Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Stealing Home (Sweet Magnolias, book 1) by Sherryl Woods

Title: Stealing Home
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: The Sweet Magnolias #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 23rd – 26th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Now all of that was at risk.

Synopsis

For the Sweet Magnolias, now a Netflix original series, friendship lasts a lifetime…

Maddie Townsend might live in a town called Serenity and have the best friends a woman could ask for, but her life is overturned when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. With her three children heartbroken from the change, Maddie has a lot to contend with. On top of it all, after years outside the workforce, she must dust off her business skills to take charge of her best friends’ newest project – planning the town’s only fitness spa for women.

When her son’s developing anger issues begin to affect his passion for baseball, Maddie knows she must step in to help. She didn’t expect to develop feelings for her son’s coach, the handsome Cal Maddox, and to learn he has feelings for her, too. But gossip travels quickly in a small town, and Maddie and Cal’s relationship may threaten both their reputations and careers.

Then again, he could be the one man in all of South Carolina who can help her find serenity after all.

Thoughts

I managed to start two Sherryl Woods series pretty close to one another. Mainly because more of the Chesapeake Shores books aren’t yet on my shelves. And although I love the Sweet Magnolias, I did find that I didn’t find it as much of a great beginning to a series as The Inn at Eagle Point. Having said that. This still gets five stars from me. It’s still fun, cute, amazing and a great way to spend an evening.

This novel perfectly encapsulates the way it feels to live in a small town. It highlights the gossip-tree that spreads throughout. And the ways in which gossip can cause havoc in a person’s life. It actually reminded me a little of the ways in which I hate small towns, even as I love them. Poor Cal and Maddie have to deal with such nonsense throughout this novel. Nonsense that makes you want to smack around the silly people who thought that they could be involved in somebody else’s love life.

The gossip, and the difference in the communities’ reactions to Bill and Maddie were great at highlighting the double standards that women face every day. Maddie is actually innocent in the creation of her relationship (where Bill certainly isn’t). Yet, it is Maddie that has a constant threat hanging over her head due to social pressure. I love that Woods not only highlights this in her story – but it is something that is actually discussed amongst the characters in this novel as well. We definitely need more stories which shine a light on this issue.

There is something about the setting of Serenity that is completely beautiful, peaceful and loving. Gossip crazy members aside, I would love to live in such a beautiful and peaceful town. One in which you can open a Corner Spa with your friends and start a new life surrounded by people who love you. It’s everything that you imagine a small town to be, and I loved that Serenity was almost its own character. One that I look forward to meeting again and again throughout this series.

<- More Sherryl WoodsA Slice of Heaven ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Angel’s Peak by Robyn Carr

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Angel's Peak (Virgin River, #9) by Robyn Carr

Title: Angel’s Peak
Author: Robyn Carr
Series: Virgin River #9
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 21st – 29th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: It hadn’t been that long since Franci had been a college coed.

Synopsis

FOUR YEARS AGO, AIR FORCE SWEETHEARTS FRANCI DUNCAN AND SEAN RIORDAN REACHED AN IMPASSE. SHE WANTED MARRIAGE AND A FAMILY. HE DIDN’T. BUT A CHANCE MEETING PROVES THAT THE BITTER BREAKUP HASN’T COOLED THEIR SIZZLING CHEMISTRY.

Sean has settled down in spite of himself – he’s not the cocky young fighter pilot he was when Franci left, and he wants them to try again. After all, they have a history… but that’s not all they share.

Franci’s secret reason for walking away when Sean refused to commit is now three and a half: a redheaded cherub named Rosie who shares her daddy’s emerald-green eyes. Sean is stunned – and furious with Franci for the deception.

News travels fast in Virgin River, and soon the whole town is taking sides. Rebuilding their trust could take a small miracle – and the kind of love that can move mountains.

Thoughts

I had to pause in my reading of this about a quarter of the way in. I loved the premise. I loved the beginning. And then you find out about T.J…. the guy that Franci had been dating. And wow. WHAT. A. DOUCHE. I was just so disgusted and frustrated by him that I put the book aside for a while and moved onto something with a less douche-baggish obstacle to overcome.

Luckily, following this moment of heck no feelings. The story seriously picks up. It fairly quickly becomes apparent that Franci has more of a brain than you had anticipated – and didn’t succumb to the wiles of such a deplorable man. And that he really wasn’t as much of an obstacle. In actual fact, that giant hurdle that the main couple need to overcome… well, it was overcome a lot quicker than anticipated. Which, allowed for room for something that I love in Robyn Carr’s writing and Virgin River series – that the romance wasn’t really just about one couple. The other couples from past books and the potential future couples are all living their lives too.

