GRR Reviews Catching Waves by Kimberly Krey

Surf instructor Carly of Royal Palm Resort is not happy when she found her schedule was hijacked to accommodate a Hollywood hunk by the name of Gage. Her personal life is a mess, as her first partner, Jimmy, was somehow still in her life despite having separated years ago due to a shared tragedy. And Gage was nothing like she expected... // Gage was NOT a Hollywood hunk. He was in school getting his degree in UC Berkeley, but to please his legendary actor father, he'll do ONE film... which happens to be a surfer movie. Carly is an excellent instructor, and soon his own UN-Hollywood manners wooed Carly. But even as Gage contemplated life with Carly, paparazzi found them and Carly's tragedy are exploited by tabloids, and Carly ran... Can Gage show that he's sincere in his love for her?

Good use of papparazzi, with no obviously plot holes and proper developements. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Hot in the Kitchen by Olivia Burke

Natalie came home to Crystal Springs to take care of her family, putting her own veterinary school plans on hold. Taking a temp job as waitress at LUSH restaurant, she did not expect to see Seth, the heartbreaker, as the sous chef. Still setting back into town, she swore she'll NEVER go back to Seth, the man who left her. // Seth was determined to learn all he can from the famous chef at LUSH and nothing will deter him from his goal, and that includes Natalie, not that he ever expected to see her ever again. But "as friends", he can't let the infamous playboy bartender date her either... and his own plans may be in jeopardy...

It's clearly they aren't over each other, and the whole short novel (just over 100 pages) is sweet. I don't quite like the darkest hour though... It's cliche. (Emotionally distraught MC lashes out at anyone within reach)  4/5

GRR Reviews The Fix by Sylvie Stewart

Laney is a single parent who's doing "okay". Scratch that. Her job is a snooze-fest. Her son's misbehaving. Her free-loading brother doesn't' seem to be moving out anytime soon. And the hottest guy she ever laid eyes on, Nate, is a total ***.  // Nate moved back home to help his mom take care of things at a single phone call, because that's what a responsible guy like him does. But it was a bit overwhelming. Seeing the sweetest woman watching him completely lose his **** was not his plan to making a great first impression. But he's definitely going to FIX the situation...

Part sit-com, part romance with some good setup situations, and once they finally got together, hot sex, you should like the setup that does NOT overtly rely on the typical male/female tropes. 4/5

GRR Reviews The Ex-Princess by Fiona West

Abelia abandoned her princess duties nine years ago and chose to live as a commoner with a menial job and tiny apartment. She was surprised to find royal emissaries arrived to enforce a marriage contract with prince Edward... someone she hadn't seen as a child. // Edward was the "spare heir" until his brother went off the rails and started a rebellion against his own father. Desperate to avoid a war that he's not sure he can win, he needs to marry his best friend, princess Abelia, to present a united front. Unfortunately, Abelia has her own ideas on whether she can be queen, no matter how convincing prince Edward can be. But for the sake of the people, will they do what they must? Or is there another way?

The book left me rather confused. Some parts of it are brilliant or shows signs of brilliance, some parts of it made me wonder what's it doing there. Abelia had her own adventure before she finally returned to her own realm (with lots of bad guys chasing her and her party) but that's merely first part of the story. Once Edward joined the party, it's a series of small revelations (which I will not spoil) on WHY she cannot be his queen, no matter what he says or does. Eventually, you'll get a HEA that ALMOST felt like an afterthought. I felt the plot could have been clearer and better defined. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Lawfully Yours by Stacy Hoff

Jordan, one of the partners in a major Connecticut lawfirm, needs an associate lawyer fast. What he got is Susan "Sue", barely out of law school. What's worse, Sue had previously spilled hot coffee on him (unintentionally, of course). Despite the frosty beginnings, Jordan found Sue to be a very competent worker. But Jordan's divorce (leaving him with only 1 day a week visit with his 5-year old daughter) means he can't get involved, with any woman, much one that works under him. Even worse, he had been accused of sexual harassment before... falsely, by another associate who wanted him... very badly. As Sue came into her own with Jordan's guidance, she couldn't help to fall for him... But can they ever admit it to each other, esp. when ex's, clients, and other interested suitors are all around them?

I like the relatively complex scenario, as there never is a dull moment, but it also results in a somewhat scatter-shot plot and a large cast of characters that may be a little hard to keep track. Still, it's pretty good. 4/5

GRR Reviews Let Me Free You by Alexandria House

Neil is the f***-up of the McClain family, and he had been through rehab to get his act together. His family had fought for him through thick and thin. And he will never let down his family ever again. // Sage was temporarily living with Nolan, one of the McClain brothers, after her loser boyfriend basically left her homeless and soon, country-less. Her only chance to stay permanently in the US is with a marriage of convenience. And Neil has been asked, as the only remaining single McClain brother, to "fake" marry her. They were NOT supposed to fall in love, but they did. Until their respective ex's came back to haunt them both... Will their relationship survive?

Ah, a marriage of convenience turned real romance, but when told by Alexandria House, works a lot better. Neil had been a supporting character in the previous novels and you've never really see him in his own right. He's been through a lot, but he's still a charmer. Sage is a bit innocent and naive, and impulsive, which is sort of what's left her in this bind. Being seduced by a McClain brother was swoon-worthy, until his ex decided to ruin things, and she ran, believing in someone else's lies. I really hate "I ran away to sort my feelings" trope, so this is not 5/5, but only 4/5.

Apology: Forgot to Post Reviews for Two Whole Days...

Apparently, Avengers: Endgame has as much effect on my review posting as my sister's wedding. Hahaha!  Both managed to prevent me from posting reviews for the 2-day weekend.

But we're back in business. Three more reviews coming right up!

BTW, the movie's awesome.

GRR Reviews Marrying Mandy by Melanie D Snitker

Mandy was raised by her grandparents in their bed and breakfast inn after her parents abandoned her. She was shocked to find that in order to inherit the family inn, she had to marry someone. Soured by her own childhood, she had no plan to ever marry anyone...  She just has one platonic male friend, Preston... // Preston just lost his construction job. His side-gig, making wood artisan carvings, is starting to take off, but he needs access to the inn's workshop to continue. Preston has no problem coming to a mutually beneficial arrangement with Mandy... They'll "fake" marry. She'll inherit the inn, he'll pitch in by selling his stuff. It's a win-win. Mandy, desperate to hold on to her family legacy, reluctantly agrees. But a disaster will lead to an epiphany for them both...

