Perfectly Matched by Heather Webber

Perfectly Matched by Heather Webber

2012, Blue Dandelion Press
Series: Book 4 of Lucy Valentine

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Synopsis: The heat is on...

When Boston psychic Lucy Valentine finds herself involved in a group of eccentric psychics trying to learn more about their abilities, she is convinced a rare spring heat wave has flushed the crazies out of hiding.

Adding to her theory is her newest client in the Lost Loves division of Valentine, Inc., her family’s lucrative matchmaking firm. He’s an animal communicator who hires Lucy to find his purrfect mate—because his cat told him so.

But craziest of all is The Beantown Burner, a serial arsonist who is targeting private eye Sam Donahue, the brother of Lucy’s boyfriend, Sean. With the help of her kooky psychic group, Lucy must tap into abilities she didn’t know she had to catch the firebug before the fires turn deadly. What she never expected to discover is that the motive behind the flames hits a little too close to home...and her heart.

The Good: Things have never been so dangerous for Lucy and her loved ones. This was a super quick, totally engaging read. I couldn't put it down. My favorite in the series. Every detail was important and the plot was very fast paced. I felt Lucy's fear throughout the book. The book wrapped the entire series up so nicely that I believed it to be the last in the series, until that final chapter threw me through a loop. Looks like we'll be getting more Lucy Valentine in the future, with a much better handle on her powers. I couldn't ask for better news.

The Bad: Not a thing.

Fifty Shades Darker by E. L. James

Fifty Shades Darker by E. L. James

2011, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Series: Book 2 of Fifty Shades

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Synopsis: Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life.

The Good: I would love to just bash this book completely and be done with it, but one cannot ignore the popularity of the series. For all their flaws, people love these books. That leads to opening up minds in regards to sexuality that just wouldn't be exposed to anything more than vanilla their entire lives. That can't be all bad.

The Bad: So annoyingly repetitive. This is not good writing, never mind good editing. If Ana referred to her "inner goddess" one more time, I was going to throw the book across the room. "Holy cow" is not a sexy term, yet Ana overuses it in all sorts of situations, even ones that should have been immediately shut down by the phrase. Christian's over use of "Fair point well made" makes one wonder how all these supposedly intelligent adults manage to get by on such limited vocabularies. Ana's repeated references to Christian's psychiatrist is over-the-top offensive. His mental health often reduced to either a joke or a way for Ana to point out his flaws.

My Favorite Witch by Lisa Plumley

 My Favorite Witch by Lisa Plumley

2009, Zebra

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Synopsis: Dayna Sterling's always been betwixt and between. Born in a desert town populated by witches and blissfully ignorant humans, Dayna had magic, but no clue how to handle it. So she left to forge a workaday life among ordinary Joes. Which is fine, really--until the day one most extraordinary Joe turns everything upside down...

The assignment is simple. Trace the runaway witch; bring her home for compulsory "cusping" training. So why does Dayna set T.J. McAllister's half-warlock blood buzzing? Maybe it's the bonding spell that spontaneously connects them. Or the fact that T.J.'s powers go wonky whenever he's around Dayna. In any case, the attraction is making it damn hard for T.J. to accomplish his most important mission: prevent a dangerous uprising by locating a powerful witch prophesied to help him. She could be anywhere. She could be closer than he thinks...

The Good: The idea of magic classes for witches coming into their power is always a win for me, especially twisting it so that the real power doesn't show up until the women are 30.

The Bad: Lust masquerading as love. T.J.'s blatant stalking of Dayna portrayed as his being drawn to her, rather than being a Peeping Tom with an entire catalog of issues. A completely predictable Mean Girls comeuppance story line, except they aren't teenagers anymore and that makes the entire attitude really kind of pitiful. No one is likable. No one is saying or doing anything that would make you care what happens to them. There was absolutely nothing romantic going on in this romance novel.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

 Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

2010, Harper

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Synopsis: For popular high school senior Samantha Kingston, February 12—"Cupid Day"—should be one big party, a day of valentines and roses and the privileges that come with being at the top of the social pyramid. And it is…until she dies in a terrible accident that night.

However, she still wakes up the next morning. In fact, Sam lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she ever imagined.

