Contemp Review: Desert Heat Mass Market Paperback

I've finished "Desert Heat" the 2nd book in her Sinclair Sisters Trilogy series by Kat Martin.

For Patience Sinclair, leaving the ivy-covered halls of Boston for the wide, open spaces of Texas means a chance to stop looking over her shoulder at every turn. Travelling incognito with the Triple C Rodeo is just what she needs to free her from a past that continues to haunt her. But she can't avoid the undeniable presence of Dallas Kingman. The champion rider has a way of letting her know he's watching her every move that makes her feel wild and reckless. As they make their way through the heart of the southwest, a series of mysterious accidents darkens the promise of the unknown into a vortex of fear and obsession, and Patience finds herself closer to danger than she could have ever imagined.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Zebra; Reissue edition (February 4, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420131362
ISBN-13: 978-1420131369

My Review:

3.5/5

Contemp Review: Last Chance Knit & Stitch Mass Market Paperback

I've finished "Last Chance Knit and Stitch" the 6th book in her Last Chance series by Hope Ramsay.

Molly Canaday wishes she could repair her life as easily as she fixes cars. She was all set to open her own body shop in Last Chance when her mother ran off and left her to manage the family yarn shop instead. Now guided by the unsolicited-though well-intended - advice of the weekly knitting club, Molly works to untangle this mess. But her plan unravels when the new landlord turns out to be difficult-as well as tall, dark, and handsome.

Simon Wolfe returns to quickly settle his father's estate and then leave Last Chance for good. Still wounded by a broken heart, Simon is surprised when the town's charming streets and gentle spirit bring back good memories. Soon the beautiful, strong-willed Molly sparks a powerful attraction that tempts him to break his iron-clad no - commitment rule. Can Simon and Molly find a way to share work space - and build a future together in Last Chance?

About the Author 

Hope Ramsay grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you'll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. She's a two-time finalist in the Golden Heart and is married to a good ol' Georgia boy who resembles every single one of her heroes. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, where you can often find her on the back deck, picking on her thirty-five-year-old Martin guitar.

You can learn more at:
HopeRamsay.com
Facebook.com/Hope.Ramsay
Twitter, @HopeRamsay.

Product Details
Series: Last Chance (Book 6)
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (November 19, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455522279
ISBN-13: 978-1455522279

My Review:

3/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Contemp Review: Always on My Mind (A Lucky Harbor Novel) Mass Market Paperback

I've finished "Always on My Mind the 8th book in her Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shavis.

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING

After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack's ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib - that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot - and - heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle.

No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine - perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their "just friends" rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

Product Details
Series: A Lucky Harbor Novel (Book 8)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (September 24, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455521108
ISBN-13: 978-1455521104

My Review:

Leah Sullivan and Jack Harper are childhood best friend and were each others support when they were growing up.  Leah left town which broke Jack's heart when things started heating up between them.   Now Leah is back in town to help run her grandmother's bakery after dropping out of pastry school and messing up and opportunity on a cooking show.  She finds herself distracted by Jack and to cheer up his mother she tells a little lie that she and Jack are seeing each other.  As they interact more she finds it hard to just pretend they are involved.

Jack is hiding a whole lot of pain but hides it under a charming personality.  He has been pushing himself into something that he is not because he has grown up under the shadow of his firefighter father who died in the line of duty.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Leah and Jack because it was shimmering under the surface ready to explode.  When they finally got together it was hot and steamy and they both really enjoyed it.

4/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Contemp Review: The Buckhorn Legacy (Hqn) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "The Buckhorn Legacy" the 5th book in her Buckhorn Brother series by Lori Foster.

Emma Clark is back in Buckhorn. Once she was the girl with too much makeup and a bad reputation — and she tried everything she could to get Casey Hudson into bed. He was the cutest guy in town, and the only one who seemed to really care about her.

As a hot-blooded teen it was hard for Casey to resist Emma. Now, eight years later, it's impossible. But Emma is doing her best to shut him out — and Casey needs to convince her that the attraction that burns between them isn't just leftover teenage lust, but his real love for a real woman.

About the Author 

Lori Foster is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author with books from a variety of publishers, including Berkley/Jove, Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin and Silhouette. Lori has been a recipient of the prestigious RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Series Romantic Fantasy, and for Contemporary Romance. She’s had top-selling books for Amazon, Waldenbooks and the BGI Group. For more about Lori, visit her Web site at www.lorifoster.com.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harlequin HQN; Reissue edition (October 23, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373777086
ISBN-13: 978-0373777082

My Review:

4/5

Contemp Review: Barefoot in the Sun (Barefoot Bay) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Barefoot in the Sun the 3rd book in her Barefoot Bay series by Roxanne St. Claire.

