bran also knew that Steph doesn't see him that way, and he hired Steph partly due to her daughter's disability, needing her job and health insurance to keep her well. But he's not in love with Steph, right? // Steph had a crush on Bran for a long time. He's strong, sweet, and jaded. And Bran's new fiancee is both jealous of any woman near Bran (esp. Steph) and trying to coerce Bran into a quickie marriage, in Las Vegas Elvis Chapel if necessary. Can Steph stand by while the devious fiancee succeeds? Or will she speak up, and risk losing her job and her life as she knows it?
VERY nice description of a blind MMC, definitely inspirational. Though I can't imagine such a guy be pushed around by a socialite with an agenda. And the reason he's going for a fake marriage to the socialite was for her stocks for a stock swap? Without a pre-nup? I know it's doing good, but somehow, this doesn't sound that... "dire", not a "do or die" situation. 4/5
VERY nice description of a blind MMC, definitely inspirational. Though I can't imagine such a guy be pushed around by a socialite with an agenda. And the reason he's going for a fake marriage to the socialite was for her stocks for a stock swap? Without a pre-nup? I know it's doing good, but somehow, this doesn't sound that... "dire", not a "do or die" situation. 4/5
GRR Reviews Her Wounded Cowboy by Danae Little
Ryder was a star bullrider, until that one last ride that earned him a million dollars left him with severe injuries and amnesia. He can't even remember his daughter, Maci, and he can't connect with all these "friends" and "family" that keep wanting to know how he's doing. But the only one who can help him would be Savannah, the only physical therapist that does home visits. But what secrets is Savannah hiding? // Savannah got a degree in physical therapy, but a call from her parents, now both disabled (at least temporarily) means she's heading home... to keep the family ranch afloat all by herself... AND do physical therapy work for money to keep the family running. That means she had to take any job, including Ryder, the boy who broke her heart back in high school. So who's stalking Ryder and Savannah? Is Maci in danger too?
Good escalation, that managed to pivot from romance into romantic suspense. The stalker is getting closer and closer, from break-in in a different city to attempted murder and attempted kidnapping. With good foreshadowing. 4.5/5
Good escalation, that managed to pivot from romance into romantic suspense. The stalker is getting closer and closer, from break-in in a different city to attempted murder and attempted kidnapping. With good foreshadowing. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews The Hopeful Bride by Kimberly Krey
Bear is the head lumberjack for Big Daddy Mills, an eco-friendly logging company that had always pushed for eco-friendly logging. But he's tired of being in the spotlight, and his partner, Christine, the other partner's daughter, plays hot and cold, sorta his girlfriend, sort of not. He yearns for the simple times, back at Cobble Creek, with his first love, Maddie... So he went back... // Maddie, a school teacher for the school she went to once, can't believe Bear is back in town, and apparently wooing her. But Christine seems to haunt him... Is Bear really serious, or was it all just an act?
Didn't feel much for this one. Christine's motivation is clear as mud, even at the end. And Maddie did the romantic trope: ran far away before giving him a chance to explain. At least the grand gesture is pretty darn grand... On National TV. 3/5
Didn't feel much for this one. Christine's motivation is clear as mud, even at the end. And Maddie did the romantic trope: ran far away before giving him a chance to explain. At least the grand gesture is pretty darn grand... On National TV. 3/5
GRR Reviews Crush on You by Amelia Wilde
Jenny is down and out, after quitting her job. When sleazy Connor offered her a job to sabotage someone else, she can't say no, esp. if the job is at Bliss Resort, and she can see Roman again, her one-time crush. // Roman can't believe Jenny (who used to be Genevieve) is back in his life, now as his social media manager. And he needs more buzz for the resort... and that means social media. But Jenny is a temptation he can't ignore... but must. But what happens when she confessed she's originally there to sabotage him?
