December 13, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Out of the Blue

By BJ Daniels

Release Date: January 1, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6367634

3 Stars - For being a short read, there sure was a lot going on in Buckhorn, Montana. Daniels' long running series moves right along here. This time bartender Davey is the hero. Who will steal this big heart of his? There's a little suspense as well, worth the quick read.

I'm not really a follower of this series, but this was a great short story. I think that fans of the Buckhorn romances probably find plenty to like in this, or perhaps it's just not enough. Daniels really fills the pages! Davey's a bit naive but he's a good guy so it'd be hard not to want the best for him. He's considerate and hardworking. Melissa and Tanya are both sort of vying for his attention, in VERY different ways. Mel is a darling and they've got a great friends-to-lovers storyline. But Tanya was more sympathetic than I expected too.

I liked that Tanya was shady but it was actually kind of hard to hate her. I could see why Davey was blinded by her. Although, he's definitely not my usual favorite type of hero. I wanted him to wake up and see what was right in front of him. Melissa could have stepped up a little too but she was shy and quiet also. There were fun supporting characters as well like the comical Ralph and Wilbur, bar patrons and amateur thief trackers. Plus, we had a sufficiently grim background villian too. The steam levels were low, perfect for romance readers who prefer a little less heat and more sweet. I couldn't believe this little story was packed with romantic tension, multiple POV, dialouge, plus some mystery as well. There was a little frustration and suspension of disbelief needed from the main characters. But overall, this exceeded my expectations. I don't want to spoil the ending, but it's also sufficiently wrapped up too. I don't think anyone would have to read this series to enjoy killing a little time one afternoon. It might even get one hooked!

(NS)

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)

November 29, 2022 - Staff Reviews

The Bedroom Experiment

By Kendall Ryan

Release Date: Feburary 11, 2020

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4966608

3 Stars - This novella was entertaining but not as much fun as it could have been. Morgan and Isla make a cute couple and they're really just getting started. This quick and mostly dirty little read makes a nice addition for fans of these lovable hockey players but is also basically a standalone.

This is a short story that's heavy on the steamy scenes and light on substance. Kendall Ryan has a way with characters and this story is no exception. Morgan and Isla's little fling feels like the tip of an iceberg. I do wish we'd gotten Isla's point of view as well. Morgan's got a bad boy vibe but he's a good guy at heart. Isla's a bit of a mystery cause she's part girl next door and part siren.

We get a few mentions and some love from Morgan's teammates, but otherwise this could have been a completely separate story. It's not obvious where the idea came to tie this in here. Although, it could have made for a great little Christmas novella. I'm not sure these two's back and forth would have filled a whole novel. Their only conflict is that as teenagers, they became step siblings. No creepy vibes though because they never lived together or anything. But I wasn't really a fan of the ending. I wasn't sure what the purpose was to spending a year completely apart and then deciding to be together. There was no indication either one of them really pined away for the other. Why didn't they just stay together after hooking up the first time? I think a few more pages or chapters would have rounded these two out more and the story would have felt more complete.

(NS)

November 23, 2022 - Staff Reviews

A Tryst by the Sea

By Grace Burrowes

Release Date: March 1, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/7115106

3 Stars - The short novel was a bit more intense than the usual historical novella. Burrowes surprised me with the sobfest potential in this little rekindled romance tale.  Gill and Penelope are struggling to find themselves and figure out their future as they revisit their past on a lovely seaside trip.

Grace Burrowes was new to me so if she's inclined to such heart wrenching work, I was unaware. This definitely is not in the company of light and flirty historical romances but it has its own appeal. The mini saga of this long married couple was a moving drama. Gill and Penelope are still in love with each other but neither seems to realize it's mutual. There has been so much heartache in their pasts that it seems impossible to overcome. But once they face old struggles and really get to know each other again, it's all sweetness.

This one was a basis of miscommunication that's hard for me to abide. Many will say these two were young, kept apart by circumstances beyond their control. How could they know each other? But the excuses for ten years of distance and partial misery felt flimsy. Maybe this is a romance best suited to readers finding themselves at crossroads or looking back. Penelope is lovely and lonely and ready to move on. She's young but feels older than her years. Gill's been devoted to her in his heart and mind but not great at showing it. They've held themselves apart for fear of additional heartache. Facing what they've lost and learning to be brave for the chance at resuming their relationship is something they manage to do though. Gill stands his ground with his family, and Penelope figures out how to forge ahead with hope rather than resignation. It's basically a short version of a tragic little love story that shows it's never too late for a happy ending.

(NS)

November 8, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

Hook, Line, and Sinker

By Tessa Bailey

Release Date: March 1, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6303596

3 Stars - This long love story from newly minted rom-com queen Tessa Bailey has so many cute factors. Hannah and Fox have super chemistry but also make a perfect quirky couple for a light read. This book really would have been great at half the length, I think. But music lovers, small town tv show watchers, and friends-to-lovers fans will find so much to like.

Tessa's more intense romances from back in the day were solid four-star reads for me. Now the whole romantic comedy tidal wave sweeping the romance novel nation wipes me out. Fox and Hannah are instantly likable and easy to root for as a pair. But after awhile their almost respective insecurities weigh down the story. Hannah's not content to be a supporting actress in life and she's trying to squeak out of her comfort zone. Fox finds his world upside when faced with a roommate he has romantic feelings for. Gotta feel for them both.

I'm not a fan of the story being told in texts and song lyrics. I need dialouge and showing not telling. But it's a cute way to be modern and heartfelt so that's fine for many readers so I'm in the minority. The whole classic music but throw in some Lana Del Ray thing went over my head. I have simple music tastes but I'm sure headphone wearers everywhere will eat all that up. The book has a very fun Gilmore Girls vibe. Plus there's plenty more Brendan and Piper for fans of the first book. I found that one somewhat forgettable so this can be a standalone. Bailey wastes little time turning up the heat on these two. And I was oddly into all the side drama with Sergei. I was a bit exhausted at the halfway point though and discouraged when these two had made little progress on themselves and the pursuit of a meaningful relationship. Still, there's lots of fun to be had here in Westport! Tessa's very unique style is sure to charm as always.

(NS)

November 4, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

Take a Chance with Me

By Kristen Proby

Release Date: January 25, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6436009

3 Stars - Another likable entry set in Proby's Seattle universe. I was really looking forward to Cam and Maggie's story, and it fell just a bit shy of expectations. Maggie's fiery personality is central here as she battles her past. Cam's a strong, supportive shoulder that she needs to lean on.

There was so much build up to Maggie's story in her branch of the Seattle families. And I was ready to devour her and Cam's book. Proby oddly didn't work any suspense and only a little steam into this one. She chose instead to highlight Maggie's struggles since getting out of an abusive marriage, and her lifelong friendship with Cam that becomes more. Cam's more patient with her than I could have probably been to be honest. But these two did have a lot of chemistry and a beautiful relationship with her family.

I felt like this one just wasn't as tightly plotted and had some tropes I generally don't enjoy. Cam is Maggie's much older brother's best friend, and while I was buying Maggie's crush on him, I couldn't see Cam's side as much. Maggie's almost too indecisive and capricious. I can understand her reluctance to change and commitment but frankly, her life was shaped by her own bad choices so. There's a really weird aspect of the plot involving money left behind by her husband. Cam's got secrets that are left really, really vague. I feel like Proby should have doubled down somewhere to up the excitement levels a little. Either they have a secret passionate affair or end up in danger from one of Maggie's beau's lifestyle choices. This one was definitely entertaining though, slightly saucy but mostly sweet. Just felt like a bit was left on the table.