Product Description

A Barefoot Bay Novel

When running is all you've ever known

Caught between fight and flight, Zoe Tamarin has always picked flight. Since she was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha, they've been on the move, never staying in one place long enough to risk exposing their precarious past. But now that they've reached the sun-baked shores of Barefoot Bay, Zoe may have to stay and fight - for her aunt's life and for a love she ran from years before.

Sometimes the bravest act of all is to stand still.

Oliver Bradbury came to Florida to start over, as both a doctor and a father to his eight-year-old son. He never expected life to hand him a second chance with the woman he lost years ago - but one look at Zoe Tamarin and he knows he'll do whatever it takes to prove that this time, he can be the man she needs. But when demands of family and friendship threaten to shatter their rekindled passion, Oliver must heal Zoe's lifelong wounds with more than hot kisses but will that be enough to keep her from flying off with his heart?

About the Author

First published in 2003, Roxanne St. Claire is a RITA® Award-winning author of thirty novels, including her bestselling Bullet Catchers and Guardian Angelinos series. Her critically acclaimed books have been published in numerous languages and recognized with multiple awards including the National Readers' Choice Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and the HOLT Medallion, all for best romantic suspense. She currently lives on the east coast of Florida with her husband and two teenagers.

You can learn more at:
RoxanneStClaire.com
Twitter @roxannestclaire
Facebook.com/roxannestclaire

My Review:

Zoe Tamarin has been on the run with her Aunt Pasha (who isn't really her aunt) since childhood and they have temporarily settled down in Barefoot Bay with her three best friends.  She never expected to run into her ex and the love of her life Oliver Bradbury.  When she finds out her aunt has cancer the only person she can turn to is Oliver who she run away from 9 years ago.

Oliver Bradbury is an oncologist and recently gotten a divorce.  He has moved to Barefoot Bay to start a new life with his 8 year old son Evan.  Oliver has never gotten over Zoe and all he wants to do is thaw the frost around her heart and make her stay this time.


4/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Contemp Review: The Wanderer (Thunder Point) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "The Wanderer" the 1st book in her Thunder Point series by Robyn Carr.

Product Description

From Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the popular Virgin River novels, comes Thunder Point — the highly anticipated new series that will make you laugh, make you sigh, and make you fall in love with a small town filled with people you'll never forget.

Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands.

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (March 26, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778314472
ISBN-13: 978-0778314479

My Review:

Hank Cooper has rolled into the quiet town of Thunder Point with his fifth wheel toy hauler after getting a phone call about his buddy Ben has died.  He wants to get to the bottom of the mystery after hearing Ben has died mysteriously.  He is informed that Ben has left him his bar/bait shop which is in bad shape and 200 acres of prime beachfront property.

Sarah Dupre is a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter pilot who has raised her younger brother since her early twenties.  She has recently been through a nasty divorce which has strongly affected her and her brother.

Every character is fully developed and well written.  Real life issues are addressed (teen-age romance, drug use, bullying, being a single parent raising children/teen-agers).

4/5

Contemp Review: One Heart to Win

I've finished "One Heart to Win" by Johanna Lindsey.
Product Description

#1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey presents a passionate novel of hidden identities, family secrets, and a love that transcends a fifty-year feud, set in the majestic ranchland of 1880s Montana Territory.

Some young ladies marry for money and social standing, a few lucky ones marry for love, but Tiffany Warren is marrying to end a feud. Honoring her mother’s wishes, Tiffany reluctantly travels west to meet her estranged father and his enemy’s eldest son, rancher Hunter Callahan. Once the Warrens and the Callahans are united by marriage, both clans will stop squabbling over a disputed strip of land. But in the chaos of a train robbery Tiffany seizes a golden opportunity: By assuming the identity of her father’s new housekeeper she can live with the father she never knew and assess his true character, as well as that of the neighboring cowboy to whom she is betrothed. But, too late, Tiffany discovers that the rivalry between the Warrens and the Callahans has escalated when the Callahans steal the Warrens’ “housekeeper” as soon as she steps off the train!

Now Tiffany, masquerading as Jennifer Fleming, finds herself living in the enemy camp, under the same roof as her fiancé. All too soon she learns her intended is a handsome, sweet-talking charmer whom she has to fight off because he can’t keep his eyes — or his hands — off Jennifer. After Tiffany’s charade is exposed, she refuses to marry Hunter, not even to end the hostilities between the families. How can she wed a man who is in love with another woman? As Hunter goes about claiming his rightful bride-to-be, he knows that although he loves two women — proper, elegant Tiffany as well as spunky, passionate Jennifer — he has only one heart to win.

