Summer Days

Title: Summer Days

Author: Susan Mallery

Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 384

On Sale: May 29, 2012

Indiebound Link

Authors Website

Synopsis:

Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to—the Castle Ranch in Fool's Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could've prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he's finding Heidi—and life as a cowboy—much more compelling than he wants to admit.
For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she's always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won't give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less…wholesome.
As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they'll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.

My Take:

For me Susan Mallery is a reliable author; I know when I choose one of her books that I'm going to get a well plotted story with enjoyable characters and enough strife to keep the story moving.  Summer Days is a perfect example of her reliability, with the infusion of a cowboy into the mix, it's hard to go wrong. A fun read perfect for those toes in the sand moments or curled up in front of a fire I'll recommend Summer Days in the heat of the summer or dead of the winter.

Disclosure:

I received this book from Harlequin via NetGalley for reading and reviewing

Not Just Friends

Title: Not Just Friends

Author: Kate Hoffman

Publisher: Harlequin Blaze

Genre:Contemporary Romance

Pages: 224

On Sale: May 1, 2012

Indiebound Link

Synopsis:

For venture capitalist Adam Sutherland, attending Camp Winnehawkee's reopening was a no-brainer. He's even reuniting with former camp counselors to chip in and help revive the camp. What he isn't expecting is to find a girl sleeping in his bunk. Or that the girl is none other than Julia McKee, who went from shy and awkward Good Girl to scorching-hot babe….
But the good girl is all gone…and she's headed off to Paris! But before she goes, Julia intends to show her bad-boy childhood crush just how to put the "wild" back into the wilderness! And this time, he'll be the one left wanting more….

My Take:

A cute story of unrequited love finally consummated..so to speak.  A nice (no so blazing) story with characters that are easy to like and a setting that keeps the action moving. I read this one on the treadmill & it held my interest enough to put in extra time, so you know I'll be recommending it for the beach, pool and treadmill too.  Enjoy!

Disclosure:

I received this book from Harlequin via NetGalley for reading and reviewing

Tempted By Her Innocent Kiss

Title: Tempted By Her Innocent Kiss

Author: Maya Banks

Publisher: Harlequin Desire

Genre:Romance

Pages:256

On Sale: March 6, 2012

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Indiebound Link

Authors Website

Synopsis:

Devon Carter was her first; now newly wed Ashley wants their passion to last. But her dreams of true love are crushed by the discovery that their marriage is another of Daddy's business deals. Her strategy: act the part of perfect wife and make Devon love her.
But Devon misses the bubbly, no-holds-barred woman his wife used to be. Who is this Ashley with the steely demeanor of a society wife? And will he find a way to rekindle the fire in her eyes…especially now that she's pregnant?

My Take:

I'll admit that not every Maya Banks book is for me, but I enjoyed this one.  A fun contemporary romantic read featuring a female lead that we see blossom from a spoiled and overprotected child into a real woman.  I'll recommend this one for the beach, poolside, and bathtub for sure.

Disclosure:

I received this book from Harlequin via NetGalley for reading and reviewing

Shades of Desire

Title: Shades of Desire

Author: Virna DePaul

Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 384

On Sale: May 29, 2012

Synopsis:

Natalie Jones is the lucky survivor of an elusive killer who preys on young women and then disappears from view. And since her harrowing ordeal, the once gutsy photojournalist has remained isolated in her home, paralyzed by fear and her failing vision.
Special Agent Liam "Mac" McKenzie has scars of his own. But despite his efforts to ignore the attraction that simmers between him and Natalie, he needs her help to catch a predator. Soon, they will forge a tentative alliance—charged with desire. Through a soft-focus lens, Natalie dares to envision a future with Mac beyond the investigation…never guessing that the clues hidden within her photographs are drawing them into an explosive confrontation with a madman.

My Take:

Natalie Jones feels trapped by her fear and losing her eyesight... I felt trapped on the treadmill with a book that held promise but, for me, didn't deliver in the end.  I'm not sure I can pinpoint where it went wrong, and there were things about the book that I liked but with so much more out there to read I'm going to have to mark this one as a do not recommend.

