In my quest to read more new to me authors this year, with an emphasis on diverse/own voices, I found a real winner in Mia Sosa’s Acting on Impulse, tIn my quest to read more new to me authors this year, with an emphasis on diverse/own voices, I found a real winner in Mia Sosa’s Acting on Impulse, the first story in her Love on Cue series. I usually stay clear of the ‘rich Hollywood movie star falls for ordinary citizen’ type of story but the synopsis for this one makes it clear that the heroine isn’t going be swayed by stardom. From the meet-cute (which doesn’t end well for the hero) to the finale it’s a delight all the way through.
Carter Stone went through a difficult physical regimen to get himself in the right shape to portray a struggling drug addict. The unauthorized release of tabloid fodder pictures taken by an unscrupulous doctor have him heading to Aruba to escape the press. His seat mate catches his eye immediately, though in his haste to impress the beautiful woman next to him he forgets that his current image is far from a catch. Awkward! Once landed, they strike up an honest friendship – with the exception of his not revealing his true identity. It’s refreshing for him to be seen as a man and not as an actor, but his secret is revealed just in time to wreck what they’ve been building.
Personal trainer Tori Alvarez may be able to get anyone’s body into shape, but her heart took a beating after her politician ‘boyfriend’ proclaimed himself publicly proclaimed himself single, providing a rude awakening for Tori and instant end to their two year relationship. On the flight to Aruba to regroup, the somewhat scrawny, exhausted man on her flight is no threat to her libido, at least not until they get to know each other better once it turns out they are staying at the same resort. But finding out he’s actually a famous actor? No thanks! She’s had enough of being in the public eye during her relationship with a politician, and has no interest in pursuing anything further with Carter, no matter that he had been an amusing and charming companion.
Back in Philadelphia, Carter’s next acting role needs him to return to his more normal physical form – a feat impossible to accomplish without the dedication and haranguing of a physical trainer. He ends up at Tori’s gym and despite her misgivings Tori agrees to help him get his physique back. His sincere apology goes a long way to restoring their friendship, and eventually all that simmering physical attraction leads to more. But with Tori’s firm stance on staying out of the public eye, is there really a chance that they can make it to the final cut?
If you’re a fan of romantic comedies, then you know you’re in for a treat when you start laughing on the first page. Told from both points of view, Carter’s voice is cocky and self-assured while still being on the right side of decent, and his instant attraction to Tori determines his next move. Far from being put out by his failure to impress her on the plane, he shows a single minded determination to prove to Tori that it’s what’s beneath the surface that counts and his true character is by far more appealing than his Hollywood persona. I am pleased that the author chose not to keep his real identity a secret for long. It’s the initial source of conflict for the couple when back in the United States but Carter’s apology is sincere, and his reasons for keeping his identity secret in the first place are sound. And Tori is honest with herself that her reaction to his betrayal is in proportion to how much she’d come to like him on the island.
Tori is a strong woman, not just physically but in all aspects of her life. She can hold her own in any situation and when her partners at the gym need her to step up, she does. In this case, it’s to take Carter on as a client. Initially she works him harder than necessary, but is quick to correct herself when she realizes he’s sincerely going to follow all her instructions and how dedicated he is to his craft. She’s a really likable character who is friendly, kind, and generous with her time, teaching a community center class in her spare hours. When she and Carter move past friendship to a more intimate relationship, their sex scenes are ones of equal partnership, a true give and take, nurturing a more emotional bond than either expects.
Family relationships make up a sizable portion of the story. Tori’s Puerto Rican family runs a traditional restaurant, and because Tori has chosen a different path for herself, her relationship with her sister – who still works at the restaurant – is strained. And the fact that Tori’s father recently had a stroke and is supposed to be eating a modified diet is a source of conflict between her and her mother. Some of the food served by her mother in the restaurant is deep fried and not low in fat and calories. But her mother views Tori’s rejection of her cooking as a rejection of her, and Tori struggles to balance how to make her fears known without insulting her family. It’s an interesting dynamic, and one that Tori is able to confide to Carter, further cementing his presence in her life.
As for Carter’s family, they are a close bunch and his decisions are often made with them in mind. His mother is a hoot! His close friendship with his agent, Julian, means they can discuss his career and his love life equally. Because of his career in the limelight, he values his close friends and family and this is yet another aspect that draws Tori to him.
There are some cute chapter openings with articles from the Hollywood Observer and the Philly Water Cooler with little gossip tidbits to show what the ‘world’ sees versus what’s really happening behind the scenes with Carter and Tori. The story moves along at an enjoyable pace, with lots of laughs and a few emotional scenes. Tori eventually has to choose whether her feelings for Carter are strong enough to consider the consequences of a real and lasting relationship with him. Acting on Impulse is a genuinely delightful and sexy romance and I’m excited to continue the series!
