Showing posts with label 3 Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 3 Stars. Show all posts

Friday, August 14, 2020

Melinda's Mini Reviews for August

Melinda has a few mini reviews for you today, from 3 to 4 Stars!



Things Hoped For
by Chencia Higgins
Publisher: EKOL Media (July 28, 2020)
Series: The Vow Series, 4
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Queer, F/F)


Can two women who only want to be loved, find a home in each other when the world around them is moving too fast for them to settle down?

Growing up in an intolerant town, Latrisha Martin was used to shrinking the most important parts of herself. She hid her loneliness within a busy life and kept the yearning in her heart tucked away from those closest to her. Just as the façade became too heavy to maintain, Trisha received wise words from a strange woman that helped redirect her life's journey. On a whim, she relocates to Houston, and while adjusting to a new normal, she finds that those desires she'd once hidden begin to manifest in ways she never imagined.

With her star attached to a rocket ship, Xenobia Cooper was quickly transforming from a locally known talent into a name known in households across the nation. Viewed as an overnight success to many, the only thing that the veteran of the Houston underground music scene hadn't prepared for was living a life without someone to come home to at the end of the day. A reckless tweet sent out in the middle of the night brings an influx of women with stars in their eyes, but they all lack the key component that Xeno is looking for. A chance encounter after her largest show to date and she's convinced that those things she'd hoped for are just within her grasp.

The Vow Series
To Buy a Vow - Book 1
To Build a Vow - Book 2
To Break a Vow - Book 3
Things Hoped For - Book 4



Where to Buy*:
More Info:
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series



Melinda's Review:

Monday, January 27, 2020

Melinda's Mini Reviews for January (Part 1)

Melinda has a few mini reviews for you today, from 3 to 5 Stars.



Open House by Ruby Lang
Publisher: Carina Press (November 11, 2019)
Series: Uptown Series, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance (M/F)


Love can take root where you least expect it.


Tyson Yang never imagined that one day he’d be the de facto spokesperson for an illegal community garden. But when the once-rat-infested-but-now-thriving Harlem lot goes up for sale, Ty can’t just let all their hard work get plowed under.

Even if he is irresistibly drawn to the lovely but infuriatingly stubborn real estate associate.

Magda Ferrer’s family is already convinced this new job will be yet another flop in her small but growing list of career path failures. But her student debt isn’t going anywhere, and selling her uncle’s historic town house and the lot nearby means a chance to get some breathing room.

Ty is her charming rival, her incorrigible nemesis, the handsome roadblock to her success.

Until one hot Harlem night blurs the hard line drawn between them, and the seeds of possibility in this rocky garden blossom into love…



Where to Buy*:
More Info:






Melinda's Review:

Friday, November 15, 2019

Melinda's Review: How to Belong with a Billionaire

How to Belong with a Billionaire by Alexis Hall
Publisher: Forever Yours (September 3, 2019)
Series: Arden St. Ives, 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Queer, M/M)
1st POV


If you love someone, set them free...

I thought I'd be okay when Caspian Hart left. He was a brilliant, beautiful billionaire with a past he couldn't escape. And I was ... just me: an ordinary man lost in his own life. It would never have lasted. It should never have happened. Not outside a fairytale.

And I am okay. I've got my job, my family, my friends, and everything Caspian taught me. Except it turns out he's going to marry his ex-boyfriend. A man who doesn't understand him. A man who almost broke him. And I've finally realized it's not enough for me to be happy. I need Caspian to be happy too.

Problem is, I've already done all I can to help him. I've followed his rules and broken his rules and learned his secrets. And he still won't believe I can love him. So now it's his turn. His turn to fight, and trust, and hope. It's time for Caspian Hart to choose me.



Where to Buy*:
Kindle | NOOK | Kobo
More Info:



Reviews for Hall's books:








Melinda's Review:

Monday, June 10, 2019

Melinda's Mini Reviews for June

Melinda has a few mini reviews for you today, from 3 to 4 Stars.



