Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Donna Kauffman

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for jingle bell rockbook cover

Title: Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Author: Donna Kauffman
Series: Men of Rogue’s Hollow #1
In: Jingle Bell Rock (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Susan Donovan, Donna Kauffman, Alison Kent & Nancy Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 24th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: They hadn’t pawed.

Synopsis

It’s been ten years since Suzanna York left Jace Morgan. Now, as fate reunites them during a holiday snowstorm, they’ll have plenty of time to discover that distance only sharpens certain hungers…

Thoughts

This is such a wonderfully cute and sweet reconciliation story. There’s a bit of a tragic backstory to Jace and Suzanna, but somehow there isn’t any kind of bittersweet feeling to this storyline. Which somewhat surprised me. After all, teenage sweethearts suddenly losing contact with each other, and not seeing each other for ten years? That kind of sucks. Actually, it really, seriously, and truly sucks if I’m being honest… so I was surprised that this was such a light-hearted and enjoyable story. Filled with that extra bit of lust.

I loved the premise of this story in that the four Morgan brothers are returning to their home and facing their demons. It’s the kind of introduction to a series that I generally lap up completely. So I can’t wait to not only add more of these stories to my shelves… but also I just loved this great introduction to a fun new world.

This story is kind of sweet, but mostly I just love that it’s got a lot of lust and forgiveness in it. I don’t know if I could be brave like Jace or Suzanna, and it’s such a hopeful story. one that warmed my Grinch-like heart at Christmas.

<- Turning Up the HeatExposed ->

Image source: Goodreads

Cherish Hard by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
BOOK REVIEW & EXCERPT: Cherish Hard by Nalini Singh : Natasha is a Book Junkie | Romance Book Blog

Title: Cherish Hard
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Hard Play #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sport
Dates read: 22nd – 23rd December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Still, she couldn’t stop second-guessing herself as Sailor led her out of the house through a side entrance that opened out into a small, manicured garden.

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh kicks off her new Hard Play contemporary romance series with a sizzling story that’ll leave you smiling…

Sailor Bishop has only one goal for his future – to create a successful landscaping business. No distractions allowed. Then he comes face-to-face and lips-to-lips with a woman who blushes like an innocent… and kisses like pure sin.

ĂŤsa Rain craves a man who will cherish her, aches to create a loving family of her own. Trading steamy kisses with a hot gardener in a parking lot? Not the way to true love. Then a deal with the devil (aka her CEO-mother) makes ĂŤsa a corporate VP for the summer. Her main task? Working closely with a certain hot gardener.

And Sailor Bishop has wickedness on his mind.

As Ísa starts to fall for a man who makes her want to throttle and pounce on him at the same time, she knows she has to choose – play it safe and steady, or risk all her dreams and hope Sailor doesn’t destroy her heart.

Thoughts

I’ve been hanging to get to the Hard Play novels ever since I read Rock Hard. After all, Gabe is absolutely drool-worthy. And the brief glimpses you get into his family are absolutely brilliant… they’re such a beautifully, wonderfully close knit group that I can’t help but feel I would love to be a part of. Which left me grinning when I finally managed to get around to this novel.

Isa has such a sad little backstory. She’s most definitely the kind of girl that is searching for love and family. And, although she’s often described as a little shy, I loved her backbone and gumption throughout this. She may not be the most outgoing person, but she’s definitely able to stand up for the people that she loves. And, as Sailor quickly finds out for himself throughout their love story, she’s more than capable of standing up for herself.

I’ve not read very many stories in which the lead male is actually a few years younger than the woman he falls for. It’s not really such a well-known / accepted trope. Which meant that having Sailor a few years younger than Isa left me feeling very happy and content. I love storylines that feature couples who aren’t exactly within the normal limits that we place on society. And the age difference in this was pretty much negligible and reminded us all that you can find love no matter what your differences.

Isa and Sailor are a fantastic couple. Throughout this novel, they both decide to sacrifice things they didn’t think they would give up. They both grow together, and ultimately find a new, better version of happily ever after. Then, there’s the hints of Nayna and Raj’s relationship which are making me seriously keen to pick up Rebel Hard…

<- More Nalini SinghRebel Hard ->

Image source: Natasha is a Book Junkie

Snowed Under by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Night Before Christmas by Lori Foster

Title: Snowed Under
Author: Erin McCarthy
In: The Night Before Christmas (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Jill Shalvis, Kylie Adams & Katherine Garbera)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 22nd December 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: I mean, the whole building was glass.