The Virgin River series, as it develops is becoming more and more about family. In this story, not only is the obstacle about children, but whole families are drawn in. Firstly, there are the two grandmothers / mothers who are constantly renegotiating their relationships. Then, there’s the friendships, in-laws and all sorts of ties that we all have. It’s beautiful that this series is able to tie in all of the characters and give them each of their own happily ever afters.

Not only did I absolutely adore this story. Partly because although it is about Luke’s brother, but it also helps to set up the next little mini-trilogy. Primarily, it’s helping to set up Erin and Aiden, siblings of characters that I’ve already kind of fallen in love with…now I need to hunt out Moonlight Road and get my happy on all over again.

<- Forbidden FallsMoonlight Road ->

Image source: Goodreads

Forbidden Falls by Robyn Carr

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Forbidden Falls (Virgin River, #8) by Robyn Carr

Title: Forbidden Falls
Author: Robyn Carr
Series: Virgin River #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 7th – 20th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Besides, there wasn’t a bubble or streak on those baseboards.

Synopsis

Welcome back to VIRGIN RIVER with the books that started it all…

Reverend Noah Kincaid moved to Virgin River to reopen an abandoned church he bought on eBay. Like Noah, the place is a little empty inside, but all it may need is some loving care…

The young widower arrives ready to roll up his sleeves and build a place of worship and welcome, but he needs some help. And the Lord works in mysterious ways.

With her tight shirts and short skirts, pastor’s assistant is not a phrase that springs to mind when Noah meets brassy, beautiful Alicia Baldwin. the former exotic dancer needs a respectable job so she can regain custody of her children. And Noah can’t help but admire her spunk and motherly determination. Noah and Alicia are an unlikely team to revitalize a church, much less build a future. The couple has so many differences, but in Virgin River anything is possible, and happiness is never out of the question.

Thoughts

It did take me a little longer to get into this Virgin River book than I most of the others. As much as I loved the idea of the story and enjoyed both Ellie and Noah. I just didn’t bond with them quite as quickly. Yet, once I hit that halfway point, I was completely hooked. And somehow that made that moment of attachment all the more sweet…

I love that the big complication in Ellie and Noah’s relationship was all based on the custody of her children. Again, Carr finds ways to create a story in which the issues are so much more adult. And the older I get, the more I feel like these are some seriously intense and realistic complications. Instead of there being another man, or a complication which involves one or the other being seriously stupid (like in many romances) it is the idea of family and children which cause potential bumps in the road. Bumps which are completely adorable and just jump off the page.

I’ve been reading a lot of romances lately. It seems to be my latest fad. I have never read a book that features a man of the cloth as the lead male though. Actually, I don’t think I’ve read any book which features a priest or any kind of man of the cloth as any kind of main character. It was an interesting departure from what I’m used to. And, considering I have a few hang ups with the Church, it was something that I surprisingly seriously enjoyed. Add to that that he is partnered with a woman who seems to be the absolute opposite to him in every manner, shape and form… it was a great, humorous and very, very cute romance.

Not only is Forbidden Falls a great romance between Noah and Ellie. Vanni and Paul also have a number of challenges that they have to overcome again. And Shelby and Luke get married. I love that although their happily ever afters have kind of occurred… there are still so many challenges that they have to overcome. So many moments that make them stand back and realise that even after you find your happily ever after person, you will still continuously battle to have the life that you’ve always wanted. And the way that Vanni and Paul face their latest battle… wow. My heart goes out to them.

<- Under the Christmas TreeAngel’s Peak ->

Image source: Goodreads

Harbor Lights by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Harbor Lights : Chesapeake Shores - Sherryl Woods

Title: Harbor Lights
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 20th – 21st July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: His father’s belated transformation was hard to buy, but there was at least some evidence to support it.

Synopsis

Struggling in his role as a newly single father, former army medic Kevin O’Brien moves home to Chesapeake Shores. He wants a haven for himself and his toddler son, surrounded by the family he knows he can count on, and a future that’s nothing like his past. But Kevin is suddenly facing a risk he hadn’t anticipated, in the form of Main Street bookseller Shanna Carlyle.

Shanna immediately recognizes Kevin as a wounded soul – she’s had way too much experience with the type. Still, this charming O’Brien man and his son are almost impossible to resist.

Then, just when the barriers are toppling, someone from Shanna’s past appears. Confronted with a threat to their hard-won serenity, Kevin and Shanna face their toughest challenge – learning to trust again.