The Good: Groundhog's Day meets Mean Girls is a premise to get excited about. You'll be disappointed, but at least you'll always remember how awesome the premise was.

The Bad: People love Lauren Oliver's books. I want to love her book. I try, but they're so ridiculous. I really enjoy young adult books, but I think these are the type that you just can't relate to unless you're a teen. Like Delirium, Before I Fall focuses on teen love. It's a common enough theme. Problem is, these books seem to revolve around the worst reactions to a common feeling. Sam is the epitome of self-centered. It's me, me, me. Even in death, the world must revolve around her and her feelings and her ideas of what should and shouldn't happen. Any bad things that happen must be someone else's fault. Oliver took the whole mean girl thing and made it a complete caricature, and then expected us to believe in Sam and want her to find a way to be redeemed. Except she gave us no reason to care about her and all the reasons in the world to wish she's gone straight to hell.

Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

2009, Avon

Series: Book 4 of Angelic Intervention

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Synopsis: Seth Webster's heart never healed after he lost his adored wife. Now, with Christmas approaching, wild twin boys to raise alone, a home in chaos, and the latest in a long line of exasperated housekeepers quitting in disgust, Seth needs more than help to keep his family togethe...he needs a miracle.

And then a miracle arrives on his doorstep. Her name is Mrs. Merkle, but the kids call her "Mrs. Miracle"—and from the moment the warm, knowing, and very patient nanny appears, everything is different. Her sassy spirit is infectious, and it gives Seth the courage to approach Reba, a beautiful travel agent who's been hurt and betrayed, and is afraid to ever love again. Through the magic of faith—and with a little help from a children's Christmas pageant and a lot of encouragement from Mrs. Miracle—Seth and Reba might just be able to find a Christmas miracle of their very own: true love.

The Good: The very basic premise of the book is good. A widower with young children struggling. A magical nanny appearing out of nowhere to aid him at Christmas time, and maybe find him a little love as well. That's the bare bones of the book and that is all that was included in the delightful Hallmark movie.

The Bad: This is a case of the movie being better than the book. The movie dropped all of the unnecessary and sort of weird angles the book tended to dwell on. The book was very specific about Seth not being able to take care of his kids for 4 years, and how his in-laws raised them at that time. These grandparents love having the kids, yet just decide they're done and send the kids back to understandable unprepared father - with no help and no experience to guide him. The grandparents marriage goes to hell, grandma embracing women's lib and grandpa being aghast that his wife refuses to wait on him hand and foot anymore. Aghast. And for some reason, the reader is supposed to hope they get back together. Yeah, that wasn't happening. Good for grandma.  Seth and Reba were closed off, scared of commitment, annoying people who would have never managed to make it work in real life. Overall, the characters were obnoxious and it was hard to want happiness for any of them.

A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

2012, Harlequin HQN

Series: Book 10 of Fool's Gold

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Synopsis: The unrelenting cheer in Fool's Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. She learned early on that Christmas miracles don't happen, at least not for her. And this year seems like no exception. An injury has forced her to return to the family fold, no matter that they're estranged. She won't add to the awkward scenario by being seduced by the bad-boy charms of her brother's best friend, the last man she should ever want to date. Even when she's recruited to stage the Fool's Gold winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move forward with her life anywhere but here.

Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers' feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take! When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he's unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend's sister--off-limits unless he's willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen..

The Good: I fell behind in this series and spent far too much time away from this cozy little town I love. What a wonderful time to come back to it, with a Christmas themed story. Evie was a natural choice for the female lead, having introduced her, a little, in a previous novel. Dante was a little more surprising as the male lead, but they worked together perfectly. Evie and Dante's fears were both understandable, if not completely relatable. The Christmas setting made the entire story a lot more festive and upbeat than their romance would have been alone. Beyond their relationship, it was absolutely wonderful to see Evie interacting with her family, building those relationships for the first time, as well as seeing both Evie and Dante become real, included members of the community.

