Genre: Contemporary Romance

#BookReview A Wedding in Cornwall by Laura Briggs @PaperDollWrites

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview A Wedding in Cornwall by Laura Briggs @PaperDollWrites Title: A Wedding in Cornwall

Author: Laura Briggs

Series: A Wedding in Cornwall #1

Published by: Laura Briggs on Aug. 11, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 138

Format: eBook

Source: Laura Briggs

Book Rating: 8/10

It’s the career move of a lifetime, and Julianne can’t believe it’s hers: a position as an event planner at a country house in Cornwall, England, beginning with the wedding of a celebrity! If her old firm’s senior planner back in the States hadn’t fallen suddenly sick with the chicken pox, Julianne would never have found herself chosen for a life in one of England’s most beautiful coastal counties, surrounded by rugged shores, quaint cottages, elegant gardens and a house to die for. 

But life in Cornwall isn’t exactly as Julianne imagined it. Her first bride-to-be is a resentful, petted snob, the groom is immature and bored, and the Cornish staff of Cliffs House has a difficult time believing that an event planner from a mid-level position can handle a wedding this big. And then there’s a personal matter — the handsome, sometimes charming, sometimes standoffish gardener Matthew Rose. He and Julianne have a strangely complicated relationship somewhere between friendship and attraction. But with a secret in his past, and a scheming bridesmaid plotting to have Matthew all to herself, will Julianne find a way to untangle her feelings and the problems of planning a perfect Cornish wedding?

Review:

This is a lighthearted, warm, delightful novella that reminds us that not everyone’s prince charming needs to be regal.

The story takes place on the majestic cliffs of the Cornwall countryside and is truly a love letter to the rugged landscape, delicious food, and beautiful flora found there.

The writing is remarkably descriptive. The plot is well-developed, with a good mix of drama and romantic tension. And the characters are intriguing, likeable, and incredibly charming.

Overall this is an adorable, quick, easy read that is perfect for the beach or a sunny afternoon.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to Laura Briggs, the author, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Laura Briggs

Laura Briggs is the bestselling author of multiple lighthearted romance books, including the Amazon UK Top 100's LATE TO THE WEDDING and the popular A WEDDING IN CORNWALL series. Since her debut with Pelican Book Group's inspirational novella ONLY IN NOVELS, she has worked both with publishers and as an independent author, as well as partnering with others writers, including working under a pen name in other genres. She loves vintage fashion, classic movies, British melodrama, and spending time with her pets.

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#BookReview For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne Title: For Better or Worse

Author: Lauren Layne

Series: The Wedding Belles #2

Published by: Pocket Books on Aug. 30, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 368

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Pocket Books, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Will a budding wedding planner and her bad boy neighbor stop banging heads and start hearing wedding bells in the sexy second novel in USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren Layne’s irresistible new series that marries Sex and the City with The Wedding Planner?

When small-town girl Heather Fowler finally gets promoted from assistant to actual wedding planner, she’s determined to make it as one of Manhattan’s elite Wedding Belles. Unfortunately, her first client demands an opulent black-tie affair at the Plaza…in five months’ time. Heather’s days quickly become a flurry of cake tastings, dress-fittings, RSVP cards, and bridal tantrums. But what she’s really losing sleep over is the live music blaring from her playboy neighbor’s apartment all night.

Five years ago, Josh Tanner was an up-and-comer on Wall Street, complete with the penthouse and the migraines. But a grim cancer diagnosis made him realize there is more to life than the corner office. If only he could convince his pretty, workaholic neighbor to let loose, too. As Heather lets down her guard, Josh is surprised when he starts falling for the sweet, vulnerable woman hiding beneath those power suits. Soon, it’s Heather’s turn to convince Josh to take the biggest risk of all: love.

Review:

Wonderfully entertaining, heartwarming, and incredibly sexy!

This is a classic contemporary romance story full of appealing characters, catchy dialogue, and swoon-worthy chemistry!

The plot is engaging, funny, and romantic.  The writing is smooth and fluid. And the characters are sincere, lovable, and unforgettably charming.

This is the second novel in the “Wedding Belles” series, and I can honestly say I enjoyed it as much, if not more than the first one. It is a perfect, lighthearted, sexy read, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, To Love and to Cherish, due out later this fall.

If you haven’t already checked out my review for “To Have and to Hold” (Wedding Belles #1) check it out HERE.

This book is due to be published on August 30, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Pocket Books, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Lauren Layne

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

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#BookReview The Honey Trap by Mary Jayne Baker @MaryJayneBaker

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview The Honey Trap by Mary Jayne Baker @MaryJayneBaker Title: The Honey Trap

Author: Mary Jayne Baker

Published by: HarperImpulse on Aug. 19, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 340

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HarperImpulse, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

The trap is set – but which one of them is the bait?

