Review - The Love Haters by Katherine Center

"If a story is really working, if the writer is really crushing it- you don't just step into that story and watch the characters from afar. In the best stories, you're in it. You're a part of it. It's happening all around you - and to you." So says Katherine Center in the author's note for The Love Haters, and I can't think of a better way to state the way this book made me feel. I wasn't just reading about Katie going to Key West, I was on a vacation/work trip in Key West, wearing outlandish caftans, getting knocked into by giant dogs, taking swim lessons from a ridiculously gorgeous instructor.

Those are the things that happen to Katie, a corporate film producer who gets sent to Key West to make a recruitment video for the US Coast Guard, mainly featuring one heroic, hunky, all-around good guy Hutch. Small problem- Katie doesn't swim, and has to pass a training in case the helicopter crashes into the ocean while she's in it. No big deal, right?

I recently had the opportunity to attend an event with Katherine Center and hear her talk about this book, (Side note-if you ever get the opportunity to hear an author talk about their work - take it! It's always worth it, I promise.) and what struck me the most is how much joy she exudes, and how clearly it comes through in her work. She doesn't try to pretend that bad or difficult or tragic things don't happen, just that we don't have to let that define us. That it's ok to have a life that is full of fun and love and color. That joy is a goal and a reward and a process all on its own. And honestly, what more could you possibly want from a book?

5 enthusiastic stars from me on this one, and I can't wait to read what she's got up her sleeves next!

Review - Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third book in Sarah Adams' Rome, Kentucky series. This (and the two previous books) are set in fictional small-town Kentucky, and follow the Walker siblings as they find love. I've loved all of these so far, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal was no exception.

Emily Walker is the prickly, always put-together eldest sister. She takes everything she does seriously, including her rivalry with her arch-nemesis: fellow second-grade teacher Jack Bennett. When Jack moves back to Rome after he was supposed to be getting married in Nebraska, both he and Emily are surprised to find that maybe they don't hate each other after all. When Emily mistakenly sends the manuscript for her secret romance novel to the wrong person, Jack is the best ally she can think of for getting it back. Along the way sparks fly.

I really enjoyed this novel. I would recommend this as a small-town, cozy romance, and it's beautiful. Adams does a great job of showing how sometimes falling in love with another person helps us to love ourselves more authentically as well. Her characters here experience real, organic growth that doesn't feel forced or contrived. She uses historical epistles as epigraphs as well, enhancing the narrative. Overall I loved this book and can't wait to read the next (last?) Rome Kentucky story!

Review - Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

Bombshell by Sarah MacLean
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No one writes a book quite like Sarah MacLean. Bombshell is a heavy hitter of a historical romance, and has all of the best MacLean hallmarks. Deeply broken characters who fit together like puzzle pieces, angst, steam and the best hard-won happily-ever-afters. This new series - Hell's Belles - promises to be such a wild adventure exploring London outside of Mayfair.

Sesily Talbot does what she wants without regard for Society's rules - after all, they've never worked for her. She doesn't care if she's labeled as scandalous, and doesn't let anything bother her - except, that is, Caleb Calhoun, her sister's business partner, who seems to want her, then runs away to America whenever she gets too close. Sesily and her friends, the Hell's Belles, make it a point to help women who have been wronged and serve up their own brand of justice, however their latest target is a little too close to Caleb's own secrets, and he has to try to keep Sesily from getting too close to danger (or so he thinks).

It's hard to understate just how thoroughly MacLean's books are able to grab your attention and keep you hooked. Bombshell is a wonderful novel, and I am so glad to have read it.

View all my reviews

Review - A Wicked Game by Kate Bateman

A Wicked Game by Kate Bateman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am really loving Kate Bateman's Ruthless Rivals series. The tension between the Davies and Montgomerys is so much fun, especially when they keep pairing up! Every book in this series has been a true adventure, and this third installment, A Wicked Game, is no different. Harriet Montgomery (cousin to the landed Montgomerys) has taken over her father's mapmaking business. When a seemingly faulty map leads Captain Morgan Davies to be captured, he sets out to make the cartographer pay, not knowing it is in fact the woman who has captivated and infuriated him for years.

This was such a fun book, Morgan and Harriet are both enamored of each other from the start but neither wants to say anything, so they frame everything as bets and games. There is plenty of adventure and craziness in this historical romance, and was a joy to read. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

View all my reviews

Review - Every Duke Has His Day by Suzanne Enoch

 

I really enjoyed this book - Every Duke Has His Day by Suzanne Enoch. This is a sweet historical romance featuring a scientist duke with no time for frivolities (i.e. everyone and everything outside his lab) and a debutante who has perfected the art of seeming airheaded (after all, that's what women should be). When their paths - and dogs - cross, they both find that they are more than what they'd previously thought.

I thought that this was a very interesting book - there are at least five point-of-view characters, which is unusual. There is also a secondary romance subplot featuring a dog-napper and a circus performer!

This is a clean romance - the main couple embraces at the end. I usually like books with higher heat, but I didn't even notice the lack until nearly the end of the book. The chemistry feels very authentic between the main couple, as well as their reluctances.

I would recommend this book and will read more from Suzanne Enoch!

Review - The Return of the Duke by Lorraine Heath

The Return of the Duke by Lorraine Heath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book by Lorraine Heath, as always! The Return of the Duke is the third book in this series, centered around the sons of the former Duke of Wolfford who was hanged for treason. Marcus Stanwick was the heir, and had spent his life preparing to be a duke. For the past year he’s been trying to find the people who led to that future being taken. That search leads to his father’s former mistress, Esme Lancaster, who he quickly realizes is much more than what he assumed.

I really enjoyed this book; Marcus and Esme are both very well written characters who just can’t keep their hands off each other. Esme is a spy, so if spy romances aren’t your thing you might want to skim this one, but honestly I didn’t feel like she got much in the weeds. One thing this definitely has is competence-both Marcus and Esme are extremely capable, and each admires that in the other. This wasn’t quite a tear-jerker for me the way some of the others have been, but I still really liked it and will definitely read whatever she writes next!

View all my reviews

Review - Built to Last by Erin Hahn

Built to Last by Erin Hahn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this second-chance celebrity romance, Built to Last by Erin Hahn. Shelby and Cameron were child stars together, growing up in the bright lights of LA. Now, the nearly-thirty year old Shelby refinished furniture with her house-flipping dad and loves being out of the spotlight. A reality show, though, could ensure his early retirement, as well as show everyone she’s no longer the party-girl she was. The only catch is that the studio wants to bring in Cameron as her co-star. Her first love who has twice abandoned her-how can that possibly work?

Hahn does a great job making these two feel like real people. This book is pretty low-angst, they’re basically gone for each other from the start (in the best way). Very sweet with some spice, definitely recommend. Hahn is also (I hope) tee-ing up Shelby’s best friend’s story and I can’t wait to read it!

View all my reviews