There actually is a theme to this, which I will not spoil, and character arc, more for Mandy. In fact, Seth just comes across as a "big softie". It's Mandy's character arc that took it over the top. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Wrangled by the Watchful Cowboy by Tamie Dearen

Cord can't believe his best friend's little sister Jessica is now all grown up. But when his best friend specifically ordered him, as a special favor, to keep all the cowboys away from his sister, does that include himself? // Jessica had a crush on Cord for a very long time, but she wants to finish her degree before she'd even consider dating, after finding her fiancee had betrayed her. When Cord had to rescue her from a very awkward moment with a kiss, she's having problems keeping to her promise to herself. But Cord is heading back to New York soon, not staying in Sage Valley. And why does her ex-fiance want her back now? And will Cord ride that bull after all?

A good mix of rom-com and angst, topped off with a good dose of hurt/comfort, and it's clean.

4/5

GRR Reviews Fake Marriage to her TV Husband by Kacy Cross

Lilith needs publicity to save her business when her half-sister chose to ruin her business via online review bombing. Joining a reality show seems to be a dream come true, and getting married to her TV husband Dane sounds great, as Dane's handsome and suave. But Dane's hiding a huge secret... Dane's actually the high school nerd that got rejected by Lilith. He underwent a total transformation, and the whole show is actually a revenge plot: he'll make Lilith fall for him, then reject her on national TV in the final episode with a full reveal. Except, the more Dane got to know Lilith, the more he realized he got it all wrong. But the producer is determined to see the revenge show through...

Eh... Not feeling much here. How can you make a whole SERIES out of a single revenge idea doesn't really make any sense to me. And online review bombing isn't that hard to fix. Was Lilith really that bad of a person? 

3/5

GRR Reviews Stranded with the Billionaire by Sophie Brooks

Fiona runs a soup kitchen, waging her personal war against hunger in the city. Liam is a billionaire who also gets his hands dirty. He not only donated to her soup kitchen, he also pitched in as a volunteer, incognito, of course. He wanted to see her one more time before he leaves, but when the ktichen is short-staffed due to the incoming storm, he had to pitch in, and were stranded together when the storm arrived faster than anticipated. Forced to shelter together, they share their secrets and their bodies. Will Liam gain the courage to stay with Fiona permanently?

Eh, not feeling much there. Some awkward sentences, and the forced proximity scenario didn't exactly show a lot of chemistry. 3/5

GRR Reviews The Cost of Hope by G S Carr

In the post-Civil War Alabama, Sarah survived as a slave in a household that was strict, but not cruel, and raised a daughter named Hope. When the mistress died, and the young master tried to force her, she was left with no choice but to run with her daughter. She was almost caught when she was rescued by Alexander, one of the biggest plantation owners in the area... // Alexander had been looking for Soleil for a long time. She was kidnapped by slave traders and he had never forgotten her. Her reappearance was both a surprise and a shock... and the fact she didn't remember a thing of her previous life left them both reeling. She wanted to believe he loved her, but she is still stunned by her change in fortune.  When people around Alex intend to force Soleil out of the way, Alex may be forced to execute his own final gambit so they can be together...

Wow, this is one tour-de-force, with what seems to be impeccable research in the years after the Civil War where the slaves may be freed in name, but in reality severely restricted by various laws. The solution was both somewhat of a deus ex machina, yet ingenious. This book will bring tears to your eyes.

5/5

GRR Reviews Trouble Waters by Carly Fall

Ex-Marine Brody is just surviving on the Texas coast, with a simple order: keep silent about what happened to him, never talk about it with anyone. He did notice his connection to the sea... and his ability to control water. When a mysterious benefactor "Joe Smith" offered him a chance to disappear and start over, he did not hesitate... and thus he became the captain of a special yacht for people who needed... extraordinary protection and discretion. // Rayna has family secrets she dare not reveal; her father is actually a cartel leader, not that he'd ever use her for his own gains... Even when she's trying to rise within the CIA. But when her father told her that a madman has sights on her half-sister, she reluctantly joined her half-sister to protect her, and ended up meeting Brody and his special yacht... whom she had met BEFORE he was recruited by Joe Smith. And it's clear that Rayna and Brody have to work together, as their enemy is far more resourceful than estimated...

Eh, the shift from enemies to friends to lovers is really fast, and not handled that well. The ending was basically a deus ex machina, all because the half-sister won't say who the stalker was.

 3/5

GRR Reviews The Billionaire Looks Back by Christie Logan

Shawn and Marg were high school sweethearts, until Shawn left for college football, leaving Marg behind. He never knew Marg was pregnant. Twenty-five years later, Shawn, now a billionaire, is back in town, and wanted to see Marg, so he booked her to see a house together (she's a real estate agent). When storm stranded them in the remote house, Marg debates with herself how can she reveal they had a daughter together?

Really, NOBODY in town suspected that Marg's daughter was his, in the 25 years since? Not really believable. Sorry! And the way conflict was generated? Boring trope. 2/5

GRR Reviews Immediately Wanted: Fiancee by Jo Noelle

CEO Royce has problems making headway into the region, even though his technology is second to none. Easton wants an internship at Royce's company, and she'll do anything to get it... AND she has connections to offer (but she wants to be viewed by her own merits). It was a mutually beneficial arrangement... They don't even need to like each other. Until they fell in love...

Awww, sweet and clean. 4/5

GRR Reviews Bright Lights Billionaire by Ali Parker

Ethan has been a Hollywood actor for most of his life, and he's getting a bit burned-out. For the life behind the screen is nowhere as bright as it is on screen. He felt an attraction for the fresh face Riley, a local college girl who just won the role of co-star in his next blockbuster. But is it all pretend, or is there real feelings involved? // Riley grew up poor and has no love for the limelight, but she'll take the opportunity and run with it. Falling for Ethan on screen was no problem, as he's swoon-worthy. But offscreen? She can never fall for the suave charmer... Famous last words.

Hmmm... Don't get scared by the page count, the font sizes are large. The two seems to have chemistry together, but it's when they fight that the book really sparkles.  However, the pace is kinda slow... it does run on for a while.

3.5/5

GRR Reviews Razor by Heather Slade

Tabon, callsign "Razor", never forgets a face, and in the security business, it's priceless. Being a groomsman for his buddy means he gets to meet Ava again. But an encounter with Ava's father triggered a memory... The guy is not who he says he is, but an old nemesis he thought long vanquished. And Ava previously witnessed something that her enemies, some VERY close, would want to keep hidden. Razor took on her personal protection, even though it's against the rules. Can Razor and the rest of K19 team take down the bad guys before it's too late?

A bit confusing at the beginning, as this is a spin-off of a previous series and perhaps the demarcation wasn't that well marked. Once the story gets rolling, it's actually quite good. 3/5

GRR Reviews Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken

Seattle wine heiress Mackenzie was jilted at the altar and heartbroken. She ran off to Puerto Vallarta Mexico to sulk alone. She encountered a gorgeous hunk "Hugo", and settled for a one-night stand using a fake name, and even gave up her V-card, as he seemed to hint at wanting more. But when she woke up alone, she knew no man can be trusted. // Slade just needed to get away from it all. Finding "Ashley" at the resort as a woman who understands him was magnificent, but playtime with her means he wasn't there when his father passed. And he needed to head home immediately. // Just imagine their faces when Mackenzie shows up as his personal assistant.  But they can't remain enemies for long, as someone is out to get them BOTH... and he plays dirty...

