GRR Reviews Mommy's Boyfriend by Victoria Snow

Rylee chose an older guy, Spencer, a regular client at the cafe she works, to get her V-card. It was as wonderful as she'd expected... Except both forgot about a condom. He never appeared again, and she got a present that showed up nine months later and had to move back home. Five years later, she saw Spencer again... On the arm of her mom... as her mom's fake boyfriend because her mom's boss got a bit too hands-on. Yikes, talk about awkward! He left her, so she won't tell him about their son... and nobody would believe she didn't 'steal' the man from her mom... right?

Ah, now that's an interesting twist on secret baby and tropes, with a good combination! I guess the problem is the initial coupling (and the setup) felt a bit too... hurried. And Spencer just accepted the proposition of a random waitress... without a condom? Hmmm... 4/5

GRR Reviews Winning His Wife by B B Hamel

Kayla thought she got lucky when she was chosen to attend Gradus Unversity. She didn't know she was part of a draft, chosen and sponsored by Reed. The sponsor can choose to woo the girl he sponsored, and perhaps, marry her when she graduates. But Reed is a rebel... He just participates, because he needs his father to release the trust fund he's funneling into his tech company and charity. So he picked the most independent girl of them all, Kayla, who didn't care or want the special privileges of being a "sponsored girl". In fact, she doesn't even know what being sponsored entails. She's too busy handling queen bee bullies. Kayla did find Reed attractive, and vice versa. But when she learned what being sponsored REALLY means...

Eh, didn't feel much for the setup. Bullying was idiotic. Three students set an entire backpack full of content on fire, and nobody gives a hoot, not even staff and custodians? But when a sponsor intervenes, he gets called out for "breaking the rules"? Kayla is so simple-minded she never thinks of a way to get back at the bullies, just react, or let Reed "save" her somehow. The whole premise was kinda creepy, but secret worlds are kinda like that. But the characters? Reed is okay. Kayla? Lame. And no karma on those bullies? Meh. It doesn't really make me want to read the rest. 2/5

GRR Reviews Rocky Mountain Retreat by Vivian Arend

Rachel has retreated to her cousin's remote cabin, hoping a little distance and alone time can help her recover from her heartbreak from her cheating ex. Then a blizzard brought her a surprise visitor... Lee, who's more than 10 years her junior, but never hid his desire for her. Stranded together by a snowstorm, and with great chemistry, it's clear they can be good together, but Lee told Rachel outright that this is NOT a one-night-stand... He wants forever with her, and he'll go as slow with her as she wanted...

Ah, slow-wooing, and a little bit of May/September. Nice, even though nothing really dramatic happened. 4/5

GRR Reviews Sweet Liar by Laurelin Paige

NOTE: HFN ending, not exactly a cliffhanger, but read book 2 also.

Audrey is pretty, young, and romantic... well, not romantic enough to want an ever-after, even though she believe in the stuff. But she wants to learn sex first. And the teacher she picked is a much older ad exec by the name of Dylan. He's busy, he's been betrayed, he's experienced, and he's NOT looking for love, Exactly what both of them needs, right? But she's too young, practically half his age... and he can't say no... But can he keep his heart after tasting her innocence?

That's a VERY masterful narrative to make the "teach sex" trope dramatic and tasteful at the same time. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Protecting Her by Hope Ford

NOTE: 40-page short.

Ryder knew he had to protect Sierra, who's naive to the world. Her dead brother's best friend Johnny stole her laptop and her TV to fund his drug habit. She went to Johnny's place of work, only to find that Johnny stole there as well and Ryder, with Alpha Security, was there to help change the locks and implement further security measures. Sierra did not want to involve the police, but Ryder is not taking any chances... Ryder will protect Sierra himself, and buy her replacement stuff and woo her, even if there's an age gap...

Things were sweet and sexy and protective until I encountered the expression "breed her", which seriously turned me off. Breed is NOT a sexy word when used in a sexual context, where it means... f--- her until she's pregnant. It's practically a porn term. Characters aren't that deep, and Johnny, who moments ago was about to turn violent, apparently reformed after a stern talking-to by Ryder (backed up by his fist). Way too convenient. And what's with the ass-grabbing cover? 2/5

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

GRR Reviews Mountain Cowboy by Jill Haymaker

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

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

GRR Reviews Hers to Kiss by Eliza Ellis

"Keke" has graduated college, and before going to the dance audition to start her new life, she's home to help her best friend's failing campground... which is when sorta noticed a new gorgeous hunk... Only to realize this is "Petey", her best friend's little brother, now all grown up. And Keke had promised with her best friend to never date siblings... // Petey is 19, and he's about to launch his own career against his father's objections (Why are you playing videogames again!? You should be studying to get into Cornell!) In the meanwhile, he's spending time with beautiful Keke, but she's determined to keep him at arm's length, and only as "best friend's little brother". But both families have secrets, and when all are revealed, nobody will be the same...

