Author: Erin Kelly

Her Unexpected Engagement- Kyra Jacobs

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unexpected

“Her Unexpected Engagement” is the second book in the Checkerberry Inn series by Kyra Jacobs. I read the first one and enjoyed it, so I was more than ready for this book.  The Checkerberry Inn is the perfect backdrop for romance; it’s like a Hallmark movie with a touch of extra spiciness.  Like a cup of warm cider with just a splash of bourbon.

The Story-

Stephanie has had a crap time of it.  Her jerk ex-husband is a famous golfer who cheated on her in a very public way, which has made her suspicious, self-conscious, and defeated.  When a chance at a great new job and new start presents itself, she doesn’t expect to come face to face with her almost past. Miles has been spinning his wheels while everyone else’s lives seem to be sprinting by.  He wants a new shot at being his own man, but when Stephanie comes back to town, he must decide what that change will be.

My Thoughts-

While not earth-shattering, this story feels very real.  I identified with Stephanie and loved seeing her regain her confidence.  Miles is the kind of “hero” that almost any gal could see themselves settling down with: kind, funny, adores you, and helps make you a stronger, better person.  I loved their relationship and really felt like the history justified how it develops.  I would have liked to see more from the secondary characters, particularly the ones we met in the original Checkerberry novel, but when they were there, they brought a nice depth to the story.  I also could have used even more description of the scenery and the inn.  As someone who is enduring the longest summer of my life in southern Louisiana, a beautiful B&B in Michigan sounds like a slice of heaven.

The Good-

Like I said, Miles is wonderful.  He’s the hot “guy next door” that we wish we actually lived next door to.  Stephanie’s journey and progression was compelling, and I loved the outcome at the party.  Everyone wants that moment in their lives. The Checkerberry Inn is a great backdrop, especially for people who love quaint and comfy settings. (Like me)

The Bottom Line-

I enjoyed this read. It was relaxing and happy and comforting: all the things I look for when I pick up a Bliss novel.  At the same time, it deals with some very real issues in a very satisfying way. I will definitely be reading the next books in this series! 4 stars

Rules for a Rogue- Christy Carlyle

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“Rules for a Rogue” is the first book in Christy Carlyle’s Romancing the Rules series, and I have to say that it was the cover that got me to read this one.  That blue dress reminded me of Scarlet’s portrait in Gone with the Wind, and the setting looked like somewhere I wanted to be.  So pretty! Imagine how excited I was to find out that this book is not Regency (although I do love some Regency, I love historicals that depart from that particular time period) AND the main couple take part in my two main passions in life: theatre and books. 
The Story

Kit is a playwright/actor who is forced to take responsibility for his family’s interests due to his father’s death.  This new responsibility brings him home where he faces a former sweetheart that has never been far from his mind: Ophelia.  Ophelia, or “Phee” as her friends call her, teaches young ladies the ways of society while secretly authoring a book which brings all that into question.  She must support her family, though, and those pressures are leading her to consider a proposal from a rich neighbor for which she feels nothing.  

My Thoughts

This story unfolded a little slowly for me, but the slow build did allow for the character’s emotional connection to feel more real than it sometimes does.  I wish I knew more about why it didn’t work out for them in the past; it makes no sense that he would have left her.  Also, what prompted Phee to write the book, and how did she go about getting it published? What are Kit’s plays about? These things niggle at my mind.  I was so glad to read something in the Victorian time period and thought the author could have done even more with that.  I was never bored while reading, but felt like the book was full of “almosts”.  There was almost a really sexy scene; there was almost a real revelation about how he held onto her all those years, and there are more examples. 

The Good

Both Ophelia and Kit are great characters that you really root for.  The subplot about her book was particularly interesting to me, and I loved the openings of each chapter.  Some of the secondary characters grew in interest to me toward the end of the book, and I look forward to seeing who she writes about next.  