Audiobook update - loved it! Very good narration by Michael Fell, he gets the voices and characters of Hunter and Jesse just right. A few minor word mAudiobook update - loved it! Very good narration by Michael Fell, he gets the voices and characters of Hunter and Jesse just right. A few minor word mishaps but overall a great performance. I'd definitely listen to more of his work.
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Though romances starring rock star heroes or heroines aren’t usually on my list of favorites, I may have to make an exception after reading this latest romance by Jenny Holiday. On the strength of my enjoyment of previous stories of hers, in particular the 49th Floor series of romantic comedies, I ended up reading Famous earlier this year. It’s a terrific story about a pop star princess who takes a break from the spotlight by staying with an old acquaintance. While Infamous is indirectly linked to that novel (the main character here is friends with the heroine of that one), it’s a very different story. In Famous, the heroine was trying to escape the spotlight; by contrast, the hero of Infamous is an up and coming rock star seeking it out. Sometimes you start a new book and you know within the first few pages that you’ve found a winner. Infamous is that story.
Jesse Jamison doesn’t discriminate when it comes to hooking up with fans, though the ones with males have been restricted to a few make out sessions. When a paparazzi photographer catches him kissing someone in a dark alley, only Jesse and his manager know the ‘someone’ is a guy, which is not at all in keeping with the image Jesse is supposed to be presenting to his mostly teen girl fans. It just so happens that a stranger on a train, Dr. Hunter Wyatt, is present when Jesse finds out about the existence of the photo. Hunter has just had his own bad news, a result of his work as a pediatrician with kids who require long term care. The two share some simple confidences (though Jesse keeps the gender of the person in the photo a secret) that mark the beginning of their friendship. But it’s one that’s put on hold for the next two years, an exchange of email addresses put aside but not forgotten.
For two years, Jesse has faithfully followed all the dictates of his new manager. No drinking to excess, no public scandals, and above all else, no hint that he’s bisexual. It’s women only, enough to cement his rock star image, until out of the blue, he gets an email from Hunter. One of Hunter’s patients, an eleven-year-old girl with a heart defect has a poster of Jesse and the Joyride on her hospital room wall and, hoping Jesse will remember their meeting, Hunter asks if he will consider a visit to buoy her spirits. Jesse does remember Hunter, and is happy to make the time for the girl. It’s the start of a very rewarding philanthropic relationship between him and the hospital.
Hunter is out as a gay man and has no interest in being hidden out of sight, his last relationship having failed because of his partner’s reluctance to go public. And as far as he knows – as far as Jesse has ever said – Jesse is straight. But meeting each other again rekindles the spark they’d felt at their first meeting and they have something worth nurturing. As Hunter becomes an integral part of Jesse’s life and vice versa, the subtle feelings they are developing for each other become stronger, leading to a more intense and intimate relationship. But things can only go so far before they must come to the crossroads and decide whether or not to make their feelings for each other public. Will Jesse be willing to risk his career for the man he’s come to love?
This story is set in Canada, with Hunter and Jesse initially meeting on a trip between Toronto and Montreal. Jesse has a cabin in a popular cottage area outside of Toronto where he and his band can relax and brainstorm song ideas. The author lives in this area of Canada and is able to showcase the setting authentically (plus, it’s a nice change to have a story set outside the US).
What is interesting about this story is how believable Hunter and Jesse’s friendship is, despite their very different lifestyles. Hunter is a competent, dedicated doctor who sometimes struggles to keep his emotions in check when it comes to his young patients. He’s a workaholic since his last breakup, spending most of his time at the hospital or bringing work home with him to his modest apartment. Jesse has a loud, exuberant and brash personality, and he brings this with him to the hospital, delighting the young patients with whom he quickly develops a rapport. He keeps these visits away from the press, quickly realizing how shallow his lifestyle is when compared to the life and death situations faced by the children.
Hunter and Jesse are opposites, but find they can bounce things off of each other, including Hunter’s desire to find a new partner. Jesse isn’t sure quite how he feels about that (and questions why he feels anything about it at all). Jesse has a sister who is in an abusive relationship and Hunter is an invaluable help to them as they figure out a way for her to get her life in order. Hunter becomes someone Jesse can rely on, someone he can text while away on a tour and can introduce to his bandmates as a friend without suspicion. And even if he refers to Hunter in his mind as ‘Dr. Baby Silver Fox’ on account of Hunter’s prematurely gray hair, he keeps it to himself.
This is a slow burn romance, setting the stage for some steamy scenes once the couple realizes there could be something more there. Jesse is inexperienced with men and in this avenue Hunter can take the lead, which quite enjoys. But he’s wary of becoming the man Jesse will come home to from a tour, but not take as a date in public. The conflict is fairly predictable and is set up from the start, but the fallout and how they deal with it leads to intense scenes (and yes, I cried). The eventual happy ending is immensely satisfying and Infamous is one of the best romances I’ve read this year.