The Key to Happily Ever After by Tif Marcelo
Publisher: Gallery Books (May 14, 2019)
Genre: Contemporary / WF


A charming romantic comedy about three sisters who are struggling to keep the family wedding planning business afloat—all the while trying to write their own happily-ever-afters in the process. 

All’s fair in love and business.

The de la Rosa family and their wedding planning business have been creating happily ever afters in the Washington, DC area for years, making even the most difficult bride’s day a fairytale. But when their parents announce their retirement, the sisters—Marisol, Janelyn, and Pearl—are determined to take over the business themselves.

But the sisters quickly discover that the wedding business isn’t all rings and roses. There are brides whose moods can change at the drop of a hat; grooms who want to control every part of the process; and couples who argue until their big day. As emotions run high, the de la Rosa sisters quickly realize one thing: even when disaster strikes—whether it’s a wardrobe malfunction or a snowmageddon in the middle of a spring wedding—they’ll always have each other.

Perfect for fans of the witty and engaging novels of Amy E. Reichert and Susan Mallery, The Key to Happily Ever After is a fresh romantic comedy that celebrates the crucial and profound power of sisterhood.



Where to Buy*:
More Info:






Melinda's Review:

Monday, May 20, 2019

Melinda's Mini Reviews for May

Melinda has a few mini review for you today, from DNF to 4 Stars.



Fumbled by Alexa Martin
Publisher: Berkley (April 23, 2019)
Series: Playbook, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance


A second chance doesn't guarantee a touchdown in this new contemporary romance from the author of Intercepted.

Single-mother Poppy Patterson moved across the country when she was sixteen and pregnant to find a new normal. After years of hard work, she's built a life she loves. It may include a job at a nightclub, weekend soccer games, and more stretch marks than she anticipated, but it's all hers, and nobody can take that away. Well, except for one person.

TK Moore, the starting wide receiver for the Denver Mustangs, dreamt his entire life about being in the NFL. His world is football, parties, and women. Maybe at one point he thought his future would play out with his high school sweetheart by his side, but Poppy is long gone and he's moved on.

When Poppy and TK cross paths in the most unlikely of places, emotions they've suppressed for years come rushing back. But with all the secrets they never told each other lying between them, they'll need more than a dating playbook to help them navigate their relationship. 


Where to Buy*:
More Info:






Melinda's Review:

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Chelsea's Review: Pyre at the Eyreholme

Pyre at the Eyreholme by Lin Darrow
Publisher: Less Than Three Press, LLC (July 4, 2018)
Genre: Fantasy Romance -- M/M


In Temperance City, the streets are ruled by spelled-up gangsters, whose magic turf wars serve as a constant backdrop to civilian life. With magic strictly regulated, Eli Coello—whip-smart jewelry salesman by day, sultry torch singer by night—has always found it advantageous to hide his magical affinity for ink.

All that goes up in smoke the day Eli is forced to use his magic to foil a jewelry heist, and in doing so unwittingly catches the eye Duke Haven, leader of the fire-flinging Pyre gang. Seeing a useful asset, Duke promptly blackmails Eli into providing unregistered spellwork.

Duke needs Eli’s ink-magic to help him pull a dangerous con against a rival gang. As the heist comes together, Eli finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into the Temperance underworld—and, perhaps most dangerously, to Duke himself.



Where to Buy*:
More Info:
Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!






Chelsea's Review:

Friday, July 27, 2018

Jen's Review: Unraveled

Whiskey Sharp: Unraveled by Lauren Dane
Publisher: HQN Books (February 1, 2018)
Series: Whiskey Sharp, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance


The sharpest ache comes from wanting what you think you can't have

Maybe Dolan has lived independent, free-spirited and unattached since leaving home at sixteen. Whiskey Sharp, Seattle's sexy vintage-styled barbershop and whiskey bar, gave her a job and a reason to put down roots. Cutting hair by day, losing herself drumming in a punk rock band by night, she's got it good.

But a longtime crush that turns into a hot, edgy night with brooding and bearded Alexsei Petrov makes it a hell of a lot better.

