Susan Scribner

I don't enjoy “romances” where the two MCs are consistently saying mean things to each other. That's not love to me, that's cruelty. There's a little bit of softness and affection between Fitz and Antoine, but it doesn't happen until the end. Before that they bicker (not particularly good-naturedly), sling insults, and insist they are only interested in a physical relationship. And then suddenly the two men realize they are in love with each other. Sorry, doesn't work for me. Another quibble: I know people read series for a reason, but each series should stand on its own, and this one doesn't. Even though this is just #2 of the On the Market series, Antoine is the twin brother of Marcel featured in [b:Temptation 51456283 Temptation (Breaking the Rules, #2) E.M. Lindsey https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1582000163l/51456283.SY75.jpg 75863797] from the Breaking the Rules series, and the book takes place in Cherry Creek, which was the setting for an series by entirely different author [a:Kate Hawthorne 17636987 Kate Hawthorne https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1654632999p2/17636987.jpg]. MCs from that series keep popping up here as well, taking the focus away from the main couple.I thoroughly enjoyed Lindsey's Iron & Works series ([b:Free Hand 44752509 Free Hand (Irons and Works, #1) E.M. Lindsey https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554153249l/44752509.SX50.jpg 69385197] et al) but I was lukewarm on the first book in this series and actively disliked this one. Maybe I should quit while I'm still a big fan and move on to their new series, Tidal Wave, which features members of a motorcycle club - sadly, not one of my favorite tropes either. TL, dr: I need something warm and fuzzy these days, and this book didn't provide it. YMMV if you like more of an edge.

Remember when Emilie Richards used to write feel-good novels about women making quilts and helping each other through hard times? Someone must have told her that darker is in fashion now, because A Family of Strangers goes to some pretty bleak places. Still, it has Richards' characteristically thoughtful portrayal of family dynamics, and although the plot takes a while to hit its stride, it's ultimately a rewarding read.True crime podcast journalist Ryan Gracey receives a shocking phone call from her much older sister Wendy, who claims she has to disappear to avoid being framed for a murder she didn't commit. Wendy is by all appearances the loving mother of two adorable daughters and the loyal heir apparent to their father's real estate development company, so Ryan has no choice but to temporarily move back to her hometown, become her nieces' caretaker, and shield the truth from her parents, especially her father who is recovering from heart surgery. The Gracey family has never been close, and they especially don't talk about their feelings. Ryan always felt like an underachieving afterthought who never held her parents' full attention. But as Ryan puts her professional skills into finding out the truth about Wendy's disappearance, she realizes that everything is about to change, including her relationships with her parents, nieces, and especially the sister she never really knew. The story starts a little slowly, especially while the focus remains on Ryan's initially unrewarding forays into parenting the nieces she barely knows. But once the suspense/mystery plot kicks in things move more quickly. The appearance of Ryan's ex-lover Teo and his talented dog Bismarck provide some welcome additional layers to the story and give our heroine someone to strike sparks off. Their relationship ended badly, and even as they tentatively reconcile, Teo has definite opinions about Ryan potentially putting herself in danger through her investigations. Ryan's podcast partner Sophie and her fan network of true crime podcast sleuths also provide more richness and make it feel more realistic that Ryan would have the tools and knowledge necessary to solve the mystery of Wendy's disappearance. Although the novel ended strongly, I couldn't help thinking that this wasn't Richards at her most genuine. She seemed to be channeling Gillian Flynn, Lisa Jewell or any one of those bestselling authors who create dark stories about troubled women. In these challenging times, I need a reliable author like Richards to reassure me that the world is full of strong, compassionate women who will stand up for each other, like the characters in her [b:Goddesses Anonymous 40768439 Goddesses Anonymous (4 Book Series) Emilie Richards https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1553557766s/40768439.jpg 63450985] or Shenandoah Album series. There are plenty of authors who can make me uneasy; I need Richards to make me feel better. ARC received from Net Galley.

I can't remember how I discovered The Cowboy and the Vampire way back in 1999 (there was once these things called books with pages that you turned...) but it was like nothing I had read before. The mix of laconic, down-to-earth but heroic cowboy and blood-thirsty yet world-saving vampires was unique and delivered in a not-quite-serious but not-quite campy style. Keep in mind that this was five or years before vampires became hot, thanks to Twilight.

