Archive for the Category &raquo;review copy &laquo;

1441800841 About the book:

SOMETIMES LOVE IS THE SIMPLEST CHOICE OF ALL

Still reeling from her husband’s untimely death, Deborah Robinson needs a fresh start. So she decides to pack up her family, box up her bookstore, and return to her grandmother’s ancestral home on Cavanaugh Island. The charming town of Sanctuary Cove holds happy memories for Deborah. And, after she spies a gorgeous stranger in the local bakery, it promises the possibility for a bright, new future.

Dr. Asa Monroe is at a crossroads. Ever since the loss of his family, he has been on a quest for faith and meaning, traveling from one town to another. When he meets Deborah, the beautiful bookstore owner with the warm eyes and sunny smile, Asa believes he has finally found a reason to stay in one place.

As friendship blossoms into romance, Deborah and Asa discover they may have a second chance at love. But small towns have big secrets. Before they can begin their new life together, the couple must confront a challenge they never expected…

This small town romance features two widowed people who find a second chance at happily ever after. I liked that both Deborah and Asa felt an instant connection to each other, but there were many complications on the way to their happily ever after. I didn’t care for the ending. Something felt like it was missing for me, but I’m not sure what. I even reread the last fifty pages and still felt the sense that I needed something more.

the book girl gives SANCTUARY COVE a 3/5

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Review: WILD THING by Robin Kaye

Category: 3/5, 5/5, Contest, review copy 23 Comments

Dec

136367035 About the book:

Whitewater-rafting guide Hunter Kincaid lands his dream job–guiding sportswear models through Idaho’s rugged wilderness for a photo shoot. When he meets Toni Russo, the goth New York manager of Action Models, there are enough sparks to set the forest ablaze.

When Hunter finds Toni’s book on how to marry the man of your choice, he studies it as a joke. Before long Hunter realizes he’s never cared enough for a woman to bother working this hard to get her. But the last man in the world this city girl wants is a Survivor Man wannabe…

This book worked for me on some levels and didn’t on others. Both characters are fully fleshed out and well written, but Toni’s “I hate nature” thing and her running away from Hunter over and over was a little much for me. On the other hand, I loved Hunter and his mountain man persona. He was willing to work so hard to win her over. His romantic tendencies made up for Toni’s pessimistic attitude for me. My favorite part of the book were the scenes featuring Hunter’s family. I really enjoyed Hunter’s brothers,sister, and grandfather. I can’t wait to read the siblings stories.

the book girl gives WILD THING a 3/5

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Review: THE BEST MISTAKE by Kate Watterson

Category: 3/5, Contemporary Romance, review copy One Comment

Dec

149319632 About the book:

When Lacey Billings gives her boyfriend, Ran, an erotic wake-up call in the middle of the night, she’s shocked to discover that the gorgeous man she’s kissing isn’t Ran…it’s his cousin, Rick.

Although Ran laughs off the mix-up, Lacey and Rick can’t stop thinking about the unexpected encounter, and they can’t escape the scorching flashbacks it’s aroused.

Ran doesn’t want an innocent mistake to ruin his relationship with his girlfriend or his cousin, so he proposes a solution. He wants the three of them to solve this problem the old-fashioned way, by sleeping on it…together.

This novella is HOT, HOT, HOT. I found the story unique and interesting. My only complaint is that I would have liked more. I wanted to know how the relationship between the three - Ran, Rick, and Lacey - evolved from her mistake and their night together to a committed relationship. There is a huge jump from one night to forever and the reader doesn’t get to “see” it happen. I will definitely be looking for more by this author!

the book girl gives THE BEST MISTAKE a 4/5

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Review: ONE PERFECT NIGHT by Rachael Johns

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

Dec

141968432 About the book:

Peppa Grant’s fellow employees may call their new CEO Mr. McSexy, but she’s also heard that he’s aloof and distant. Cameron McCormac certainly seems cold toward Christmas when she meets him at the company’s annual party…but he’s also the sexiest man Peppa has ever seen. And when he offers to forgive the damage she accidentally caused to his expensive car in exchange for accompanying him to his family’s holiday get-together, she agrees.