Disclosure:

I received this book from Harlequin via NetGalley for reading and reviewing

Always In My Heart

Title: Always In My Heart

Author: Kayla Perrin

Publisher: Harlequin / Kimani Romance

Genre: Romance

Pages:224

On Sale: May 1, 2012

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Authors Website

Synopsis:

The oldest of three adopted daughters, Callie Hart has always loved being the protector of the family. But now she is all grown up—with a young son of her own to protect. Callie can't wait to show him off when she reunites with her two sisters in Ohio. But that also means coming face-to-face with the lover she left behind. Nigel Williams is even more irresistibly attractive than ever. But what will he do when he learns about the secret she kept hidden from him for ten years?
Nigel has never forgiven Callie for fleeing Ohio—and the passion they shared. And when she shows up on his doorstep asking for forgiveness, the Cleveland cop is furious at her deception. But how can he deny the feelings Callie reawakens in him? Blindsided once again by the heat of desire, Nigel vows to fight for his future with the woman he has always loved.

My Take:

A fairly quick read but with a main story line that was too predictable for my tastes and so many subplots that were neither resolved nor had a purpose.  I was hoping for more... but I'm afraid this book didn't deliver.

Disclosure:

I received this book from Harlequin via NetGalley for reading and reviewing

A Cold Creek Reunion

Title: A Cold Creek Reunion

Author: RaeAnne Thayne

Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Romance

Pages: 288

On Sale: March, 2012

Indiebound Link

Authors Website

Synopsis:

He was the one you called when you needed rescuing…
But who was Taft Bowman going to call when he needed help? Because ten years ago Laura Pendleton, the love of his life, had left town without a word, then or since. Now she was back, with a new last name–and two adorable, high-needs little ones in tow. Well, Taft had been stupid enough to let her go once before…he wasn't about to make the same mistake again. He'd never stopped loving her–and one look at those adorable little faces and he knew that he was meant to be with Laura and her kids forever. All he had to do was convince her that this time he was a man she could count on!

My Take:

I first started reading serial romance novels back when I was hiding from chores on my grandparents farm (Grandma was a fan of the drug store novel); we aren't going to date it.. but suffice it to say it was some time ago.  I loved them then, and I love them now because you typically know exactly what you are going to get and they are reliable.  This isn't the first RaeAnne Thayne Harlequin I've read, and it certainly won't be the last.  This isn't the only Cold Creek story and although they all easily stand alone RaeAnne Thayne does an excellent job of weaving in back story without consuming pages unnecessarily.  An enjoyable read and one I'm pleased to say I can hand off to my 16 year old without worrying that it's too racy....even with a fire fighting, horse riding, hero that knows how to swing a hammer....

Disclosure:

I received this book in digital format from Harlequin (Via NetGalley) for reading and reviewing

Somebody to Love

Title: Somebody To Love

Author: Kristan Higgins

Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Romance

Pages: 432 paperback - I read digital

On Sale: April 24, 2012

Indiebound Link

Authors Website

Synopsis:

After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon's Cove, Maine, to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father's wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she's not thrilled…even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox.
Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist's assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn't the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn't the only thing that needs a little TLC….

My Take:

For anyone who is well versed in the books of Kristan Higgins (that would be me) this is not your first introduction to the headstrong & confident Parker Welles, her son, or the town of Gideons Cove.  You may remember Parker from The Next Best Thing... I know I do... and Gideons Cove was the setting for one of my favorites Catch of the Day!

Parker Welles is in over her head & James Cahill is JUST the man to dig her out.  The familiarity of the people & places that weave in and out of this story are an added bonus to the charming story line filled with unforgettable characters.  No requirement to read the 2 books that came before Somebody To Love stands all on it's own, but I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to read all three.

Disclosure:

I received this book in digital form from Harlequin (via NetGalley) for reading and reviewing

Kiss Me I'm Irish!