Thoughts

From the very outset of this novel, and from her introduction in Flowers on Main, I knew that Kevin’s wife was going to die. And it was kind of tragic. But also something that I was gleefully anticipating… there’s not enough of her to become attached to. And I mostly just really wanted to get started on Kevin’s life and journey. Some of the extra complications of their relationship were not foreseen though. Which made the whole story all that much more intriguing.

As much as the loss of his wife makes Kevin’s backstory and the complications he brings to the relationship is a little sad. It is Shanna’s backstory which was really heart breaking. No wonder she had so many hang ups. But she was also one of the sweetest, kindest characters that I’ve read in a while. I love all of that softness and tenderness that she brings to the story line.

Most love stories which are of this calibre are all about finding a second chance and moving on from the past. This is partly what happens in this novel. But, mostly, it is about hope and finding a way to have their own happily ever after. It’s about moving on and carving out a life for yourself after your heart and life has been shattered.

This was a more complex romance than what I’ve been reading lately. But it was what I seriously enjoyed about this. I love that there were many, many moments of difficulties and emotions. Not something that I always find in a good romance. It was a story that made you hope / think that no matter what horrible things happen… there is always the chance of creating a new happily ever after for yourself. In spite of everything that may go wrong.

<- Flowers on MainA Chesapeake Shores Christmas ->

Image source: Booktopia

Flowers on Main by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Flowers On Main :HarperCollins Australia

Title: Flowers on Main
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 19th – 20th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Nell said, sounding vaguely wary, but definitely not surprised.

Synopsis

When her last two plays are dismal failures and her relationship with her temperamental mentor falls apart, writer Bree O’Brien abandons Chicago and the regional theater where she hoped to make a name for herself to return home. Opening Flowers on Main promises to bring her a new challenge and a new kind of fulfillment.

But not all is peaceful and serene in Chesapeake Shores, with her estranged mother on the scene and her ex-lover on the warpath. Jake Collins has plenty of reasons to want Bree out of his life, but none of those are a match for the one reason he wants her to stay: he’s still in love with her.

Jake might be able to get past that old hurt if he knew Bree was home to stay, but is she? The only way to know for sure is to take a dangerous leap of faith.

Thoughts

Bree is the quiet, lovely O’Brien sister. So I seriously looked forward to reading her story. After all, she’s the quiet sane sister. And sometimes they’re the ones that are the most ridiculously fun. Particularly when you begin to find out about the things in her past which made her run. And the lead man in this story? Jake… he’s just gorgeous. And underhanded. And wonderful.

There seems to be a bit of a recurring theme in the Chesapeake Shores books so far… that of reigniting love; second chances; and getting rid of naysayers. I love the idea that even though there have been bad moments in the past, there is always a chance for redemption. For Abbey it was walking back to the life that she said goodbye to. But, for Bree, it was so much more intense and complicated. The fact that Bree and Jake were able to get over their own past… it gives you hope for the future. Or at least, it gives me hope.

I love that one of the obstacles to the relationship in this novel were due to, in part, needing to just grow the hell up. And, you know, get over the past and find a way into the future. It’s something that I think we all sometimes need to keep in mind. And, as someone, who has been in a relationship since I was in my teens… I can completely understand both sides of the conflict in this… which is probably what I enjoyed so much about Woods’ writing in this novel – it was realistic in its approach to emotions and feelings.

After finishing this novel, I weirdly really want a flower shop. I have no idea why. As much as I enjoy flowers – I’m not great at growing them, and I’ve never tried to arrange them. This is another one of those stories that act as a fantastic reminder that having an insanely high-powered career isn’t necessarily going to make you happy. And that giving up such a thing can sometimes lead to never-ending happiness.

<- The Inn at Eagle PointHarbor Lights ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

The Inn at Eagle Point by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Inn At Eagle Point :HarperCollins Australia

Title: The Inn at Eagle Point
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 15th – 17th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: If she had, Abby would have stayed far, far away from the bank.

Synopsis

It’s been years since Abby O’Brien Winters set foot in Chesapeake Shores. The Maryland town her father built has too many sad memories and Abby too few spare moments, thanks to her demanding Wall Street career, the crumbling of her marriage and energetic daughters. Then one panicked phone call from her youngest sister brings her racing back home to protect Jess’s dream of renovating the charming Inn at Eagle Point.

But saving the inn from foreclosure means dealing not only with her own fractured family, but also with Trace Riley, the man Abby left ten years ago. Trace can be a roadblock to her plans… or proof that second chances happen in the most unexpected ways.

Thoughts

What a beautiful start to a beautiful series. It’s cute, it’s quaint and it’s everything that I love in a good contemporary romance series. Particularly since I seem to be drawn to the series which feature older adults now. And second chance love stories. And people with a ridiculous amount of history that makes you go yup… we all have a bit of a tough time in life… but there’s hope!