Okay, this sorta makes sense, and sort of doesn't. What sort of sleazy PR pays someone to go work for the competition and do only a mediocre job? And there really doesn't seem to be ANY reason for Jenny to NOT reveal the whole thing to Roman except "shame". 3/5
Okay, this sorta makes sense, and sort of doesn't. What sort of sleazy PR pays someone to go work for the competition and do only a mediocre job? And there really doesn't seem to be ANY reason for Jenny to NOT reveal the whole thing to Roman except "shame". 3/5
GRR Reviews The Unstoppable Patriot by Jennifer Youngblood
Landry is a star running back for the Georgia Patriots, but his love life was apparently a bit of a mess, after leaving his love, Daphne, behind six years ago and there hadn't been anyone serious since. When a car accident left him with retrograde amnesia, and he lost 6 years of memories, he found that the world has changed, and nobody would tell him why Daphne is not at his side. Desperate to woo Daphne back, it's clear that EVERYONE is keeping secrets from him, esp. who is the father of Daphne's child, and these secrets may destroy him... or set him free.
Eh... Not feeling much about this one. It's pretty obvious who the kid belongs to, and holding grudges for years never is healthy, and parents are just... nasty, all in the name of "love". 3/5
Eh... Not feeling much about this one. It's pretty obvious who the kid belongs to, and holding grudges for years never is healthy, and parents are just... nasty, all in the name of "love". 3/5
GRR Reviews Fake Billionaire Box Set 1 (Books 1-3) by Lexy Timms
NOTE: Box sets are normally not reviewed as a set, but as separate books. However, as each of these books is basically a cliffhanger, I decided to review them together as a single book, as it completes a story arc.
Book 1: Faking It
Allyson is PA to playboy billionaire Dane of Prescott Enterprises. She had a crush on her boss for years. When her family nagged her AGAIN about why is she still alone, how her sister, a cardiologist, is about to marry some hotshot lawyer, she blurted out that she's dating her boss. Now she just has to say he's too busy... But he insisted on being her date... to get away from his own problems... // Dane knew Allyson was the best PA he'd ever had (he had chased away about one a month until Allyson) and he does date heiresses picked by his mom, now that his father has semi-retired and he's running day-to-day operations. But it's never serious. He can't stand uppity b****es who value him for what he can give, not for him. Pretending to be Allyson's BF would be refreshing... but it may change everything...
Book 2: Temporary CEO
Dane had a taste of Allyson, but it can't continue, esp. when rumors of their marriage spread (she was testing a wedding gown for her sister) and they didn't fight it. The merger went through, but the "scandal" about the fake marriage sent their stock into a steep dive. Dane has to give up his CEO position. Can Allyson work for someone who may be out to ruin Dane? // Dane knew the world of bluebloods is bad place to be, unless you're trained for it, and Allyson isn't. He has to save Allyson, even at the expense of their relationship... if necessary.
Book 3: Caught In the Act
Allyson had enough of the pressure. She broke up with Dane and left for the Bahamas. But Dane followed her there, determined to win her back. He succeeded, only to be informed upon his return that his merger partners had executed a coup-de-tat... And gained control of his company, and his legacy, leaving his family with almost nothing. Now Dane and Allyson must execute the ultimate gambit to regain control of his legacy by pulling off a fake breakup and divorce. After all, they fake married once already, right? How hard can a fake breakup and divorce be?
Review
I have problems with self-suffering heroines who really believed they *should* suffer even when nobody said they should. Somehow, Allyson took upon herself that EVERYTHING, up to and including Dane having lost his company, is somehow HER fault (I shouldn't have roped him into being my fake BF) multiple times, and that's just cringe-worthy to read at times. And the boardroom antics was a bit nebulous, so was the final gambit to regain control. Other parts are good. 3/5
NOTE: There's book 4 and book 5 to the series.
Book 1: Faking It
Allyson is PA to playboy billionaire Dane of Prescott Enterprises. She had a crush on her boss for years. When her family nagged her AGAIN about why is she still alone, how her sister, a cardiologist, is about to marry some hotshot lawyer, she blurted out that she's dating her boss. Now she just has to say he's too busy... But he insisted on being her date... to get away from his own problems... // Dane knew Allyson was the best PA he'd ever had (he had chased away about one a month until Allyson) and he does date heiresses picked by his mom, now that his father has semi-retired and he's running day-to-day operations. But it's never serious. He can't stand uppity b****es who value him for what he can give, not for him. Pretending to be Allyson's BF would be refreshing... but it may change everything...