Ah, I like this one. Woman's not weak, guy's not macho ****, and there's even a common enemy to unite against.

5/5

GRR Reviews Her Too Perfect Boss by Cami Checketts

Billionaire Holden Jennings sponsors lots of things, including a fitness reality TV show, and the finale is filming on a tropical island. Best of all, Navy Quinn is one of the trainers. However, technically Holden is Navy's boss, so he should keep his hands off, despite they have been wanting each other for a very long time. When a hurricane struck the island, driving everyone into the storm shelter, it will be down to Holden and Navy to keep everyone alive... But can they finally be honest with each other about their intentions?

Most of it is actually hurricane survival adventure, at least a good portion of it.

3.5/5

GRR Reviews Love Damaged by Kelli McCracken

NOTE: This is volume 2 of 3. See Volume 1 review here

At the end of book 1, Mia ran away when Izzie arrived with shocking news that she's pregnant with Ayden's child. However, Izzie's a habitual liar and Mia's return (and unharmed) gave Ayden a chance to reconcile with Mia, only to have Izzie's pregnancy drama interrupt them time after time. (Did I mention Izzie is Mia's half-sister?)  When Izzie fell off the stairs trying to attack Mia, and miscarried, the drama is hardly over, because there are signs of coverup, missing files from her medical records, and more. Then Mia had her own surprise, and one she may not share with Ayden at all...

While I appreciate the emotional roller-coasters, a lot of which feels very... forced. If Ayden told Izzie he won't see her again until she had the paternity test, then Ayden manged to break that promise more than once when Izzie threw a hissy fit, how are we supposed to take Ayden seriously?

Oh, and it ends on ANOTHER cliffhanger. Albeit a bit less so this time.

3.5/5

GRR Reviews Justice Reborn by Olivia Jaymes

Evan had enough of his sheriff job and quit. Partly to figure out what to do, he is just fixing up his family home when he realized he bit off a bit more than he can chew. As an ex-US Marshall, Evan doesn't really want to go back, despite his old partner's urging. Hiring an obviously desperate girl Josie off the bus doesn't seem to be the brightest idea, but he somehow knew she can be trusted, even though she's obviously hiding something... // Josie was living a perfectly normal (boring) life when it changed in a single night... Now chased by people who killed her best friend, and wanted by police as a person of interest in the murder, she had no choice but to run and disappear, and hope nobody asks for references... or her ID. Trusting Evan was a gamble. But in order to survive, She has to trust someone... Until someone near him betrayed them both...

Now that's how you build a proper bodyguard romantic suspense without giving the stalker some super-human ninja capabilities.

5/5

GRR Reviews Librarian's Legend by Caroline Lee

Heather had escaped her abusive husband with her two children and settled in Quinn Valley as the school librarian. She gave up long ago her dream of making it as a scriptwriter, making do with adapting classic Shakespearean plays for an elementary school production. The adaptation of Twelve Nights was going great until a real Hollywood legend came to town... // Jack Raven made it in Hollywood as one of the few Native Americans that ever rose to blockbuster actor. But he knew it was just a persona. Underneath, he's still Jonathan Ravenwing. Spending time with his family is important, and being invited to observe his niece's performance in the play was even better, esp. when he met the playwright Heather. // Sparks flew, but she can never leave, and he can't really stay... Unless she can find a way...

Awww... nice, short, with plenty of punch and sweetness, and plenty of plot and character.

5/5

GRR Reviews Dangerous Beauty by J T Geissinger

Nasir's job was simple, keep tabs on a Russian mobster's runaway wife Eva, currently in Mexico. It should be easy life: enjoy some sun, some Tequila, and check out all the bikini-clad babes. But he has his own secrets on why he's keeping tabs on Eva... When Eva stumbled into trouble, Naz had to get closer... // Eva managed to escape to a life far from her past as a mob wife... but always watching her back, as Bratva's reach is unimaginable. Running into drug gang problem (wrong place at the wrong time) wasn't in her plan... Nor was Naz's help in solving her problem. Eva should have trusted no one, but having a handsome stud rescue her eventually made her drop her guard. Will it be to her everlasting regret?

Let's just say Nasir's ultimate loyalty is in question. :) And let's leave it at that. Tense, but not quite super-tense.

Category: Contemporary / Romantic Suspense

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Doubting Thomas by Elizabeth Rose

Thomas is a single father of six young boys in the small town of Thunder Lake. Unfortunately, he's also the prime suspect of his second wife's murder... Shot through the heart. Thomas did his best to provide for the family, who never goes hungry, but the cupboards are bare, and the kids have to do chores at home while he does the heavy chores and fixes cars to make ends meet. The entire town just "knew" he's a murderer, despite the weapon was never found and he was let go for lack of proof. // Angel is a single mother who works for Child Protective Services. She heard rumors that Thomas is an unfit father and decided to combine a vacation with her daughter with a little off-work investigation. Just who is Thomas? And soon, her nosing about means there's a lot more than meets the eye... And instead of to sink him, she's determined to save him... Even if she had to marry him to do it... when someone ELSE called in CPS...

Oooh... Super angst-y, but Thomas's biggest problem is his stubborn pride, which is at UNHEALTHY levels, and he both didn't care and care TOO MUCH about what other people say, and that's a contradiction. Yes, this is one messy character. Basically, he has a life insurance policy on either him and his wife. He got 100K check. But he REFUSED to cash it and use it to fix up his house and buy stuff for his children. In fact, he forbid Angel to spend her own money, and only relented slightly when she insisted "it's to show CPS". In fact, when Angel confronted him about the check, he whipped out a lighter and BURNED THE 100K CHECK.  He doesn't seem to understand that people will say ANYTHING about him, and ANYTHING he does will be twisted to fit the narrative. If he cashed the check, people will say he killed her for the money. If he doesn't cash the check, people will say he has a guilty conscience. And it's him and his kids that suffers. Who's the real loser here? All for his **** pride. Respectable, but TSTL.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews A Billion Reasons to Run by Amelia St James

Brandon is the single heir of a large family enterprise. Due to death of his parents, he was brought up by grandma Ginger, better known as Gigi. He had yet to find love, as women flock to him for his fortune. When the original store of the enterprise was in trouble, Brandon flew down for some personal troubleshooting. Ended up as neighbor to Alana... who does not recognize him... // Alana lost her mom and never knew her father. Her mom said she was disowned for having a child out of wedlock. Alana understands how to struggle to make ends meet, working in a food market. She never imagined a HEA, until she met Brandon. // When a tabloid photo revealed Brandon's real identity, Alana ran to find herself, and truth about her origins, and by chance, also came across information that puts Brandon at risk...

