Romance book reviews archive | Page 57 of 73

by Amanda Diehl

New York Times best-selling author Shannon Stacey starts a sweet and satisfying series with Under the Lights. A former high school football star returns to his charming hometown in order to help out the man who changed his life—his old coach. What he doesn’t expect is his attraction to the now-grown coach’s daughter, a woman who may still be off limits after all these years.

Chase Sanders is not exactly having the best year. His girlfriend has just left him, and his business partner cleaned out his accounts. Returning to Stewart Mills, New Hampshire—where he used to be the big man on campus—at his lowest point would just be the cherry on top. But when Kelly McDonnell, his former coach’s daughter, calls him asking for his help in saving the hometown’s high school football team, he can’t seem to say no to returning home. With budget cuts wreaking havoc, Kelly puts together a two-week fundraising extravaganza to save her father’s passion, and Chase can’t leave his coach hanging out to dry.

Chase and Kelly weren’t necessarily on friendly terms when they attended high school together. Since Kelly was two years behind him, she wasn’t even on Chase’s radar. Plus, showing any interest in the coach’s daughter meant trouble. Seeing Chase and Kelly relive their high school experiences had me longing for Friday night lights, fresh popcorn at the concession stand and swathes of team colors in the stands.

Kelly, a local police officer, is a headstrong heroine motivated by such earnest feelings of love toward her father and her hometown that it’s difficult not to get misty-eyed at her dedication. However, she does have a stubborn streak when it comes to Chase. Neither wants to admit to their attraction; Kelly wants to save face and Chase fears driving a wedge in his relationship with his mentor. Watching them try to reconcile the things holding them back while being forced into close contact is a slow, torturous burn, but it makes Chase and Kelly’s chemistry that much sweeter.

Stacey also does an impeccable job of introducing the town’s characters and Chase’s former teammates. Chase’s jokes with his old friends and Kelly’s interactions with the high school’s current football players are practically guaranteed to produce smiles, and readers will look forward to seeing these two, as well as their friends, again in future books.

With yet another great start to a series under her belt, Shannon Stacey clearly knows her way around building the perfect contemporary romance. Under the Lights is a nice reminder that people can change and grow, and that sometimes, forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest.

New York Times best-selling author Shannon Stacey starts a new sweet and satisfying series with Under the Lights. A former high school football star returns to his charming hometown in order to help out the man who changed his life—his old coach. What he doesn’t expect is his attraction to the now-grown coach’s daughter, a woman who may still be off limits after all these years.

Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction, Romance

Romance Inspirational Fiction Historical Romance

Betting on love

Review by Lily McLemore

by Lily McLemore

Tamera Alexander continues her inspirational Belle Meade Plantation series with a tale of high-stakes romance, To Win Her Favor. Set in Nashville during the devastating fallout of the Civil War, the novel follows Maggie Linden, a brilliant horsewoman determined to make it in the lucrative world of horse racing, and the strong-willed Irishman who is roped into her plans.

Though determined to save her family’s home, Maggie is running out of options. Although she is an accomplished rider and trainer, her gender has kept her out of the horse races she knows she can win—races with prize money that she and her ailing father desperately need in order to keep their farm. Unable to race herself, Maggie has placed all of her hopes on the talented young jockey she’s trained and her beloved mare, Bourbon Belle. But her hopes are shattered when her jockey is forced to flee Nashville in the face of escalating attacks against freed slaves. However, her father has one last plan to save the farm—if only he can get Maggie to go along with it.

Leaving behind a painful past, Irishman Cullen McGrath immigrated to America with the dream of living a quiet life on his own piece of farmland. However, the famed Southern hospitality does not seem to extend to people of Cullen's lineage. Farms that are advertised as for sale mysteriously become unavailable as soon as Cullen opens his mouth—Nashvillians clearly have no interest in selling to an Irishman. The Linden’s farm is his last hope, and Mr. Linden has no qualms with selling to an Irishman. There is one stipulation though—Cullen must marry his daughter.

Could Cullen and Maggie’s marriage gradually become one filled with true love?

