GRR Reviews Roping the Cowboy by Kennedy Fox

Katarina and Braxton had a hot and steamy one-night stand. But next morning Kat threw him out and then pretend he never existed. So when Kat later showed up at Braxton's Circle B Ranch B&B to serve her gluten-free sugar-free organic pastries, it's time for Braxton's revenge... Practical jokes soon turned into all-out prank war... Katarina will deny her attraction to Braxton, but Braxton is determined to show her that he wants her... long-term...

Pretty funny short, good chemistry. 4/5

GRR Reviews My Big Fat Fake Wedding by Lauren Landish

Violet wants to let her grandpa "papa" (with a few months to live) walk her down the aisle. When Collin proposed, she readily accepted, then Collin backed out. But Violet refused to let Collin see her cry. She just needs a new groom... // Ross hates being the scapegoat. How was he to know the distraught woman he was escorting to a ride was a preacher's wife, when he was ambushed by paparazzi? When his father told him he needs to settle down, Ross only saw one way... Find a "fake" fiancee. // Ross was surprised to learn that Violet needed to get married, fast, and so did he. It'd be a match made in heaven, if not for they being nemesis throughout their school years. It'd be acting of the century for them to act lovey-dovey... But is there real affection behind the barbs? Does it even matter, when time's running out?

I am conflicted about this novel. On one hand, the rom-com potential is off-the-charts. The enemies-to-(sorta-pretend)-lovers was handled perfectly, with each escalation pushing things tighter and tighter. I don't even mind the ending when someone showed up and ruined everything, as it makes for a great darkest hour. On the other hand, the sex scenes don't quite flow right after the tension and comedy bits. And I don't think it wasn't quite explained properly how the nemesis got the "incriminating evidence". 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Montana Maverick by Ramona Flightner

Jessamine is hiding out in Bear Grass Springs as the local newsperson... Yes, she writes and prints and sells the news all by herself, a mix of hard news and local gossip. And the most frequent subject of her writing was Ewan, the town's "most disreputable gentleman"... // Ewan is a successful builder and earned his money the proper way. He will never marry... for his own reasons. So what if he frequents the local boudoir? But when Jesse's writing started to impugn on other townspeople's reputations (but always with an element of truth), Ewan is conflicted... as he admired her independent spirit, yet repelled by her lack of tact... (and willingness to admit she went overboard). This is no ordinary courtship... yet it is exactly that...

I am conflicted about this novel. I like the character arc, about how Jesse had to admit the sensationalism she learned elsewhere may not be applicable in a small town, and Ewan admits that maybe he can love again. It's also an interesting way to handle enemies to lovers. But Jesse's initial almost-glee to ignore criticism is very off-putting. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews High Stakes by Kathryn Shay

Dylan O'Neil will do anything to protect his family, esp. from the likes of reporter Rachel Scott, whose leaks have endangered members of his family before, as in kidnapping attempts and more. As a columnist for a newspaper himself, he has an audience, and verbal war started between Dylan and Rachel. When the heads of both news organizations want them to work it out by having Dylan shadow Rachel's work, Dylan finally sees Rachel's private life, which is VERY different than what he imagined. And when sparks of attraction flared to life, neither can resist. But how can Dylan explain he had "fallen for the enemy"?

Ah, this is how "enemies to lovers" should be done. There are a few tropes, like the sick/comfort trope, and later, a hurt/comfort trope as well. But the build-up is exquisite. 5/5

GRR Reviews Trusting His Heart by Jen Peters

Cat, building contractor, is in Oregon doing a high-end restoration. She left her childhood behind and didn't want to talk about it again... ever. She didn't expect her client to saddle her with a co-contractor, Justin, who will be doing all the electrical work. // Justin did rescue Cat from a ditch earlier, but that didn't earn him any points when he started questioning her judgment. Justin is also under stress when he needs some money to help his mom keep the family home, but Cat refuses to compromise on any details. When thieves hit the construction site, and made off with lumber and wires, and more, the two will have to unite to thwart the trespassers, but when one of them is found, Cat wants to give him a second chance (because someone saved her that way), while Justin is all about harsh punishment... And Cat's leaving when the project's done... right?

Good twists and turns, and good wedge issue between the two characters adding to opposites attract / enemies to lovers trope. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Walker Island Box Set Vol I (1-3) by Lucy Kevin (aka Bella Andre)

THREE BOOK COLLECTION will be rated separately, with an overall rating at the end. These novels are pretty short (barely over 100 pages) and sweet.


