Source: Montlake Romance

#BookReview Chick Magnet by Emma Barry @AuthorEmmaBarry @KayePublicity @KayePublicity @AmazonPub #ChickMagnet #EmmaBarry #Montlake #KayePublicity

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Chick Magnet by Emma Barry @AuthorEmmaBarry @KayePublicity @KayePublicity @AmazonPub #ChickMagnet #EmmaBarry #Montlake #KayePublicity Title: Chick Magnet

Author: Emma Barry

Published by: Montlake Romance on Jan. 24, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 302

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Kaye Publicity, Montlake Romance

Book Rating: 8.5/10

From Emma Barry comes a clever romance about a hot veterinarian and a chicken-loving influencer who can’t help but ruffle each other’s feathers.

Nicole Jones needs a fresh start. “Chick Nic” to millions of internet fans, the social media star and her flock of chickens bask in the spotlight—until she’s publicly dumped by a YouTuber for clout. She has no choice but to round up her birds and move on.

But when one of her hens has an emergency, Nic gets her first taste of her new stomping grounds—and it isn’t good. Veterinarian Will Lund is wildly attractive, yes, but he’s also surly. In fact, he comes right out and calls her a menace for parading her chickens on social media.

As neighbors, Nic and Will can’t exactly avoid each other. Then again, maybe they don’t want to. The two can’t deny their smoldering attraction, and it isn’t long before late-night confessions lead to backyard shenanigans.

Is this the start of a neighborly relationship—or could something more be hatching?

Review:

Engaging, heartfelt, and fun!

Chick Magnet is a spirited, heartwarming, enemies-to-lovers romance that features the successful influencer Nicole who, after having her heart shattered live on YouTube, is hoping that a move to her late grandmother’s hometown of Yagerstown will be the perfect place for her and her famous chickens to settle down and create a new life, and the grumpy, passionate veterinarian Will who’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep the doors of his practice open after the closures and restrictions of COVID have left him all but financially ruined.

The prose is amusing and light. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are quirky, supportive, and kind. And the plot is a fun-loving, flirty blend of tricky situations, tender moments, humorous mishaps, self-discovery, friendship, family, kindness, depression, support, happiness, romance, and a flock of chickens with large personalities.

Overall, Chick Magnet is a charming, humourous, enjoyable treat by Barry that is a delight to read and ultimately reminds us that true love is always worth the fight.

 

This book is available now.

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

        

 

 

Thank you to Kaye Publicity & Amazon Publishing for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Emma Barry

Emma Barry is a teacher, novelist, recovering academic, and former political staffer. She lives with her high school sweetheart and a menagerie of pets and children in Virginia, and she occasionally finds time to read and write.

Photo courtesy of Author's Website.

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#BookReview All The Lies We Tell by Megan Hart @Megan_Hart

categories: 6.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
#BookReview All The Lies We Tell by Megan Hart @Megan_Hart Title: All the Lies We Tell

Author: Megan Hart

Series: Quarry Road #1

Published by: Montlake Romance on May 1, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

Pages: 303

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 6.5/10

Everyone knew Alicia Harrison’s marriage to Ilya Stern wouldn’t last. They’d grown up on a remote stretch of Quarry Street, where there were two houses, two sets of siblings, and eventually, a tangled mess of betrayal, longing, and loss. Tragedy catapulted Allie and Ilya together, but divorce—even as neighbors—has been relatively uncomplicated.

Then Ilya’s brother, Nikolai, comes home for their grandmother’s last days. He’s the guy who teased and fought with Allie, infuriated her, then fled town without a good-bye. Now Niko makes her feel something else entirely—a rush of connection and pure desire that she’s been trying to quench since one secret kiss years ago. Niko’s not sticking around. She’s not going to leave. And after all that’s happened between their families, this can’t be anything more than brief pleasure and a bad idea.

But the lies we tell ourselves can’t compete with the truths our hearts refuse to let go…

Review:

Intense, poignant and full of angst!

This is a dark, married-the-wrong-brother romance that highlights how tragedy affects us all differently; sometimes we cling to each other and sometimes we runaway.

The prose is fluid and smooth. The characters are troubled, complex but not entirely endearing. And the plot, which is ultimately about guilt, love, life, loss, heartbreak, yearning, sexual tension, friendship and family does have some of the sexy and steamy we’ve come to expect in Hart’s novels but at the same time seemed to have just a little too much going on for me.

I have to admit that this wasn’t one of my favourite novels by Hart but her exceptional ability to write stories about unconventional relationships and to push people to understand and accept that there is no one norm will always make me a huge fan.

If you haven’t already had a chance to read my review for one of her previous novels “Beg For It” be sure to check it out HERE!

 

This book is due to be published on May 1, 2017.

