GRR Reviews Her Country Christmas Date by Ranee S Clark

Dru is a famous country rock star and rich, and the paparazzi portrayed him as a playboy. So he went to a quaint little country inn for Christmas, somewhere no one will expect him (but will probably recognize him anyway). And meeting Amber across the hall is very nice... // Amber knew of Dru's reputation and is wary of his attention. But Dru managed to convince Amber to accept a dozen dates, and it'll go only as far as she wanted. After all, she's only around for ten more days...

Good "holiday fling" short, under 100 pages. 4/5

GRR Reviews Something So Perfect by Natasha Madison

Matthew made too many mistakes as a hockey bad boy and was cut from the team at 23. When a different team wanted to give him another chance, he'll accept any terms, because he wanted to be back on the ice... Even accept a chaperone that will keep him out of trouble. He didn't expect the chaperone to be team owner's daughter, Karrie... //  Karrie was glad her father finally gave her a job... just not babysitting a washed-up hockey jock. And while Matthew is insanely hot and knew it too, he also drove her up the wall with his sweet-craziness. But as long as he's playing great and not ruining his image... it's okay, even if she ended up in his bed, right? But do they have a future together?

While dialog is good, somehow Matthew just feels a bit too... crazy? But the description is apt... it's sweet-kinda-crazy. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews The Price of Scandal by Lucy Score

Emily may be a billionaire CEO, but her family is a total mess. With her company on the verge of IPO, Emily needs a little publicity boost... But when her plus-one for the gala was busted for drugs in front of the Miami paparazzi, she needs help fast. Enter Derek, corporate troubleshooter. // Derek likes Emily, but he never sleeps with a client. He can sense that this incident was no accident... someone orchestrated a negative media blitz to take Emily down. He needs to show the world who Emily really is to win their trust, and he may have to break his own heart to protect her...

Some parts worked, and some parts didn't. And I'm surprised nobody thought of recording the phone calls, as the villain basically confirmed the dastardly deeds with a cackle over the phone once they figured out who the villain is. The escalation works well. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Wild Open Hearts by Kathryn Nolan

Luna has made herself a billionaire by focusing on changing the cosmetics industry with Wild Heart... No animal testing and ethical sourcing. Until she was betrayed by her supplier... Now her fans believed they were betrayed as well. To avert total disaster, she will help a charity and get some good PR for both. // Beck has two motorcycle outlaws for his parents... and he left twenty years ago. He knew his Lucky Dog charity which rehabilitates abused dogs can always use more money. When Luna offered to help, all he saw was "being used"... But when his funding source ran dry, the charity needs Luna... // Luna never expected to grow fond of the gruff and dangerous-looking biker but she knew he's a big softie inside. Beck can't believe he can grow to tolerate the ultra-rich billionaire who's actually a hippie bohemian chick. And after a kiss, neither can stay away... but as her PR nightmare continues, and his parents making their presence known, will they unite to resolve their problems... Or will their differences prove too much for their love?

Actually a lot of fun to read. My problem is they keep talking about the bad parents, but in the end, they merely needed a talk to go away. Somehow, THAT lead to a darkest hour... Which is kinda lame. 4.5/5

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 Stuck on You by Amelia Wilde

Beau Bliss knew his brother runs the resort, and he's the entertainment director... sorta. Well-known as "the party guy", he throws events that people attend... sometimes with embarrassing results. And being non-confrontational, he's also used to being stereotyped as the f***-up. Having (virgin) mimosas in the morning doesn't help. When the latest PR disaster hit, Beau was suddenly saddled with an outside event planner consultant Claire... (by his brother's orders) who's prim and proper, his complete opposite, and probably out for his job. But Claire's so uptight, she can use some loosening up... And Beau would love to do it for her... except if he does that, he'd probably be out of a job...

Nice way to handle opposites attract, by layering on the conflicting personality, plus a "misunderstood" trope. Claire's character arc however, is quite shallow compared to Beau's, as she's hiding from her family and such. Still, like Beau's layers. 4/5

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 Not Before Game Night by Khardine Gray

Cole, pro football player, was dragged into a bet by another player to defy coach's orders to NOT have sex night before the game. It should be an easy bet, since Vanessa, the girl that used to follow him around in high school, is now a gorgeous babe, and very near. // Vanessa knew Cole's bad news for more than ten years. Yes, she still has her V-card at 26, but she's NOT giving it to Cole, the man-whore. He had his chance a decade ago. Except, he's not quitting. And it may just be he found his soulmate... if he can convince her of that...

