I’ll admit, after reading the Quinn Brothers series, I was waiting for Nora Ross and Lucas (Luke) Kim’s story. I enjoyed Resisting You, but (3.5 stars
I’ll admit, after reading the Quinn Brothers series, I was waiting for Nora Ross and Lucas (Luke) Kim’s story. I enjoyed Resisting You, but (and I hate to say this) Nora really got on my nerves in this book and that was a big disappointment. However, Luke really surprised me in many ways and I did love watching these to and their game of cat and mouse and finally getting answers to the animosity and tension between them. Lucas Kim is a self made millionaire who has been spending time in Havenport since his mother’s death, volunteering and supporting the women’s and children’s shelter and other good causes in the community. He is kind and caring, and it is so easy to see he has feelings for Nora when all she has is disdain for him when he stood her up for a date. I have enjoyed Nora in the previous books; I love the way she props up and helps other women when they need it. As a small business owner, she has big plans for her brand and is working towards those goals. She also has self esteem issues and we see the damage her mother and others have done to her over the years, so much so that she doesn’t believe that Luke can find her attractive when he has always dated demure models and she is curvy and loud. The problem I had was that she seems so anti-men and her friends, her coven as she calls them, all seem to support this bashing of all men. Look, I know there are a lot of creeps and a$$holes out there, but there also good men and Luke happens to be one of them but she refuses to see it. It literally took a fire in her home and Luke saving her for her to start to see that maybe he wasn’t a bad person. She hated that he was rich and according to her “flaunting his wealth” all around town, when everything he did benefitted the town they lived in and the town she professes to love. I got so tired of her bashing Luke and he just remained calm and worked to garner her trust. This wasn’t a bad story, but Nora wore me out so much so I wanted to stick my arm into the book and knock her upside the head and tell her to “snap out of it.” After a roller coaster relationship, they do finally figure it out or maybe I should say Nora figures it out because Luke knew what he wanted from the start. I did enjoy Resisting You, but not as much as I’ve enjoyed this author’s other work. ...more
As I’ve said in the past, I am not a lover of billionaire romance, people who are in the media 24/7 just because of their money and fame, luxury itemsAs I’ve said in the past, I am not a lover of billionaire romance, people who are in the media 24/7 just because of their money and fame, luxury items, and all that goes with that lifestyle, but I was around in 2020 for the writing of After the Climb and I just cannot stay away from this group of people who embrace all that comes with a lavish lifestyle while also working to make the world a better place. I will also admit, I have been waiting for the story of Jamie Huxley and Nora Ellington because I knew there was more to them than the “only friends” they claimed and I was delighted by the connection they’d had for years and the way their relationship moved forward in this book as they both deal with people in their past trying to make their lives difficult.
It’s easy to believe that people who have wealth beyond what most of us can comprehend have it all, but both Nora and Jamie have dealt with tragedy, loss, and humiliation during their lives. Jamie married his high school sweetheart who gave him his son Judge, but she was a junkie and she and Jamie’s father did their best to not only keep Judge from him, but to demolish their relationship. Then he loses his second wife to cancer but gains Dru, his daughter of the heart from that relationship. Nora spent years with a philandering husband who ignored her, but she poured everything she had in her into raising her three children and when she divorced him she held her head high and refused to show the world how that relationship broke her. Through friends and family, they end up in the same circle and Nora realizing that Jamie is relying on his daughter as his plus one for society functions, not allowing either one of them to move on from his wife’s death, she volunteers to be his plus one giving his daughter a chance to live her own life. While they enjoy their time together they truly are just friends despite Nora wanting more but refusing to put it out there and despite Jamie wanting more but refusing to do anything about it because he feels he’s already put is family through so much, until one kiss changes it all and not for the better.
I truly had to laugh, I’ve not liked Chloe since book one so when she plans a very elaborate scheme to get Nora and Jamie in the same place to figure it out and then an emergency involving Chloe disrupts it putting her as the center of attention, I was like seriously Chloe! I can’t say Chloe still doesn’t get on my every last nerve, but I can be thankful she helped these two see the light.
This was a busy story with a lot going on and I mean a lot. Jamie’s father and his father’s latest girlfriend rear their ugly heads; Nora’s ex-husband rears his, and most of all Dru’s biological father rears his ugly head. Through it all we see Nora help Jamie keep a level head and Jamie stand beside Nora to show a united front. This book was loaded with emotion, a few surprises, a hint of suspense, some serious heat, and most of all love in all shapes and forms.