The Bad: I disliked the turn towards the end of the novel before the inevitable happily-ever-after. Mallery has a nasty little habit of making her male leads act in an unnecessarily cruel manner out of fear of commitment before realizing there is no fighting true love. It happens really often. I find it hard to believe that all these men use this same juvenile tactic and that they are always forgiven for it in the end. To the point where the other townswomen who've gone through it in their own relationships will get together with the hurt woman and laugh about their own miserable experiences. Once, sure. Twice, okay maybe. An entire town full of women who take back purposely hurtful men like it's some sort of right of passage, um, no.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

2012, Dutton Books

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Synopsis: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

The Good: The book is well written. It plays on your emotions, getting you attached to the characters while they experience a rather depressing scenario. This is not a happy story. It is a story you will read with tears streaming down your face. It will transform even the hardest of hearts (like myself) into a blubbering mess of feelings by the end of the book.

The Bad: Certain parts of the book kill the vibe of the entire thing and kind of take you out of the reading. Most obviously are the parts where Hazel obsesses about an author. I get that it worked into the story as a whole, but it seemed weirdly out of place.

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

2009, Simon Pulse

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Synopsis: Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she's got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showcasing photos of pretty girls and his party lifestyle all over the Internet, and her mom was once one of her dad's girlfriends and is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for way too long, Hannah has mastered the art of staying under the radar...and that's just how she likes it.

Of course, that doesn't help her get noticed by her crush. Hannah's sure that gorgeous, sensitive Josh is her soul mate. But trying to get him to notice her; wondering why she suddenly can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn; and dealing with her parents make Hannah feel like she's going crazy. Yet she's determined to make things work out the way she wants—only what she wants may not be what she needs...

The Good: It's a fast, easy read. The writing flows well. And at least Finn was a good character.

The Bad: Hannah's dad is obviously supposed to be a caricature of Hugh Hefner. And older, rich man, check. Owns a sexy magazine, check. Dates barely legal girls, more than one at a time, who live in his mansion and have sexy pool time, check. Reality show, check. A change of the name, and a character is "created." Hannah's mom is exactly what one thinks of when you think of Hefner's exes, that have grown to old for him. Struggling, entertaining dudes via webcam, riding the tiny bit of fame she got from some awful TV show that starred her chest in it's younger years. It all screams "ripped from the headlines." Nothing original here at all. Hannah isn't one you'd root for anyway. She's got no confidence, purposely wears clothing that makes her invisible, and yet lusts after a boy based on his looks (while claiming it's for his mind, not that she really knows him or anything). And she thinks that she's going to become a nymphomaniac due to her father's genes, so yeah.

Captive by A.D. Robertson

Captive by A.D. Robertson

2013, Dutton Adult

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Synopsis: Twenty-five-year-old Tristan Doran enjoys a life of incredible power and privilege. As a direct descendant of the Keepers—witches who have embraced dark magic—he defers to no one but his overlord, Lord Bosque Mar. For most of his life, Tristan has been kept out of the centuries-old Witches War, his bloodline too valuable to risk in battle.

But when a beautiful, young human Searcher named Sarah is captured and made a prisoner in his Irish castle, Tristan’s infatuation with her flings him headlong into the fray. Captive and captor, unable to contain their longing, embark on a passionate, forbidden romance together—only to learn that their love is at the heart of a prophecy predicting the downfall of the Keepers’ ages-old reign.

The Good: Powerfully written sexy scenes.

The Bad: I'm so confused. This is an adult (read: erotic) companion novel to a YA series. Wouldn't that sort of limit its audience to those who loved the series, who were both adult and into erotica? I mean, that's got to be a pretty niche market. It just felt weird. Especially given that the book does in fact give some historical background to the Nightshade series. While the sex was hot, the plot was minimal.

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

2013, Ballantine Books

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Synopsis: Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge: She can cover any topic she wants, but only if she first scores the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author.

Living in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a mega-bestselling memoir about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone in the press, and no one even knows exactly where he lives.

Digging deep into Finn’s past, Carrie develops a theory on his whereabouts. It is the holidays, but her career is at stake, so she forsakes her family celebrations and flies out to snowy Alaska. When she finally finds Finn, she discovers a man both more charismatic and more stubborn than she even expected. And soon she is torn between pursuing the story of a lifetime and following her heart.