My Review:

Tiffany Warren was betrothed to Hunter Callihan the oldest son to end a feud when she was only 3 years old.  She has lived with her mother in NYC during the last 15 years but her mom refuses to reveal why she left her husband in Montana but stayed married to him.  Now Tiffany is on her way to Montana for upcoming nuptials and to live with her father who hasn't visited her and is a complete stranger to her.

Mistaken identity has her working as a housekeeper at the Callihan ranch to let her know what her fiancee Hunter is really like and to avoid meeting her father who she resents.  Of course Hunter falls for the housekeeper which makes it even more complicated.

This book was quite humorous, with well developed characters who are likeable and an interesting story background.  I really found the loyal gunslinger Degan Grant very intriguing and I hope he gets his own book.

4/5

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Contemp Review: Haven Creek (A Cavanaugh Island Novel) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Haven Creek" the 3rd book in  her Cavanaugh Island series by Rochelle Alers.

Product Description

Home is where the heart is.

Architect Morgan Dane has always lived according to a plan, crossing off her achievements one by one. But when she's offered her dream job - the restoration of historic Angels Landing Plantation on beautiful Cavanaugh Island - Morgan's life takes an unexpected turn.

Carpenter Nathaniel Shaw once took a big chance on commitment - and lost. Needing the healing comforts of home, he returns to Haven Creek to join the family business. Nothing in the small town has changed - except for Morgan Dane. The wallflower he knew in high school has grown into a beautiful woman and stirs feelings Nate isn't sure he's ready for.

Together Nate and Morgan find a happiness neither could have predicted. But when secrets from the past come to light, their budding relationship is threatened. Will they play it safe, or risk their hearts to build a life together?

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Forever (May 28, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455501395
ISBN-13: 978-1455501397

My Review:

Architect Morgan Dane has been given the job of a lifetime the restoration of historic Angels Landing Plantation on beautiful Cavanaugh Island.  Morgan has always had a crush on Nate since she was 13 years old and now she knows he's a good man to fall in love with.


Carpenter Nathaniel Shaw has returned home to join the family business after a disastrous marriage.  He wants to start over but doesn't want a long-term relationship but when he meets Morgan again she stirs up feelings he doesn't want to acknowledge.

As they spend more time together they can't deny the hot chemistry between them or what their hearts are telling them.

This book is very heart-warming with two likeable characters with steamy hot chemistry and some nosy family members and friends.

4/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Contemp Review: Last Chance Book Club (Last Chance, Book 5) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Last Chance Book Club" the 5th book in her Last Chance series by Hope Ramsay.

Product Description

After a painful divorce, Savannah White wants nothing more than to find her happy place. So when she gets the chance to pack up her life -and her son - and move to the idyllic town where she spent childhood summers, she jumps at the opportunity. Last Chance is just as charming as she remembered. She's even invited to join the local book club, where talk soon turns to Savannah's plan to bring the ramshackle downtown movie theater back to life. A new challenge is just what Savannah needs to move forward.

Dash Randall wants to put his fortune to good use, but he remembers Savannah as the bratty "princess" who descended upon him each June, causing no end of trouble. But the teenager he remembered has grown into a gorgeous and generous woman, and it isn't long before Dash finds himself wanting to make brand new memories with Savannah. But first, Dash and Savannah will need to make peace with their pasts to find a new chance for love.

About the Author

Hope Ramsay grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you'll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. She's a two-time finalist in the Golden Heart and is married to a good ol' Georgia boy who resembles every single one of her heroes. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, where you can often find her on the back deck, picking on her thirty-five-year-old Martin guitar.

Learn more about Hope and Last Chance at:
HopeRamsay.com,
Facebook.com/Hope.Ramsay
Twitter, @HopeRamsay

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (March 26, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455522295
ISBN-13: 978-1455522293

My Review:

Savannah White has survived a very painful divorce and she has decided to move to Last Chance a place she visited in her childhood with her 12-year old son Todd.  She finds it as charming as she remembers and hopes her son will enjoy it there.  She hasn't told anyone especially her ex-husband, ex-mother-in-law and her mother because they would protest and fight her for Todd.  She was truthful when she told them she wanted to attend the funeral of her uncle and to check on her Aunt Miriam.  The real reason is she wants to start a brand new life there and to restore The Kismet a movie theatre that she inherited from her uncle.  She is shocked at the deterioration and she didn't expect that her kissing cousin Dash Randall is living with her Aunt.  In their childhood they were sworn rivals for the affections of her grandfather attention.

Of course they start bickering again like in their childhood because Dash keeps trying to keep her son in line with his trash mouth and suggestions on the renovations of the movie theatre.  She becomes mad at herself for his interference and her growing attraction to him.  The more she denies her feelings for him the more she wants him.  As they finally find themselves in reach of getting everything they wanted a fire at The Kissmet and the interference of her ex endanger their happiness.

