Tag Archives: Contemporary Romance

Wildest Dreams

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Author: Robyn Carr          wildest
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Little Bird Publicity

 

 

Goodreads:  Blake Smiley searched the country for just the right place to call home. The professional triathlete has traveled the world, but Thunder Point has what he needs to put down the roots he’s never had. In the quiet coastal town he can focus on his training without distractions. Until he meets his new neighbors and everything changes.

Lin Su Simmons and her teenage son, Charlie, are fixtures at Winnie Banks’ house as Lin Su nurses Winnie through the realities of ALS. A single mother, Lin Su is proud of taking charge and never showing weakness. But she has her hands full coping with a job, debt and Charlie’s health issues. And Charlie is asking questions about his family history—questions she doesn’t want to answer.

When Charlie enlists Blake’s help to escape his overprotective mother, Lin Su resents the interference in her life. But Blake is certain he can break through her barriers and be the man she and Charlie need. When faced with a terrible situation, Blake comes to the rescue, and Lin Su realizes he just might be the man of her dreams. Together, they recognize that family is who you choose it to be.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is another wonderful Robyn Carr book from the Thunder Point Series.  She just keeps writing great characters who make Thunder Point more interesting and fun to read.

Lin Su’s story was a steady slow moving one.  Being a mom and being hurt in the past made her reluctant to get into a relationship that might hurt her or her son.  I loved the way Blake slowly, cautiously eased Lin Su into a friendship first.

It was great to see all the other people in Thunder Point get updated.  Robyn Carr does a really good job of naturally including the other town people in each book.  She also does a great job of telling you who everyone is if this is the first book you picked up.

Rating: 4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

If You Only Knew

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Author: Kristan Higgins                       if you only knew
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source:  Little Bird Publicity 

 

Goodreads:  Sisterhood in all its drama, hilarity and tears is at the heart ofNew York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins’s thoroughly captivating new novel, featuring the wit and romance that readers have come to expect from the much-loved creator of the Blue Heron series…

Wedding-dress designer Jenny Tate understands the happily-ever-after business, yet somehow she’s still involved in her ex-husband’s life. In fact, Owen’s new wife may—inexplicably—be Jenny’s new best friend. Sensing this, well, relationship isn’t helping her move on, Jenny trades the Manhattan skyline for her hometown up the Hudson, where she’ll be able to bask in her sister Rachel’s picture-perfect family life…and hopefully make one of her own.

Her timing couldn’t be more perfect, since Rachel will need her younger sister. Her idyllic marriage has just fallen to pieces in spectacular fashion after she discovers her husband sexting with one of his colleagues. Second chances aren’t in Rachel’s nature, but the desire for an intact family has her rethinking her stance on adultery, much to Jenny’s surprise. Rachel points to their parents’ “perfect” marriage as a shining example, but to protect her sister Jenny may have to tarnish that memory—and their relationship­—and reveal a secret about their family she’s been keeping since childhood.

During this summer of secrets and lies, temptation and revelation, Jenny and Rachel will rely on each other to find the humor in their personal catastrophes, the joy in their triumphs…and the strength to keep hanging on.

Ope’s Opinion:  This book was about sisters and mothers – their marriages, love, divorce and finding yourself.  Through most of the book I was wishing the female characters were stronger and more independent.

I loved the pace of this book.  Kristan Higgins kept it moving with small surprises all along the way.  She made me care about each character.  They were very well developed.

The end brought it all together for everyone.  It made me like the book.

*** If you find the “f” word offensive, this book used it a lot in the beginning.

Rating: 3.5 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

 

 

 

 

 

Sleeping with the Enemy

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Author: Tracy Solheim                 sleeping
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Booksparks

 

 

Goodreads:  The author of Risky Game returns with a football team owner who’s a real player, and the woman who’s ready to call him out on everything . . .

Dot-com millionaire Jay McManus is discovering that owning a pro football team like the Baltimore Blaze isn’t easy. An anonymous blogger is out to destroy his reputation, and now his team is being sued by its own cheerleaders. If Jay’s not careful, he could lose big—and not just financially.

Bridgett Janik’s brother may play for the Baltimore Blaze, but she’s not thrilled to be defending Jay McManus, the man who broke her heart. It’s bad enough she has to mingle with Jay during games, but working beside her former lover may be too much for her body—and her heart—to resist.

Jay’s determined not to let Bridgett slip away from him a second time. But, as the two follow the mysterious blogger’s trail, secrets—both past and present—are revealed, and Jay and Bridgett must decide if their relationship can be something more than just sleeping with the enemy.

Ope’s Opinion: This is my first book by Tracy Solheim.  Although this is book four of the Out of Bounds series, I did not feel like I was missing a part of the story.  