The Good: Beautifully written, sweet and oh, so romantic, Starry Night combines my love of a good Christmas story with an exceptional modern romance tale. I loved Finn, understood where he was coming from, his fears and needs, and that understanding drove the book for me. All of the characters were colorful and fully fleshed out and the story flowed in an amazing fashion. Not meaning to, I read this entire book in one sitting.

The Bad: Carrie's insta-love for Finn is sort of crazy. Insta-lust, believable, but she just fell too hard to fast, was too willing to change her entire life, for this guy who didn't give her any indication he felt anything beyond lust for her.

Doing it Right by MaryJanice Davidson

Doing it Right by MaryJanice Davidson

2007, Brava

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Synopsis: In these two wickedly funny, sexy novellas, MaryJanice Davidson introduces the sort of lovers who'll steal everything. . .your wallet, your keys, your inhibitions, and sometimes even your heart. 

Thief Of Hearts

There's never a dull night in the ER for Dr. Jared Dean, especially when he sees the woman of his fantasies beating the crud out of the city's biggest, toughest mobster. It's enough to get a guy all hot and bothered. Not that it matters when SuperHotButtKickingChick gets away without giving her name. The name's Kara, aka The Avenging Angel, sort of a Robin Hood with better shoes. But now her latest revenge stunt has just landed the gorgeous doc on a mobster's hit list. There's only one thing to do: guard Dr. Jared's extremely fine bod until she can figure a way out of this mess for both of them. Jared's only too happy to accommodate. Anything to have her close at hand. . .and in his bed. As for her closed heart? He's got a plan for that, too. . .

Wild Hearts

Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. Too bad he was trying to steal her car. Kat Wechter has no intention of letting that happen. Not one to ever play it safe, it's amazing what an irresistible bad boy can drive a woman to do (pun intended). But Chester "Chess" McNamara is not your typical car thief. Seems he's fueled (ouch) by more complicated motives. And to find out what they are, Kat is more than willing to go along for the ride. . .(couldn't resist).

The Good: Two MJD romance/erotica stories make up Doing it Right. It's a quick read and the sex is super hot.

The Bad: Unfortunately, the sex is the only thing right about this book. Davidson attempts her well-known style of humor here, but it just doesn't work for the characters. They can't pull off the wit nor the scandalous, ridiculous situations they are thrust into.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

2012, Vintage

Series: Book 1 of Fifty Shades

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Synopsis: When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

The Good: A widely received, well known book that takes some of the stigma off alternative sexual relations? Fantastic. That alone makes this book worth it. This book does very well to introduce less carnally adventurous people to something out there they wouldn't even consider otherwise. It's an easy read, quick and can get nice and hot when the time comes.

The Bad: This is one of those books I liked despite my myriad of complaints. What the heck is Ana's issue? Seriously, she's going along with Christan's wants because he's attractive? Yet managed to keep her virginity as long as she had before him? Unbelievable. And why does Christian have to me messed up in the head? He couldn't just be some normal guy into kink? There has to be a messed up reason? And while Ana's willing to go along with his wants, she is ultimately more focused on changing him so that he accepts the relationship she wants after having been told point blank that it's this or nothing. There is a lot to be said about a healthy, open minded attitude to sex, but this book is not that.

The Best Man by Kristan Higgins

The Best Man by Kristan Higgins

2013, Harlequin HQN

Series: Book 1 of Blue Heron

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Synopsis: Sometimes the best man is the one you least expect… 
Faith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she's ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family's vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there's some great scenery there….

Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief—and best friend of her former fiancé. There's a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it's not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she's having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosé, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk down the aisle.

The Good: I always love Kristan Higgins' romances, despite the male and female leads. The Best Man was no exception. I found the novel to be enthralling, endearing and completely unputdownable. I was also totally aggravated by both Faith and Levi. You'd think that would be a negative, but with Higgins books, it isn't. Not matter how much I dislike the main characters, I can't help but root for them to overcome their obnoxious tendencies. Which they always do. I loved the winery setting, the lesser characters romantic subplots, and the small town feel.

The Bad: Faith rubbed me even worse than some of Higgins other female leads. She was just so trapped in her past, blaming Levi instead of herself. While it made for much of the plot progression and tension in the book, I wanted to kick her more than once for being utterly ridiculous.