In the first part of the book Dash is still pining after an unrequited love (I wish he would have moved on and realized sooner that she wasn't interested in him - she just scratched an inch with a bad boy).  Glad that he finally got over his pining and realized that he was falling in love with Savannah.

4/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Contemp Review: Home for the Summer (The Chesapeake Diaries: Wheeler Publishing Large Print Hardcover) [Large Print] [Paperback]

I've finished "Home for the Summer" the 5th book in her Chesapeake Diaries series by Mariah Stewart.

Product Description

Some of Lucy Sinclair's best days were those spent growing up in small town St Dennis - working at the family inn and enjoying summers filled with swimming, sailing, tennis and the company of Clay Madison, her best friend. But Lucy's darkest day, the one that shattered her innocence with violence and fear, also happened in St Dennis. And the town she once loved became the place she gladly left behind - along with the terrible secret she's kept for twenty years. While Lucy headed off for college and a career, Clay remained - more than satisfied with the life St Dennis had to offer. But now, even after inheriting his family's thriving farm and starting up an organic brewery, he can't help feeling that something's missing. And when Lucy comes back to town to plan a celebrity wedding at the Sinclair family inn, she and Clay reconnect, and find themselves re-evaluating their long-sleeping friendship that could blossom into something deeper. Like a book end to those distant childhood days, this summer will be Lucy's chance to finally confront her hidden pain, make peace with the past and plan her own whole new future.

About the Author

Mariah Stewart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-six novels and three novellas and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. She is a RITA finalist in romantic suspense and the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO Award for excellence in women's fiction, and a Reviewers Choice Award from Romantic Times Magazine. She lives with her husband and two daughters amidst the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Product Details
Paperback: 488 pages
Publisher: Wheeler Publishing; Lrg edition (August 22, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1410449513
ISBN-13: 978-1410449511

My Review:

Lucy Sinclair and Clay Madison lived in St. Dennis and were best friends.  Something horrible happened to Lucy 20 years ago and she has kept it a secret never telling anyone.  She left St. Dennis for college and now lives California.  She has purposely tried to stay away except for family holidays or planning events, etc.

Clay Madison has lived in St. Dennis all his life and worked on his family farm.  When he inherited the farm he decides to open an organic brewery.  He has never married but has always had a thing for Lucy.

Lucy returns for the summer to help plan a elaborate wedding event at her family's inn.  Clay is determined to convince Lucy that he's the one for her and to figure why she stopped their friendship.

I really liked Clay because he seemed like a nice guy and knew what he wanted and went after it.  He was very patient with Lucy and when she finally revealed her big secret to him he was there for her.

Lucy on the other hand I didn't like that much because she kept that big secret because she didn't want her parents to worry but look how it affected her to this day.  She didn't really deal with the problem and now she's kind of a wreck because of it (she has nightmares every night and she's skittish around Clay, etc.

3/5

Contemp Review: The Perfect Hope: Book Three of the Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy (The Inn Trilogy) [Paperback]

I've finished reading "The Perfect Hope" the 3rd book in her Inn BoonsBoro trilogy by Nora Roberts.

A new novel of starting over and star-crossed love.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts introduces you to the Montgomery brothers — Beckett, Ryder, and Owen — as they bring an intimate bed-and-breakfast to life in their hometown.

Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out — with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a tool belt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except apparently Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro.

As the former manager of a D.C. hotel, Hope is used to excitement and glamour, but that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the joys of small-town living. She’s where she wants to be — except for in her love life. Her only interaction with the opposite sex has been sparring with the infuriating Ryder, who always seems to get under her skin. Still, no one can deny the electricity that crackles between them a spark that ignited with a New Year’s Eve kiss.

While the Inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope’s experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome — and embarrassing — appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder’s emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him.

About the Author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels.She is also the author of the bestselling futuristic suspense series written under the pen name J. D. Robb. There are more than 400 million copies of her books in print.

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade; First Printing edition (November 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425246043
ISBN-13: 978-0425246047

My Review:

Ryder Montgomery is a hardworking and serious construction worker who is annoyed by the prim and proper innkeepr Hope Beaumont.  He thinks she is gorgeous with her killer stilettos which makes her legs seem like miles long.

Hope Beaumont is the innkeeper of BoonsBoro Inn and she is recovering from a humiliating relationship which makes her flee from DC to the quaint small town and the inn.  She thinks Ryder is handsome and she isn't above watching him without his shirt on at the construction site across the street.

We also conclude the story of Lizzy an ancestor of Hope and her beau Billy (who we find out is a relative of Ryders).

4/5

Contemp Review: Sea Glass Winter: A Shelter Bay Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished reading "Sea Glass Winter" the 5th book in her Shelter Bay series by Joann Ross.