(NS)

October 25, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Wild Temptation

By Mari Carr

Release Date: September 7, 2019

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4961095

4 Stars - This little romance was equal parts sweet and steamy and a fun surprise. May was independent and determined but learned to let her soft side show. Lochlan was a bit of a jerk but once he found May's real side, he really stepped it up for her. Very easy read and enjoyed it more than expected.

Mari Carr had fallen off my radar and admittedly some of her books are a bit too 50 Shades for my usual taste. I dropped into the middle of this series but felt like I could easily follow along with the family history. I loved May because she was so strong while still being sweet. All too often in fiction, these girls have a cold streak a mile wide. Lochlan maybe felt a tad over the top but really few ladies wouldn't love his take charge side. It's not just in the boardroom and the bedroom. He's really supportive of May even when she pushes him away in an effort to protect her heart.

There was so much more to this one than the blurb. May has two adorable nieces and a mother she's taking care of and she wears the weight of her little world on her shoulders. Enter Lochlan and he shows her how to ask for help and let go, literally. I won't lie. There's a lot of cliches in here like insta-love and virgin heroines and alpha male posturing. But the first half where Lochlan was stepping in with May's family and welcoming them into his own really had me. Things really steamed up for the second half, probably moreso than most sensitive readers could skip over. But there's a good chance they could skim over the sexy times and like the story overall just fine. Carr's racier set-ups that are mentioned off handedly here as tying in with the big family didn't appeal to me. But I'll definitely read a few more from this series.

(NS)

October 20, 2022 - Staff Reviews

The Recovery Agent

By Janet Evanovich

Release Date: March 22, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/5808615

3 Stars - Evanovich is still trying to find her footing in this new treasure hunt series. Gabriella Rose has a whole new backstory and set of skills that set her apart from her other quirky, comedic heroines. I loved the Recovery Agent idea. Those looking to mix it up their reading lists with a jungle adventure will have a lot of fun. But I think it's going to take a few more books for her to reach Plum levels of fortune and glory.

I've read all of Evanovich's Plum and Fox + O'Hare novels, plus some of the standalone romances. And the Indiana Jones films are my absolute favorites. So you can imagine my excitement. Gabriella has all of the trademark heroine boxes checked plus she gets to have actual skills! She's got the crazy family, small town childhood sweetheart complicated history, and an affinity for finding trouble. Rafer Jones is her ex-husband who has his own curious set of talents and a major soft spot for his ex. We actually get a little POV from him too! But I felt like I never really got into either of their heads for more than a minute or two.

Disclaimer: honestly, I'll read just about any treasure hunt tale set in a tropical, mysterious atmosphere. But I think that was the problem. I've read too many adventure tales to be impressed with this plot. Evanovich relies mostly on humor, characters, and an easy read quality not plots. But she falters here. She made an odd choice in not going first person POV and left a lot on the table. It seems liked she short changed Rose and counterparts in development. Some of the dialouge and jokes were really cringey. While the sidekicks and villians are equal parts funny and menacing, no one actually feels dangerous. Which makes for great light reading but lets down a swashing buckling style adventure just a little. And I found this really difficult to read at times. The depictions of settings and the treasure details had my head spinning. Like why are they searching for a Peruvian treasure on an island by Costa Rica? Are they after the Seal of Solomon or a ring or is it the same thing? We're in the ruins or a cave... Her terse and quick descriptions don't apply as well to exotic locations as they do to small town Jersey. I'm not sure where she'll take Gabriella Rose next after throwing so much into this one but we'll see. It was still quick and light and hopefully this improves with age like her other series.

(NS)

October 5, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Riggs

By Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6790880

3 Stars - Another solid series entry, but this book takes awhile to pick up steam (in more ways than one). Riggs and Veronica aren't the most instantly likable characters, which seems to make them a surprisingly good match. The storyline relies heavily though on Riggs' teenage sister Janelle, who is sweet but a bit much. Overall, readers who stick with it will find this worth the read, and it leads to a crazy spinoff start to the next hockey saga.