So when I saw that Cowboy was an Amazon Kindle Daily Deal and then discovered that Hayes and McFall had written a sequel, I immediately picked it up, but I was wary that lightning couldn't possibly strike twice - especially considering the ubiquitous nature of vampires in today's fiction. Fortunately, I was wrong. In many ways Blood and Whiskey is even better than its predecessor. The plot has more of a natural arc, with various story strands coming together in a dramatic conclusion, and the authors delve deeper into the troubling implications of Lizzie's still-new vampire lifestyle. There is nonstop action, and lots of quotable wisecracks of course, but the action seems to mean more this time.

I laughed, I cried, I eagerly await book 3 in the series.

Didn't read all of the stories but the ones I read were enjoyable but not particularly memorable. I liked Xio Axelrod's “When Frankie Meets Johnny,” although it ended too abruptly for my liking. Nice forward by Roan Parrish too, wish she had contributed a story.

This is marketed as “romantic suspense” but it is neither romantic nor suspenseful. Brutally abused wife meets tortured hero and is emotionally abused by him until the utter dolt wakes up and realizes that the married woman he thinks is a tease is actually being terrorized by her husband. The heroine does nothing to save herself and spends the majority of the book suicidal, drunk, and/or half naked. Out of this I'm supposed to believe the Happily Ever After that suddenly appears? Theresa Weir has always written dark romances, but this one was just distasteful.

Cute sequel to Cook's debut novel. Maybe a little bit too much large Catholic family hijinks and not enough relationship building for Sarah and her boyfriend John. There are apparently several more books in the series. I'd buy them for 99 cents but probably not at full price.

This might be the only time I recommend NOT reading the first two books of a trilogy before starting the third. The Arabella Tarleton we meet in Something Extraordinary is a drama-inclined chaos gremlin, but she is also loyal, clever, and caring. I know that character growth exists, but it's hard to believe that Belle is the same woman who spent Something Fabulous in a hysterical panic that culminated with her shooting a Duke. Or the one in Something Spectacular who selfishly demanded that her best friend test the waters with the person Belle wanted to fall in love with. Even the fact that Belle and Sir Horley Comewithers (!) are now apparently BFFs seems a little implausible considering that in Spectaular Belle kidnapped him and his fiancé to prevent their wedding (it was for his own good, but still).

But if you accept the fact that one of the most unlikeable characters I have encountered in recent years can redeem herself (without losing the core of her personality), you will enjoy Something Extraordinary. I give Hall props for reminding readers that HEAs can look very different from what we've been socialized to accept. Belle is pansexual (how did she get all of the experience she displays given her constant tantrums?) and aromantic, while Horley is “extravagantly gay” and yearning for a great love he is sure he doesn't deserve. The book features several sex scenes, but none of them are between the MCs. Yet the emotional bond that gradually forms between them is very touching.

The plot is a tad too episodic - Arabella and Horley tend to leap from the frying pan into the fire - but the arc of their relationship ties the misadventures together. As usual Hall's writing is witty, although his anachronistic meta references will madden anyone looking for historical accuracy (there's a Scooby-Doo reference, and a secondary character who solemnly shares that she is “Not Like Other Girls”).

I can't say that the Something Fabulous trilogy has been my favorite Alexis Hall series, but I recommend it to readers who can appreciate a story that felt more cognitively entertaining than emotionally satisfying.

Apologies for not including working links to the first two books in the series. Goodreads kept giving me error messages for Improper Content until I removed them.

What a nice surprise (and at 99 cents too as of July 2016) - an intelligent, thoughtful novel about a mature heroine (her age is never specifically mentioned but with a 15 year old granddaughter, she must be at least mid 50s) who takes a long-awaited trip to Vietnam, along with said granddaughter, to say goodbye to her first love, who was killed in action there. She learns a lot about herself, helps her troubled granddaughter, and has a whirlwind affair with an ex-pat Vietnam vet who has a smart mouth and a mysterious past. I read a few of Reavis' category romances back in the day, but I had no idea that she was still publishing, and was pleasantly shocked to find this small gem. The book treats its characters and setting with respect, and by association the reader as well.