Maggie is far from pleased with her father’s scheme, but her desire to hold onto her family’s farm trumps her misgivings about the arranged marriage. They are hastily wed, and Maggie and Cullen struggle to get to know each other under these unusual circumstances. Although innately kind, Maggie has prejudices that she must work through, and she is used to getting what she wants. However, with patience and understanding, Cullen and Maggie’s affection for each other grows. Although their marriage came about through desperate circumstances, could Cullen and Maggie’s marriage gradually become one filled with true love?

Alexander does not glaze over the historical facts of the time—post-Civil War Nashville was not a pleasant place—nor does she breeze past the struggles that Cullen and Maggie face as married strangers. To Win Her Favor is a thoughtfully rendered love story filled with convincing historical details. It’s rewarding to watch Cullen and Maggie grow as people and find faith in love, God and each other, even when it feels like there’s no hope left.

Tamera Alexander continues her inspirational Belle Meade Plantation series with a tale of high-stakes romance, To Win Her Favor. Set in Nashville during the devastating fallout of the Civil War, the novel follows Maggie Linden, a brilliant horsewoman determined to make it in the lucrative world of horse-racing and the strong-willed Irishman who is roped into her plans.

Contemporary Romance, Romance

Romance Contemporary Romance

The high stakes of love

Review by Amanda Diehl

by Amanda Diehl

In Christina Lee’s adult contemporary romance debut, Two of Hearts, former sweethearts are brought together under tragic circumstances. However, they are soon able discover the beauty of getting a second chance with the one that got away.

Because they grew up on a Native American reservation together, Dakota and Shane share the same culture—a culture that Lee does a respectful and thorough job of representing. But after college, Dakota remains on the reservation while Shane leaves in order to become a U.S. Marshal, a decision both of them can’t seem to forget. Though years have passed since they last saw each other, Shane immediately returns to the reservation upon hearing about the murder of Dakota’s father, a man who was cherished in the community. With the excuse of checking out the questionable circumstances of his death, Shane finds a reason to stay on the reservation with Dakota a little while longer.

Left in charge of her father’s casino, Dakota, along with her Dutch mother, must fend off those that either wish to demolish the casino completely or turn the business over to someone with full Native American blood. Independent and headstrong, Dakota becomes the foundation for her family, though it’s Shane who is there as her safety net. Soon, the temptation of the love they once shared proves to be too great to resist.

As the local council gets closer to voting on whether or not Dakota and her family get to keep ownership of the casino, threats against Dakota become physical. And when Shane discovers evidence that the death of Dakota’s father wasn’t just a wrong-place-wrong-time scenario, the threat of losing the love he’s only just rekindled becomes very real.

Two of Hearts is a tale of love and loss—and how the former can help to soften the latter. Not many people get a second chance with their first love, and Lee expertly blends Dakota and Shane’s earnest longing with the hesitation of something seeming too good to be true. Dakota, self-sufficient and determined, isn’t used to feeling vulnerable, but Shane provides the perfect complement by giving her the space she needs, as well as affection when she’s too scared to ask for it. Lee shows readers that a great love may never really end, and that sometimes, the second time is the charm.

In Christina Lee’s adult contemporary romance debut, Two of Hearts, former sweethearts are brought together under tragic circumstances. However, they are soon discover the beauty of getting a second chance with the one that got away.

Historical Romance, Romance, Romantic Suspense

Romance Romantic Suspense Historical Romance

Growing a mystery

Review by Lois Dyer

by Lois Dyer

Amanda Quick, a pen name of prolific writer Jayne Ann Krentz, takes readers to Victorian-era London in her latest romantic mystery, Garden of Lies. The story follows independent businesswoman Ursula Kern, owner of the Kern Secretarial Agency, who is stunned when one of her employees seemingly takes her own life. Ursula, however, knows the woman too well to believe she would commit suicide. Instead, Ursula is convinced that her friend has been murdered.

Archaeologist and adventurer Slater Roxton is surprised when Ursula tells him she must abruptly resign from her position as his stenographer. He’s even more stunned when she confesses that she plans to investigate what she believes is the murder of her employee. Unable to convince her to abandon the dangerous plan, he announces that he will join her. As an archaeologist, he’s proven skillful at finding lost artifacts, which should easily translate into detective work. Ursula gladly accepts his aid. While she finds Mr. Roxton extremely attractive, she is unaware that his main interest in joining her investigation is to keep her safe.