Be My Love

Hanna Walker returns to her home, Walker Island, to make a documentary about her namesake, and to document the Walker / Peterson feud that had been going on for decades. She was surprised when Joel Peterson denied her request to access the island archives. When Joel found he can't stop Hannah, he joined her on her quest, determined to see the truth told. But as they started to unravel the mystery around the origins of the feud, they also found their attraction toward each other growing. And love may be the one thing that will finally end the feud once and for all...

Pretty good with a mystery as the framing plot, sort of opposites attract, plus a family feud, good conflicting responsibilities. 4.5/5


No Other Love

Morgan Walker is back at Walker island to launch her organic makeup line, after being a celebrity makeup artist in New York for many many years, and is about to get her own TV makeover show. Having her own family plot growing her own organic plants for her makeup line would be perfect, esp. when she'll be seeing her entire family of sisters and grandma. But that also means she'll see Brian, her ex, whom she broke up with seven years ago... for her career. And this time, he wasn't ready to let her get away again.

Not feeling too much with this one except regrets and promises. 3.5/5


When It's Love

Rachel wanted adventure... Until her BF dumped her when he found she's pregnant six years ago. Left to fend for herself as single mother, Rachel had help from her family on Walker island.  Rachel was not worried about the professional surfer Nicholas in town, as he's there to do a TV show. But when she's asked to step in for a lead role, she found that perhaps, she can use some adventure in her life after all...

Rachel basically has to learn to love again, while Nicholas... is the guy to offer her the chance. Good polish, nothing too special. 3.5/5

Overall rating 4/5

GRR Reviews Don't Ditch a Detective by Cami Checketts

Jed can't believe that he got pepper-sprayed while jogging behind a twitchy woman. The fact that she's beautiful (after he washed his eyes out with snow) did mollify him somewhat. Her name is Cassandra, and he knew her... She's an idealistic do-gooder who decided EVERY child is redeemable. He's a police detective who saw the worst life has to offer, for he had lived it as a foster child. But neither is entirely correct about the other. When Cassie went to Mexico to help an orphanage, and was targeted by a local cartel, will Jed and help get to her in time?

Not bad, though one really wonders if the best way to get help for an orphanage is to get help from the US rather than look for local help? Or perhaps no local help can be trusted? 4/5

GRR Reviews Christmas Like This by Carina Taylor

Marla and Trey both work at the same marketing firm but are mortal enemies... They were ordered by their boss to learn how to work together... Or else. In fact, they are both assigned to the Christmas party planning duty. But they are always verbally sparring with each other before... Each sees the other as aggravating... But it seems when Marla got a bit closer, Trey's protective... OVER-protective side comes out... and when Trey's not being a jerk, he's actually quite handsome...

Pretty good enemies to lovers kinda story. 4/5

GRR Reviews Her Christmas Wedding Fake Fiancee by Jennifer Youngblood

Sofia has a great cleaning business. So when a prominent CEO, Colin, accused her employees of being negligent, she had to investigate personally. But the two alpha personalities quickly collided and neither would give an inch.  Then Colin made Sofia an offer she can't refuse... Be his fake Christmas fiancee to sooth over his family hassling him about finding a wife... and he'll forget the whole thing...

Rom-com, trope-ridden, but decently polished. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score

Catalina runs a construction business, and enjoys helping people. A reality show where she helps deserving people get a new house is perfect for her. When Merry, CT was hit by a hurricane, and the town has a family she helped two years ago, she convinced the network to fund a super Christmas special, where her crew and other volunteers will rebuild the whole town, albeit, with a camera crew. And she ran into an obstacle... Noah, the city manager for Merry, who wanted none of her drama in town. Last time Cat was in town, she instigated the only bar fight in town history. Noah sees Cat as a TV diva capitalizing on his town's misfortunes and tempting his daughter with glitz and glam. Cat sees Noah as a neanderthal who prefers to see his town drown in mud and rain instead of letting other people help. The fight will be epic... and so will the kiss... if they ever let down their guard...