Not really feeling much about this one. And there's a logic problem in the plot. Cole actually stated that he LOST the bet and couldn't get Vanessa into bed and paid the bet off (200K). So for the darkest hour, somehow the bet came up AGAIN as the wedge issue. WTF?! 3/5

GRR Reviews Shattered Diamonds by Ann Omasta

Alex is a single dad raising her daughter alone, under the glare of the town, who believes he had a hand in his wife's death. Josie was the Olympic swim team darling until a shoulder injury shattered that dream and she was forced to return home. Being a nanny for the most notorious man in town wasn't exactly her choice, but with both searching for a purpose in life, perhaps they can find it in each other...

I honestly didn't feel too much chemistry between the two. 2.5/5

GRR Reviews It Had To Be Fate by Tamra Baumann

Casey just wants to raise her sons in peace at Andersonville, Colorado, a secret haven for celebrities. She already had her heart crushed by her ex, who charmed her but eventually turned controlling, then left when Casey won't take it anymore. But she's also the hotel manager who's always somehow not good enough for her father. So when her father decided to book a seemingly out-of-control rock star Zane Steele a place in the hotel without consulting her, then extended his stay into 3 months, instead of 2 weeks, her head's about to explode. Then her ex came back, threatening to sue for full custody of the kids... because having the kids near celebrities is bad influence on them. That is, until Casey met Zane... who's NOTHING like the media portrayals...  But Zane has a secret... The guy in the news busting up a club and getting arrested? That's actually his twin brother, not him. But he promised his mother to always protect his brother. But his own brother using his identity to do hellraising at his expense? Where does he draw the line? And he understands that Casey has to protect her family rather than trust him. But can he convince her to take a chance on him?

Wow, twin-switcha-roo scenarios seriously got a twist here, and the world-building in Andersonville takes another step forward here. The plotting is VERY nice, as the secrecy and more works against our MMC and MFC. And the solution was actually quite innovative, and made a great grand gesture. 5/5

GRR Reviews Rock Hard Cowboy by Christina Hovland

Tucker retired from his "cowboy rock-n-roll" business when he can no longer write music, and he refused to retread his old songs ad infinitum. But when America's sweetheart Mackenzie Bennett tripped in a club and faceplanted into his crotch (and caught by paparazzi), his departure from music biz may end up as a joke. So he reluctantly agreed to a PR stunt... // Mackenzie is a fine actress. It wasn't her fault that her last few movies bombed. She needs to turn the bad PR around, and that means pretending to date Tucker. In fact, convince Tucker to write and perform the theme song for her next movie would be even better... Even if she had to go spend Christmas with his family. But when the news of her "deal" (convince Tucker to write the next movie theme song and the role's hers) leaked, will Tucker feel betrayed? Or will love between them conquer all?

Good rom-com, but I think the parents are a bit TOO perceptive, and I don't quite see why Tucker was so butt-hurt from this supposedly "betrayal" (not quite enough sad backstory to justify that sort of reaction). The comedy bits are good. Lots of embarrassing moments. 4/5

GRR Reviews Bride by Mistake by Serenity Woods

Felicity "Fliss" is a famous actress, but her co-star and lover not only destroyed her trust, he threatened to ruin her completely by promising tabloids revealing photos and video. Desperate to get away, Fliss flew incognito to her best friend Roberta living at Bay of Islands, at her "Bridal Cafe", a place where she had spent some time many many years ago, and that's where she met Dominic. // Dominic is a widower who thought he'd never love again, but it's been two years and even his 7-year old daughter thought he should try again. Dom, who never reads gossip, just remembers Fliss as a friend's friend, and being the local Deacon, Dom is also non-judgemental. They eventually agreed to a secret fling. Fliss and Dom were enjoying their time together, but when paparazzi caught Fliss modeling a wedding gown for the Bridal Cafe. Not only they spun the story the wrong way, they also included Dom as the new fling, just as Fliss' ex released the photos... Fliss believed this is the end of her career and love...

