Tag Archives: Contemporary

Sea Swept by Nora Roberts

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Sea Swept (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #1) by Nora Roberts

Title: Sea Swept
Author: Nora Roberts
Series: Chesapeake Bay Saga #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Family
Dates read: 24th May – 5th June 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: With a laugh, she crouched down, held out a hand.

Synopsis

Cameron Quinn is coming home to say good-bye to the only father he ever loved. And he’ll have to put his fast-paced life on hold to care for the last boy Ray Quinn hoped to save…

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this story. It was one of those gorgeous, heart felt tales that made you just… smile. And I also love that although the couple gets together at the end… there is still that feeling of unfinished business that promises a next, wonderful novel in the series. It provides a great common thread beyond brotherhood and makes me itch to go out and buy the next book.

The fact that this story starts with a death and some tragedy is pretty harsh. But, it works beautifully as a story starter. Plus, how else do you get four brothers back together to start a series? The fact that one of these brothers is new to the clan… Well, it didn’t make me want to get to know Seth any less. He’s just as adorable and wonderful as Cam, Philip and Ethan.

I love that Anna is a social worker. It’s a role kind of similar to my own, with even more heartbreaking scenarios. And, honestly, it’s something I could see myself moving into I the future. The fact that Roberts doesn’t make it into a dreamy and hopeful job all the time. But is honest about the realities of that kind of work? It made Anna a far more appealing character and my first foray into the writing of Nora Roberts seriously enjoyable.

This might be a contemporary romance, but I loved the family aspect to the whole story. It reminds you that family can be who you choose, and who stands by you. And, honestly, I found the story of the four brothers to be an even bigger love story than that of Cam and Anna.

<- More Nora RobertsRising Tides ->

Image source: Goodreads

Charmed by Charlie by Amanda Uhl

Book Review, ,
Overview
Charmed by Charlie by Amanda Uhl

Title: Charmed by Charlie
Author: Amanda Uhl
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 16th – 18th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: ARC, eBook, Novel
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Year: 2021
5th sentence, 74th page: “What… why?”

Synopsis

PAINT, PROMOTIONS & PERFECTION

Creative genius Charlie Solanger has it all: good looks, money, intelligence, charm. And when he swoops in to save Reynolds Paint Company with a brilliant marketing campaign, he has all the ladies in the office vying for his attention. Everyone except math whiz Valerie Wilson.

Val’s not happy Charlie stole her promotion. Worse, his brand of flirtatious charm is reminiscent of her cheating ex-fiancé. So, how come she can’t get him out of her head? The more she challenges him, the more interested—and interesting—he becomes. What secrets is Charlie hiding, and who or what is behind the sudden mysterious drain on their company’s funds? The only way to find out is to join forces. Then it will be a battle of wills…and a triumph of hearts.

Thoughts

I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I seriously enjoyed this office romance. It was such an easy and light read with just enough twists to not leave you feeling a little bored. The fact that not just the lead couple, but all the secondary characters got their happily ever after most definitely left me feeling content at the end of this.

I must admit, I’ve read very few “office romance” stories. And even fewer that involve corporate espionage and the mystery of missing money. I really liked how this twisted throughout the romance to raise the stakes. Plus, the whole office setting was a brilliant backdrop to the while tale.

Val was a fun lead in this story. She was scared to trust (and who hasn’t been there?), brilliantly mathematically inclined and just generally a great narrator voice. It meant that I absolutely adored the first person point of view that was presented and, although you don’t necessarily always agree with her decisions, you can understand her motives.

All in all, I seriously enjoyed this and would most definitely read another Amanda Uhl book. It was such a lovely world in whoch to spend a few hours and left me feeling happy and content. And seriously glad I don’t work in an office…

<- More Amanda UhlMore contemporary romance ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Little Breton Bistro by Nina George

Book Review,
Overview
The Little French Bistro by Nina George

Title: The Little Breton Bistro
Author: Nina George
Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Dates read: 25th April 2021
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Abacus
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: In short, despite his testosterone imbalance, our chef is back to top form.