Book 2: Temporary CEO
Dane had a taste of Allyson, but it can't continue, esp. when rumors of their marriage spread (she was testing a wedding gown for her sister) and they didn't fight it. The merger went through, but the "scandal" about the fake marriage sent their stock into a steep dive. Dane has to give up his CEO position. Can Allyson work for someone who may be out to ruin Dane? // Dane knew the world of bluebloods is bad place to be, unless you're trained for it, and Allyson isn't. He has to save Allyson, even at the expense of their relationship... if necessary.
Book 3: Caught In the Act
Allyson had enough of the pressure. She broke up with Dane and left for the Bahamas. But Dane followed her there, determined to win her back. He succeeded, only to be informed upon his return that his merger partners had executed a coup-de-tat... And gained control of his company, and his legacy, leaving his family with almost nothing. Now Dane and Allyson must execute the ultimate gambit to regain control of his legacy by pulling off a fake breakup and divorce. After all, they fake married once already, right? How hard can a fake breakup and divorce be?
Review
I have problems with self-suffering heroines who really believed they *should* suffer even when nobody said they should. Somehow, Allyson took upon herself that EVERYTHING, up to and including Dane having lost his company, is somehow HER fault (I shouldn't have roped him into being my fake BF) multiple times, and that's just cringe-worthy to read at times. And the boardroom antics was a bit nebulous, so was the final gambit to regain control. Other parts are good. 3/5
NOTE: There's book 4 and book 5 to the series.
GRR Reviews Veterinarian's date with a Billionaire by Amelia Addler
Juliet needs to save her veterinarian clinic serving low-income neighborhoods, and she needed to make a feel-good video featuring her former patients and their pet parents. She wasn't sure what to think when she found her junker died, and her rich but douche ex James came to her rescue. // James knew he was a douche to Juliet back in college, and he's here to make amends. Having a chance to rescue her and chauffeur her around is perfect. It also gave him a chance to get away from his over-demanding father. So they go on this road trip, take plenty of footage, and living together. And they did rekindle their relationship. But this is just temporary, right? What happens after the contest is over, whether she wins or not?
Not feeling much about this one. It's pretty obvious, from the way plot goes, that Juliet will NOT win, and this will also serve as the darkest hour, and James will get the blame. And the grand gesture will be James somehow get Juliet to forgive him. The bonding and the cute animals are nice, but that doesn't change the fact that the plotting feels flat. 3/5
Not feeling much about this one. It's pretty obvious, from the way plot goes, that Juliet will NOT win, and this will also serve as the darkest hour, and James will get the blame. And the grand gesture will be James somehow get Juliet to forgive him. The bonding and the cute animals are nice, but that doesn't change the fact that the plotting feels flat. 3/5
GRR Reviews Delicate Balance by Brooke St James
Henry, one of the four Blair Brothers, is a rock star of the band Delicate Balance. He left the hometown of Astoria to seek his fame years ago. And Aiden always had a thing for Henry. So when Henry and the entire Blair family came to the restaurant Aiden waitressed at, she was both surprised and delighted... and this time... Henry noticed her...
Aiden is a bit self-effacing and backbone-lacking, at least, until she accepted that Henry really does want to love her, not just to bed her. This is clean and spiritual, no sex, but more subtle kind of love and support that clean romance readers can appreciate. 4/5
Aiden is a bit self-effacing and backbone-lacking, at least, until she accepted that Henry really does want to love her, not just to bed her. This is clean and spiritual, no sex, but more subtle kind of love and support that clean romance readers can appreciate. 4/5
GRR Reviews Buck Wild by Lauren Landish
Bull rider James is the wanderer of the family, spending most of his time on the road on the back of a bull, living for the excitement 8 seconds at a time. He never saw himself settling down, unlike his ranch brother, and his horse breeder brother. That is, until he ran into Sophie, veterinarian-in-training. // Sophie was accidentally enrolled in animal science one semester and was hooked. Now she's training as a veterinarian and getting some practical experience as a vet's assistant in a small town. Meeting the three brothers are nice, as they are very handsome cowboys. And James... well, he's rude, but she has plenty of sass to give. And it'd be the perfect summer fling... she's going back to school, and he's going back to the bullriding circuit... But when it comes time to part, can either give up what they have?