Product Description

He was used to getting what he wanted. And what he wanted was her.

As an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, Dillon Slater had one of the most dangerous jobs in the military. Now, he’s enjoying the pace of life in Shelter Bay, where he teaches high school physics. He still gets to blow things up, but as the school basketball coach he also gets to impart leadership skills. His latest minefield: fifteen-year-old Matt Templeton — and Matt’s irresistible mother.

Claire Templeton moved her troubled teenage son to the small town of Shelter Bay to escape the bad influences at his school in L.A. But when his attitude earns her a visit from the handsome basketball coach, she wonders if this role model might be too much of a temptation — for her. Because though she isn’t looking for a relationship, she can’t seem to resist Dillon’s playful charm. But what she doesn’t realize is that Dillon isn’t playing games — he’s playing for keeps.

About the Author

JoAnn Ross lives with her husband and three rescued dogs in the Pacific Northwest.


Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Signet (December 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451238931
ISBN-13: 978-0451238931

My Review:

Dillon Slater is a former Explosive ordnance Disposal Specialist one of the most dangerous jobs in the military.  Now he is high school basketball coach who also teaches physics in Shelter Bay.  His latest is Matt Templeton and his irresistible mother.

Claire Templeton has moved her misfit son from the bad influences of his L.A. school to the quiet town of Shelter Bay.  One day when she receives a visit from his handsome basketball coach because of his bad behavior she is extremely tempted by him.  She isn't looking for a long term relationship but is seduced by his playful charm though she doesn't know that Dillon is playing for keeps.

I really like how Dillon is really interested in helping the team succeed and wants them to work well together even if they win or not.  Glad to see they finally start to learn each other strengths and weaknesses which helps them work together to become a better team.

I really liked Dillon and Claire's relationship because it was sweet and you can feel the chemistry between them.  He really cares for her and Matt and he know he wanted Claire and went for what he wanted.

4/5

Thanks Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Books in series:

1.  The Homecoming
2.  One Summer
3.  On Lavender Lane
4.  Moonshell Beach
5.  Sea Glass Winter
6.  Castaway Cove - August 6, 2013

Contemp Review: The Wedding Party [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "The Wedding Party" by Robyn Carr.

Product Description

After her divorce, Charlene Dugan vowed never to get married again — a promise she has kept for twenty-five years. Until the fateful day she finds herself uttering the well-known phrase — "Let's get married!"

Almost immediately, Charlene's seemingly perfect life begins unraveling at the seams. Daughter Stephanie's own relationship is about to disintegrate, and she might be just a teensy-weensy bit jealous of her mom. And Charlene seems to be spending more time with her ex-husband than with her fiancé, Dennis. What's more confusing is that Dennis doesn't seem to mind too much. In fact, he sees the wedding consultant more often than Charlene does.

The wedding party is now officially out of control. They're calling for rain and the bride has cold feet. This isn't exactly what Charlene had in mind. But maybe it's not too late to finally decide on who and what she really wants.

About the Author

Robyn Carr is a RITA Award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than forty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series. Robyn and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr website at www.RobynCarr.com.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA; Reprint edition (July 24, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 077831491X
ISBN-13: 978-0778314912

My Review:

Charlene Dugan is determined never to get married again after her disastrous marriage/divorce which she has kept for twenty-five years.  Then she utters the words "let's get married" to her new boyfriend Dennis.

Her daughter Stephanie's relationship with her boyfriend Grant seems to be on the verge of disintegration and she is jealous of her mom.  She wants to move back home which Charlie isn't too keen about.  Charlie is spending more time with her ex-husband Jake then Dennis her fiancee.  Dennis sees the wedding consultant more than her.

I didn't really like this cheating thing - Dennis didn't break up with Charlie before getting involved with the wedding consultant (Charlie caught them) and Charlie didn't break up with Dennis before falling into bed again with Jake.

2.5/5

Contemp Review: Blue Skies [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Blue Skies" by Robyn Carr.

Product Description

Nikki Burgess survived a terrible marriage and a worse divorce. She's just about given up hope of ever finding happiness. But when her ex-husband suddenly dies, she gets custody of her kids again — and a chance to start over.

Dixie McPherson, on the other hand, has had way too much love. She has eleven tennis bracelets, dozens of trinkets, piles of sexy lingerie and a tarnished reputation when all she ever wanted was true love, a partner and a family.

Carlisle Bartlett is loyal, kindhearted and the funniest guy slinging drinks in the back of an airplane. But he has an ugly little secret. The only kind of love he's used to comes with bruises.

When Nikki, Dixie and Carlisle are offered the chance to join a new airline in Las Vegas, they don't hesitate.