As Slater and Ursula join forces to unravel the tangled skein of criminal activity that surrounds the truth about her friend’s fate, it quickly becomes apparent that they are now on the mysterious killer’s hit list. They narrowly survive his attacks, and it’s anyone’s guess whether they will unmask the villain before he terminates them both.

Garden of Lies is simply delightful in so many ways. The details of the story’s setting in Victorian London are impeccable, and the hero and heroine are honorable, daring and sharply intelligent. The secondary characters aren’t just flimsy foils, either; they add charm and humor to the tale, and the mystery plot is cleverly detailed, forming a most satisfactory labyrinth of clues. And to top it all off, the dialogue between Slater and Ursula is witty and their romance eminently rewarding. Readers of historical romance and mystery are going to love this latest book from Quick.

Lois Dyer writes from her home in Washington State

Amanda Quick, a pen name of prolific writer Jayne Ann Krentz, takes readers to Victorian-era London in her latest mystery romance, Garden of Lies. The story follows independent businesswoman Ursula Kern, owner of the Kern Secretarial Agency, who is stunned when one of her employees seemingly takes her own life. Ursula, however, knows the woman too well to believe she would commit suicide. Instead, Ursula is convinced that her friend has been murdered.

Romance, YA, YA Fiction

Romance YA Fiction YA

Tempting the fates

Review by Kevin Delecki

by Kevin Delecki

Love and Death are inexorably intertwined. Love seeks to fulfill life; Death seeks to end it. In The Game of Love and Death, Love and Death take an active role in this eternal struggle, each selecting a player at birth and then competing to see if the players fall in love or if they die. It is a hard-fought game filled with subterfuge, manipulation and deep passion, and in the centuries that they have played, Love has never won.

Flora Saudade and Henry Bishop are about as different as two people can be. And in Seattle in 1937, they should have no reason to meet, let alone spend time together. But Henry, the white adopted son of a wealthy newspaper magnate, and Flora, a black airplane mechanic and owner of a jazz club, not only meet but fall in love. Against all odds, it looks as if Love might win the game for the first time. However, Death is not so easily defeated.

The Game of Love and Death is a unique and deeply moving novel. Beautiful language, original characters and a haunting story draw the reader into a relationship that is forbidden both by the era and by the master of the game. It’s heartbreaking to the end.

This article was originally published in the May 2015 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

Romance, Romantic Suspense

Romance Romantic Suspense

Life and love on the line

Review by Amanda Diehl

by Amanda Diehl

Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to her popular Wait for You series with a suspenseful and sexy New Adult romance about taking second chances and learning to heal.

Bartender and burgeoning artist Roxy has loved Reece for years. She was there for him when they grew up, when he came back from serving in the Marines and after a particularly harrowing event while he was on duty as a police officer. But the implications of a one-night stand together put an awkward strain on their once strong friendship. With the tension increasing between them as the elephant in the room goes ignored, a painful reminder from Roxy’s past returns, and a killer begins terrorizing women in the area.

The way Reece and Roxy dance around each other will have readers biting their nails in anticipation.

Both Roxy and Reece have their own demons to address, and it’s a great juxtaposition to see how they handle various situations with their very different attitudes. Reece is protective, honest and oh-so-earnest in everything he does. Meanwhile, Roxy is the definition of quirky and fun, and it’s hard not to smile every time she’s talking.

However, Roxy’s carefree demeanor hides a deep loss. Her best friend was the victim of a hate crime that left him in the care of a facility, unable to speak or do anything on his own. Henry, the man responsible, has just been released from prison, bringing Officer Reece back into Roxy’s life after nearly a year of avoiding one another. Add in a man targeting and attacking women in town, and discussing the repercussions of their night together isn’t a priority for Reece and Roxy, despite the fact that their attraction is becoming increasingly hard to ignore.