Cameron needs a date to the family party to get his matchmaking relatives off his back. Their chemistry is instant and undeniable, leading to an incredible one-night stand. But Peppa wants love and family, while Cameron’s only interested in temporary pleasure. When their relationship takes an unexpectedly serious turn, will he run the other way-or will he give love a second chance?

I really enjoyed this book. It has the feel of a Harlequin Romance. The chemistry between Peppa and Cameron is off the charts. Their romance progresses at a quick pace and even though there are obstacles in their way from the beginning I could foresee a happily ever after. I loved the writing style of the author. I will definitely be looking for more books by Ms. Jones in the future.

the book girl gives ONE PERFECT NIGHT a 5/5

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Review: RISKING TRUST by Adrienne Giordano

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

Dec

139647010 About the book:

Roxann Thorgesson’s world is out of control. After her father suffers a fatal heart attack, she must take over as publisher of Chicago’s second-largest newspaper. Then her ex-boyfriend Michael Taylor, CEO of his own security company, shows up needing a favor. The last thing Roxann needs is Michael around causing trouble—and potential heartbreak—but he’s involved in a scandalous story she can’t pass up.

Twelve years ago, Michael walked out on Roxann without explanation. Now he needs her help. Michael’s estranged wife has been murdered and he is the prime suspect. He offers something no newspaperwoman could refuse: exclusive access to his headline-making murder accusation, in exchange for her help in uncovering the true killer. When their investigation leads them to a city hall conspiracy, both their lives and their newly reignited flame could be permanently extinguished…

The third book in the Private Protectors series goes back to the beginning taking place before the other two books in the series. Micheal and Roxann share a past that was tainted by bad memories. He left her in a way that gave no closure to their relationship and Roxann isn’t sure she can trust him although she does want to help him find the true murderer. I liked Micheal and Roxann in this story (and in the other two). The chemistry between them is great, but I most liked that Roxann demanded an explanation from Micheal about him leaving her before she would go any further with him in the present. She wasn’t going to just forget that he had hurt her the way he did. The suspense of the story is very well plotted out through the book and I was a bit taken back by who the bad guy ended up being. (Which is a very good thing!) If you haven’t read this series, I suggest starting with this book and then going to MAN LAW and A JUST DECEPTION.

the book girl gives RISKING TRUST a 4/5

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Review: SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS Anthology

Category: 4/5, Romantic Suspense, ebook, review copy One Comment

Dec

Three heartwarming holiday stories
to prove that love is the greatest gift of all

Kissing Santa Claus
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?

I’ll Be Home for Christmas
After ignoring the advice of Miz Miriam Randall, local matchmaker, Annie Roberts expects another hum drum holiday in Last Chance, South Carolina. But when a stray cat arrives in the arms of Army sergeant Matt Jasper, a calico named Holly just may be the best matchmaker of all.

O Little Town of Bramble
All Ethan Miller wants for Christmas is to celebrate in Bramble, Texas, with family and friends. But when his childhood neighbor, Samantha Henderson, comes home for the holiday, Ethan realizes that the girl-next-door could be the girl of his dreams.

If you are a fan of the small town romances by Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay, or Katie Lane you will love this Christmas anthology.

The Jill Shalvis story - Kissing Santa Clause - is set in her Lucky Harbor world. Logan, the ex-husband of Tara, and Sandy, the town clerk, are the main characters. It is a quick and steamy read. Logan and Sandy have great chemistry and the things Logan does to win her back are romantic and sweet. I give this story a 5/5.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas by Hope Ramsay is a very sweet read. Matt Jasper is a man with a terrible childhood and no happy memories of Christmas. Annie Roberts is experiencing Christmas her way for the first time. These two both need each other and come to realize quickly how perfect Christmas can be with the one you love. I loved the glimpses of the other Last Chance residents and really liked the emotion in the short story. I give this story a 4/5.