Maybe's blunt attitude and carnal smile hooked Alexsei from the start. Protecting people is part of his nature and Maybe is meant to be his even if she doesn't know it. Yet. He can't help himself from wanting to protect and care for her.

But Maybe's fiery independent spirit means pushing back when Alexsei goes too far. Still, he's not afraid to do a little pushing of his own to get what he wants her in his life, and his bed, for good. Maybe's more intoxicating than all the liquor on his shelf and he's not afraid to ride the blade's edge to bind her to him.



Where to Buy*:
More Info:



Reviews for Dane's Books:









Jen's Review:

Monday, June 25, 2018

Jen's Review: Moonlight Seduction

Moonlight Seduction by Jennifer Armentrout
Publisher: Avon (June 26, 2018)
Series: de Vincent, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance


The de Vincent brothers are back—and so is the intrigue that surrounds them—in New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s sizzling new novel...

Nicolette Bresson never thought she’d return to the de Vincents’ bayou compound. It’s where her parents work, where Nikki grew up... and where she got her heart broken by Gabriel de Vincent himself. Yet here she is, filling in for her sick mother. Avoiding Gabe should be easy, especially when so much of Nikki’s time is spent trying not to be stabbed in the back by the malicious hangers-on who frequent the mansion. But escaping memories of Gabe, much less his smoking-hot presence, is harder than expected—especially since he seems determined to be in Nikki’s space as much as possible.

Gabriel spent years beating himself up over his last encounter with Nikki. He’d wanted her then, but for reasons that were bad for both of them. Things have now changed. Gabe sees more than a girl he’s known forever; he sees a smart, talented, and heartbreakingly beautiful woman... one who’s being stalked from the shadows. Now, Gabe will do anything to keep Nikki safe—and to stop the de Vincent curse from striking again.



Where to Buy*:
More Info:






Content Warning: Cancer Treatment of Parent, Violent physical assault and attempted sexual assault (on page) 







Jen's Review:

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Kat's Review: A Tiny Piece of Something Greater

A Tiny Piece of Something Greater by Jude Sierra
Publisher: Interlude Press (May 17, 2018)
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- M/M




Reid Watsford has a lot of secrets and a past he can’t quite escape. While staying at his grandmother’s condo in Key Largo, he signs up for introductory dive classes, where he meets Joaquim Oliveira, a Brazilian dive instructor with wanderlust. Driven by an instant, magnetic pull, what could have been just a hookup quickly deepens. As their relationship evolves, they must learn to navigate the challenges of Reid’s mental illness—on their own and with each other.






Where to Buy*:
More Info:
Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!





Content Warnings: Contains discussion of mental illness, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.






Kat's Review:

Friday, March 23, 2018

Pat's Review: Dark Justice: Hunt

Dark Justice: Hunt by Jenna Ryan
Publisher: Entangled: Amara (March 26, 2018)
Series: Dark Justice, 2
Genre: Romantic Suspense


Dr. Melia Rose and ex-Marine Johnny Hunt had it all. Until one night in Atlantic City changed everything. She’s left shocked, confused, and alone, unable to come to terms with what happened.

Hell, she doesn’t even know what happened; she just knows her life has taken a one-eighty.

Now, Melia’s started over—again—in her secluded, boring life in the swamps of Florida. The people are great, she has a housekeeper who may or may not be Bette Davis reincarnated, and it’s quiet. But when her ex-husband shows up, dropping a bomb of epic proportions, her new life is a whole lot more dangerous than she could have ever imagined.

There’s nothing Johnny wants more than to undo the damage from the past. The secrets he’s been carrying have been eating away at him, but protecting Melia was more important than anything else. Even his own life. He managed to save her last time, but the danger is close—too close. In order to save her once more from his demons, Johnny will have to come clean…about everything.



Where to Buy*:
Kindle | NOOK | Kobo
More Info:






Pat's Review:

Friday, February 9, 2018

Jen's Reviews: On the Edge of Scandal and Fire on the Ice

Today Jen has a double dose of Tamsen Parker for you. Both of these books came out on the 6th, so we figured we'd throw the reviews together, too.