Synopsis

From the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop, an extraordinary novel about self-discovery and new beginnings.

Marianne is stuck in a loveless, unhappy marriage. After forty-one years, she has reached her limit, and one evening in Paris she decides to take action. Following a dramatic moment on the banks of the Seine, Marianne leaves her life behind and sets out for the coast of Brittany, also known as the end of the world.

Here she meets a cast of colorful and unforgettable locals who surprise her with their warm welcome, and the natural ease they all seem to have, taking pleasure in life s small moments. And, as the parts of herself she had long forgotten return to her in this new world, Marianne learns it s never too late to begin the search for what life should have been all along.

With all the buoyant charm that made The Little Paris Bookshop a beloved bestseller, The Little French Bistro is a tale of second chances and a delightful embrace of the joys of life in France.

Thoughts

I seriously struggled trying to read this book. I wanted to love it. I wanted to really enjoy it – the premise was fantastic and I’ve seen so many great reviews of it. But, alas, it didn’t happen.

In fact, I ended up putting this aside after 150 pages (my usual cut off if I can’t get into a book). I couldn’t even skim read this and feel slightly intrigued by what happens next. I very rarely DNF a book because my curiosity tends to make me at least skim through it… but I still didn’t do that.

I may not have loved this book, but ultimately, there was nothing actually wrong with it. The writing was good, the idea had merit. I just couldn’t get excited about the storyline. Or feel connected to the characters… maybe I’ll try again in the future.

<- More Standalone NovelsMore Contemporary ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Switch by Beth O’Leary

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Switch by Beth O'Leary

Title: The Switch
Author: Beth O’Leary
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Family
Dates read: 14th – 25th April 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Quercus
Year: 2020
5th sentence, 74th page: Had she given up?

Synopsis

LEENA IS TOO YOUNG TO FEEL STUCK
EILEEN IS TOO OLD TO START OVER
IT’S TIME FOR THE SWITCH…

After blowing a big presentation at work, Leena takes a two-month sabbatical and escapes to her grandmother Eileen’s house for some overdue rest. Eileen is newly single and about to turn eighty. She’d like a second chance at love, but her tiny Yorkshire village doesn’t offer many eligible gentlemen… A life swap seems the perfect solution.

But with a rabble of unruly OAPs to contend with, as well as the distractingly handsome local schoolteacher, Leena learns that switching lives isn’t straightforward. In London, Eileen is a huge hit with her new neighbours and with the online dating scene. But is her perfect match nearer to home than she first thought?

Thoughts

There are just so many dang levels of adorable throughout this book. It is incredibly sweet and fun. Very, very cute and such a delight to read. It was the perfect book to read while I was taking a bit of a weekend break from reality. Something about this granddaughter-daughter duo, the sleepy little English village and the feeling of love in the air made me seriously happy and content. It was most definitely an amazing book, and I’m glad that it was suggested for the Reading Women Challenge.

This novel might be a romance, but it is also a great story about strong women and family. The three generations in this family are tied together, even when they feel like they’re falling apart. It creates a wonderful atmosphere and story. One that made me want to ring up my own mother and just give her a verbal hug through the phone. It’s a fantastic story which reminds you that even in the darkest moments, good family (whether it’s the one you are born into or choose) are there for you.

I found that for me, the focus of the story was on the two Eileens. In particular, their journey to figure out who they are in their altered realities. It’s such a beautifully powerful journey. One that reminded me (again, at a good point), that sometimes the path we think we should be on isn’t necessarily the right one. And that it’s okay to take a major detour and find a new destination. All (hopefully) with the support of a kick ass grandmother…

Hank is such a great character… I’m a sucker for any story which features a dog, so a rambunctious and excitable Lab… that’s going to be my happy place. The fact that his owner is by all accounts dreamy and hard to forget… yum…

Then there is Eileen and Anthony. I love their arguments and the ways that they constantly rib one another. Again, it is just an adorable and fun relationship to top off all of the other adorable and fun relationships in this novel… unforgettable and wonderful.