The idea behind the Chance of a Lifetime series by Kate Clayborn caught my attention. It’s about three female friends who win the lottery and decide wThe idea behind the Chance of a Lifetime series by Kate Clayborn caught my attention. It’s about three female friends who win the lottery and decide what’s best for them in how to deal with the money. I took a chance on this new to me author and got lucky indeed with the first novel in the series, Beginner’s Luck, as it turns out that this one is definitely going on my top ten books for this year!
Kit Averin is a materials scientist, with the money in her pocket to fund any number of new adventures. But what she really wants is stability, including maintaining her lab tech position even though she’s overqualified. When Ben Tucker, a recruiter for Beaumont Materials comes knocking, she turns him down flat. She has no interest in leaving her job and her friends to move away to Texas to work in the industry. Plus, she’s just bought a fixer-upper home that she’s excited to start renovating.
Ben knows he made a mistake with his approach to Kit, including assuming she’d be a man (ouch). But he’s got time to soften her up because he’s not going anywhere. His dad had an accident, and Ben is staying with him for the foreseeable future, helping him get better and working at their family’s salvage business – a place that just so happens to have some of the antique fixtures Kit is looking for to renovate her new house. Getting to know ‘jeans and Henley’ Ben is a lot different than ‘suit and tie’ Ben, and Kit finds herself reciprocating his honest friendship and eventually giving in to the attraction between them. But Ben’s home is back in Texas, and his future will be impacted by whether or not Kit takes the job. Will they find a compromise that will let them get the happy ending they both want?
There are so many things to like about this story that I found myself slowing down as I was reading it because I didn’t want it to end! Family, friends, co-workers – all the major relationships in one’s life play a part in this story. Both Ben and Kit have some positive and negative family relationships. Kit grew up with a gambling-addicted father and a brother who was her main caregiver. After spending years hopping from place to place, she’s determined to stay put in a home of her choice. For Ben, a divorce between his parents ended with him staying with his dad, and though he has contact with his mother and her new husband periodically, he doesn’t have a strong bond with her. But he does have a very strong relationship with his dad and didn’t hesitate to come home to help him with his shop and be his caregiver while he recuperates. Seeing Ben with his dad is a whole different side of him than he presents to Kit at the beginning, and as the story progresses the strong, confident, businessman shows both his flaws and his sweet side to Kit (and the reader).
Kit’s two best friends with whom she won the lottery, Zoe and Greer, play a significant role in this story. They are her sounding board for any and all things that she needs to talk to someone about, including Ben and his job offer. I loved the conversations that they have, how Zoe and Greer interact with Ben when they meet him, and the strong affection they have for each other. They’ve gone different routes with their money (and I am excited to read Zoe and Greer’s stories too!) but it hasn’t changed their friendship.
This is a slow burn romance since Ben and Kit get off on the wrong foot and work their way towards friendship before getting in any deeper. But their first kiss (swoon-worthy!) leads to an understanding that they’ll keep business out of the mix as they explore a more physical relationship. There are some sexy scenes between them and soon it’s clear that they’re going to want to find a way to make things work for them in the long term, but not without some ups and downs and soul searching first. The end result is a lovely happy ending for them and a delightful epilogue to tie things together. On another positive note, Kit’s enthusiasm for her scientific field is delightful to see. The scenes involving her job, and the scientific discussions that ensue are interesting and believable. As much as I didn’t want this story to end, I’m excited to see where the series will go next! Beginner’s Luck is a rare gem, a debut novel that will have the reader impatiently waiting for more.
Hate to Want You by Alisha Rai is the first story in her Forbidden Hearts series, an emotionally angst filled romance of family, friendship, lust, hatHate to Want You by Alisha Rai is the first story in her Forbidden Hearts series, an emotionally angst filled romance of family, friendship, lust, hate, and love. It’s the story of two people caught up in a shared family history that could be their doom or their salvation. To understand their complex relationship, you have to go back to the beginning…
Sam Oka and John Chandler were best friends when the second world war separated them. As a Japanese American, Sam was forced to leave his home and reside in an internment camp with his family. John took care of whatever possessions Sam had to leave behind. The forging of their friendship bond from that terrible time led to them starting a chain of grocery stories, C&O, after the war. Their children grew up together, and their grandchildren became best friends too, including Nicholas Chandler and Olivia ‘Livvy’ Kane. Nicholas and Livvy went from friends to teenage lovers easily, never imagining that anything could tear them apart. But then Olivia’s father and Nicholas’s mother died together in a car accident. In the grief stricken aftermath, Nicholas’s father bought out Olivia’s mother’s shares of C&O for a fraction of their worth. C&O became Chandlers after a fire at their flagship store, caused by arson, with Olivia’s brother Jackson as the prime suspect. Nicholas broke things off with Livvy, and from that time on the families did not speak.
Except Nicholas couldn’t quite let Livvy go, nor she him. Though Livvy left town, traveling around the country and learning her trade as a tattoo artist, she would text him coordinates once a year on her birthday, for him to meet her for a night of lust filled adventures. No speaking, no resolving of the issues between them, just a night of passionate sex and then 364 days apart. They both hate that they can’t quit each other, and finally, Livvy on her last birthday doesn’t text Nicholas at all and he assumes they are finally done. But then Livvy comes home. Forced to confront their complex feelings about the past, and for each other, can Livvy and Nicholas finally get the happy ending they deserve?