Journalist Angel Blackthorne is looking for her next big scoop. When her sleazy editor asks her to use her charms on super successful – and married – film director Sebastian Wilchester for a juicy exposé, Angel thinks what the hell? There’s a staff job on the horizon, and, let’s be honest, no one can make a cheater cheat if they don’t want to, right?

After the scandal breaks, Angel tries to put the story – and Seb – behind her, but fate seems to have other ideas. A near miss at a premiere after-party and a shared love of vintage film brings the honey closer to the trap.

But what happens when pretence leads to passion, and a ‘kiss and tell’ becomes something real?

Review:

Wicked characterization, highly entertaining, and extremely funny!

This is a humorous contemporary romance story with exceptionally intriguing characters, including a glamorous movie star, a handsome, secretive producer, a sexist editor, and a compassionate, eager journalist.

The writing is precise. The plot is interesting, clever and incredibly engaging. And the storyline is the perfect mix of heartbreaking drama, witty dialogue, delicious scandals, and romantic liaisons.

This truly is an intelligent, amusing story that will have you smiling and laughing-out-loud in no time.

 

This story is due to be published on August 19, 2016.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to HarperImpulse, especially Mary Jayne Baker, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Mary Jayne Baker

Mary Jayne Baker grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.

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#BookReview For 100 Days by Lara Adrian @lara_adrian

categories: #20BooksofSummer, 8/10, Contemporary Romance, Erotica
#BookReview For 100 Days by Lara Adrian @lara_adrian Title: For 100 Days

Author: Lara Adrian

Series: 100 Series #1

Published by: Lara Adrian, LLC on May 24, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Erotica

Pages: 375

Format: eBook

Source: Purchased

Book Rating: 8/10

Pleasure has a price . . .

Just when everything in my life is falling apart, I find a chance to turn it around–to step into someone else’s glittering world, if only for a little while. I become someone new, no longer the woman defined by an ugly past, but a woman freer and bolder than myself. A woman who isn’t afraid to explore every passion, even at its darkest, with a mysterious and seductive man who believes my mask is real.

Handsome and commanding, enigmatic and irresistible, billionaire Dominic Baine is an obsession I cannot afford and should not risk. He ushers me into consuming new pleasures and addicting new desires, until the line between my real life and the fantasy one I’ve stolen with him begins to blur.

I know I cannot keep my truth from him. I know my past will not stay buried forever. But before I can make it right, everything comes crashing down. I have deceived this powerful, dangerous man . . . and now there is a price to be paid.

Review:

Sinful, sexy, and devilishly naughty!

This is a highly erotic story that combines a gorgeous, scarred, billionaire titan with a beautiful, damaged, struggling artist in a plot filled with dangerous secrets, haunting pasts, explosive chemistry, and steamy passion.

The writing is well done. And the characters are complex, flawed, and intriguing.

This is only the first book in the series though, so unfortunately we will now have to wait for the next two books in the series, For 100 Nights and For 100 Reasons, to discover how the drama between Nick and Avery will ultimately unfold.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

About Lara Adrian

LARA ADRIAN is a New York Times and #1 internationally best-selling author with nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide and translations licensed to more than 20 countries. Her books have been named among Amazon’s Top Ten Romances of the Year, and have also been nominated by readers multiple times as finalists for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance of the Year. Reviewers have called Lara’s books “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune), “extraordinary” (Fresh Fiction), “strikingly original” (Booklist), and “one of the best vampire series on the market” (Romantic Times).

Writing as TINA ST. JOHN, her historical romances have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice; Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice; Booksellers Best; and many others. She was twice named a Finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, for Best Historical Romance (White Lion’s Lady) and Best Paranormal Romance (Heart of the Hunter). More recently, the German translation of Heart of the Hunter debuted on Der Spiegel bestseller list.

With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, the author lives with her husband in New England, where she is working on her next novel.

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#BookReview Breakfast Under a Cornish Sun by Samantha Tonge @SamTongeWriter

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Breakfast Under a Cornish Sun by Samantha Tonge @SamTongeWriter Title: Breakfast Under a Cornish Sun

Author: Samantha Tonge

Published by: Carina on Jul. 28, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 313

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina UK, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

DREAMING OF THE PERFECT MAN?

Kate Golightly needs to move forward and what better way to do that then with a trip to the Cornish coast with best friend and boss, Izzy.

