Contemporary romance readers won’t be surprised at how this story flows, but they will appreciate the special things that make it a fun read.

Bethany is a wonderful mom (and her son is one of the highlights of the book), but she’s been hiding her heart away. Meeting super-sexy Grant, who shows real interest in her son as a person, shakes things up. She struggles a little with opening up and I have to say that once she does she shows more patience than me to put up with Grant’s shenanigans.

While he may be great with James, Grant does seem a little lacking in the relationship department. Which is to be expected since this is really his first true romance. He’s spent so much of his life focused on football that he never really got involved with a woman. His hot and cold attitude, stubbornness, minor fibs, and lack of communication definitely cause him a ton of troubles … but of course there’s gonna be problems. It’s a romance :)

While there there are familiar elements, Kline does a great job of giving us characters that pop and keep you drawn in to the end. Just because something has been used before doesn’t mean they can’t be enjoyable if the book is done well. And this one definitely is.

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I’m pretty sure the answer to these two’s issues are pretty plain for everyone to see but they’ve got to figure things out on their own :) It’s still super sweet and a great read.

Brant has a lot to learn about his sister and how to make a life with her now that their mother is gone. With her as a buffer, he never really learned how to deal with Sara’s autism and tends to treat her like a not-very-bright child. It’s hard on both of them while he struggles with what to do, but with Rosie’s help he figures things out. And it is definitely awwww worthy.

Rosie is also finding herself at odds after her dad died. She’s ready to start living a life of her own and is anxious to move the LA to be with her brother. Meeting and falling in love with Brant (and his sister) isn’t quite in her plans. But that’s just the way things work out sometimes :)

There’s parts to make you giggle and parts to make you sigh, but best of all there are lots of parts to make you smile.

(While this can technically stand on its own, it looks like it is a spinoff from another series and there are definitely some things that overlap a bit.)

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Jake suffers from PTSD and survivor’s guilt after leaving the Marines. He’s trying to figure out what he’s going to do with himself and what normal now looks like. He’s struggling with being known as a hero and coming back to his small hometown where everyone knows everything about everyone else just exacerbates his emotional turmoil. Then he meets a darling little girl and her beautiful mother ... his life isn’t ever going to be the same :)

Laurel’s husband was also a veteran but he didn’t handle his troubles very well. Widowed and raising their daughter alone, she’s very hesitant to get close to a man with so many similar issues. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that Jake is strong enough that he just may be able to handle his problems. And help her handle hers.

There’s some trouble caused by old enemies that add a little extra drama and danger to the story, but it doesn’t overshadow the love story. Showing her skill, Sala does a great job of tying it all together and helping to bring closure to a few different things.

My favorite part is the slow build between Laurel and Jake. They get to know each other, find their footing, then move from acquaintances to friends and on to lovers. Both are carrying a lot of baggage but together they figure out a way to share their load. Giving readers a satisfying and realistic happy ending.

(Although this is part of a series, and we’ve seen some of these characters time and again, this can very easily stand on its own. Nothing of any importance comes from past stories and Sala does a great job keeping the characters fresh for returning readers but keeping new readers involved.)

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There are those books that you just fly through … the sassy, happy, easy to read books. This just isn’t one of those. And that’s more than OK.

Sam and Trevor have a lot of history, both together and apart. They are carrying a lot of baggage that needs to be handled before they can even think about moving forward. But they also have a lot of unresolved feelings and enough chemistry that staying apart isn’t all that easy. But, unaddressed, that baggage is going to cause them some serious trouble :)

Poor Sam, even with all of her beauty and success, has more hangups that a half dozen women put together. Her childhood was awful and the only bright spots were her twin and her best friend. Unfortunately her sister wasn’t a very strong person and Bryce’s negative feelings & actions have some long reaching impacts on both Sam and Trevor. They are still dealing with the fallout, even all these years later. It’s heartbreaking to see just how much but it’s also so much better when they are able to figure things out.

Not an easy read but a more satisfying one for it, Tell Me Again will have you hitting highs and lows and thanking Major for them every step of the way.