This is such a dramatic and emotional story that it will grip you from start to finish. There were some tear filled moments for me during some of the more intense scenes. Neither Livvy nor Nicholas can resist the sexual fire that burns between them now that they are in the same place again, and they are quick to resume their affair, even though they know if will be disastrous should their families find out. Yet, just because they are sleeping together doesn’t mean that they are any closer to being happy. It’s not until they take sex out of the equation and spend time really communicating and sharing their thoughts and feelings that they realize how much time they’ve wasted being apart.
Because this is a family based story there are many scenes that involve other family members on both sides. While some want the split to remain, others remember the happier times and want to find a way to move forward. Nicholas and Livvy’s relationship is the key to healing some of the old wounds, not just for themselves but for others as well. There are some interesting secrets that come to light, and while not every past hurt is resolved, the families are definitely moving in the right direction. For Nicholas and Livvy, forgiveness and healing lead to a love stronger than before. Hate to Want You is an emotional, super sexy, and intense forbidden romance that proves love is stronger than hate.
The title of Julianna Keyes’s new adult romance My Roommate’s Girl gives a pretty good hint as to the subject matter, and the synopsis fills in some oThe title of Julianna Keyes’s new adult romance My Roommate’s Girl gives a pretty good hint as to the subject matter, and the synopsis fills in some of the details. But what’s delivered is so much more than what’s expected and this is one of those stories you’ll be hard pressed to put down once you start.
Aidan has gotten into his share of trouble and his last chance to make something good out of his life is to take a judge up on his offer to go to college with a scholarship program for troubled kids, instead of a stint in a local jail for car theft. His roommate Jerry is a nice guy, a doctor’s son who’s been handed a much nicer life than Aidan, including a stunning girlfriend. Aster certainly fits the part of a perfect girl to hang on the arm of a successful man. But Aidan is struck with some very lustful intentions. He hatches a plan to break up the happy couple in hopes that he’ll be the one Aster turns to, to pick up the pieces. But actions have consequences. Has he ruined a happy ever after for three people in his quest to steal his roommate’s girl?
So clearly, Aidan is a selfish prick. His intentions are never in doubt, and obviously, he’s not hero material. Right? RIGHT? I mean, what kind of guy does that? The manner in which Aidan goes about his plan to break up Jerry and Aster is very sly, very well planned, and has consequences that don’t quite fit what he’d envisioned. I don’t want to give away too many spoilers because there are some really great plot twists in this story that have to be read to be appreciated. But there are a few things I can say, in hopes that you will be willing to give this book a try, despite how bad things look for Aidan.
As it turns out, Aidan ends up being one of my favorite heroes! (I didn’t expect that either!) He has to deal with the consequences of his actions and the real results of what happens when you interfere in someone else’s relationship for your own personal gain. He’s forced to take a good hard look at himself and make some serious changes. Yes, there are some extenuating circumstances that led to his decisions, but he owns up to them and his mistakes. His character growth from start to end is impressive and definitely one of my favorite things in this story.
Aster seems to have a perfect life but we learn a lot more about her as the story progresses. She has a strong friendship with Aidan at the beginning of the story, one that is shattered by Aidan’s actions and one he will have to work hard to regain. The feelings the two of them have for each other are complicated because of their history, and it’s a slow burn romance as they find ways to fix things between them. There are some sexy scenes in this story as Aidan and Astor connect but it’s not how Aidan had first envisioned. The ending of this story made me cry, that’s how invested I felt in their relationship. Redeeming a villain is not easy, but Julianna Keyes does it remarkably well in this angsty story of love and consequences. It’s definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review....more
When I finished listening to the audiobook of The King’s Man by Elizabeth Kingston, an enthralling tale of medieval Wales, I was immediately ready to When I finished listening to the audiobook of The King’s Man by Elizabeth Kingston, an enthralling tale of medieval Wales, I was immediately ready to dive into the next story in the Welsh Blades series. Fair, Bright, and Terrible, while having a separate standalone romance, continues where the King’s Man left off so this review may contain some spoilers if you haven’t read it first. (Go now and read it, then come back). Fair, Bright and Terrible is the story of Eluned, mother of Gwenllian who found a fitting partner in Ranulf, King Edward’s hired mercenary, in The King’s Man. It’s also the story of a forbidden love affair, revenge, reckonings and second chances.
Wales is lost. Eluned is numb with all the grief she’s experienced in the last several months, from the desertion of her daughter, to the failed uprising against King Edward and the gruesome and public deaths of her friends and allies leading the rebellion. Her husband’s bones have been returned to her from the Holy Land, proof that his years long crusade was no match for the gods of war. Her teenaged son is ready to assume his rightful place as leader of Ruardean under Edward’s watchful eye. She has two choices – join a nunnery to live out her days, or marry again. And when a marriage match between her and Robert de Lascaux is proposed, she accepts.
