Archive for the Category &raquo;4/5 &laquo;

Review: CALEB’S BRIDE by Wendy Warren

Category: 4/5, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, ebook, puchased book Leave a Comment

Nov

116602054

From NetGalley:

WAS THE PERFECT MAN RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER?

Back in high school, Gabrielle Coombs had her future planned out, down to the perfect groom and the
marriage proposal on graduation night. Instead, she ended up sharing one unexpected night of passion with Caleb Wells. Fifteen years later, the boy from the wrong side of town was back—now an irresistibly attractive single dad in designer duds who was making Gabby wonder if she’d been given a second chance to land her Mr. Right…

Ever since they were kids, Caleb knew Gabby was the only one for him. She just didn’t realize he was the only one for her. Now the devoted father of a ten-year-old daughter had a mission: to convince the irrepressible hairstylist it was time for a major makeover…by becoming his loving wife!

CALEB’S BRIDE is a very sweet romance. I loved how Caleb was the one that had had the crush in high school. Usually it is the heroine who pined for the hero. Gabby was in love with someone else who didn’t return her affection. Caleb and Gabby share one passionate night after graduating from high school. They spend the next fifteen years apart. Caleb gets married, has a daughter, and gets divorced. Gabby has spent the same fifteen years living in the same town and longs to go somewhere else. She is finally following her dream when Caleb shows back up. Caleb works to wear her down by treating her with respect, but allowing her to know that he wanted her at the same time. The story is sweet and yet has some very sexy moments. The relationships move at a great pace and I love how there was a story line that incorporated Caleb’s daughter without seeming heavy handed.

the book girl gives CALEB’S BRIDE a 4/5

to find the book:

Review: DARN GOOD COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Carolyn Brown

Category: 4/5, Contemporary Romance, review copy One Comment

Nov

120706302 From the back of the book:

He’s One Hot Cowboy…

Raylen O’Donnell is one smokin’ cowboy. He could have any woman he wants, but he’s never been able to forget a certain dark-haired girl who disappeared from his life. so when she suddenly returns to the ranch next door, Raylen’s not fixing to let her get away again…

And She’s Out For a Sizzlin’ Christmas

Raised in a traveling carnival, Lizelle Hanson thought all she wanted was a house that didn’t have wheels and a sexy cowboy for her very own. But settling down is going to take some getting used to, and catching Raylen, the hotter-than-hell cowboy next door, might just take a little holiday magic…

If you love Christmas romances and cowboys then DARN GOOD COWBOY CHRISTMAS is a must read.

From the very beginning I loved Liz - she’s spunky, outspoken, and knows what she wants. What she wants more than anything is to give up the carnival she was raised in and settle down with a sexy cowboy. Raylen is a great character also. He’s ready to settle down, but can’t forget the girl from the past who could walk a fence better than he could. When these two reunite the sparks fly instantly.

I loved that there wasn’t a huge hurdle for the couple to overcome. They both have insecurities that they have to deal with, but there isn’t anything major. DARN GOOD COWBOY is a sweet, romantic, and sexy romance. I loved that Liz was so excited about Christmas that she decorates between Halloween and Thanksgiving. She’s my kind of girl! The secondary characters contribute a lot to the story and I can’t wait until we get Rylan’s siblings stories - especially Dewar.

the book girl gives DARN GOOD COWBOY CHRISTMAS a 4/5

to find the book:

Review: THE SHERIFF’S DAUGHTER by Kay Stockham

Category: 4/5, Holiday Romance, review copy 2 Comments

Nov

116602075 From NetGalley:

They must obey the laws…of attraction!

Deputy Liam McKenna is dreading the next two weeks. His assignment: watching over the sheriff’s daughter, Carly Taggert. Liam has known Carly—and her knack for getting into trouble—since high school. With her kind heart and optimistic nature, she never intends that trouble, but it sure is attracted to her. He expects to be kept on his toes.

What he doesn’t expect is protecting her from himself.

No one is more surprised by the intense passion between them than Liam. Still, nothing can ever happen. She’s the boss’s daughter and Liam’s responsibility. He needs to be professional. At all times. Too bad Carly isn’t about to make it easy for him.

