Road Trip Rivalry by Mona Shroff Harlequin Special Edition romance. Own voices. Bonus holiday romance novella included (ebook, audiobook). Researcher PoRoad Trip Rivalry by Mona Shroff Harlequin Special Edition romance. Own voices. Bonus holiday romance novella included (ebook, audiobook). Researcher Poorvi Gupta is desperate to reach her medical conference in Dublin in time to secure grant funding with her presentation. She has proof and research statistics showing that the clinical trials need to be delayed rather than rushed through. The exact opposite of what the Shashane family wants to do. When weather reroutes the plane to land across the country, and cars go alarmingly fast, she’s forced to team up with a fellow passenger to drive to Dublin. She’s already has a conflict with him when she tries to help a nice elderly woman on the plane speaking Gujarati. Fortunately Poorvi is able to drive a manual car and the elderly woman will be with them, so it should be an easy drive to Dublin. Until it’s not. Ophthalmologist Kavan Shashane is traveling to Dublin to head off a researcher whose study puts his family’s practice at risk. Sure, it wasn’t convenient for the plane to be rerouted, but now he gets to spend time with the fascinating woman he traded sparks with on the plane. He definitely wants to get to know her better and getting waylaid by the elderly woman to see various sights along the way to Dublin isn’t a problem. Neither know that when they get to Dublin, their close relationship could change when they find out they are on opposing sides at the medical conference.
Sparkling romance and family Indian traditions blend to make this romance sweet and spicy at the same time. Indian dishes, flyers Holi colors and a slight manipulation by a well meaning grandmother being Poorvi and Kavan together to find their forever.
Detour to the Gingerbread Inn Naina Goel and Jais Patel, thought separated, travel together to a family event at Christmas time. Severe weather strands them at a run-down inn that seems to have been decorated and forgotten decades in the past. Yet the inn is full and couples seem to be loving the inn and its holiday traditions. Spending the forced time together, Naina and Jais have little choice but to talk and air grievances they couldn’t in the past. A Mehndi party and Masala chai help being them back together and gradually the decorations seem to be getting updated and brighter as well. It’s seems to be a magical place as they renew their love.
Right Where We Left Us by Jen Devon 2nd book in the series (unnamed and unlabeled in Goodreads) with the Brady family. Contemporary romance. Second chaRight Where We Left Us by Jen Devon 2nd book in the series (unnamed and unlabeled in Goodreads) with the Brady family. Contemporary romance. Second chance. Large family and many secondary characters. Can be read as a stand-alone but takes place subsequent to the first book. Temperance Madigan has been a peripheral part of the Brady family for a long time. In her eyes, they are the ultimate goal: loving, supportive, teasing, loud, and comforting. Her own parents are lacking any true feelings for anything other than their medical community. Duncan and Temperance have always been like magnets. Attracted but often with opposing goals. They had a brief explosive affair at eighteen, but have only circled from the outside since then. Temperance will be at the family vineyard for the summer. Maybe they can finally more forward together or regretfully break all ties.
Duncan can’t keep his eyes off Temperance. He’s been in love with her for a long time. But as the only family member without a higher education degree and the construction work he does, Duncan doesn’t feel worthy. There is also a secret back from their teenage days that he needs to resolve. Temperance isn’t really part of the Brady family and her own parents are pressuring her to give up the medicine she loves. There is a lot of longing and yearning. Angst. I loved both Duncan and Temperance and felt their pain and love. Over and over. A hundred pages less would have helped the unending suffering. All of those pages added to the story and family and love. Like his secret schooling. Or the animal prints in the floor of the remodel. All enriching. And great storytelling. Still too much. So that’s the main reason for my rating of 4 rather than higher. Beautiful, engrossing, angst and eternal love.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I will read the author again. ...more
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez Part of Your World Series #2. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Dr Briana Ortiz doesn’t have the best impYours Truly by Abby Jimenez Part of Your World Series #2. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Dr Briana Ortiz doesn’t have the best impression of the new doctor in the hospital. She thought she had the promotion zipped up, but was told it’s been pushed back to give the new Dr Jacob Maddox a shot at it. Not a great week. But then she gets a letter from the new doctor. A good letter. Soon the two are writing back and forth, sharing lunch dates, and becoming friends. Then he does the unimaginable. He agrees to donate a kidney to her sick brother. For her. Needless to say, she’ll likely do anything for him now.