Remember, since FIRE ON THE ICE is a Royal Pick, come back on February 22nd for a chance to win an ecopy of your own!



On the Edge of Scandal by Tamsen Parker
Publisher: Swerve (February 6, 2018)
Series: Snow and Ice Games, 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- Sports


Bronwyn Perry is the star of the US women’s hockey team, and she and her boyfriend Brody Hill have been hockey royalty since they’ve been in high school. Brody unexpectedly fails to make the men’s team but still comes to Denver to support his girl at the Snow and Ice Games. Or so Bronwyn thinks.

Ash Levenson is the coach of the women’s SIG hockey team. His primary responsibility is to keep his team happy, healthy, and primed to win. Though he’s close in age to his players, he’s been doing this for a while and mostly, it’s easy to keep his eyes on the puck. He’s always been able to discard any crush he might have on any of the women he’s coached…until Bronwyn.

When Bronwyn and Brody’s romance comes to a very public and very ugly end, Ash has to get his star player’s head back in the game and ready to dominate on the rink. Which may mean spending a little time off the ice… 



Where to Buy*:
More Info:


Reviews for Parker's Books:





Jen's Review:

Monday, February 5, 2018

Pat's Review: A Wedding at Two Love Lane

A Wedding at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (January 2, 2018)
Series: Two Love Lane, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Never say never when it comes to love.

Greer Jones has made a real name for herself at the elegant matchmaking agency Two Love Lane. For a lot of reasons--including a past engagement she broke off--practical tech expert Greer is more interested in the business of love than the experience of it, but she can't help but covet a gorgeous wedding gown that's the prize in an upcoming cocktail-party contest. In a moment of brazen inspiration, Greer asks a handsome Brit she's only just met to accompany her to the party. He agrees--and Greer believes her date is a starving artist. Little does she know the truth. . .

Ford Smith, as he calls himself, is actually Stanford Elliott Wentworth Smythe, the Eighth Baron of Wickshire. Fresh off a breakup with a money-grubbing siren who deceived him all the way to the altar, Ford has no desire to fall in love--especially with Greer who, like the desired wedding gown, is beautiful but only skin-deep. But soon Ford realizes that there's more to Greer than meets the eye. Her professionalism is matched only by her passion for life and love. . .and, best of all, she has no idea that he's to the manor born. Could it be that true love is priceless after all?



Where to Buy*:
More Info:






Pat's Review:

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Throwback Thursday Double Review: A Very Private Love and Forever

Jen's got another Throwback Review for you, but this time it's double the fun with TWO Old Skool Harlequin Presents titles. Let's take a walk down 1986 romancelandia lane -- the good, the bad, and the ugly.



A Very Private Love by Melinda Cross
Publisher: Harlequin; First Edition edition (May 1, 1986)
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- Category


No doubt about it, he was really the one

All her life Valerie had believed, without question, that when she finally met the man she was destined to love, she would know it in an instant. And she did.

It hit her like a thunderbolt when she happened upon Charles Rissom, a reclusive American entrepreneur, disguised as a buyer at the Egyptian Arabian horse show in Kentucky.

The odds were stacked against her. If she were to tell Charles who she really was, she risked losing more than the story of the century - she risked losing her lifelong dream for love. 



Where to Buy*:
More Info:





Forever by Lynn Turner
Publisher: Harlequin; First Edition edition (May 1, 1986)
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- Category


Together they faced a dangerous ordeal

Somehow Bernadette knew she could stake her life on Colonel Sam Forrester. And when their plane was sabotaged and she and Sam were left behind in the jungle so that the plane could take off again, she knew she would have to.

Fortune had it that a devious, conniving guardian angel led Sam to believe Bernadette was a nun. How else could safe passage be guaranteed for the woman who set Sam's renegade heart on fire?

An affair with Sam would be assuredly glorious--but brief. And Bernadette wanted Sam's love to last forever.



Where to Buy*:
More Info:



Jen's Review:

Monday, November 6, 2017

Jen's Review: Devil's Gamble

Devil's Gamble by Michele Arris
Publisher: Crimson Romance (November 13, 2017)
Series: Tarnished Billionaires, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance


The tantalizing Tarnished Billionaires series scorches on with book two, starring a bred-to-be-bad hero longing to make good for love.