More dashing good fun, with shades of Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series if that classic were M/M and steampunk. I wish Butler would let Ned be a little more heroic (instead of just noble) but I guess Rafe is heroic enough for the two of them. I've come to adore many of the secondary characters, and seeing Rafe confronted by Ned's son was worth the price of the book just by itself. Seems like the end of the series because of some big revelations late in the story, but definitely left me wanting more.

Merged review:

More dashing good fun, with shades of Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series if that classic were M/M and steampunk. I wish Butler would let Ned be a little more heroic (instead of just noble) but I guess Rafe is heroic enough for the two of them. I've come to adore many of the secondary characters, and seeing Rafe confronted by Ned's son was worth the price of the book just by itself. Seems like the end of the series because of some big revelations late in the story, but definitely left me wanting more.

I don't like country music, I don't like romances with big age differences, and I don't like small town romance either. And yet I really enjoyed Good Time Bad Boy, which features all three. Sympathetic hero and heroine who learn not to let their pasts define them; well-developed secondary characters who aren't just sequel bait; snappy dialogue; and best of all, a believable romance that features good communication, a few fireworks, and hot sex. Apparently this is Sonya Clark's first attempt at contemporary romance after releasing several urban fantasy/futuristic novels. I hope the positive reception this book has gotten will encourage her to write more in this genre.

The heroine's angst and shame over being a self-published author already feels dated due to this year's 50 Shades of Gray et al phenomenon. Also the author has an annoying habit of jumping around timewise and leaving some of the most important scenes to be recapped instead of shown as they happen. Still, you have to admire the two main characters' love of books, whether it's writing or selling them.

I requested this book from Net Galley based on its interesting premise but unfortunately the execution did not deliver. Artist Tessa is shocked and dismayed to find a homeless man named Brian who claims to be her soul mate from a parallel universe. What could have been a romantic novel is bungled badly by an uncomfortable mishmash of styles - romance, erotica, sci-fi, and caper. The most glaring mistake is the use of a thug who likes to quote philosophy while threatening to cut off Tessa's thumbs; he seems to have wandered onto the scene from a Tarantino movie. It doesn't help that Tessa acts more like a teenager than a 30-something year old woman. The book is never funny, sexy or romantic enough to work, and the author even seems to switch theories about Brian's relationship with Tessa midstream, making the resolution very unsatisfying.

This was a fun, light read despite some very serious topics (divorce, Asperger's, eating disorders). I would have appreciated more from Lana and Matt's POVs and less of the YA high school angst of Abby and Byron. Focusing on the two adult characters might have allowed the author to more fully develop their potential romantic interests. Lana's eventual boyfriend doesn't appear to have a flaw, and Matt's girlfriend, who appears late in the story, doesn't seem to have any concerns about dating an individual with Asperger's.

The Art of Adapting tries so hard to be a true “feel-good” novel that everyone is paired off at the end, and even one of the meanest characters is redeemed. I would have been okay with a little more messiness or ambiguity, but I would recommend this debut novel to readers who like to have their happy endings tied up neatly with a bow.

Not my favorite by these authors but still a lovely story of friendship/first love and hope. I don't have any problems with Johnny talking to a ghost but I did question the accuracy of the portrayal of the group home and social workers who didn't seem to bat an eyelash at a blooming relationship between two residents .

I'm a big fan of these authors and will read anything they release. Would love to see them attempt a full length novel...

Merged review:

Not my favorite by these authors but still a lovely story of friendship/first love and hope. I don't have any problems with Johnny talking to a ghost but I did question the accuracy of the portrayal of the group home and social workers who didn't seem to bat an eyelash at a blooming relationship between two residents .

I'm a big fan of these authors and will read anything they release. Would love to see them attempt a full length novel...