Though Fall with Me is the fourth book in the Wait for You series, Armentrout does a flawless job of introducing previous characters and setting the scene without that pesky feeling of being left out. The way Reece and Roxy dance around each other—flirting and toeing that line of no-going-back—will have readers biting their nails in anticipation as both characters strive to peel back each other's layers of guilt and grief. There’s no shortage of page-turning action, either. As Henry tries to make amends with Roxy for the pain he’s caused, the very serious threat of a murderer is making headlines in the news. Whether readers are new to Armentrout or longtime fans, this passionate, heartfelt romance is sure to satisfy .

New York Times best-selling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to her Wait for You series with another suspenseful installment. Fall with Me is a New Adult romance about risking second chances, overcoming misunderstandings and learning how to heal.

Paranormal Romance, Romance

Romance Paranormal Romance

Crowing over love

Review by Carrie Sessarego

by Carrie Sessarego

The Unleashing is the first novel in Shelly Laurenston’s new supernatural series, The Call of Crows. It’s filled with crass yet clever banter, tons of action and romance, and a pit bull with wings—what's not to like?

After two tours in Afghanistan, Kera, a Marine, takes a job at a coffee shop to find some peace and quiet. However, her hopes for solace are soon shattered. While attempting to save a woman from being beaten in the alley behind her shop, she is stabbed.

Fortunately for Kera, a very unusual customer finds her. Vig is a member of the Ravens Viking clan and has a connection to the goddess Skuld, so he calls in a supernatural favor. Thanks to Vig, Kera has a shot at a second life, with one caveat: she must agree to fight as a member of the Crows, a Viking clan of women sworn to kill at Skuld's command. Most of Kera’s fellow Crows are on their second life, and they have no interest in manners, convention or boundaries. Common questions amongst them are "What are you?" and "How did you die?” They bicker and sometimes come to blows, but in a pinch, the Crows are completely loyal to each other.

Vig is devoted to Kera as well, and although Kera has a hard time settling into her new life, he provides Kera with a calm, steady foundation during a chaotic time. Crows and Ravens never get along, but Vig and Kera seem to be the exception to that rule. While he is terrifying in battle, Vig is gentle when away from the field. The Raven is no deep thinker, but he has his own kind of intelligence, and he understands Kera like no one else does.

The Unleashing is fast-paced, funny and profane—and it's surprisingly sweet given the considerable amount of violence in the story. The romance between Kera and Vig is both tender and sexy, but the real treasure of the book is Kera's character and her struggles to coexist with her delightfully dysfunctional Crow sisters. Kera's dog, a rescued pit bull, is a fantastic character in his own right and leads to some truly hilarious moments. The book is high on graphic, bloody violence and profane language, so be warned—it's not for the faint of heart.

Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Women's Fiction Contemporary Romance

Baking up a new life

Review by Susan Andersen

by Susan Andersen

Little Beach Street Bakery, the latest book by international best-selling author Jenny Colgan, begins during protagonist Polly Waterford’s darkest hour. She and her live-in boyfriend have just declared bankruptcy, and they’ve lost everything they built over the past seven years. And to top it off, the stress of it all has soured their relationship. Now Polly’s out of work and unable to afford a decent flat in her hometown of Plymouth, England. Over the protests of her best friend, she decides to rent the upper floor of a decrepit building in Cornwall’s tiny village of Mount Polbearne. The Mount, as the locals call it, is cut off from the rest of the world twice daily when high tides flood the causeway connecting it to the mainland, turning it into a temporary island.

Polly’s new home is barely inhabitable, and although far from magically transformed after she puts some elbow grease into cleaning it up, her hard work does reveal a magical view. Hearing the rhythms of the sea and looking out upon its often-tumultuous waters make her feel calmer than she’s felt in months. Another bonus is the old-fashioned oven that provides her the opportunity to bake bread, a passion she’s ignored for far too long.

As Polly begins baking and making friends, she rediscovers the confident woman she’d forgotten she could be—and the two men who show interest in her help boost that confidence as well. The romantic element in this story feels a bit like an afterthought, and the relationship conflict could be resolved with one good conversation. But Colgan will make you laugh, and she peoples her mythical town—a fascinating, deftly built character in its own right—with an entertaining cast of quirky personalities that will have you rooting for a happy ending. Writing with warmth and empathy, Colgan’s crafted a story that will make readers whip through the pages in their sprint toward the makes-you-sigh-with-satisfaction conclusion.