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Synopsis

Justin Fairbanks has always been attracted to Claire Robbins. When she gets soaked by a snowplough and asks him to help remove her wet clothes, well, what sane man could possibly say no?

Thoughts

Everyone has a teenage crush that the sometimes wonder “what if?” And although mine chopped and changed a lot, I like the way that in this story, the couple have always been more than a little sweet on each other. But they’ve waited until they’re grown enough to actually enjoy their courtship. After all, what is okay as an adult, is kind of icky for a child…

This story was seriously fun from beginning to end. It was a little bit humorous, and a whole lot enjoyable. I also loved Claire’s go-get-them attitude. After all, she figures out exactly what she wants (Justin in her bed), and just goes for it. I have experience working around men who are kind of difficult and annoying to shift into the decisions that you want, so I completely adored Claire’s methodology.

Snowed Under is fun and very, very enjoyable. It’s a nice novella that makes you believe in true love and just generally enjoy the process of a romance developing. It’s incredibly cute, and most definitely a novella that I will read again.

<- White Knight ChristmasMs. Humbug ->

Image source: Goodreads

Turning Up the Heat by Susan Donovan

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for jingle bell rockbook cover

Title: Turning Up the Heat
Author: Susan Donovan
In: Jingle Bell Rock (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Susan Donovan, Donna Kauffman, Alison Kent & Nancy Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 22nd December 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: The walls were caving in.

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Synopsis

Being stood up on Christmas Eve is bad enough, but now Valerie’s furnace is broken, too. Good thing that sexy repairman is available to raise the temperature dramatically…

Thoughts

At first, it did take me a little bit to get into this story. Mostly because I didn’t quite understand how the couple in this could go from zero to lust in pretty much no time at all. Particularly when there is pretty much no talking, and very little emotional discussion throughout this story. And then, at the completion of this story, I understood why it goes that quickly, and it becomes a beautifully and wonderfully romantic tale.

I love that this story has a whole happily ever after / perfect couple feel to it at the end. Plus, there is a heck of a lot of lust throughout this story. I love how Donovan is able to make you feel a little naughty whilst reading this, whilst also being very vague. It just lends everything to the imagination, which makes it all that more enjoyable and happier.

I can’t really rant and rave about how much I enjoyed this story without giving away the twist at the end. So, suffice it to say, that this was a great and amazing novella. One that didn’t necessarily make me think all that much about Christmas. But did certainly make me think about what makes a perfect relationship.

<- All She Wants for ChristmasBaby, It’s Cold Outside ->

Image source: Goodreads

All She Wants for Christmas by Janelle Denison

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for jingle bell rockbook cover

Title: All She Wants for Christmas
Author: Janelle Denison
Series: Wilde #1.1
In: Jingle Bell Rock (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Susan Donovan, Donna Kauffman, Alison Kent & Nancy Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 19th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “Is Tracy your only sibling?”

Synopsis

When sexy paediatrician Matthew Carlton plays Santa, pulling Faith Roberts on his lap, he has no idea what’s on her Christmas wish list…or how much he’ll enjoy fulfilling every bit of it…

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this novella. It was all about letting go and accepting your feelings. And lust. There was also lots and lots of lust. Which I feel like it kind of important in a contemporary romance story if I’m being honest.

I’ve never really thought of Santa as an attractive or sexy character. After all, he’s… well, Santa. But, in this story… he somehow gains a bit of sex appeal and gorgeousness that I just wasn’t expecting. I’m still not sure that I would proposition Santa like the lead woman in this story does, but I most certainly found the idea fun and entertaining.

All in all, I really, really enjoyed this novella. A bit like One Wilde Weekend, I found this fun, engaging and very, very cute. Also a little lustful and sinful. Which, honestly, is what I love in a good contemporary romance.

<- Wilde OneTurning Up the Heat ->

Image source: Goodreads

White Knight Christmas by Lori Foster

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Night Before Christmas by Lori Foster

Title: White Knight Christmas
Author: Lori Foster
In: The Night Before Christmas (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Jill Shalvis, Kylie Adams & Katherine Garbera)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 17th December 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: And Parker, being too tired and too horny to think straight, stared at her mouth and said, “Honey, right now, I’m about as far from soft as a man can get.”

