Romance Book Review: Tara Mills' Grading on Curves

Author: Tara Mills

Digital ISBN: 9781937325701

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Beachwalk Press

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What woman wouldn't want a young sexy guy have an interest in her? Certainly not Mia, but seeing him eye her in the coffee shop is one thing, running into again later is totally another. 

When the object of her little fantasy turns up as a teacher at her son's school and the man who saves the day and gets her son to hospital when he gets hurt, makes sure the two getting together inevitable. 

Curt can't believe that the Mia is the mother of boy he helps out. After seeing her at the coffee shop he thought he'd never get the chance to meet her and that would be a real shame. It doesn't take long for the two to start a relationship, but can Mia continue knowing that he he's younger than she is and may wind up breaking his heart. 

Good hero and good romantic chemistry brings this story together. Very sexy and well written love scenes. 

Description:

One-on-one instruction never felt so right—or so wrong.

There's nothing unusual about Mia Page's attraction to the young science teacher at the middle school. After all, she's not the only one who finds him enticing. But when he pulls her son aside to ask for her phone number, she knows she's in serious trouble. Since her divorce four years earlier, she's been out of circulation, choosing to focus on parenting instead, and she's not entirely sure she can handle an entanglement with the sexy Mr. Walden.

There are also other reasons why getting involved with Curt would be a bad idea. He's two years shy of thirty, and she's on the downside of that unmentionable number. He's adamant about never having kids, and she has a son. Even the guy's romantic gifts are suspect. Energy saving light bulbs? He has to be kidding.

On the other hand, he's fun, sweet, and smart. He stimulates her intellectually, emotionally, and Lord help her, physically, opening her eyes to life outside her comfortable world. Yet their differences quietly gnaw at Mia even while she succumbs to their undeniable chemistry.

As their romance deepens, so do Mia's fears that Curt will eventually hurt her. On edge, all it takes is an innocent comment to provoke her into drawing first blood. Mia recklessly wounds Curt, learning only too late that this blade cuts both ways. Frantic to make amends, she fears it might be too late to admit the feelings she's tried so hard to suppress.

Content Warning: contains sensual sex.

Romance Book Review: Jessi Gage's Road Rage

Author: Jessi Gage

ISBN: 9781616504700

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal

Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Jessi Gage's new book Road Rage features a chance connection that begins of love that may just heal two people in need of love and help.

Derek is a man in desperate need for an anger management class is life is spiraling out of control. Everything is setting him off these days and he can't control the anger he feels. After having a bad day at work and running late for his daughter's baseball game, he becomes angry at a slow driver in front of him causes an accident on the way.

Camilla has suffered through driving experiences since she was 18 years old and her father was killed in an accident in a car she was driving. When she's asked to pick up a woman in need in an instance where she will need to take the freeway, she doesn't want to do it, but she wants to help. Nervously getting onto the busy road she get startled and a massive accident happens. 

The night of the accident something strange happens. Suddenly Derek is visited by a strange woman offering him comfort from nightmares. Now she can only visit him after sundown and leave by 5 am. Trying to figure out where she has been sent from could tear their new found love apart, but Derek will do anything to make this generous woman happy and help her get out of the fog. 

Very well written emotionally charged novel. Derek's character is played out well as a strong man losing his grip on his anger who realizes he has a problem that he needs to fix. Camilla is a woman living with a guilt that she can no longer handle on her own and keep being the strong woman she was always meant to be. 

Description:

He has anger issues and she has amnesia, but together they have amazing chemistry.

Lashing out in anger, construction worker Derek causes an accident on the freeway. His truck escapes unscathed, but he can’t say the same for his conscience. Plagued by nightmares of the wreck, his only comfort comes in the form of nightly visits by a mysterious woman who interrupts his dreams with sensual caresses and words of solace.

Cami has no idea who she is, until she wakes in a hospital bed and learns sheís been comatose due to a car wreck. Her visits with Derek must have been a dream, so why can’t she shake the feeling he was a real man who truly needed her help?

When Derek learns his mystery woman is none other than the driver of the car he cut off and she is fighting for her life, he must decide: Is he man enough to face her and ask forgiveness, or will he run away and avoid the consequences of his anger, yet again?

CONTENT WARNING: Sex with a perfect, imaginary dream girl who really isn’t imaginary.