Good polish, lots of good family action. Each can provide what they other crave, if they can admit to themselves what they're craving. No competing lovers, no danger, just two people who THOUGHT they knew what they wanted, then learned there is so much more to life... and love. 4.5/5
Good polish, lots of good family action. Each can provide what they other crave, if they can admit to themselves what they're craving. No competing lovers, no danger, just two people who THOUGHT they knew what they wanted, then learned there is so much more to life... and love. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews Remember Me by Marion Ueckermann
Clarise and her two friends vowed at 13 to make a list of their wishes, then come back at 40 for a reunion. 27 years later, Clarise is back in town, a 40-yr old ex-model whose agent/manager just divorced her and traded her for a younger model. AND he's vindictive enough to ask for wedding rings back, and took her car and almost all her belongings. She had to pawn the rings to even make it home. // Heath had been waiting for Clarise for 27 years, having fallen for her in high school, but Valentine's Day kiss soon sent her across the country. Now that she's back, and he's a youth pastor, Heath wasn't quite sure how to woo Clarise, when she's so hurt and unsure of herself. But he can be there to lend a shoulder... and offer his heart...
Sweet, but the guy held a torch for her for 27 years? Really? Hmmm... 4/5
Sweet, but the guy held a torch for her for 27 years? Really? Hmmm... 4/5
GRR Reviews Hidden Michael by Victoria Pinder
Sophie testified against her boss and now bad guys are after her and her family. She managed to pack some bags and escaped with her sisters on their way to her cousin's island. But when the rowboat captain died of a heart attack while rowing them, they have to save themselves, fast. And they found land... that belonged to Michael Hanniel, a self-made billionaire who changed his name and plotting his revenge (Count of Monte Cristo style) against those who betrayed him and killed his family... And he and Sophie have the same enemies. Michael knew Sophie is strong and capable, and he will protect her family, and he wanted her. But nothing can change his revenge, years in the making... Not even Sophie...
It's clear this is basically inspired by Count of Monte Cristo, as Michael's birth name was Dante, clearly named after Edmond Dantes, the main character of Dumas' work. But Sophie just comes across as TSTL. She has no usable skills, yet she decided to interfere in Michael's revenge plans in the name of "helping him", only to be captured. DUH!!!!!!! And the ending is way too convenient. Not one of author's best works. 3/5
It's clear this is basically inspired by Count of Monte Cristo, as Michael's birth name was Dante, clearly named after Edmond Dantes, the main character of Dumas' work. But Sophie just comes across as TSTL. She has no usable skills, yet she decided to interfere in Michael's revenge plans in the name of "helping him", only to be captured. DUH!!!!!!! And the ending is way too convenient. Not one of author's best works. 3/5
GRR Reviews Turbulent Intrigue by Melody Anne
Ace spent years undercover as a drug cartel pilot and dealmaker, so deep under he can't even let his family know he's safe. He finally brought down the kingpin and the cartel, but the kingpin's final gambit bomb severely wounded Ace, forcing him to go home to recuperate, which is where he met Dakota, best friend of one of his sisters-in-law, current NFL cheerleader, and pilot-wannabe. Ace knew Dakota should be off-limits, but Dakota definitely wanted Ace... Until a new threat surfaced... Someone knew Ace was the snitch that took down the cartel, and wanted to kill him for retribution, and to do that, they will go after anyone near him...
While the threat is nice and detailed, the response to it is a bit puzzling. Ace's brothers stepped up to help him, which is nice, but they are not commandos... (one's airline CEO/pilot, one's a USAF fighter pilot, and one is Coast Guard helo pilot) But they go on rescue missions like SWAT? Hmmm? And Ace is a real bullet sponge... got shot and blown up multiple times. Eeek. Poor guy. 4/5
While the threat is nice and detailed, the response to it is a bit puzzling. Ace's brothers stepped up to help him, which is nice, but they are not commandos... (one's airline CEO/pilot, one's a USAF fighter pilot, and one is Coast Guard helo pilot) But they go on rescue missions like SWAT? Hmmm? And Ace is a real bullet sponge... got shot and blown up multiple times. Eeek. Poor guy. 4/5
GRR Reviews Cherish Me by Autumn Macarthur
Naomi and her best friends buried a time capsule of their hopes and dreams when they were thirteen. Then they forgot about it. Decades later, Naomi, now known as "Nai", is back in town when her aunt had fallen seriously ill. Forced to put her job as PA to a billionaire on hold, she has to run a small town bookstore for her aunt, care for her aunt's animals (a parrot, a cat, and two dogs), manage gajillion things to around the place (cleaning, fixing a leaky roof...) and manage the flaky staff. Oh, and met her old crush, Mateo, now handsome local cop. But Mateo was the one that stood her up for her junior prom. Will God show her the way forward?