The Bottom Line

This is a pleasant historical with a great “second chance” trope for two enjoyable and well-developed characters.  It is nice to visit a different time period, and I will definitely be looking forward to the other books in the series.  4 stars

How the Duke Was Won- Lenora Bell

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Lenora Bell is a new author to me, but I love historical romance, the cover is on point, and the series is titled “Disgraceful Dukes,”… how could I go wrong? Answer: I couldn’t.  This one caught me very quickly and didn’t let up. Let’s get into it!
The Story-

Charlene is the bastard daughter of a Lord, brought up in a whorehouse, but is not a whore.  She is smart, and wants to get herself and her younger sister out.  When her legitimate half-sister (who looks exactly like her) gets an invitation to a house party from a very available Duke, but cannot attend, Charlene is “hired” to impersonate Dorothea to win the Duke for her. Since the Duke is, indeed, disgraceful, he is drawn to Charlotte’s bold and bawdy ways.  Fun ensues.  SO. MUCH. FUN.

My Thoughts-

I loved the plot; I loved Charlene; I loved that the Duke was drawn to her, even though he didn’t want to be. This story felt entirely fresh in a very familiar setting, and Bell found unique and interesting ways to have Charlene stand out. I laughed out loud on at least two occasions, and the sex scenes were so very hot.  The writing is engaging, and I loved how there is a sense of what is going on in the rest of the world.  This is one of the only romances I have read where I really had a difficult time figuring out how the author was going to bring them together. And that is a very good thing.  

Bottom Line-

Unpredictable, funny, with excellent world-building. Like watching a historical version of “The Bachelor” with one of the contestants having grown up in a whorehouse.  (Although many episodes of The Bachelor seem that way; I digress.) Plus, there’s chocolate. If that sounds like fun to you, this is definitely a book you want to read. I’ve found a new favorite author for historical romance, and I intend to read the next book in the series very soon. 5 stars for being so much fun!

Hallmark Christmas Movie Challenge AND “A Wish For Christmas” Review

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awishforchristmas

“A Wish For Christmas” is the first Hallmark Christmas movie of the season! So, last year I got hooked on Hallmark Christmas movies. I watched most of them, including the ones from past years.  There was something comforting and happy about seeing a couple come together in that magical setting which usually involves snow, hot chocolate, and snuggly scarves. When I started this blog a few months ago, I had the idea to include Hallmark movies in my reviews and was especially looking forward to this Christmas season.  You see, I intend not only to watch all the new Hallmark Christmas movies this year… I plan to review them on this blog. With like 20 movies coming at me like snowballs, I figured I’d better get started. So here goes!

The Story-

Hallmark movie fave and staple, Lacey Chabert, is back as Sara: a shy girl who tends to allow people to treat her as a doormat.  After her jerk boss steals her idea, she makes a wish at a Christmas party to the “fake” Santa to be brave and to stand up for herself. You go girl! The wish is granted, and she takes the opportunity to let previously mentioned jerk boss know how unfair it was for him to treat her in that way. Hot big boss overhears, and offers to let her pitch the idea with him in Seattle to the client.

My Thoughts-

Lacey Chabert is totally reliable and perfect in these roles.  Although this wasn’t my favorite Chabert Hallmark movie (I would have a hard time choosing between All of My Heart and Matchmaker Santa), I thought she did a great job of showing the transition of someone who is learning to stand up for themselves.  Okay, that being said- can we talk about Paul Greene for a minute?!? To me, he is just the perfect sensitive, yet still manly, guy.  I fell for him back in “Anything for Love” with Erika Christensen as a male nurse whose best friend pretended he was a doctor on match.com (DVR that one people, it is so good.) He did not disappoint here; he just totally represents that good guy we all want. The story was a nice play on some familiar territory: I am a sucker for wishes that you get to see play out.  The end was a little bit rushed and not completely as fleshed out as I would have liked.

Christmas Satisfaction-

We got Santa, a wish, Christmas cookies, tree shopping, a Christmas party, and some nice scarves and hats.  The Santa stuff was well done (better than most), but some of the rest felt a little shoehorned in. Did this story HAVE to happen at Christmas? Well, the wish did, but the business stuff didn’t. But, the wish gave her the confidence to do the rest, so it works. I am sure I will see Christmas movies this year that are a bigger stretch for the holiday.