I really liked that there was this slow realisation in Abby throughout this story that divorce is a two-way street and that it’s not all her own fault. That even though Wes doesn’t seem like a totally terrible guy… he’s still kind of a dick all the way throughout. He was one of those villains that I really didn’t like… but I also didn’t completely hate. I just thought he was a bit of a petulant child. And I loved that Abby also came to this same realisation… it highlighted the idea of second chances and understanding not only other people again, but yourself.

The driver for the beginning of this series is all about sisterly love. It’s strong, it’s annoying and it’s complex. I know. I have an annoying little sister. One that I love dearly, don’t get me wrong… but still annoying at times. I loved how Woods was realistic about the annoyance of siblings and how intertwined we all are in each others’ lives. It just made the whole story more fun and, honestly, cute. Again, Wes’ silliness also highlighted that you should really never get between sisters… you’ll always loose.

This isn’t just a romance. It’s a great tale about family, children, and second chances. Not only is it about Abby and Trace finding a second chance and a life and love that suits them. But it’s also about healing wounds in family and taking a second chance on them. Even as the next generation grows to make their own bull headed mistakes…

<- More Sherryl WoodsFlowers on Main ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Good With His Hands by Lori Foster

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Bad Boys In Black Tie (Watson Brothers, #3) by Lori Foster

Title: Good With His Hands
Author: Lori Foster
In: Bad Boys in Black Tie (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 30th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Her gaze traveled all over him and still she couldn’t take it in.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Good With His Hands by Lori Foster
As next-door negihbors and best friends, Pete Watson and Cassidy McClannahan have a “no sex” relationship. “No sex” equals continuing friendship. “Ohmygodyes” sex equals big problems and probably some serious dish throwing. It may be a rigid rule, but it works. Until Pete decides he wants to push the line. If sensible Cassidy won’t take his hits, he’s ready to transform himself into the perfect “black tie” guy he thinks she wants. And once she’s in his arms, he’ll show her just what else that black tie can do…

Thoughts

This is such a sweet, adorable and cute novella. It was an easy read and one that I really liked delving into right before I turned the lights out for the night. Pleasant dreams abound after reading this gorgeous little novella. It’s one of those stories that reminds you that love exists. In all places and at all times. And, that sometimes it’s the person you most think is unsuited that happens to be your perfect soulmate…

I love that all through this novella, you know both of the characters have feelings for each other. They’re a little too scared to tell each other, but at least there is no wondering about the depths of their feelings and the legitimacy of them. It makes the storyline a little extra sweet and fun. And incredibly difficult to not want to rush forwards to that inevitable moment when they do get together.

Although the romance takes centre stage, I also loved the dynamics in Cassidy’s family. Not only does she advocate for her little sister and try to make sure that her parents accept her relationship and the man that she loves. But there is also the discussion in this story surrounding the different ways in which children are talked about. Cassidy is always disappointed because she’s not considered “beautiful”, but Holly is always a little sad that she’s not considered “sensible”. I loved that this disjoint in the ways that two sisters view each other and themselves is built upon by such innocent compliments.

A great little novella. Light, fluffy and an absolute joy to read.

<- Bad Boys in Black TieMiss Extreme Congeniality ->

Image source: Goodreads

On Fire by Sylvia Day

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Hot in Handcuffs - Bookshelf • Best Selling Books by #1 New York ...

Title: On Fire
Author: Sylvia Day
Series: Shadow Stalkers #4
In: Hot in Handcuffs (Sylvia Day, Shayla Black & Shiloh Walker)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Erotica, Romantic suspense
Dates read: 29th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “There’s a little café around the corner, although we might have to wait a bit for a seat.”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

When Deputy Marshal Jared Cameron investigates a series of arson attacks in a seaside town, the biggest blast of heat comes from sexy fire inspector Darcy Michaels—until their scorching after-hours affair is compromised by a secret from Darcy’s past.

Thoughts

This was an incredibly fast-paced, heart-pumping novella. It was a little gritty, a lot of fun and incredibly intriguing. It had my heart pumping, my breath catching and my jaw clenching. Which is everything that you want in a romantic suspense novella. There was also some lovely, hot, steamy sex… which was just a little bit toe curling.

This novella starts out strong – it starts with an arson investigation and the obvious point that there is someone preying upon this small town. And then it just gets more and more intense from there. There is the history of Darcy’s sister that is quickly unraveled. The jealousies of multiple men. And just a great, big mystery behind it all. I spent the whole time trying to figure out who the actual culprit was… and was completely blind sided when the bad person was finally revealed. Not the person I expected at all.