Robert can’t believe that after 18 long years his dreams of reuniting with Eluned will come true. Their love affair had been a secret one. Everything about Eluned had enchanted Robert and even though they had known nothing good would come of it, they hadn’t stopped themselves from indulging in their passion for each other. The ending had been bitter, and eventually Robert had taken himself off to France to nurse his broken heart. Eluned had kept up the fight for Wales, until there was nothing left to fight for.
Now Eluned and Robert are together again. But their motivations for the marriage are very different. Eluned had exorcised Robert from her heart, and her only goal is to use her new position and Robert’s alliances to gain revenge on the English Lords who had done her Welsh countrymen grievous harm. Robert, a romantic at heart, wants to recapture what they’ve lost. But the woman who is his wife now is nothing like the one he knew before. Is this really a second chance for them, or a cruel trick of fate?
Once again, I’m left quite in awe of the historical details that flavor this story with intensity and drama. Like The King’s Man, the audiobook of Fair, Bright, and Terrible is narrated by Nicholas Boulton and his superb voice acting makes it come alive (plus, let’s be honest, it means I don’t have to try to pronounce any Welsh words in my head).
There is a good portion of the story that details what happened when Eluned and Robert first met and how they fell in love, as well as the fallout of their relationship and the consequences of their actions. Even though you know that they won’t stay together, it’s hard not to be drawn into their romance. During their many years apart, Robert stayed relatively the same. He’s an easygoing, smart and affable man with a big heart. He put Eluned on somewhat of a pedestal in his memory, but he soon realizes that his memories of their relationship are not as accurate as he’d like them to be. It makes him question everything about their time together, especially when Eluned behaves towards him like a stranger.
Eluned is the one most changed during their separation for many valid reasons. She’s the one who was married and had to deal with a religious fanatic for a husband. She’s the one who had to protect her daughter at all costs. And she’s the one who ran Ruardean on her own for years, mistress of the estate, while helping plot the Welsh rebellion. She had no time for foolish dreams. Now, being with Robert again makes her aware that she could find some modicum of happiness with him, if she’ll only break open the case around her heart. I loved seeing her and Robert work through the challenges that separate them until they finally get their happy ending. But it’s not without a lot of heartache first.
Of course, their story is told amid the broader history of the time, and the workings of the English court, the loyalties and betrayals all move the plot towards a dramatic and gripping conclusion. This is one of those stories that will keep you up late at night as you won’t want to stop reading (or listening) until the end. The King’s Man and Fair, Bright and Terrible are equally compelling, and both will be on my favorite reads list this year.
Welsh history comes alive in this fascinating story of intrigue, treachery, and romance set in the 13th century, under the reign of King Edward the 1sWelsh history comes alive in this fascinating story of intrigue, treachery, and romance set in the 13th century, under the reign of King Edward the 1st. Listening to this as an audiobook (narrated by the adept and versatile Nicholas Boulton) turned out to be an excellent choice as it meant I didn’t have to stumble over the written Welsh words but could let his fluid tongue tell me the story, one which kept me thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.
Gwenllian of Ruardean is no great beauty, a fact she’s long accepted. Her strength lies in her healing hands and her sword. When a lone man in the woods is injured by her traveling party, she won’t leave him to die, even if she recognizes that he is Ranulf Ombrier, King Edward’s favorite hired killer. At one time she was betrothed to Ranulf’s foster father, a man he’s rumored to have killed in cold blood. But while Ranulf’s villainy is legendary, she holds all the power while he’s under her care.
Ranulf set off for a monastery close to Wales in an effort to dislodge the visions of the women his foster father abused and murdered. If it also took him out of King Edward’s reach, all the better. Nursed back to health by a mysterious woman with startlingly observant grey eyes, rumors tell him that she is the daughter of the Marcher Lord ruling Ruardean, yet he cannot find her to convey his thanks. ‘Escorted’ back to the King by a party of Welsh soldiers, Ranulf comes upon the surprising discovery that the swordsman willing to challenge him in a dual is none other than Gwenllian herself. Once her secret is out, Ranulf thinks to use it to his advantage but underestimates Gwenllian, as most men do, though not for long. Respect for the complex woman soon turns to desire.
But the King has his own plans for the rebellion he suspects is simmering in Welsh territory and transferring Gwenllian’s prior betrothal to Ranulf causes its own complications. Gwenllian’s mother, Elunid, had always planned on her daughter helping to regain Wales independence from England. Now that she’s married to an English Lord, will Gwenllian choose duty to country and blood or her burgeoning feelings for her new husband? The fate of many lies in her hands.