All Summer Long by Susan Mallery

All Summer Long by Susan Mallery

2012, HQN

Series: Book 9 of Fool's Gold

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Synopsis: Former underwear model turned entrepreneur Clay Stryker has loved, tragically lost and vowed that he'll never risk his heart again. After making his fortune, the youngest of the rugged Stryker brothers returns to Fool's Gold, California, to put down roots on a ranch of his own. But he's frustrated to discover that even in his hometown, people see him only for his world-famous… assets.

Firefighter Chantal (Charlie) Dixon grew up an ugly duckling beside her delicately beautiful mother, a feeling reinforced long ago by a man who left soul-deep scars. Now she has good friends, a solid job and the itch to start a family—yet she can't move toward the future while she's haunted by painful memories.

Clay finds an unexpected ally, and unexpected temptation, in tomboyish Charlie, the only person who sees beyond his dazzling good looks to the real man beneath. But when Charlie comes to him with an indecent proposal, will they be able to overcome their pasts and find a love that lasts beyond one incredible summer?

Why read: Requested from NetGalley

What impressed me: The assumed-to-be-dumb underwear model and the tough firefighter, in a complete role reversal that is more difficult that you could ever imagine. I've never been a large fan of Charlie, but I feel like I understand her now. In All Summer Long, Susan Mallery finally explains by Charlie is so uninterested in men and everything starts falling into place. This was perfect plot planning and went a long way to endear Charlie to readers. Clay is something other in the Fool's Gold world - a male love interest that doesn't immediately come off as an undeserving jerk. It's Clay you love from page one and Charlie you have to warm up to. Switching things up, I like it.

What disappointed me: Charlie had enough on her plate, emotion-wise, without having to add in her mother. Dredging up another part of her past and playing on her insecurities in yet another way is sort of overkill.

Recommended: Oh yeah. I have yet to read a Fool's Gold romance I didn't enjoy.

Continue series: Definitely. I'm still waiting for Mayor Marsha's love story.

Summer Nights by Susan Mallery

Summer Nights by Susan Mallery

2012, HQN

Series: Book 8 of Fool's Gold

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Synopsis: Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he's determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher's wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill.Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can't understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool's Gold festival. And maybe while he's at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too—some lessons, a girl shouldn't learn from reading a book!

Why read: Requested from NetGalley

What impressed me: The relationship between Shane and Annabelle was fantastic. This was definitely a case of a male love interest being held back by his own past and insecurities and Annabelle's character was the perfect mix of sexy and sweet - just the right balance to convince him that the love he is afraid of isn't as scary as he believes.


What disappointed me: Shane was kind of an idiot. He had to be, for the plot, but it made him seem like a jerk more often than was necessary and kind of hindered my attachment to him. And the horseback riding background sort of fell flat with me even though I have more than a passing acquaintance with the activity.

Recommended: Definitely. Not my favorite Fool's Gold romance, but a quality addition to the series.

Continue series: Absolutely. Fool's Gold is the best small town romance series I've read to date.

The Royal Mess by MaryJanice Davidson

The Royal Mess by MaryJanice Davidson

2011, Brava

Series: Book 3 of Alaskan Royal Family

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Synopsis: In a world nearly identical to ours, the North won the Civil War, flannel is the new bling, and Russia never sold Alaska to the U.S. Instead, Alaska is a beautiful, rough-and-tumble country ruled by a famously eccentric royal family who put the fun back in dysfunctional. And the tabloid darlings are about to get more ink once the King's "royal oats" come back in the form of a surprise princess, landing them all in, well, THE ROYAL MESS.

Why read: Finishing up the trilogy

What impressed me: I loved revisiting with the family and all their kooky ways. The Alaskan Royal Family series is awesome with alternative history details and great humor, and The Royal Mess absolutely follows the trend.

What disappointed me: The Royal Mess isn't the end of the trilogy as much as a companion novel to the two previous books. It was disappointing to read about a romance between a new couple as opposed to someone already in the family.

Recommended: Yes, but you may want to read the previous two books first to really experience the details.