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Synopsis

Officer Parker Ross hates Christmas; Lily Donaldson lives for it. She’s determined to introduce him to the pleasures of the season, and he’s looking forward to being deliciously converted…

Thoughts

I’m not generally a huge fan of stories which feature that gooshy love at first sight kind of thing. Even though it’s something that I’ve experienced, I still struggle to really connect to it. I tend to prefer the stories which are friends to lovers or enemies to lovers, or some such. After all, these relationships are based upon a solid foundation. Yet, Foster is able to still have that kind of feeling in this story without frustrating me. Without making me feel like it’s a bit bleugh. White Knight Christmas may not specifically be a love at first sight kind of story, but it’s certainly got that hopeful feel to it.

I loved the whole trope of Grinch falls in love with woman who is completely what Christmas is all about. Giving, love and cheer. This year I’m probably more Grinch than anything, but this definitely made my cold little heart grow a few sizes when I read it. There is just something wonderfully joyful and festive about this kind of storyline. One that had me smiling long after I turned that final page.

White Knight Christmas is a very fun, light and easy read. It is a great way to get back into the Christmas spirit and highlights how love is a wonderful thing. I found it a little far fetched that love could make a cop forget all of his cynicism, but it was such a great idea. I would most definitely read this novella again next Christmas.

<- The Night Before ChristmasSnowed Under ->

Image source: Goodreads

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Lori Foster

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for jingle bell rockbook cover

Title: He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Dean Brothers and Friends #1
In: Jingle Bell Rock (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Susan Donovan, Donna Kauffman, Alison Kent & Nancy Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 17th December 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: He could feel her hesitancy.

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Synopsis

What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires…and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping…

Thoughts

There is something about the Dean Brothers that is kind of fun. So having Booker fall in love with the girl next door (literally) and cementing the deal over Christmas… it made me weirdly happy and content. I’ve struggled to get into the Christmas spirit this year, and for some reason, this novella was absolutely perfect to hit that feeling.

One of my favourite romance tropes is the whole friends to lovers one. After all, the individual generally knows what they are getting themselves in for when they start to become involved with a friend. I know that I certainly did. I also love that this all happened at Christmas. Plus, there is the whole way in which Booker ends his last relationship, which just had me laughing out loud.

I absolutely adored this novella. It was fun, light and full of hope. Just what I needed to finish out this somewhat crappy year…

<- Jingle Bell RockAll She Wants for Christmas ->

Image source: Goodreads

Christmas in Silver Springs by Brenda Novak

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Christmas in Silver Springs : Silver Springs - Brenda Novak

Title: Christmas in Silver Springs
Author: Brenda Novak
Series: Silver Springs #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 15th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: Why wash silverware?

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Synopsis

Come home to Silver Springs for the holidays, where broken hearts learn to love again…together.

So much for forever. When Harper Devlin’s rocks tar husband ditches her on his way to the top, she takes her two daughters to her sister’s place in Silver Springs for the holidays, hoping family can heal her broken heart. But comfort comes in unexpected places when she crosses paths with local Tobias Richardson.

The moment Tobias spots Harper, he recognizes a sadness he knows all too well. After spending thirteen years in prison paying for his regretful past, Tobias is ready to make amends, and maybe helping Harper is the way to do it. But offering her a shoulder to cry on ignites a powerful attraction and a desire neither saw coming.

Fearing her reaction, Tobias doesn’t reveal his checkered past. He’s falling hard, and if Harper finds out, he’ll lose her for good, especially because her famous ex is now trying to win her back. Secrets have a way of coming out, but maybe this Christmas will bring Tobias the forgiveness – and the love he deserves.

Thoughts

Over December, I have been in a bit of a reading slump. And completely uninterested in Christmas if I’m being honest. So it felt right to just pick up a Christmas romance and try to sink into the festive season and out of my reading slump. I didn’t quite get all that festive after reading this, but I most certainly left my reading slump behind. It was just a brilliant, light, easy and fun read.