<- The Road TripMore Beth O’Leary ->

Image source: Goodreads

Oklahoma Christmas Blues by Maggie Shayne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Oklahoma Christmas Blues (The McIntyre Men, #1) by Maggie Shayne

Title: Oklahoma Christmas Blues
Author: Maggie Shayne
Series: Bliss in Big Falls #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 18th – 24th April 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Publisher: Thunderfoot Publishing Inc.
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: How the heck do you know that?

Synopsis

Darryl is on a quest for peace. His chance at fatherhood was taken from him long ago, and an IED in Iraq ensured he’d never get another. In Big Falls, the McIntyre brothers hire him to keep an eye on their beautiful cousin Sophie in case her criminal ex shows up. He doesn’t expect to fall head over heels.

Sophie McIntyre’s life was blown apart by a drug dealing ex who cost her her job and nearly her medical license. She comes to Big Falls because she has nowhere else to go. And the minute she gets there, things start to get better.

Is it because of that letter to Santa her Aunt Vidalia convinced her to write?

Within days she meets a beautiful man with a deeply wounded soul. And oddly, she finds herself giving him the same advice the town Santa gave to her—try believing again, and if it’s too much to believe, then just try hoping.

Love, magic, and miracles ensue.

Because this is Big Falls, Oklahoma. Miracles are an everyday occurrence around here. Especially at Christmastime.

Thoughts

This is an incredibly cutesy and easy read. It’s simple, fun and just all round enjoyable. Just the kind of thing to read on the kobo late at night. The fact that it has the backdrop of Christmas and a gorgeous little town… well, that made everything all that much better for my happiness.

I really enjoyed how Sophia found her own place in a new world that she’s created. It’s hard to start over and carve out your own reality, and Sophia’s ability to do so is a thing to behold. There are also all of the wonderful little miracles that help her along the way…

This story is all about romance and Christmas miracles. It was a bit of a weird time of year to be reading this… but I really liked the way that miracles and that feeling of hope were inspired throughout this story. It was all very good fun and incredibly… innocent.

I struggle with reading ebooks. But this is one that I enjoyed. And I’ll definitely be adding more of the series to my wish list… I can’t wait to see what else happens in Big Falls!

<- More Maggie ShayneOklahoma Moonshine ->

Image source: Goodreads

Penguins by Simon James Green

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Proud by Juno Dawson & various (9781788950602/Paperback) | LoveReading

Title: Penguins
Author: Simon James Green
In: Proud (Juno Dawson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Humour, LGBTQI
Dates read: 16th April 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Little Tiger
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: It’s a family zoo.

Synopsis

Cam is trying to figure out a way to come out to his family and friends. But then the damn penguins beat him to it…

Thoughts

Oh hot damn. This story is just way too cute! And funny. And just all around adorable. I spent the entirety of this story grinning and smiling. There were just so many wonderful moments throughout that I enjoyed way too much. Even sitting down to write this review, all I can think about it Cam yelling penguins at the end of the tale.

I love that throughout this story, Cam is trying really, really hard to come out to his friends and family. And ultimately finding out that it probably isn’t all that necessary – they already know. And accept him as he is. With no strings attached. It just creates an all-round feel-good tale that will make your heart grow larger and larger.

All in all, I absolutely love the ending of this tale. It was just the cute cherry on top of the cute sundae that left me grinning and clutching my heart in happiness. It was all just beautiful and fun. The most adorable of short stories.

<- Dive BarOn the Run ->

Image source: LoveReading4Kids

Love Hard by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Love Hard (Hard Play, #3) by Nalini Singh

Title: Love Hard
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Hard Play #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sport
Dates read: 9th – 13th April 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2020
5th sentence, 74th page: “Do I look like I was born yesterday?”