Susan Andersen is a New York Times bestselling author of twenty-plus romance and romantic suspense novels.

International best-selling author Jenny Colgan’s latest book, Little Beach Street Bakery, begins during protagonist Polly Waterford’s darkest hour. She and her live-in boyfriend have just declared bankruptcy, and they’ve lost everything they built over the past seven years. And to top it off, the stress of it all has soured their relationship as well. Now Polly’s out of work and unable to afford a decent flat in her hometown of Plymouth, England. Over the protests of her best friend, she decides to rent the upper floor of a decrepit building in Cornwall’s tiny village of Mount Polbearne. The Mount, as the locals call it, is cut off from the rest of the world twice daily when high tides flood the causeway connecting it to the mainland, turning it into a temporary island.

Paranormal Romance, Romance

Romance Paranormal Romance

Sparking heat with steampunk

Review by Carrie Sessarego

by Carrie Sessarego

Bec McMaster’s fifth book in her London Steampunk series, Of Silk and Steam, takes place in an extravagant and violent steampunk version of Victorian London. In this alternate world, the Queen is controlled by the dangerously insane Prince Regent. Under his rule, Blue Bloods (a version of vampires) dominate over a whole slew of humans and supernatural creatures alike.

Lady Aramina, a close friend of the Queen, believes that Leo Barron's father killed her own beloved father, and she's vowed to ruin Leo as revenge. However, Leo, who has always been intrigued by the beautiful Mina, is determined to unravel her many secrets and win her heart. Although Mina and Leo believe that they are on opposite political sides, both are secretly working to overthrow the wretched Prince Regent. In time, their relationship builds from flirtation and intrigue, to fighting side by side in a rebellion against the Prince.

Of Silk and Steam is lushly atmospheric, and the chemistry between the two leads is explosive. The story opens with masked revelers at the Venetian Gardens, and the tone stays opulent throughout. Leo and Mina are complex characters who value each other's resilience, resourcefulness and intelligence. Initially, they are drawn together because of their sexual attraction, but as events unfold, they begin to understand each other's histories and build a real relationship. The actions scenes have a certain "throw it all in" quality that adds a fun element of mayhem and excitement to this steamy steampunk tale.

Although Of Silk and Steam is enjoyable as a standalone, it bears mentioning that this book relies mostly on developments from previous installments and brings a large narrative arc to a spectacular close.

Bec McMaster’s fifth book in her London Steampunk series,Of Silk and Steam, takes place in an extravagant and violent steampunk version of Victorian London. In this alternate world, the Queen is controlled by the dangerously insane Prince Regent. Under his rule, Blue Bloods (a version of vampires) dominate over a whole slew of humans and supernatural creatures alike.

Contemporary Romance, Romance

Romance Contemporary Romance

Warming up to love

Review by Amy Garvey

by Amy Garvey

“Time is precious. Waste it wisely.” Haddie Montgomery can’t forget those words after her beloved sister dies, but she can’t get far enough past her grief to think about anything more than the next moment. In K. Bromberg’s Slow Burn, burying the pain of loss in a whirl of high spirits, stiff drinks and hot sex is Haddie’s modus operandi—at least at first.

That’s how Haddie winds up in bed with Beckett Daniels, the gorgeous, laid-back guy she met through her best friend. He’s Country to her City, the kind of well-mannered, boy-next-door type she’s always ignored in favor of the reckless bad boys who inevitably wind up breaking her heart. But one night with Becks, as Haddie calls him, is far from the no-strings fling Haddie was looking for, because afterward, she can’t get him out of her head.

Beckett is no better off, and Bromberg gives a look at the male’s point of view by offering him a few first-person chapters. The technique brings both voices vividly to life and allows the reader to see just how much blonde, bubbly Haddie has affected Becks, who suspects from the start that something serious is lurking under her party-girl facade.

But what begins as a sexy romp—and continues that way, given the chemistry between Haddie and Becks—develops into something deeper early on. Bromberg isn’t afraid to address the kind of sobering issues that young women face, even if Haddie is. Haddie rarely thinks farther than the quick remedy of sensation—which sex with Becks admirably fulfills—to blot out worry and grief. It’s a time-honored panacea, but one that only works for so long.

