GRR Reviews Colton by Olivia Sands

Colton knew what he wanted out of life: run his family bourbon business, buy or build a nice home, marry a country girl, and start a country family. So why can't he get Grace out of his mind? She's a city girl, a lawyer, and employed by his uncle. AND she's now taking a case against his best friend... He shouldn't want her, but he does. Yet between friendship and love, something's gotta give...

Conflict is a little on the thin side, but it works well enough. It's a good opposites-attract issue, where Colton learned not to take things at face value. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews The Billionaire's Mistletoe by Gigi Marlowe

Roger's wife died, leaving him a widower and single father to a little girl. Not even his fortune can help. Tiffany was betrayed by her ex and decided to concentrate on her career as a lawyer. Both were too busy for love, until matchmaker Valentina matched them together. But to work past their grief... would be up to themselves... And some Christmas magic.

Quite a bit of angst, about how each is wounded they should be alone forever. Meh. 3.5/5

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 Balancing Act by Danica Dawn

Desi, paralegal, is in love (lust?) for her boss Eric. She wanted to be a lawyer, but she flunked LSAT so she's going about the roundabout way: one more year as a licensed paralegal, and she can take the bar exam without it. But balancing her work, her dream, and her love life is not so easy, when she found a hot cop to drool over, only to have him turn into a stalker, and her boss confessed his love for her, only to sic an LSAT tutor on her, in order to make her a partner...

The problem with romantic suspense with a stalker is the bad guy tends to end up as jack-in-the-box pop-up horror, have him show up in the middle of nowhere. It starts to read a bit like the movie Unlawful Entry. The emotional beats feel... off. Instead of everything building to a crescendo for the climax, it felt as if the author merely substituted one problem with another, just to have the stalker reappear at the end for the climax. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Blue Angel by Kristen Kelly

Lucas met Maura at an airport... Where both are flying to meet the Blue Angels. He wanted to join the team, while she's trying to decide what to do with her life when her dreams of seeing her (married) man leave his wife and be with her came crashing down. Maura turned out to have a fear of flying and in after a few too many drinks, decided to invite Lucas to join the "mile high club". It's a one-time thing, of course... Until she was tasked to write a briefing report about the Blue Angels for her organization... and had to see Lucas again. And this time, Lucas is determined to make her his forever... if she will let him.

While characters have a lot of depth, it seems reality had been left aside. Blue Angel pilots have to be active duty, yet Lucas seems to have left the Marines for several years already before attempting to join. And Lucas has already been medically discharged. This really made ZERO sense. Also, one can also question whether Maura prefers the "excitement" of seducing married men and dream of him leaving his wife (when he wouldn't) to settling down with someone who likes her as is (like Lucas). Also, the idea of making Maura write a report on Blue Angels like a reporter makes no sense. Having her "boss" nagging her like and editor, even less so. She's a LAWYER doing work for lobbyists as a researcher... Really? Isn't that a junior aide's job? That's confusing as heck. This book has some good moments, but just as many non-sensical background elements and plotting. 2.5/5

GRR Reviews His Vow by Lilian Monroe

Zane is a CIA agent, undercover with the Russian mob, trying to nail a US Senator for smuggling arms. It just happens that Senator Nathan Blanchet had destroyed his family fifteen years ago. And Zane was about to get his revenge when he found that Senator's daughter Sadie, the girl he had kissed once, is now all grown up, and a pawn in Senator's power games. He must protect her... at the risk of his duty... and his honor.

Sorry, but this CIA agent is a joke. Let's not even worry about CIA on FBI's turf (arms smuggling and treason is FBI's territory, not CIA) or *possi commitatus* act... The fact that Zane's handler actually called him by his REAL name over the phone instead of cover name is just BAD OP-SEC AND STUPID. Zane saved Sadie from being trampled at a concert and actually revealed his identity to her was stupid, but almost believable. For her to be in his class (his cover was international law professor) was okay (with his cover name). But his decision to REVEAL TO HER that he's a CIA agent is just outright STUPID. And how can CIA not know about his past with the Blanchetts? And age problem. He's a professor already, and he once kissed this girl? How old are they again?  And that's where I stopped reading this piece of crap.

This is basically some amateur writing some generic hero and tried to cast him as a CIA agent WITHOUT proper research or editing. There are way too many holes in the plot it's worse than Swiss cheese. It's total crap. 1/5

GRR Reviews Her Cowboy Billionaire Bodyguard by Liz Isaacson

Beau is a semi-retired lawyer with an inheritance that prefers to take on private legal assistance and professional bodyguard services to people in need. He would never date a client though, esp. since he tried that... and she disappeared in the middle of the night... just left him, without a word, when the case was concluded. // Lily is a singer and is a part of a sister act, and quite famous. But her ex-husband is stalking her and continue to harass her legally for more money, despite signed divorced papers and settlement. She needs Beau's services, while she hides out in Wyoming.  The two met, and there's definitely something between them... But they are too different.... Beau will free her from her ex, and that's it. The rest.. will be up to her.

Okay, the reluctant lovers came across quite clear and loud. My problem is with the ex, who is jobless, yet still has tons of cash and resources to stalk his ex-wife. In fact, he showed up in court in a 2000-dollar suit, yet wanted his ex-wife to keep supporting him. Also, I can find no law that would permit Beau to practice law in California...  It requires special paperwork called MJP Authorization from the California State Bar under MJP rule 9.47. Also, this ex turns out to be kinda lame, despite the resources he displayed. 3/5

GRR Reviews Sweet Seduction Sacrifice by Nicola Claire

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

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

GRR Reviews Chasing Forever by Susan Coventry

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

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

GRR Reviews Running with a Sweet Talker by Jami Albright

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

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

GRR Reviews Just Roll With it by Tawdra Kandle

Amanda had been working hard as a law student in her final year. While she felt an attraction to the bride's brother Vincent, she knew she can, at most, spend one night at it. NSA fling. That's it. Good thing that Vincent, the pastry chef of his family restaurant, agreed. He's smart, sexy, and wanted no attachment either. Their chemistry is sizzling, and they are VERY sexually compatible.  But Vincent can't get Amanda out of his mind... he likes her sense of humor, her sass, and her smarts. In fact, he wanted her for more than just one night. But can he convince her that she's good for more than just a fling, and so is he?

Some parts I liked. Vincent had this underlying resentment of his situation, about how his brother (who is the "real" chef) is always riding on him, how his parents were always riding on him, so much so he blew up and interviewed for a position to possibly be closer to Amanda. Amanda kinda beats herself down a bit. Slightly masochistic (not in bed, just in life) believes the worst of herself. But overall, it's pretty good. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews My Crazy (Sick) Love by Drica Pinotti

Amanda is a New York attorney with a dreaded affliction: hypochondria. She panics at every symptom, has the best doctors on speed dial, self-diagnoses herself with every affliction known to humankind and has a medicine cabinet that rivals a pharmacy. And she's about to turn 30. She has great friends, a stable job, and a supportive family that knows her "condition". Then Amanda met Brian, charismatic restaurant owner. As they get to know each other, will this love be the jolt she needed to cure her affliction?

It's just probably me, but this sense of humor just didn't work for me. All I sense is "drama queen" (unintentional). And Brian showed up late to the novel (we're like, 30 or 40%?)  so the book doesn't "feel" like a romance. 2.5/5

GRR Reviews Fool Me Once by Catherine Bybee

Divorce attorney Lori is a divorcee herself, and she's a part of a secret company called Alliance, that arranges "marriages of convenience" for rich and famous clients. She doesn't believe in happily ever after. When several of her clients are now single, and one of them was embroiled by controversy due to unexpected circumstances, she arranged a Caribbean cruise for the group and found herself tempted by one man: Reed. // Reed quit the police force when his superiors were more interested in a cover-up than justice. Becoming a PI seems natural, meeting Lori was definitely a bonus. And when Reed found out Lori's secrets, he found himself conflicted, as Lori was not the target (yet she unwittingly supplied the clue that allowed him to figure out the rest), but if he reported back, Lori will take the fall. And if he confessed, Lori would surely never wanted to see him again... Then the decision was taken out of his hands, for there are other players at play as well... And they all wanted Lori's secrets...

Ah, nice twists and turns. Reed is definitely a conflicted character who wanted to do the right thing, and tries to ride that line between ethics. Lori's cynicism was tested again and again. Like this a lot. 5/5

GRR Reviews Her Beast of a Billionaire Boss by Lucy McConnell

Seattle has a beast, and his name is Adam Moreau. He's the most notorious lawyer in the city, and he crushes his opponents, like his nickname. He created a different legacy, what became known as the Billionaire Cove (by nickname only). When a loser in court threw acid on him, leaving him scarred, he became even morose and reclusive... and only a beauty like Bella can draw him out... // Bella is a law intern, and her father works for Adam Moreau as in-house counsel. When her father had a heart-attack, Bella had to take over the projects. Bella's boyfriend Christian had just abandoned her to woo his way into Wolf, Wolf and Wolf (the Wolf Brothers law firm). Bella thought herself unable to love, but soon, she fell for "the Beast", who she saw through to the core. When Christian found a chink in Beast's armor... a document that can utterly destroy the Beast and his entire legacy, will Bella be able to save him?

Obviously a takeoff from Beauty and the Beast, there are good moments, but there are also many TSTL moments (where Adam refuse to listen to his uncle and other people, which lead to him being blind-sided by the "chink in his armor". 4/5

GRR Reviews Crazy for the Boss by Ashlee Mallory

James was the black sheep of the family, but when his grandpa gave him another chance after he had to take a break for health reasons, James was determined to do things right as the interim CEO. And the first thing he did was hiring Quinn Taylor, a young attorney that is championing an employee assistance program (EAP) that should improve morale.  But Quinn is beautiful and passionate, and James fell for her... // Quinn knew about being an underdog... Her mother was badly treated by her last employer after PTSD left her unable to work. Working for James comes with a large salary that would put a dent in her debt far faster than she imagined... if she doesn't have to sell her soul in the process. // When a trip left both stranded in her hometown, the sparks flew, but an unexpected source of trouble means James may have to make a choice... Do the safe thing, or go for what he wanted?

Somehow the darkest hour didn't QUITE work for me. But it's still good. 4/5

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 Rival Temptation by Athena Braveheart

Luke shouldn't want Max, as she's not only his best friend David's sister, she's also a fellow lawyer. David's also his boss.  But Max, a recent law school graduate, is working at the company, and let's just say their initial meeting had him come across as a misogynistic douchebag. And when the apology to that turned into a kiss... sparks fly, but they're not sure if it's the explosive kind... or the loving kind. Heck, it may be both... But Luke and Max will make an interesting couple... If they don't kill each other first... Or maybe David will do that first...

Good touches and push-pull, and the book continues even after they got married. Nice.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

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

GRR Reviews What He Wants by Jessie Gussman

Torque went to jail for ten years for Cassidy. She killed someone at nineteen, and Torque took the blame for it willingly. Torque is now out, and Cassidy doesn't know how to repay him. Cassidy became a model, and put herself through law school. Now she's a lawyer, pushing for a program to help rehabilitate ex-cons like Torque. But Torque didn't want Cassidy's help... he wanted Cassidy's love...

Oh, this one is unusual, no billionaire, no bad boy, Torque is a mechanic, and Cassidy is NOT rich (she spends too much time doing social work). But Torque's family will help him get back on his feet, and Cassidy may not have to give up as much as she thinks to be with him. But as to how... yes, read the book.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

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

GRR Reviews Illegally Wedded by Jennifer Griffith

Piper opened the best restaurant in San Antonio as the only chef and they are about to survive their first year. She had an evil ex who stalked her with his official position as a Texas Ranger. Fortunately, he got caught. Her current BF Chad was nice but also neglectful. She was completely blindsided when she was notified by ICE that she is staying illegally and must leave the US within 30 days. And this was confirmed by her parents... who had moved to New Zealand to join a Hobbit cult. Just then, Chad decided to become an MMA fighter and ran off to South America... // Zach is the best performing attorney in his big respectable San Antonio lawfirm, except he's not being named partner... time after time. When he heard a rumor that only married associate can be named partner, and the last "old guard" partner is retiring, he decided to get married... // When he heard that Piper is in a desperate fix, Zach offered the simplest solution: they should get married.  But are they actually in love? Will the marriage save them both? How far will they go to save the other?

Wow, this novel has twists and turns that you don't see coming, and the darkest hour REALLY does seem to be the darkest hour, and there was no cheating. One could say there is not much of a grand gesture, but that doesn't matter that much. Though one of the threads IMHO wasn't tied up right.

 Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

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

GRR Reviews Secretly Matched by Marie Higgins

Rayne just found out that her father had just ruined her life despite being dead. Rayne was going to marry her BF when he graduates. Now she must marry Calvin, her father's rival's son, for at least a year to receive her inheritance, due to a bet her father made with hsi father 20 years ago. // Calvin, trying to dissuade unwanted attention from a female co-worker, kissed a woman in the elevator. It was a kiss unlike any other. It was then he learned that she is Rayne, and they are contractually bound to be married if they are to receive their respective inheritances. // They married and it was in name only. But they discover that perhaps, that initial kiss was not a fluke, and Calvin was not as "bad" as his reputation seem to be. But when Rayne's BF started to stalk them, can Calvin protect her?

Charming, but the threat from BF wasn't handled that well and over way too quickly.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

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