Wow, another hit my MK Schiller! I have been glomming her short back-list since reading The Do-Over last week, a 4.5 'I'll Wait For You Forever' Stars!
Wow, another hit my MK Schiller! I have been glomming her short back-list since reading The Do-Over last week, and this was another great read. But unlike her other two books which were solid romance comedies, A GIRL BY ANY OTHER NAME surprised me since I would classify it as a romance suspense with a deeper and more serious storyline. Personally, I think it really shows the range that this talented author is capable of writing.
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A GIRL BY ANY OTHER NAME explores the tender and undying love between Cal and Sylvia that began at the age of ten. Their story unfolds with many back-flashes to their youth, and back again to present time. I am not always a fan of the back and forth timeline, but in this case I believed it really enhanced the overall story.
Sylvia is the proverbial girl-next-door, and a bit odd. Her father and her moved next door to Cal's family when she was just ten, shortly after her mother passed away. In time their friendship turned into a first love, but not without challenges from school buddies and family members. At age 16 she disappears from his life, believed to dead, but Cal can't accept it. He knows her too well, and while he hasn't a clue where she is or why she would disappear, it sends him on a life long journey to find her. (I won't lie, I cried buckets at this part of the book!!)
Present day is ten years after her disappearance, where Cal is an instructor at a community college in Portland, Oregon. What unfolds in the later half of the book reveals answers to a lot of questions we had in the first half, and FINALLY we get a reunion that made my heart sing! It was steamy HOT too!! But danger still lurks, and revealing her secret can be the most dangerous thing for all of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even the second half. I agree with other reviewers that is took a turn at that point of the story, but mostly because we lost the back-flashes which worked so well in the first half. I really missed the connection between past and present times. But I loved getting to see these two together again FINALLY, and with a chance for real happiness. I didn't always like Cal's possessiveness, but I understood it. It was a great read, looking forward to more by this author.
I would highly recommend this to fans of sexy steamy romance suspense stories.
BREAKAWAY HEARTS was a fun sports romance with some sexy moments and a heartfelt storyline about a son the hero would never know, but 3 'Just OK' Stars
BREAKAWAY HEARTS was a fun sports romance with some sexy moments and a heartfelt storyline about a son the hero would never know, but it didn't blow me away.
As light-and-fluffy sports romances go this was a fun read, but don't look for much depth in the romance or expect a great deal of character development. The romance zooms at an unrealistic speed, making it hard for me to believe these characters could feel so deeply for each other given how little time together they spend. Their emotional highs and lows baffled me, but I just went with the flow and suspended by disbelief to get to the end of this story. And it helped.
On the plus side, the storyline regarding hockey and her trying out for the Olympics was interesting, and I loved the jokes about the meatloaf dinner at the family diner.
I wish I could tell you I enjoyed it more than I did, as I really liked this authors previous book The Tears of Elios. I was hoping for more of that rich storytelling with fascinating characters, but this book was clearly written for a different kind of audience.
3.5 - 4* 'Stand By Your Man cuz he has a BIG OL' SECRET!' Stars
COMING HOME was such a sweet and emotional romance. If you like the tortured hero and 3.5 - 4* 'Stand By Your Man cuz he has a BIG OL' SECRET!' Stars
COMING HOME was such a sweet and emotional romance. If you like the tortured hero and a heroine who stands by her man plot, and you don't mind a slower paced romance that takes its time to really bloom, you will enjoy this one. I had some issues with the slower pacing and low angst level, and got pretty darn frustrated with the BIG OL’ SECRET, but it was undeniably a solid love story romance I won't soon forget.
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Danny has a secret. A BIG OL’ SECRET. And it is keeping him from enjoying life, and most definitely keeping him from pursuing Leah. They met briefly by chance, and he was fortunate enough to cross paths with her again. But is pursuing Leah a wise thing to do, giving his BIG OL’ SECRET?? (Hey, did I mention he had a BIG OL’ SECRET??)
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Danny's BIG OL’ SECRET kept me guessing through the first half of the book, until it about drove me mad and **FINALLY** we learn why he has been behaving like a jackass at times. He is the classic 'tortured hero', and it was a heavy secret no doubt. And when Danny wasn't behaving like an ass due to his BIG OL’ SECRET, he was downright swoon worthy! But while I understood Danny's BIG OL’ SECRET, I didn't always enjoy watching him be his own worse enemy.
