Posted November 26, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Contemporary Romance, NetGalley ARC, Owned or Purchased, Paranormal Romance, Series, St. Martin's Press / 0 Comments
Inheritance is the first in The Lost Bride Trilogy by Nora Roberts—a tale of tragedies, loves found and lost, and a family haunted for generations.
1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…
Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about—and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth—and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.
Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease — and acknowledges that the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle’s office and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as “the first lost bride.” It’s becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…
Titles in The Lost Brides series include — Inheritance —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley Arc (also purchased my own copy for my collection)
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Posted November 5, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, NetGalley ARC, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town of Henry Adams, her relationship with diner owner Malachi “Mal” July has had its share of ups and downs. But now they’re finally ready to say, “I do.”
Or are they? As wedding preparations go into full swing and families, both local and extended, begin to gather for the festivities, that long-awaited walk down the aisle hits a speed bump that may derail everything.
But Mal and Bernadine’s relationship isn’t the only one being tested.
Preston Mays, aka Brain, loves his girlfriend as much as he does physics, but when she decides being a couple is no longer a good thing, his heart is broken. Will connecting with his bio dad’s family ease his pain?
Reverend Paula Grant has been patiently waiting for God to send her someone to share her life. When the town’s charming new chef arrives in town, she wonders if he could be the one.
And then there’s former mayor Riley Curry, who throws a parade with his hog Cletus! There’s always a lot going on in Henry Adams, and this will be a Christmas to remember.
Titles in the Blessings series include — Bring On The Blessings —♥— A Second Helping —♥— Something Old, Something New —♥— A Wish and A Prayer —♥— Crystal Clear —♥— Heart of Gold —♥— For Your Love —♥— Stepping to a New Day —♥— Chasing Down a Dream —♥— Second Time Sweeter —♥— On The Corner of Hope and Main —♥— A Christmas to Remember —♥—
NetGalley ARC
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Posted October 21, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, NetGalley ARC, Owned or Purchased, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance, Standalone Single Title / 0 Comments
Brenda Malloy wants nothing to do with Christmas ever again. Last year, Brenda and her husband rushed their beloved dog Tim to the emergency vet on Christmas Eve. The good news: Tim survived after the vet cleared the obstruction–a pair of women’s lace undies. The bad news: the undies were not Brenda’s.
A year after the breakup, Brenda has put her life back together. She’s trained for a marathon, is writing a children’s novel, and she’s found purpose and healing as a volunteer with a dog rescue organization in Houston, Texas. The rescue partners with a program in Avalon, New York–a small, snowy town deep in the Catskills. Now, Brenda is arranging the transport of rescued dogs from Houston to Avalon—just in time for a merry Christmas with their forever families. Brenda’s friends worry about her driving a van two thousand miles with twelve dogs in crates, but she shrugs off their concern. How hard can it be? She knows the way, and she’s just looking to escape the Christmas overload for a while.
But a blinding snowstorm, an escaped mutt, and a life-saving encounter with Adam Bellamy—a single dad and paramedic—means Brenda has to stay in Avalon longer than she planned. As she drops off each precious pup at their new homes, some of the comfort and joy of the season begins to creep up on Brenda despite her determination to avoid the holidays. Perhaps you can bring Christmas into your heart after all…if you have the right furry friends to guide the way.
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC & I purchased my own personal copy.
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Posted October 10, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Christmas Romance, Connection or Spin-Off of Another Series, Modern Western Romance, NetGalley ARC, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
There’s no better time than Christmas to open your heart
Holt Callahan used to love the holidays, but getting dumped on Christmas Eve would turn anyone into a Grinch. Now he hates Christmas and all the holly jolly shenanigans that go with it. When he moves back to his cousin’s ranch in Creedence, Colorado, the last thing he expects is to come face to face with the one who got away and all of her holiday cheer.
Lainey McBride is all about Christmas. Now, she’s running her family’s ranch festivities while her grandfather is in rehab, and no matter how many things don’t go according to plan, she’s determined to bring her holiday spirit. But the holidays have their own way of healing, and a Christmas in Creedence just might be the merry magic that brings these two broken hearts back together again.
Titles in the Creedence Horse Rescue series include — A Cowboy State of Mind —♥— When A Cowboy Loves A Woman —♥— How to Cowboy —♥— Never Enough Cowboy —♥— Every Bit A Cowboy —♥— A Cowboy Country Christmas —♥—
*I have read and enjoyed this series. However, the earlier reviews are on another blog of mine – I will only be linking the titles reviewed here to avoid linkage confusion. :)*
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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Posted September 27, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Carina Press (Harlequin), NetGalley ARC, Romantic Suspense, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
“Hide, Maya. Don’t let the bad people find you.”
Those are the last words Forest Service law enforcement officer and K-9 handler Maya Thompson ever heard her mother say.
Returning to the Colorado mountains, ex-soldier Maya is no longer a scared little girl.
