Wyoming Mountain Investigation by Juno Rushdan Cowboy State Lawman: Duty and Honor series #1. Harlequin Intrigue. Spinoff of the prior series. Can be rWyoming Mountain Investigation by Juno Rushdan Cowboy State Lawman: Duty and Honor series #1. Harlequin Intrigue. Spinoff of the prior series. Can be read as a stand-alone but some of the secondary characters are from prior books. Sawyer Powell and Liz Kelley were in love as teens. Totally committed to each other and their future together. Until an arsonist set the camp main house on fire which spread to the dorms and barn. After saving the girls, Liz started freeing the horses from the barn and ended up under a beam when it fell. Liz has massive scars, skin grafts and emotional issues and isolated herself, leaving Sawyer behind to find someone whole. Years later, an arsonist is threatening their home town. Now an FBI expert on the subject, Liz is sent home to help with the investigation. More fires, bodies and then a bomb ramp up the danger as they try to figure out who and why before someone else dies.
Part of the story includes the arsonist POV which adds more tension and suspense for the reader. Liz is closed off and focused on the investigation. Sawyer is focused on Liz. He felt “like he’d been living with one lung, barely able to breathe” without her. A mystery underscores the entire premise behind the arsonist and the culmination is tense. Suspenseful, fast moving and romance done right.
Looking forward to next in the series in just one month! ...more
Falling for Nola by Katie Reus Contemporary romance novella. Firefighter hero. Stand-alone, closed door. Nola Cartier is woken for the third night in a Falling for Nola by Katie Reus Contemporary romance novella. Firefighter hero. Stand-alone, closed door. Nola Cartier is woken for the third night in a row by her neighbor coming home on his loud motorcycle. Out of patience, she throws on a robe and storms over to his driveway and proceeds to yell at him on behalf of the neighbors. When they meet again at a community party, he apologizes again, as does she, and they agree to go on a motorcycle ride together to get to know each other. Sparks fly. They lust after each other but take it slow. She’s afraid if they have a fling and it ends, it would be uncomfortable living next to each other. He thinks “why does it have to end?”
A short escape (pages) into a New Orleans romance, through a year of holidays and events, family and neighbors, with plenty of lusty longing (but no more) as they get to know each other. He listens to books on his motorcycle. He fixes her steps by the front door and replaces a lightbulb. He’s a hero. Sweet and adorable with a promising ending.
Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne Improbable Meet Cute Collection. Contemporary romance novella with a Valentine’s Day kick off. Rosie Whittaker Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne Improbable Meet Cute Collection. Contemporary romance novella with a Valentine’s Day kick off. Rosie Whittaker takes her sister to an exclusive spa for a day of pampering. When Rosie gets stuck in a flotation tank, it’s just another typical twist of her luck. Until a hot fireman distracts her with his laughter and silliness while everyone else figures out how to pry her lose.
A touch of adorable repartee with a bit of serious chatter, but mostly a dream and hope that their experience today might mean a possible future together.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I purchased the entire collection for those moments that need a bit of joy, faith, and hope. ...more
The Second First Chance by Mona Shroff Contemporary romance. Own voices. India descendants. Dhillon Vora and Riya Desai have grown up next door to eachThe Second First Chance by Mona Shroff Contemporary romance. Own voices. India descendants. Dhillon Vora and Riya Desai have grown up next door to each other since they were children. During their teen years, a devastating house fire caused a loss in both families and Dhillon and Riya have barely spoken since then. Dhillon became a veterinarian as a result of the fire after the firefighters saved his dog. Riya is a newbie fire fighter, the first female in her particular firehouse. She’ll put up with the pranks and low level tasks she has to do to pay her dues until the next newbie is hired. She just has to convince the rest of her coworkers that she can pull her weight the same as any of them. When Dhillon finds out the Riya is a firefighter, he’s angry. He can’t believe she would willingly run into a fire. Riya doesn’t understand his anger. Why wouldn’t she want to honor her brother’s death to help someone else out of a fire?
Dhillon and Riya have been mostly ignoring each other over the years. They can’t do that anymore, first because of a puppy, second because Dhillon has always been in love with Riya and he cant walk away anymore.
Dhillon and Riya have a lot to discuss and work out with the different opinions on her new job. Riya also has to tell her parents about her job, which she’s been afraid to do. Dhillon wants more for the two of them but is afraid for Riya.