This was a free download from the publisher, so I really can't complain, but it didn't work for me at all. I realized halfway through that it had been originally released 20 years ago, and it reads very much like a romance of that time. Too many secrets, Big Misunderstandings, “I want you but we mustn't!” etc. etc. Add in a mysterious paranormal “entity” whose actions make no logical sense and a sweet little old lady who likes to talk in aphorisms like “follow your heart,” and it was all I could do to skim my way through to the end. Apparently the little old lady and the “entity” are back to control the love lives of two other couples in the remaining books of the trilogy, but I have no interest in reading them.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I suspect there are some people who read the Cambridge Fellows books for the mysteries and others who read them for the relationship between the outgoing Jonty Stewart and the more reserved Orlando Coppersmith. For mystery buffs, Lessons for Sleeping Dogs doesn't disappoint, with the classic conundrum of two dead men in a locked room, with one of the victims' relatives contesting the official verdict of a mercy killing followed by suicide. Solving the mystery involves code breaking, bad sonnets and in a strange way, Peter Pan.

For relationship fans, this installment is a bit meh. I started this series with Lessons in Love, hoping to find a satisfying M/M historical series similar to the works of Jordan L. Hawk (without the sorcery) or Tamara Allen. I am not a mystery fan; I'm more interested in the relationship between the two men, which has survived Orlando's initial complete cluelessness about love and sex, Jonty's temptation to stray, and of course the Great War, which almost separated the two forever. Sleeping Dogs, much like Survivors, shows Jonty and Orlando still recovering from the war but basically on even footing with each other. While it's always entertaining to see Orlando joke about the ways he'd like to murder his beloved and to have Jonty call his true love “a big daft pudding,” there's nothing propelling their relationship forward anymore. Not that I want any artificial obstacles placed in their way (the amnesia plot from Discovery was almost unforgivable), but the relationship has become the very definition of “cozy,” like a comfortable old slipper.

After 12 books I can still be entertained by finding unfamiliar British words (what the heck is a “tantalus?”), or by re-visiting old friends including Jonty's sister Lavinia and their Cambridge ally Ariadne Sheridan. But there's nothing in the series at this point that makes me urgently want to seek out the next volume.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Great chemistry between hero and heroine, but hero is a self-righteous judgmental jerk until a very last minute change of heart. If you liked her debut novel you might enjoy seeing Joan and Simon again, and the young students at the fledgling school of magic are engaging. Unlike the previous book in the series, the villain is a nameless demon, so the fight against him makes less of an impact. I give Cooper one more novel and if it disappoints I will have to label her as another “initial promise unfulfilled” author.

3.5 stars. Cute, somewhat wordy jock/nerd college student love story. Andy is hilarious, and his character growth is notable, especially as he realizes that there are other roles to play besides “hero” or “sidekick.” Law is perhaps a little too perfect, and his journey isn't as obvious, but Andy helps him feel more confident about his decision to follow his dreams instead of the ones his parents have for him. Lots of humorous scenes and dialogue, although some of the extraneous details could have been eliminated to make the book tighter. Really quite impressive for a debut, and I'd read definitely read more books by this author.

3.5 stars. I heartily appreciated the opportunity to read a romance set in Ethiopia and to learn about the culture, people and landmarks of the country. Herrera doesn't shy away from the challenges of being a woman or a queer person in what is still a very traditional society, but she also demonstrates the positive aspects of the culture that make it hard to leave.

The romance between Desta and Elias was sweet and hot, but I would have appreciated seeing Elias' POV. He seemed a bit too perfect, especially compared to Elias' constant self-doubts and somewhat self-centered ruminations.

Still, there are very few contemporary romances with POC MCs that include discussions of international economic development and cultural psychology (as well as hot, bossy sex scenes). In a few short years Herrera has established herself as a strong force bringing well-needed diversity to the genre, and I hope she continues to be successful.

2.5 stars. Adorably sweet and cute but writing is amateurish. Plus if you're going to write a Hanukkah romance, why include an elf?