I love the way this series continues to evolve, new characters come in, other characters settle, and life keeps swirling around this found family that keeps growing by leaps and bounds. I realize the River Rain series might not be for everyone and I honestly didn’t think it would appeal to me, but I love it and while I have my suspicions on the next pairing in this series, I’ll be happy no matter who Ms. Ashley decides to pair off. ...more
If you are familiar with the Crescent Cove series by Taryn Quinn you know babies mostly a lot of surprise babies are a big part of that seri4.5 stars
If you are familiar with the Crescent Cove series by Taryn Quinn you know babies mostly a lot of surprise babies are a big part of that series, their Kensington Square series features a group of savvy group of 20-30s trying to prove themselves in their careers and Daddy By Design is a crossover between these series. First off, the way these two meet was a bit crazy, but also pretty damn priceless and it set the tone for the interesting relationship these two would forge together. Their banter, the grumpy, closed off hero, the smart, bubbly heroine, and the friends and family that support them all made this an exciting and entertaining story.
Nolan is a stoic loner just trying to settle down in the new life he’s created and hoping to reconcile with the sister he left behind. Dahlia along with her partners are kicking butt and taking names when it comes to designing homes. She is mostly upbeat but some recent problems have left her a bit unsettled and honestly a bit angry. Unfortunately Nolan’s truck is in her path, a bit of mistaken identity, and he isn’t happy. When their paths cross again and she claims his new home is hers he fears she’s a bit unhinged but soon realizes she loves the place as much as he does.
These two had so much chemistry it oozed off the pages and while they gave in, Nolan was convinced it wasn’t what he wanted and to be frank he was a bit of a jerk about it. I loved that Dahlia clued in early on there was a lot going on in Nolan’s head and that he was fighting with some big demons from him past. While I’m not a big spooks and spirits person the way these two authors added some shall I say spirited intervention was quite brilliant and I actually enjoyed that part of the story a lot.
Daddy by Design was another great offering from author Taryn Quinn. ...more
Baked Inn Love is the second book in Erin Branscom’s Freedom Valley series and can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed this book much more than the fiBaked Inn Love is the second book in Erin Branscom’s Freedom Valley series and can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed this book much more than the first book in the series, it moved at a good pace, there was more plot and character development, and it was compelling.
Allie has been tied to her job in California because she needed the insurance for her 4 year old son who has a childhood illness that necessitated a kidney transplant which he got from Allie’s brother Evan (hero in Falling Inn Love). After being fired from the job, she wants to move home to New Hampshire to be with her family but Caleb isn’t strong enough for a cross country trip so her soon to be sister in law arranges for Logan, her best friend and agent, to drive with her after her mother flies in to take her son home. Logan isn’t quite sure about the arrangement but he’ll do anything to get Beth to agree to some interviews about her book. It was easy to see their immediate rapport and I loved the banter between them. Allie was determined to pay her own way and not rely on anyone and while Logan admired that he also didn’t want her to stress. As they travel cross country, they confide in one another about their pasts and their struggles. Logan makes a point of making Allie see her self-worth and builds up her self confidence and Allie helps Logan to see how toxic his family and make him realize everything he brings to the table. I very much enjoyed watching them not only change their way of thinking about themselves, but the closeness and connection that build between them.
Baked Inn Love was a highly entertaining and heartfelt romance. ...more
I flat out loved both these characters and though I’m not a huge fan of flashbacks, the peeks into tFull review coming 2/22/24 www.simplylovebooks.com
I flat out loved both these characters and though I’m not a huge fan of flashbacks, the peeks into their past interactions were key to how the past shaped them and how together they move forward.
A delight to read from beginning to end, I loved Dirty Bad Boy. ...more
I loved so much about this book; from their first meeting the tension rolling off these two was undeniafull review coming soon www.simplylovebooks.com
I loved so much about this book; from their first meeting the tension rolling off these two was undeniable and then waking up together in Vegas and realizing they are married….MARRIED..OMG, I was so there for it. Complete opposites yet the way they cared for one another it was easy to see that despite the clock ticking down on their marriage, these two were meant to me....more
This one was okay, both hero and heroine had past trauma but dealt with it differenly. He's a billionaire, she's his housekeeper but a gifted pianist.This one was okay, both hero and heroine had past trauma but dealt with it differenly. He's a billionaire, she's his housekeeper but a gifted pianist. For me it was a bit too fairy tale like and unrealistic. It wasn't an awful book but it wasn't a great one, I had to force myself to finish. ...more
I had a hard time suspending belief on this one. Connor a self made billionaire businessman and his assistant Sophie have the hots for each o3.5 stars
I had a hard time suspending belief on this one. Connor a self made billionaire businessman and his assistant Sophie have the hots for each other but have kept their distance until Connor decides two days before Christmas they need to fly off on a day trip to check out a ski resort for the company retreat being held shortly after the new year. So anyone knows that you don't wait until a couple of months before an event to check out the venue and make arrangements, but whatever. Then they fly out and he decides to bring an emergency bag (just in case) even though Sophie has told him she's worried about the weather and he mansplained they'd be find (hint they weren't). It was okay, I liked the characters and I was happy they got together but the whole "stranded" scenario was a stretch for me. ...more
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. What started as a drunken one night stand ended with a man determined to win a woman and I absoultely LOVED watching I enjoyed this book quite a lot. What started as a drunken one night stand ended with a man determined to win a woman and I absoultely LOVED watching it happen. Evan was bound and determined to spend time with Sylvie after their one wild night at her cousin and his best friend's wedding.