There are many cultural references to India food and to how family are addressed which is similar to other books by this author. The story is emotional and healing for them both though it takes family and friends to get them through it. It’s a beautiful building of love and dealing with grief and growing stronger together. ...more
Look at the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins Contemporary women’s fiction, with a minor romance thread. Chick lit. Cancer loss and recovery theme. MultipLook at the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins Contemporary women’s fiction, with a minor romance thread. Chick lit. Cancer loss and recovery theme. Multiple POV’s and timelines via memories. Lark Smith has always had plans to be a doctor in oncology. But her consistent sobbing along with the families is too much for everyone and she’s moved to the ER. When a grumpy surgeon asks Lark to be his pretend temporary girlfriend, she agrees if he will introduce and recommend her to the Oncology department. Meanwhile, Lark’s mother is going through a rough patch in her marriage. She moves into the large house of Lark’s landlord, Joy, to get some perspective and space from her long-term husband. Joy is grafeful to have some company in her lonely life. The three woman assess their current situations, while remembering how they got to this point. The question will be for all of them: What do they want next?
Balancing Act by Emily March Lake in the Clouds series #2. Contemporary chick lit, romance. Family oriented. Can be read as a stand-alone. Best read inBalancing Act by Emily March Lake in the Clouds series #2. Contemporary chick lit, romance. Family oriented. Can be read as a stand-alone. Best read in order since this book continues the timeline after the first. Multiple POV Genevieve, Noah and Willow, all 3rd person. A wedding in the early part of this book is the couple from the first book. Genevieve Prentice is settled in Lake in the Clouds, Colorado forging new relationships with her adult children. Willow Eldridge has moved to Lake in the Clouds to rebuild a relationship with her mother. Her focus is also on her troubled young son who has some emotional trauma to work through. Drew befriends a quiet, reclusive man that builds doll house models for training fire fighters. Noah has his own demons and PTSD to deal with, but puppies and a talkative young boy helps to ease his heart just a bit.
Genevieve is struggling to keep something of her own. Not her kids or sister. Willow is rebuilding her life now in Lake in the Clouds but there is pressure to move back to TN from her in laws. There are more complications that her late husband has left behind. Noah feels guilty that he survived the fire when his brother did not. Healing. Living. Connections and family. Healing hearts. Life and complications thrown in. Survive. Adjust and conquer. And love.
Lots going on here. It comes down to family and love. Relationships. Healing. It feels epic. I know these people. It’s heartwarming and deep. And I hope to revisit Lake in the Clouds again soon.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep. ...more
Burn Out by Rachel Rivers Contemporary romance novella. Burn for Me #1. Kindle world of Dallas Fire and Rescue. Mac is a firefighter. He knows he needsBurn Out by Rachel Rivers Contemporary romance novella. Burn for Me #1. Kindle world of Dallas Fire and Rescue. Mac is a firefighter. He knows he needs help when he wakes up in a hotel room that is covered everywhere in blood. There’s no body and he has no memory of what happened but he knows he needs to do the right thing. Riley is a cop with a strict code of ethics. She wants to help Mac but can she trust him?
Good suspense. I don’t generally mind swearing. Here is was so causally included in a basic conversation that it was often surprising to me. Maybe that’s how an ex military and cop would actually talk? ...more
Operation Santa by Tina Susedik Contemporary romance novella. Second chance. A married couple hits a rough patch when the male doesn’t want to admit toOperation Santa by Tina Susedik Contemporary romance novella. Second chance. A married couple hits a rough patch when the male doesn’t want to admit to his stress levels. She moves in with her sister and he decides he will do whatever it takes to woo her back into his arms.
Cute second chance story. Of course, it he’d been honest in the first place…..but therein lies the story. His firefighter crew rescuing him was pretty humorous. And points for being able to laugh at himself in the process.
My only complaint was that the text could have used some better editing / review. ...more
Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson Contemporary holiday romance by Harlequin Publishing. Second chance troupe. When Ashley’s long time boyfriend rolls hisChristmas Charms by Teri Wilson Contemporary holiday romance by Harlequin Publishing. Second chance troupe. When Ashley’s long time boyfriend rolls his eyes on getting married, Ashley breaks up with him and goes home for the Christmas holiday. She is gifted with a magical charm bracelet that seems to match her experiences at home as she reconnects with prior hometown boyfriend and friends.
Sweet, poignant and magical. Ashley assesses her life, her goals and her perception of her home town. And Aidan is always there. The decorated home, the snowman and snowball fight, the dog, the ice skating, the good friend are all standard Hallmark trademarks. It doesn’t matter. The author does a marvelous job weaving the story with sentiment and that touch of fantasy that makes it a breathtaking romance. ...more
Forrest for the Trees by Kilby Blades Green Valley Heroes series #1. Contemporary diverse romance. Part of the Penny Reid Universe under this series naForrest for the Trees by Kilby Blades Green Valley Heroes series #1. Contemporary diverse romance. Part of the Penny Reid Universe under this series name. Ranger Sierra Betts works in a National Park, specifically out of the Greenbrier Ranger Station. When a series of suspicious fires is investigated, Federal Fire Marshall Forrest Winters is a thorn in Sierra’s side by breaking her concentration with his big axe and chameleon gray eyes. Sure, he has the expertise but she’s no newbie and she knows her park. They decide to work together to stop the arsonist. She doesn’t trust all of her coworkers and the Police Chief isn’t helping the situation. Forrest is the best solution plus there may be just a little chemistry there too.