Sienna Keller saw how men used her mother, and from an early age she swore she’d never allow it to happen to her. So when she meets smooth-talking billionaire Gavin Crane, who uses his connections to help her art career, she resolves to keep things strictly professional—no matter how gorgeous he is.

Gavin might be the son of the head of the Kavanagh organized crime family, but he wants no part of that life. It’s important to him to prove to Sienna that he’s a good guy. But when she winds up in the hospital with a gunshot wound, he is driven to exact revenge. His father agrees to provide security to watch over her as well as find the man who shot her, but at a cost—Gavin must come back into the family business.

As Sienna begins to let her guard down around Gavin, seeing the kind, caring man he’s always wanted her to see, his secrets begin to pile up. Has she done the one thing she vowed never to do—trusted her heart to the wrong man?

Sensuality Level: Spicy



Where to Buy*:
More Info:



Jen's Review:

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Discussion: Too Beautiful To Break [Spoilers!]

Today Jen and I are going to discuss Tessa Bailey's newest release, Too Beautiful to Break!

Warning: There will be some spoilers, so if you haven't read it yet and don't wish to have anything ruined, come back and join the discussion after you're done! :)



Too Beautiful to Break by Tessa Bailey
Publisher: Forever (September 26, 2017)
Series: Romancing the Clarksons, 4
Genre: Contemporary Romance


A love of a lifetime . . .

Leaving Belmont Clarkson is the hardest thing Sage Alexander has ever done. From the moment they met, she knew Belmont was the one, and getting up close and personal with him on his family's epic road trip has taken her desire to a new, even hotter level. But there's no way she can go there---not without revealing secrets that could devastate them both.

Losing Sage is not an option. Belmont's heart is hers, has always been hers. He knows she's hiding something from him, but nothing will stand in his way of telling her just how much she means to him. Finding her is easy---saving her from her past could cost him everything.



Where to Buy*:
More Info:






Our Discussion:

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

[Jen's Review]: "Disasters in Dating"

romance novel covers, contemporary romance, Disasters in Dating by Danielle Allen
Disasters in Dating by Danielle Allen
Publisher: Danielle Allen (July 8, 2017)
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Chick Lit
WARNING: CLIFFHANGER


Dating is hard. 
Dating online is hard. 
Dating online in your thirties is hard. 
Dating online in your thirties after being in a ten-year relationship is hard.

What’s not hard? 
Meeting men who aren’t really single.
Having your time wasted.
Receiving unsolicited pictures of genitalia.
Said genitalia.

When did dating become so complicated?

I just want to find a nice, good looking man who replies to my entire text message and doesn’t text me “WYD” every hour. I just want to find a fun loving, intelligent man who doesn’t have a Master’s Degree in Cheating and isn’t fluent in lies. I just want to find a man who is actually the height he listed in his dating profile. 

I jumped back into the dating scene with tempered expectations. I didn’t think all the men I would meet were going to be amazing, but I didn’t think so many of them were going to be disasters. 



Where to Buy*:
More Info:



Jen's Review:

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

[Pat's Review]: "The Toughest Cowboy in Texas"

contemporary romance, romance novel covers, The Toughest Cowboy in Texas by Carolyn Brown
The Toughest Cowboy in Texas by Carolyn Brown
Publisher: Forever (May 30, 2017)
Series: Happy, Texas, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance


The Spark of an Old Flame

Last time Lila Harris was in Happy, Texas, she was actively earning her reputation as the resident wild child. Now, a little older and wiser, she's back to run her mother's café for the summer. Except something about this town has her itching to get a little reckless and rowdy, especially when she sees her old partner-in-crime, Brody Dawson. Their chemistry is just as hot as ever. But he's still the town's golden boy-and she's still the wrong kind of girl.