Oh, definitely rom-com, where the MMC and MFC trade verbal barbs like cats and dogs, until one side gives in and surprises the other with a kiss. 5/5

GRR Reviews Santa Cam by Maria Hoagland

Talia used to be an investigative reporter, but after one too many hatchet piece demanded by her editor, she had enough. She launched MyHeartChannel, but it's not doing well enough merely telling the truth. Searching for herself, she got roped into playing Elf during a Christmas community even... and she was surprised in finding Santa is none other than Camden, pro soccer star... someone she may have wronged before... // Camden just wanted to go home for Christmas, but rescuing a teammate ended up with him getting punched and a PR nightmare for the team... and he's forced to participate in community events for his "penance". Still stewing over the unfairness of it all, he found his "elf" is none other than Thalia, a reporter he had encountered before... but she's changed...

Nice, very nice. Kinda enemies to lovers, but more about the Holiday spirit and doing good than about personal love. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Meet Me In London by Jennifer Youngblood and Haley Hopkins

Audrey had been video chatting with William, a genuine Brit that she met online. They hit it off well, and she just told him that she'll be visiting London, and hope he can join her on a tour. However, her flight was unpleasant. A weird guy Aidan shared her cab and seems a bit obsessed with her... and fellow tour member Zane was rude and annoying... and... no William. As Zane slowly worked himself into her heart, and Audrey also felt uncomfortable, as if she's being watched, she started to wonder what did she really feel toward William... Then her stalker actually showed up...

*sigh* It seems the authors cranked this out without actually researching the Brits. Brits don't have a firearms fetish like us Yanks. In fact, the vast majority of London metro police (about 90%) is not armed, and even their criminals rarely use firearms. A Yank living in London, already under suspicion by police, should not have been able to get a firearm. The rest of the plotting is not too bad though. 3/5

GRR Reviews Her Billionaire Butler by Dobi Daniels

Emily has survived abuse and heartbreak. She's getting by, but barely. When her moment of weakness to help a friend ended up costing her job, then her landlord informed her that she has to vacate ASAP, she literally can't go any lower... Until she met the guy who was the cause of it all... // Geoffrey is the family butler for the billionaire Dexington family and well-to-do himself, and he was getting a special item for the family when a woman slipped and ended up tossing the coffee all over the item and him... as well as accidentally kneed him in the groin. But he didn't know she'd lose her job over this. So when she applied for a position over at his Christmas tree farm, he made sure she got the position (and she is qualified). And it seems despite the initial animosity, they really have a lot in common... but can he learn her secrets in time to save her?

The threat seems to come really late and wasn't integrated well. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Merging with the Billionaire by Jenna Brandt

Conrad has a grand plan of revenge against the college bully that almost destroyed his future. Now a billionaire, his plan is to take Boswell Oil from the spoiled brat by first doing a merger with them with his solar energy business. He did not count on meeting Tiffany Boswell, his nemesis' sister, co-owner, and with a lot to prove (and definitely no time for love). Now Conrad wasn't sure about his plan of revenge anymore, but can Tiffany overcome her own brother's animosity toward Conrad?

Clean, but not that romantic, IMHO. 3/5

GRR Reviews That Way Again by Carolyn Brown

Kitty and Preston were lovers and has the wedding and everything planned. But Kitty's great-aunt interfered by causing a misunderstanding between them, and it was believed because neither can believe great-aunt could lie, even though she didn't like their marriage. Then the great-aunt died a week later, and neither ever questioned the lie... Until five years later, when Kitty returned to town to sell a relative's house, and Preston was there. Both are still assuming betrayal by the other. Will they finally figured out they've been betrayed? Then what?

The plot is a trope, some marriage-hating relative sabotaged a perfectly fine relationship for selfish reasons. It's what comes AFTER, how they work through their own (mistaken) preconceptions that makes the story special, and it's there. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Let It Burn by Ruth Cardello

Andrew lost members of his marines fire team on what he believed was a wild goose chase trophy hunting for his superiors, and he refused to serve his country any more. To appease his family, he agreed to go to Aruba to look into a family mystery at a clinic, which led him to Helene, daughter of the head of the clinic. Helene thought she was on vacation when her uncle asked her to help watch out for spies. She didn't expect the spy to come in such delectable manly package as Andrew. But then, she didn't realize that her uncle may be hiding far darker secrets that could put her and Andrew in danger...