A cryer. (The story.) Maybe not as much as the prior book, but oh, so happy. Some angst, of course. It’s a failed kidney on a young man! And Jacob is a perfect match. How could she not fall in love with him if she wasn’t already with the letters and texting and fun outings they’ve had. Romance at its best. ...more
Disturbing the Dead by Kelley Armstrong A Rip Through Time series #3. Historical mystery, police procedural with a slight paranormal time shift. Best rDisturbing the Dead by Kelley Armstrong A Rip Through Time series #3. Historical mystery, police procedural with a slight paranormal time shift. Best read as part of the series in order. Mallory Atkinson is a police detective. Or she would be if she could get home. Mallory is stuck in Victorian Scotland because of a weird time slip. She’s a maid and part time assistant to Doctor Gray in 1890 since she woke up in the body of another woman that was strangled in the same place but different time. Together Duncan Gray and Mallory investigate the murder of a man wrapped like a mummy and try to find the missing Egyptian artifacts. Tunnels and marketplaces and the help of the Queen send Mallory and Gray on a twisted path to find the murderer.
Passion Under the Microscope by Christina Miles Smart is Seriously Sexy series #2. Romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone but the couple from thPassion Under the Microscope by Christina Miles Smart is Seriously Sexy series #2. Romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone but the couple from the first book are secondary characters in this story. STEM. Tanith Kerrigan is a high school biology teacher. When she tries to get a photo of a two birds, in a naughty moment for some levity in her next class, she trips instead and ends up with a sprained ankle. A friend calls Dr Luke Caldwell to help and he and Tanith are finally talking. He’s been interested in Tanith for months, but she didn’t seem to reciprocate. Now he’s helping to paint her house and their time together has them opening up and sharing pieces of their lives.
“Laughter is the best medicine” is a famous line that is used in this story. I agree with this wholeheartedly. And I personally love laughter in my reading and especially in a romance. Lots of grins and smiles and laughter in this story from both the hero and heroine. Luke is a self professed “quipster” and it’s kind of adorable. There is added depth as they get to know each other and daily life intrudes but their established banter and openness remains. Love, laughter and swooning characters. What’s not to love? 4.5
Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man by Violet Marsh Historical romance. When Lady Charlotte Lovett is told of her own arranged betrothal to man that is Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man by Violet Marsh Historical romance. When Lady Charlotte Lovett is told of her own arranged betrothal to man that is rumored to have killed his previous two wives, she impulsively runs away. She privately invests in a coffee house and helps set it up as a unique two faced business model. Dr. Matthew Talbot is happy to help Charlotte expose his brother, Viscount Hawley for his criminal and cruel past. Falling for her is easy but keeping her safe will take careful planning.
Redemption’s Edge by Alyssa Day Vampire Motorcycle Club series #3. Conclusion. Paranormal romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Book #1: Bane’s ChoiceRedemption’s Edge by Alyssa Day Vampire Motorcycle Club series #3. Conclusion. Paranormal romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Book #1: Bane’s Choice Book #2: Hunter’s Hope
Meara Delacourt is a powerful 300 year old vampire, underestimated by her enemies. She keeps careful control of her emotions because she knows losing it can mean the death of thousands. Edge was a scientist with an orderly mind before he was turned into a vampire. He still doesn’t let emotion in when science can answer the question. He was used in a cruel experiment by the Chamber, the result of which means his head will literally explode if he lets love into his life. Good thing he can control his feelings. Their club of friends are close and all have agreed they must eliminate the threat they all face in the Chamber. It’s a sinister organization of ancient warlocks that have set their plans on control of Savannah. Dane, Edge and Meara help to lead the fight against their potential elimination.
Large cast as all characters from prior books are here to fight the Chamber. Edge has a dark and heartbroken history so won’t let Meara into his heart. He can’t do it again though his lust for her is unending. There is a lot of angst in the story, but there is also lots of love. The prior couples provide a good example of what love can do for them but Edge and Meara are stubborn. There is a lot of steamy chemistry between these two as they can’t keep their minds off the other. The whole goal is an ultimate battle to get rid of the Chamber and Neville, so even during the volleyball games and other entertainment, there is a darkness over the story. There is a lot of world building both in the beginning of the story and throughout the story. I enjoyed the tension, the romance, and the fight for good, as well as having all the full cast of the series involved, but I think the story was a lot longer than it needed to be. A great wrap up conclusion.