O Little Town of Bramble by Katie Lane was my least favorite of the three stories. It felt too short and unfinished. The main characters have a past connection, but the story still didn’t feel complete. The whole thing takes place in one night and I felt that there wasn’t any read resolution. It was a pleasant read, but not satisfying. I give this story a 3/5.

the book girl gives SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS a 4/5

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Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway - HEAD OVER HEELS by Jill Shalvis

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

Dec

147971840 About the book:

Breaking rules and breaking hearts

Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn’t ready to settle into a quiet life running their family’s newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble–and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who’d like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.

Suddenly Chloe can’t take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe’s colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?

The first thing I want to say about HEAD OVER HEELS is I LOVE SAWYER. Sawyer is my new book boyfriend. He is a perfect romance hero - quiet, strong, and sexy. Chloe is fantastic too. I really liked how she was trying to be good, but had trouble settling down. While Sawyer is straight-laced and by-the-book. These two are opposites, but can’t stay away from each other. She isn’t a typical heroine. There were so many steamy scenes that I couldn’t pick a favorite. The whole book is filled with fantastic sexual tension. Chloe and Sawyer are so perfectly written and their relationship is one of the best that I’ve read in a long time. A wonderful story with the other members of the Lucky Harbor community playing their parts. I especially loved the relationship between Chloe and her best friend, Lance. This book is the third in a series, but can be read as a stand alone (but you should read the first two if you haven’t already).

the book girl gives HEAD OVER HEELS a 5/5

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Review: HOLIDAY KISSES Anthology

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me who you think is the hottest hero in romance. US addresses only, please. Make sure to check to see if your name is chosen.

Additional entries can be gained through the following:

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Contest runs through 12/11/11 at 5pm cst.

Category: 5/5, Contemporary Romance, Contest, review copy 16 Comments

Dec

141968229 About the book:

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like…Love!

A man gives the gift of trust and receives a second chance at love in return. A woman helps to heal the wounded heart of a soldier. A couple finds that true love knows no distance. And a young widow learns that there can be two great loves in a lifetime. Love, romance and passion come together in this collection of four seasonal shorts.

Anthology includes:

This Time Next Year by Alison Kent

Brenna Keating is on her way to spend Christmas with her grandmother when treacherous roads and a skittish deer put her car in a ditch. Riding to the rescue-literally-is Dillon Craig, a reclusive doctor who insists she weather the storm in his cabin.

Since returning from Afghanistan where he treated wounded soldiers on the front lines, Dillon’s made it a point to avoid any emotional involvement. But his unexpected guest has him dangerously close to breaking his own rules.

Brenna has a plan for her life-until she’s stranded for three days with Dillon. Soon, the chemistry sizzling between them forces her to reexamine her priorities. The man is gorgeous, if taciturn, and a true hero in every sense of the word. No woman in her right mind could resist him, and so Brenna doesn’t-even though she can’t stay…

27,000 words

A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton

With a disastrous marriage behind him, Wyatt Kent has no interest in getting involved with any woman, let alone his ex-wife’s younger sister. But when Calliope Andrews hires him to build an addition onto her day care center, Wyatt can’t help but notice she’s a desirable woman, as warm and funny as his ex was cold and aloof.

Calliope fell hard for Wyatt the first time he walked through the door of her family’s home, and can’t believe her sister let him get away. He’s still the star of all her fantasies, and she’s determined to prove to him she’s nothing like his manipulative ex. Wyatt may be all business, but Calliope sees the way he looks at her when he’s supposed to be working…

It’s not long before Wyatt and Calliope are keeping each other warm on cold December nights. But it’s going to take a Christmas miracle for Wyatt to put his trust in love a second time.

28,000 words

It’s Not Christmas Without You by HelenKay Dimon

Carrie Anders officially broke up with Austin Thomas when she accepted a dream job in the city. Unofficially, she misses him and is tempted to sneak back to her West Virginia hometown to see him. That’s why this year, she’s not going home for the holidays. Her heart can’t take any more mornings-after where nothing has changed-and Austin has made it clear he’s not interested in relocating.