One issue I did have with this novella was that I really and ultimately couldn’t figure out the actual motives behind the crimes. I understood parts of it, but other parts were just confusing. I think it drove home the fact that they were just certifiably nuts. But I still wanted a much more in depth explanation…

<- Arresting DesireThe Unwilling ->

Image source: Sylvia Day

Rock Redemption by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Rock Redemption (Rock Kiss) (Volume 3): Nalini Singh ...

Title: Rock Redemption
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Music
Dates read: 16th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: No photographers, no stalkers, nothing but a wild beauty that would suit Kit’s grounded nature.

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh comes the next contemporary romance in the Rock Kiss series…

Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness… until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.

Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation.

When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting – needing – to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful… and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.

Thoughts

Even when I sit down to write this review a few days after I finished reading Rock Redemption, I still don’t quite have the words for the absolute awesomeness that is this novel. I loved the first three Rock Kiss stories, but there was just something… extra wow about this novel. It is brilliant, complex and kind of beautiful. But also incredibly heart-rending and serious. A perfect mix in a contemporary romance novel if you ask me (which you probably didn’t, but I’m still going to give you my opinion…).

Throughout this story, my heart broke multiple times. Not just because of Kit and Noah’s different issues, but there were moments I wasn’t even sure if a happily ever after was going to be reached. Although Kit’s issues were there… it was, in particular, Noah’s that were really tragic. I kept guessing and hoping I was wrong about his past (I wasn’t). But even that moment of reveal made me gasp out loud and cover my mouth with my hand. Even when expected… that moment of reveal was so heart breaking and tragic. And enough that you truly wondered whether or not they would actually get the happy ending…

The first three Rock Kiss books have got much smaller stakes compared to this one. Not only is Noah’s past WAY more screwed up and dark, but Kit also has to contend with a stalker and someone threatening her very life. The raising of the stakes is intense and made it completely impossible to remove my nose from this book. It also made my heart palpitate in ways that I wasn’t quite expecting. But, honestly, that is just what made this story so damn good… the stakes were raised, but the eventual happily ever after moment was just that much sweeter.

One of my favourite aspects of this novel was the way in which Kit figures out how to help Noah sleep at night. The construction of the outside bed is such a great, picturesque detail. And it kind of made me want an outside bed too…

<- Rock HardRock Wedding ->

Image source: Amazon

Rock Hard by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Rock Hard (Rock Kiss, #2) by Nalini Singh

Title: Rock Hard
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #2, Hard Play #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sport
Dates read: 16th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “You see why a second date would’ve been a bad idea, don’t you, Ms. Baird?”

Synopsis

In New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s newest contemporary romance, passion ignites between a gorgeous, sinfully sexy man who built himself up from nothing and a shy woman who has a terrible secret in her past…

Wealthy businesman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he’ll go after it no-holds-barred.

And what he wants is Charlotte Barid.

Charlotte knows she’s a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO – a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake – clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom.

If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on.

Thoughts

Charlotte’s history is alluded to in Rock Addiction, and like Rock Courtship, that little allusion in the first novel made me really, really want to find out more. And I was seriously happy that Charlotte and Gabriel get their own full-length novel. Because, wow, Charlotte’s story is seriously intense and somehow all the more beautiful for the horrors that she faces.

One of my favourite things about this novel is the dynamic between Charlotte and Gabriel. Sure, the other couples thus far have a great dynamic… but I much preferred the argumentative side of this couple. It had me laughing and grinning all throughout. And I seriously enjoyed that not matter what happened, they constantly bickered and found a place in which they could both be themselves and stand up for themselves.

I found this book even more impossible to put down than most of my other Nalini Singh books. Mostly because I just HAD to find out what happened to Charlotte. What her horrifying past was. And even though there were breadcrumbs all throughout and bits and pieces, it isn’t until about three quarters of the way through that you finally find out exactly what happened. This, intertwined with the familiar scenes with Molly, but from Charlotte’s point of view… worked fantastically, unforgettably well. There is just this amazing sense of completion and wow that you get when they finally get their happily ever after… because Charlotte has been through the damn ringer.

Although it is mostly Charlotte’s past and hang-ups that get in the way of their relationship, Gabriel is in no way perfect. And I love that his own hang-ups and imperfection is represented by his workaholic tendencies. The more you get to know each of these characters, the more steadily and heavily you will fall in love with them. Although, I’m looking forward to returning to Molly and the band in Rock Redemption.

<- Rock CourtshipRock Redemption ->

Image source: Goodreads