She’s here to investigate her mother’s cold case, but fear creeps in when it comes to her personal life—things are getting serious with Sheriff Deputy Josh Colten.
After new DNA evidence surfaces, both her beloved grandfather and Josh warn her away from the case, suspecting that she could be the next victim. But Maya doesn’t listen.
Instead, Maya and her K-9 partner, Juniper, track a suspect deep into the forest and directly into grave danger…
Titles in the National Forest K-9 series include — Chasing Justice —♦— Hunting the Truth —♦—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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Posted August 8, 2023 by Marsha in Amish Romance, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Historical Romance, NetGalley ARC, Series, Sexual Content / 0 Comments
The last thing Katrina Denby expected to find in her garden was the body of the man who ruined her three seasons ago. No matter that his death is a tragic accident, the rumors are enough to kill any woman’s prospects. With two scandals now hounding her, the best she can hope for is a hasty marriage of convenience—until her first love shows up in her drawing room, reminding her of all the reasons why she wanted a love match. If only he weren’t already engaged. . .
Sebastian Thorne, Duke of Ramsleigh, knows what he has to do to save the dukedom from the crushing debts and scandal his father left: marry and marry well. He’s picked the lady, too—a baron’s daughter who is pleasant, if a little boring. But seeing Katrina again makes him want to throw all those perfectly laid plans out the window. The first chance he had with her, he chose his duty over his heart. Doing so again might prove utterly impossible.
Titles in the Synneful Spinsters series include — Some Dukes Have All the Luck —♥— What’s a Duke Got to Do With It —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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Posted August 4, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Contemporary Romance, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Modern Western Romance, NetGalley ARC, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
For widow Tess Valdez, there are two things keeping her husband’s memory alive: her daughters and the ranch he loved. And Tess has thrown herself into caring for both.
But when the wild horses that roam her land are threatened, Tess seizes the opportunity to become their advocate—and finds a new purpose that is hers alone. She expects resistance from some of the locals, but what she doesn’t anticipate is needing the one man she can’t have by her side…
No one understands Tess’s pain better than SEAL Silas Beck. He lost his best friend on the battlefield, and he’s spent every day since living up to the promise he’d made to Jace to take care of the family he left behind.
Falling for Tess was never supposed to happen, and Silas knows he should leave for both of their sakes—but he can’t say no when she asks him for one last favor. Even if staying means confronting feelings they’d both rather ignore . . .
Titles in the Star Valley series include — Wishing on a Christmas Cowboy —♥— Betting on a Good Luck Cowboy —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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Posted July 28, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Historical Romance, NetGalley ARC, Regency Romance, Series, Sexual Content / 0 Comments
One should never judge a duke by his cover.
As far as London society knows, Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke, is everything a proper aristocrat ought to be. But when a notorious scandal sheet publishes details of Giles’s questionable bedroom antics, only one bride can salvage his reputation.
Prim and penniless, Francesca Stanhope has resigned herself to a season full of the ton’s snickering—until the Duke of Basingstoke’s dizzying courtship transforms her fate. Yet wedded bliss quickly turns into a clash of wills as Franny realizes her handsome duke is a devil in disguise.
But beneath the newlywed’s skirmishes lies scorching heat. And while each attempts to tame the other, the truth is that this unconventional union may be all either could ever desire . . .
Titles in the Drop Dead Dukes series include — Give the Devil His Duke —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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Posted May 16, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Contemporary Romance, NetGalley ARC, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Coming home will always give you a second chance…
When Riley Leighton and Levi Duncan finally meet again, the chemistry between them is as hot as ever.
But as much as Levi has missed Riley all these years, he still remembers the heartbreak when she left him the first time…
Riley has spent a lifetime running from love. Now that she’s home again, starting her dream job at the local pet rescue, she also has another chance to get it right with Levi.
Everything Riley wanted but thought she couldn’t have is almost within reach.
Titles in the Rescue Me series include — A New Leash on Love —♥— Sit, Stay, Love —♥— My Forever Home —♥— Love at First Bark —♥— Head Over Paws —♥— To Be Loved By You —♥— You’re My Home —♥—
This is an adult romance that does not contain graphic violence, there is very light swearing, and there are closed-door sexual situations. This meets my definition of “sweet” — yours might be different.
(I have read the stories within this series and reviewed them on another blog of mine – but the Romances belong here, eventually, I’ll bring those other reviews over.)
NetGalley ARC
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Posted April 22, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Special Edition, Modern Western Romance, NetGalley ARC, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Warning: Stormy weather ahead…
He’s betting on friendship.
She’s banking on love.
Recently single, livestock vet Kate Cardiff is tired of risking her heart.
So when an emergency calls her home to her family’s struggling ranch, Kate is ready to help—and definitely not looking for love.
It’s dislike at first sight when she meets temporary ranch hand and storm-chasing photographer Nathan Prescott.
He says he can win her over, but Nathan lives in the moment, not for the future.
If Kate opens her heart to someone who lives on the edge, will taking the risk lead to another heartbreak…or a new beginning?
