GRR Reviews Rocky Mountain Romance by Anna Leigh

Shannon is a university librarian living a quiet simple life until she found Will, a visiting reporter, in her parking spot. Yes, she had an ex who refused to accept they are over, but she doesn't want him to lose his job, so no formal complaints had been filed yet. Will was in town to do research on a daredevil canyon jump done more than ten years ago that somehow, felt off. Was there sabotage? Can anyone actually walk away from that failed first jump attempt? The connection between Will and Shannon is very real. But can they "have a fling"? Or do their heart already belong to each other? And what about the stalking ex?

Pretty good, managed to combine both solving a mystery AND conclude the stalking (AND love) by the end of the book satisfactorily. Felt a lot longer than 188 page length. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Heartstruck and Heavensent by Kari Trumbo

Madison is a very private librarian. Nobody knows her well, and that's her choice. She based her life on her parents, who are Christians with zero public affections, that love is something to be shamed. So much so, she left Kansas behind and went to New York City. She's even more ashamed because she has a secret side job: romance writer. And she's actually quite decent at it... Until she hit a writer's block. When three of her best online friends roped her into a week at the Broken J Ranch in Wyoming as sort of a writing retreat, she accepted, as anything would be better than writing nothing. Which is where she also met a quiet wrangler by the name of Randall... // Randall has land in Kansas, and he's just working in Wyoming to save up some money to outfit his own ranch. Randall was drawn to Madison, but Randall's leaving soon, and Madison, even sooner. Madison knew that Randall is a Christian, and is strong and good-hearted. But she can't do long-distance, and she didn't like being Christian... or did she misunderstood what being a Christian meant all along? And is there really a chance with Randall, if they can both go back to Kansas?

Okay, this is Christian / Spiritual, but not too obviously so. It doesn't beat you over the head with Bible quotes and such. You can even say it kinda broke the 4th Wall, albeit circumspect, by having characters that are romance novel writers discussing what constitutes a spiritual romance, and even made threw some shade at traditional publishing vs. indie publishing. 4/5

GRR Reviews The Protective Patriot by Sarah Gay

Tessa found she can never have children. She dedicated herself to library science, and be unattractive. She befriended a woman and her daughter who comes to the library often. When the woman was attacked by her crazy husband and almost killed, Tessa was asked to take care of the daughter... but she needs help, and there comes Miles... // Miles is the new left tackle of the Georgia Patriots. When he came to the downtown library, he witnessed a shooting, saved the woman, chased down the gunman and apprehended him, and fell for the librarian Tessa. When the shooting victim asked Miles and Tessa to take care of her daughter in case anything happened to her, they can't refuse. But to make sure the daughter doesn't get gobbled up by the state foster system, Miles and Tessa need to get married quickly. But what will Miles do when he found out Tessa cannot bear children? Is this just pretend marriage, or for real?

Okay, the conflict is real enough. It moved a bit too fast IMHO, but it's an interesting variation on insta-love. 4/5

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 Rescue Me by Emilia Hattington

Emily had to get away from her abusive BF... who actually whipped her (with an actual whip) when she's not "compliant". With the help of a friend, she changed her name to Emma and now lived hundreds of miles away with a distant aunt as an assistant librarian. // Liam made his billions through hard work and a sharp mind. He always runs a fundraiser for his hometown, and this year it happens to be the town (and school) library, and meeting Emma was a very pleasant surprise. Wooing Emma wasn't easy, as it's clear Emma is hesitant to engage as if she had been hurt before. And her evil ex is still out there...

This book feels as if it's written by formula, and the author has some problems with descriptions. I noticed some awkward sentences at the beginning, and the plot was really trope. I knew EXACTLY the moment the bad guy would make his presence known, and the plot was also extremely stupid. Let's just say, when a woman is getting ready to run, and even left a "Dear John Note", and you kidnap her, why wouldn't you take the car too? Instead, leaving the car there practically screams "Kidnapped!"  What's more, actually finding a newspaper clipping with her circled and written "Mine"? A bit over-the-top. Some parts of it were good, but that doesn't offset the lame parts. The bad guy's TSTL.

Category: Contemporary / Romantic Suspense

Overall Rating: 2/5

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

GRR Reviews Intercepted by Love (Book 1) by Rachelle Ayala

Cade Prescott is the notorious QB who had just lost the Superbowl with a pass that everybody warned him not to make. He decided to hide out in disguise, only taking his dog with him. // Andie Wales is a librarian who likes to research ancient kings, and her only constant companion is her dog. // When her dog and his dog ended up doing the deed (neither were fixed) they ended up meeting, and both were charmed. But then Cade's real life intrudes when someone recognized him...

Cliffhanger, and this runs on for SIX volumes. Each about 150-170 pages. It's charming, but not top of the line. Subtract the cliffhanger and it's average.

Category: Contemporary / Sports

Overall Rating: 3/5

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

GRR Reviews Goody Two Shoes by Janet Elizabeth Henderson

Josh McInnes is at the pinnacle of his singing career... After 20 years of singing love ballads, he knew there is no such thing as love, but he did know at the age of 35, he wanted a family. So he called up his manager / best friend and told him to find a woman who can accept an arranged marriage. Enter Caroline Patterson. // Caroline Patterson is the ice queen librarian. She bulldozes over anyone unwilling to follow her orders, and she only wears serious grey with sensible shoes. When a Yank bought the local castle that she wanted to restore, she's seeing red. Then the Yank made her the most indecent proposal... marry him in a deal that is without a shred of romance. And after consideration, she accepted the proposal, in exchange for restoring the castle her way. After all, she's in charge and she'll manage all aspects of their lives together. But love and life don't' work that way, and it seems Josh is immune to Caroline's ice queen demeanor and bulldozing. The marriage plans got very complicated when Josh's tribute/stalker/impersonator Danny arrived in town, followed quickly by an evil paparazzi, then someone sent threats to Caroline...