The sea wind is just what Kate needs to finally relax and begin to let go of her past. Except she’s suddenly got one big reason to panic! She RSVP’d ‘yes’ to the Queen Bee of her high school’s wedding saying she’s bringing her boyfriend (she doesn’t have one) who looks just like Ross Poldark!

With only two weeks to find the Poldark look-alike of her dreams Kate is under a lot of pressure for the Cornish coast to deliver…

A hilarious and moving romantic novel from bestselling author, Samantha Tonge. A must-read this summer! 

Review:

Sweet, charming, and heartwarming!

This story sweeps you away on a seaside holiday, complete with sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, scrumptious food, and handsome men.

The characters are amusing, funny, and intriguing. The writing is well done. And the plot is a wonderful mixture of earnest soul-searching, suspicious mishaps, and of course a little romance! 

This is a lovely, lighthearted, easy read that is a perfect choice for summer!

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Carina UK, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Samantha Tonge

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK and her passion, second to spending time with her husband and children, is writing. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.
In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins and in 2014, her bestselling debut novel, Doubting Abbey, was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction best Ebook award. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category.

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#BookReview Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler

categories: #20BooksofSummer, 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler Title: Vinegar Girl

Author: Anne Tyler

Published by: Hogarth on Jun. 21, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 237

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Book Rating: 8/10

The third book in the Hogarth Shakespeare series, a major global initiative the Guardian calls “The great rewriting project of the 21st century” 
Shakespeare’s controversial comedy “The Taming of the Shrew” sees wilful, independent Katherina transformed into a willing, obedient wife to Petruchio. It is one of Shakespeare’s most re-visited plays, with adaptations including “Kiss Me Kate,” and “10 Things I Hate About You.” 
Anne Tyler’s delightful “Vinegar Girl” features Kate, a socially awkward young woman, adored by the preschool children she teaches but misunderstood by her peers. Her father is a scientific genius, but not so great on emotions. About to lose his (equally genius, equally socially inept) research assistant, Pyotr Cherbakov, because of visa problems, and desperate to save the project that is his life’s work, he comes up with a plan: Kate will marry Pyotr who will then be able to stay in the country and finish the project. The plan sounds perfect, except for one small hitch: Kate.”

Review:

This is an interesting, humorous take on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

It is a quick, easy read full of dry wit, eccentric characters, and oddball situations.

The main character, Kate, is lovable, direct, and asocial. And the supporting characters are unique, zany, and vivid.

I think, overall, Anne Tyler has done a really good job at taking a true classic, and re-telling it in a fresh, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny way, with beautiful writing and remarkable description.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

#BookReview You Had Me at Hello by Mhairi McFarlane @MhairiMcF

categories: #20BooksofSummer, 7.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview You Had Me at Hello by Mhairi McFarlane @MhairiMcF Title: You Had Me At Hello

Author: Mhairi McFarlane

Published by: Avon on Dec. 6, 2012

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 436

Format: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Book Rating: 7.5/10

What happens when the one that got away comes back?

Rachel and Ben. Ben and Rachel. It was them against the world. Until it all fell apart.

It’s been a decade since they last spoke, but when Rachel bumps into Ben one rainy day, the years melt away.

From the moment they met they’d been a gang of two; partners in crime and the best of friends. But life has moved on. Ben is married. Rachel is definitely not. In fact, the men in her life make her want to take holy orders…

Yet in that split second, Rachel feels the old friendship return. And along with it, the broken heart she’s never been able to mend.

If you love David Nicholls and Lisa Jewell then this is the book for you. Hilarious, heartbreaking and everything in between, you’ll be hooked from their first ‘hello’.

Review:

This is a heartwarming, charming, funny story about friendship, love, and life.

For me what resonated throughout this novel is that timing is everything.

The main character, Rachel, is determined, conscientious, and likeable. And the supporting characters are imperfect, quirky, and interesting. 

And although the plot seems to drag slightly during the middle, it has enough heartbreak, romance, and entertaining dialogue to keep you intrigued until the last page.

Overall, this is an engaging, easy read that I enjoyed.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

For more information on Mhairi McFarlane, visit her website at: http://www.mhairimcfarlane.com

or follow her on Twitter at: @MhairiMcF

 

#BookReview May the Best Man Win by Mira Lyn Kelly @MiraLynKelly

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview May the Best Man Win by Mira Lyn Kelly @MiraLynKelly Title: May the Best Man Win

Author: Mira Lyn Kelly

Series: The Wedding Date #1

Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca on Aug. 2, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 352

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Sourcebooks Casablanca, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Four friends
Each a Best Man at a wedding
One chance to get it right

Jase Foster can’t believe his bad luck. He’s been paired with the she-devil herself for his best friend’s wedding: Emily Klein of the miles-long legs and killer smile. She may be sin in a bridesmaid dress, but there’s no way he’s falling for her again.