Banter, suspense, and a little lust. A great combo for an arm chair adventure. I loved the respect he gave her with her job as well as his compassion for the teen they helped. Huge shoutout to the HR professional in this one saving the day. 4.5...more
Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day 2nd book in the Vampire’s Motorcycle Club series. Paranormal romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better if you know tHunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day 2nd book in the Vampire’s Motorcycle Club series. Paranormal romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better if you know the background of the players from the first book. Hunter was a firefighter turned vampire in the first book. This book has Hunter learning what he can do and trying to stop his blood hunger by snacking on Alice. Wait. By trying to avoid snacking on Alice. Alice sees ghosts and has a minor demon living in her pet sanctuary. A minor demon means someone more nasty is probably going to be a problem soon though. Thankfully Hunter will be around to help.
It’s an adventure from ghosts, sneaky ferrets, a mini dragon and pirates treasure all while Hunter and Alice deal with their pasts and moving their relationship forward. Captivating and enjoyable.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share. ...more
A Real Cowboy for the Holidays by Stephanie Rowe Wyoming Rebels book 9. Contemporary western romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part oA Real Cowboy for the Holidays by Stephanie Rowe Wyoming Rebels book 9. Contemporary western romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Quentin is a Smokejumper. Was a smokejumper. A severe break and four surgeries later he goes home to the family ranch for Christmas, hiding from life decisions. At the local tree farm, he meets the woman he used to call Nerdy Girl and the two reconnect with the help of her son.
Emotional and heartwarming. These cowboys had a difficult upbringing and finding the right woman to love helps settle them into family life. They are renewed and rejuvenated and doing good in the community. The books are filled with love, support, happiness and some tears on the journey. Heart filled. I adore this series and these cowboys so much.
Excerpt: “Quintin knew how that worked. He'd long believed that if he'd been different, better, then his dad wouldn't have been such an a$$. He knew better now, but even so, the shadows still lingered. He wanted better for every kid on the entire planet. He wanted better for that little boy who had looked up at him with those dark brown eyes and held out his arms for the firewood today. He wanted to help Ethan.” Excerpt From A Real Cowboy for the Holidays by Stephanie Rowe ...more
Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope by Janice Lynn A holiday small town romance by Hallmark. Third book in the series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Andrew isWrapped Up in Christmas Hope by Janice Lynn A holiday small town romance by Hallmark. Third book in the series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Andrew is a firefighter in the small town of Pine Hill, KY. He doesn’t want to get emotionally tied down because his goal is to be a smoke jumper in California which he knows is a dangerous job. But he’s having a hard time resisting the cute little boy that tugs at his heart. Morgan is a widow of a daredevil and wants nothing more than small town love and support. Andrew seems to be the perfect match for her and her son.
An adorable holiday story that will steal your heart. Andrew falls in love with both mother and son but stills want to peruse his dream job. Sweet and heartwarming. The little boy is precious. Andrew is torn and Morgan is stronger than she thinks. A beautiful holiday love story.
Holiday Rescue by Rebecca Zanetti Anna Albertini Files series book 3.5. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Contemporary roHoliday Rescue by Rebecca Zanetti Anna Albertini Files series book 3.5. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Contemporary romance novella. Heather is stuck in the mountains with a broken ankle. Quint and rescue dog Zena save Heather from the storm and then stick around a bit longer.
The perfect little romance. A hero that saves the day. Instant attraction. A bit of humor to lighten the load and a bit of craziness to keep it all interesting. Plus Nonna to the rescue with her wooden spoon. Happy for now with a promise for forever.
“We can handle this,” she said to the white dish in her hands.” ...more
A Case for the Winemaker by Candace Havens 1st in the Ainsley McGregor cozy mystery series. Ainsley returned home to the small town of Sweet River, TX A Case for the Winemaker by Candace Havens 1st in the Ainsley McGregor cozy mystery series. Ainsley returned home to the small town of Sweet River, TX and opened a community art shop that houses multiple neighbors and independent vendors. The day before the store opens Ainsley and her Great Dane discover the body of a murdered man in the park. Opening day has the whole town visiting the store with questions and gossip with a conviction that the man arrested could not be the murderer. Ainsley and her bookclub create a murder board to gather clues and help free their friend from the sheriff’s most likely list of suspects. But someone doesn’t like their snooping around and Ainsley gets several warnings to cease.
