Book Review with Featured Author: Home for a Cowboy Christmas by Donna Grant

Home for a Cowboy Christmas 

by Donna Grant

 

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, October 26, 2021

Setting:  Montana

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 319 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived for this cowboy in New York Times bestseller Donna Grant's next novel, Home for a Cowboy Christmas.

Tis the season—for everyone except Emmy Garrett. She’s on the run after witnessing a crime. But when it becomes clear that trouble will continue following her, the US Marshal in charge takes her somewhere no one will think to look–Montana. Not only is Emmy in a new place for her protection, but now, she’s stuck with a handsome cowboy as her bodyguard…and she wants to do more than kiss him under the mistletoe. 

Dwight Reynolds left behind his old career, but it’s still in his blood. When an old friend calls in a favor, Dwight opens his home to a woman on the run. He tries to keep his distance, but there’s something about Emmy he can’t resist. She stokes his passion and turns his cold nights into warm ones. When danger shows up looking for Emmy, Dwight risks everything to keep her safe.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Cowboy-Christmas-Donna-Grant-ebook/dp/B08R2L9QN5

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/home-for-a-cowboy-christmas-donna-grant/1138664954

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/home-for-a-cowboy-christmas

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Donna_Grant_Home_For_a_Cowboy_Christmas?id=kScQEAAAQBAJ

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56421330-home-for-a-cowboy-christmas

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/home-for-a-cowboy-christmas-by-donna-grant

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of Home for a Cowboy Christmas by Donna Grant. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this book prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

 

Home for a Cowboy Christmas is another emotionally charged romance with compelling characters and an intriguing plot. There’s even a nice amount of suspense. The pacing pulled me in from the start to the finish.

 

Emmy Garrett is our heroine, and she’s gone through a terrible ordeal. She’s running for her life, and when the US Marshall takes her to the hero for protection; she’s grateful for his succor. Her fear practically jumps off the page. 

 

Dwight Reynolds is the hero, and he has many of the characteristics I most admire in a male protagonist. He doesn’t hesitate to take Emmy in, although it could likely put him in jeopardy, along with his employees, if the villain finds her. 

 

The romance develops fast but, when a male and female spend every waking moment together and the attraction between them crackles with plenty of fire, it’s not surprising. I could easily see them falling in love and having it last.

 

If you enjoy romantic suspense with engaging characters and a plot that pulls you in, then you will love Home for a Cowboy Christmas as much as I did. I always know I’m in for a sensual journey and plenty of high emotion. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her "totally addictive" and "unique and sensual" stories. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Kings, features a thrilling combination of dragons, Fae, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children and an assortment of animals in Texas. 

 

Social Media:

Website: https://donnagrant.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/donnagrant1/_created/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-grant

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1141209.Donna_Grant

 

Book Review with Featured Author: When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting

 

 

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, September 21,2021

Setting:  Colorado Springs, Colorado

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 317 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Charming, hilarious, and emotional...When Sparks Fly is Helena Hunting at her very best!

Avery Spark is living her best life. Between her friends, her sisters, and Spark House, the event hotel her family owns, she doesn’t have much time for anything else, especially relationships. She’d rather hang out with her best friend and roommate, Declan McCormick, than deal with the dating scene. But everything changes when she is in a car accident and needs someone to care for her as she heals. 

Declan avoids relationships, giving him a playboy reputation that he lives up to when he puts a one-night stand ahead of a promise he made to Avery. While he may not have been the one driving the car, he feels responsible for Avery’s injuries and is determined to make it up to her by stepping into the role of caretaker. 

Little did they know that the more time they spend in compromising positions, the attraction they’ve been refusing to acknowledge becomes impossible to ignore. When they finally give in to the spark between them, neither is prepared for the consequences. Their love is fragile and all it will take is a blow from the past to shatter it all.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/When-Sparks-Fly-Helena-Hunting-ebook/dp/B08R2M3C73

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-sparks-fly-helena-hunting/1138462061

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/when-sparks-fly-12

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Helena_Hunting_When_Sparks_Fly?id=AQAAAEA8Cg9KIM

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/When-Sparks-Fly-Audiobook/1250821460?qid=1631149036&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=TT9DJGNHSBVSHS0WT33G

 

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56269043-when-sparks-fly

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/when-sparks-fly-by-helena-hunting

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

 

When Sparks Fly is an awesome friends to lovers story with endearing characters and an emotionally charged plot. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Hunting, and while there are lots of humor, for me, the stronger part of this novel is the raw emotions that both characters experience.

 

Avery Spark is the female protagonist, and I quickly warmed to her character. The hurt she has when the hero breaks his promise to attend a planning get together with old college cronies, I could feel her hurt and disappointment. Then when she’s almost killed in a horrific multi-vehicle accident, her fear is visceral. Her embarrassment when Declan helps her manage her personal needs had me blushing for her.

 

Declan McCormick is our hero, and while it appears he’s a man-whore, I soon realized that image is only a very small part of his complicated personality. His fear to allow anyone to know who he really is, tugged at my heart and I understood it is the real reason he only has one-night stands. Deep inside his soul, he knows Avery is the only woman for him, but fear keeps him from letting those emotions come to the forefront. 

 

The romance develops slowly as it normally does in this troupe. Both are so afraid that if they let the attraction move beyond the physical, it could tear their long-standing friendship apart. When it falls apart, the pain both characters have is heart breaking. I thoroughly enjoyed their love story and wanted them to find their happy ending.

 

If you enjoy contemporary romance with plenty of heart and engaging characters, then you’ll love When Sparks Fly as much as I did. I look forward to reading other books by this talented author. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from emotional contemporary romance to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.

 

Social Media:

Website: https://helenahunting.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helena.hunting69/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/helenahunting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenahunting/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/helenahunting/_saved/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/helena-hunting

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7226675.Helena_Hunting

 

Book Review with Featured Author: Devil in Disguise by Lisa Leypas

Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas

 

Publisher & Release: Avon, July 27, 2021

Setting:  1880, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 379 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

New York Times bestseller Lisa Kleypas returns with an enthralling and steamy romance between a Scot with a mysterious past and strong-willed lady looking for adventure—and love. 

“The devil never tries to make people do the wrong thing by scaring them. He does it by tempting them.”

Lady Merritt Sterling, a strong-willed beauty who runs a shipping company, knows London society is dying to catch her in a scandal. So far, she’s been too smart to provide them with one. But then she meets Keir MacRae, a rough-and-rugged Scottish whisky distiller, and all her sensible plans vanish like smoke. They couldn’t be more different, but their attraction is powerful, raw and irresistible.

From the moment Keir MacRae arrives in London, he has two goals. One: don’t fall in love with the dazzling Lady Merritt Sterling. Two: avoid being killed.

So far, neither of those is going well.

Keir doesn’t know why someone wants him dead until fate reveals the secret of his mysterious past. His world is thrown into upheaval, and the only one he trusts is Merritt.

Their passion blazes with an intensity Merritt has never known before, making her long for the one thing she can’t have from Keir MacRae: forever. As danger draws closer, she’ll do whatever it takes to save the man she loves . . . even knowing he might be the devil in disguise.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Devil-Disguise-Lisa-Kleypas-ebook/dp/B08LQ3PBNS

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/devil-in-disguise-lisa-kleypas/1137971654

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/devil-in-disguise-9

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Lisa_Kleypas_Devil_in_Disguise?id=prcEEAAAQBAJ

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Devil-in-Disguise-Audiobook/0063093162?qid=1628452138&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=3DZPWEVKHFVYD2CKPPV0

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51178326-devil-in-disguise?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=WUL7QH3muP&rank=2

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/devil-in-disguise-by-lisa-kleypas

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of Devil in Disguise. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this book. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

 

Devil in Disguise is a well written historical romance with engaging characters and a unique plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page and held my attention to the last. This one is a bit light on the historical aspect, but it didn’t lessen my enjoyment.

 

Lady Merritt is the heroine, and she’s a very determined, strong-minded woman and runs her late husband’s shipping company with a firm hand. I liked her character and enjoyed her interactions with others.

 

Keir MacRae is the hero, and his honor and integrity is impressive. The mystery surrounding who wants him dead pulled me in, but alas it fizzled and didn’t end up nearly as exciting as I had anticipated.

 

Now about the romance. While I believe in love at first sight, this went too fast for me. The instant jump into bed just didn’t work for me. There was no sexual tension build up which is an aspect of historical romance I love. The sexual scenes are too focused on the physical rather than the emotions of the characters.

 

If you enjoy historical romance that have a lot of spice and graphic sexual scenes, then Devil in Disguise may work better for you than it did for me. It may all be on me because my reading preferences have changed over the last eighteen months. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

Lisa Kleypas is the author of a number of historical romance novels that have been published in fourteen languages. In 1985, she was named Miss Massachusetts and competed in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. After graduating from Wellesley College with a political science degree, she published her first novel at age twenty-one. Her books have appeared on the New York Times bestseller lists. Lisa is married and has two children.

 

Social Media:

Website: https://lisakleypas.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaKleypas/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisakleypas/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lisa-kleypas

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27847.Lisa_Kleypas

 

Book Review with Featured Author: Anne Ever After by Lynne Marshall

Anne Ever After by Lynne Marshall

 

 

Publisher & Release: Independently published, February 15, 2021

Setting: Present, Whispering Oaks 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 144 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Sweet Contemporary Romance

The runaway returns...
Love is complicated, at least that was Anne Grady’s conclusion after a high school love triangle went terribly, and unpredictably wrong. Shortly after the tragic events, she left Whispering Oaks and heartbreak behind. Now twelve years later, she returns home to take care of her injured parents, and almost immediately runs into her first love, Jack Lightfoot.

Jack hasn’t forgotten his feelings for Anne, long after dating and losing Anne’s best friend. Now faced with her in his life again, even though only temporary, he can’t deny the spark still shimmering between them. Neither can she, but her job in Portland is waiting and her plan is to leave town a soon as possible.

Now, with love even more complicated, and those tragic memories threatening to pull them apart, Jack refuses to let history repeat itself. He must prove they are meant to be more than high school best buddies who once shared an amazing secret kiss. This time, no matter what it takes, Jack is determined to convince Anne the only place they belong is together. 

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Anne-Ever-After-Return-Whispering-ebook/dp/B08VF6M2J4

Available through Kindle Unlimited

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56929222-anne-ever-after

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/anne-ever-after-return-to-whispering-oaks-book-1-by-lynne-marshall

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the Book Buzz and Net-Galley for the electronic copy  of Anne Ever After by Lynne Marshall. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this heartfelt romance. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating of this book.

 

Anne Ever After is a small-town romance set in Southern California. The pacing pulled me into the story right away and kept my interest until the end. There’s a good bit of emotion in the plot, and the writing flows beautifully.

 

Anne Grady is the heroine, and I enjoyed many aspects of her character, but I did grow frustrated with her because she vacillates concerning her feelings for the hero. She clings to her old hurts and can’t move beyond it.

 

Jack Lightfoot is a great hero. I became vested in his character from the start. He’s a man of integrity and recognizes the hurt he caused Anne and wants her forgiveness. I felt his pain and wanted him to get his girl.

 

The romance between Anne and Jack is electric, and I enjoyed them as a couple. I just wish Anne had realized she was holding onto a hurt way too long and could miss out on the best man for her. 

 

If you enjoy contemporary romance with strong characters and an emotional plot, then you will love Anne Ever After as much as I did. I enjoyed Ms. Marshall’s writing style and will look for other books by her. Happy reading!

 

 

Author Bio:

 

USA Today Bestselling author Lynne Marshall has penned thirty-six books. She writes Medical Romance for Mills & Boon, contemporary romance for Harlequin Special Edition and Tule Publishing and also self-publishes. She is a Southern California native, has been married to a New Englander for a long time. She is a mother of two, an adoring grandmother, a woman of faith, a dog lover, a cat admirer, a meandering walker, a curious traveler, and an optimistic participant on this wild journey called life.

 

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLynneMarshall.page

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnemarshallauthor/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lynne-marshall

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1087597.Lynne_Marshall

 

Book Review: The Arrangement by Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer, Kristin Vayden

The Arrangement by Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer, Kristin Vayden

Publisher & Release: Kensington Books, January 28, 2020

Time and setting:  Regency England

Genre: Regency Romance

Length: 336 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating:   Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A trio of sizzling historical romances that prove passion is timeless . . .
 
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley are completely ill-suited to one another. But they will have to prove it in order to end their mothers’ insistence that they should marry. Yet the more they attempt to demonstrate how wrong their union would be, the more surprisingly, irresistibly right things feel . . .
 
THE DUKE’S TREASURE by Minerva Spencer
Plain, prickly Josephine Loman has loved Beaumont Halliwell, the Fifth Duke of Wroxton, since the first time she saw him. But the most beautiful man she’s ever met had eyes only for Jo’s erstwhile friend, who betrayed Beau’s trust by marrying his brother. Beau hasn’t been home in years, but when his brother dies in an accident, he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down . . .
 
THE INCONVENIENT COUNTESS by Kristin Vayden
As the eldest in a poverty-stricken family of daughters, Miss Diana Katherine Lambson’s only option is a marriage of convenience. Her only prospect is a rogue with a miserable reputation. Her only true desire: freedom. And that is exactly what Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is willing to offer, in return for the respectability their union will give him. He will even provide Diana with a contract. But does she dare entrust her future to a scoundrel? Does she dare not to?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Arrangement-Sylvia-Day-ebook/dp/B07VFB8S1N

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-arrangement-sylvia-day

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48063510-the-arrangement

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review The Arrangement by Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer and Kritin Vayden prior to publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day

This novella offers aspects of a Sylvia Day romance. Hot love scenes, sure to sizzle are definitely a part of this story. For me though, I would have preferred a bit more emphasis on the emotions of the developing romance. This is a short novella, so there isn’t much character development. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable read and is a strong4/5 Gold Crowns.

The Duke’s Treasure by Minerva Spencer

I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between Josephine and Beau. The Duke’s Treasure has an excellent plot and good character development. The writing flows well and the pacing is perfect. The romance, while clearly sexually, the emotional connection between the couple is easily apparent. I will definitely be looking for more from Ms. Spencer. This is a wonder novella and easily earns 5/5 God Crowns!

An Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden

I loved this great story between Diana and Brook. They are perfect for each other, and I wanted the love to grow between them. It does beautifully with plenty of emotions between them the hero’s character arch is amazing for a short novella. I’m glad I had an opportunity to read the love story between Diana and Brook. I will be looking for other books by Ms. Vayden. This heartwarming novella earns 4.5/5 Gold Crowns.

If you enjoy Regency romances with strong characters with interest plots, then you will enjoy this charming collection of stories. I recommend this lovely anthology. Each story is unique in its own way. Happy reading!

Book Review: Collision Point by Lora Leigh

Collision Point by Lora Leigh

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s, February 27, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, Charleston

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

Book Length: Full length

Heat Level: 2 Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

SHE’S NOTHING BUT TROUBLE

Riordan Malone is more than a bodyguard. As an Elite Ops agent, he’s ripped, raged, and ready to rumble—a true warrior, inside and out. But no war zone can compare to the battle in Rory’s heart when he lays eyes on the only woman he’s ever loved—and thought he had lost forever. . .

HE’S EVERYTHING SHE NEEDS

 
As the daughter of a crime lord, Amara Resnova has endured the cruelty of her father’s enemies—and has tried to escape that world ever since. Now, she must reach out to the one man who saved her life, even if she’s never forgiven him for breaking her heart. But Amara is tougher today than she was then. She’s also more desirable to Rory—and dangerous to love. Can he protect her from her father’s enemies without surrendering to his own passions…or will love seal their fate for good?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Collision-Point-Brute-Force-Novel-ebook/dp/B075D7453W

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36187756-collision-point

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I have read by Lora Leigh, and I enjoyed it for the most part. Thanks go to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the chance to read and review in advance of publication. Collision Point is an action-paced romantic suspense novel that walks the edge of erotica.

Ms. Leigh writes fantastic suspense scenes that had me nibbling on my nails, waiting to find out what would happen next. It quickly drew me in, and I had a hard time putting it down. This is a plot-driven story, and for anyone who loves hot, steamy sexual scenes, there are plenty of those.

Regarding the characters, I never truly became vested in either of them. I would have liked more inner thoughts from both of them. The relationship was all about sex with very little emotional connection between the pair, so as a romance this book didn’t work for me. At times, the sexual scenes seemed out of place. I found myself flipping through them to get onto the action. I’m sure other readers may not agree because reading is very subjective.

What did work for me, is the high suspense and the startling surprise at the end when I found out who the villain was. I could feel the heroine’s pain at this realization. If I were to give two ratings for this book, I’d give 5 Gold Crowns for the suspense and 2 for the romance, hence my 3.5 rating.

If you love high suspense with a great “who done it” and lots of sexual scenes, then you will enjoy Collision Point. While the romance didn’t work for me, the suspenseful aspect of this novel kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat and made it a worth-while read. Happy reading!