(Honest review given voluntarily after receipt of this ARC)

I’ve been waiting a long time for Jeremy to get a HEA and Trentham delivers beautifully. She gives us all of his background info that we’ve been waiting for, plus forgiveness and a chance at something more than just living for him.

Jeremy’s been beating himself up for his bad decisions for a long time but he’s proven himself to be a better man, to have learned from his past. Now he just has to realize it :) Kayla also has a little self-forgiveness to do and to realize that bad choices don’t define us. Like Jeremy, it’s what you do from then on that’s important.

While there isn’t a lot of conflict here, the growth that they go through is just as important. It’s a Christmas novella so there’s the requisite heart and emotion, learning and moving forward, fresh starts and healing old wounds … but of course with Trentham flair! She’s not going to give us just any old holiday cheer – ours has leather, motorcycles and cop cars just to keep things hopping.

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Not having read any of Foster's books I wasn't sure what to expect, but the characters are very well done. Tristan may be a little more overtly emotional than Alex but both of them feel deeply and they also each have their own issues they have to overcome. Wearing his heart on his sleeve has left Tristan a little battered. While spending almost a decade in the military, hiding his sexuality, has left scars both inside and out for Alex. But together they find ways to heal and move forward, growing individually and as a couple.

Some aren't going to like the insta-love thing, but I think that Foster handles it well and, even though it is fast, it progresses in a believable manner. They spend a lot of time together and have a connection thru Alex's grandmother that helps bind them even more. They are good at filling in the spaces the other needs - propping each other up and providing support when it is needed. It's an equal thing between them, as each of them have moments of weakness and strength.

I have to admit that I was a little amused by some of the interactions between Tristan and Alex. One of them mentions a "sword" and it got me snickering but then I realized that while I don't know that many gay men (and those I do aren't all that vocally demonstrative) I do know guy's guys and I can see them doing something similar. You have to be OK with a little blue talk and off-kilter humor but as Foster brings you closer to the guys it just works for their relationship.

You also have to be good with some very steamy m/m bedroom sequences (and anywhere else they find themselves in the mood). You should know what you are getting by the description, plus the insta-love is usually first based on insta-attraction, but just know that Foster doesn't pull any punches. Tempting Tristan is hot and sexy and emotional.

Wonderful characters. A story with angst and growth but not a whole lot of drama. Easy-to-read writing. All of it adds up to quite an enjoyable read.

(Even though this is part of a series it can easily stand on its own.)

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I knew when I met David in Change of Heart that Boston just HAD to bring him back for his own story. And since there was just one sister left … tada! :)

I really like David and the moments of introspection he goes thru – not only does he have to evaluate his own life, but also that of his family. Time with Zita shakes things up for him and not just romantically. Seeing firsthand everything that her family does to support their foster girls gives him access to a world he knows nothing about and that is deeply affecting many people today (especially in this election year). I think that Boston handles it well – never getting too preachy but giving her readers a feel for the personal side around immigration.

Zita has taken on a lot of her family’s work with the foster girls. Being the only one at home, with her sisters living their own lives (but helping in their own way), puts a lot of strain on her. She feels like she HAS to do so much for her mom that she can’t pursue her own wants and dreams. I totally get where she’s coming from and I love how supportive her family & David are when it becomes obvious she wants to help in a different way.

I am also pleased that we got that little bit of danger like we had in Break the Rules, as it added just a little bit extra to an already emotionally packed story. It fits well with the story and also gives Zita a chance to shine a bit more, while giving David that redeeming (and humbling) moment he needs. She’s the one that has to be in charge here and he is strong enough to recognize it & support her.

The things that the foster girls and the Flanagan women deal with is not easy and Boston doesn’t really soften it much for you. These are horrible situations and a touchy one for many people. You have to be OK with taking on a lot of heartache with your HEA, but you’ll definitely be glad you did.

(While the story can stand on its own, returning readers will appreciate seeing more of the characters they’ve grown to love and getting to know Zita & David even better. Plus, we get a peek at the next Flanagan … and it isn’t a sister :) )

Honest review given freely after receipt of this ARC

I love LOVE love Tag and Rachel, individually and as a couple. Tag is a fun-loving and easy-going but with brains and depth to go with his hot body and gorgeous face. He may not be the most serious of the Cranes but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t care or put in the effort. He just has his own way of doing it.