Thinking past the present moment will only lead to acknowledging just how much can be lost.

And Becks is what Haddie calls a “forever” kind of guy. The kind who might want more than one steamy night between the sheets and who will expect a little more emotional honesty than “make me feel good.” But Haddie can’t do forever, not when both her mother and sister have been claimed by breast cancer. Thinking past the present moment will only lead to acknowledging just how much can be lost. In Haddie’s mind, “caring leads to devastation.”

Bromberg gives Haddie’s voice plenty of humor and snark, but the brave face Haddie puts on every day masks real fear. And when Haddie herself is faced with a frightening diagnosis, she’s forced to face her future—and how she wants to spend it.

The romance serves up the physical intimacy between Haddie and Becks with lots of spice, but it never shortchanges the true emotion that underlies their developing relationship. In the end, Slow Burn is a perfect balance of heat and heart, and another fantastic addition to Bromberg’s Driven series.

Amy Garvey is a freelance editor and the author of several romances and two novels for young adults.

Historical Romance, Romance

Romance Historical Romance

The doctor or the duke?

Review by Susan Andersen

by Susan Andersen

With Diary of an Accidental Wallflower, New York Times bestseller Jennifer McQuiston begins her new Victorian-era series, The Seduction Diaries, with a bang. I adore discovering new-to-me authors, and oh my, did I hit the mother lode with this one!

Pretty, popular Clare Westmore suspects she’s close to receiving a proposal from the future Duke of Harrington. Between steering him away from her eccentric family, putting copious amounts of effort into bringing the Duke up to snuff and staying vigilant to disguise her improper love of learning, she’s worked devilishly hard for this match. But matters turn topsy-turvy when she injures her ankle and finds herself in a ballroom’s Wallflower section, watching her so-called friend waltz off with her beau. To add insult to injury, she has to contend with Dr. Daniel Merial. Yes, he’s—wildly!—attractive, but he's also a commoner.

Daniel has been feverishly pursuing a way to safely administer an anesthesia to bring to the underserved, poverty-stricken patients surrounding St. Bartholomew’s Teaching Hospital. When he first meets Clare, he thinks she is a typical shallow, self-absorbed member of the ton. Yet, to his dismay, he’s highly aware of her. Only after finding himself appointed her doctor does he begin to discover the real woman behind the facade.

Clare and Daniel struggle to deny their mutual attraction, because it just isn’t proper for a Viscount’s daughter to socialize with a Romany doctor. But again and again, they find themselves gravitating toward each other, and rather than being put off by their radically different positions in the social order, with every encounter they discover more common ground.

McQuiston has penned a novel filled with complex family relationships and allows an engaging, unique peek into London’s ton. She peoples her story with a marvelously likable hero, an inquisitive, open-minded heroine and a host of fully realized supporting characters. This book is fast, fun and contains more twists and turns than the rookeries of St. Giles.

Contemporary Romance, Romance, Romantic Suspense

Romance Romantic Suspense Contemporary Romance

Dangerous secrets in Montana

Review by Amanda Diehl

by Amanda Diehl

In her print debut, Jennifer Ryan introduces the first in her Montana Men series, At Wolf Ranch—a contemporary romantic suspense novel with cowboys, socialites and deadly family secrets.

Ella Wolf and her twin sister, Lela, are heirs to the Wolf Industries fortune upon their 25th birthday. The death of their parents put them in the care of their Uncle Phillip, a man with more than his fair share of skeletons in his closet. But as Lela learns of her uncle’s dark secrets, Phillip winds up with her blood on his hands and is determined to frame Ella for Lela’s death in order to secure the family assets for himself.

Wanted for her sister’s murder, Ella tracks Lela’s final steps to Montana in the hopes of uncovering the truth about Phillip. With justice on her mind and grief in her heart, she teams up with Gabe Bowden—a former rodeo champion who rescued her from certain icy death and was unwittingly swindled by her uncle.