With nothing to lose and everything to gain, these three friends are going in search of their own blue skies.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA; Reprint edition (August 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778314928
ISBN-13: 978-0778314929

My Review:

Nikki Burgess was in a horrible marriage and an even worst divorce.  She's just about to give up on finding happiness when he ex-husband suddenly dies and she gets custody of her kids.  She gets a chance to start over again.

Dixie McPherson has known a lot of love and she has the mementos to back it up - eleven tennis bracelets, tons of trinkets, piles of sexy lingerie and a bad reputation.  All she wanted was to find true love, get married and have a family.

Carlisle Bartlett is a very likeable, kindhearted, loyal and funny loving guy that makes drinks at the back of an airplane.  He is hiding a terrible secret and the only relationship/love he finds is ones that leave him battered and bruised.

Then Nikki, Dixie and Carlisle are given a chance to start over at a new airline in Las Vegas and they don't hesitate to join.

This was an interesting read because of three different story lines and how they are intertwined with each other.  You really feel for Dixie and Carlisle because of the abuse and stuff both had to put up with.  You feel very sorry for Nikki with her situation her ex-husband put her in.

4/5

Contemp Review: Read Pink The Homecoming: A Shelter Bay Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "The Homecoming" the 1st book in her Shelter Bay series by JoAnn Ross.

Product Description

First in a heartwarming new series from the New York Times bestselling author.

Former Navy SEAL Sax Douchett returns to his home town and is hailed as a local hero. But starting over is difficult when he unearths a long- buried secret that reunites him with a past he's never forgotten. She's Sheriff Kara Conway, a girl who's always held a special place in his heart. But as he cautiously reconnects with Kara and bonds with her young son, another long-held secret in Shelter Bar threatens their second chance at a life together ...

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Signet (September 25, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451416678
ISBN-13: 978-0451416674

My Review:

Former Navy SEAL Sax Douchett returns to Shelter Bay his hometown to try to put his former life behind him and start fresh.  He's hailed a hero but he doesn't believe he deserved the title .  Then his dog discovers a human bone on his property which bring his high school crush Sheriff Kara Conway back into his life.  Sax also has to contend with his ghostly comrades his former seal buddies who cheer him on, tease him and laugh with him.

Sheriff Kara Conway has moved back to Shelter Bay with her young son Trey after the death of her father.  She took over for him and both her and Trey are trying to rebuild their lives after the death of Jared Conway.  Jared died in the line of duty and she is hoping Shelter Bay would help them.

Sax and Kara's relationship was very heartwarming and I'm glad that it slowly built up to a loving one from friendship.  Kara realizes that Sax is a great male role model for her son Trey because he needs one in his life.

I really enjoyed the secondary romance between Faith (Kara's mother) and her husband's best friend because it shows you can find love for the second time around.

4/5

Books in series:

1.  The Homecoming
2.  One Summer
3.  On Lavender Lane
4.  Moonshell Beach
5.  Sea Glass Winter - January 1, 2013

Thanks Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Contemp Review: Leaping Hearts [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Leaping Hearts" by J.R. Ward.

Product Description

Everyone thinks A. J. Sutherland is crazy to buy a rogue stallion that no rider or trainer has been able to tame. But if anybody has the hustle to make something out of that hell-raiser, it’s A. J. She can’t do it alone, however, so she goes after the great Devlin McCloud, an equestrian legend with a bad leg — and a worse attitude. Devlin recognizes a fighter when he sees one — and that horse isn’t a wallflower, either. Before he knows it, he’s got a wild stallion in his empty stable and a hotheaded, heavenly-bodied rider sleeping on his couch. But can he get all three of them through the championship in one piece?


From the Inside Flap

Her dreams are within reach?

All she has to do is learn to hold on . . .

A beautiful young woman with a defiant spirit, A. J. Sutherland spends a small fortune on a horse with a wild reputation, and is forced to sacrifice her position at her family?s stables to keep him. She plans to ride the magnificent stallion in the biggest event of the show jumping season?and she knows she can win. But without the backing of Sutherland Stables, A. J. must rely on a stranger to help her: a man who makes her heart pound, her head spin . . . and who just happens to be a legend in equestrian circles.

When Devlin McCloud's career was cut short by a tragic accident, he never expected to get back in the ring. But when A. J. asks him to be her trainer, he finds he cannot resist the chance or his stunning new employer. And what begins as a business arrangement soon becomes something deeper, as Devlin and A. J. learn that even in a sport full of hazards, sometimes the most dangerous thing to risk is one's heart . . . .


Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Signet (July 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451230868
ISBN-13: 978-0451230867

My Review:

A. J. Sutherland buys a throughbred black stallion named Sabbath at a Virginia horse auction that no one wants.  He has a history of being rambunctious and having a nasty temper.  Her stepbrother Peter Conrad the one who runs the financial records for Sutherland Stables objects.  When she returns home to the stables she finds out that Peter is the new owner and he has sold Sabbath.  He informs her that it was a good move that she paid for the horse with her own finances instead of the corporate account.  She is so upset she leaves her home with Sabbath and desperate for a place to stay she finds herself at Devlin Mcloud's home. 

Devlin Mcloud is a former champion jumper when a terrible accident ended his career and killed his beloved horse Mercy.  A.J. manages to convince Devlin to train her and Sabbath for the Qualifer which is only two months away.  During their training they both start a relationship which deepens into something more.

This book is an intriguing contemporary book with two great characters who find an everlasting love in the world of horse jumping.

4/5

Thanks Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Contemp Review: Sunrise Point (Virgin River) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Sunrise Point" the 19th book in her Virgin River series by Robyn Carr.

Product Description

Former marine Tom Cavanaugh has come home to Virgin River, ready to take over his family's apple orchard and settle down. He knows just what the perfect woman will be like: sweet, decent, maybe a little naive. The marrying kind.

Nothing like Nora Crane. So why can't he keep his eyes off the striking single mother?

Nora may not have finished college, but she graduated with honors from the school of hard knocks. She's been through tough times and she'll do whatever it takes to support her family, including helping with harvest time at the Cavanaughs' orchard. She's always kept a single-minded focus on staying afloat … but suddenly her thoughts keep drifting back to rugged, opinionated Tom Cavanaugh.

Both Nora and Tom have their own ideas of what family means. But they're about to prove each other completely wrong .…


Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Mira; Original edition (April 24, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778313174
ISBN-13: 978-0778313175

My Review:

Tom Cavanaugh is a former marine who has come home to take over his grandmother's apple orchard.  His perfect women would be sweet, kind, naive and a homemaker.  He never expected to meet single mother Nora Crane with two young daughters and why can't he stop thinking and worrying about her?

Nora Crane has had a harsh life with her ex abandoning her and their two daughters.  She never finished college but she is determined to make a good life for her and her two daughters.  She would do anything even harvesting apples at the Cavanaugh orchard.  She never expected to meet the rough and opinionated Tom Cavanaugh and why can't she stop thinking of having a life with him?

I didn't really like how Tom treated Nora at the beginning of the book (he was quite harsh with her) and I was wondering why he was treating her that way?  I also thought he was kind of leading his friend's ex-wife on.

I really liked and admire Nora for doing what is necessary to provide for her two young daughters.  Glad that her eldest daughter was available to come out of her shell and make friends.

Tom's friend's wife was a piece of work and I was glad he didn't end up with her.  You can see that they come from two different worlds (he's a typical and normal guy and she's from a world of privilege).

4/5


Other books in series:

1.  Virgin River
2.  Shelter Mountain
3.  Whispering Rock
4.  Virgin River Christmas
5.  Second Chance Pass
6.  Temptation Ridge
7.  Paradise Valley
8.  Under the Christmas Tree
9.  Forbidden Falls
10. Angel's Peak
11. Moonlight Road
12. Midnight Confessions
13. Promise Canyon
14. Wildman Creek
15. Harvest Moon
16. Bring Me Home for Christmas
17. Hidden Summitt
18. Redwood Bend
19. Sunrise Point   
20. My Kind of Christmas (October 23, 2012) 

Contemp Review: Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Forever and a Day" the 6th book in her Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shavis.

Product Description


LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT

Grace never thought she'd be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh's lovable mutt to caring for his rambunctious son. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad . . .

With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family - until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "good bedside manner." Josh and Grace don't know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day . . .


About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

You can learn more at:

JillShalvis.com
Twitter @jillshalvis
Facebook.com/jillshalvis


Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (July 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 145550369X
ISBN-13: 978-1455503698

My Review:

Grace Brooks has landed in Lucky Harbor after a job prospect boomed because the boss expected her to sleep with him to get the job.  She has become great friends with Mallory Quinn and Amy Michaels and they have started a club called Chocoholics where they meet once every week to have something chocolate (ex: cupcakes, chocolate cake, etc.).  She has taken some part-time jobs (ex: model) when she gets a call for a dog walking job.  She is suppose to take care of a puppy but she's not sure who the person is.  She agrees but when she arrives at the house she finds out the puppy is rambunctious more than she can handle.  He makes a mess in the house and when they go to the beach he plunges into the water and disappears.  Grace gets worried and phones the number back and then realizes it's Dr. Josh Scott (she's embarrassed because he's good friends with Ty and Matt the fiances of Mallory and Amy).  She plunges into the water but almost gets pushed out into the ocean when Josh rescues her.