Sweet with a heavy dose of family drama. It has some good moments, and all motivations are logical. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews His Curvy Teacher by Sara Hazel

Lincoln knew love at first sight exists... He just fell for his daughter's teacher, Caitlyn, and BBW. Yes, he's a bit older, and she's a bit young, and she had some bad experience with her douche-y boyfriend who basically told her she's too "big". But he likes her BBW size just fine. But she also has a sister who hated her... and he'll need to protect her...

Eh... there are a lot of problems in the writing, and the story line is pretty juvenile. I am pretty sure there's a place where the author used "affect" instead of "effect", for example. And for a guy, his mind is extremely wordy. Sure, there's some heat, but this is average, at best. 2.5/5

GRR Reviews Possessive Veterinarian by Flora Ferrari

Delaney always had a thing for her father's best friend Donovan, a much older man, and a hot veterinarian. When she rescued three puppies she needs to find Donovan, and there, she found her feelings reciprocated...

Really, that's about it. Darkest hour wasn't even between Delaney and Donovan, but between Donovan and her father. And it pretty much resolved itself after a hard talk. I also have problem with some of the language and analogies used, which just feels... crude. The M/F dialog just doesn't feel natural.  2/5

GRR Reviews My Kind of You by Tracy Brogan

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

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

GRR Reviews Reformed by a Scotsman by Katie Douglas

NOTE: Contains Daddy dom / spank play

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

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

GRR Reviews Late Night Confessions by Mia Madison

Maya is a 22-year-old virgin, chatting anonymously on a "confessions" chat board. When she admitted she's a virgin, and she planned to lose her v-card the next day with her best friend (but a mere friend with benefits, not in love), she got a ton of solicitations... Except one from an older man that caught her eye... He did not sext her, but rather, discussed sex and love. She found the chat with him stimulating, and not believing he's real, he ended up sending her his picture. It was a few days later that she found out, to her horror, that her chat buddy is her new academic advisor in the university... and she had to stay away. But the most they get to know each other, the more they want to taste the forbidden fruit...

Not bad, no obvious stupidities, proper online etiquette and follow-up. The school stuff about zero fraternization ended up as the darkest hour, but then, what's what taboo  student-teacher relationships usually end up as. Not bad.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

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

GRR Reviews Electric Blue Love by Rebecca Jenshak

Bianca is a college girl that has a crush on Todd, but she's average looking (so she thinks) and Todd obviously has her in a friendzone. Then her fellow passenger on the plane offered her some advice... His name is Court, he's an older businessman, he'll help her get the attention of Todd. But as the continued to talk, they ended up falling for each other. But Court doesn't really want a relationship... Will Bianca find out why?

Good meet-cute, and decent push-pull. Got a hint of Cyrano, and a bit of a triangle setup.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

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

GRR Reviews The Millionaire's Crush by Nadia Lee

Brooke is 3 years older than Pete, but that did not prevent them from appreciating each other... but only from afar. They did make out once many years ago, but she vowed not to give in again, for it could be very complicated... They now work in the same company. And he is her best friend's little brother. // Pete knew that Brooke is the right one for him, and it took him eight years for him to earn his worth. Now there is nothing that will stop him from showing Brooke why he is the man for her...

Best friend's sibling, albeit with a "slight" taboo tossed in for spice... slightly younger guy. But when boiled down, it's always that "inadequacy"...  The push-pull though is good.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

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

GRR Reviews Cold as January by Katie Graykowski

January Jenkowski had enough of men. She's pregnant. When she called the baby daddy to tell him the news, he hung up on her. So she blocked him on the phone, social media, and left word for doorman and bouncer to not admit him under any circumstances. AND her brothers who run a motorcycle club are ready to do a smackdown on him if he ever dares to show his face... // Dr. Giles Nixon was overseas attending a conference when he got the call from January, and the phone call dropped in the middle of his call, then he got called away, his partner fell sick, and he had no chance to call back before he was blocked (in so many ways). He knew January was a bit young for him, but they are good together, but he kept saying the wrong things. But he's determined to see January, even if he had to take a punch in the stomach for it...

Awwww, that's sweet... But how do you convince a woman who thought she was over you to give you another chance, that it was all a misunderstanding?

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

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

GRR Reviews Hold On To me by Taylor Holloway

Rosie wants to be a performer, even as her lawyer dad does everything in his power to turn her into a lawyer. When the dump she rented with a friend (because her dad cut off her money) got flooded, on her 19th birthday, she had no choice but to call her dad for help... and her dad sent in Ryan, one of his attorney employees to help. // Ryan is a lawyer, not a white knight, but the secret orders he got... "convince her to go to law school" did not sit well with him either. Meeting Rosie... took his breath away. With no hotel rooms in town available (blame SXSW festival) he had to put her up in his guest room. And it wasn't long before he realized Rosie was attracted to him as well. And she really has talent... Turns out, Ryan has ties to the music industry... He represents several A-listed artists... But he's not sure he can love again, after losing his first love. Can he help her realize her dreams... (and maybe get her into bed) without being destroyed by her dad / his boss?

Much deeper than an older man/ younger woman romance, the book also properly acknowledges social media and Youtube and their influence on the modern pop song scene. All the plots flowed properly. Other than the initial mutual infatuation, everything else properly leads to subsequent events. No TSTL moments, no deus ex machina. Excellent run.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 5/5

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

GRR Reviews Tessa's Temptation by Ella Jade

Tessa's life is in shambles. After her father was injured in a car accident, she's the only one working for food and shelter AND school, and she's about to be fired because her performance had suffered and she's about to be evicted. Then entered Chase. Chase had spent some time with Tessa's family way back when she's like 3 (she's 19 now) and it helped turned his life around. Now that he's a billionaire he is here to do all he could to help. Tessa was surprised that her father asked Chase to take her in so he can stop worrying about her. Chase agreed. He's a bachelor and too old for Tessa (he's 30). However, Tessa, once she settled down, and doing well in school, decided to make Chase her project. However, Chase has an attorney/employee Ardra, and they have some issues. Things started to change once Tessa moved in... Is Chase just possessive? Is Ardra out to mess with them? What secret is Chase keeping? Is Tessa just flavor of the month?

The slow beginning made me almost gave up. Once I got to the halfway point when Ardra was introduced and sabotage started happening things got more interesting.  But the whole plot just feels a bit clunky.

Category: Contemporary

Primary Plot: Childhood acquaintances reunite after 16 years when he took her in so her father can recover from injuries, then she fell for him...

Overall Rating: 3/5

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

GRR Reviews His Muse by Twyla Turner

His Muse is a novel with a bookend beginning and ending in the present about a daughter discovering her mother's memoir. The story was much more touching than you first expect.

Kari pushed her mother away almost twenty years ago due to jealousy, shame, and later, guilt. Then an email arrived linking to her mother's memoir. Kari started reading, and found what's her mother's side of the story... // Taryn is a 44-year old (black) divorced mother starting over in the South of France. Her ex-husband replaced her with a younger and white woman. Taryn did not expect to fall in love, but Etienne is an artist and a singer and swept her off her feet. But he's only 29 (and a white boy). And she can no longer bear children. How much of her heart can Taryn give, even though Taryn is Etienne's muse?

The book reads a lot longer than it seems. It says only 300 pages, but it felt much longer, which is actually good. I won't spoil the plot, but this is one of those "fated mates" sagas that took some interesting twists. The book-end beginning and ending were somewhat unusual, but it worked in this case.

Category: Contemporary

Primary Plot: An older divorced mother, starting over, was swooned by a younger artist who wanted to love her no matter what... but they are so different

Overall Rating: 5/5

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

GRR Reviews EXPOSED: A second chance love story by Lyz Kelley

Exposed managed to create a bit more unusual older man / younger woman match up along with a bit of protector / woman in peril setup. However, the insufficient karma dealt to the evildoer or the low-level evil he did didn't make him much of a threat.

Gwen had run away all over life, and now she may have to again. When pipes burst in her thrift store, it not only ruined her stock, her landlord just terminated her lease. Then her evil blackmailing ex-fiancee tracked her down too. Until someone came to her rescue. Retired brigadier general Dale Bryant came home to repair his relationship with his daughter and came to know Gwen, who's a friend of his daughter. Gwen needs rescuing, and this marine is up to the job. But he's 14 years older, and a widower. He can save her, but can he love her?

There is a twist at the end which I will not spoil. But somehow, the evil ex-fiancee didn't quite get enough karma. I expected more evil from him and didn't get any either. Other than that the book managed to put a good spin on a slightly unusual matchup.

Category: Contemporary

Primary Plot: A retired marine general can obviously save a woman from her evil blackmailing ex-fiancee. But can he also love her?

Tropes: protector, woman in peril, small town, evil ex, blackmail, widower, May/September

Overall Rating:  4/5