The repetative theme of how hot Bridgett and Jay are for each other made the story move slowly.  On the other hand, the subtle disclosure of their past relationship was written amazingly well and made me want to know more.

I enjoyed more of the story part of this book.  I liked that each of the main characters had careers and were independent.  I like how they were brought back into each others lives.

Side note:  This may sound petty, but I would have enjoyed the reading experience more if the print was not so small with a large margin on the book.

Rating: 3 – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.

Redemption Bay

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Author: RaeAnne Thayne                              redemption bay
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Source:  Little Bird Publicity

 

 

Goodreads:  New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings you back to Haven Point—a place made for second chances…

McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her beloved hometown of Haven Point. It may be small and struggling, but it’s never let her down…unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood hero until he closed his family’s factory, leaving the town’s economy in shambles. Now he’s back—his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point’s sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice.

What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? He left Haven Point behind years ago, for good reason. Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie—its fiery young mayor—he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing…a place where love arrives when it’s least expected.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is my first RaeAnne Thayne book and now there will be more!!  This was the perfect contemporary romance book for me.  It had a slow growing relationship, some twist and turns along the way, and a little family drama too.  The attraction between Ben and McKenzie was obvious, but the details were kept to a minimum – Ya!!!  My kind of story.

I really enjoyed the small town community where people have the kind of relationships where they really do know and care about each other.  I also liked how independent McKenzie is.

I am looking forward to the next part of this series.  It will be fun to see who will be the center of the story and catch up with all the other characters.

Rating:  5 – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on….

A New Hope

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Author: Robyn Carr                           a new hope
Publisher:  Mira
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Little Bird Publicity

 

 

Goodreads:  Starting over is never easy, but in Thunder Point, where newcomers are welcome and friends become family, it’s possible to find yourself again. In this brand-new story, #1New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes us on a moving and rewarding journey as a young woman finds new hope.

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, and with the help of her cousin Ray Anne, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she’s excited to start her first big assignment, assisting with the Lacoumette wedding.

In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger finds herself swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride’s brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own recent divorce, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself and Ginger when he tries to make a pass at her, forcing Ginger to flee the scene in embarrassment.

But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Discovering they have a lot in common, they form a solid friendship, though everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the eighth book in the Thunder Point Series.  It is my favorite one so far.  I loved the pace of the story.  There was a lot of subtle humor – I found my self giggling at times. 

The two main characters – Ginger and Matt started out their relationship in a funny way ( Don’t want to spoil it, so you’ll have to read ).  They started out as friends and their relationship slowly moved into more.  I loved that their physical relationship did not happen until they really knew each other. The explicit sexual scenes in this book were held to a minimum – which was also a positive for me.

Once again, we were able to see some of the characters from the previous books.  We saw their relationships develop and move along.  It is like visiting an old friend and catching up with them.

Now I am looking forward to the next visit to Thunder Point to see where Ginger and Matt are and who will be the center of the story.

Rating:  5 – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…..

One Wish

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Author: Robyn Carr                                  one wish
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

 

 

Goodreads:  Grace Dillon was a champion figure skater until she moved to Thunder Point to escape the ruthless world of fame and competition. And though she’s proud of the quiet, self-sufficient life she’s created running a successful flower shop, she knows something is missing. Her life could use a little excitement.

In a community where there are few eligible singles, high school teacher Troy Headly appoints himself Grace’s fun coach. When he suggests a little companionship with no strings attached, Grace is eager to take him up on his offer, and the two enjoy…getting to know each other.

But things get complicated when Grace’s past catches up with her, and she knows that’s not what Troy signed up for. Faced with losing her, Troy realizes Grace is more than just a friend with benefits. He’s determined to help her fight for the life she always wished for but never believed she could have—and maybe they can find real love along the way.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is another good book by Robyn Carr.  You know that Grace and Troy will be happy at the end, but getting there is always fun!  Catching up on other Thunder Point characters was enjoyable too.

Watching Grace become independent after such a dependent childhood made me respect her character.

I am looking forward to the next Thunder Point book.  I want to see how Grace and her mom work out their relationship.  I also want to see all the new babies that are on the way.  It should be another great read.

Rating: 4 – I like the book so much I know several friends to share it with.

Finding the Dream

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Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance                 finding
Source: Purchased

 

 

Goodreads:  From the outside Laura Templeton’s life looks charmed: the daughter of a wealthy family, married to the man of her dreams and the mother to two beautiful daughters.

But her dreams are short-lived, and it all collapses when Peter doesn’t prove to be the kind of husband or father material Laura has dreamed of. With her best friends, Margo and Kate, recently married and starting their own families, Laura feels isolated.