Meeting Rachel, who doesn’t know who he is and couldn’t care less once she finds out, throws him for a loop. None of his normal tricks work on her … and he soon finds he can’t get her out of his mind. It’s fun seeing him fall in love and struggle with it. Lots of things come easy, especially women, so it’s nice to see him thrown for once :)

Rachel may be resisting getting involved again after a bad relationship, but Tag proves to be very hard to resist. It’s great seeing them get to know each other, banter and play, and then help the other with some of their issues. And watching her get her confidence back, thanks to Tag, is wonderful.

My only issue is that I’m not sure why they let their situation get away from them. I kinda understand where they are coming from but it seems to have gotten bigger than it needed to. Maybe it’s just me (and it’s the climactic trouble so I’m not going to give more away) but they had done so well for most of the book and then I’m a little lost at the end.

Overall, though, it didn’t keep me from enjoying seeing Tag and Rachel get their happy ending … and now I’m anxious to see what happens with the next Crane. I have a feeling this one could get my heart in a twist.

(Honest review given voluntarily for this ARC)

Worth the Wait and Worth the Trouble were so enjoyable that I was thrilled to get my hands on the last in the series. There's so much going on here - love, forgiveness, addiction, and self-discovery. It's just as much women's fiction as it is romance and is all the better for it.

Gabby may have made a few mistakes but becoming a mom at a very young age has her growing up in a hurry. Unfortunately not everyone sees her that way and she's struggling a little with that. Meeting Jackson, even knowing that he's only in town for a short period of time, has her ready to take something for herself. Ready to develop a relationship with someone who sees the real her and can appreciate the maturity she's developed.

Jackson may have his troubles, some that he's not ready to address just yet, but that doesn't stop him from being a fantastic guy. He's caring and willing to help, stepping in where he's needed. He sees Gabby for who she is and appreciates her upbeat attitude and love for her family. He also is happy to find someone who's got a strong, giving spirit and won't let him down. He's battling a lot with his family and needs that support but he also needs to face up to his problems before he can commit to a healthy relationship. It's hard but he's strong enough to get it done.

I like how Beck wrapped everything up for all the St. James siblings (although this story could easily stand on its own, it's enjoyed even more with having the background from the other stories). I also like how she gave Jackson a fitting story for the big-hearted, but troubled, man. He needs someone like Gabby, someone to support him and push him, someone not afraid to lay it on the line but also as big-hearted as he is. It's not easy, but they finally get everything figured out and learn how to address their issues.

I've really enjoyed this series and I'm very sad to see it end ... but Beck definitely gave me everything I could want and I'm looking forward to seeing what she has to bring with her next one.

(Honest review given voluntarily for this ARC)

Just like the other stories in this series, I was a little surprised at how quickly I finished it. It just flew by and I was kinda sad to see it end.

When I read After the Fall I was very anxious to get my hands on this book … I just knew it was going to be fantastic and I was right! At the time I thought Hunter was the perfect book boyfriend but now I’m thinking that Hayden can give him a run for his money. He’s sexy, charming, and devoted. And just like everything else he does, once he decides to commit to a woman he gives it 100%.

Saylor may be quirky but she’s also caring and dedicated. She had a very unusual childhood and it left some scars that makes her push people away. Fortunately for her, thanks to growing up in a political family, Hayden knows how to read people and understands what she’s doing. Even better he finds her unconventional-ness attractive - seeing something beneath the surface and understanding that there is more to her and their connection than is obvious.

The back and forth between Saylor and Hayden is a ton of fun. He steals my heart with the way that he keeps coming back to her even when she tries to push him away. And I want to give her a cuddle for everything that she’s gone thru (although her mom obviously loves her and is a delight to meet). Together they made me smile and sigh as I waited for them to figure things out. And the way he steps up when things get rough just reinforces why he’s so amazingly wonderful.

Entertaining characters in a smoothly written story, Valentine once again shows herself to be a master at creating addictive contemporary romances.

(Honest review given voluntarily after receipt of an ARC)