It’s hard to express in words how much I enjoyed this combination of history lesson and romance tied up in one neat package. Knowing absolutely nothing of the setting going into the story, it’s clear the author did her research and was able to knowledgeably set the stage for this era in history when Wales became subjugated to English rule. Just as interesting to me was her choice to make the heroine attractive not in a physical sense but in character and ambition. Gwenllian is sure of her place in her world and has the love and support of her family and fellow soldiers. She has had to prove herself time and again to be an able bodied and courageous fighter, especially with the innate prejudice and censure for a female in her role. She takes the example of the historical Gwenllian of old, her namesake to heart. Yet her feminine side, long ignored, can’t resist the pull of Ranulf for long.
Normally, a woman of Gwenllian’s plain features wouldn’t catch Ranulf’s eye but her exceptional skill, her drive, and her loyalty make her worthy of his respect and he soon sees in her a kindred spirit. And this, in turn, makes him appreciate her physical form. The result is a sexual attraction that burns between them and leads to some steamy intimate encounters. Where most see Ranulf as a villain, Gwenllian is able to appreciate the circumstances that made him who he is. She endeavors to show him that with a few simple changes, he can show the people of Morency under his care that he is not like his foster father. I loved seeing the changes in both Gwenllian and Ranulf as their relationship became more than just a marriage of (the King’s) convenience.
Gwenllian’s relationship with her mother Elunid is complicated, with Gwenllian feeling the weight of duty to her mother and her Welsh people on her shoulders. Elunid comes across sometimes as hard and unfeeling and the bond of love between them is tested. In the end, Gwenllian and Ranulf make choices that lead them to a happy ending, though at times it seemed that it might never come to pass. Such is the talent of a great storyteller, to keep you hanging on edge until the last page. The King’s Man is a taut, exciting tale of passion and intrigue in medieval England that gives lie to the idea that history is boring – it just needs the right teacher.
A copy of this story was self-purchased for review....more
Lorelei James is a familiar voice to many in the erotic and contemporary romance world, having published more than sixty books in the last ten years. While I’d heard of her, I hadn’t actually read any of her books until this one. All You Need is a sports romance with a fairly typical plot idea – a bad boy hockey player needs a reputation makeover and who better to accommodate him than a PR expert? What the blurb doesn’t tell you is that once you read this story you’ll immediately want to read the preceding stories in the series, and possibly everything on Ms. James’ backlist. From the very first chapter until the absolutely delightful ending, every part of this contemporary romance clicked with me.
The Need You series is centered on the Lunds, a wealthy and successful Swedish family who live in Minneapolis. There are four siblings, each of whom will have a standalone romance in the series, and this third installment is about Annika, a public relations agent for her family business, Lund Industries. The first time she meets Axl is at a chic restaurant, welcoming him to Minnesota on behalf of her cousin Jaxon, a former teammate of Axl’s in Chicago before he was acquired by the Minnesota Wild. He doesn’t speak much English so she’s there partly as a translator, though he clearly doesn’t need her language abilities to maneuver their waitress into a compromising position in the coat check room. Axl’s agent, Peter, wants Annika to take Axl on as a client and reform his playboy image, but she isn’t interested and turns him down. But under the steadfast nagging of her mother who wants Peter to be Annika’s brother Jensen’s new agent, she reluctantly agrees. She’ll use her skills to try to turn Axl’s reputation around, and Jensen will get his new agent. Win-Win.
Annika and Axl start out with some clearly antagonistic feelings about each other. Axl refers to Annika as Attila and in return she calls him Ax-hell or Ax-hole. Annika needs Axl to follow some rules to keep a low profile and out of the media spotlight and when she catches him at a club doing the exact opposite, her anger results in a very public scene. The result is a claim that spreads like wildfire on social media that Annika’s behaviour was caused by jealousy because she is Axl’s new girlfriend. Peter thinks it’s the perfect set up. If Annika will keep up the pretense, Axl’s bosses will be convinced that he’s focused on his hockey career and reforming his scandal plagued media image. In return for Annika pretending to be in this fake relationship, Axl will help out with any charity work she is involved in. For the sake of her brother’s career, Annika can’t really refuse. But what really frustrates her is the current of sexual attraction that ripples between her and Axl. He is nothing like the men Annika dates. He’s an uncouth, boorish hockey player who’s too attractive for his own good. Only as they get to know each other, Annika discovers that the old adage ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ might just apply to this man, too. Is it possible that she’s actually found her perfect match?
I love being surprised by an author, and I don’t just mean because of an unexpected plot twist. You think you know how this story will go from the start, that Axl will be converted from player to committed boyfriend by his growing affection for Annika. That’s not the story here. Instead, what you get is a male character who is so much more than the reputation that precedes him, a reputation that while true, has been designed to be a certain way. Appearances are Annika’s game as a PR expert, and even she is fooled at the start. There are layers to Axl that get revealed from chapter to chapter until at the end you’ve got a man who deserves pride of place on your book boyfriend shelf. I don’t want to give away any spoilers because it’s so much fun to discover Axl’s real character the way that Annika does. Telling the story from both points of view is essential to how the plot unfolds and I definitely appreciated it here.