The Second First Chance by Mona Shroff Contemporary romance. Own voices. India descendants. Dhillon Vora and Riya Desai have grown up next door to eachThe Second First Chance by Mona Shroff Contemporary romance. Own voices. India descendants. Dhillon Vora and Riya Desai have grown up next door to each other since they were children. During their teen years, a devastating house fire caused a loss in both families and Dhillon and Riya have barely spoken since then. Dhillon became a veterinarian as a result of the fire after the firefighters saved his dog. Riya is a newbie fire fighter, the first female in her particular firehouse. She’ll put up with the pranks and low level tasks she has to do to pay her dues until the next newbie is hired. She just has to convince the rest of her coworkers that she can pull her weight the same as any of them. When Dhillon finds out the Riya is a firefighter, he’s angry. He can’t believe she would willingly run into a fire. Riya doesn’t understand his anger. Why wouldn’t she want to honor her brother’s death to help someone else out of a fire?
Dhillon and Riya have been mostly ignoring each other over the years. They can’t do that anymore, first because of a puppy, second because Dhillon has always been in love with Riya and he cant walk away anymore.
Dhillon and Riya have a lot to discuss and work out with the different opinions on her new job. Riya also has to tell her parents about her job, which she’s been afraid to do. Dhillon wants more for the two of them but is afraid for Riya.
There are many cultural references to India food and to how family are addressed which is similar to other books by this author. The story is emotional and healing for them both though it takes family and friends to get them through it. It’s a beautiful building of love and dealing with grief and growing stronger together. ...more
Look at the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins Contemporary women’s fiction, with a minor romance thread. Chick lit. Cancer loss and recovery theme. MultipLook at the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins Contemporary women’s fiction, with a minor romance thread. Chick lit. Cancer loss and recovery theme. Multiple POV’s and timelines via memories. Lark Smith has always had plans to be a doctor in oncology. But her consistent sobbing along with the families is too much for everyone and she’s moved to the ER. When a grumpy surgeon asks Lark to be his pretend temporary girlfriend, she agrees if he will introduce and recommend her to the Oncology department. Meanwhile, Lark’s mother is going through a rough patch in her marriage. She moves into the large house of Lark’s landlord, Joy, to get some perspective and space from her long-term husband. Joy is grafeful to have some company in her lonely life. The three woman assess their current situations, while remembering how they got to this point. The question will be for all of them: What do they want next?
Their Accidental Honeymoon by Mona Shroff One Upon a Wedding series #5. Harlequin Special Edition. Contemporary romance. Closed door. Best friends, fakTheir Accidental Honeymoon by Mona Shroff One Upon a Wedding series #5. Harlequin Special Edition. Contemporary romance. Closed door. Best friends, fake relationship troupe. Can be read as a stand-alone. Own voices. Param Sheth and Rani Mistry have been best friends since grade school when she faced a bully for Param’s brother. When his brother has a seizure and needs money for treatment, Rani and Param agree to get married to get access to a large trust fund. They will have to pretend to be in love for their families and forget about the kisses they shared that one time.
He cooks for her when she’s working. She helps him grade papers. They hang out and watch romcoms. They are comfortable leaning on each other. They know what the other is thinking in most situations. Getting married should be easy. Until more than friendship shows up. Adorable and sweet and charming. Being with them on the journey from friendship to wonder to love was sugar-coated bliss. Lots of chai and delicious sounding Indian dishes had me ordering delivery. ...more
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez Part of Your World series #3. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Justin is cursed. Every woman he Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez Part of Your World series #3. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Justin is cursed. Every woman he dates finds their sole mate after breaking up with him. Emma is cursed the same as Jason. Since both want to find love, they come up with a plan to date each other, thus assuring they will both meet their true love when they stage their break up. Justin and Emma find themselves strangely compatible. Even with their lives getting crazy with her mother showing up and Justin assuming guardianship of his three siblings, they are making things work. Is it possible they have found their future?
You knew that answer already! The house on the island that Emma and her roommate rent is unique but I’m not sure I would have been up for the adventure of only being able to boat off the island. Justin needs to get to Emma when she’s sick and nothing will stop him. I fell in love with him at that point. All the feels in this book. You will be cheering them on too. I’ve come to love this author’s stories so much. She’s become an auto-buy. ...more
Wolf on the Edge by Paige Tyler SWAT (Special Wolf Alpha Team) series #16. Wolf shifter paranormal romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but Wolf on the Edge by Paige Tyler SWAT (Special Wolf Alpha Team) series #16. Wolf shifter paranormal romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Carter Nelson has been part of the Dallas SWAT team for years but recently, he’s been losing control and time while fighting on missions. Carter is ordered to see psychiatrist Hadley Delacroix to try to find out what is causing his violent outbursts and blackouts. Carter is a bit enamored with Hadley but needs to be careful not to expose her to his wolf. He also believes she is The One for him, his fated mate. Besides her private practice, Hadley does some consulting for the FBI. Meeting with the serial killer that eats his victims is one thing, but when he threatens to escape and come after her, she needs protection and being with Carter makes Hadley feel secure.
