Tag Archive: Romance


Catherine Bybee is one of the most beautiful and entertaining writers I’ve had the pleasure of reading and re-visiting several times. Her new series “The Most Likely To Series” stars three childhood friends and their lives, as life takes them on different paths, and yet they all come to a crossroads where they converge and support each other through the touch times. Sometimes, friends are all the family we need, as Bybee says.

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Book two of the series; “Staying For Good” brings Zoe back to Riverbend for her best friend’s wedding, and to Luke. For a person who was voted as most likely not to leave Riverbend, she has not only left Riverbend, but also made a name for herself as a famous chef. Yet coming back brings back bad as well as good memories and getting close to Luke hopefully will outweigh the bad.

Luke’s life is in Riverbend, as a mechanic running his Dad’s workshop and content with his life until Zoe returns and everything seems to zap with energy, chemistry, lust and passion. But with Zoe’s family history and a load of fears and insecurities marring their relationship, Luke is willing to follow Zoe to the ends of the earth.

Another story by Catherine Bybee with love and passion, the evolutions of Zoe from an abused teenager to a woman of success, strength and courage, her past not shadowing her ability to be kind, generous and a good friend, “Staying For Good”, is a brilliant read.

Another charming and captivating read from the effervescent Catherine Bybee!!!

Received an ARC from Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.

The wait is over as Violet Duke’s latest release, “Every Night Without You”, finally brings Caine Spencer and Addison Millan face to face after seven long years of separation.

Part one of Caine’s and Addison’s love story, “Before That Night”, came to an abrupt halt when Addison disappears to save Caine’s future. And now after all these years, the union of these is just bittersweet, tender and a balm to an aching heart. Sacrificing her love, and hiding in plain sight, Addison had built a life for her and her siblings, with help from some amazingly kind people, and had created a haven for people who need a roof and food to survive. Her success is no easy feat as Violet Duke narrates her journey with so much passion, care and emotion.

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Staying away from Addison was one of the toughest things for Caine, and now that he had found her, he’s never letting her go until his last breath. He’s proud of her success and now that she’s come into plain sight, he will do anything to keep her safe and protect her from any danger…and from all the handsome men she had made friends in the seven years!!! Talk about being jealous!!!!

This is one amazing narration of Caine and Addison’s reunion, as well as all the secondary characters and the Spencer brothers thrown in together as they rally around to protect Addison. The chemistry between these two is even more charismatic, the dialogues are loaded with laugh out loud wit, and the entire plot of love and mystery is just as captivating and endearing to read.

Every book of Violet Duke’s always seems to give me a glimpse of the author herself. Endurance, hard work and perseverance is the norm of her heroines, as well as in real life and she reiterates the fact that there are so many good people in this world who are kind and helpful, and that all is not lost. With a positive attitude and courage, she pours her heart and soul into these wonderful stories of love, hope and faith.

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And no review will ever do justice to Violet Duke’s books. She needs to be read to enjoy her books, and if anyone wishes to try a new author, Violet Duke is the one!

 

Make sure to read part one of Caine and Addison’s story, “Before That Night”, where it all had started….seven years ago.

Received an ARC from the author for an honest review

Size matters!!! There’s no doubt about it. But it all comes down to acceptance with confidence and personality. To women everywhere, of any size or shape (me included ;)), Alison Bliss’s latest release, “Size Matters” is a roller coaster ride of fun, wit and sweet romance as Sam Cooper woos Leah Martin into his life forever.

Successful business and bakery owner Leah Martin has curves that some men would die for, but convincing her that she is beautiful is a monumental task that Sam Cooper takes a personal interest and inevitably ends up becoming her fake fiancé. And the fun starts.

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You can’t but root for Leah with her positive attitude to life, patient as she deals with her perfectly imperfect mother, overprotective brothers and her loving and supportive father. And add in Sam to the equation, and he’s a temptation that she can’t refuse and can become addicted to very fast.

Sam Cooper seems to put his foot in the mouth every time he’s around Leah and when circumstances give him the title of Leah’s fiancé, his world is turned upside down with double addictions – Leah and her baking!

A first read for me of Alison Bliss, “Size Matters” was a total surprise package that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Leah and Sam are just adorable in their arguments as they try not to hurt each other, avoiding their feelings for each other even as they fall head over heals in love, and the family gathering is just one big laughable and laudable encounter.

I definitely will be reading more of Alison Bliss and can’t wait for the next installment in her “A Perfect Fit” series.

Received an ARC from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.

 

A new author, a new series Sergeant Joey’s Boys, and the first in the series, “Always For You: Jack” is a decent read. Meet Jack McShane, ex-special forces operative and now running a construction business. Being a foster child has given him enough insight to the recognize when a kid is in trouble and his desire to fulfill his foster father’s dream only motivates him to help Ricky.

And then we have Caitlyn Curtis, Ricky’s tutor who becomes Jack’s love interest and more. Kind and passionate, understanding and supportive Caitlyn is a perfect partner for Jack.

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The story was good, the characters well developed, the premise a real life issue and the plot interesting but what really did not work for me was what exactly was Alexis Morgan‘s genre here. It wasn’t really a romance because the story was more about Ricky, Jack and foster care. There were pages of dialogues and interaction between Jack and Caitlyn that really did not generate any chemistry. And for a while Ricky was relegated to the background and his story did not seem to progress. I think the bridge between Ricky, Jack and Caitlyn was not developed well and felt the story dragging a bit.

All in all, the book can be read once. There are interesting parts that will hold attention and I think the main highlight is Jack and Ricky.

Received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review.

Hard To Fall – A Good Read

Marquita Valentine writes some really nice romances and her books honestly have never disappointed me. She’s one of the few writers in my repeat list with good plots, narration that has kept me captivated and interested.

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Take The Fall is another of her charming series as she reunites hard-working firefighter Hayden Walker with his one unforgettable passionate encounter Saylor Dean in her new title “Hard To Fall”. A night of passion and a marriage that Hayden doesn’t remember and a truth that Saylor needs to bring to light considering Hayden’s political family and her secret of being an illegitimate daughter of a political rival.

Down to earth, quirky, and so very real characters make “Hard To Fall” a warm hearted read as Hayden tries to stay away from the pressures of getting into politics and keeping Saylor right next to him, a reality that he wants to make it permanent. And Saylor with her secret millions, a celebrity background and add in a touch of her nerdy self, you’ve got a sweet, emotional and heartwarming love story.

I liked the way Marquita Valentine gives detail to the supporting characters, the foundation of family relations, and the scope of support and care. Her depth of characterization of Hayden and Saylor as the young couple trying to make a life albeit the family obligations, gives strength and character.

I very well wrote romance that’s worth the read!

Received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review.

 

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