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh brings you the next sizzling story in her Hard Play contemporary romance series…

Jacob Esera, star rugby player and young single father, has worked hard to create a joyous life for his six-year-old daughter. After the death of his childhood sweetheart soon after their daughter’s birth, all Jake wants is safety and stability. No risks. No wild chances. And II especially II no Julity Nelisi, former classmate, scandal magnet, and a woman who is a thorn in his side.

As a lonely teenager, Juliet embraced her bad-girl reputation as a shield against loneliness and rejection. Years later, having kicked a cheating sports-star ex to the curb, she has a prestigious job and loyal friends – and wants nothing to do with sportsmen. The last thing she expects is the fire that ignites between her and the stuffed-shirt golden boy who once loved her best friend. 88 Straitlaced jacob Esera versus wild-at-heart Juliet Nelisi? Place your bets.

Thoughts

From the blurb, I was expecting Jacob’s backstory to be far more painful and tragic. And it was quite sad and horrible. But nowhere near what I was expecting. I mean, teenage parent and the death of the love of his life is really sad. But he didn’t dwell on it but found a way to move on with his life. Something that I think is really awesome and important – he found a way to live his life and be happy in the moment.

All throughout this story, Esme just stole the show. She is just too damn cute and, although she isn’t the one the romance is about. I just wanted to give her a huge hug! She’s just a constant, adorable little show stealer. One that makes you grin and want to hug her through the pages of the book. The fact that Jacob is such a wonderful father just makes him an even more dreamy male lead…

Jules was such a great lead female (as is all of Singh’s female leads). Her friendship requirement to a relationship is such a great point. One that I think we all need to make in our own lives and relationships. After all, my partner is my best friend, and it’s the laughter and friendship that bring everything together.

This was another beautiful Singh story. One that uses all of her usual enjoyment and happiness. One that also reminds us that we always should look forward and embrace the future. And the potential for future happiness. It’s such a great journey. One that draws you all that much further into the Esra brothers’ world and makes you believe in true love again and again.

<- Rebel HardMore Nalini Singh ->

Image source: Goodreads

Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Punching the Air :HarperCollins Australia

Title: Punching the Air
Author: Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Poetry, Race
Dates read: 4th – 5th April 2021
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Harper Collins
Year: 2020
5th sentence, 74th page: To take my mind off things for a little while, I said

Synopsis

The story that I thought
was my life
didn’t start on the day
I was born

Amal Shahid has always been an artist and a poet. But even in a diverse art school, he’s seen as disruptive and unmotivated by a biased system. Then one fateful night, an altercation in a gentrifying neighbourhood escalates into tragedy. “Boys just being boys” turns out to be true only when those boys are white.

The story that I think
will be my life
starts today

Suddenly, at just sixteen years old, Amal’s bright future is upended: he is convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sent to prison. Despair and rage almost sink him until he turns to the refuge of his words, his art. This never should have been his story. But can he change it?

Thoughts

This is a powerful and poignant story. It is intense, impossible to look away from and the kind of tale that will honestly make you cry. There is no other way to describe it – you will have so many of the feelings that you probably won’t know what to do. Or at least, that’s how I felt when I was reading this.

I didn’t realise that this was a poetry collection when I first bought it. In fact, I was completely thrown by this fact when I first opened the novel. I was expecting prose. Which honestly ended up being amazing. There is something about poetry that feels so much more emotional to me and reading this tale through poems… it tied itself to my heart strings just that much quicker and tighter.

My heart spent the entire time that I was reading this novel just breaking. Not only because of the amazing emotions that are put forth by this story, but also just the story itself. It is based on true events to a degree, partially written by one of the boys that it happened to… how could your heart not slightly start to break while reading this?

For those who don’t know, Yusef Salaam was one of the “When They See Us” boys, and it is his emotion that I think lent an extra layer of pain and wow to this story. It’s his words that make me want to reach through the pages of the novel and just give the poor boy a gigantic hug.