Sweet, and not overly religious, both have reasons to be shameful, and insecure, and the connection between them is good. And there's a good cast of other characters to help things along. 4.5/5
Sweet, and not overly religious, both have reasons to be shameful, and insecure, and the connection between them is good. And there's a good cast of other characters to help things along. 4.5/5
GRR Reviews That Forever Girl by Meghan Quinn
Rogan can't believe Harper, his once "forever girl", is back in town. He, in a fit of anger and desperation after the devastating news back in college, drove her away. A decade later, they can barely speak more than a few words to each other. Rogan had to reinvent himself after that fateful night, but now he's a changed man. But why is Harper back in town? Can they play nice, if she's here to stay? And why are they still drawn to each other? Is it just a phase... or are they destined to be together after all? What secrets are they hiding from each other, even as LoveMark movie scouts came to town doing some location scouting?
Very nice, even though I'm not too sure about the flashbacks, as there seems to be too many of them. Flashbacks interrupt the narrative flow. While they do add background information (we are getting glimpses into their shared past, when they were still together), they interrupt the present storyline. It just feels as if there are too many of them, that not all of them feel dramatically necessary. And I guess I don't understand the present-day anger from Rogan... was it just because he doesn't want to apologize? 4.5/5
Very nice, even though I'm not too sure about the flashbacks, as there seems to be too many of them. Flashbacks interrupt the narrative flow. While they do add background information (we are getting glimpses into their shared past, when they were still together), they interrupt the present storyline. It just feels as if there are too many of them, that not all of them feel dramatically necessary. And I guess I don't understand the present-day anger from Rogan... was it just because he doesn't want to apologize? 4.5/5
GRR Reviews A Waltz for Amber by Kimberly Rose Johnson
Amber needs to make her dance studio in town a success, and having her students perform at the town's Christmas recital should do it... except all of her students have choir practice that night. And the high school music teacher refused to reschedule. And the teacher, a recent returnee to town, happens to be her old nemesis Chris... // Chris knew he did a lot of things wrong back then, and being cruel to Amber was a part of it. He would like to make amends, but he wasn't sure how, without compromising his own principles... But he will definitely help her in any other way. But can he make Amber see him in a new light?
There are some religious messages in here, but not excessive. Pretty good, as the two had to work together to create the entire Holiday show, and learn a lot about each other. It's a bit more complex than typical romance plot, without being angst-y. 4/5
There are some religious messages in here, but not excessive. Pretty good, as the two had to work together to create the entire Holiday show, and learn a lot about each other. It's a bit more complex than typical romance plot, without being angst-y. 4/5
GRR Reviews For One Night by Leaona Luxx
Lola spent years in a loveless marriage with Carter, but she finally got out of it. When out celebrating with her girlfriends in Vegas, she met Lennox, there for business. They had a memorable evening... then she left him (first ever for him). Imagine to their surprise that they met again only a week later, as this time, she's his business consultant, just hired to expedite his transition back into the business he founded (but have to let his brother do a turnaround with). And it'd be TOTALLY inappropriate for them to date...