Romance Book Review: Daisy Banks' Your Heart My Soul

Author Daisy Banks 

ISBN: 978-1-93176-146-8 

Genre: Paranormal, Ghosts, Spirits, Hauntings 

Publisher: Liquid Silver Book

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Heart warming romance of two couples one trying to help the other find a happy ending. The hero in the story, Gareth, is the man every woman wants to fall in love with. Strong and caring he falls immediately for the Libby, a sweet American who come to England to accept an inheritance in the way of a haunted shop.

As a psychic Gareth knows all abouts ghosts and those spirits that might not be have the best of intentions. He tell Libby about his gift and that he is worried about her safety, but too quickly the ghost takes over Libby's body and it is up Gareth to keep Libby safe and search for the spirit lover before he loses Libby before he's even gotten the chance to know her. 

Great premise for the story, good story building, a little slow in the beginning, but keep with the story you'll be satisfied in the end. 

Description:

Two sets of lovers, one on this plane, one on another, fight their way out of chaos to find love in this haunting romance from Daisy Banks. Find out what happens when love refuses to die, even when the lovers do.

Does love last beyond death? The ghost of Sally Addleforth has no doubt. But shamed and disfigured by her murderer, her spirit lingers, hidden from the patient soul of her man, William Reliance Smith.

Libby Chesterton is an American in England, and she’d rather go home than face the problems her British inheritance has created. Her dilapidated store, with its frightful contents, proves more trouble than it may be worth.

Gareth Saunders, antiques expert and psychic, catches a bout of Lancelot fever as he helps his adorable client with the store and the spiritual possession threatening to overwhelm her. Wedding bells will ring—one way or another.

Two sets of lovers struggle on this plane and another to find their way out of chaos to reach each other…

Content Notes: Paranormal, Ghosts, Spirits, and Hauntings, Sexy Spicy Romance

Romance Book Review: Bella Andre's From This Moment On

Author: Bella Andre

Series Connection: The Sullivans

ISBN: 978-0778315575

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA

Release Date: June 25, 2013

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Bella Andre has expanded each of the books in her popular Sullivan series for a publication. The latest in the series comes out on Tuesday and features the oldest in the clan of eight brother and sisters, Marcus. 

Marcus is a successful winery owner in Napa Valley. When his father died when he was 14, leaving his mother with eight young children, Marcus took his role as oldest sibling to heart and has put his family first ever since. With his girlfriend of two years gone, Marcus decides a one night stand is just what he needs. He goes to a San Francisco club with the full intention of just picking up a woman and spending the evening with her, when he meets Nicola. Beautiful and enchanting, she is just what he thinks he needs to forget all his troubles and just let go.

Nicola or "Nico" to her fans is lonely and looking to be the wild popstar the press is making her out to be, but is far from the person she is. Taking a chance she head out for the evening to pick up a man and have some fun, she meets Marcus. 

After the evening the two had separately envisioned doesn't go off as planned, Marcus decides not to see Nicola again, however fate has other plans for the two. Can a businessman who likes to stay home and take care of his vines, find a life with a popstar sinsation? Check out Bella Andre's From This Moment On and see how these two completely different people do.

I missed this book when it was first released so I'm not sure how the additions fair, but this two books in the series I've read so far I love. The Sullivans are a big boisterous, passionate family with a lot of stars and heros. The author's descriptive vision and wonderfully lust driven sex scenes are worth the read. 

Description:

Watch another Sullivan fall in love in the second book of Bella Andre's new contemporary romance series! With FROM THIS MOMENT ON, bestselling author Bella Andre introduces you to Marcus, the second Sullivan bad boy, whose life will never be the same from the moment he meets Nicola…

For thirty-six years, Marcus Sullivan has been the responsible older brother, stepping in to take care of his seven siblings after their father died when they were children. But when the perfectly ordered future he's planned for himself turns out to be nothing but a lie, Marcus needs one reckless night to shake free from it all.

Nicola Harding is known throughout the world by only one name - Nico - for her catchy, sensual pop songs. Only, what no one knows about the twenty-five year old singer is that her sex-kitten image is totally false. After a terrible betrayal by a man who loved fame far more than he ever loved her, she vows not to let anyone else get close enough to find out who she really is...or hurt her again. Especially not the gorgeous stranger she meets at a nightclub, even though the hunger - and the sinful promises - in his dark eyes make her want to spill all her secrets.