Leah hasn't been attracted to anyone in over two years, but Danny sparks something in her back to life. She is healing from both a crushing and devastating breakup, and the guilt of what transpired with her own family during that relationship. However, he is keeping a BIG OL’ SECRET, and she has no idea what it is. And it is driving her bonkers trying to figure him out.
But when his BIG OL’ SECRET is revealed, she is steadfast in standing by her man. I give her big props for all that she goes through. I have no doubt that Tammy Wynette wrote her song 'Stand By Your Man' with women like Leah in mind.
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By the end, I was pretty mixed about this book. Loved and hated it, to be honest. The best part of this book is easily the budding romance between these two. It was sweet, real and deep. I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other and truly fall in love. The dialogue was snappy and sexy. And when these two were together and the BIG OL’ SECRET not getting in their way, I loved them.
But on the other hand, much of Danny's torture was self-inflicted (IMO) and not all a direct cause of the 'unknown' he is facing. He was a classic over-thinker, and at times I found myself frustrated with him. I absolutely felt he dragged his BIG OL’ SECRET out way too long, and it was not the least bit fair on Leah. But once the cat is out of the bag, and they kiss and forgive, the rest of the story moves on to dealing with the BIG OL’ SECRET. I wish I could say that this is where he ends his head games, but unfortunately not quite yet.
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Overall, I did enjoy it and I will not forget this book soon. It dealt with a heavy subject matter I have yet to see in any romance novel, and introduced many interesting characters. I completely believed Danny and Leah's HEA too. This book made me think, and at times swoon! But I was also frustrated too. And bored at the slow pacing.
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Lastly, if you are tired of how many times I mentioned the BIG OL’ SECRET in this review, imagine how I felt reading this book? Over and over and over it was mentioned but not revealed until I wanted to scream JUST TELL HER YOUR BIG OL’ FUCKING SECRET!!!!! OK, got that off my chest. I feel better now. ...more
Honestly, I just wasn't in the mood for this amount of non-stop inner-dialogue and their chronic over-thinking DNF @25%, but I might try again later.
Honestly, I just wasn't in the mood for this amount of non-stop inner-dialogue and their chronic over-thinking about life. It was bogging the story down and kept the plot from moving anywhere. I realized that at 25% pretty much nothing substantial happened in this story other than the hero made it to town and moved in with his old BFF. When/if I am in the mood for this type of teenager angst, I might try again. ...more
4.5 stars. Nate, a drop-dead sexy man-whore and best friend to Olivia, agrees to a no strings attac "It's a manwhore miracle!" <-- loved that line!
4.5 stars. Nate, a drop-dead sexy man-whore and best friend to Olivia, agrees to a no strings attached sexual relationship with Olivia after learning about her utter lack of experience in bed. But crossing the friendship line doesn't come without complications, even when the sex is super hot!
Nate started off as a shallow selfish character, so I wasn't sure I was going to like him. But Samantha Young does a great job of pealing back the layers and showing us a much deeper and emotional side to this man. His need for Olivia was bone deep, and by the end I had no doubt he was utterly and hopelessly in love. I especially loved how Olivia made him work for the relationship. I am a sucker for a good groveling scene, and it delivered.
Overall, I loved the angst, the humor and especially the heat! This might be the steamiest book in the series so far! I only wish we had Nate's point of view (and not just Olivia's) along the way as I was DYING to know what he was thinking as well. ...more
A fun light romance with a lot of heart. The story made me smile, but the low steam factor left me wanting a bit more.
Still, this was surprisingly gooA fun light romance with a lot of heart. The story made me smile, but the low steam factor left me wanting a bit more.
Still, this was surprisingly good. When I first got this ARC I half expected it to be yet another knock-off of Fifty Shades of Grey, capitalizing on the billionaire hero. I am happy to say that is not what I got, but I wouldn't of minded some additional angst and steam. In fact, this was a fairly clean romance (think fade-to-black love scenes) and without all of the four letter words used for the purpose of shock value.