I have some problems with this novel. Some parts are very good. But some parts are just wordy as ****. There was too much "prequel material" (i.e. how did Lola and Lennox get to be what they are today) that the two characters didn't really meet until almost 1/3rd of the book (not that I really counted). The two characters are swoon-worthy, but the book needs some serious trimming as it has too much fluff. 3/5
I have some problems with this novel. Some parts are very good. But some parts are just wordy as ****. There was too much "prequel material" (i.e. how did Lola and Lennox get to be what they are today) that the two characters didn't really meet until almost 1/3rd of the book (not that I really counted). The two characters are swoon-worthy, but the book needs some serious trimming as it has too much fluff. 3/5
GRR Reviews Racing Hearts by Lauren Landish
Luke is one of the Bennett Boys, who prefers to stay in the background doing stuff and let his brothers take the credit. He has his own horse breeding business that lets him travel the country, but he is feeling a bit lonesome. // Shayanne is a Tannen and a tomboy. She and her brothers have taken over the family ranch after discovering their dad had almost buried them in his gambling debt. Now, in addition to running the family ranch, she also raises goats and has a specialty handmade soap business that is taking off. However, she's also feeling stuck, having been the only woman in the house. // Tannens and Bennetts used to be friends, until the previous generation had a falling out. So Luke and Shay were surprised to run into each other at the large tree at their property border. They had always been friendly, despite family feud, and that leads to an affair, which also has that Romeo and Juliet taboo feel. Both are very loyal to their respective families... and fond of each other. When Shayanne's father died of a heart attack, Shay and her brothers will discover an act of betrayal that left them shaking in rage. And Luke and his family may have one chance to finally make peace...
I like the twist, despite the "unfairness" of it all. And the relationship was handled very well. 5/5
I like the twist, despite the "unfairness" of it all. And the relationship was handled very well. 5/5
GRR Reviews Turbulent Waters by Melody Anne
Nick, coast guard helo pilot, was the sole survivor when his helo went down in stormy seas. While in rehab, he met his new physical therapist: Chloe. She's sexy, smart, and guarded. And Nick wanted to woo her. But she has a deep dark secret... she's there at the behest of her father to dig up dirt on Nick... to destroy him, for one of the dead on Nick's final flight was her brother. But the more time she spent with Nick, the more she realized Nick is someone who'd give up his life "so others may live" (creed of the Coast Guard). But how can she let Nick know the truth? Or is it too late?
While the plot has been done before, the motivation twist was somewhat novel. However, the end was a bit of tell, not show, and the darkest hour was kinda long. 4/5
While the plot has been done before, the motivation twist was somewhat novel. However, the end was a bit of tell, not show, and the darkest hour was kinda long. 4/5
GRR Reviews Fresh in the Kitchen by Olivia Burke
Aubrey, the best mixologist in the state, is about to have a mental breakdown due to her nosy family and her sister's wedding. Questions about "why don't you get a real job" and "why are you still single" are driving her insane. She came up with this insane plan: claim that Tommy, the award-winning chef, is her boyfriend, to get at least one problem out of the way. Little did she know that Tommy had been eyeing her for a while. When his own famous chef father said he will attend one of his own awards, Tommy asked Aubrey agreed to also be his date in return. But why does this fake relationship feel so real?
Good polish on the standard "fake to real" trope. Tommy can't ever seem to stand up to his old man, but Aubrey can. And vice versa. On the other hand, being co-workers can be a bit of a problem due to gossipers. But overall, it's a sweet relationship. 4/5
Good polish on the standard "fake to real" trope. Tommy can't ever seem to stand up to his old man, but Aubrey can. And vice versa. On the other hand, being co-workers can be a bit of a problem due to gossipers. But overall, it's a sweet relationship. 4/5
GRR Reviews An Encore for Estelle by Kimberly Rose Johnson
Estelle Rogers has turned her life around, thanks to a small town called Oak Knoll, and a woman there who taught her Christian ways. Six years later, her restaurant is thriving, and she wanted to give back to the community that gave her so much. She agreed to help the local children's theater and encountered Blake, there for his own tragedy... // Blake lost his wife and daughter to an auto accident on the way to a rehearsal. He wanted to help the theater, but he wasn't ready for Estelle and the feelings she evoked...
While the story is indeed, clean, and Christian, the pacing somehow just feels... off. There are complications like Estelle was sorta dating her executive chef, and kinda gave him the wrong idea. Then the manager was covering up her own malfeasance by NOT mentioning the problems. The darkest hour just doesn't quite felt that dark. 3.5/5
While the story is indeed, clean, and Christian, the pacing somehow just feels... off. There are complications like Estelle was sorta dating her executive chef, and kinda gave him the wrong idea. Then the manager was covering up her own malfeasance by NOT mentioning the problems. The darkest hour just doesn't quite felt that dark. 3.5/5
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