They can barely stand each other, but given how many of their friends are getting married, they’ll just have to play nice-at least when they’re in company. Once they’re alone, more than just gloves come off as Jase and Emily discover their chemistry is combustible, and there may be something to this enemies to lovers thing after all…

Review:

Sweet, dramatic, and compelling!

This is a lighthearted story about friendship, relationships, family, and love.

The characters are witty, stubborn and sexy. The writing is precise and clear. And the plot is full of tension, emotion, sizzling chemistry, and cheeky dialogue.

This is a lovely, enjoyable read that is perfect for anyone who loves contemporary romance.

 

This novel is due to be published on August 2, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

For more information on Mira Lyn Kelly, visit her website at: http://www.miralynkelly.com

or follow her on Twitter at: @MiraLynKelly

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Sourcebooks Casablanca, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Always My Girl by Samantha Chase @SamanthaChase3

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Always My Girl by Samantha Chase @SamanthaChase3 Title: Always My Girl

Author: Samantha Chase

Series: The Shaughnessy Brothers #3

Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca on Jul. 5, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 334

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Sourcebooks Casablanca, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Book #3 in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase’s dazzling new series.
The Shaughnessy Brother you’ve been waiting for!

Sometimes the love that’s closest to you is the hardest to see.

Quinn Shaughnessy’s two older brothers have found their true loves … but Quinn’s not about to join that parade. Nope, as he tells his best friend Anna, there’s a lot more to life than getting tied down to one person. He’s positive tomboy Anna will be on his side – except she’s inexplicably developing other interests – even dating! Suddenly Quinn is seeing Anna in a very different light.

Quinn has been Anna’s buddy since they were both five years old. She can tell him anything – except the one big secret she’s been hiding for years – that she’s fallen in love with him. Now Anna is determined to make a life for herself that doesn’t include pining for Quinn. Falling in love with your best friend? Easy. Telling them how you really feel? Impossible.

Review:

This is a nice, sweet, engaging contemporary romance novel.

It is a story about family, friendship, self-identity, and true love.

The characters are easygoing, charming, and lovable. The prose is precise and clear. And the story has enough drama, heartache, romance, and the classic best friends-to-more plot to keep it moving nicely.

It is a warm, lighthearted, easy read that is perfect for a sunny afternoon.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

For more information on Samantha Chase, visit her website at: chasing-romance.com

or follow her on Twitter at: @SamanthaChase3

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Sourcebooks Casablanca, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Playing By Her Rules by Amy Andrews @AmyAndrewsbooks @entangledpub

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Playing By Her Rules by Amy Andrews @AmyAndrewsbooks @entangledpub Title: Playing By Her Rules

Author: Amy Andrews

Series: Sydney Smoke Rugby #1

Published by: Entangled: Brazen on Jul. 11, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 229

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Entangled Publishing, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

In this grudge match, the first to score… 

When style columnist Matilda Kent accidentally lets slip that she was once involved with the captain of the Sydney Smoke rugby team, she suddenly finds herself elevated to the position she’s always wanted – feature writer. The catch? She’s stuck doing a six-part series on her ex. Still, there’s no way she can turn down a promotion…or the chance to dish the dirt on the guy who so callously broke her heart.

…could win it all!

Tanner Stone wants to be involved in a feature series about as much as he wants to snap an Achilles. But the thought of seeing Tilly again is a bonus—and has him more worked up than he wants to admit. Only he’s not prepared for how different she is – all cool and professional. His Tilly is still in there, though…and he still wants her, now more than ever. All he has to do is charm her into giving him a rematch. And this time, winner takes all!

Review:

Blazingly hot and wonderfully sassy!

This is the perfect blend of heart, humour, and sex.

It is a scrumptious story that combines a ruggedly handsome, charming rugby player with a beautiful, intelligent, wary journalist, complete with a plot filled with racy innuendos, sizzling tension, incredible chemistry, and brilliantly witty dialogue.

This is the perfect summer read and a true guilty pleasure. And I can guarantee you that the next book in the Sydney Smoke Series will definitely have a prime spot in “my to read” pile once it’s released.

If you haven’t read any thing by Amy Andrews before, be sure to check out her website here for other great titles.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

                                            

 

 

 

Thank you to Entangled Publishing, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Amy Andrews

Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written sixty plus contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets.

Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.

She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!

She lives on acreage with a gorgeous mountain view but secretly wishes the ocean was lapping the back fence.

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