Then her brother’s friend, bad boy Michael, asks to rent her stables and she reluctantly agrees. Laura finds him disturbingly attractive, but Michael is a man who has never stayed long with any project or commitment.

Dare she lay her heart open once again?

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the final book of Nora Roberts Dream trilogy.  It was an enjoyable read.

This book was Laura’s story.  I enjoyed seeing her life after her divorce.  I thought she was an awesome mom.   Laura’s daughters were written realistic for children dealing with separation from a parent.

All three sisters had their stories come to satisfying conclusions.  Even though you know it will be a happy ending, getting there is so much fun!

Rating: 4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

Holding the Dream

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Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance         holding
Source: Purchased

 

 

Goodreads:  In the second novel of the Dream Trilogy, Nora Roberts continues the story of three women who shared a home and a childhood—but grew to fulfill their own unique destinies… 

Surrounded by the sweeping cliffs and beauty of Big Sur, Kate Powell treasured her life at Templeton House…and the family who raised her like one of their own. Although Kate lacked Margo’s beauty and Laura’s elegance, she knew she had something they would never possess—a shrewd head for business. Driven by ambition, Kate measured her life’s success with each soaring promotion. But now faced with professional impropriety, Kate is forced to look deep within herself—only to find something missing in her life…and in her heart.

Ope’s Opinion:  The second book started off back at the childhood of all three girls. I was a little confused at first because I expected it to pick up where the other book left off.  It needed to start back at the childhood, so you had information on Kate that was important later.

This book centers around Kate, although you see Laura and Margo all the time and their stories are advanced.  Kate has a lot to work through since she lost her parents at such an early age.

There is also a little mystery in this book – I really enjoyed this part.

I am ready to read the final book in this series.  I want to know how it all ends for each one of the girls.

Rating: 4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

Daring to Dream

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Author:  Nora Roberts
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance                         daring
Source: Purchased

 

 

Goodreads:  In the first novel of the Dream Trilogy, Nora Roberts begins the story of three women who shared a home and a childhood—but grew to fulfill their own unique destinies… 

Margo, Kate and Laura were brought up like sisters amidst the peerless grandeur of Templeton House. But it was Margo whose dreams first took her far away . . .

Margo Sullivan had everything a young woman could ask for. But while growing up along the rocky cliffs of Monterey, she couldn’t help but dream of bigger things. The daughter of the Templeton’s stern Irish housekeeper, Margo had been treated like a member of the family. Deep down, she knew that money could not buy the thing she craved most—her mother’s acceptance.

Maybe things would be different if she could be sweet like Laura—or had Kate’s shrewd head for business. But all Margo knew how to do was be Margo, and that meant doing things her own way—no matter what the consequences . . .

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the first book in the Dream series.  In this book we are introduced to three main characters and a few minor characters. The three girls move from their childhood, swiftly into young adulthood.  

I really enjoyed this read.  The story kept moving and the characters were being developed throughout the story.

The ending left me wanting to read the next book in the series.

Rating: 4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

Hold Me

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Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN Books                                  hold me
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Emer Flounders

 

 

Goodreads:  New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s classic blend of lighthearted humor and intense emotional conflict works its magic on two newcomers to the California town of Fool’s Gold, which Library Journal calls “a setting so real and appealing readers will want to start scoping out real estate.”

Destiny Mills believes passion has its place—like in the lyrics of the country songs that made her parents famous. After a childhood full of drama and heartache, she wants a life that’s calm. Safe. Everything that Kipling Gilmore isn’t. Her temporary assignment with the Fool’s Gold search and rescue team puts her in delicious proximity to the former world-class skier every day. Part of her aches to let go for once…the rest is terrified what’ll happen if she does.

Though an accident ended his career, Kipling still lives for thrills—and a hot fling with a gorgeous redhead like Destiny would be a welcome diversion. Yet beneath his new coworker’s cool facade is a woman who needs more than he’s ever given. With her, he’s ready to take the risk. But love, like skiing, is all about trust—and before you soar, you have to be willing to fall.

Ope’s Opinion: This is another good story by Susan Mallery.  She has a way of writing characters that you root for and can relate to.  Although this is the sixteenth book in the Fool’s Gold series, you can read it as if it were a stand alone book.  

As usual, I could have lived without the sex scenes.  I don’t need those details.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Destiny and Starr.  Being half sisters and not growing up together didn’t keep them from getting to know each other.  It was nice to see them support each other and learn to be a family.

The ending is predictable, but getting there took a lot of side roads.  I do feel it was wrapped up a bit fast in the last few pages.

Rating: 4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share with it.