Review: Weighting for Mr. Right by Patricia W. Fischer

Weighting for Mr. Right

By Patricia W. Fischer

In Weighting #1

The set up
When the time comes for Megan Sayla to say "I do," she said no, abandoning her groom, Travis Carter at the altar. She winds up in a men's bathroom stall at a car wash (don't ask) giving sort of a confessional to a total stranger named Jacob Dante who just happened to be there. She didn't know it right at that moment but Megan had just taken her first step in gaining control of her life.


I wasn't certain if this was going to be a funny or tragic story and in some ways it was a bit of both and a whole lot more. While Megan is very talented (she speaks seven languages and is a nurse), she's overweight and has been for most of her life. Marrying Travis was just another decision in her life being orchestrated by others with her going along because "a girl like her should be grateful." In that moment at the altar she just couldn't see herself settling for something "less" in a marriage. She wanted more.


The issues
Fortunately for Megan, the handsome bathroom stranger and her bridesmaid cousin were there to provide much needed encouragement for her to leverage the momentum, take control of her life and make big changes. Losing weight isn't just about dieting and exercising, it's a complete re-examination of your life and deciding what you want for yourself. Much in Megan's life is designed for her to fail, including many people she's surrounded by that don't want her to win. Her journey of self discovery and reinvention involves some painful decisions she has to make about people she cares about.

 Jacob's relationship with Megan is quite complicated, given that he became fascinated with her from the first moments in that bathroom. He hides his true feelings, knowing that Megan needs time for herself before thinking about becoming involved with someone again. He owns a gym, which she's maneuvered to join, so it's the way they continue to connect. He has no idea that she's been lusting after him since the car wash.


What works
I love Megan's journey and could identify with so many of her experiences. From the enabling friend, Lydia, who enjoys having a partner in her misery eating to the loving family members whose own identities are wrapped up in feeding her to excess (picture the Italian and Danish grandmothers expressing their love), you will no doubt get the sense that you've walked, or maybe even ARE walking, in Megan's workout shoes.


I couldn't help empathizing with Megan's struggles with the realities of making significant life changes. While weight loss presents wonderful new possibilities, it can also bring new challenges as not everyone in your life is committed to your change in perspective. It's often painful to acknowledge that some relationships won't survive and Megan has to make some tough choices.


What was a challenge
There's a lot of dialogue in this story, sometimes reading more like a screenplay, which wasn't the issue.  Keeping up with the many shifts in points of view was.  It wasn't always clear who was talking and sometimes it was third person narrative and sometimes first.  I don't mind the shift but the transitions weren't always clear. It just slowed me down.


The bottom line
This is a wonderful story that's much more than one about weight loss. It's the triumph of a wonderfully talented and caring woman who emerges from the suffocating control of family, friends, career and food. Jacob was worth "weighting" for and his ability to see the real Megan even before her physical transformation made their romance even more special. There were many hilarious moments to balance the more serious. I'm reinvigorated as her experience is a reminder of what I say is most important in my life. It's a great story that I'm glad I got a chance to read and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

Award-winning writer and Texan, Patricia W. Fischer, is an avid San Antonio Spurs and Texas Longhorns fan. After ten years as a critical care and trauma nurse, Patricia traded her stethoscope in for a life behind a keyboard. There she's written articles multiple publications and websites as well as an erotic romance and her first romantic comedy, Weighting for Mr. Right. When she's not writing, she keeps plenty busy with her husband, children, and dogs.

Contact Patricia: Facebook/Website

Review: It Had To Be You by Jill Shalvis

It Had to be You

By Jill Shalvis

Lucky Harbor #7

I'm a big fan of this series and have really liked every story...until this one. I LOVED it!


It's one of those rarities where you have equally strong feelings for both main characters. Ali Winter has had a tough life but through it all, she's held her head up high and believed life would get better, not in a sappy way but more resolute. You couldn't help admiring her spirit. The town loves her.

Luke Hanover is one of the good guys, the person you can count on to do the right thing but underneath that determination is a bag full of guilt about the three times in his life where he fell short (in his own eyes) and he's starting to collapse under it.


How they meet
Ali was living with her dog of a boyfriend, Teddy, the town darling. He was renting Luke's house in Lucky Harbor, decided he was ending the lease (and their relationship) but didn't tell her until after he'd moved out. Luke shows up and finds Ali in all her underwear glory with nowhere to go. They agree she can stay until she finds another place to live.