One night is all Nicola and Marcus agree to share with each other. But nothing goes as they plan when instead of simply tangling limbs, they find a deeper connection than either of them could have anticipated. And even though they both try to fight it, growing emotions - and sizzling attraction - keep drawing them closer together.

Close enough for them to wonder if stealing one more secret moment together can ever be enough?

Romance Book Review: Lynn Leite's Shifted series reviewed

Book #1 -- Shifted Series

Shifted

Author: Lynn Leite

ISBN: 978-1481214254

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Werewolf

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

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So far this series has three short novellas with a good premise, however the love scenes are a bit cut off or short and offers a little less world building than I usually like, otherwise this series is so far good short read for those who are just looking for some quick read time. 

Rory moves in with her sister Willow after a bad breakup with her boss/boyfriend. When a stranger saves her life, Rory is sure that the feelings she has for Maverick aren't just hero worship, but what can she do when she realizes that being with her a mere human is against the rules in Maverick's werewolf community. She can't help for go to the aide of the werewolves, when one of their own is in trouble. She just has to find the nerve to see Maverick again know that she can't have him.

Description:

“Today your life will be shifted irrevocably.”

Near death, pinned by a crushing weight, Rory Brooks runs her sister Willow’s prediction through her oxygen deprived brain.

Willow was always right.

Dead is shifted alright.

Maverick Cheveyo isn’t in the habit of rescuing humans. This one is different. Without thinking of the repercussions, he saves the small woman and starts a chain of events that will risk his pack, his family, and most of all his heart.

Book #2 -- Shifted Series

Second Shift

Author: Lynn Leite

ISBN: 978-1482766110

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Werewolf

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

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The second in the series is the story of Willow and Ryder. Ryder is Maverick's brother and just another in a long line of men who have rejected Willow. This time not because of her psychic powers, but because she is human. Or so Willow thinks, but can there me more to this story than she know?

I liked this story better than the first, as more of the Cheveyo family's story is revealed. 

Description:

Willow Brooks has an uncanny talent for predicting the future.

Too bad she can't see her own path.

Her sister, Rory, is now married to a werewolf. She had seen that coming long before her sister or Maverick did. What she didn't see coming was the hulking werewolf she now lived with becoming her best friend, or his missing brother becoming her obsession.

Book #3 in the Shifted Series. 

Double Shift

Author: Lynn Leite

ISBN: 978-1484179741

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Werewolf

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

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In book three, Double Shift, Emory runs from the room every time either Sam or Hank come into the room. She knows that she is attracted to both men and the two men are attracted to her, but she doesn't want to come between the two men. It is best if she keeps her distance, or is it. Could it possibly be that these two sexy weres are all hers?

Meanwhile the story starts Cheveyo werewolves starts to heat up as a rogue alpha decides he doesn't like what is happening in the Cheveyo pack and wants to destroy the leaders and take the pack for himself. 

Description:

Being the only girl born to the Alpha, Emory Cheveyo is now blessed with two sisters in law to tone down her male dominated world. Rory and Willow are more like sisters to her. Like real sisters, these two seem to want to meddle in her nonexistent love life.

Emory doesn’t want a mate. 

The last thing she needs is more men telling her what to do.

So far, Emory has successfully avoided any kind of serious relationship. Evading two enforcers in particular is becoming more difficult now that they both work for her father. Sure, she's attracted to both best friends, but she’s pretty sure neither is her life mate. Why bother ruining a friendship over something that would more than likely amount to nothing? Besides she doesn’t even want a mate. Or does she?

Romance Book Review: Rebecca Royce's Lone Wolf

Author Rebecca Royce

Series Connection: The Westervelt Wolves
ISBN: 978-1-62210-007-1
Genre Paranormal, Shifters, Wolves, Other Weres, Suspense, Magic, Witches

Publisher: Liquid Silver

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Emotionally charged ending to the Westervelt Wolves series. Book eight is Gabriel and Carrie's story. Starting where it all began after waiting years for his mate to finally grow old enough to mate, Gabriel finally tells Carrie and the two mate. Expecting to live out the rest of his life happy with the mate he has always cherished, his plans are ruined by his father who goes made and makes all the male mated shifters kill their mates. That is all but Gabriel, because his father has other plans for him. 

As the years go by, Gabriel goes slowly made and waits for the day he can finally kill his father and get his mate back, but that date takes much longer than Gabe or Carrie would ever imagine. 

