Jen's Blog

Spring has sprung, and it's going to be a little harder to read for the next two months, until long summer days come back anyway!  I read two books in the last few weeks, both from Edelweiss, so thanks Edelweiss for the review copies!  Since I didn't give full reviews, I will just do a quick review for both and say I enjoyed them both. I enjoyed My One True Highlander by Suzanne Enoch quite a lot!  It was a fun, sexy story and as we all know I love any book set in Scotland, but it wasn't all that original.  I don't know why, but highlander's often kidnap their brides, although this time the kidnapping was indirect because it was done by Graeme's brothers.  Even though it wasn't super original, I thought the two characters were great together and had an instant chemistry.  I especially loved Marojorie's relationship with the youngest brother, who was so sweet you can't help but love him.  I am looking forward to another in the series!  4/5 star...

Who doesn't love Sophie Kinsella?  Well, I am sure some people are not a fan, but I know she is loved far and wide.  Sophie writes a fun, fast paced story that catches your interest right away and keeps you reading!  Her style of writing is so engaging I often find myself looking up at the clock and wondering how time has gone so fast! My (not so) Perfect Life wasn't any different.  It was light, fun, easy to read, entertaining and hilarious.  There was a little bit of romance as well...it hit all the right notes for me. Katie is the main character, she has always wanted to live in London and have a fabulous life and job.  The reality is that London is expensive and her job isn't that great, but she is optimistic and portrays her life the way she sees it ending up to everyone around her, and her Instagram followers. When Katie is fired from her dream job she is forced to move home and reevaluate her life a little.  She is not about to give up h...

Another day...another cowboy book. Carolyn Brown's new series Lucky Cowboys starts off with Talk Cowboy to Me .  This one was good enough I will be looking for book number two.  I don't see an entry for book number 2 on Goodreads yet, so I put Carolyn Brown on my author's to watch list. This book features two mismatched families who are clearly destined to become one big family.  There are not many surprises in romance novels so the reader know almost from the beginning what is going to happen.  (Honestly, that's one of the reasons I love the romance genre so much!)  The journey the characters take to get there is a somewhat unique one however. This one features Adele O'Donnell and her two lovely daughters.  They move onto the Double Deuce Ranch after Adele's divorce and after her ex-husband takes away the ranch she had been living on with her girls. Then there is Remington Luckadeau, who is well known for his lady friends and bachelor lifestyle. ...

Holding on Tighter is another book I read in February and just now am reviewing! Any fan of Erotic Romance knows the name Shayla Black.  This is the 12th book in her Wicked Lovers series, and it's a good solid addition. The main characters include Jolie Quinn, who is a woman in charge.  She has big goals and knows what she needs to do to get them accomplished.  Heath Powell is recovering from personal tragedy and wants to stay clear of any attachment.  However Jolie and her company become a target and she suddenly needs to rely on someone else to help protect the things she loves. The sparks between the two characters are evident, but they both are fighting not only their desires but also their true feelings. Watching them sort that out is a lot of sexy fun!  One of the best parts was catching up with past characters of the other books, seeing the big extended family these people have created was truly special. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced readers ...

Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy of this one.  I read it in January but am a little behind on my blogging. I love a good cowboy story, but this one was just OK.   Wild Horse Springs is the fifth in the Ransom Canyon series...but it certainly isn't my favorite of the bunch. This story features sheriff Dan Brigman and Brandi Malone.  Brandi is a singer who is running from a loss...she travels from town to town preforming on the stage and trying to forget her past.  When danger strikes Brandi ends up running to Dan instead of running away like she usually does. The story also features Lauren Brigman, Dan's daughter, who has come home after her job in Dallas doesn't pan out.  Lauren has to decide if home is where her heart is or if she is going to travel back out into the world and try and forge a new life.  There are some really solid parts to this story, but it did fall a little flat for me.  It look me a long time to get into it...

Thanks NetGalley for the Advanced Reading Copy of this one!  I read it back in January, but am a little behind on my blogging. Spring has been busy this year! This book made me feel all the feels!  It features two sisters Ainsley and Kate, and although it's a romance it could also be called women's fiction because it heavily features the relationship between the two sisters who have never been close.  However, some pretty big life events bring the two sisters together, closer than ever. Kate, who found her husband later in life, tragically loses him at the beginning of the book.  Readers follow her story of getting over the loss of her whirlwind romance and marriage, and then navigate a surprise that she never saw coming.  Watching Kate rebuild her life was addicting, and I had trouble putting the book down. Ainsley's romance is completely the opposite of whirlwind.  She has been waiting for 11 years for her boyfriend to propose.  Instead of pr...

Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy of this one! Anyone who has checked out my blog so far will notice I have featured Scottish themed romance novels often, and I admit I have a weak spot for them.  I just can't help it, men in kilts, what can I say?  After reading the first book in the series, Wild Wicked Scot , I couldn't wait to read the second book. I wasn't disappointed when I picked up Sinful Scottish Laird.   Although it took me a little longer to fall into this story, when I did I couldn't put it down. Julia London writes a wonderful story that makes any reader (me included) feel like part of the story.  This story features Lady Chatwick, Daisy, and her young son.  They set out to journey to Scotland to escape the many suitors who are after her Daisy's inheritance.  Daisy has to marry within three years of her husband's death or all is lost, and all of England know it. While waiting for the man she thought she would like to marr...

I liked this one, but it wasn't my favorite.  I gave it a 3/5 stars on Goodreads.  Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy. The Trouble with Duke s is the first in a series, and like I mentioned I did like it.  I love series so I will defiantly read the second one.  This book features lovely Megan Windham and the gruff Hamish MacHugh, a brand new Duke. Megan has found herself in a courtship with a vile man and she doesn't know how to get out of it.  Instead of confiding in one of the many protective Windham men she turns to Hamish.  Despite his desire to distance himself from Megan he finds himself drawn to her sunny personality and a love match is born.  Together they find a way out of trouble and end up together. All of my favorite components of a good romance story are present in the book, and I did like the characters.  It's hard for me to put my finger on why I didn't like this book as much as some others, but I think it has a...

I didn't realize when I read this one that it was a re-issue.  It was first published as  The Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off .  It's also the second book in the series and I hadn't read the first when I found this one.  I enjoyed it enough I will go back and re-read the first two in the series. The only thing I would say about the book that I didn't like, was on occasion it got very wordy.  Overall it was a delightful and fun story. Carlene Lovell is recovering from her husband's shocking affair, with a women she sold some of her expensive lingerie too!  Waiting in the wings is sexy sheriff Jack Landry. This story offers a lot more than just romance though, its really about friendship.  Carlene and her friends and family decide to enter the chili cook-off to get back at Carlene's soon to be ex, and the rest of the men in town.  It's a story about survival and friendship, and these friends have a whole lot of fun!  I love stories like this that in...

I had to give this one a few starts before I was able to finish it.  I didn't love this one...and I was disappointed because Mary Balogh is one of my favorite authors.  To me the writing and the voice of the characters was stiff and formal.  I didn't feel like the characters were speaking, I felt like a narrator was speaking.  All of the characters had the same "voice" and I found myself not investing in the characters. The story line wasn't all that original, which doesn't usually matter to me if the characters have a personality.  I just wasn't feeling it for this one.  The main character Anna was orphaned at birth but it turns out she is actually a lady.  She has to adjust to her new life, with the help of the Duke of Netherby and they fall in love in the process.  There is a lot of potential here and I will give the second in the series a read. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.  3/5 stars on Goodreads.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!  Miracle on 5 th Avenue by Sarah Morgan is a delightful conclusion of the From Manhattan with Love series.  The third installment of the series features Eva, who is recovering from the loss of her grandmother.  Her new client in this book is sexy crime writer Lucas Blade.  She is sent to decorate his empty apartment for Christmas by his grandmother.  Lucas hates the holidays, having lost his wife in an accident a few years ago.  He is also going through major writers block.  He is surprised by Eva’s appearance in his life and doesn’t want her in his life or his apartment.  Forced to spend a few days with her due to a snowstorm he quickly realizes that he cannot write without her!  The chemistry between Lucas and Eva is very strong, and their witty banter is entertaining.  Sarah Morgan tells a good story and I was sucked in on the first page.  Watching Eva try to convince ...

What a busy month!  I feel like I have hardly had time to read at all! However, I did finish The Danger of Desire by Sabrina Jeffries, the latest in her Sinful Suitors Series and I wasn't disappointed! Miss Delia Trevor is trying to solve the mystery of her brother's death in this book.  He was cheated at cards and lost everything, so Delia disguises herself as a young man gambling his way across London. In her investigating she meets Warren, the Marquess of Knightford. He instantly recognizes her as the young lady he had met earlier. She intrigues him and he decides to figure out her secrets while keeping his own. Ultimately the two discover each others secrets and there is a happily ever after but they have to learn to trust each other and themselves before they get there! Rated 4/5 on Goodreads, thanks Netgalley for the sneak peek of this one!  This one was a satisfying read (although it started out a bit slowly) and had everything I love in a regency romance...

Lauren Layne is a new author for me and I loved this third installment in the series.  I am currently going back to read the first two books.   This installment focuses on the Wedding Belles owner Alexis.  Alexis has always thought her business was the most important part of her life and enough to make her happy.  However, after eight years her business partner Logan starts to make her wonder of that's true.  Although she loves the Wedding Belles it turns out it might be more than her business that she loves.   I loved watching this story unfold and can't wait to go back and read the other stories. This one was light and funny and very moving. So much fun and I recommend it!   5/5 stars on Goodreads  Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy!  

Nine Women, One Dress is Jane Rosen’s debut novel and it is a lot of fun!  The book is light, fun and interesting.  Rosen’s writing is quick and witty and keeps your attention from the first page.  You won’t want to put this one down.  The dress in question is being sold at Bloomingdale’s and is the last dress that a famous pattern maker designs.  It quickly becomes the dress of the season and everyone must have it.  There are nine women who wear the dress in question in this story and they all are in a different point in their lives.  After coming in contact with their dress something in their live changes in a big way, and Rosen does a great job of weaving the characters in the story together.  It’s really well done.  4/5 on Goodreads, put this on your to read list!  

I am always searching for new authors, and always super happy when I find one!  Diary of an Accidental Wallflower by Jennifer McQuiston is the first one in her Seduction Diaries series.  This book featured a fresh twist on an old idea, and that is always refreshing.  Miss Clare Westmore is searching for a titled husband suited to her station in life when she injures herself and meets Dr. Daniel Merial.  Although the spark between the pair flairs instantly there are many obstacles that the pair need to overcome, including the mystery behind Clare’s past.  Although we have all read the story of the poor governess who marries into money, this story is sort of the opposite and I feel, very well done.  Thankfully the characters figure out early in the story that they want to be together and they figure out a way to make it happen.  I will look forward to the second story in the series.     Rated 4/5 stars on Goodreads

I have enjoyed Tara Sue Me's Submissive Series for the most part, and The Exposure was a solid addition. This one features Megan and Luke who after a brief and intense meeting in the past have parted ways.  When they team up for a new project sparks between them fly.  However, Megan is hiding a big secret and Luke feels betrayed when he finds out.  The couple needs to decide if they can get over the past and work towards a future. Although they ultimately solve their problems and have their happily ever after their story feels forced and a little rushed.  So many stories have this same plot, a big secret and betrayal and then forgiveness.  Tara Sue Me's specialty is her spicy love scenes and this one is no exception.  I personally like having a little bit more of a story to go along with the sex.  I did get to catch up with other characters in the series and that was good.  Overall, a solid read and I look forward to the next book.   Th...

RaeAnne is still a pretty new author for me, but I have read all of the books in this series now.  I love the town of Haven Point, and I love the characters who live in that town.  Who wouldn't want to live in a town where everyone is friendly, supportive and helpful. This story features Andrea Montgomery who moved to Haven Point after losing her husband and being abused by his former partner.  Haven Point becomes a place of healing for her and her two children.  The children are adorable and you want to hug them everytime you read about them! Also in this story is Sheriff Marshall Bailey, who is overcoming some hardships himself after losing both his brother and his father on the job.  Andi and Marshall start to heal together and ultimately let their hearts lead the way instead of their fears. Thanks to Edelweiss for the Advanced Readers Copy!  4/5 stars on Goodreads.

I have not been posting a lot!  The back to school season has been rough with updating schedules, sporting and school events, working full time and adding a dog to our family!  I have been reading and listening to books though!  Here are a few I loved the last few weeks! Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis: I finally got around to reading the first in the new Heartbreaker Bay series!  I read and reviewed the second one recently.  Click  HERE  for that post!  This one was just as fun as the first one.  I loved Pru and Finn's story.  I am really looking forward to the next ones in this series. Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbinson: I liked this one a lot more than the last one I read by her.  This story featured former best friends who have known each other since high school, Allie and Oliva.  Also, in the mix was their friend Noah who found himself in the middle of the two when they had a falling out.  Relationships ne...

Jill Shalvis is spot on with her new Heartbreaker Bay series...I haven't been disappointed yet! The Trouble with Mistletoe is the second in the series after Sweet Little Lie s.  This story features pet shop owner Willa Davis and the very sexy contractor/developer Keane Winters.  Willa knew Keane in high school, but it turns out he doesn't remember her.  Luckily for everyone Keane is now a very nice man, and the sparks between the two fly almost from the first page.  When you throw in an adorable kitchen, a cast of colorful characters and the magic Jill Shalvis creates with her writing and this one is a winner! Highly recommended! Rated 4/5 on Goodreads and recommended to Libraryreads. Thanks to Edelweiss for the advanced reader's copy...I enjoyed this one!

The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay  by Kelly Harms was a delightful and fun book!  I really enjoyed the story and the characters.  I also loved that the book was set in Wisconsin, somewhere up north.  Being a Wisconsin girl born and raised it's so much fun to read about your home state.  I also enjoyed Lily and her portrayal of a cold Wisconsin winter. Lily, a struggling artist, comes to Minnow Bay to confront a husband she didn't know she had during a time of personal upheaval in her life.  Ben, the husband in question, didn't know about her and was not really receptive to her arrival.  Although I liked Ben at the end of the book I wasn't sure that I did in the beginning.  He was warm and then cold and a little bit wishy washy. This story was really about Lily and her quest to find her true path in life, and I highly recommend it! 4/5 stars on Goodread