Protective and nurturing, Gabe has no issue helping Ella, both in caring for her injuries and being supportive of her quest to put her uncle behind bars. Though cautious after being burned by a former fiancée, Gabe is sincere and genuine as he slowly becomes Ella’s confidant and her shoulder to cry on. He quickly learns that she is much more than the gossip magazines let on when it comes to her life back in New York. As the snow piles up in Montana, Ella and Gabe bond over their dedication to family and carefully try to navigate their growing attraction. But with Ella being the prime suspect in her sister’s murder, it’s a race to see if she can find the evidence to put her uncle away before he finds her.

Gabe and Ella’s attraction starts off as a slow burn, simmering and sparking with every interaction, but it soon becomes clear that they perfectly balance each other out. Gabe is warm and gentle, yet he knows what he wants for himself and is dedicated to achieving it. Ella is driven and intuitive, and everything she does is done with love: love for her sister, love for her parents and her growing love for Gabe. However, the pair never loses sight of what’s at stake as they unearth more and more of Phillip’s transgressions.

At Wolf Ranch is ardently beautiful as Ella bravely deals with her grief, taking comfort where Gabe freely offers it. Ryan’s suspenseful twists test the limits of Ella’s trust as Gabe transforms from stranger to lover in such a subtle, carefully crafted way. Sweet, honest and emotional, At Wolf Ranch has officially put Montana on the map.

In her print debut, Jennifer Ryan introduces the first in her Montana Men series, At Wolf Ranch, a contemporary romantic suspense with cowboys, socialites and deadly family secrets.

Contemporary Romance, Romance

Romance Contemporary Romance

Skating on thin ice

Review by Lois Dyer

by Lois Dyer

Best-selling author Robyn Carr returns to Thunder Point, Oregon, in her latest novel, One Wish. Beautiful Grace Dillon walked away from stunning success as a champion figure skater to embrace an ordinary life as the owner of a flower shop in quiet Thunder Point. She changes her name, keeps her past a secret and refuses her imperious mother’s demands that she return to the skating world. Grace is happy with her choices and keeps busy with work and friends. However, every once in a while, she wishes she had a guy in her life.

Handsome local high school teacher Troy Headly has come to the conclusion that Grace works far too much. Therefore, he coaxes her into joining him for seaside hikes, impromptu movie nights and chaperoning teenage dances. Before long, their adventures are including kisses and romance. Grace is delighted, thoroughly enjoying everything about their fun, no-commitment relationship. Her training began at age four and continued until her abrupt departure from the skating world at 23, and there had been no time for school dances and boys. Grace is quite happy to revel in the growing connection with Troy.

Both Grace and Troy are falling in love, however, both are wary of confessing their feelings. Troy isn’t certain he wants the changes to his life that loving Grace will inevitably bring, and Grace has secrets she’s kept from Troy—will he be able to deal with her diva mother, celebrity past and all that it entails? As both struggle with accepting and confessing their growing feelings, a shocking letter arrives, forcing Grace’s hand: She must tell Troy who she really is, for danger is stalking her.

One Wish is the seventh novel in Carr’s Thunder Point series, and it doesn’t disappoint. Grace is strong, courageous, independent, sassy and endearing. Her struggle to build her life beyond her mother’s control and the pressure of fans is both admirable and touching, and Troy is the perfect match and counter-balance for Grace. While Grace’s life has been far outside the norm, Troy has a very ordinary, meat-and-potatoes background. Describing his relationship with his family, he says, “I’m crazy about them all the time—we just get on each other’s nerves. We’re typical, I think.” But Troy goes far beyond typical when Grace lands in trouble; Troy steps up and is able to give her exactly the support she needs. Fans of the series will love this latest addition and will be delighted with the glimpses into the lives of characters they’ve met and loved in earlier books.

Lois Dyer writes from Port Orchard, Washington

See more about One Wish in this blog post from Robyn Carr.

Best-selling author Robyn Carr returns to Thunder Point, Oregon in her latest novel, One Wish. Beautiful Grace Dillon walked away from stunning success as a champion ice-skater to embrace an ordinary life as the owner of a flower shop. She changes her name, keeps her past a secret and refuses her imperious mother’s demands that she return to the skating world. Grace is happy with her choices, and keeps busy with work and friends. However, she sometimes wishes she had a guy in her life.