A fast moving read that’s gripping and horrifying when there is a prisoner escape. The psychopath is after Hadley and he can change his appearance to anyone he’s touched. Carter will be with Hadley 24-7 but they will need help from others to catch and defeat the skinwalker that kills indiscriminately. Danger. Passion. Team. 4.5...more
Sedona Surrender by Lisa Kessler Sedona Pack series #4. Paranormal shifter romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the seSedona Surrender by Lisa Kessler Sedona Pack series #4. Paranormal shifter romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series, in order. Spin off of the Moon series. While on a veterinary call, Cole Vega meets Madison Williams and realizes that she is his mate. As a werewolf, he never expected to find a mate. The fact that she’s human and that her brother was bitten and is a jaguar shifter, a fact she doesn’t know, means she’s off limits. Madison thinks she’s hearing a voice cry out for help when she’s jogging on the ranch. Cole knows that Madison’s life could be in danger from her boss and he is determined to prevent her from being hurt.
Action packed as Madison is plunged into changes she didn’t expect by moving to Sedona to be closer to her brother. His wife is hugely pregnant, the local vet is irresistible and she’s hearing voices. Unpacked boxes will probably stay that way as the romance gets steamy and old memories are unveiled. Keeping the secret with toddlers around is a problem. Hahaha. ...more
Sheltered: Part 1 by Justin Leslie The Sinking Man series, Part 1. Horror. Zombies. Written in episode fashion. Ben and Sarah bought an upscale, secludeSheltered: Part 1 by Justin Leslie The Sinking Man series, Part 1. Horror. Zombies. Written in episode fashion. Ben and Sarah bought an upscale, secluded riverside home. One night, celebrating and drinking, they fell into a “survivor’s sale” and bought the ultimate package with food for two years, generators, batteries and everything they’d need for an apocalypse. After being refused a refund when they sobered up, they decided to lean into it and make a plan for “just in case”. When the virus hit, Sarah, being a doctor, was on the other side of the country. Ben is secure at home, self sufficient, because of their plan. Waiting for Sarah. While Zombies ravage the countryside.
Exciting and immediately gripping. Ben ventures out into the new “strongest survivor” world, knowing he needs to help Sarah by following the plan. Lots packed into this first episode. I wanted to immediately binge the rest of the books (5 in total) but have other commitments that take priority. But, guaranteed, the rest will be read before the end of this month! I just have to hope they won’t be nightmare inducing....more
Unhoppy by Cynthia St Aubin The Case Files of Dr Matilda Schmidt, Paranormal Psychologist series book #3. Paranormal mystery romance with humor. A DeprUnhoppy by Cynthia St Aubin The Case Files of Dr Matilda Schmidt, Paranormal Psychologist series book #3. Paranormal mystery romance with humor. A Depressed Easter bunny with one leg shows up for help from Matilda. He’s tried to off himself eight times. Today. Add in Adonis who no woman can resist, including Matilda , plus a blackmailer with photos of Matilda in a comprising position with Matilda, well, it adds up to a bad day for her. And her fish. Now, Adonis only wants Matilda instead of his wives, which of course, brings the two goddesses into picture and it’s a free-for-all.
Mad cap adventures with laugh out loud antics and unimaginable craziness. A paranormal romance series that defies reality and sadness. I’ll be reading more of these case files soon. ...more
The Poisoner’s Ring by Kelley Armstrong A Rip through Time series #2. Homicide Detective Mallory Atkinson accidentally went through a time-slip and is The Poisoner’s Ring by Kelley Armstrong A Rip through Time series #2. Homicide Detective Mallory Atkinson accidentally went through a time-slip and is stuck in the body of an eighteen year old maid in Edinburgh Scotland in the year 1869. Fortunately her employer, Doctor Duncan Gray is aware she’s not really the maid and she is able to help him in his job as medical examiner and undertaker. There seems to be a Poisoner’s Ring in the city as a few men are found dead, one making a widow of Duncan’s sister. The widow is always the first suspect and they need to beat the police in solving the puzzle or the widows will all end up in the gallows.