I have been on a Harlequin reading binge. I just love the emotion in some of these stories and THE SHERIFF’S DAUGHTER hit just the right emotional buttons for me. Carly is a complex character and I loved her so much. (I’m usually more about the hero when I read.) She was abandoned by her mother as a small child and although she has a very loving step-mother she is worried that she won’t be able to be a mother herself. In order to “test” herself, she becomes a foster mother, knowing that she might grow attached to the children who will be coming in and out of her life. It takes a very strong person to face the uncertainty of loving and losing a child in the matter of days or weeks. Liam, who was a foster child, doesn’t like that Carly is putting herself in the position of being hurt. Even before they start having a romantic relationship, Liam feels very protective about Carly and doesn’t want her to be hurt by anyone. I loved the way their relationship helps her when she is heartbroken and also heals some of the old wounds for Liam. This story had me crying, laughing, and sighing.

the book girl gives THE SHERIFF’S DAUGHTER a 4/5

to find the book:

Category: 4/5, Contemporary Romance, review copy One Comment

Nov

BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY!

Review: HER CHRISTMAS PLEASURE by Karen Erickson

turning-up-the-heat-tour This week I’m giving away three sets of two very hot books! I want to say a big Thank You to Forever for letting me be a part of this blog tour and providing the books to give away!

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me the name of your favorite “hot” book. US addresses only, please. Make sure to check to see if your name is chosen.

Additional entries can be gained through the following:

Follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/thebookgirl and tweet the link to this post with the tag #bookgirlgiveaway
“Like” me on facebook and post what book you are reading this week on the wall: http://www.facebook.com/therealbookgirl
Comment on the other posts this week

Contest runs through 11/13/11 at 5pm cst.

About the books w/a mini review:

120768858-1 THINGS ARE COOLING IN THE KITCHEN…

AND IN THE BEDROOM.

Restaurant owner Phoebe Mayle thought she had it all under control. Sure, her new chef has a bad-boy reputation - and a chiseled body to match - but she’s positive she can whip him into shape.

But from the moment Nick Avalon roars into town in his Hummer, he makes her whole world sizzle. Not only has Nick take over her kitchen, he’s taken oer her mind and her body. His insatiable appetite for pleasure leaves her breathless with carnal cravings only he can satisfy. Can their hunger for each other be a recipe for a love that lasts?

This books worked for me in some ways and didn’t in other ways. I really liked Phoebe and the secondary characters. (I want her niece to have her own story. I need to know if she makes it to Paris!) Nick, on the other hand, I didn’t care for at all. He was too much of a bad boy for me. He is rarely nice to Phoebe and belittles everyone around him. His growth towards the end of the book felt too abrupt and unrealistic to me. Even though I didn’t love Nick, the story did keep me interested (mainly because I was hoping that there was something good about him or that Phoebe would kick him in the balls) and I did enjoy reading DELICIOUSLY SINFUL.

the book girl gives DELICIOUSLY SINFUL a 3/5

100722601 Irresistible temptation….

Outspoken and independent, Lady Alexa Hendrie is happiest in the quiet of the country, where she is free to run her family’s estate as she chooses. But when her brother’s recklessness forces her to London, a chance encounter with the ton’s most wicked rake - and his searing kiss - awaken a longing for adventure.

Undeniable passion…

A man of many secrets, Connor Linsley, the Earl of Killingworth, uses his rakehell reputation to avoid innocent young ladies and their marriage minded mothers. Yet even his most shocking behavior can’t dissuade Lady Alexa. From the moment her lips press against his, their fates are irrevocably sealed. together they enter a shadowy world of intrigue, deception, and desire. consumed by a passion beyond their wildest imaginings, Connor and Alexa must risk all they hold dear for a chance at love. but can they escape the danger that pursues them? Or will their own fiery attraction be their ultimate undoing?