Some parts are quite good, some parts are merely okay. I like the part about finding one's origins that completely changes the paradigm (let's just say someone's being WAY too prideful) but the story is also a bit scattered as Brandon have to deal with the market's problems, and a cast of supporting characters that most have very little to do, and the evil guy is just... well, evil.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews A Marshal's Secret by Dora Heirs

Avery lost her husband three years ago. He stumbled into the arrest of a kingpin and lost his life. Avery is about to open her own shelter for troubled teens... when she already got her first customer, Jake, who's the son of the kingpin that killed her husband. Jake only wanted to get away from his evil father, who already killed his mother. But Avery can't protect him, so she called in the US Marshalls... and Trent showed up with his partner to protect Jake and Avery. But Trent is keeping a huge secret and guilt... He was the incident commander on scene when her husband was killed, and he felt very responsible. But he can never tell her that. He can only protect her the best he can. And she can never love another lawman, who can lose their lives in the call of duty any time. But when the kingpin escaped and came after Avery, Trent may have to sacrifice EVERYTHING to save who he loved...

Some parts of it, like the reluctance, was very good, but some parts are just... too convenient. Is the big guy supposed to be a kingpin? It was implied that he has associates all over the place, who can even bribe people to get on her construction crew to get layout of her house. But why would anyone target her? Who knew that Jake went to her, but not know that Jake had left? WHY would the kingpin go after her, even though Jake's not there? Why is this kingpin getting his hands dirty? If he had henchmen ready to do his bidding at the beginning, why aren't any of them around near the end?

Category: Contemporary / Romantic Suspense

Overall Rating: 3/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews The Detective's Match by Blake Andrews

Phillip just got handed the case of a lifetime... Take down a crime boss by going undercover. However, the crime boss only trusts family man, and he's single. He needs a fake wife... // Lucy is a single mom working two jobs and it's not enough. She found a much better job, but the boss wants to see a husband... // Both found PRETENDR app, and was matched to each other. And the fit seems perfect... He needs a wife that's pretty enough, single enough, and has a son. She needs a husband that's not really around... But as they meet, they seem to have fallen for each other...

Not feeling too much about this series... Not much tension or problems other than "is it real or is it all pretend"...

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Second Chance with the Billionaire by Remi Carrington

Milo adopted his orphaned nieces after their parents died in a car accident. He can't believe his fiancee Amy left him after he presented her with the news. But his nieces are family, and anyone who can't accept his family will never be a part of his. Three years later, when dropping off the girls at school, he just found out their new teacher is none other than Amy, his ex. // Amy knew she panicked that day... her own family trauma made her doubt she can ever be a mom, much less two kids at once. By the time she decided that she can take a chance at that life, Milo had cut all contact, and she left town broken-hearted, to pursue her teaching degree. Three years later, she's back. She wants a second chance with Milo, but Milo still won't see her. But the girls love Amy... And perhaps, Milo still loves her a little...

Ah, very angst-y type of second-chance romance. And the setup was quite good. It will take a LOT of setup to force this couple together, from sick/comfort (girls fell sick) to matchmaker (his friends and even the girls setup them up), from cougars on the prowl (other mothers at school) to secret wealth (he's a secret billionaire) this book has a little of everything.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews A Suave Billionaire's Secret Life by Kristen Iten

Kelsey is a do-gooder... delivering a new uniform to a student in need. Unfortunately, the student lived in a bad part of town, and on her way out, she was robbed, then a handsome stranger came to her rescue. The stranger's name is Mitch, and she could swoon for him... but it wouldn't be fair... she's leaving in a month or two, just until the school ends. Then she's heading off to teach in Africa...  And she's allergic to wealthy men, after what her evil EX put her through... // Mitch is a prizefighter, but he's doing it as his alter ego, Mitch "The Machine". During daytime, he's Mitchell Prescott, billionaire. Finding his ideal woman was great, but after finding out she's allergic to wealth, how can he show her that wealth did not define him?

Not bad, but nothing that extraordinary either. The end was all billionaire style wooing (let's just say, he put his wealth to good use).

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Her Billionaire Chef by Laura Ann

Hayden, as one of the 3 billionaire bachelor brothers, who discovered a fortune trying to renovate a castle, is on top of his game as a chef of Avangarde Castle and Resort. He had to leave New York despite being a top graduate of cooking school because he won't "put out" for the restaurant owner, who retaliated by firing him and blackballed him. Now back in his game, Hayden does a perfect Gordon Ramsay in public... // Cadence thought she had a great life... rich and powerful parents, a degree in what she loves... even a compatible fiancee. Until she discovered betrayal at every turn. Her fiancee was not faithful and never will be. Her parents told her to suck it up and accept it. Determined to make her own way in the world, she ran, and eventually ended up as head accountant for the Avangarde Castle and resort. And she never puts up with Hayden's prickly attitude. // When Cadence's past came back to haunt her, and Hayden finally realized his attraction to Cadence and woo her properly, things escalated quickly. Hayden can solve all of Cadence's problems, if Cadence can just let her guard down and let him in...

I like the banter that preceded "enemies to lovers", and it's even reasonable she doesn't see that sort of flirting for what it was... She's quite naive. I guess I just have a hard time believing that her parents can be that heartless and clueless.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Beached with a Billionaire by Tayla Alexandra

Somer lost everything in California and had to move across the country to share a flat with her bestie in Miami. When her roommate won a cruise for two to Jamaica, she went along to keep her roomie out of trouble. She didn't plan on meeting anyone on this singles cruise... Much less a billionaire... // Benjamin just confirmed that the child he thought was his, was actually not. Hurt from the betrayal, he asked his secretary to book a 7-day cruise to relax. He ended up on a singles cruise and paired with Somer. While they share a connection, both are hesitant to go forward with their relationship based on their past hurts. But when their respective pasts came back to haunt them, and they missed the ship in Jamaica, is being stranded the best thing that happened to them... Or the worst?

Not bad, but not that good. Some things were left unexplained.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Review The Bride's Cowboy by Sophia Summers

AnnaMae escaped her small town life, and was thriving in the big city. She works for a group that recommends certain lands be annexed by national parks, usually when the land was abandoned. One cowboy Jed just invited her to visit his homestead in Montana, and AnnaMae was intrigued. When her boss told her to also study some land in Montana, she said why not combine the two? Then AnnaMae found two things that turned her world upside down... Someone wants Jed's family land VERY badly, and just bribed his boss (and by extension, her) to get it, and Jed's actually pretty rich. Can she save Jed's homestead, and satisfy whoever wants the land, or will Jed find AnnaMae's deception?

The twist was pretty good. The solution was pretty ingenious.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Taste of Home by Ruby Hill and Marian Wilson

Zoey used to work in New York as an executive, but after she was downsized she could not find any job. When she suddenly inherited a small store in a small town called Harmony Cove she's never been to from a father she'd never known... She really had no choice but to see how it is out there. And there she met her business neighbor Harley, who owns the photography biz next door. Used to the big city "crowded yet alone" life, Zoey had some problem getting used to the small town "we are all family, let's help each other" attitude. But Harley is charming, and worn down her defenses. But when fire struck the cafe Zoey got working, their two attitudes collide, and a misunderstanding drove them apart...

Eh, not feeling much beyond the normal "okay"... What exactly drove them apart other than ego?

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews The Dancing Groom by Taylor Hart

Boston is going to support his brother going in for ALS treatment by going with him to a resort but he's in a social media war with his ex-GF. Spoiling Addison's lunch (by accidentally running her over) was not in his plans. // Addison used to be one of the dancers on Dancing with the Stars. In fact, she met her husband there... and married him, and retired. His death six months ago from a heart attack shook her to her core. Now she's ready for a comeback, but she needs to ace the audition, and she needs to train, and the best way is by taking a part-time teaching position at the resort with the other teacher. Teaching dance to seniors and teens is fun, but Boston and his brother? Infuriating. But Boston proved to be surprisingly nimble on his feet. When Addison's dance partner had to bow out for family reasons, it seems Boston will have to be Addison's dance partner... Until his ex ruined things AGAIN...

Not bad, good bits about dancing, social media, and evil ex.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Contracted Cowboy by Liz Isaacson

Georgia does not look forward to spending the holiday season even months after her boyfriend left her broken-hearted. Her family was just a bit too... loud for her taste. Then her grandma inspired her to find a boyfriend... a FAKE boyfriend... by hiring a handyman cowboy. But only one applicant showed up... carpenter cowboy Logan. And he would do just fine. // Logan doesn't mind playing the boyfriend to beautiful Georgia, if only to make her ex a little jealous and proved she had "moved on". He hadn't dated anyone in years after his ex Caroline just left town one night without a note or a call. But the more time he spent with Georgia, the more real his feelings got. Until Caroline showed back up in town, now known as Annie...

Eh... While I like this spin of "fake boy/girlfriend", the darkest hour is basically sensitive ears fragile ego.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Lawfully Devoted by Jenna Brandt

Zach is a K-9 cop who's also trained in search and rescue. He's totally not serious with the ladies, just into having a good time. Erica enjoys having her faith and serving at church. She has a satisfying career, but no Christian man to share it with. Zach and Erica are total opposites, but Erica's best friend Lindsay is married to Aiden, who's Zach's partner at the police department. And Zach had hit on Erica many times, and Erica had turned him down just as many times. Until Erica suddenly inherited 2 billion dollars and more from a father she never knew in Europe... and she's getting threats on her life at the same time. The only way to unravel the mystery is to go to Europe, and Zach volunteered himself to be her bodyguard, even as he finally rediscovered his faith. But will faith be enough to carry them through their crisis, as they discovered that her father had obviously been involved with the mob?

Uh, was this written for a YA audience or something? The plot is infantile. EVERYBODY in Europe just speaks English. Nobody bothered talking to Interpol or Europol, or even police in Amsterdam. Just fly back to US and let FBI deal with it with an European mob/gang. Nobody in Europe found the hidden key when a stranger discovered in within minutes.  Heck, even the gangster spoke with a "Dutch accent". How would she even know it's a Dutch accent if she's never been out of the country? Why does she even has a passport? And how did they get "all the gang" in the US? And the way Zach was able to protect Erica in the final show down? Hilariously good, real Rambo like. Sorry, but this gets a downvote. It's totally unrealistic.

Category: Contemporary / Romantic suspense

Overall Rating: 2/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Falling for the Younger Cowboy by Liwen Y Ho

Lexi is about to turn forty, single, and happy, working in Sage Valley Ranch as the gift shop manager. She had to leave her home and reinvent herself in Texas, after her ex's betrayal. She enjoys the platonic friendship with the ranch cook James, who's ten years younger. Until her ex came to the ranch with his much younger GF. // James had been smitten with Lexi since she set foot on the ranch a year ago. And he wanted out of the friend zone for a while. When Lexi's ex showed up, and Lexi doesn't want to be outshined, Lexi grabbed James and announced he's her fiancee. And James is happy to oblige. Then her mother showed up, and now what was merely a face-saving lie turned very real indeed...

Awww, sweet, but not much else. Also, I had NO SENSE that Lexi was Asian-American until her mother showed up. Usually I spot those references right off. *sigh* 

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Her Fake Christmas Eve Billionaire Boyfriend by Chelsea Hale

Emery threw herself into work when her boyfriend left her for her sister. It has been a whole year, but the wound had only deepened as her sister and his ex are now engaged to be married. Under pressure from mom, Emery made a white lie about going to her new boyfriend's place for the Holidays. But when mom let slip that grandpa had changed, Emery was forced to changed her plans... Except she doesn't have a boyfriend... Then her best platonic friend offered his other best friend, James. // James is rich and handsome, but it seems all the women around him are golddiggers. Desperate to see if he can be attractive without money, he just wants to be just "plain" James. When his best bud needed a little help for a friend, he can't refuse. Until he realized Emery wanted to hire him to be her fake boyfriend around her family. What was supposed to be a day or two with grandpa quickly snowballed into a week with her entire family... including her sister and her ex. James knew he shared something real with Emery, but is it love, or merely friendship? Is it real or pretend? And when his secret was revealed, will their relationship survive?

Good, but again, not great. The darkest hour is basically hypocrisy... She said she can't trust him because he lied, but her hiring him was a lie as well. But then, they usually are.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews The Billionaire's Sham Girlfriend by Leslie North

Gregor and his two brothers, all gorgeous and rich, has a huge problem. While the trio runs a famous racing business, they just found out they are not majority owners... Their grandpa was. And now grandpa passed away, he stipulated in his will that all three brothers had to marry to inherit his shares... else the shares will be auctioned off... and Gregor has no prospects. In desperation, Gregor is searching the US for an improv actress that can play the role of her life... as his pretend fiancee, and later, wife. He found Kara... // Kara wanted to own an acting school all her life. These improv classes are just a part of her dreams. And here comes a billionaire who offered to not only buy her a theater, but also give her enough money to set up the school, even with scholarships, if she'll agree to be his pretend wife for a year. She knew she will never get a chance like this in life... But she also knew this is all make-believe. // Greg knew racing is his life, and when one of the racecars developed a problem, but fixing it means end of season, he chose to ignore the bug, and Kara, believing he made a bad choice, called in help from someone Gregor never wanted to talk to... is this the irreconcilable difference that will drive them apart?