Mallory and Duncan trade quips and work around the language differences from 1869 to contemporary current day. He is quick to either pick up the meaning or ignore what Mallory says and moves on. As her stay in the time lengthens, they grow comfortable together. Respect, and friendship grow as they help the widows in their investigations.
Intriguing scenarios of investigative work in a time when finger prints are a science yet to come. And ice boxes. And women’s cinched clothing which I would abhor.
Doctorshipped by Savannah Scott Getting Shipped series #5. Contemporary romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone. Grumpy sunshine troupe. Jayme feDoctorshipped by Savannah Scott Getting Shipped series #5. Contemporary romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone. Grumpy sunshine troupe. Jayme feels like she’s the last single person in Bordeaux. She handles her multiple jobs with dexterity and joy. She has a goal. Accepting a tutoring job for the new doctor and his daughter has Jayme feeling a bit smitten. Maybe her man-free declaration was premature.
Part of My World by Abby Jimenez Contemporary romance. Forbidden love via two socioeconomic worlds and a 10 year age gap. Alexis Montgomery is from a pPart of My World by Abby Jimenez Contemporary romance. Forbidden love via two socioeconomic worlds and a 10 year age gap. Alexis Montgomery is from a privileged background. She’s a doctor and getting over a breakup. She meets Daniel Grant, a carpenter and rural hotel owner and two have undeniably strong chemistry. They end up having what they think will be a one-night interlude, which turns into a growing relationship. But their lives are very different and Alexis doesn’t believe they can ever cross.
It’s a bit heartbreaking. She is overpowered by her parents and their love of her ex. She’s a doctor but her father doesn’t respect that. Spending time with Daniel has her learning an entire different lifestyle. She learns to peel potatoes and fix meals. She learns how to do basic household repairs. Things she never learned, or would even be on her radar in her elite doctor life. Daniel is so patient with Alexis and the town ends up loving her, both for her doctor skills and her enthusiasm for their environment. But she doesn’t see a way to merge the vast differences.
Of course there will be a happy ever after. This author just loves to pull on those heartstrings. Sigh. And it is a good romance ending. I am looking forward to the next book from this author....more
Three Cowboys and a Baby by Kate Pierce Contemporary romance. Baby Sky is left in the care of Noah, Max, and Luke by an ex military buddy. They intend Three Cowboys and a Baby by Kate Pierce Contemporary romance. Baby Sky is left in the care of Noah, Max, and Luke by an ex military buddy. They intend to contact social services but decide to wait for the mother to pick up Sky. Jen was supposed to pick up her baby when she got off the military boat, but her ex didn’t show. She travels cross country by bus, twice, to find her child. Noah is not happy when Jen finally shows up at the ranch. He thinks she is irresponsible and just as much to blame as is the missing father.
Time together snowed in and a charming baby have Noah and Jen getting to know each other. This take-off of a similar named movie is cute. Noah has plenty of experience and does the bulk of the day-to-day baby duty and the other two men are amusing in their trying to help. I found it interesting that Jen immediately knew the ranch work would have been behind with Noah caring for the baby. It was the baby talk and teething bone that totally won me over. Adorable with a few steamy scenes, it’s a great romance.
Situationship by Marina Adair Contemporary romance. Second chance troupe. Family centric. Teagan moves into her inherited family home with her four-yeaSituationship by Marina Adair Contemporary romance. Second chance troupe. Family centric. Teagan moves into her inherited family home with her four-year old twins. She hopes to reopen a bread bakery business after her ex husband gambled everything away. Teagan finds her sister already living in the house and her first love still living next door. Being a single mother to twins toddlers takes organizational effort. Teagan is grateful to the helping hand her squatter sister lends as well as the comfort she gets from spending time with Colin. Maybe the family move will be better than expected.
Adorable little girls, a hunky considerate man with a bratty confused teenage plus a well meaning sister makes this a family affair to the nth degree. Conflicts, arguments, misunderstandings and differences in being raised have all of them slowly learning about another perspective. I especially loved Harley’s determination to help her sister even though she gets beaten down verbally by Teagan over and over. All of them, the entire cast, have to grow emotionally and they do as the story progresses. It’s family. Emotional, heartbreaking and loving with happy tears more than once for me near the end. Perfectly syrupy.
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