I loved this book. Alexa is a fantastic heroine and balances Connor perfectly. She is headstrong, outspoken and tough. Together this couple can face anything. Connor is gruff and ultimately very vulnerable. The story moves at a quick pace and has just the right amount of intrigue to keep the reader turning the pages. The romance is sizzling. I loved Connor’s friends and can’t wait to read their stories.

the book girl gives TOO WICKED TO WED a 4/5

Category: 3/5, 4/5, Contest, Erotic Romance, Historical Romance, review copy 11 Comments

Nov

139647120 From NetGalley:

Damien Morton is madly in love. Unfortunately, it’s with his best friend’s widow, Lady Danver. Damien is not worthy of Celia. Or so he thinks. Desperate to escape his feelings for her, he plans to leave the country at the first of the year. Celia treats him as a family friend and nothing more-until they share a heated kiss beneath the mistletoe…

Celia is shocked by the passions that surge within her at her dear friend’s kiss. One touch and one taste aren’t enough to satisfy her cravings, and she is startled into action. Damien has stirred something inside her that she never expected to experience again, and she must have more. Full of shameless desire and emotions newly discovered, she decides to pursue Damien and won’t be deterred. Will she be able to convince him to stay-both in her heart and life-forever?

20,000 words

HER CHRISTMAS PLEASURE is a romantic novella. I loved Damien and Celia from the very beginning. The story is very, very short and I would have loved to have more, but it felt like a complete story. I hate when novella’s feel like the beginning or the end of something and not a complete story on their own. Damien and Celia are both very fleshed out characters and the reader is able to tell what is motivating them from the very beginning. I haven’t read this author before, but after finishing the novella I went back and bought some of her back list. I really enjoyed her writing style and voice. If you are looking for a quick, sweet and sexy holiday story you can’t go wrong with HER CHRISTMAS PLEASURE.

the book girl gives HER CHRISTMAS PLEASURE a 4/5

to find the book (it’s release date is 11/28):

Review: UNLEASHED by Sara Humphreys

Category: 4/5, Historical Romance, Holiday Romance, ebook, review copy Leave a Comment

Oct

119791195 From the back of the book:

WHAT IF YOU SUDDENLY DISCOVERED YOUR OWN POWERS WERE BEYOND ANYTHING YOU’D EVER IMAGINED…

Samantha Logan’s childhood home has always been a haven, but everything changed while she was away. She has a gorgeous new neighbor who introduces her to the amazing world of the dream-walking, shape shifting Amoveo clans… but what leaves her reeling with disbelief is when he tells her she’s one of them…

But shock turns to terror as Samantha falls prey to the deadly enemy determined to destroy the Amoveo, and the only chance she has to come into her true powers is to trust in Malcolm to show her the way…

UNLEASHED is a fast-paced paranormal romance with fantastic world-building. Anymore I have trouble getting interested in paranormal romances. It seems that the story lines run together and everything is so similar. I was thrilled when I started reading UNLEASHED. The world building is great - I love the way the Amoveo is set up. There are different clans within the Amoveo, but they can breed together no matter what the animal and their children will either favor the father or the mother, but it isn’t known which one until the child hits puberty. The romance between Malcolm and Sam is great too. The Amoveo have soul mates - that one person that they can breed with and have a true connection with. They first meet in Sam’s dreams. I just really liked all of the unique things that Ms. Humphreys wrote into her world. The story moves quickly with the enemy family who hunts Amoveo, the Caedo, after Sam and Malcolm. There is a fantastic twist and a great set-up for more stories. I can’t wait to read more from this author and in this series.

the book girl gives UNLEASHED a 5/5

to find the book:

Review and Giveaway: LADY SOPHIE’S CHRISTMAS WISH by Grace Burrowes

Category: 4/5, Paranormal Romance, review copy One Comment

Oct

1197912441 From the back of the book:

ALL SHE WANTS IS PEACE AND ANONYMITY…

Lady Sophie Windham has maneuvered a few days to herself at the ducal mansion in London before she must join her family for Christmas in Kent. Suddenly trapped by a London snowstorm, she finds herself with an abandoned baby and only the assistance of a kind, handsome stranger standing between her and complete disaster.

BUT SOPHIE’S HOLIDAY IS ABOUT TO HEAT UP…

With his estate in ruins, Vim Charpentier sees little to feel festive about this Christmas. His growing attraction for Sophie Windham is the only thing that warms his spirits - but when Sophie’s brothers whisk her away, Vim’s most painful holiday memories are reawakened.