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

             

 

 

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

 

About Megan Hart

Megan Hart has written in almost every genre of romantic fiction, including historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, futuristic, fantasy and perhaps most notably, erotic. She also writes non-erotic fantasy and science fiction, as well as continuing to occasionally dabble in horror.

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#BookReview Filthy Rich by Raine Miller @Raine_Miller

categories: 6.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Erotica
#BookReview Filthy Rich by Raine Miller @Raine_Miller Title: Filthy Rich

Author: Raine Miller

Series: Blackstone Dynasty #1

Published by: Montlake Romance on Nov. 15, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Erotica

Pages: 304

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 6.5/10

Billionaire Caleb Blackstone lives in the glamorous world of wealth and success, with every material luxury. But the moment he sees Brooke Casterley, none of that matters. Caleb is filled with a raw, undeniable need that he can’t ignore…for a girl who is so completely different from everything and everyone he’s ever known.

Only Brooke isn’t looking for love. She knows all too well just how much damage the wrong guy can do. Still, what sane, broke British girl can resist the charms of an incredibly sexy, chivalrous billionaire? What starts as flirtation quickly turns into all-consuming passion. Nothing could have prepared her for the searing heat of Caleb’s touch—or just how much she craves him.

Their whirlwind romance is the stuff of high-society fantasy—but for every moment of pleasure, there is a cost. Past mistakes and tragedy shadow them both…and falling for him might be the kind of trouble she can’t afford.

Review:

Erotic, steamy, and full of drama!

This story is told from two perspectives; Brooke, a young woman trying to move onward and upward after suffering some severe mental and physical hardships; and Caleb, a rich, handsome billionaire who has never fallen in love.

The story, for me, started off really well. The plot was interesting and intriguing, and the characterization and budding drama had me completely engrossed and captivated. However, by the second half of the story I was a little less engaged. The plot seemed to become a little flat, and the repetitive dialogue/narration caused the flow to be slightly disjointed.

I have to admit that I was really looking forward to reading this novel, as I really enjoyed reading “The Blackstone Affair” series in the past, and although I didn’t love this as much, I think fans of Raine Miller will still enjoy this first book in “The Blackstone Dynasty” series.

 

This book is due to be published on November 15, 2016. 

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

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

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

 

About Raine Miller

Raine Miller is a New York Times – USA Today – Wall Street Journal bestselling author who likes to write romantic stories pretty much every chance she gets. She has a handsome husband, two amazing sons, and two very bouncy Italian greyhounds to keep her busy the rest of the time. Her boys know she likes to write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any. Thank God!

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#BookReview Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee @catherinebybee

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee @catherinebybee Title: Not Quite Perfect

Author: Catherine Bybee

Series: Not Quite #5

Published by: Montlake Romance on Sep. 20, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 330

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee delivers the fifth heartwarming, flirty novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series.

Mary Kildare knows how to read people. It’s both why she makes a great therapist and why she refuses to trust the average bachelor. Staying fiercely independent has been her primary relationship strategy—until wealthy playboy pilot (and commitmentphobe) Glen Fairchild reappears in her life. After a yearlong teasing tug-of-war, Mary and Glen test the waters of attraction, only to find that their physical chemistry runs deeper than flirtation.

At first, a bicoastal romance suits them both—especially since Glen can swoop in and whisk Mary away on one of his company’s planes. But no matter how close they get, they’re still three thousand miles apart. And when Mary’s life is threatened, Glen realizes the one luxury he doesn’t have is time. Can he close the distance between them before it’s too late?

Review:

Sexy, sassy, and surprisingly suspenseful!

This is a satisfying contemporary romance story that has the right amount of everything; great characters, witty dialogue, steamy chemistry, and a touch of danger.

The writing is well done. The characters are charming, intelligent and likeable; complete with a charismatic playboy, and a reluctant therapist. And the plot has all the elements we love about rom coms, as well as a few extra twists that give it that little bit more.

This really is an engaging, easy read that is thoroughly enjoyable, and I highly recommend it.

This book is due to be published on September 20, 2016. 

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

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Chapters/Indigo

 

 

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

 

About Catherine Bybee

Catherine Bybee is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-five books that have collectively sold more than three million copies and have been translated into twelve languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite series, the Weekday Brides series, and the Most Likely To series.

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#BookReview Now That It’s You by Tawna Fenske @tawnafenske

categories: 7.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Now That It’s You by Tawna Fenske @tawnafenske Title: Now That It's You

Author: Tawna Fenske

Published by: Montlake Romance on Sep. 6, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 314

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 7.5/10

Talented chef Meg Delaney hasn’t spoken to her cheating ex-fiancé, Matt Midland, for two years. Ditching him at the altar after blurting out “I can’t” instead of “I do” would sour any relationship. But now, just as Meg is finally ready to bury the hatchet, she learns closure is permanently off the menu. And the kicker? Matt’s brother, Kyle, is back in her life, stirring up feelings that are equal parts guilt and lust.