The issues
Before Ali can begin figuring out a new life plan, money in Teddy's office ($50,000) turns up missing and all fingers point at the scorned ex-girlfriend. Luke's a SF detective who just wanted to come home for three weeks to rest and recover from a really bad case and just doesn't want to get involved.


The romance
Despite what his head wants to do, Luke can no more abandon the delightful and beautiful soul of Ali and repeatedly gives in to his heart. Ali knows the last thing she needs is another man to leave her (in three weeks) but their attraction to each other is pretty powerful. They both see each others' true nature and their chemistry is HOT. I don't think they ever made it to a bed until the end of the story.


The bottom line
Everything about this story just rocks! I laughed, cried, got angry, got caught up in the steamy moments... and through it all I cheered for Ali and Luke individually and for their relationship. The dialogue is just perfect and the characters around these two make the story fun and exciting. Don't worry about this being the 7th book in the series...a new round of main characters begins after every three books so you can start here and then go back (I can't believe I'm saying this). You'll thank me for this. It is my favorite of the series and I've enjoyed all of them.

 

 

 

 



Review: A Taste of You by Sorcha Grace

A Taste of You

By Sorcha Grace

The Epicurean #1

 

 

 

The promotion for this book compares it to Fifty Shades of Gray and Bared to You, which had me reluctant to read it. In fact, I agreed to do so before I knew about the comparison.

While there are certainly some common themes, the story has a very different vibe that sets it apart in my opinion.


Similarities to 50 Shades and Bared
William Lambourne is über wealthy, is somewhat secretive and is gorgeous. That's about it as he's has none of Christian's cruelty or Gideon's stalker-like behaviors. He's pretty normal in most aspects and any over the top behaviors would fit someone in his lifestyle. Catherine Kelly is about the same age of Ana and Eva but has a successful career independent of William's life.


The Set Up
Catherine and William meet when she shows up as the replacement for another injured photographer at a food shoot for a new restaurant scheduled for opening in Chicago. Their connection and attraction is immediate and he seeks her out.  She's fairly new to the city, escaping the heartache of a tragic past in Santa Cruz. She's not sure she's ready to be in a relationship, especially with someone as complicated and puzzling as William.

The Issues
William runs hot and cold, keeping Catherine off balance at a time when it's the last thing she needs. Catherine has a tendency to bail whenever his commitment to her appears questionable. They have an amazing sexual attraction and it gets in the way of their communication.

What Works Well
Both Catherine's best friend, Beckett, and William are amazing cooks and some really

delectable dishes are served up regularly, stimulating your appetite often. I had never heard of an Aga stove and now I want one!!! The difference, though, is William incorporates his epicurean talents into his bedroom (or kitchen floor!) romps and it is erotic!  William has some really creative moves and it was definitely a highlight. Catherine's young and her reactions sometimes are fitting for her level of experience. She's not naive and brings out better behavior from William. You get that he cares deeply for her but can be insensitive to how he comes across. The story is interesting and so is Catherine. She's the one with a complicated past. And, this book has the best, most sexy cover!


What Doesn't Work Quite as Well
Catherine has a really great best friend that is interesting in his own right but is really made to be a sidekick for the story. Beckett certainly could have shown up with more of a life while being the dutiful best friend. He's pretty amazing and the relationship wasn't balanced. Catherine's frequent pronouncements that she and William were over got a little old after awhile.


The Bottom Line
I enjoyed the story, Catherine's interesting backstory and William's talent in combining food and sex.  They've done most of the hard work in creating relationship and the shocker at the end seems to pivot the story in a different (and intriguing) direction. The characters are really likeable and both are on equal footing in the relationship, even though William's used to getting his way but Catherine holds her own capably. I like where the series seems to be heading and am along for the ride.

 

 

 


About the Author

Sorcha Grace is an adventurous eater, beach lover and author of scorching contemporary erotic romance. She is also the nom de plume of a nationally bestselling author who publishes in another romance genre. Visit her website or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

www.sorchagrace.com
www.facebook.com/SorchaGrace
Twitter: @SorchaGrace

Review: Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller

 

 

Big Sky Summer

By Linda Lael Miller

Parable, Montana #4

 

I really like this series and like it a lot. It centers around a few men and women in the town of Parable, Montana who individually landed here through one circumstance or another. Each has had issues from their past resurface to create obstacles for romance in the present. There is one constant, however...some of the most delectable cowboys west of the Mississippi River.


The Set Up
Casey Elders, a red-haired, feisty Country & Western singer recently bought a home in Parable. The plan was to give her children, 14-year old Clare and 13-year old Shane, a place to call home after being on the road touring all their lives. She chose this city because it's where Walker Parrish's ranch is located. He's their father but no one knows that, including her children, and Walker is fed up agreeing to keep a secret he never wanted a part of.


The Issues
How do you explain to your children that the family friend they've adored is really their father? Especially since having a father and a family has always been their dream. Walker and Casey have a turbulent history but the weight is on Casey for creating the obstacles in their romance and the lie. They have no problems whatsoever when they're between the sheets but seem to do nothing but bicker with each other the rest of the time.


What Worked
Casey and Walker's relationship was complex, steamy (never had issues between the sheets) and uneasy. She was all about maintaining her independence and Walker was such the confident cowboy he reduced her to a puddle with just a smile. Their kids were pretty interesting, too, and their differing reactions to the news complicated the story even more. The downside of celebrity is also presented, shining a light on issues that never occurred to me and the impact on their daily lives. The couples from the earlier stories appear here with updates on their situations and, although they really don't have substantive roles to speak of, it added to the enjoyment.


What Didn't Work Quite so Well
Casey frustrated me quite a bit. While her rationale for hiding the children's paternity was logical, it didn't fit the man Walker was defined to be and she was stubborn to a fault. And, his passivity was annoying at times and seemed out of character.


Bottom Line
Loved the story, Casey and Walker as a couple and parents, their children and the conflicts. Everyone involved paid a price for the decisions Casey made and no one gets off easy. When they come together as a family, it's messy, heartwarming and romantic. The bonds between the friends make this series special, along with the Western scene and culture as a foundation. Loving it. I'm ready for Brylee!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: The Newcomer by Robyn Carr

The Newcomer

By Robyn Carr

Thunder Point #2

I hadn't planned to read this for at least another three weeks but I just couldn't wait. My instincts were so right!

The Setup
This isn't a series where each story has one central conflict and one significant romance that wraps neatly at the end of the book. There a quite a few characters whose lives are connected either by familial ties, friendship or through the relationships of their children. Most are single parents or are filling that role and are trying to manage a romance while dealing with adult situations and the challenges faced by their teenaged children.


The Issues
Mac and Gina are trying to find time to be with each other though they still haven't quite clued their children in on the change in their relationship from good friends to lovers, well in love:) Both had their children when they were really young (Gina was 16 and Mac was 20) and are both pretty young. His oldest daughter, Eve, is Gina's daughter, Ashley's best friend. Ashley is going through a major turmoil because of her boyfriend and the issues are scary. Gina hasn't seen or heard from Ashley's father since before she was born and now may need to reach out to him. Mac's ex-wife suddenly shows up following a 10-year absence after having abandoned him with three little children at the time.


More Issues
Cooper, the earlier wanderer, is settling into Thunder Point and has finished renovating the beach bar. He's ready to have a lasting commitment with Sarah, the Coast Guard pilot whose job may create issues not only for them but her 16 year old brother, Landon. He's the high school standout quarterback, getting ready for his senior year and hopefully college scouts with scholarship money. Landon is also deeply involved with his girlfriend, Eve; yes, that's Mac's daughter. Cooper also gets stunning news that may turn his life upside down, as well as Sarah's, who still has commitment issues stemming from her last marriage.


Summary
I think you get the picture. What happens in one relationship has an impact on so many others in large and small ways. There were a lot of young adult issues presented in the story that were portrayed in YA and adult points of view, giving more power to the story. I know these people, care about them and am rooting for a good outcome.

I never found a good stopping point so I kept reading until I fell asleep in the wee hours and resumed when I woke up. As satisfying as the ending was, it was disappointing to have it come to a close. I won't delude myself when the third book is released...I'll plan to read it as soon as I get my hands on it. As much as I love the Virgin River series, the loves and lives of the residents of Thunder Point have captured my heart.

Review: The Baby Bargain by Jennifer Apodaca

The Baby Bargain

By Jennifer Apodaca

Once a Marine #1

  

I downloaded this book a few weeks ago when I was in the mood for a sweet contemporary romance after all the murder mystery and serial killer stories I’d been reading at the time. Well, I shifted out of that mode but still had this book to read and was really pleased to discover that this wasn’t the “cute” story I thought it would be. It has a really strong mystery/suspense element underpinning the romance and there’s quite a bit of conflict.