Somehow, the darkest hour doesn't really make sense. I never got the sense that Gregor didn't want to talk to that source, at least, not with the hostility he shows then. So when he blew a gasket and aimed the anger at Kara too, I'm like WTF?!  The rest is above average.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews How to Wed a Billionaire by Genevieve Goodwin

Danielle has enough loser BF's to last a lifetime, yet with her friends married and having babies, she felt left out. Danielle has abandonment issues, as his father left at ten and never returned. She went to a sperm bank but chickened out. Then she ran into Mason... //  Mason is a bachelor and wanted to stay that way, but when his father demanded that he marry or else cede control to his cousin (who has no experience) he caved and decided a marriage of convenience with Danielle is perfect for him. He'll even give Danielle a baby. // The two got married in secret, but the news almost immediately leaked, and his father continued to interfere. When Danielle almost drowned due to a paparazzi, then a secret about her father was revealed, Mason must decide whether to fight to stay married... or cave to his father's demand... again.

Sorry, but the father's actions make no sense. Nor was his reasoning ever explained. He told his son to get married, then when he did, he turns around and goes "you won't inherit if you stay married". He's messing with Mason's life "just because" (he has controlling issues), and that's VERY LAME for a villain.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 2/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

One last update from my weekend, and on with the show...

Flew to Texas to attend my sister's wedding on Saturday. Unfortunately, DFW area was under a "ground hold" due to severe weather. Plane takeoff was delayed, then taxied, then went back to the gate. I ended up arriving FIVE HOURS LATE, missed the wedding completely, just went to the reception. Anyway, here she is:

Yes, that's my baby sister.

The flight back was completely uneventful. Though let's just say, sitting in cattle class (read: Economy / Coach) is not something you should endure for more than 3 hours. My knees are frozen stiff from being crammed against the seat in front. My seats won't incline as I paid the cheapest fare and ended up in the very back (no recline position).

AND I lost in Fire tablet upon arrival. *sigh*

Fortunately, I have a backup Fire tablet (the older Fire 7) I can use to keep my reading going. So don't fret. You'll still get your updates. Any way, onto the reviews.

Site Update: 2000th Review Posted!

This is the 2014th post on this blog, and the 14th "misc" (non-review post). Which means #GuyReviewsRomance has just posted its 2000th review!

As this weekend happens to be my sister's wedding, I am skipping Saturday (13th) and Sunday (14th) posting of three daily reviews.

Expect the reviews to resume on Monday the 15th, which is Tax Day.

If you are wondering how did I manage to review 2000 novels in less than two years... I read about 3-4 books a day. Having Kindle Unlimited ($10 a month, less if you find the occasional multi-month discounts) with my Fire 8 tablet is very helpful, but not required.

I've explained before how to fill up your library with FREE books. Also, your local library may also have ebooks you can borrow.

The march to 3000th review shall start on Monday!

Happy reading.

GRR Reviews The Undercover Resort Billionaire by Chelsea Hale

Callie can't believe she got taken by her fiancee... Who not only used her accounts to launder money for his ponzi scheme, he also max out her credit cards, took out a second mortgage on her house, and disappeared with all her business capital she needed to launch her dream. She ended up working at a resort, pulling every overtime she can, hoping to repay all her debt and save enough in a few years to relaunch her dream as a premium purse designer with her own product line. // Liam had been working at his family's resort empire since he was a teen. Now in his twenties, he just took over as CEO after his uncle had passed away. However, his uncle has a last request for him: go to this island and work undercover at the resort for two weeks, WITHOUT revealing his true identity. Else the ownership of the entire chain will be controlled by the board, NOT HIM. // Liam went to work as a trainee, and drew Callie as the trainer. Callie was helpful, and Liam was studious, even though he already knew all this. But Callie, stung by prior betrayal, can't tolerate a liar, and Liam, obligated to keep his identity a secret, was forced to lie. Yet there's no doubt there are sparks between Liam and Callie. When Liam finally revealed his true identity, will Callie run from betrayal?

Weird will combined with "undercover boss", chemistry is not bad. But the whole thing's a bit long-winded, and the darkest hour wasn't really that dark. it's basically Emma refuse to acknowledge the difference between an intentional lie and a forced lie.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below. 

GRR Reviews The Bilionaire's Email-Order Bride by Vivi Holt

All Eve wanted was to be a famous chef in New York City, and she's made it to sous chef so far in a famous NYC dining spot. So when a notice from ICE arrived stating that she had lost her work visa, she scrambled for a solution, and the only one that seems to fit is to be an e-mail order bride...  for a billionaire workaholic who only want to appear married, and sex optional... // John had been deeply hurt before, that he threw himself into work and no longer seems to know how to woo women, yet the loneliness is starting to sting. So he reached out to a matchmaking firm... Find him a beautiful wife who understand that the marriage is in name only, that he can take to functions and so on. They sent him Eve... // The match seems perfect... She needed a way to stay, not love. He needed companionship, not love. But they managed to fall in love anyway... Until a tragedy challenged their perception of their relationship, and both will have to make a choice...

Nice, very nice, if a little forced. Chef lost visa and must marry for convenience had been done before, but this is a nice and sweet (if slightly cliche "billionaire") take on it.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Nurse's Date with a Billionaire by Amelia Addler

Kali was just promoted to work in ICU, until she met Craig, who suffered retrograde amnesia from a head injury in the middle of Wisconsin in winter. Despite rules about not getting involved with ex-patients, Kali can't let amnesiac Craig live on the streets, so she allowed him to stay in her basement room. He even found a job of sorts with a friend of Kali's. Craig has a quirky sense of humor, and Kali is serious, but soon he fell for her, but she said no hanky-panky... Soon his search for his identity made him realize he's rich, and already engaged to an heiress. But can he leave Kali behind?

Hmmm... Some parts are good, and the way the twist was presented at the end was good, but not like... "great".

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Mrs Scrooge by Barbara Bretton

Samantha doesn't have time for Christmas or love. As a single mom, she's too busy opening her own "meal-ready-to-cook" business. Her daughter has genius level IQ, and Sam is determined to buy everything her daughter deserves... Except her daughter Patty wanted her to be happy... and Patty has concluded that only a good man can do that. When Patty met Murphy at the 4th grade career day, Sam's life will never be the same. However, Sam is one stubborn woman... They don't call her "Mrs. Scrooge" for nothing... Can an ex-reporter, now bartender, and a ten-year-old genius show this single mom that Christmas (and love) are worth having?