Meg was the best thing that never happened to Kyle. He couldn’t make a move on his brother’s girlfriend—even if Matt didn’t value her nearly enough. The situation is even more complicated now that Meg’s bestselling aphrodisiac cookbook has spawned a legal battle with the Midlands. Maybe he should stay away. But love, like family, plays by its own rules. And the one woman he shouldn’t want might be the only one who’s perfect for him.

Review:

Sweet, melancholic, and engaging!

This is an empathetic contemporary romance story that encompasses familial dynamics, love, loss, grief, guilt, and delicious food.

The writing is good. The characters are charming, troubled, and likeable. And although it gets a little bogged down with the constant focus on the unscrupulous behaviour and character of Matt, the rest of the plot flows nicely and is filled with a good mix of heartbreaking drama, character dialogue, and romantic liaisons.

Overall, this is a light, amusing, easy novel that is an enjoyable read.

 

This story is due to be published on September 6, 2016.

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 Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Tawna Fenske

When Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA-nominated, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”

Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, stepkids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year.

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#BookReview Breath of Malice by Karen Fenech @karenfenech

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Romantic Suspense
#BookReview Breath of Malice by Karen Fenech @karenfenech Title: Breath of Malice

Author: Karen Fenech

Series: Malice #1

Published by: Montlake Romance on Jun. 14, 2016

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Pages: 228

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

FBI special agent Paige Carson hoped she’d be able to start a new life in small-town South Carolina. But when a senator’s sister is murdered and a blank postcard is left next to the body, Paige realizes that a killer from her past has found her—and is sending her a very personal message.

From the moment he hired her, FBI special agent in charge Sam McKade knew Paige was hiding something. Prompted by this recent threat, she finally opens up: one year ago, she caught the eye of suspected serial killer Todd Thames. Now he’s come back to pull her into his game, whether she wants to play or not.

As the danger increases, Paige and Sam give in to their growing attraction, and he vows to protect her no matter the cost. But the murderer will stop at nothing to get to his intended prey, and the strong arm of the law—and the shelter of her new love—may not be enough to save her.

Review:

Suspenseful, highly entertaining, and disturbingly creepy!

This story takes us on a hunt for a serial killer, a highly intelligent serial killer, with a fascination for medieval torture, and an obsession for a specific FBI agent.

The characterization is well done. The main character, Paige, is tenacious, brave, and likeable, and her counterpart, Sam, is strong, relentless, and handsome. The plot builds and flows nicely from start to finish. And the storyline is interesting, action-packed, and a little steamy.

This is a really easy, exciting, enjoyable read that would be perfect for fans of Karen Robards or Mary Burton.

 

This book is due to be published on June 14, 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 Karen Fenech, visit her website at: karenfenech.com

or follow her on Twitter at: @karenfenech

 

 

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

#BookReview Wrong Place, Right Time by Elle Casey

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
#BookReview Wrong Place, Right Time by Elle Casey Title: Wrong Place, Right Time

Author: Elle Casey

Series: The Bourbon Street Boys #2

Published by: Montlake Romance on May 10, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

Pages: 368

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Jenny’s single-parent life revolves around her kids and her job, which means that hours of Animal Planet and strings of computer code are about all she has time for. Not that Jenny’s looking for adventure or romance—she’s the type of woman who believes in playing it safe.

When Jenny is called upon to do some consulting for the Bourbon Street Boys—a New Orleans private security firm—she knows she should stay away. They conduct surveillance on known criminals and put themselves in harm’s way pretty much every day, so No is the obvious answer…Problem is, there’s a guy on the team with a body to die for and a dimple that just won’t quit luring Jenny in, tempting her to throw all caution to the wind.

Will Jenny take the risk or will she do what she’s always done—play it safe and wait for the right time?

Review:

Elle Casey writes great contemporary romance. I really enjoyed the first book in the Bourbon Street Boys series and this one was just as good.

It has everything you want, and more, in a romance novel. It is flirty, fun and packed full of excitement.

It has interesting, witty, sexy characters. It has an engaging plot full of humour, suspense and romance. And the prose is funny and precise.

If you want an easy, light read that will make you smile, and maybe even laugh out loud at times, this is the book for you. 

 

This novel is due to be published on May 10, 2016.