Summer Days by Susan Mallery

Summer Days by Susan Mallery

2012, HQN Books

Series: Book 7 of Fool's Gold

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Synopsis: Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to – the Castle Ranch in Fool’s Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could’ve prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he’s finding Heidi – and life as a cowboy – much more compelling than he wants to admit. For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she’s always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won’t give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less…wholesome. As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they’ll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.

Why read: Requested from NetGalley

What impressed me: I really liked that you just didn't know how this romance was going to work out. While one assumes a happy ending when reading a Fool's Gold romance, the set-up made the story seem almost impossible to end that way. And with any Fool's Gold book, you really get an education in topics you may not have previously found interesting. The animal farm, particularly the goats, as well as soap making are all covered in detail.

What disappointed me: While Heidi is a likeable character, she seemed an odd choice for romantic lead. With so many townspeople we've met, Heidi is a fairly unknown entity, only really having appeared in the last book. This and the next two books feature a group of friends that are all pretty new to readers of the series and don't carry the amount of rooting for from readers that other female leads in the series have.

Recommended: Absolutely. The Fool's Gold series is a must read for contemporary romance fans.

Continue series: Most definitely. I love this town and their romances.

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

2012, St. Martin's Griffin

Series: Book 2 of Friday Harbor

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Synopsis: Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancé Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy’s own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.

Why read: Requested from Amazon Vine

What impressed me: Lucy and Sam's romance is absolutely wonderful. It starts off with a premise that makes it reasonably impossible to imagine things every working out long-term for them and the fun is watching how those beginnings waiver under the couples deep connection. Mostly realistic and very heartwarming. Lucy's relationship with her family and friends is quite interesting to experience as well.

What disappointed me: Things got a little too magically supernatural for my taste in contemporary romance. And we don't see nearly enough of Sam's family that we met in Christmas Eve in Friday Harbor.

Recommended: Yes. Rainshadow Road is great romance and wonderful addition to the Friday Harbor series.

Continue series: Yes, although I'm wary of more magical inclusions.

Only His by Susan Mallery

Only His by Susan Mallery

2011, HQN Books

Series: Book 6 of Fool's Gold

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Synopsis: Wedding bells are ringing in Fool's Gold, but not for Nevada Hendrix. Her triplet sisters are engaged, and even her mother has a more active love life than she does. Determined to make a fresh start, she applies for her dream job, only to discover that her new boss is her first love. Maybe she could overlook the fact that they've seen each other naked, but she'll never forget the way he broke her heart.

Tucker Janack agrees to Nevada's "business only" ground rules. After all, love is a trap that the construction millionaire has avoided his whole life. But when great business partners turn out to be so much more, every rule gets broken. Will either of them be willing to try again...or will their past get in the way?

Why read: Love the series.

What impressed me: This series gets better and better with each new book. I loved the entire dynamic Tucker and Nevada had going. Their mutual past gets in the way of the present, interfering with both business and prospective love. They fight so hard against each other and their obvious desires that you just want to smack the two of them, all the while their getting deeper and deeper under your skin. This was another super quick, totally engaging Fool's Gold novel from Mallery and I'm not ashamed to admit I may just be addicted to the entire series.

What disappointed me: Not a thing.

Recommended: Most definitely. Start with book one and just try not to get swept up in the wonderfulness that is Fool's Gold.

Continue series: Absolutely.

Only Yours by Susan Mallery

Only Yours by Susan Mallery

2011, HQN Books

Series: Book 5 of Fool's Gold

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Synopsis: Montana Hendrix has found her calling--working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she's finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right...or maybe Dr. Right?

Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can't have. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool's Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?

Why read: Love the Fool's Gold series.

What impressed me: After reading both Ethan and Dakota's stories, readers will really feel as if they personally know the Hendrix family. This makes us immediately much more invested in how Montana's relationship works out. Now that she's finding her place in the world, you root for her and Simon the moment you meet him (as abrasive as he is). Simon is really the star of the novel. His complete emotional detachment is reminiscent of Raoul's romance, but it's taken further to the point where you often have to wonder if he has feelings at all. The developing relationship between the two and Simon's own personal development make the book that much more heartwarming.

What disappointed me: Absolutely nothing.

Recommended: Yes. Only Yours is one of the best of the series so far.

Continue series: Definitely.