Josh hires her to dog walk his son's puppy and to babysit his son when his current babysitter just quits on him.  Josh is ER doctor who works long hours and volunteers his services at other places.  Since he was 28 years old he had to deal with the death of his parents by a drunk driver, raising a baby and a 16 year old wheel-chair bound teenager sister at the time but is now 21 years old (who has anger problems and not listening to him). 

Grace has two job prospects that are very promising but it's not really what she wants to do (it will please her parents) and her parents think she has a great job.  Then people in Lucky Harbor start asking her to help them with their bookkeeping and she agrees.  She is extremely attracted to Josh but thinks they aren't really suited for each other and she wasn't planning on staying in Lucky Harbor for long.  She is also wary because she doesn't want people to control or think for her.

Josh is extremely attracted to Grace but he's very wary of getting involved with her because he's really busy with his business and has a son and younger sister to take care of.  The mother of his child decided that life wasn't for her so she left him with Josh and took off.  When Josh and Grace finally get together wow were the scenes very hot and steamy.  Grace thinks their time is for fun but she falls in love with Josh and he with her.

It was hilarious to read all the predicaments that Grace found herself in!

4/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Contemp Review: Redwood Bend (Virgin River) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Redwood Bend" the 18th book in her Virgin River series by Robyn Carr.

Product Description

Katie Malone and her twin boys' trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie is having trouble putting on a spare. As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive.

Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the sight of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks. And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.

In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Mira; Original edition (February 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778313107
ISBN-13: 978-0778313106

My Review:

Katie Malone is a single mother of twin 5 year old sons Andy and Mitch.  She quit her job after she was rejected by her boss who she found out is gay.  She decides to drive to Virgin River from Vermont to spend the summer with her brother Connor and Leslie the woman who fell in love with in Hidden Point.

Along the way her van has a flat when Dylan Childress and his biker buddies help her.  They part ways and figure out they are both headed out to Virgin River and Dylan stills longer.  She recognizes Dylan has a former child star who she had a giant crush on but doesn't let on she knows who he is.

Dylan Childress is a former child star who disappeared from TV land when Adele his grandmother took him away from Hollywood to live with her.  He was a wild and troubled child whose best friend died at 15 from a drug overdose and this opened his eyes to what could happen when you party too much.  He learned that he could be a normal person away from his mother and step siblings.  He now owns an air transport business in Montana but is living in an RV for the summer.

Katie and Dylan are attracted to one another but are afraid to have a deeper relationship because Katie's sons are her first priority and Dylan believes he's not relationship worthy because of his childhood and family.  They decide to have a summer fling but along the way they both fall in love with one another.  Dylan leaves to go back to his business in Montana but realizes that he can't leave Katie and her sons who adore him.  Katie meanwhile finds out she is pregnant and decides to keep the baby.

This book had some great characters with an interesting romance and was nicely paced.  Glad to see that Katie and Dylan got to know each other before falling into bed and that her sons were her number one priority.

4/5

Contemp Review: Barefoot in the Sand (Barefoot Bay) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Barefoot in the Sand" the 1st book in her Barefoot Bay series by Roxanne St. Clair.

Product Description

When all you hold dear is taken away . . .

When a hurricane roars through Lacey Armstrong's home on the coast of Barefoot Bay, she decides all that remains in the rubble is opportunity. A new hotel is just what Mimosa Key needs, and Lacey and her teenage daughter are due for a fresh start. And nothing, especially not a hot, younger architect, is going to distract Lacey from finally making her dreams a reality.

A second chance is the only thing you have left.

Love has already cost Clay Walker everything. And if he's going to have any chance of picking up the pieces of his life, he needs the job as Lacey Armstrong's architect. What's not in the plans is falling for the headstrong beauty. Her vision of the future is more appealing than anything he could have ever drafted for himself. Will Clay's designs on Lacey's heart be more than she can handle, or will she trust him to build something that will last forever?

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Forever; Original edition (May 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455508217
ISBN-13: 978-1455508211

My Review:

Lacey Armstrong loses her house to a hurricane she decides she wants to build a B and B.  She believes both she and her 14 year old daughter Ashley need a new start.

Then she meets smoking hot Clayton "Clay" Walker a young architect who really wants to help her fulfill her dream.  Clay has been hurt very badly and is afraid of being in this situation again so all he wants is sex with Lacey.  He keeps telling himself this but he falls hard for the bossy and sexy mother.

I love how passionate Clay is about his architectural work and how he wants to show Lacey to live life to the fullest and reach her dreams.  Glad that he wasn't worried she is an older women with a teenage daughter.

I really enjoyed reading the strong bond Lacey has with her three best friends and how they support her and encourage her romance with Clay.

4/5

Other books in series:

1.  Barefoot in the Rain - Oct 30, 2012

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!