Bennett's crisp way with words and plotting isn't on its best display here. The story drags for about the first third or so because Janelle's presence linking the two leads is only so interesting. Once everyone's pasts start to come to light and the sparks start to fly, it's a much better story. Riggs is gruff and antisocial but he has a soft spot for his little sister and later Veronica and his team. Veronica seems a bit too jaded and misdirected at first, but she grew on me just like she did on Riggs. 

I love this author's ability to really weave in a bit of suspense even when that doesn't seem like it's going to be part of story. We get a bit of adrenaline pump at about the fourth quarter point. Everything really picked up once Riggs and Veronica shared some page time without Janelle. Some of the steamy scenes were enough to make you blush, but there's not an abundance of them in the second half. Riggs and Veronica slowly get to know each other and help Janelle find her footing. Janelle was an odd case. There's a lot of emphasis that's she almost eighteen, very independent, and well adjusted. So it felt very forced that she would be copping such an attitude and need someone to stay with her. There's a lot of fun with returning characters too, and a really wild lead in to the characters we'll see in the next spin-off series.

(NS)

September 28, 2022 - Staff Review

 

You Don't Own Me

By Mary Higgins Clark & Alafair Burke

Release Date: November 6, 2018

Audiobook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/wvreads-wvlc/content/media/3830013

3 Stars - Another suspenseful tale from this talented writing duo. Laurie was easy to like though, a widow whose a smart investigator and single mom. On the flip side, we had Kendra who was much more of a mystery of course. Is she or is she not a victim? 

I hadn't been reading this series but Laurie's character makes this a formidable standalone. My biggest issue here was a lot of repeated information. This wasn't quite a quick, sharp story. Laurie's got a fascinating backstory, willing to stand her ground and tossing a few quips. Laurie's fiancee and family were fun too. Kendra was harder to like, seeming nearly impossibly naive. But she's definitely relatable for any woman who has struggled with the balance of marriage, children, and a career.

So, Clark's trademark on and off screen villians were great here. And Burke seems to contribute a modern touch to the writing. This felt very true to Clark's old form and format, moving her very 90s heroines into today's world with emojis and such. For me, the story dragged in places though. Alex was a very intriguing character who wasn't well used in the beginning. A former defense attorney turning judge could be a book itself. Also, the "stalker" element wasn't used to its potential. The full explanation of the term Gaslighting was a perfect example of a useless and boring info dump. If you haven't seen the movie, you still know the term. And if the book had actually started out and hit a fast-pace, moments like that wouldn't have come off so dull. Suspension of disbelief I think is required involving Kendra as well. Is she clueless? Is she lying to us and herself? I suppose it all added to the mystery. This was a quick though slightly less intense story better suited to casual reading than high thrills.

(NS)

September 22, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

Shielding Sierra

By Susan Stoker

Release Date: January 4, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6004102

2 Stars - Not bad but underwhelming ending to Stoker's later Delta series. Sierra and Fred are likable on their own and make for a sweet couple. The pacing is off in this one though and a bit too repetitive of previous stories for those following this big and bad team. But if heart-wrenching, slow-burn romances are a favorite, this one might suit you just fine.

Some of Stoker's best writing skills and assets are on display here. Her ability to show everyday women overcoming obstacles and surviving harrowing experiences is front and center. Her touch with sentimental scenes and quickly forging a strong bond between the couple with friendship is showcased too. But Sierra is almost too perfect. She's small but mighty. If anything, she's a bit distant and whiny. But who could blame her after so much time in captivity? Fred aka Grover is an excellent hero as well. Willing to put himself in danger for her or his friends without a second thought. 

I had to agree with a few reviews I read myself that the timeframe of captivity was too long. Sierra's been held for a full year and is still basically healthy. Why not make it 3 months? It would have been equally traumatic but more realistic. I suppose this was to show Grover's dedication to her but that aspect flopped. Also Stoker has sort of started incorporating her politics into her romances. I can't say that I approve. I love political thrillers but that's not what these books are so leave out the messaging. The first quarter of the book where Sierra and Grover are respectively rescued is hard to put down. But in terms of plotting, this was sort of like putting the cart before the horse. There's a lot of awkwardness after that, which isn't uncommon in Stoker's romances. Sometimes she uses it wisely but here it was just uncomfortable. Why wouldn't these two just go ahead and start up a relationship? Either way, these two are cute enough together to keep the story plodding along. Lots of shoutouts to all the other Stoker stories as well. Readers may either want to test the waters here or skip this one.

(NS)

September 8, 2022 - Staff Reviews

The Secret

By Kristen Proby

Release Date: March 22, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/7772541

3 Stars - Proby's new series started off with a bang here. She wastes no time sending the sparks flying between Olivia and Vaughn. There's a lot of connecting points between the old and new series. But this couple manages to steal the spotlight even in this famous family.

So I've read many of Kristen Proby's novels, as evidenced by the reviews on the blog, and even I was a bit confused at the start of this book. I felt like I must have been missing something and struggled a bit to remember which kids belonged to which adults. Still, I was very excited to see the next set of Seattle family members getting their happily ever afters. The whole struggle with Luke and Olivia and Vaughn felt a tad contrived. The secrecy didn't really seem possible but then again this is basically Hollywood/movie star romance. They can both be a more overdramatic but they're both loyal and dedicated to their jobs and families.

Proby certainly brings her trademark sparkle and Seattle setting to life here. The steam levels might be a bit high for anyone looking for a more serious story. Most of the conflict is just trumped up for struggle value. And there is a lot of Montgomery family revisits in the second half, but they are mostly well woven into the story. Unfortunately, the hints at Josie's and Stella's upcoming stories didn't strike my interest so those might get skipped. Seeing Luke and Natalie's relationship with Olivia was a lot of fun and felt like a long time coming. It's been so long since the first Seattle story! Vaughn turned out to be a lot like Luke, which was a cool surprise. Although other than some fun dates, there wasn't much for this couple to do. There's no suspense, no ex-drama, no single parent strife. So, if you're looking for a light and easily entertaining romance, look no further. However, if you want something to really sink your teeth into, save this for a mindless reading day.

(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)

August 19, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

Just One Spark

By Carly Phillips

Release Date: January 18, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6063886

3 Stars - Rockstar Dash Kingston has found the love of his life in the latest Kingston family story. The romance between him Cassidy is already started by the first chapter, and it quickly heats up. But these two have some committment issues to face before they can live happily ever after.

Phillips' fun and bubbly atmosphere is perfectly intact here with a slew of returning characters. Her slightly sentimental style and sweet couples are back as well. This one just really suffered from some pacing issues I believe. Dash is overcoming his rocky past of course, and Cassidy has pretty much already stolen his heart. His emotions and doubt feel very genuiene in his pursuit of her. He's clever too, basically tricking her into a relationship. Cassidy wasn't especially memorable but she was kind and cautious.

This one sort of felt like putting the cart before the horse, if you will pardon a metaphor. Cassidy and Dash's most exciting night, a hook up where they both felt the big spark, after a brush with a psycho stalker, happens off page in another novel. After the intensity of Xander's story, this one is a bit mellow and ho-hum in comparison. Dash and Cassidy enter a pseudo relationship for positive press for the band, and she acts as their assistant. But they make it clear very quickly how real this is. Both of them sort of hold back on thr actual love part, which seems weird and a bit forced. This was still a fun and fast read with a medium level of steamy scenes along the way. The author definitely teased us though with the youngest and final Kingston sibling book though! So, I'll be back for more like always. As will probably most fans of the series. This can be read as a standalone but I wouldn't start here.

(NS)