The Bottom Line-

If you are reading this, you have probably already seen this movie, or have plans to. And you should.  It is a perfect movie to cuddle up with a big blanket and pretend it isn’t 80 degrees outside. (Or is that just me in Louisiana?) I am definitely ready for some Christmas cookies after this one, and I am ready for more Hallmark Christmas movies. Bring it on!!! 4 stars

PS- If you would like to join me in my Hallmark Christmas movie challenge, I would love to hear your thoughts and keep track of the movies we watch. Please comment below!

Dragon Heartstring – Juliette Cross

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Juliette Cross is one of my favorite authors, so I am very excited to be a part of her blog tour for this new release!

Dragon Heartstring is a long novella set between the Soulfire novellas and Cross’s full-length series which begins with, “Waking the Dragon.” These books are all set in the world of Morgons, a half-human, half-dragon race which is only just beginning to be fully assimilated with humans.  Since I first read “Soulfire”, I have been captivated by these Morgon men who have a dragon “lurking” within which chooses their mate.  This is the first of the Morgon books to feature a human man, and let me tell you, it was not a disappointment. 

The Story-

Demetrious Cade is a powerful man whose sister, against their father’s wishes, fell in love with and married a Morgon.  For a long time, he shared his father’s reticence about the race, but his nephew and a new acquaintance have begun to make him question these long-held beliefs. Shakara Icewing is a healer, both to humans and Morgons, who does not expect to be swept off her feet, especially by a human man.

My Thoughts- 

Cross has done such an amazing job of world-building that each time I pick up a Morgon book, I know exactly where I am and fall back into the pace of that world. Demetrious is one of the characters that has always been around, but I never quite figured out how his drastic change occurred.  This book answered every question, and more.  I love the parallels and social tone of this book that Cross brings in without being political or offensive–only thought-provoking.  Demetrious is every bit as intriguing as the Morgon men, if not more, because he is starting a new life with a new way of thinking because of this woman. Isn’t that the ultimate fantasy: for a man to change his whole world for you? 

The Good- 

The plot is fast paced, while not being rushed.  Demetrious is oh-so-yummy, and while we get more character development for Demetrious than Shakara, she is still a wonderful heroine that is easy to identify with. The new tidbits of world- building only make me desperate for the next full-length book in the “Waking the Dragon” series.  I’ve always loved Cross’s writing, and she doesn’t let me down here. This is excellent fantasy that is deeper than it seems at first, but is equally a fun, steamy read.  I particularly loved the bonding of this new couple- you have to read it to know what I am talking about.

The Bottom Line-

If you haven’t read the other Morgon books first, I suggest starting with “Soulfire” because it gives a great base for this one. Then, after you read this one, you will be hooked and you can move on to the others and be dying for the next full-length book like I am. 5 stars

Buy it now on Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L7TN2BG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_xCkeybSA1DR8Y

In Touch- C.D. Brennan

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“In Touch” is the first book in C.D. Brennan’s Play On series, and it was my first sports romance book.  Since rugby has always been a slight fascination of mine because of the large Scotsmen that play, this rugby-focused book was a great choice.

The Story-

Padraig is a professional rugby player, but after getting addicted to oxy, his career has taken a bit of a detour from the Irish National League to a podunk team in Michigan.  Gillian is a holistic physical therapist who is volunteering her time at the local rugby club to get some professional experience.  She knows that working with this particular club will be challenging because she must convert the boys to her methods while facing old demons.

My Thoughts-

This is one of the hardest reviews I’ve written, and it’s not because I didn’t like the book. About halfway through the book, I was thinking “wow, I LOVE sports-themed books! This is hot!” I identified with the main character, and I love that the hero is a sexy, Irish rugby player.  The writing is top-notch; the sex is great. So, why the difficulty? I think it lies in that I really wasn’t sure if Padraig convinced me that he was a good guy.  The other issue is that stuff with the addiction was very real and very serious. As it should be. But, am I prepared to read about it when I pick up a romance? Not sure.

The Good-

The rugby backdrop is so well done and really set this book apart from other sports-themed romance.  The characters are very complex and fully formed; I loved Gillian and felt like she was part me, part many of my friends.  Padraig is so hot and, were he a real person, would certainly be worth a tumble.  (Is he real? Can I have a picture?) The plot is character driven in the very best way, and the writing is excellent.

The Bottom Line-

This is not a breezy read; it is more serious, but satisfying.  I felt like I was reading about real people with real problems, not a Hallmark movie couple.  I will be reading other books by this author in the future, and hope that they will check in on this couple to ease my curiosity. 4 stars

The Rogue’s Wager- Christi Caldwell

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Christi Caldwell is a new author to me, and “The Rogue’s Wager” is the first book in the “Sinful Brides” Series, so it was the perfect book as my introduction to her writing.  This is a Regency romance, but it differentiates itself by having a nice mix of characters from a variety of levels on the social ladder. 
The Story-

This one starts off with a bang. Literally. I don’t want to give away who is banging whom, but I just had to write that sentence. It made my husband laugh; sue me!  Robert, a future Duke, whose heart has been broken, is being coerced into marriage by his father who has run into some money problems.  Helena is the bastard daughter of a different Duke, and has spent most of her life keeping the books at a not-quite-reputable club.  Her overbearing brother has kept her hidden away, but a chance meeting will throw her life off the course she had originally intended.   

My Thoughts- 

The story drew me in immediately, and I sympathized particularly with the heroine.  Any smart chick that won’t take crap from anyone but still has a heart, is totally my kind of person. (Veronica Mars is my favorite television heroine of all time!) Her past and situation very clearly make her the person she is, and all her interactions flow seamlessly.  I wish there had been a fish-out-of-water scene or two when she first arrives in society, but that is my own particular fave trope, and perhaps the author wanted to make sure we didn’t laugh at Helena or her situation.  I also would have liked to see more of the comeuppance for our villain(s).  Revenge is fun to read.  The love scenes, while timed well, were on the lower end of the hotness thermometer for me, but there was nothing wrong with them at all.

The Good-

I think the best thing about this book is the characters.  I felt as if I got to know both the hero and heroine enough to really root for their relationship.  The build felt real, not rushed, which made the payoff more satisfying.  Ms. Caldwell had me believing that these characters truly needed each other and loved who the other person really was, not just a quick and pretty snapshot of a person.
The Bottom Line-

I will be reading more of Ms. Caldwell’s books and am happy to take recommendations on which series I should start first.  As for this series, I am excited to read the next story, especially with the hero that has been identified. If you like Regency, pick this one up. A super-strong 4 stars!

Sweetly, Deeply, Absolutely- Kira Archer

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“Sweetly, Deeply, Absolutely” is book 3 in the Sweet Love series by Kira Archer.  The books are set in and around a bakery, and if there is anything I love as much as romance, it may be cooking.  Plus, isn’t the cover so fun and pretty? 

The Story-

Jenny is home from Paris on a break from culinary school for the summer and will be helping to run her friend’s bakery while the owners are on their honeymoon.  Jenny has always been a bit of a wild card, and while she gives lip service to laying low this summer, almost immediately she meets a hottie that makes her want to revert to her old ways.  Jared is also a player, and when his best friend’s kid sister comes back to town to work in very close proximity to him, it will be a challenge to resist the temptation she presents. 

My Thoughts-

Both of these people are a little too young and haphazard for my taste. I felt like I was reading about the hot people from high school who finally get scared enough to face reality because of a hook-up.  I had some trouble identifying with the main character because she was so confident and a bit judgmental toward the hero.  I liked the secondary characters, which makes me think that I might like the rest of the series better than I liked this one.  

The Good-

This was a fun read that provided a nice weekend break.  I especially enjoyed all the scenes having to do with the bakery and the sweets.  The writing was good, and the plot clicked along well.  

The Bottom Line-

While I didn’t particularly connect with the characters, I liked the setting of the bakery and will be trying out at least one more book from this series.  Perhaps this is more geared to someone in their early twenties. As a mom who has been married for over 15 years, the problems just made me feel like an older sister who wanted to sit the heroine down and give her advice. 3 ½ stars

Edens Deliverance- Rhenna Morgon

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Eden’s Deliverance is the last book in Rhenna Morgan’s paranormal/fantasy Eden series.  I read the first book in the series a few weeks ago in preparation for this release, and I will definitely be going back to finish the two middle books very soon. The Story-

The prophecy about Eden is coming to a head, and a threat still looms large.  A human, Brenna, may be the key to Eden’s entire existence, and after everything she’s been through at the hands of Myren’s, she could certainly hold a grudge if she wanted.  Ludan has always been a protector, but his protection instincts are through the roof where Brenna is concerned.  The question seems like it will be: can she trust him even though she has been hurt, and can he give himself to her completely?

My Thoughts- 

Notice how I said “the question seems to be”? Yeah, this book is NOTHING like I thought it would be.  And that is a good thing. It’s not like it would have been a bad book if it had gone the way you’d figure, but Morgan turned everything on its head and gave us what we didn’t even know we needed.  What is it with me lately and reading about strong, silent heroes that are simmering under the surface so tightly that you just can’t wait to see them let go?  Ludan embodies those things, and to see the tables turn and have Brenna saving him instead of being the damsel in distress is so refreshing and rewarding.  

The Good-

OMG, Morgan can write a sex scene.  I keep thinking that if she had written 50 shades instead of James, kindles would have spontaneously combusted from the heat instead of everyone wondering what an “inner goddess” was. I digress.  I don’t really read erotica, but if Rhenna Morgan wrote it, I would read it.  And it isn’t that the scenes are super explicit: they are just so smartly crafted with amazing sexual tension that is released in interesting and different ways.  Hot, hot, hot!!! Her characters are amazing; you can tell that she creates them first, then follows where they lead instead of forcing them into a prescribed story.  

The Bottom Line-

Read the first book in the series first to get an introduction to what Eden is and who the players are.  While there were a few things I missed by not yet reading the in-between books, it didn’t keep me from following this story at all. Last books in a series can be tough because of the wrap-up and let-down. Not this one.  You almost forget it is the last in the series until the last couple of chapters when you are like “oh, no! I won’t have any more Eden books to read!” I will be surprised if another in this series passes this one up in my esteem, but I cannot wait to find out. 5 stars

Tyranny- Gemma Brocato

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tyranny

“Tyranny” is the first book in Gemma Brocato’s new paranormal series about the Greek muses:  The Goddesses of Delphi.   Having read a couple of Ms. Brocato’s contemporary romances, I was looking forward to seeing how her writing would translate to paranormal: I think she has found her niche with this genre.

The Story–

Clio is one of the nine Greek muses, daughter of Zeus and Gaia, and is a university librarian.  She inspires history and politics, so it is no surprise that she should feel an immediate connection to the hot new history professor.  When an ancient enemy sets into motion a plan by which he may conquer the world and end her inspiration, she must team up with a man and fight to save the world from Tyranny.

After a demoralizing decision forces him to find a new job, Jax begins to see the bright side of his new position when he meets the sexy librarian with secrets.

My Thoughts–

One of the reasons I enjoy the paranormal genre is that the story pulls you in because the stakes are so high: usually life and death or the end of the world.  By the time I got to the second half of the book, there was no putting it down because I had to find out what happened.  Another reason I love paranormal is the chance to escape to a different world through detailed world building. I thought this book could have had more world-building, especially early on.  I want to know about Delphi: where it is, why they are there.  I want to know about how Clio (and the other muses) insinuates herself into the lives of these important people to influence them.  Later in the book, we got some explanation of their births and deaths, but it wasn’t enough for me.  I want to know all about this world she has created so I can have a clear picture in my head for the rest of the series. I think the idea is a clever approach, and it isn’t overdone, so she really has a chance to build something with this series.

The Good-

I really like the idea behind the whole series.  The villain has strong motivation and the path is certainly set for the future books.  Even though she is a muse, Clio was very human to me, and I understood her insecurities.  I loved that she wasn’t some perfect woman with the perfect response to everything, even though she has seen and experienced so much.  The historic references and tidbits throughout the book were like fun little Easter eggs for this history buff; the author has clearly done her research.  I can’t wait to see what she throws in when we get to the art and comedy/tragedy muses. (Gemma, if you want to talk theatre or art as “research” for those books, give me a call!)

The Bottom Line-

I see potential in this series and look forward to seeing where it goes, especially since we have eight more sisters!  I think there are secrets and details to this world that we have not yet been made privy to, and I want to know them.  I like that this is “lighter” paranormal, not the kind I have to prepare myself for the terrible images and things I might read about.  A nice start to this new series!  4 stars