Brody hasn't had much time lately for anything other than ranching. Running the biggest spread in the county and taking care of his family more than keeps him busy. All that responsibility has him longing for the carefree days of high school-and Lila. She may have grown up, but he still sees that spark of mischief in her eyes. Now he's dreaming about late-night skinny dipping and wondering how he can possibly resist the one woman he can never forget... 



Where to Buy*:
More Info:



Reviews of Brown's Previous Books:

Billion Dollar Cowboy (#1) -- Kame
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby (#2) -- Kame
How to Marry a Cowboy (#4) -- Kame

The Cowboy's Mail Order Bride (#3) -- Kame
Cowboy Seeks Bride (#7) -- Kame

Cowboy Boots for Christmas (#1) -- Kame
The Trouble with Texas (#2) -- Kame



Pat's Review:

Friday, May 19, 2017

[ARC Review]: "From Duke Till Dawn"

romance novel covers, historical romance, From Duke Till Dawn by Eva Leigh
From Duke Till Dawn by Eva Leigh
Publisher: Avon (May 30, 2017)
Series: The London Underground, 1
Genre: Historical Romance


Eva Leigh launches a seductive new series that sizzles with the dark secrets of London’s underworld...

Years ago, the Duke of Greyland gave his heart—and a princely sum of money—to a charming, destitute widow with unparalleled beauty. After one passionate night, she slipped from his bed and vanished without a trace. And just when he’s given up hope of ever seeing her again, Greyland finds her managing a gaming hell. He’s desperate to have her… until he discovers everything about his long-lost lover was a lie.

In truth, Cassandra Blake grew up on the streets, picking pockets to survive. Greyland was a mark—to be fleeced and forgotten—but her feelings for the duke became all too real. Once he learns of her deception, however, the heat in his eyes turns to ice. When her business partner absconds with the gaming hell proceeds—leaving unsavory investors out for blood—Cassandra must beg the man she betrayed for help.

Greyland wants compensation, too, and he’ll assist her under one condition: she doesn’t leave his sight until her debts are paid. But it’s not long before the real Cassandra—the smart, streetwise criminal—is stealing his heart all over again. 



Where to Buy*:
More Info:


My Review:


Wednesday, April 5, 2017

[ARC Review]: "All I Want Is You"

romance novel covers, contemporary romance, All I Want Is You by Candace Havens
All I Want Is You by Candace Havens
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen (April 17, 2017)
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Hawke Vance will do whatever it takes to protect the family business, even if it means protecting it from his own father, a man who’s just gotten hitched in Vegas to wife number nine. Growing up seeing how much chaos wedded bliss creates, Hawke’s sworn never to fall into the matrimony trap. But to get the all-important controlling shares of the company, he does need a wife.

Being caught skinny dipping is not the way ballerina Amy Powell planned to start her vacation. When the hot biker who catches her turns out to be the owner of the house she’s staying in, she’s mortified. But embarrassment soon turns to confusion and a good dose of lust when Mr. Sex on a Stick offers her the money she needs to save her brother if she’ll agree to marry him and play pretend for two months.

Only this game of make-believe quickly starts feeling too real…



Where to Buy*:
More Info:


My Review:


Monday, January 9, 2017

[ARC Review]: "Falling for the Player"

romance novel covers, M/M romance, Contemporary Romance, Falling for the Player by Jessica Lee
Falling for the Player by Jessica Lee
Publisher: Entangled: Embrace (January 16, 2017)
Genre: M/M Romance -- Contemporary


Bad boy and former NFL running back Patrick Guinness is tired of meaningless sex. Ever since his scorching hot one-night stand three years ago, no one has interested him. So when Max Segreti wanders into his mechanic shop—and his life again—Patrick can't stop thinking about the totally-out-of-his-league law grad and the possibility of getting him out of his system once and for all… 


Max Segreti has spent his entire life doing what his father wants. But when he runs into the hotter-than-hell player he’s never been able to forget, he’s not thinking about studying for the bar. A distraction is the last thing he needs, but after an encounter leaves him wanting more, Max embraces the chaos that Patrick brings…even as he knows it can’t last. They're too different to ever have a future together. 



Where to Buy*:
More Info:


My Review: