Tag Archives: Contemporary

Ms. Humbug by Jill Shalvis

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

Title: Ms. Humbug
Author: Jill Shalvis
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: 24th December 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: “You.”

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

Synopsis

Wild, daring, a complete rebel, Matt is the man no woman can tame – until he kisses his nemesis, Cami, at the office holiday party, and suddenly, all bets are off…and running…

Thoughts

This was such a great Christmas novella. Not that I’ve ever been to a work Christmas party, but this one sounded like great fun. And a great way to begin a relationship. Or at least, it is when it’s in a novella and there is all sorts of potential in the air. I’m not so sure about what it would truly be like in reality, but isn’t that the reason that we read?

I didn’t really get the title containing humbug for this story. I was expecting someone who was just totally anti-Christmas. But Cami in this story really isn’t. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not exactly Christmassy, but she’s also not grinchy. I wanted a little more resistance to the whole Christmas thing in this story, but it all worked out alright in the end.

This was, honestly a fairly typical Christmas, contemporary romance novella. It was cute, sweet and kick. A pleasant read. And one that I wouldn’t mind revisiting next Christmas, but also nothing ground shaking and impossible to forget.

<- Snowed UnderI’ll Be Home for Christmas ->

Image source: Goodreads

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

It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
It's Not Summer Without You : Jenny Han : 9780141330556

Title: It’s Not Summer Without You
Author: Jenny Han
Series: Summer #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Young adult
Dates read: 23rd – 24th December 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “It’s my prom.”

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

Synopsis

When something is perfect, you hope it never ends…

Isabel’s lazy, long hot summers at her family friends’ beach house are over.

Conrad – sexy and unavailable – is the only boy she’s ever loved. He’s left for college, taking her heart with him. Jeremiah, his gorgeous brother, is still Isabel’s best friend – but maybe friendship isn’t enough for him any more…

Isbael just wants everything to stay the same, because change means moving on. But if she stops looking back, will she find a future she never knew she wanted?

Thoughts

I’m very on the fence about this novel. Belly is a bit of a selfish pain. I thought that in The Summer I Turned Pretty but felt that she’d grown up a little by the end of it. And then I started this, and it felt like we were right back where we started. It wasn’t so painful that I had to put the book down, and I’ll still read the final book in the trilogy (because I really want to know which brother she ends up with), but it’s the kind of trilogy that I need a good gap between readings.

The most difficult thing I think I found about this story is the idea of a girl being between two brothers. Love triangles often aren’t my favourite trope, I just can’t understand them in my own little reality. But when the love triangle involves two brothers? That just feels wrong and cruel. I mean, I know that it even happens in real life… but still… how can you kiss one brother and then the other?

Aside from the weird love triangle stuff and immaturity, I did seriously feel for Belly throughout this. Losing someone is always tough, and this story really highlighted the ways in which grief shows in all of us differently. And that there is no right or wrong way to deal with losing somebody. Actually, I think that the way in which Han dealt with this issue and plucked at the heartstrings is why I bought up the rating which I gave this novel.

All in all, this isn’t a book or series that I would give away, because the potential for rereading it far into the future is there. But, it’s also not a series or novel that I’m going to dive into picking up again and again. Maybe when I was younger, and could relate to Belly a little more… but as an adult? She’s kind of frustrating…

<- The Summer I Turned PrettyWe’ll Always Have Summer ->

Image source: BookDepository

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.

Ísa 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 Ísa 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.

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

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.

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

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.”

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

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.

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

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

The Bad Mothers’ Book Club by Keris Stainton

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Bad Mothers' Book Club by Keris Stainton - Books - Hachette Australia

Title: The Bad Mothers’ Book Club
Author: Keris Stainton
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Family, Humour
Dates read: 15th – 16th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Trapeze
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Good job I had my head torch.’

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

Synopsis

Since moving to the seaside after her husband’s career change, Emma Chance’s life consists of the following: long walks on the beach (with the dog), early nights (with the kids) and Netflix (no chill).

Bored and lonely, when Emma is cordially invited to the exclusive school-mums’ book club, hosted by Head of PTA and footballer’s wife, Jools Jackson, she thinks her luck may finally be about to change. She soon realises she may have made a grave mistake when she realises it’s all about books, and less about wine and gossip – but it’s always better to stick things out, isn’t it?

Or not.

After a few months and a few awkward moments involving a red wine on white carpet accident and a swear-word incident involving Jools’s daughter, Emma is ungraciously kicked out of the book club. Exhausted, she decides it’s about time she fights back against the shame and humiliation. Enlisting the help of some similar-thinking mums, Emma sets up her own book club – no cleaners, polite conversation or reading required: this is the Bad Mothers’ Book Club.

A frank, irreverent and laugh-out-loud read for grown-ups.

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this novel. Far more than I had anticipated to be honest. After all, I thought it was just an average chic lit novel. Instead, it was incredibly hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable. And, as someone who has a few friends with babies on the way… I can imagine this form of motherhood all too well.

I love that this novel deals with motherhood in a very humorous and light manner. It didn’t try and pass motherhood off as something that suddenly turns people into saints. In fact, most of the anecdotes featured women who were in way over their heads and just trying to make sure the kid survives. I can guarantee that if I ever become a mother… this is what I’m going to be like. No angelic, in control adventures for me.

Emma is exactly the kind of heroine that I needed. I was in a bit of a reading slump when I picked up The Bad Mothers’ Book Club and really just needed something that was cheerful and a little chaotic. Which is exactly what Emma is. She’s constantly positive and completely chaotic throughout this entire story. I love how she seems to bumble from one social faux pas to another. Completely derailing herself along the way.

This is a great story about family and motherhood. About being a fish out of water and finding a place to belong. It’s humorous and light, with enough sass throughout to keep me grinning like an idiot. I will definitely be adding some more Stainton books to my wish list after this seriously enjoyable read…

<- Baby One More TimeCounting Stars ->

Image source: Hachette Australia