Good shift from romance to romantic suspense, but the pacing feels slightly off. But it is still an interesting way to drag out this mystery without making it feel soap-opera worthy. 4/5

GRR Reviews My Little Rock Airman by Brittany Fichter

Jessie is a pre-school teacher and one of her favorite students is Jade, a young girl with Down's syndrome. At the last day of school, she got an intriguing offer... Jade's mother offered Jessie enough money to finish her master's degree if Jessie will be Jade's nanny for the summer. And Jessie quickly agreed. However Jessie didn't know that she'll be sharing her duties with Jade's big brother, airman Derrick, who pulled strings to be moved back home to Little Rock due to an incident a year ago. And the two developed a hostility to each other... and a cold prank war ensued... Until a truce is called... and understanding is achieved... they both actually want the best for Jade. But is Jessie has rules about love... and #1 is NEVER date an airman... Even as she secretly likes Sam, a fellow teacher. However, Derrick is tempting her to break her rules...

Oooh, VERY nice, a military romance without suspense or special operators, nor terrorists and such. Just regular citizen-soldiers dealing with family and life and its struggles. There is not too much angst, and whole thing is rather light-hearted, even as it deals with some heavy issues. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews A Christmas Kiss by Susan Hatler

Harper is a divorce attorney trying to help her client move on from her sleazy boyfriend who spends all her money and yells about not getting enough "support". But her own outlook on life was marred by a betrayal back in law school. When her client wanted to accept her BF's attempt at reconciliation, she's completely exasperated, and when a vacation cabin became available, and her relatives aren't available for Christmas, she had to get away... // Gabriel is a divorce attorney who believed everyone should have a second chance. Sure he has to deal with opposing counsel Harper, but if there's a chance, it should be taken. But he also needed time to get away. Things look depressing when the cabin was double-booked and he had to spend a week with Harper... As neither would move out. Could these two "enemies" achieve an understanding, and share some Holiday magic?

A bit shorter than the author's other works, it nonetheless has a lot of heart despite being a rom-com. OTOH, the darkest hour just feels extremely... forced. Even the FMC acknowledged later she was being totally unreasonable. 4/5

GRR Reviews Bride School: Gen by Bella Bowen / L L Muir

NOTE: Bella Bowen is LL Muir's penname

Genevieve Carnegie has returned to the place that once wronged her, but she's now rich, and she can do much much more. She has returned to the small town in Wyoming, with her entourage of female protectors and staff to take over the Zollinger ranch, because it belonged to her as the rightful widow, no matter how Devlin, her former brother-in-law, ran her off. No matter how she was hoping for Devlin that romanced her, not her brother, from that fateful first meeting, even though she had NEVER strayed. She will turn the place into a Bride School to teach a generation of western brides, learn everything from cooking to shooting. And Devlin... can go hang himself. // Devlin can't believe Gen is back, and just took over his ranch. He had wanted her once, but his brother is the one getting married. And his brother expected them to go at it (and they never did)  But no matter. He has staff to keep and cattle to wrangle... and his money are all tied up in the horses at the moment, and losing them was a huge blow. Good thing the sheriff owed him a huge favor... but even then someone was sabotaging the ranch, then burned down the new town hall Gen paid the townsfolk to build. Devlin wanted Gen, but she won't live long enough for him to marry her if she kept making enemies...

As a setup, it was pretty interesting that they automatically assume it was the other party that did the damage, and each has perfect reasons to expect so. That was masterful plotting. The ending where they should co-exist, however, felt a bit like deus ex machina. And the rest of the ladies on the ranch? Well, they barely got a mention. Not even Gen's bodyguard. 4/5

GRR Reviews Sleighed by Annie Dyer

Zack runs his senior care home in his small town Severton. He goes on long hikes and visits local bars with his brothers and friends. Things are great. Until he found that Severton's latest resident has hired away most of local contractors to build her hotel, leaving his Christmas plans for his seniors in ruins. He'll give her a piece of her mind... // Sorrell bought the place, hoping to be settled with her fiancee into a quieter life away from the city hustle. Instead, he broke up with her. Now she's alone in a new town, too financially committed into this project to let it fail. Meeting Zach, angry over loss of his contractors, wasn't initially pleasant, but her baking skills and friendly disposition soon won him over. //  Severton is a friendly town that lends a hand, but Severton also has secrets and dangers. When one of Sorrell's employees may have met with foul play, Sorrell may need Zach's rescue skills...

Good pivot from a bit of rom-com to a bit of romantic suspense. But really, one TSTL moment: why didn't she call for help sooner, and think she can do everything herself? 4/5