As a sports romance with an emphasis on the game of hockey this definitely scores with me too. The author is familiar with the sport and does an admirable job of including scenes both on and off the ice. The reality of player reputations, contract negotiations, and press interactions are balanced with the physical on-ice play and Axl’s personal challenge to find a place for himself on his new team. I don’t know the author’s future plans, but I’d love to see a spinoff series with some of Axl’s hockey teammates getting stories of their own.
Annika’s family interactions are also an important part of this story, not surprising since the series is based on her and her siblings. The Lund family has connections all over Minneapolis, and with her brother Jensen playing football for the Minnesota Vikings they have a sizable stake in the community. Annika, while being a hardworking businesswoman, is also involved in the charity arm of the company and doesn’t mind getting down to the grassroots level herself to make things happen. She comes across as a passionate woman in everything she does, with a family loyalty that transcends everything else. Suffice it to say, her brothers are not particularly keen on her ‘relationship’ with Axl, knowing his reputation. This creates some tension, because Annika doesn’t like keeping secrets from her siblings but can’t reveal the truth behind their agreement. There are some quite touching and emotional scenes later in the story as some plot twisting events occur that impact the whole family.
The romance between Annika and Axl is simply delightful. The uncovering of Axl’s true personality leads to a bond of trust between them as they share meaningful conversations and truly intimate moments. The sexual tension builds and perhaps somewhat surprisingly, this is a slow burn romance. There is no hopping in the sack from the beginning to ‘take the edge off’ as one might expect. Axl is a hero in pursuit (my favorite kind!), wooing Annika in such a way that it would be impossible not to fall for him. The sex scenes in this story are hot but not super explicit – the dirty talking is kept to a minimum (which I’ll admit is a nice change) and there is a bigger emphasis on the feelings they are developing for each other than on a play by play of their bedroom scenes.
Of course, there has to be some conflict that makes you wonder how this couple can get their happy ending but it happens in an organic way and suits the story well. I can tell you that the ending made me clap my hands over my mouth and laugh in delight, it’s that good. All You Need is exactly the kind of story I want when I read a contemporary romance – laughs, a few tears, strong likable characters, an interesting and well executed plot, sexy scenes and a sweet happy ending. I’m already planning a re-read!
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review....more
The Lawrence Browne affair sweeps us into the wilds of Cornwall in a vividly entertaining romance about a reclusive Earl and a con man. It features thThe Lawrence Browne affair sweeps us into the wilds of Cornwall in a vividly entertaining romance about a reclusive Earl and a con man. It features the brother of the hero in The Soldier’s Scoundrel, the author’s debut novel released in 2016 to much acclaim. While I’ve yet to read that one, after how much I enjoyed this story it’s definitely moving its way up my to-read list to the top.
Georgie Turner has gotten himself into a heap of trouble by not going along with with a recent con to defraud an elderly woman after an attack of conscience gets the better of him. When his brother Jack suggests sending him off to Cornwall to assist in assessing the mental health state of the ‘mad’ Earl of Radnor, he readily agrees, hoping to figure out a way to solve the predicament he’s put his family in. Arriving at Penkellis, the disrepair and general shoddiness of the manor seem to indicate that something is definitely amiss.
Lawrence, the Earl of Radnor, worries that the madness that afflicted his father, and then his brother is lying in wait to claim him too. Anxiety attacks are common reactions for him when things are out of the ordinary. To combat this, he immerses himself in experiments, working on the science behind a machine that would enable messages to be sent long distances with wires. With only a cook and housekeeper left after the departure of all the other servants, the appearance of Georgie, purporting to be a secretary sent by his vicar is a shock to his system – in more ways than one. Not only is he not used to company, he’s not used to the feelings that get under his skin around the man himself. Lawrence and Georgie slowly establish an odd sort of friendship, that creates trust between them, and soon enough something more. But with Georgie’s past criminal behavior catching up to him, will the happiness they’ve found together be all for naught?
What a delightful read! I felt fully immersed in this world from the very start of the story. Georgie is one of those flawed characters where the essence of right and wrong are blurred by his upbringing and need to survive. Trained as a thief and a con man since early childhood, he’s done remarkably well at it until he just can’t follow through with one last job, sending him into wholly unfamiliar territory.
The Earl of Radnor’s house is falling apart, and the Earl himself is an eccentric figure with odd habits and queer tastes – yet Georgie finds himself equally fascinated by the Earl’s imposing physical presence as by his mind. It’s clear to him that Lawrence (as he comes to call him) is not mad or deranged, just different. And he’s brilliant, the machine he’s inventing one that even Georgie can see right away will have far reaching repercussions. While his practiced eye sees the value of the material objects in the house, his growing feelings of affection for Lawrence make him determined to protect him at all costs, including from anyone who might be taking advantage of him.
Lawrence is quite a character. Staving off his inevitable (he believes) descent into madness one day at a time, the appearance of Georgie in his life is a rude awakening. Georgie makes him feel things – both positive and concerning and he struggles with how to react. Though he knows that there is something not quite on the up and up with Georgie, he does such a good job as his secretary and proves his worth in so many ways that Lawrence comes to trust him.