Austin’s been waiting for Carrie to realize she can’t live without him. But when he hears she’s not coming home for Christmas, he decides to take action. If Carrie won’t come to the country, he’s going to bring a piece of the country to Carrie-in the form of a Christmas tree lot just minutes from her apartment. He’s certain daily meetings will entice her to come home with him, this time for good.

Their attraction is as hot as ever, but with such contrary Christmas wishes, can either of them get what they really want this year?

28,000 words

Mistletoe and Margaritas by Shannon Stacey

Claire Rutledge still believes in love, despite losing her husband. So, after two years, she’s not surprised by the steamy dreams telling her it might be time to start moving on. But she didn’t expect her friend Justin to have the starring role.

Justin McCormick has loved Claire since the moment he first saw her, but his best friend got there first. Now that Claire is ready to move on with her life, Justin is finding it harder than ever to hide his true feelings. And when they both get caught up in the holiday spirits at a party, their simmering mutual attraction boils over into a night neither of them can forget…

20,000 words

Stories also available for purchase separately.

I loved this whole anthology. There wasn’t a single story that I felt was rushed (although I did want more from all of them). Each story has just the right amount of romance and Christmas. My favorite was Mistletoe and Margaritas by Shannon Stacey.

Mini-review of each story:

This Time Next Year by Alison Kent - I loved the connection between Brenna and Dillon. The way their relationship developed even though they both feel that it can’t go anywhere was done fantastically and the end had me swooning.

A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton - I had been waiting for Wyatt’s story since last year’s holiday anthology. I wasn’t disappointed. Calliope was perfect for him. The sibling of an ex story line can come across creepy, but it didn’t in this novella. I loved how Calliope was able to un-Grinch Wyatt and make him truly happy.

It’s Not Christmas Without You by HelenKay Dimon - What’s not to love about a man who will do anything to win back the woman he loves? I really enjoyed Austin and Carrie. His commitment to her and her commitment to finding herself are at cross-purposes, but their love is strong.

Mistletoe and Margaritas by Shannon Stacey - Oh, how much I loved this story. It had me in tears and had me sighing. Justine and Claire are so fantastically written. I loved how realistic they felt. Shannon Stacey has become one of my favorite contemporary writers. I have adored everything I’ve read of hers. If you only read one of these stories (although you should read all four) this is the one to get!

the book girl gives HOLIDAY KISSES a 5/5

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Review: THE VIRTUOSO by Grace Burrowes

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

Nov

137628982 About the book:

A genius with a terrible loss. . .

Gifted pianist Valentine Windham, youngest son of the Duke of Moreland, has little interest in his father’s obsession to see his sons married, and instead pours passion into his music. But when Val loses his music, he flees to the country, alone and tormented by what has been robbed from him.

A widow with a heartbreaking secret. . .

Grieving Ellen Markham has hidden herself away, looking for safety in solitude. Her curious new neighbor offers a kindred lonely soul whose desperation is matched only by his desire, but Ellen’s devastating secret could be the one thing that destroys them both.

Together they’ll find there’s no rescue from the past, but sometimes losing everything can help you find what you need most.

I hate to write this, but THE VIRTUOSO just didn’t work for me. I loved Valentine in the previous books and anxiously awaited his book, but I was so bored reading his story. I actually put the book down and read another before picking it back up. I so wanted to love this book, but just couldn’t. The writing and characters were as great as always, but I just couldn’t get interested in the story or the romance. Ellen has a secret and by the time it was revealed I had figured it out and didn’t care. I felt it was held back for too long.

There was one other aspect that just didn’t work for me - the men in the book seem overly friendly with one another. Val’s friend calls him “Lovey” (he also calls Ellen this) and there are many scenes of the men helping each other change clothes or helping them bathe. It seemed odd and out of place in a historical romance novel.

Even though this book didn’t work for me I can’t wait to read the Windham sister books. I just hope that they work better for me.

the book girl gives THE VIRTUOSO a 2/5

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Review: CALEB’S BRIDE by Wendy Warren

Category: 2/5, Historical Romance, review copy One 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

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