For those who have followed this series and come to love this family of wolf shifter as much as I have, this book is sure to bring tears to your eyes. Gabe story is the best in the series as far as I'm concerned. It is a great end to an imaginative series. 

Description:

Gabriel sacrificed everything for the woman he loved—even his wolf. But the time has come for endings, and only he can bring down the evil that has plagued Westervelt for too long. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll fall in love all over again in the thrilling conclusion of Rebecca Royce’s The Westervelt Wolves series!

Romance Book Review: Crystal Bowling's Always on the Run

Author: Crystal Bowling

Series Connection: Always a Bridesmaid

ISBN: 978-1481904674

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: CreateSpace

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A quirky story with a lot of humor and heart. Jamie's life is not going as planned and for a person who plans everything that is a big deal. Her sister is marrying her ex-boyfriend and her great aunt is trying to set her up with just the right rich guy. It isn't until she meets the so-called final date that her aunt will send her on the the two hatch a plan to stop the blind dates. 

They pretend to date each other and with the contract they scratch out on the restaurant napkin what can go wrong?

Written in the first person as if she is running through what is happen while she tells her friend the story, Crystal Bowling does a fairly good job on this commonly used theme. Worth the quick read and I'm looking forward to checking out the other book in this series, Always the Last To Know.

Description:

My sister is marrying my ex-boyfriend.

When is an acceptable time to start day-drinking?

Jamie has tried for years to be in complete control of her life. She has to-do lists, calendars and plans to keep her life running smoothly. The thing is, life isn’t quite going along with her agenda: she was fired from her job as a charter bus driver (for something that was SO not her fault), her ex-boyfriend just popped the question to her older and perfect sister, and her eccentric great aunt keeps fixing her up with stuck-up rich boys. For all the plans she makes, Jamie may come to realize it’s the moments in life that she never saw coming that are the ones to write down.

Romance Book Review: Bella Andre's The Look of Love

Author: Bella Andre

Series Connection: The Sullivan Series

ISBN: 978-1463603779

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher:  Harlequin MIRA

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Bella Andre is introducing her Sullivan books into print beginning with The Look of Love. The story begins with introducing the Sullivan clan, featuring a matriarch mother and her eight children. First to receive his own book is successful photographer Chase. Chase has no problem with saying he is a ladies man and has his share of one night stands, but when he rescues Chloe from the side of the road on a rainy night, he knows his days of one night stands are over. 

Chloe has had a terrible day and her car going off the side of the road on a deserted road in a rain storm isn't making it any better. When a man stops to help her she isn't sure if she should trust him enough to accept his help. When he offers to let her stay in his brother's guest house she knows that has to be a big mistake, but there is just something about Chase and the fact that the rain is turning into a hail storm that has her getting into Chase's car.

Before she knows it, she's getting to know the handsome man, and although she keeps reminding herself she doesn't want to get involved it just happens. 

I've read this series before and loved it, however the print format has been filled out and expanded. The next story comes out at the end of June with Marcus' story From this Moment On.

Description:

Original book cover.

The Look Of Love introduces you to a fun and emotional contemporary romance series about the Sullivan family. Because when a Sullivan bad boy falls…he falls hard. And it’s forever.

Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s convinced even the gorgeous guy who rescues her in the middle of the rain storm must be too good to be true. Or is he?

As a successful photographer who frequently travels around the world, Chase Sullivan has his pick of beautiful women, and whenever he’s home in San Francisco, one of his seven siblings is usually up for causing a little fun trouble. Chase thinks his life is great just as it is—until the night he finds Chloe and her totaled car on the side of the road in Napa Valley. Not only has Chase never met anyone so lovely, both inside and out, but he quickly realizes Chloe has much bigger problems than her damaged car. Soon, Chase is willing to move mountains to love—and protect—her, but will Chloe let him?

Chloe vows never to make the mistake of trusting a man again. Only, with every loving look Chase gives her—and every sinfully sweet caress—as the attraction between them sparks and sizzles, she can’t help but wonder if she’s met the only exception. And although Chase didn’t realize his life was going to change forever in an instant, amazingly, he isn’t the least bit interested in fighting that change. Instead, he’s gearing up for a different fight altogether…for Chloe’s heart.

The long awaited print edition is out now from Harlequin MIRA with expanded editorial. More story, more Sullivans!