It seems Sophie’s been keeping secrets, and now it will take much more than a mistletoe kiss to make her deepest wishes come true…

I’m a huge fan of this series and was so happy when I heard that there was a holiday story in the series. LADY SOPHIE’S CHRISTMAS WISH is a sweet and romantic addition to this series. (The book can be read as a stand-alone, but reading the other books in the series adds to the enjoyment.) Sophie and Vim are both great characters who have let things in the past shape them and hurt their chances for a happily ever after. With each other they find something that they were missing and have a feeling of being home. Kit, the baby abandoned by his mother and left in Sophie’s care, adds to the story rather than being a distraction. He is the common thread that Vim and Sophie bond over.

My only complaint with this book is that I think it should have been released after THE VIRTUOSO, Valentine’s story. There are several places where the characters refer to his wife. It isn’t anything that really takes away from the upcoming book. We all know that there will be a happy ever after in THE VIRTUOSO and no spoilers are given as to how his romance goes. I just like to read things in order and this felt a little out of place to me. THE VIRTUOSO comes out in November.

the book girl gives LADY SOPHIE’S CHRISTMAS WISH a 4/5

to find the book:

Review: A WIN-WIN SITUATION by Cat Schield

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win their own copy of LADY SOPHIE’S CHRISTMAS WISH.

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me the name of your favorite holiday romance novel or movie. US addresses only, please. Make sure to check to see if your name is chosen.

Additional entries can be gained through the following:

Follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/thebookgirl and tweet the link to this post with the tag #bookgirlgiveaway
“Like” me on facebook and post what book you are reading this week on the wall: http://www.facebook.com/therealbookgirl
Comment on the other posts this week

Contest runs through 10/30/11 at 5pm cst.

Category: 4/5, Historical Romance, review copy 10 Comments

Oct

118454983 From NetGalley:

Winner Takes All…

Sebastian Case relies on his irreplaceable assistant for everything. But since arriving in Vegas for a conference, mousy Missy Ward has transformed herself. From ordinary to ravishing. From modest and reserved to bold and sensual. And Sebastian, who’d barely noticed she was a woman, finds himself dazzled by her allure.

Now she’s quitting and Sebastian will do anything to keep her. Including accepting her outrageous bet. One spin of the roulette wheel—black and she’ll stay…red and Sebastian owes her one night of passion. What can he lose, except maybe his heart?

A WIN-WIN SITUATION is a very steamy and sexy book. Instead of the usual sexual tension between the boss and secretary, the relationship in this story works a little backwards. After taking a huge gamble in the casino Missy “wins” a night with Sebastian after quitting her job. I love how the character’s world is turned upside down. Sebastian just wants his old assistant back and Missy wants to take risks and live her life. I liked how the characters connected on a personal level once the blinders were off. If you are looking for a fun, sexy and quick read this book is a great choice.

the book girl gives A WIN-WIN SITUATION a 4/5

to find the book:

Review: PRINCE DADDY & THE NANNY by Brenda Harlen

Category: 4/5, Contemporary Romance, review copy One Comment

Oct

118790628 From the back of the book:

WHO SAID FAIRY TALES CAN’T COME TRUE?

It isn’t every day a woman is asked to be live-in nanny to a four-year-old princess. But it’s the little girl’s father who’s got Hannah Castillo dreaming about storybook endings. After admiring him from afar for years, she’s suddenly living under the same roof with seriously sexy Prince Michael Leandres!

As sovereign of a small Mediterranean island and CEO of a major advertising company, Michael doesn’t have time for romance. but Hannah has not only won over his young daughter, she’s sweeping the single father off his feet! With passion sparking between them, the uncommonly attractive teacher is tempting the widowed ruler to make a more permanent arrangement. One that includes a royal wedding with all the trimmings…

PRINCE DADDY & THE NANNY is a sweet, quick read. The title is terrible, but the story was great. Michael is still trying to cope with being a single father after the sudden death of his wife immediately following childbirth. He hasn’t really bonded with his highly intelligent child and lets teachers and her nanny do most of the raising. When Hannah becomes the interim nanny for the summer he begins to feel things that he hadn’t felt in a very long time. I loved the way that Hannah changes the relationship between Michael and his daughter. She forces Micheal to man-up and be with his daughter without him realizing that’s what she is doing. The relationship between Michael and Hannah moves at a very slow pace for most of the book, but then picks up once the couple stops denying their attraction to each other. The ending to PRINCE DADDY & THE NANNY is super sweet and I read it with tears in my eyes.

the book girl gives PRINCE DADDY & THE NANNY a 4/5

to find the book: