December 7, 2022 - Staff Reviews

The Heat Is On

By Jill Shalvis

Release Date: June 25, 2013

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/1239335

4 Stars - This fun little beach read had surprising intensity! Bella and Jacob both had major commitment phobia but were adorable together. When Bella's dates come under attack, Jacob's determined to get to the culprit before he gets to them. 

Shalvis has a cute message at the beginning of this about having fun writing for HQ Blaze series. I think the level of fun she had showed with this one. This isn't an angsty read though there's plenty of drama. Jacob's a great hero, especially fun to see with Bella and his brothers. Bella was a bit more difficult to understand. She's baker and traveler, not one for settling down. Her list of real friends is small so it makes her instant connection with Jacob extra sweet. Both of these two do a lot verbal pushing away while pulling each other closer. It got to be a bit much here and there.

I find it interesting how many times in romances, the woman is the one with one foot out the door. Girls can be reluctant to give up their freedom too, and not just in regards to dating. More like, they don't always want to buy a house, pets, and give up traveling. It's always refreshing. The side characters were cool but not particularly funny or memorable except for Jacob's brothers. Now, for the mystery. This is not a whodunit on the level of Agatha Christie of course. But I admit I didn't know who the bad guy was until he revealed himself. There was quite a series of suspenseful moments in this one, making it easy to not put it down. I wouldn't say there were any fabulous action sequences or explosive scenes. But there was just enough intrigue to keep this one exciting. This would be a perfect paperback for romance readers to grab for a weekend trip or rainy day on the couch.

(NS)

September 2, 2022 - Staff Reviews

One Summer Weekend

By Shannon Stacey

Release Date:

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4826038

3.5 Stars - A surprisingly in depth romance for the short length. If you're looking for an easy weekend read with plenty of sun, sand, and some sparking relationship drama, look no further. Noah and Carly have been besties since childhood. They start to realize the depth of their connection over a wedding trip. Somewhat unoriginal sure but it definitely works! These two were great together.

Shannon Stacey is a usually overlooked romance author on par with Carly Phillips and Lori Foster. She's got a fun and flirty style with a steamy scene or two thrown in now and then. Noah and Carly in this little story are so easy to get to know and like. Most of the time, novellas fail to capture personality in characters in full. Not so here. Noah's a bit clueless, inventing a fake girlfriend to a boss he's unusually close to. But he's talking about his best friend: mild-mannered book store owner Carly. She indulges his little lie until they both just indulge too much in general.

Noah and Carly have a really cute backstory and loads of childhood and young adult tales. They've been through everything together, and you can't help but root for them. It seems wild that they wouldn't see what was right in front of them all this time, but it just seems to prove that falling in love doesn't have to be about the physical side of a relationship. Of course, once things get steamy between them, they both have some crazy notions and silly doubts. The couple is always the last to see what everyone else knows. But they manage to pull it off in a believable way. Most of their hang ups are in regard to Noah's commitment aversion and Carly's desire for the family dream. Once they figure it out, it's the most adorable little epilouge scene. This novella covers so much ground in short amount of time and pages. Easy to recommend for any romance fan or the passing summer reader.

(NS)