The sexual tension between the two men exists from the start and leads to some steamy scenes as Lawrence discovers that feeling lust for another man is not, in fact, a sign of madness. Georgie’s reassurance and matter of factness about the whole thing put Lawrence at ease. Though their relationship must remain a secret to the outside world, it’s not hard to see how it could effectively be a lifelong one given the isolation of Lawrence’s estate and his expected eccentric behaviour. The trick will be for Lawrence to find a way to convince Georgie to stay.
The isolated and windswept Cornish setting makes for an excellent backdrop to the story. The secondary characters are all interesting figures who add a sense of authenticity to the historical setting. I greatly enjoyed the scientific aspects of the tale that aren’t too involved for the average reader but make for another layer to the already intriguing setup. All in all, it’s a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable romance with two men who believe love is not destined for them, but find it anyway.
When you find yourself laughing out loud, wiping away tears, and rereading passages you just read, you know that you’ve found a real gem among a sea oWhen you find yourself laughing out loud, wiping away tears, and rereading passages you just read, you know that you’ve found a real gem among a sea of contemporary romances. Pretty Face by Lucy Parker is a witty and engaging look at the London theater world and a forbidden romance trope story involving acclaimed yet cynical theater owner and director Luc Savage and his new stage protege Lily Lamprey.
Lily’s professional acting career may pay well, but her starring role as the sexpot in the historical television drama Knightsbridge has her typecast as a blonde bimbo. It’s not helped that her voice, unflatteringly defined (by Luc) as belonging to ‘helium barbie’ gives credence to the theory. Lily would like nothing better than to break into a real acting role on stage, and when Luc Savage’s new play 1553 needs an Elizabeth the first, being called for an audition is a thrill all on its own. Though Luc’s hand has been forced by Lily’s godfather whose money is partially bankrolling the theater, he has an eye for talent and can see that with some (okay, a lot) of voice training, Lily could actually pull off the role.
Lily doesn’t think much of the insulting and condescending Luc Savage but for a chance to get some serious acting credits behind her name, she’s willing to take his attitude and put in the hard work needed to make this role her own. She’s also quick to stand up for herself, a fact that Luc grudgingly respects, as he also comes to realize that appearances can be deceiving. During a cast weekend retreat, their sparring banter leads to another kind of awareness – an unwelcome one for them both. While an affair between the forty year old director and a younger lead actress wouldn’t do much to hurt Luc’s already maligned reputation, it would be disastrous for Lily if people believed she only got the role by sleeping her way into it. Still, despite everything to the contrary, there is only so long they can pretend in private that they aren’t attracted to each other. Warned by Luc’s ex Margo, another of the starring actresses in the play, that Luc’s devotion will always be to the theater first before any woman, Lily knows that she could be seeing a very sharp rise and fall to her career if she’s not careful. Will falling in love with Luc be worth the risk?
This romance is in serious contention to be on my best of 2017 list! I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the story, from the engaging characters and witty banter to the description of what happens behind the scenes in television and on the stage. Luc may not be the most charming of men, but I love a grumpy hero who is willing to own up to his mistakes and he’s going to have a pretty solid place on my book boyfriend shelf. He’s hardworking, he’s driven, and he speaks his mind. The renovation of the Queen Anne theater has been Luc’s pet project and the re-opening of the theater with the production of 1553 could make or break him. He knows he’s taking a risk by bringing on Lily, but it’s a calculated one, with the hopes that her TV stardom will mean more ticket sales. And as he gets to know her, he falls head over heels for the woman who is so much more than just eye candy for his cynical soul.
Lily is delightful as a woman who is fully aware of what’s said about her (to her face and behind her back) and is still determined to prove that she’s a serious actress. The product of an affair between her father, a wealthy (and at the time already married) nightclub owner and her mother, a much younger Irish jazz singer, she knows what the gossips will make of any relationship between her and Luc .She must put all her efforts into making this role a success. She’s young (mid 20s) but not naive. She’s also passionate, friendly, smart and driven to succeed. Her relationship with her mother and father, neither of whom has been the best parent, means she’s used to fending for herself. Trusting Luc is a challenge for her mind and her heart, but her body makes the leap for her. The sexual tension between them sizzles, and leads to some very sensual love scenes.
The plot moves along at a smooth pace as the story takes us through the weeks up to opening night. There are several secondary characters, family members of both Lily and Luc as well as other cast members who provide amusing scenes and serious emotional ones too. The laughter is definitely in full force for most of the story (a particular favorite scene for me is when Lucy meets her voice coach at Oxford) but be prepared with a few tissues in the second half. Choices are made and consequences result, leading to some rocky times for our hero and heroine. But they find their way to a heartfelt happy ending and you’ll be left with a smile on your face and wanting to read more about this world the author has created – a testament to her skill in crafting a romance worthy of a standing ovation.
Maria Rose
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