Harper has such a sad backstory. I can’t imagine putting your everything into a person, into their life, just to be told one day to pack your bags. And the fact that you then try to keep things together for your two children… from the very first moment, my heart definitely reached out to her. Everything about Harper, in fact had you feeling love, sympathy and a certain level of pride and acknowledgement.

Partner Harper with Tobias, and this was a perfect recipe for a great romance. After all, he’s not quite the typical male lead, so you get a few unexpected twists and turns with him. And, like Harper, he has a bit of a tragic backstory going on. One that makes you hope against hope that they find their happily ever after. And every time it feels like its going to be taken away… well, yeah. My heart most definitely skipped a beat and thrust up into my throat.

Christmas in Silver Springs is a great, wonderful and seriously fun little romance. Not only does it take place around Christmas, but it is just… fun. The exact story I needed to get me feeling a little less like a grinch, and to pull me out of the reading slump I found myself in.

<- Unforgettable YouA California Christmas ->

Image source: Booktopia

More Than Words: Volume 6 by Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child

Book Review, , , , , , , ,
Overview
More Than Words, Volume 6 (Virgin River, #10.1) by Joan Johnston

Title: More Than Words: Volume 6
Author: Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child
In: More Than Words: Volume 6 (Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 22nd October – 14th November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Harlequin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “That’s why I thought of you.”

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Synopsis

Presenting… the sixth annual More Than Words anthology

Five bestselling authors
Five real-life heroines

Little by little, one person at a time, we can make our world a better place. The five dedicated women selected as this year’s recipients of Harlequin’s More Than Words award have done just that, by discovering a seed of compassion, and nurturing it to effect real change in their communities. To celebrate their accomplishments, five bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by these real-life heroines.

We hope More Than Words inspires you to look into your heart and find the heroine who lives within.

Thoughts

I bought this anthology with no idea what to expect. I only knew that there was a Virgin River novella in it somewhere. And now I want to get my hands on all of the More Than Words books that I can find. I love that not only are they gorgeous little romances. But they also incorporate charities and amazing activities which are run by some incredibly awe-inspiring women. What a fantastic collection!

I found the idea of creating an anthology around five charities and women who have created them to be seriously unique. And brilliant. Hence, the fact that I want to buy the rest of these books. I mean, how cool is it that this book not only is an amazingly fun and beautiful read, but also a way to promote some great causes. It also manages to place a face to those who would most benefit from funding going to such charities.

This was a fantastic collection that not only had me feeling happy and all dopey and lovey (which is honestly why I read romances), but also hopeful about the world. After all, every one of these stories had a happily ever after. And the horrible things in the world aren’t necessarily always horrible. Or at least, in these hopeful stories, there are still happily ever afters…

<- The Princess ShoesAlmost Lost ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Princess Shoes by Maureen Child

Book Review, , ,
Overview
More Than Words, Volume 6 (Virgin River, #10.1) by Joan Johnston

Title: The Princess Shoes
Author: Maureen Child
In: More Than Words: Volume 6 (Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 14th November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harlequin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: The organization’s story started with another little boy at a school in Pomona, California, found crying on the playground and saying his feet hurt.

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Synopsis

USA Today bestselling author Maureen Child reminds us of the happiness and purpose that even a youngster can find by putting her best foot forward in a story inspired by Roni Lomeli, Executive Director of Shoes That Fit.

Thoughts

This story did a great job of highlighting how big a difference a pair of shoes can make in someone’s life. It’s cute and sweet, beautiful and just a little bit heart-wrenching. I was lucky – and this novella really reminded me of all of the things in my life that I am lucky for. Add to that the fact that there is a romance in this story and just a whole heap of sweetness…

This probably wasn’t my favourite novella in the collection. Yet, it was probably featuring one of my favourite charities / causes. Whilst they’re all good, I love the simplicity and strength that giving a child a new pair of shoes can provide. I think that I didn’t enjoy it quite as much simply because the romance was not quite as intense and didn’t draw me in as much as the others did. It was still a brilliant novella. Just not one that had me thinking about it for long afterwards.

This was a wonderful novella. Not only did it show how important it can be for children to feel comfortable and hopeful for the future. It also featured a man who had experienced the foster system himself. It was a reminder that sometimes the smallest act can have the greatest impact. And it was a wonderful, positive note upon which to end this collection.

<- No LimitsMore Than Words: Volume 6 ->

Image source: Goodreads