Nice, I like the way Dom was non-judgmental yet supportive. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Braydon's Bride by Kathleen Lawless

Braydon was raised by the women in a whorehouse and never knew who his parents were, only that he was unwanted, but loved. He grew up and joined the Mason "brothers" and took their surname with pride. Meeting Henrietta, however, made him feel inadequate. She's a globe-trotting adventure-seeking treasure-hunter that left Argentina behind, and she has no time for Braydon's usual alpha ways that would have local ladies swooning. She's busy hunting a treasure with her business partner Percy, and doesn't care about Mason's feud with the local kingpin Hawkes. But when she's implicated in a murder along with Braydon, can they get out of the investigation intact? And can she really walk away?

Somehow the reasoning for the decision to stay didn't quite make sense. Also, the bad guy didn't really do much if anything except to kill another innocent woman. The framing attempt was so inept that even the out-of-town marshal knew he's being played. Again, this reminds me so much of Cobra Commander. 3/5

GRR Reviews Mud Pies & Family Ties by Dylann Crush

Motorcycle stuntman Dustin just became a national embarrassment when his stunt on a late-night talk show went wrong and sent the host to the ER. His agent told him to go stealth, so he went home... where he hadn't been back for 15 years. He met Harmony in town at the Lovebird Cafe, where she worked as a (very inept) waitress. The two had one awkward encounter after another, but he helped her out, and she temporarily adopts three baby raccoons (found inside her truck), and agrees to help him with his injured shoulder as she's much better as a licensed massage therapist. Dustin will even help her build her wellness studio, even as they rescue even more menagerie of animals (a de-scented pet skunk, and later, an injured emu). But when Dustin got a chance to be a star again, will he go... or stay?

Somehow, the final resolution didn't quite grab me. I understand WHY Dustin felt he had to go, but the reason he gave to abandon his career to be just a small town... what? Construction worker? Handy-man? It seems a bit vague. Rom-com is fine though. Emotional beats work great, with a proper darkest hour and grand gesture. But motivation felt a little lacking. 4/5

GRR Reviews Small Town Rumors by Carolyn Brown

Jennie Sue is back in town... by bus. And the small town of Bloom TX is buzzing. She, the high school queen bee, was supposed to be in New York, enjoying a nice alimony settlement in a penthouse after divorcing a tycoon. In reality, her assets are all frozen when the tycoon was suspected of financial malfeasance and she had no choice but to come home, and those she alienated back then are talking behind her back and enjoying her reversal of fortune, now working as a house cleaner, living in a garage apartment, and dating a simple farmer, Rick. // But Jennie Sue is enjoying her new friendship with what could have been her enemy Cricket, Rick's sister, regardless of the town chatter. But rumor also has it that Jennie Sue may be leaving... and she has to convince Rick that love can keep her in Bloom...

Nice set of quirky but not weird characters, a down-and-out heroine, and a bit of unrequited love with a reunion that is not quite bitter, but definitely sweet. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Let's Get Textual by Teagan Hunter

Delia and Zach would have never met except Zach wrote down the number wrong and accidentally texted Delia instead of his client, and Delia, believing the text was from her brother, replied. And thus started this unconventional friendship via text and calls. The two didn't even meet until weeks later. Yet somehow they knew each other VERY well before they even met IRL (in real life) with a good sense of humor, and that somehow led to one baby goat being adopted. But both Zach and Delia have a few secrets...  Things got VERY dicey when one of the risque photos sent to Zach somehow leaked... Was Delia betrayed by Zach?

Good discussion of privacy and limits and squeezing this texting thing for all its worth. The reasoning for the leak and the perp makes sense, even though it really felt petty in hindsight, but it works for the plot. And the baby goat's cute. The author managed to craft an enjoyable book but also with a great theme. 5/5

GRR Reviews The Off-Season by Megan Green

Ian, better known as "Tag", is a shortstop for the Washington Rampage pro baseball team, and he was apparently betrayed by a woman he had taken to bed, VERY consensually. The woman is now alleging rape as legal blackmail, and Ian was told to make himself scarce in the off-season while the PR team negotiates for her silence. He went to a friend's cabin in the small town called Maple Lake in Colorado, where people didn't recognize him. He found himself neighbor to Lexi, who has her own demons to conquer, and he wanted to help her fix up her old house. Ian and Lexi fell for each other, but can their love survive both of their secrets?