Romance Book Review: Shara Lanel's Blame it on the Moon

Author: Shara Lanel

ISBN: 978-1-59632-605-7

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Werewolf, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Loose-id

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Haden has come back to America to try to clear his name. Years back he woke up to find his girlfriend murdered in his bed. He knows he didn't kill her, but he ran before the police could bring him to court because he knew he couldn't keep his secret if he stayed in jail during the full moon.

Kitty owns a video shop in a strip mall, where Haden comes to build his new club. Kitty has a secret of her own, so she understands what it means to not want people to find out when you are different. When the two meet they are instantly attracted to each other. They both know a relationship will never work, but they can't keep their hands off each other. 

Good concept and mystery story in the background. 

Description:

Kitty Lazarus can’t help reading the new pub owner’s mind—that’s her gift—but his thoughts are very different from anyone else’s, very 3-D, and they always involve stripping her naked and doing…other things. But who is this blonde lady he keeps thinking about, and why does he sometimes picture himself in front of a mirror sprouting fur and fangs?

Haden Blackwood doesn’t need the complication of lusting after the rental storeowner, especially when she leases the space he plans to expand his pub into. Worse, she has the uncanny ability to guess his thoughts. He’s got too many secrets to keep, like a tendency to howl at the moon when it’s full and a warrant for his arrest. But he can’t fight his sexual attraction to Kitty—she smells so good!—and pretty soon he’s going to have to act on it.

But his secrets may be revealed as someone from his past tries to frame him…again…for a murder he didn’t commit. If he doesn’t trust Kitty with his true nature, he may find himself locked in jail during the full moon—not the kind of publicity his pub needs. But if he does involve her in his complicated life, she may find herself the target of a madman.

Romance Book Review: Julliette Barrymore's Cabin Fever

Author: Julliette Barrymore
ISBN:  978-1-60394-284-3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: New Concepts Publishing

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I've been spending the weekend going through some of my book files on my laptop and found some that I'm not sure if I ever got a chance to read before. At one time I downloaded books with the intent on reading them and never got around to reading all. For that matter I have boxes of paperbacks I've picked up along the way and haven't had a chance to read them. This is one just like that.

Actually this is a pretty cute fast paced book, featuring a couple of co-workers who have the hots for each other and while on a company trip to a cabin in the woods, the two have a few little mishaps, like the cabin blows up on it when they both happen to be naked, however not with each other and then they have to run from a bear in a snow suit they wind up being in at the same time.

This book can be found on all the major ebook sites like Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Description:

Haley had mixed feeling about the perk the ‘big boss’ offered even before they left for the cabin in the mountains. She was having a really hard time keeping her mind, and her hands, off of her new co-worker---Chase. Could she make it through an entire weekend of extremely close quarters without mixing business with pleasure?

Romance Book Review: Celia Kyle's Fiery Ember

Author: Celia Kyle
ISBN: n/a
Genre: Contemporary romance
Publisher: Amazon

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Fiery Ember is a modern day Cinderella story featuring Ember a young woman who's father left the family business to her evil stepmother. When her step sister doesn't show up for a big meeting with a client, Ember, who only works as an administrative assistant in the firm takes over the meeting in order not to lose the client.

Later the client seeks her out because he is attracted to her. Ember has already decided to leave the firm and get on with her life, but can't help being excited that the client would like to spend some time with her.

I loved the updated fairytale, but would have liked to see it drawn out a little bit with the hero helping her to get rid of the evil stepmother, but all and all a fun little read for the 99 cent price.

Description:

Ember Ellason is a darned good secretary. True, she’d like to be more, but since her father’s passing, her stepmother has taken over as CEO of Ellason Advertising, and Clementine Ellason feels Ember is only good enough to fetch coffee… barely. But when Clementine and her horrid daughters fail to show up for the meeting with the biggest client they could ever land, Ember saves the day by impersonating her stepmother. 

Paul Ashe needs a new ad campaign and he’s found the perfect company with the perfect proposal in Ellason Advertising. Too bad his body is a little too interested in the voluptuous CEO with her fiery red hair and blazing green eyes. Then he can’t seem to find the elusive woman after their first intimate tryst, and is left with only a pair of panties to remember her by. 

Will this Cinderella tale end in happily ever after? Or will Ember be separated from her panties—and her prince—for ever more?