The Set Up

Megan Young dated Adam Waters in college but they went their separate ways when he wasn’t able to sustain a committed relationship because of some serious emotional trauma from his childhood. She’s now a veterinarian with her own practice in their home town of Raven’s Cove, California. About three years ago, he came home for his parents’ funeral and looked to Megan for comfort but left the next day to join the Marines, telling her he couldn’t do this and didn’t leave any contact information, and she hasn’t heard from him since. He suddenly appears at her office doorstep with an injured stray dog asking for help. Megan’s panicked because he doesn’t know that he left her pregnant and they now have a son. Adam is out of the Marines, now owns his own security firm and has returned to sell his parents’ home.

The Conflicts

I really hate when a woman doesn’t tell a man that he’s a father and can rarely accept an excuse for her doing so. It was a major conflict for me (and Adam!), though Meg had some pretty compelling reasons to explain her actions. They made me more sympathetic to her situation and while I still believed she was wrong in not attempting to find him, I at least understood her perspective. Meanwhile, someone is trying to set her up, putting her practice in jeopardy and the potential of her facing jail time. Having this issue in the background while the two of them struggled to come to terms with their feelings for each other, their baggage and Meg’s secret made for a really interesting and compelling story. It wasn’t tough to figure out the mystery but it still added so much tension to the mix that the book was tough to put down.

The Bottom Line

This was a layered story with the two main characters showing up as courageous, tragic and misguided at the same time. Their physical relationship was the one thing that always worked for them but also worked against them in working through the hard issues. It’s not the sweet story I anticipated (the title really doesn’t do this book justice) and believe me, I was really happy about that. What I got was so much more (4 1/2 stars) and made even sweeter when I discovered this is the first book in a new series. Bring it on.

Review: Tempting Cameron by Karen Erickson

Tempting Cameron

By Karen Erickson

Lone Pine Lake #2

 

 

The Set Up

Chloe Dawson has had a crush on her best friend's brother, Cameron MacKenzie, since she was in junior high school. He's never paid her much attention what with a four-year age difference, and he left home to prove to himself and his family that he could be a success. Cam's a serious brooder so when he returns for his sister's wedding, he finds that Chloe is no longer the irritating young girl who used to moon over him. She's lovely, tempting and still got a thing for him. But, he's not convinced he deserves the town's princess.

The Issues

I thought this was going to be another typical sweet romance and it was anything but. Oh, it has its sweet moments but not before some seriously rough roads. I spent almost half of this book trying to decide if I would ever like Cameron. Yes, I love the "broody" guy but he takes it to a whole new level, at times pretty cruel to his family and Chloe. And, sometimes she appeared to bend too far over backwards in putting up with his bad boy behavior.

The Heart of the Story

It's when Chloe starts getting beneath Cam's prickly veneer that you just start falling for him and understanding Chloe's real strength and charm. What I was seeing as doormat like tendencies turned out to be sensitivity and patience. She knew how to manage getting the best out of Cam and he was able to let his guard down with her, trusting Chloe with his deepest fears and secrets. And, all this in the midst of skeptical friends and family that didn't trust that he'd be in her best interest.

The Bottom Line

In spite of their most intimate moments occurring behind closed doors, the romance was sensual, letting my imagination do the rest. It's really well written and I got my sweet romance with the edginess I typically prefer. Cam's not easy and that made for a more complex and interesting story. I was really glad that I'd misjudged Chloe; she knew her man better than friends, family and apparently me.

 

 

 

 

 

Review: A Risk Worth Taking by Victoria James

A Risk Worth Taking

By Victoria James

Red River #1

Holly Carrington worked hard to finally make a name for herself as an interior designer with one of the top firms in the country. On the day she was promoted, she got that awful phone call, learning that her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident, leaving her as guardian to their six-month old daughter Ella. Holly had arranged to take two months off to help her sister renovate their grandmother’s house in her home town in Red River, not far from Toronto where she currently lives. Now she was left to complete the project but had no plans to keep the property. Plus, she was in no hurry to face Quinn Manning, the man who rejected her ten years ago and was handling the renovation (he runs his family’s building construction company).

This ended up being a bittersweet romance as Holly struggled to deal with the loss of her last relative, learn to take care of an infant and keep her career afloat. She never got over Quinn and he’s ready to pursue a relationship and wants her back in Red River for good. What I loved about the story is that it didn’t fall into the trap of Holly not knowing how to keep all the balls in the air but focused on her emotional turmoil around so much loss. Her fear of commitment made sense as a part of her closed down to protect herself. That included Ella, who she loved dearly but related to her as an aunt instead of what she was destined to be, her mother.

It’s a simple story and one I really enjoyed. Quinn is highly appealing as he is committed to not only Holly but little Ella. There were lots of heartwarming moments as they not only bonded with each other but with this charming little baby.  So, if you’re in the mood for a sweet story set in a small town with a romance that heats up rather nicely (and hotly), try out this book. I’m already looking forward to going back there when Quinn’s brother, Jake, and Holly’s best friend Claire, are center stage.

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Claim Me by J. Kenner

Claim Me By J. Kenner

Contemporary Romance, Erotica

Stark Trilogy #2

I had some serious issues with the first book in this series, Release Me, primarily that it was tough to distinguish it from the Fifty Shades and Crossfire series. And, when I read it, there was no mention that it was part of a trilogy…very frustrating when you reach the end of a book and it doesn’t end. Lastly, the erotic elements of that story weren’t all that inventive.

Because of the incomplete ending, I was committed to giving the series at least one more book for redemption and it was a really good decision. It didn’t take long for the story to start moving down its own path, creating an identity all its own. 

 

It starts where the last story ended, with Nikki continuing her arrangement with Damien, although by this time, the two of them are completely aware of the depth of their emotional connection. As much as Dom Damien makes claim on Nikki, she’s got just as much of a command of him. He’s still not opening up as fully with her as she’s been with him, but Damien makes it absolutely clear about what holds him back and what he’s doing to overcome it. I liked that there was balance in the relationship, both putting themselves at risk.

The storyline wasn’t predictable, meandering down its original path building intrigue and introducing new characters in the mix that begin to explain the enigma called Damien. Not everyone who’s supposedly close to these two is necessarily committed to their well being, which kept me engaged. I loved that I wasn’t certain where the clues would lead and the climax was startling but made sense, as much as it can without more details. The ending left me in a really good place and I’m excited to get to the final chapter.

Oh, and if the sexual encounters in the first story felt ho-hum or redundant, Kenner turned the heat up and created an inferno in this one. I will NEVER be able to look at or think of chocolate fondue the same way again. Damien didn’t lack creativity here and it was….you’re just going to have to read it for yourself.

Bravo for a really good turnaround in this series! I liked the story, the developing Damien, the bright, intelligent and interesting Nikki and loved their intimate moments that challenged my imagination. It’s worth the time. You won’t be bored and, if you’re like me, you just might learn something.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review)

Review of Long Simmering Spring by Elisabeth Barrett

 

 

 

Long Simmering Spring

By Elisabeth Barrett

Star Harbor #3

 

 

 

The Set Up
It's back to Star Harbor and this time the über sexy Sheriff Cole Grayson is front and center with the town's young doctor, Julie Kensington. He's working to overcome his boyhood reputation and she's trying to loosen up and have a life beyond her work. There's never been any question about their attraction to each other.

The Issues
Cole was in the Army with the Special Operations Forces and returned suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Intense emotions, including his feelings for Julie, trigger the disorder and he stopped his treatments with his psychologist. There is also a situation going on in town that puts Julie in serious jeopardy, which creates more stress to Cole.

The Romance
I loved Cole and Julie's relationship. She was initially wary of getting involved with Cole because of their history when they were teenagers but quickly got past that. There was none of that ridiculous and tiresome resistance and these two focused on developing a mature and lovely romance that slowly made its way to something pretty hot (steam meter hits the highest points at times). It doesn't hurt that both of them are extremely appealing either.

What I Loved
Cole and Julie's romance progressed at a perfect pitch. Their feelings for each other developed at the right pace and when it got physical, I experienced the honesty of it. Even when Cole's PTSD emerged and made him a bit more Alpha male than what was acceptable, Julie's sensitivity was authentic and her reactions realistic. Also, the tension around the threats to Julie's safety added an good edge to the story. And, I continue to love the town and it's residents, including the appearances of the characters I fell for from the earlier books.

What Didn't Work So Well
I liked everything about this story but sometimes there was a level of detail that seemed unnecessary, not adding anything to the plot, scene or characters. It didn't bog the story down but it was something I noticed.

Bottom Line
The romance works! Cole and Julie are really appealing and their issues are woven in nicely to a perfectly developed relationship. The realities of PTSD was enlightening and presented meaningfully. The suspense was subtle but gave some spice to the story. This may be my most favorite of the series to date, ousting Lexie and Sebastian from the top spot, and that's a big deal.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review)