Hmmm... Very nice. The "kids as matchmakers" can be a trope, and indeed, their slightly naive and direct mindset makes a great contrast to the adult's inability to speak plainly. But Barbara Bretton has an ability to build characters that are NOT billionaires or otherwise fit tropes like firefighters and cowboys, and this is no exception. 5/5

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Mommy Loves the Military Man by Allie Kincaid

Cameron became a single mom when her husband basically decided he can't handle being a father and ran off. Now her daughter is ten, her mother helps, and she has a career. She's too busy thinking about love... Until she met single Dad Alex, father of her daughter's bestie. // Alex is a widower and a military man, raising his daughter. He knows he can be deployed at any time, but he can live with that. When their daughters got together and wanted to match their respective parents together, sparks flew between Cameron and Alex... but Cameron refused to be abandoned again, and Alex can't promise forever, esp. when his latest project may mean some travel...

Good push-pull, but not extraordinary. It's about letting go of old fears and embrace the new.

Category: Contemporary / Military

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews A Birthday in December by Karen Tomsovic

Geoffrey is a Broadway performer in Zombie Scrooge, the latest iteration of the classic tale. The run will finish after Christmas, and it'd be great except his daughter keep trying to be his matchmaker, this time, to his new neighbor, Toni, who's also acting royalty... // Toni, a young widow with a matchmaking daughter of her own, has no plans for romance, but she does need to attend a charity ball. Then her neighbor Geoffrey came to visit, and he has a plan... To get their daughters off their backs, they'll pretend to date, attend an event or two, then cite irreconcilable differences and that'd be enough. It'd be simple for both of them... Until they realized they are no longer playing lovers... but being lovers...

It's charming, but somehow reading these just feels a bit "removed". But this book, focused on one couple, feels a lot more focused than the previous volume, Heart Throbs.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews No Perfect Hero by Nicole Snow

Haley left her life behind and took her 10-year-old niece Tara on a road trip from one end of US to the other, hoping to find a place to start over. When her classic Mustang (her sister's actually) sputtered and died at a tiny town called Heart's Edge, she's stranded there for a while, and met her gruff duplex neighbor Warren, who wanted her out of town ASAP, which only got her intrigued... // Warren is back in town, and he can't let go. He lost someone VERY important to him, and he was sure that Dennis, the town philanthropist, was the culprit, and he, as a bounty hunter, just have to find the evidence to bring him to justice. Having Haley and Tara as his neighbor was too distracting. But when Haley was forced to stay in town (her plan fell through), and Warren's investigations hit more dead ends, it's clear someone VERY CLOSE to him is actually his enemy, not his friend, and Haley and Tara are at risk...

Nice mystery, with good red herrings, plus Haley being able to handle herself, as she's in her thirties, not twenties. It's one heck of a mystery / romantic suspense, kinda enemies-to-lovers as they didn't meet at the best circumstances.

Category: Contemporary / Romantic Suspense

Overall Rating: 5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Romancing the Conflicted Cowboy by Crystal Walters

Callie is in a writing funk, and desperate for inspiration, so a visit to a Texas dude ranch should get her creative juices flowing, with majestic horses, handsome cowboys... Except this city-girl who hadn't had her own romance runs into a prank-loving veterinarian... and a single dad, Reed. He wasn't planning to fall for the city slicker, but when he offered to help with her research, that's exactly what happens... Until she revealed the real intentions...It's all research... But was it really pretend and research, or did she fall for him too?

Hmmm... The comedy bits are pretty good. The rest of it so-so. The "is it real or was it all play-acting" bit didn't quite feel right and was over too quickly.

Category: Contemporary / Western / Comedy

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Wedding Day with a Rancher by Ellie Hall

Kayla had been burned by a relationship. It took her a while to find herself and start over in the small town of Hawk Ridge and work at the resort. But her family's daily (almost hourly) nagging about her single life had her chafing. // Dallen was a wild playboy before, and as heir to the Hawkins legacy, he can afford it. But after a tragic loss, the brothers turned enemies. Dallen has mended his ways. He also needs to secure his inheritance and make needed changes to the family resort... Which means he needs to marry to inherit. // Dallen and Kayla didn't really want to marry, but they both need to, to satisfy their respective families. But can they win each other's hearts?

Nothing really special about this one.

Category: Contemporary / Western

Overall Rating: 3/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Mastered: Opal by Emma Rose

NOTE: Emma Rose is an alternate penname of Chantel Rhondeau with a different writing style.

Olivia suffered major PTSD when an auto accident took away her family and her fiancee. Subsequent panic attacks left her unable to hold down a job, even after recovery from her physical injuries. About to be evicted and deep in debt, her last chance is to be a modern mail-order bride at Millionaire Match under codename Opal. She never imagined she'd end up in a marriage of convenience with Byron, who's rich and intense... and needs some heirs before he can inherit the business. Byron has no time for dating, and picking a bride from a list is perfectly suitable for him. Not that he'll fall in love with her... right?

(Rant mode: on) I have problems with these "weird will" situations, esp. when the requestor is still alive, as these are obviously unreasonable demands. Why would you give control of the company to someone else, like a cousin, "just because" your son doesn't want to get married?  Esp. if that cousin has no experience? And obviously, when he got married, the requestor flips 180, "If you keep her, you'll not get control of the company". This just proves that the weird will trope is STUPID overall. At least with it being a real 'will' (i.e. from a dead guy) there's no arguing with a box in the dirt. With the person being alive, it just highlights how ridiculous the trope is. (Rant mode: off)

Anyway, the complications are tolerable, but I just didn't feel much for these two characters, unlike OTHER Chantel Rhondeau novels I've read, and I've read PLENTY (all of the McAllister series, plus a few others) 

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews The Heart Revealed by Daphne Emmerson

Emma lost her job when a typo lost her company their biggest client. She headed home and found her fiancee snuggled up to a petite redhead. Betrayed and unemployed, she had no choice but to head home and live with her eccentric handicapped artist mother in the Texas Hill Country. Fortunately, upon arriving in town, she met Joey Hamilton, ex school-mate, now temporary head of Hamilton Enterprises, and all grown up and handsome as sin. And he offered her a job as interim event coordinator (the original had to take maternity leave, in her final month of pregnancy).  // Joey is in charge while his parents went off on a long vacation on the other side of the world. Joey is all business and decided to trim some fat from the operations... such as getting rid of some real estate holdings that are not making money. And having Emma around would help very much, as Emma is a great event planner. In fact, Joey wants to pursue Emma. But Joey's decision came back to haunt him and it may be the one thing that would drive Emma out of this town forever...