 

 

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

#BookReview Sweet Resolve by Jill Sanders

categories: 7.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Sweet Resolve by Jill Sanders Title: Sweet Resolve

Author: Jill Sanders

Series: Lucky #2

Published by: Montlake Romance on Jun. 7, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 176

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 7.5/10

Amy Walker is steps away from her perfect job. The day she makes partner at her real estate firm will be the happiest of her life, second only to the day in junior high when her tormentor, Logan Miller, finally moved away. But fate has a warped sense of humor, because Logan is back. In her town, in her office, gunning for the same promotion. Worse, the man is sinfully hot. But that won’t keep Amy from exacting the revenge he richly deserves…

Logan had reasons for acting wild in his youth, but he still regrets the way he treated Amy. Especially once he’s sharing an office with the smart, self-controlled beauty. For one thing, she’s got a wicked sense of payback. For another, he’s realized there’s something he wants much more than a promotion. And that’s to melt the ice he helped form around her heart all those years ago and to prove that loving thine enemy can be the ultimate happy ending.

Review:

This is a nice contemporary romance story.

It is the second story in the Lucky Series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel.

The writing flows easy. The characters are sweet and engaging. And the plot has humour, romance, and a little twist to create a bit of suspense.

Overall, although predictable, this is a cute, light-hearted read, that is certainly not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

 

This book is due to be published on June 7, 2016.

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview The Shark by Mary Burton

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Romantic Suspense
#BookReview The Shark by Mary Burton Title: The Shark

Author: Mary Burton

Series: The Forgotten Files #1

Published by: Montlake Romance on May 24, 2016

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Pages: 363

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

At the grisly murder scene of a teen prostitute, Virginia state trooper Riley Tatum’s past roars back to haunt her. When she was a teenage runaway, she was kidnapped, drugged, and left unconscious on the streets. She has no memories of what happened, only strange recurring dreams of two men playing cards.

Former FBI agent Clay Bowman, Riley’s old flame, is Shield Security’s newest member. He’s plagued by the unsolved case of a serial killer nicknamed the Shark who murdered girls as part of a sadistic poker game. Only one girl survived. With the Shark now bent on evening that score, Clay has a chilling suspicion: Riley is the girl who escaped the Shark’s deadly amusement—and she is his next prey.

As the Shark gets ready to play his hand, can Riley and Clay stop him—or will this killer finally claim the one who got away?

Review:

Mary Burton is no stranger to this genre, and once again she has produced a good mystery full of intrigue and suspense.

This story is the first book in a new series, The Forgotten Files, and it takes us on a journey into the world of young runaways and their susceptibility to the predators that hunt them.

The characterization is well done. The characters are complex and have depth. And the plot is well written, interesting, and action packed with twists and turns, and of course a little romance to keep you turning the page.

I really enjoyed it. And I look forward to reading the next novel in the series, The Dollmaker, when it is published.

 

This book is due to be published on May 24, 2016.

 

 

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

 

About Mary Burton

New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Mary Burton is the highly praised author of twenty-six romance and suspense novels and five novellas. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three miniature dachshunds.

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#BookReview Something More Than This by Barbie Bohrman

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Something More Than This by Barbie Bohrman Title: Something More Than This

Author: Barbie Bohrman

Published by: Montlake Romance on Apr. 26, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 202

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Katy Lewis has it all: a sports reporting job she loves, a great roommate, and two brothers who, while nosy, always have her back. But when Conner Roberts, Katy’s unrequited first crush, suddenly shows up—and shows interest—after nine years, she reverts to a sweaty, panicked sixteen-year-old once more.

And if trying to read Conner’s signals isn’t tough enough, Katy’s heart is sending some mixed messages of its own. When a beautiful blonde coworker starts pursuing Katy’s boss, Dylan Sterling—her longtime mentor and friend—she realizes she may have a problem with that. A reunion with Conner is what she’s dreamed of for so long…so why can’t she stop thinking about Dylan?

For the first time ever, Katy must fact-check her heart. Should she go after the guy she thought she always wanted or see if there’s something more with the one who’s been there all along?

Review:

I really enjoyed this story.

This is a great friends-to-more contemporary romance novel that really did take me back to all those 80s movies we all love, like Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles.

The characters were cute and lovable and made you root for them. And the plot flowed nicely with just a little angst, and a side order of sports, to keep you invested.

I recommend this story to anyone who wants a nice, sweet, easy read. You’ll love it.

In the meantime, I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I might get to read Simon and Jonathan’s stories down the road.

 

This book is due to be released on April 26, 2016.

 

 

Thank you to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Barbie Bohrman

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Barbie Bohrman dreamed of becoming an author. Long after she had given up, a book club’s prologue contest enticed her to give it one more go. What emerged were the beginnings of her debut novel, Promise Me. Now she’s living her dream and writing stories that entice readers to escape and break away from reality. When she’s not writing, you can find her trying to get through the books on her Kindle (more than a thousand at last count) or watching Lost or Seinfeld. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband, two children, and two dogs.

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