Titles in the Hatchet Lake series include — Lightning Strikes Twice —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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Posted April 21, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Desire, NetGalley ARC, Series, Sexual Content / 0 Comments
Unexpectedly pregnant…
Scandalously wed!
Fleeing her very public divorce, socialite Vienna is shocked to find her private hideaway already occupied.
Gruff and brooding Jasper was presumed dead—just like Vienna’s love life.
So her instant connection to him is unexpected, yet completely undeniable…
One night is all Jasper can offer Vienna. The people closest to him always get hurt.
Then scandal strikes, forcing them to fly to Chile as a couple for the whole world to see!
But when Jasper learns Vienna is carrying his baby, he must take things one step further to protect them both…with his diamond ring!
Titles in the Four Weddings and A Baby series include — Cinderella’s Secret Baby —♥— Wedding Night with the Wrong Billionaire —♥— A Convenient Ring to Claim Her —♥— A Baby to Make Her His Bride —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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Posted April 19, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Carina Press (Harlequin), Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, NetGalley ARC, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments
It’s a deadly game of cat and mouse…
Willow Landry only plans to humor the adorable little girl playing matchmaker one door down. Everly wants a mommy, and she’s decided that Willow is perfect for her daddy, a handsome firefighter with the soul of an artist. But when an arsonist comes to Marsville, Willow will need all the help she can get…
Only four things matter to firefighter Parker Church: his five-year-old, pickle-loving daughter; his brothers; his art; and Ember, his accelerant detection dog. But when his beautiful new neighbor Willow is targeted by a dangerous outsider, Parker finds himself desperate to keep her safe.
As Parker and Ember work to sniff out the truth, Willow warms to the idea of being part of a family. And Ember proves she’s got what it takes to protect Parker’s one true love.
Titles in the K-9 Defenders series include — In His Protection —♦— Her Delta Force Protector —♦— To Hold and Protect —♦—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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Posted April 18, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Contemporary Romance, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), NetGalley ARC, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Can three months, two planning projects, and a meddling grandmother finally make two high school hate crushes see just how right they are for each other?
Ambitious real estate agent Sinclair Buchanan is ecstatic to be her best friend’s maid-of-honor—until she discovers the best man is Garrett Davenport.
Sin and Rett’s mutual hate crush ignited when they were teens and hasn’t let up since . . . except for that one extremely hot (and extremely regrettable) night they shared five years ago.
Nothing gets Rett fired up like going toe-to-toe with Sinclair. She’s as infuriatingly stubborn, and as absolutely gorgeous, as when he fell for her back in high school.
Working together to plan their best friend’s last-minute wedding is one thing, but when his matchmaking grandmother gets involved, Rett knows he’s in deep.
An attraction has always simmered between them, but this time, they’re both in danger of losing their hearts.
Titles in the Holly Grove Island series include – Second Chance on Cypress Lane —♥— Return to Hummingbird Way —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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Posted April 17, 2023 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, NetGalley ARC, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
When a romance gone wrong lands reporter Dakota Jones on the pages of the tabloids, her rising star crashes and burns. Instead of getting the weekend anchor job she’d been promised, she’s promptly shown the door.
Which leaves her one option: return home to lick her wounds, eat lemon meringue pie, and plot her comeback while actively avoiding the man who once broke her heart.
Dexter Roberts made a huge mistake when he walked away from Dakota, and he’s regretted it ever since.
So when Dakota returns to Holly Grove Island to regroup and decide what’s next, Dex can’t pass up the opportunity to win back the love of his life.
Now he just needs to convince Dakota to give him a second chance.
Titles in the Holly Grove Island series include – Second Chance on Cypress Lane —♥— Return to Hummingbird Way —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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Posted April 15, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Author ARC, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Desire, NetGalley ARC, Series, Sexual Content / 0 Comments
Blue Blood Meets Blue Collar by Cynthia St. Aubin
The night he can’t remember is one she’ll never forget.
Distillery co-owner Remy Renaud’s rags-to-riches story could launch blue-blooded TV producer Cosima Lowell’s career—even if he has no memory of the night they spent together. When their combustible chemistry lands them back in bed, Cosima knows she’s playing with fire. But Remy’s hiding something—a shocking betrayal that could bring down the Renaud brothers and shatter his second chance with Cosima…
Titles in The Renaud Brothers series include — Blue Blood Meets Blue Collar —♥— Trapped with Temptation —♥—
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One Stormy Night by Jules Bennett
All the rules change once the lights go out…
Up-and-coming plus-size model Mila Hale can’t chance another scandal ruining her newest job. That means keeping her eyes and hands off billionaire playboy—and her potential boss—Cruz Westbrook. Until a storm traps Mila and Cruz at his palatial estate. Now all bets are off. Their chemistry ignites into a whirlwind fling…but what will they do once the lights come back on?
Titles in the Business & Babies series include — Friends…with Consequences —♥— One Stormy Night —♥—
This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
NetGalley ARC
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