What I loved about this book was there were multiple layers to it. It had emotion, laughter, tears, and some steamy love scenes as well. Overall, a well rounded story. ...more
3.5 stars I think this author's "thing" is ex-drama, third book in the series third book with ex-drama. MFC has trust issues stemming from her mom leav3.5 stars I think this author's "thing" is ex-drama, third book in the series third book with ex-drama. MFC has trust issues stemming from her mom leaving her at 17 with her younger sister to raise (apparently small towns don't have child protective services?). MMC is a tech guy who made a bunch of money on a dating app. Came to help out after his Uncle had a heart attack to run the general store despite his Uncle's two sons living in town, but anyway. He falls for her immediately, she's not completely on board but gets there then of course, EX-DRAMA. Steamy story, but honestly a bit disappointing. ...more
I wanted to love this book because I've enjoyed Vincent in the other books, but this one fell flat. I just felt no real chemistry between the characteI wanted to love this book because I've enjoyed Vincent in the other books, but this one fell flat. I just felt no real chemistry between the characters. Vincent fell fast (despite not realizing it) yet there was nothing to indicate why or how? I mean Kate was sweet and all but nothing about her stood out other than her borderline agoraphobia. I just wanted more character and relationship development, everything seemed so superficial in this book. ...more
I went into this book thinking it would be my favorite, but unfortunately it is my least favorFull review coming soon www.simplylovebooks.com
3.5 stars
I went into this book thinking it would be my favorite, but unfortunately it is my least favorite of the series. The best part was the extended epilogue and that’s because it was all about the people and not about the extra cr@p that always turns the story into something I really don’t want to read. While not my favorite in this series, I’m still glad I read Things We Left Behind, I just wish I wasn’t so disappointed by it. ...more
This was a cute and entertaining book by writing duo Emma Fox and I enjoyed it. Who wouldn’t like toFull review coming 9/15/23 www.simplylovebooks.com
This was a cute and entertaining book by writing duo Emma Fox and I enjoyed it. Who wouldn’t like to be a somewhat shy bookworm who catches the eye of not one, not two, but three hot guys all with very different personalities? Did I think everything happened a bit too quickly? Yep! Did I feel that the way their relationship was accepted was unrealistic? Yep! Did I care? Nope! It’s romantic fiction and it’s supposed to be fun and frivolous. ...more
I wanted to love this book but I didn't and a big part of that was because the male character, Dallas, a Texan that lives outside of Houston, wasn't wI wanted to love this book but I didn't and a big part of that was because the male character, Dallas, a Texan that lives outside of Houston, wasn't well developed and got by on smoldering looks, grunts, and the over use of the word darlin' - sorry but true. Jo, the female lead, was better developed but painted every man with the same brush of her ex-husband. I loved the set up of this books; the way they met and the fact their adult children brought them together. The thing is I know sex can be fantastic over the age of 45, it fact IMHO it is way better than younger years, but there has to be more than that for a relationship to develop and I didn't feel these two spent enough time talking and learning about each other (especially Jo learning about Dallas). Dallas felt he knew Jo because her son Michael who was engaged to his daughter talked about her all the time, but he still should have asked more questions about her and her life. And I get that he likes to fish, but you are trying to build a relationship with someone you don't go off MOST days doing your own thing you find something to do together. Am I happy with the outcome, sure, but the exceution to get there felt conovluted. It was an okay book, I didn't hate it, but it also isn't something I'd read again. ...more
Lillian is a single mother of adult twins who arrived on Drake Island with less than a hundred dollars and all her wordly possesions in two bags, two Lillian is a single mother of adult twins who arrived on Drake Island with less than a hundred dollars and all her wordly possesions in two bags, two decades later and with the help of wonderful friends who have become family she is a successful business owner and hopes to soon own the building her beauty shop is housed in. She was taken a bit aback by the attraction she felt upon meeting Trey in town for a visit before the wedding of their friends. Trey is much a decade much younger and very successful and Lillian doesn't trust his advances. I enjoyed this story somewhat but I was disappointed in the conflict that broke them up as it seemed like such a cliche when there were other avenues that could have been explored. In the short time they were together, there were too many ups and downs and not enough time spent together. I appreciated they were both able to share the things in their past that shaped them into the people they are today. The "mystery" of Trey's best friend's death years ago seemed like filler to me but maybe because this was the 2nd book in the series, sadly this one wasn't interesting enough and I don't care enough about the "mystery" to keep reading this series. ...more