Title: Kiss Me, I'm Irish

Author: Roxanne St. Claire, Jill Shalvis, Maureen Child

Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Romance (with a hint of Ireland!)

Pages: 512 Paperback (I read digital)

On Sale: February 2012

Indiebound Link

Authors Websites:

Roxanne St. Claire

Jill Shalvis

Maureen Child

Synopsis:

The Sins of His Past by Roxanne St. Claire
For one incredible night, Kendra Locke gave Deuce Monroe everything she had. Then he walked away without a backward glance to chase his big-league dreams. Now after one too many daredevil stunts, he's back in his hometown ready to pick up where they left off—but Kendra has no intention of giving in so easily….

Tangling with Ty by Jill Shalvis
Dr. Nicole Mann, a child prodigy who graduated high school at the age of thirteen, has no room in her mind or her schedule for romance. But when the architect renovating her apartment turns out to have a charming Irish accent, all bets are off—and Ty Patrick O'Grady plans to use every trick in his book to stay in her life for good.

Whatever Reilly Wants by Maureen Child
Connor Reilly only has a few weeks to go in his "no sex for ninety days" bet with his brothers—and he figures no woman is safer to be around than his best friend, Emma Jacobsen. Until Emma shows up at a bar in a short skirt and high heels, and suddenly seems anything but safe!

My Take:

Here's the thing I love about anthologies, I almost always find new authors to add to "Must Read" list and Kiss Me I'm Irish did just that.  It's no secret that Jill Shalvis has been on that list for years, but this month I got to add two more authors to that list as well. 

Each story has great characters, enough of that "good" tension to snap a 2 by 4 and a dose of steam to take care of all the wrinkled curtains in my house.  Fun from the get go, you don't have to be Irish and it doesn't need to be anywhere near St. Patricks day to enjoy these Irish Devils.

Disclosure:

I received this book in digital form from Harlequin (via NetGalley) for reading and reviewing

A Perfect Storm

Title: A Perfect Storm

Author: Lorie Foster

Publisher: Harlequin Books

Genre: Romance (steamy hot intrigue kind)

Pages: 445 paperback - I read digital

On Sale: March 27, 2012

Indiebound Link

Authors Website

Synopsis:

Spencer Lark already knows too many secrets about Arizona Storm, including the nightmare she survived and her resulting trust issues. But in order to expose a smuggling ring—and continue avenging his own tragic past—the bounty hunter reluctantly agrees to make Arizona a decoy. Yet nothing has equipped him for her hypnotic blend of fragility and bravery, or for the protective instincts she stirs in him.
Arizona wants to reclaim her life, which means acting as bait to lure the enemy into a trap. Sure it's dangerous, especially with a partner as distractingly appealing as Spencer. But as their plan—and their chemistry—shifts into high gear, Arizona may discover there's an even greater risk in surrendering her heart to a hero….

My Take:

The fourth book in Fosters Men Who Walk the Edge Of Honor series, A Perfect Storm picks up where Savor the Danger left off and the reader gets glimpses of couples from the past stories.  Probably best read from the beginning so the reader has a good grasp on why Arizona is so vulnerable, Foster does a good job of not making it a requirement.  Well paced with enough action, dialog and character development to make this a great beach read choice.  Although I will admit I read my copy at the gym and it did a stellar job of taking my mind off how many minutes I had left on the elliptical.

Disclosure:

I received this book in electronic form from Harlequin (via NetGalley) for reading and reviewing

Time Out by Jill Shalvis

Title: Time Out
Author: Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Harlequin / Blaze
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 224 (mass market paperback)
On Sale: February 21, 2012


Indiebound Link
Authors Website


Synopsis:

NHL coach Mark Diego's plan to spend his off-season volunteering in his hometown goes awry when he learns that not only is he coaching teenage girls, but that the program is coordinated by energetic (and five feet two inches of trouble) coordinator Rainey Saunders, his childhood friend—and the woman he could never stand to see dating any other guy….