Leo and two of his friends makes a bet with their buddy Miles, which binds this new trilogy of novella romances. Can they all find love? In THE FIRESIDE INN Leo soon meets a smart and feisty librarian Serena, who I adored. He needs her help to select a love poem for a poetry reading he will give at Mile's upcoming wedding, but he hides a secret about himself he really doesn't want the world to learn.
I am not a fan of fade-to-black sex scenes, and I do think this story could have been strengthened with a few choice scenes, but by the end I was still sold on this romance. Sadly, it didn't start off that way. Unfortunately, the romance between Leo and Serena started off completely unbelievable -- I literally had to skip back a page or two and re-read to see if I missed something in the build up to their first kiss. Nope. It was the fastest I have seen 'hello' go to 'hot smooching' in a long, long time. But the pacing that followed was far more believable, and I found myself really enjoying this story. The ending ends on a high note, and it made me swoon and sigh over Leo.
This was my first read by Lily Everett, and if I could describe her writing style in one word I would have to use the word 'sparkle'. She has a great writing voice that was captivating and entertaining. Her words were poetic at times, ironic since the story in this book focused on a British hero (Leo) having to find a love poem to read at his friends wedding.
I especially loved how the author paired a librarian with a man with a reading disability, it made the connection these two ultimately had feel all the more real. The hero Leo is British, and the author did a great job capturing the distinctive humor and dialect.
In the end, I really enjoyed this one. I think it would have benefited if it was a longer story as it felt rushed, especially in the beginning. I also wished there wasn't the 'fade-to-black' sex scenes, but that is my personal preference. It started off rough and I wasn't sure I was going to be sold on the romance, but by the end I was. The writing was the best part as it pulled me in and kept me glued to the story, and I now find myself very interested in reading the story of his two friends.
This is a stand-alone read despite it being a spin-off from another series (which I did not read).
Loved it!! I can always count on a Molly Harper book to make me laugh, especially with her cheeky dialogue. I rarely read vampires and shape-shifter b Loved it!! I can always count on a Molly Harper book to make me laugh, especially with her cheeky dialogue. I rarely read vampires and shape-shifter books, but her books will always be among my exceptions.
Tina, aka Anna Moder, has been on the run from an abusive ex-husband for several years now, changing identities often. After she rescues Caleb from a attack, they end up on a road trip through Alaska. They both have a lot of secrets, as well as deep trust issues.
This was such a fun read! The road trip opened up a lot of fun scenarios, from strip bars to seedy motels. Caleb's efforts at hiding his 'werewolf' identity was pretty funny at times too. And it was my kind of sexy steamy. Loved Caleb!
It can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend starting from the beginning of this series. They are all super fun books, and there are some overlapping characters.
I listened to this one on audio, and the narrator was fantastic.
I really enjoyed this one. It was a bit over-the-top as most of her books are, but it kept me captivated. The storyl 4* 'It Aint What You Think!' Stars
I really enjoyed this one. It was a bit over-the-top as most of her books are, but it kept me captivated. The storyline was different than most historical romances I have read, which is partly what kept me interested all the way through to the very emotional ending.
Victor and Isabelle were husband-and-wife and madly in love, but then they were separated 10 years ago due to the underhanded machinations of greedy lying relatives. They now each believe the other person is a thief and a criminal. Whew!
After ten years of searching, Victor finally finds his missing wife living in Scotland under an assumed name. Because of her (or, so he thinks), ten years ago he was wrongly accused of stealing royal jewels. Hired to investigate a woman with possible dubious intentions toward a young Barron, low and behold he discovers it is her. Does she plan to become a bigamist and marry the rich Barron? Steal royal jewels?
Isabelle has been running from her evil, greedy family for a decade. Her sister and brother in law are rotten, no-good thieves. The man she married at age 18 abandoned her, revealing himself to be nothing but a liar and thief too. Heavy with child, she creates a false identity and soon moves to Scotland as a jeweler's apprentice.
When Victor and Isabelle cross paths again, the anger and resentment boils high for both. Victor wants his revenge, and Isabelle will do anything to protect her daughter Emily. The daughter Victor knows nothing about.