If the amazing Deborah Smith never publishes another new book again (and considering how long I've waited for the 3rd novella in the MacBrides trilogy that's a distinct possibility), I'll have to be content with re-reads of her unforgettable single title novels, such as A Place to Call Home, Crossroads Cafe or Sweet Hush. Hot Touch, a re-release of a 1989 Loveswept romance, clearly demonstrates Smith's talent, but it's severely hamstrung by multiple Old Skool tropes, most notably the Alpha Male hero. Upon their first meeting, Paul “Blue” Belue immediately assumes that Caroline Fitzsimmons is a trampy hellion who needs to be tamed. He knows what's best for her (which mostly includes kissing her until her traitorous body responds, and throwing her over his shoulder while she flails helplessly) and only comes to his senses when another character (a man of course) tells him that she is more chaste than he believed. Ah Loveswept. I used to think they were the sh&t. In my defense, I was pretty young at the time.There is a lovely subplot about Caroline's unique ability to communicate with animals, and several poignant scenes that highlight her gift. But I couldn't help wishing that our heroine had used her skills to make an alligator take off a few pieces of Blue's anatomy. I'm sure if Smith re-wrote the book today it would be very different - her recent heroes are usually troubled and often dark, but they're not alpha-holes - but Hot Touch is presented in all of its 1980s glory, shoulder pads and all.Re-release edition published by Belle Compass Books, 2017. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.ETA: New MacBride novella is coming out September 15, 2017! Woot! Finally!

Annette Reynolds is one of the great one-hit wonders of the romance world. She released a great debut novel, Remember the Time in the late 1990s, and promptly disappeared from sight. Apparently life and several major losses, got in the way, but now, 15 years later she has finally resurfaced with an e-book. It's refreshing to read a contemporary love story that features mature characters falling in love and dealing with their respective issues. Reynolds knows how to create chemistry between her leads and steamy yet not explicit love scenes. Unfortunately, the hero is a bit too much of a jerk, and he treats the heroine poorly too many times to earn my respect. The heroine deserved better. Also the author seems conflicted about a third major character, whom she sets up to be the object of sympathy only to change him to a near villain.

I'm glad to see that there is indeed a second act for Annette Reynolds, and hopefully she won't wait so long to treat us to another novel.

2.5 stars. Interesting concept but the execution was underdeveloped and the romance was uninspiring. Dave finds out that the guy he's crushing on, Amit, is a golem - in Jewish folklore, a man created from clay - but other than that fact, we don't learn anything interesting about his existence, and everyone is so blase about his identity that it loses any of its magic. So many questions are unanswered, or asked and quickly dismissed (like the unsolvable dilemma that Amit is immortal and Dave is not). The author seems more interested in describing the Dungeons & Dragons game that Dave loves than in exploring the half-hearted fantasy he has created.

I'd love to be able to add this to the small canon of recommended romances with Jewish characters (and the even smaller canon of M/M Jewish romances) but it's just not strong enough.

I'm not crying, you're crying! I received an ARC of the book from Jordan's Patreon. I don't know how to review this book because this series has been such an emotional experience for me. Over the course of the past 6 years, since I first stumbled upon [b:Widdershins 16128152 Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin, #1) Jordan L. Hawk https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1352121658l/16128152.SY75.jpg 21952704], I have become so attached to the shy, insecure Whyborne and watched as he grew in confidence, power and above all else, connections - to his beloved Griffin, his BFF Christine, his surprising secretary Maggie, his unique sister Persephone and even his often estranged father Niles. Along the way I have joined a community of JLH fans that have demonstrated so much love and acceptance for their fellow humans (and cats) that it's difficult to separate out the books from the community. So I will just say that Deosil is a great ending to an unforgettable series. It takes off right from the start and never lets up, with nonstop danger and action and feelz. There are many expected and unexpected heroes (yay, Saul the cat!), and the final lesson from the maelstrom pays homage to Jordan's fans without lapsing into “the real treasure was the friends they made along the way” silliness. I was thrilled to get an ARC because I could read it before it was released in October, but I'm also envious of those who have to wait because they still have the experience ahead of them. TL:dr - Thank you Jordan.

Spoiler alert - Andy and Carlos don't meet again for the second time until 75% through the story. Until then there is a lot of soul-searching, flashbacks and what-ifs, and discussions of what it means to be HIV-positive in the 21st century. I skimmed through the book to get to the romance, which was too little, too late. YMMV if you are more interested in Andy and Carlos' separate emotional journeys than I was.