Oh, the early decision's rationale was not that well explained. How it affected everything else, however, is a snowball rolling downhill, and very nice escalation.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Snow Country by Kristin Neva

Beth dreamed of a Christmas wedding for a long time, and she thought she'll finally get it this year. To have her fiancee call off the wedding with zero emotion left her reeling. She thought she had lived a proper religious life and followed the teachings toward a happy fulfilling married life. Desperate to find herself, she went to visit her grandmother living on Copper Island in upper Michigan. Her mother told her to convince grandma to move to California so she could be cared for and not live alone. Upon arriving in town, Beth was pulled over by a state trooper for speeding but merely given a warning. Beth failed to convince grandma to leave since the neighbor "boy" checks on her all the time. The boy turned out to be the state trooper who pulled her over. Beth stayed, determined to convince grandma, even as she felt herself falling for the "boy" and her belief in "proper" courtship and marriage sorely tested. Then she found that grandma has weakness on her right side, and it's NOT just carpal tunnel. After one too many instances, she finally convinced grandma to go see a doctor, only to receive devastating news: ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Will grandma be forced to move to California? What will happen to Beth and her budding romance?

Very nice, life in the upper peninsula was depicted very well, and one can almost see Beth's thoughts. Yet her persistence in following those edicts that did NOT work for her was also... frustrating to see. There's a Narcotic Anonymous saying commonly paraphrased as "Insanity is doing the same things over and over hoping for different results". And Beth's character arc is finally realizing that she should live for herself, NOT someone else's edicts and orders.

Category: Contemporary / Spiritual?

Overall Rating: 5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews The Billionaire's Marriage Bargain by Melody Archer

Billionaire Adam, in order to inherit his great-grandpa's ranch that he desperately wanted, must marry in 30 days. But his previous losses had hardened his heart. When he heard that his neighbor, Elle, is about to lose her family ranch, and will be cast out by her (evil) stepmom and step-sister, it was the perfect opportunity for him... // Elle was hoping to marry for love, but losing her father and having step-mother and step-sister who hates her and treats her like a servant is not good. Losing the ranch (may have been intentional by stepmother) to foreclosure is worse. When Adam offered a marriage of convenience so she can buy out the ranch, she is in no position to refuse. But she has conditions... Absolutely no love... it's just a business arrangement. But a heart wants it wants...

Eh, this weird will mixed with a Cinderella ("Ella", get it?) is a lot of meh... It's clean and not much else.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Blind Date with a Billionaire Biker by Evangeline Kelly

Tirzah had lived a sheltered life in an ultra-religious community. Her parents wanted to marry her off quickly to a suitable match from a neighbor, but she has her own ideas about love and marriage. When her not-quite-fiancee took her to town, right into a dangerous situation, and left her there cowering while he ran for safety, Tirzah was rescued by a biker on a Harley. Later, when circumstances forced Tirzah to relocate to California to live with her birth grandpa while her father tries to pay off a loanshark, Tirzah met the biker who saved her... Dex... // Dex is the illegitimate son of an industrial tycoon, and after trying to connect and getting rebuffed during his youth, Dex wanted nothing to do with his billionaire father. Dex has survived the military and is now a part of a motorcycle club Bikers for Christ. Rescuing a girl was a part of his nature. Meeting her again, and to find she's the club president's granddaughter means definitely "hands off", even if he's assigned to guard her and protect her. But Tirzah already knew that Dex is the man for him... even if she had to upend her entire life and break off from all she knew... But when her mother's illness drew her back, will that be the end of her dreams?

VERY religious, since you're talking about an ultra-religious community AND Bikers for Christ MC. Yet they don't see eye to eye, of course. Bikers? Dangerous BAD people. Etc. This thing is so f***ing clean, Tirzah and Dex didn't even have a proper kiss until they got married. That's how CLEAN and SPIRITUAL this book is. But in spite of all that, the book does give you an emotional roller coaster.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Sweet Waters by Julie Carobini

Tara and her sisters lost their father six years ago. When her mother went off trekking in Europe with her new husband, Tara decided to head back to her childhood hometown, Otter Bay, on the coast of California, to recapture some memories. Meeting handsome firefighter/paramedic Josh in a local restaurant, then pitching in to help the harried owner's daughter/manager was instinctual, and a slow simmering romance develops between Tara and Josh. But the more Tara and her sisters stayed, the more secrets they uncover about their father, their mother, and the rest of town... Was her dad really an embezzler? Did her mom fell in love with someone else before dad? What drove them from Otter Bay? Both Josh and Tara have to confront their knowledge in faith, family... and each other.

At just over 400 pages, this is a long read, and the secrets were unraveled slowly that you savor each bite. It's NOT romantic suspense, yet not super-angst-y either. It's also very clean and Christian, lots of mention about church and faith, without being overbearing. There's definitely tension in the air.  There are character arcs, though more for Tara than for Josh. While unraveling mysteries and confronting the past was a bit of a trope, this is a very well executed one, if a bit on the slow side.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Faking Forever by Catherine Bybee

Shannon divorced her no-good husband, who married her for political reasons (to get elected governor) only. She wanted a family for herself, and she may settle for a "sperm donor" (just a fling) if the right one came along. Her photography business took her to Mexico to cover a destination wedding until the bride did a runner, and the jilted fiancee Victor accused Shannon of sabotaging his wedding. // Victor never thought he'd end up on a honeymoon for ONE, and who else did he ran into but the one woman who caused the whole thing... By asking the runaway bride is a wedding what she really wanted. But Shannon's words also got him thinking... and reflecting what he really wanted out of life. And between the water and sky of a Mexican beach and a lot of tequila, Victor and Shannon shared a kiss. But they know what happened in Mexico... should STAY in Mexico... So they came up with a pact to stay away from each other for 3 months, and see if they still want to get together... But as the deadline approaches, their professional and personal lives started to intersect, even as their respective pasts came back to haunt them via tabloids. Now, Shannon and Victor have to really decide whether they should be together...

Wow, that's an interesting twist on the storyline about jilted groom, and good character arcs on both. A must read for me.  If you have KU, you get the audiobook too.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Don't Fall for the Prince Next Door by Palmer King

Jude is the crown prince of Belden, living incognito in America to attend university and majoring in international studies. He does not believe in a life of privilege, but he has vowed to serve his country after his sister chose to live as a commoner. He met Becca, his feisty neighbor, and fellow student (though majoring in fashion design) first in a cafe, then at his door. The reception was quite hostile as he was quite abrupt in the cafe, and later he had turned up his music that she had come to complain about the noise level. Later, when Becca needs help for a class in his major, he is glad to know his neighbor better and make peace. And sparks flew. But Jude and Becca can't be more different. Becca is solidly lower-middle class, and Jude is royalty with a life of privilege. Then Becca was invited to visit Belden because her distant aunt had passed away... Just as Jude went home for vacation... and they bumped to each other in Belden... and his secret identity was exposed...

A better than average brush-with-royalty romance, this one has spark and bits of brilliance, as she's NOT some damsel in distress waiting for rescue. However, why is a fashion designer taking a class on international studies? That is only nagging plausibility question.  There's a twist at the end, but it's not as bad as it sounds.

Category: Contemporary / Royalty

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.