It was uproariously funny until the writer forgot she's in Scotland, not Middle America. There are no Goodwills in Scotland.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

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

GRR Reviews Fierce Attraction by J B Heller

Ashlynn is a shy librarian who was almost killed by her crazy boyfriend when her pregnancy turned out to be a false alarm. Her ex went to prison, but she's traumatized for life. She thought she's getting better, but she's not ready to date, when Axel walked through the door of her library... // Axel is a PI who wondered if he can ever find the right woman, when he ran into Ashlynn in the library. One look and he knew she's the woman for him, but she's not ready to date... but with a bit of consultation, he knew he can wait... That is until they found Ashlynn's evil ex had just skipped his parole check-in...

Axel and Ashlynn are okay characters, but the solution was a bit much on serendipity. Overall, there isn't much that raised this above the ordinary.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3/5

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

GRR Reviews Her Reluctant Rancher by Anne Marie Novark

Trevor hated his grandfather Hank after his parents are gone. That's why he left town to seek his fortune. Now that old man Hank is dead, he's back for one reason only: settle his affairs and sell the ranch... and get the hell away from this place. However, his way was the quiet librarian Beth and her son. Beth drives the local bookmobile, and Hank promised her a million dollars for a local library AND his entire book collection (which is extensive) with one stipulation... Don't let his grandson sell the ranch. Beth felt an attraction toward Trevor, but she will not act on it because she has a daily reminder of what sort of consequences lust has... her son. Can the two work out a mutually beneficial solution?

Didn't feel the connection here much. Beth's attraction toward Trevor was unexplained, and the reverse wasn't even enemies to lovers. Overall, the relationship is just weird.

NOTE: The author is probably also known as Anne Marie Novak (missing an "R"?)

Category: Contemporary / Western

Primary Plot: Man returned to town to sell grandpa's ranch, but the grandpa had promised a large donation to the local library if the town librarian can convince his grandson to NOT sell...

Overall Rating: 3/5

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

GRR Reviews I Only Have Eyes For You (The Sullivans) by Bella Andre

I Only Have Eyes for You by Bella Andre was full of tropes, but Bella Andre, a veteran romance writer, was able to massage the elements into a sweet romantic tale.

Sophie Sullivan is the "nice" twin in the Sullivans family with SIX brothers to watch out for her. She yearned to be noticed by the man she wanted the first time she saw him... Jake McCann. Jake always worked hard and now Jake owned a chain of Irish pubs. Women loved him, but he only wanted one girl, his best friend's little sister Sophie that he should never desire. When one of the Sullivan brothers got married, Jake and Sophie fell for the atmosphere... and they consummated their relationship... but both felt ashamed... Sophie for succumbing to lust, and Jake for inadequacy ("I am no good for her"). Then Sophie discovered she's pregnant... When Sophie appeared on Jake's doorstep, and Jake accepted the news, he realized he must marry her... but she won't accept, believing he doesn't love her. Jake must convince her to stay... but to do so, he may have to give up his most shameful secret...

The tropes are numerous (accidental pregnancy, bestie's little sister, sexy librarian, bar owner, overprotective brothers...) but they fit together well enough and polished well by the author. Jake's... secret wasn't really that devastating, and Sophie, well, really does feel like a real person, with not too angst-y emotions. Enjoyed the novel.

Category: Contemporary

Primary Plot: Bar owner fell for the one girl he should not want, his best friend's little sister. But she wanted him too... Then she found out she's pregnant... by him... after one drunken night!

Tropes: accidental pregnancy, best firend's sibling, library, bar owner, protective siblings, different worlds, no good for you

Overall Rating:  4/5

GRR Reviews Chasing Charlie: A Romantic Comedy by Kathy Carmichael

Chasing Charlie is a "fake fiancee real love" trope book that is technically well done, but there's enough tropes and cliches here to choke. It's small town, it's Texas, it's cowboys and rodeos, it's billionaire, it's librarian stepping out... it's as if the author just stuffed all her favorite tropes into the same novel.

Charlie has had enough of rodeo champs... Her family produces them and there is absolutely positively NO WAY she'll ever date one. That's why she picked the career of librarian... but her bestie wants her to live a little, step out of that plain Jane look and do something... wild. Charlie didn't count on seeing Davis Murphy, one of Dallas' most eligible bachelors, already rich... but a cowboy wannabe. Davis needs Charlotte / Charlie to play his fiancee. Davis doesn't date librarians... but his mom would dig Charlie for sure. And Davis knew that his mom was waiting for him to settle down before marrying her love... so... Davis need Charlie... not the other way around. However, Charlie is allergic to cowboys, even a cowboy wannabe like Davis who wants to ride horses, buy a ranch, and all that. But when everybody thought Charlie and Davis really are getting married, what will they do?

Technically there is nothing wrong with this book, but it's just so... formulaic and trope-ridden it's just so mediocre that you'd almost want to mark it down for being... mediocre.

Category: Contemporary / Western

Primary Plot: Small town librarian stepping out was wooed by rich bachelor to be... FAKE fiancee to impress his mother...

Tropes: small town, ranch, librarian, fake engagement, different worlds

Overall Rating:  3/5