Apparently, the public will believe tabloid reporters, then later, confessions that contradict such tabloid reporters. Public must be really gullible. *sigh*  4/5

GRR Reviews The Perfect Lap by Sedona Hutton

AJ is a great racer, but also a loose cannon. He tweets himself chowing down on steak and burgers, but his sponsor is a vegan food supplier. He may have won the driver's cup, but his team chose to rein him in.. with an "image consultant". Enter Ella. // Ella, image consultant to a bad boy rockstar, thought she was just sending a photo (of the said star, in a VERY compromising position) to her BF that knew not to spread it around, as they are in the same profession. The photo leaked, and Ella was fired and slapped with NDA to NEVER mention it to ANYONE. Forced to go home, she found herself given the job of rehabbing AJ's image. And AJ doesn't seem to be anywhere CLOSE to being the "bad boy" rep he got... When Ella needed to temporarily foster three children (their mother was in jail), AJ offered up his house (it's much bigger than Ella's) and agree to pretend to be a couple with Ella to help the process along. But the longer they pretend, the more like a real couple they feel...

Nice handling of relationship, where BOTH MMC and FMC learned not to judge a book by its cover. Surprisingly, Ella had to learn it TWICE, first on AJ, then on the kids' mom. There's some new-age stuff that sounded hokey, but the principles are sound (just maybe not the explanations).  5/5

GRR Reviews Mail-Order Brides of Spring Water Box Set (1-3) by Kathleen Ball

NOTE: This Box Set / Collection has three books and should be read in order. While they are independent stories, you get more if you do read them in order.

Book 1: Tattered Heart

Georgia aka "Georgie" lost everything and everyone in the Civil War, in spite of (or because of) high class. And she learned how to live quickly, with the former-slaves teaching and sheltering her. With no other possibilities, she accepted a mail-order bride proposal in Texas with a former-Confederate Captain. But her arrival completely surprised Parker, who was deceived and betrayed by a woman who he believed he will marry after the war. He had no idea his deranged mother had arranged for a bride for him. But he will marry her. He had no idea what depravities and cruelties Georgie would be subjected to while he's away for business...

Detailed, and Georgia was almost broken, which was very hard to read at times. It's mostly about Parker winning back Georgie's trust. 4.5/5


Book 2: Shattered Trust

Max wanted to win his own home offered by Parker and Georgie, and he decided to get a mail-order bride as well. He got Veronica, who came with a surprise: a 4-month old baby girl, even though she claimed to be a widow of 3 years. Veronica was clearly hurt before, and she can no longer live in the town that chose to condemn her (she was forced). Max wasn't sure how to treat Veronica, except very tenderly, and accepted her. Then the baby daddy showed up...

Nice, VERY detailed, and basically someone who's down and out, tries to do better, only to be beaten down again. And only faith and love can carry them through. 4.5/5


Book 3: Glory's Groom

Glory grew up in an orphanage, but she's old enough to be married off. She can teach, but is that going to be of any use on a Texas ranch? And what about being a wife? // Kent, a friend of Parker (see Book 1) won the next "house" by marrying Glory. Outside, hooded figures terrorized the freed slave community. Ranch owner Parker decided to hire the freedman as help on the ranch at the same salary as his other help. This leads to conflict with the town, while Glory found many children on the ranch without education and organized a school. But is that enough to sustain a marriage?

Good mix of adventure, and people at their best... and worst. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews Mail Order Misfit by Jenna Brandt

Cara became an orphan when her mother was killed, and somehow, her father was found guilty of her murder and hung. Being a fiery red-headed Irish lass that no one in town would touch, she had no choice but to accept a mail-order bride offer out to the Dakota territories. When a man tried to force himself on her, she defended her honor by threatening him with her knife. But when he turned it around and accused her of trying to rob him, she did not hesitate to jump off the train... // James, former Army scout, had built up a respectable life for his family... but when his wife died, leaving three children behind, he must find another wife. After rescuing his intended from the wilderness (she jumped from the train), and have her acclimated to his children, James was surprised to see Cara arrested for a crime she did not commit... James was determined to find the truth... and get his wife back... by chasing down the man responsible...

No plot-holes other than Cara looking guilty by running from the law. But the motivation is actually understandable. She doesn't trust the law as far as she's concerned.  It was nice how the whole thing ties together. I find the ending a bit too quick and convenient though. 4.5/5