This was really a fun and angsty read, and even had a few interesting secondary characters. The Barron was such a clueless, bumbling nerd that I couldn't help but love him. The ending was over-the-top, but also well done. I couldn't figure out how they could possibly break free from their situation, but Sabrina Jeffries gave us a great ending that worked. I especially loved watching Victor and Isabelle come to trust each other again, and felt horribly heart broken for them once they realized how senseless their separation had been.
Next up is likely Tristan's book (I hope!). If I am correct, we get a glimpse of his heroine in this story. If so, that will make one of the funniest 'how I met my wife' stories. (view spoiler)[He essentially grabs her off her horse when she stumbles into a secret plot, and threatens to shoot her to keep her quiet and the secret secure. All the while flirting with her too. She promises to keep quiet in exchange for a favor from the investigation firm, which will be decided at a later time. (hide spoiler)]
Overall, I am enjoying this new series by Sabrina Jeffries. I have read nearly every novel she has published, and once again she delivers a fun and entertaining romances with a good dollop of steamy passion. ...more
Melting Ms Frost is a spicy contemporary romance set in London. It explores a lite dom-sub relationship between Aiden, a 3.5 'Make Me Obey You' stars.
Melting Ms Frost is a spicy contemporary romance set in London. It explores a lite dom-sub relationship between Aiden, a mysterious and handsome Irish bar tender, and his boss Annabel Frost, the cold, stiff and proper manager of the chic restaurant who soon melts with his touch.
**I should probably mention that I could count the number of BDSM themed romances I have read on one hand, and still have a few fingers left. It is normally not my cuppa, and while I enjoyed this book I still don't think it's my cuppa. If a light BDSM theme is your cuppa, odds are you will enjoy this.**
Aiden is a talker: a smooth talker, a sweet talker, and most assuredly a dirty talker. He is bona-fide fantasy hero material! Dark Irish, brogue accent, mysterious, and sexy as hell. So while Annabel would never fraternize with the help, she is drawn to Aiden's shocking flirtatious advances as he pushes well beyond the boundaries of appropriate in a work place. She denies her attraction and sets out to avoid him, but he can read her like a book and persists through her resistance to eventually make her his.
Aiden wants a dom-sub relationship with Annabel, but to have that he needs to make her see how she is attracted to that lifestyle. She is suppressing her desires and resisting giving in so not to lose control. But Aiden is determined to win her. And part of that means when the relationship finally heats up, the game of dom-sub means she must surrender fully her control to Aiden if she is to receive 'satisfaction'.
I instantly liked Aiden, and loved the way he would go about shocking Annabel with his naughty whispers of desire. Annabel, being the cold and stiff person she is, was much harder to like at first. But the cat and mouse games between them was fun to watch, and slowly we began to see a likable side to Annabel as well.
The story is heavily focused on the sexual relationship between Aiden and Annabel, but I hesitate to call this one an 'erotica' novel. It is a spicy read with light-erotica moments, but it spends more time on the sexual tension build up and not so much on the bedroom scenes. (If you are looking for hardcore erotica or hardcore BDSM, this isn't that book.)
There are a few secondary story lines including Annabel's mother's horrible taste in men, and Aiden's history that led him to eventually decide to take on a bar tending job. While they were interesting enough, for me they were easy to skip over. The main meat of this book really is the relationship between Aiden and Annabel.
Overall I did enjoy it despite not being a fan of BDSM themed romances. I loved Aiden and enjoyed the cat and mouse games between them as their relationship grew. But I had trouble relating to the sex scenes as my own preference is certainly elsewhere and not with the dom-sub role play. I would also be lying if I said I enjoyed the ending. It ended how it should given all the story lines, but not as I had hoped. (view spoiler)[It did not have a strong HEA, and there were no declarations of love between them. (hide spoiler)]
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for making this ARC available in exchange for an honest review.
An exotic romance with a Persian courtesan and former slave heroine trained in the arts of seduction, and a war prisoner aristocrat with both physicalAn exotic romance with a Persian courtesan and former slave heroine trained in the arts of seduction, and a war prisoner aristocrat with both physical and emotional afflictions. I enjoyed it, but it was a bit too rushed to believe in so many life changing events. They ultimately worked as couple though, and we get a great HEA .
♡Karlyn P♡
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2014-01-january
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