This is a raw and powerful story. And one that is honestly truly horrifying. Even if it is one of my favourite recent reads.

<- PrideA is for Ayiti ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Bad Boys of Summer by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Amy Garvey

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Bad Boys of Summer by Lori Foster

Title: Bad Boys of Summer
Author: Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Amy Garvey
In: Bad Boys of Summer (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Amy Garvey)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 8th February – 31st March 2021
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “I don’t think I can.”

Synopsis

Lazy days… steamy nights… and sweltering guys with rippling muscles doing what they do best…

Lucious by Lori Foster
Bethany Churchill just quit her lousy job, dumped her lousy boyfriend and moved into a new apartment. She’s not looking for love, but her hot new landlord is determined to change her mind. SWAT officer Lucius Ryder – known to the women in the building as “Luscious”, much to his chagrin – is one sexy lawman, and before long Bethany is tempted to find out if he’s really as delicious as his nickname…

It’s About Time by Erin McCarthy
County prosecutor Trish Jones has had it with smooth-talking, under-performing suits. and though she’s never had a thing for big, brawny guys, one look at Caleb Cancouver’s bulges makes her think she might have been missing out. One Harley ride later they’re back at her place, and she realizes that she has been missing out… on quite a lot…

Wish You Were Here by Amy Garvey
Photographer Mackenzie Pruitt knows exactly what she wants her future to look like, and this summer that means renovating a dilapidated shed into a studio. But when hunky carpenter Leo Dawson shows up, she’d much rather have his capable hands on her than on a hammer. He’s not the kind of guy she always thought she’d fall for, but when he touches her, she can’t imagine wanting anyone else…

Thoughts

This collection is filled with three very fun and cute contemporary romance stories. They took me on a great summer journey that left me smiling and believing in true love. It was a wonderful way to spend a few afternoons, filling my time with novellas of cuteness and romance.

I could most definitely imagine reading this collection on the beach somewhere. Enjoying the romances and the adventures of the characters. Sadly, I didn’t get the privilege of reading this on the beach. But everytime I turned a page, I just imagined that I was there anyway.

I already knew that I love Foster and McCarthy. Garvey was an entirely new author for me. One that I found I unexpectedly enjoyed. They took me on some wonderful adventures that I will probably repeat again in the future.

<- Wish You Were HereLuscious ->

Image source: Goodreads

Wish You Were Here by Amy Garvey

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Bad Boys of Summer by Lori Foster

Title: Wish You Were Here
Author: Amy Garvey
In: Bad Boys of Summer (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Amy Garvey)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 31st March 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “I know,” Mackenzie said, smiling at the waiter when he set down her plate of walnut chicken salad.

Synopsis

Photographer Mackenzie Pruitt knows exactly what she wants her future to look like, and this summer that means renovating a dilapidated shed into a studio. But when hunky carpenter Leo Dawson shows up, she’d much rather have his capable hands on her than on a hammer. He’s not the kind of guy she always thought she’d fall for, but when he touches her, she can’t imagine wanting anyone else…

Thoughts

From the beginning, I loved the mystery of Leo’s past and the aura that surrounds the man. I spent the entire time throughout this story trying to figure out the secrets that needed to be revealed. I was completely, totally and utterly enamoured with this whole idea. And when the great reveal happened? Well, I smiled and thought that it was seriously cute.

There is something about MacKenzie and Leo that just works throughout this story. And it’s a great reminder that sometimes what you need in life isn’t remotely what you expect. I love that both MacKenzie and Leo make assumptions throughout the story, only to find out that they’re seriously wrong. And sometimes all you need to do is communicate with one another.

All in all, there is just something ridiculously sexy about a man who works with his hands. And the fact that throughout this whole tale Leo finds ways to fix up and build more and more for MacKenzie? I just about melted.

<- It’s About TimeBad Boys of Summer ->

Image source: Goodreads