I remember reading this one when it first came out and being disappointed and not reviewing it at the time. I have been a big supporter of seasoned (oI remember reading this one when it first came out and being disappointed and not reviewing it at the time. I have been a big supporter of seasoned (older couple) romance for a long time and I was so excited when this book was released but it was such a let down. We have Patrick, a billionaire NYC businessman, who is apparently also a ladies man and in Butler, Vermont to visit his daughter Cameron who is now working and living there with her husband. We know Patrick was devestated when his wife died in childbirth and was a mostly absent parent to Cameron and he makes a lot of money and honestly that's about it other than Mary the office manager of the Green Mountain Country Store has caught his eye. Mary is deeply rooted in Butler; she has her job, her friends, her church and her volunteer work and she is content with her life. Then Patrick swoops in and gets her to meet him for a weekend. Mary hasn't dated in years and then in one weekend her and Patrick spend all weekend having s*x. Now keep in mind they are in their late 50's early 60's and they have more s*x in a weekend than most 20 year olds. Not Patrick might take a little blue pill for that (it wasn't discussed but you know he works out and is ripped) but I don't think I have to explain about women's body, the lack of recent s*x, and lubrication issues past a certain age. I felt like I was reading a story about college kids instead of an older couple, not to mention there really just wasn't much to this other than s*x and Mary's insecurities that Patrick can have anyone (including very recently his housekeeper who up until he invited Mary to NYC lived in his apartment) and him telling her he only wanted her. Back and forth, up and down, and around about, it was just kind of boring. I almost didn't re-read it but I thought maybe 2nd time around it might be better but instead I found it to be just as ridiculous as it was back when it was released. ...more
There were parts of this I enjoyed but for the most part I grew tired of their lies and manipulations of each other. There wasn't enough character devThere were parts of this I enjoyed but for the most part I grew tired of their lies and manipulations of each other. There wasn't enough character development or romance to really keep me interested. I grew weary of Claire's need to maintain her image and Jake lamenting the fact he wanted a "sweet, non superficial" girl but instead got an A list actress because he switched places with his twin. Both of the were just a bit too full of themselves for me. I did enjoy the interplay between all of Jake's siblings and the friendship of the Happy Endings Book Club even though at times Hailey got on my nerves and I felt like Claire was trying to buy their frienship....more
Catrin and Zeke had a run in in the first book in this series and share a passionate kiss that went no where, when Zeke needs his late father's art coCatrin and Zeke had a run in in the first book in this series and share a passionate kiss that went no where, when Zeke needs his late father's art collection curated he asks Cat's boss at the gallery she works at to send her to his estate for a month to work on the extensive collection. This book kind of had a beauty and the beast vibe but with art instead of books. Zeke has some screwed up thoughts on relationships and marriage thanks to his late father and never intends to marry. He has a daughter, the product of a brief sexual relationship with an older woman, who he shares custody with and is the light in his dark life. Cat arrives at the estate and the staff come alive with someone else to take care of (again B&B vibe) and soon their is life in the musty old estate. I liked this one but would hae liked Zeke to get his act together quicker than he did. ...more
Noah needs a bride after he breaks off his engagement to his cheating fiancee and Imogene who is working on some contracts for him offers to marry himNoah needs a bride after he breaks off his engagement to his cheating fiancee and Imogene who is working on some contracts for him offers to marry him. Having known each other since boarding school, Noah agrees yet with each passing day it becomes clear despite having a legal agreement that their marriage isn't real, it becomes real. I liked this book but didn't love it, I just didn't feel the heat between these two even though they had sex a lot at times it felt a bit over the top. There wasn't a whole lot of emotion in this one and so it was just okay. ...more
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