When their tempers flare, Mark and Rainey discover their fireworks don't just burn angry—they burn very, very hot! But that'll just sweeten the victory. Because Mark always plays to win. And with Rainey, he's planning on playing very dirty, too…

My Take:


I don't know a single person who doesn't have that embarrassing moment from their long ago past (or maybe more recent) when a bad case of crush/lust caused them to do something they will forever regret and never forget.  Poor Rainey Saunders replays her embarrassing moment every time she lays eyes on Mark Diego... and thanks to his screen time as an NHL coach it happens more than Rainey would like; not that she's giving up her secret glimpses of Mark.  


Another fun, sizzling read from Jill Shalvis; with strong characters, a fun story line, and an ending that leaves you smiling I can't imagine why you're still here reading this review when you should be reading the book!


Disclosure:
I received this book electronically from Harlequin for reading and reviewing

Cowboys & Mistresses Oh MY!

McKettrick's Heart (McKettrick Men, #3) by Linda Lael Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It doesn't seem to matter that this installment in the McKettrick Men uses an abundance of an oft used plot devices to move this story forward, I still loved this story! Almost every possible, slightly plausible plot element is in here (divorce, custody battles, cancer, mistresses, death bed decrees, blackmail...the list goes on!)and somehow Linda Lael Miller not only kept them tied together but did it all in a way that I never rolled my eyes once.


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The Cowboys just keep riding through!

McKettrick's Pride (McKettrick Men, #2) by Linda Lael Miller
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another day, another cowboy.  The 2nd in the McKettrick Men (which is in the middle of the McKettrick's series) features the very proud Rance McKettrick, Echo (not her real name)Wells, along with Rance's daughters and his former MIL.  Unlike Jesse (McKettrick's Luck) the widower Rance McKettrick is a business force to be reckoned with at multi-billion dollar McKettrickco even if it means sacrificing a relationship with his daughters and possibly another chance at love.




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Heh - I'm Reading Cowboy Books Now

McKettrick's Luck (McKettrick Men, #1) by Linda Lael Miller
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Apparently I'm now on a "Cowboy Kick". Picked up the McKettrick Men bundle from B&N as a relaxing vacation read and am thoroughly enjoying these. Suspended disbelief is required a bit and I don't recall a single reference to spurs... but it was a quick,fun read and I am happily on to the second, nope... third.

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It's Summer Reading Time! Book #1

It's no secret, I LOVE summer reading time. Sitting in a comfortable chair, letting the sun tan my skin, waves gently rolling on the lake, kids frolicking nearby, perhaps a nice cold adult beverage easily at hand.....

Don't get me wrong, I love spring, fall and winter reading time too... but summer holds a special place in my sun starved heart!

Recently I scored a reviewers trifecta from PTA (not the school parent organization) and todays book is the first one I read in my most recent shipment....




Anthology Title: More Than Words, Volume 7

Compassion Can't Wait by Carly Phillips
Someplace Like Home by Donna Hill
What the Heart Wants by Jill Shalvis

Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Fiction/Romance - Inspriational stories inspired by real people and real organizations
Pages: 352 (Paperback)
On Sale: March 29, 2011

Indiebound Link

Synopsis:

Each and every one of us has the ability to effect change—to make our world a better place. The dedicated women selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award have changed lives, one good deed at a time. To celebrate their accomplishments, some of our bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing stories inspired by these real-life heroines.
In Carly Phillips's Compassion Can't Wait, two high school sweet hearts are reunited years later, as if by fate, and discover that if you believe in yourself and each other, anything is possible.
Donna Hill's Someplace Like Home tells the story of how one woman's dream becomes reality, as three special people learn that it's never too late to form a loving family.
In Jill Shalvis's What the Heart Wants, an honorable man must learn to forgive himself to regain the trust of the dedicated teacher who is the love of his life.

My Take:

I really enjoyed these short stories from some of my favorite authors. All excellent stories based or inspired by real people who are heroines in the community. A fantastic selection for the beach, treadmill, or curled up on the couch it should come with a warning to pack tissues though.