I loved LOVED loved Niles’s Extreme Love and I was very excited to hear that another “Love to the Extreme” novel was coming out … and Fighting Love didn’t disappoint. I laughed through a good portion of it and the ending brought tears to my eyes – and being able to elicit that much of a reaction definitely makes it a winner in my book. - Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/book-review-fighting-love/

I think these romances with middle eastern heroes aren’t going to be for everyone – the men tend to have very specific ideas and are more dominant than some romances – but they are very popular with some. Personally, I liked it, so if you are into this kind of thing this is definitely a good choice. It is part of a series, so there are returning characters, but they play a small enough role that you can read this one as a stand alone novel.

And being a Harlequin Desire book, some of the prose tended to be a little more flowery than maybe some other romance novels – the hero and heroine make statements that some may find cheesy – but the plot was very interesting and I was quite satisfied with the resolution. Some of the sex scenes were a little florid too, but hot at the same time. Just prepare yourself for a more colorful writing style and you’ll be ok. The story is definitely worth reading as long as you are OK with the tone.

Lovers of paranormal romances will find this a definitely treat. Phoenixes, people … that’s a new one for me, but I’m digging it. You do need to be ok with the paranormal part to be able to truly enjoy it but the nice thing is that at its heart there is a more basic story too. It’s not all about the woo-woo world they live in, it also about two people falling in love and facing a choice of whether what they could have is worth fighting for. Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/book-review-ashes/

Snowbound with the CEO is a delightful look at what happens when you mix business and pleasure. Even though it is a novella it manages to fit in a heartwarming story in a small holiday package. Adrian and Rachel are fantastic together – they have great chemistry and make a witty, charming couple. I loved seeing them finally give in to their desires and act on their attraction, and Stacey does a fantastic job of making it believable and realistic. Then the weekend is over. Misunderstandings and miscommunications abound (of course), but Stacey brings it all back together beautifully. Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com/2014/01/02/book-review-snowbound-with-the-ceo/

I’m not usually a fan of stories where people let their pride, misunderstandings and miscommunications to drag out their reconciliation but I think Dalton does a pretty good job. There are reasons for each of them to feel the way they do but both are too pig-headed (and scared) to work it out quickly and easily. Their journey back together is a good one and I found myself rooting for them to get it all straightened out. It was enjoyable getting to know both Vane and Sophia, and the secrets about why Vane is the way he is were intriguing. Dalton had me glued to the pages as Sophia got to know her husband all over again. Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/book-review-never-desire-a-duke/

Entwined is perfect for those looking for an entertaining combination of historical, gothic, maybe even paranormal or just that slight touch of steampunk, but who really just want a love story that will give them a happy ever after at the end. Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/book-review-entwined/

I loved these two. They each have their own hangups, but Everett does an amazing job of making her characters full-bodied in just a handful of pages. I loved that these two have something that can help the other but they each have to get past their own issues to see it. The ending perfectly brought it all together.

This is an off-shoot of Everett’s series set on Sanctuary Island (involving Miles and his brothers) but I’ve not read any of the others and I really don’t think it is necessary. I’m intrigued though because her writing style is very smooth and her characters are quite addictive.

The Fireside Inn is so beautifully compelling that I am very much looking forward to seeing the other two bachelors. We don’t get a lot of their stories here, which is fine because I wanted to see as much of Leo and Serena as I could. (Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com/2014/01/08/the-book-review-fireside-inn/)

I think I could gobble up Bybee’s “Weekday Brides” books like candy. I absolutely could not put this one down and finished it in a day. Unlike Fiance by Friday, this one is definitely more romance than suspense, although there is a little drama at the end that kept me (just a little) on the edge of my seat.

We met Karen and Michael in Fiance by Friday and I was really looking forward to their story – and Bybee definitely didn’t disappoint. Michael has got to be one of my favorite characters. He has a big secret to keep and Karen is helping him do it. I adore the loving, non-sexual relationship between the two. Karen has her own issues. We got to know her a little in Fiance by Friday but didn’t get a lot of the details – she had a hard childhood and now spends her time helping other kids. She’s caring and giving and funny. She’s built a great relationship with Michael and is just waiting for the right time to stage their breakup … and then in walks Michael’s brother, Zach.

Zach is gorgeous, fun and troubled by being drawn to his sister-in-law. He’s got his own family issues to resolve and, although they aren’t as impactful as Karen or Michael’s, the Gardner family dynamic makes for compelling reading. Since we know the truth about Karen and Michael, it is a little easier to handle the attraction between her and Zach, but you know it has got to be a very difficult situation for him to be in.

If you’ve not read one of Bybee’s books, that’s OK - I think it would be fine to start here. Characters from previous books do make appearances, since they are all very close friends, but from what I can tell (since this is just my second book) the plots don’t bleed over too much. Yes, you would have met Michael and Karen before but Bybee does a good job of filling in all the details that you need.

With bold characters, captivating stories, and a snappy writing style, I think Bybee is going to be one of my go-to authors for a long time to come.

(Full review availalbe at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/book-review-single-by-saturday/)

I find it refreshing to occasionally read a story that isn’t full of angst and Essex manages to bring readers an enthralling story that is simple, heartfelt and engaging but without a lot of issues, lies or misunderstandings.

The Scandal Before Christmas is full of warmth, humor and romance, and I was quickly enamored by Ian and Anne. They are both odd ducks in their families, but find that the family they could create together might just be the perfect place for them. I haven’t read any of the other “Reckles Brides” books (or another Elizabeth Essex book that I know of) but I can definitely say I have been missing out.

Full review avialable at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/book-review-the-scandal-before-christmas/

Once again Everett gives readers sympathetic characters and a strong story line. Even though she doesn't have very many pages, she still managed to make me laugh and sigh and cheer. Both Zane and Felicity are intriguing, with heartrending pasts that had me tearing up a little, but are so charming and fun when they butt heads. Bonfire Beach is amusing and tender and realistic and warm and … well, let’s just say you gotta read it.

Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/book-review-bonfire-beach/.