An appealing cozy mystery that has a bit of suspense plus a fun cast of friends that “just want to help”. A hint of potential romance in future books as Ainsley scolds herself for admiring the handsome fireman best friend of her brother. The murder board that was a secret to no one was humorous and smart. Great writing flow and tension have me looking forward to reading more of this series. ...more
A Spot of Trouble by Teri Wilson Contemporary romantic comedy. Sam Nash moves to Turtle Beach, NC with his Dalmatian Cinder. Up until he moved there, tA Spot of Trouble by Teri Wilson Contemporary romantic comedy. Sam Nash moves to Turtle Beach, NC with his Dalmatian Cinder. Up until he moved there, the town had only one Dalmatian owned by Violet March. When she mistakenly accuses Sam of kidnapping her dog Sparkles, their relationship starts down a bumpy path. The dogs are identical from their size to their spots. But their behavior and training is very different.
Humorous and adorable, both the couples interactions and the dogs antics. I loved that Sam has taught Cinder to make Sam’s bed in the morning and then go turn on the coffee machine. And when Violet says something about slave labor, Sam feels bad and tries to untrain the bed making. Funny. Plus a hilarious situation created by the interfering seniors. Hearing Sam’s feelings made him swoon worthy. Entertaining with a terrific romance. ...more
What If You & Me by Roni Lauren 2nd book in the Say Anything series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Includes issues of disability aWhat If You & Me by Roni Lauren 2nd book in the Say Anything series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Includes issues of disability and PTSD.
Andi is used to thinking worst case scenario. As a horror novelist and true crime podcast story teller, bad behavior is her default first thought. Her podcast is to help people protect themselves. Hill is a forced retired firefighter after losing his leg. He doesn’t want anything to do with his new neighbor but he can’t help being protective when it’s called for. As the two spend more time together, they find things in common though they deal with issues from totally opposing personalities.
I loved the heroine and her strength and commitment to healing with a positive outlook. She’s cheerful with a smile on the outside even if that’s not how she feels on the inside. The hero has PTSD and a disability. I wasn’t happy about some of his decisions but understand the fear. I’m grateful it all worked out as it’s supposed to in a romance.
Provoking, heartbreaking, sexy, and ultimately delightful.
As Good as the First Time by K M Jackson Sugar Lake book 1. Contemporary romance. Second chance troupe. Diverse. Sisters Olivia and Drea return to the sAs Good as the First Time by K M Jackson Sugar Lake book 1. Contemporary romance. Second chance troupe. Diverse. Sisters Olivia and Drea return to the small home town of Sugar Lake to help their Aunt run her bakery. Having just lost her job, Olivia needs to look at her life and make some decisions. Seeing her first love Clayton, in all his firefighter glory, makes Olivia want to return to the city immediately but helping with the baking is therapeutic so she’ll stay a while longer. Proximity to Clayton is stirring up unexpected feelings Olivia is not sure what to do with.
A small town return and family make this romance sweet. I didn’t like the two sisters fighting so much through the story, but their relationship grows as well as they find their purpose and create new goals. Clayton’s priority in raising his daughter is admirable. A bit slow in places but it all comes together. 3.5 increased to 4 for the HEA....more
Too Good to be True by A E Via 1st book in the Blue Moon series. M - M romance with erotic elements with romantic suspense in the last quarter of the bToo Good to be True by A E Via 1st book in the Blue Moon series. M - M romance with erotic elements with romantic suspense in the last quarter of the book. Alternating stories between the brothers, one with BDSM.
Max didn’t know he could be turned on by another man. As soon as he and Angel set eyes on each other, they knew their lives have changed. A virgin to M-M sex or intimacy, Max asks his brother Ryker for advice. Ryker has always known he was gay. What he didn’t make public was his yearning to be dominated. Ryker falls for Sebastian in an instant and the feeling is mutual.
This story explores the love each couple feels, and yes, the sex is explicit and detailed, but the author prioritizes the respect, the support and the emotions. Then it turns from romance to police/former SEAL action in the last quarter.
Romantic and HEA for two couples with beginning intros to others. I love a good HEA.
“He was fighting for the man he knew he was destined to love for the rest of his life.”
This was my first book for the #CMCon22 reading challenge. ...more
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez 1st book in the Friend Zone series. Contemporary romance. Friends to lovers troupe. After a bit of a rough start via a The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez 1st book in the Friend Zone series. Contemporary romance. Friends to lovers troupe. After a bit of a rough start via a first meeting, Kristen and Josh agree to be friends and put aside their animosity. The more time they spend together, the more they care about each other.
It’s a wonderful romance as Kristen and Josh become closer and he falls for her. Hard. But she’s keeping a secret and refuses to consider anything more. That part frustrates me. Over and over she had a chance to tell him and chose silence. This is the first of a romance series so you know it turns out though there are plenty of tears and frustration to get there. The friends relationships are a tight group and the support is heartwarming between all of them. I did end up absolutely loving this and look forward to reading the rest of the series before the newest is to be released. ...more
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