REVIEW: This Christmas by Emma Heatherington
Stevie‘s review of This Christmas by Emma Heatherington
Contemporary Holiday Romance published by Penguin 26 Oct 23
I’ve not read many winter holiday stories this season, and I’ve been even slower to get ’round to reviewing them, but here’s one for those of you who don’t mind reading about Christmas past the beginning of January. Our two protagonists have their own individual reasons for wanting to spend the holiday season away from anyone who might be celebrating it this year, and there are also a set of subplots about family reconciliations, as well as a pair of cute dogs. Throw in an isolated cottage and a quaint village, and you pretty much have all the main tropes covered.
REVIEW: Inheritance by Nora Roberts
Veena’s review of Inheritance (Lost Brides Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts
Romantic Suspense published by St. Martin’s Press 21 Nov 23
A modern-day ghost story full of murder and mayhem with a paranormal twist. I am just amazed at the power of the author’s imagination who continues to keep her readers on their toes and involved in her stories from start to finish, feverishly turning pages. I hate that this one ends on a cliffhanger, and now I am gnawing on my nails for the next chapter to come.
REVIEW: Familia by Lauren E. Rico
Sandy M’s review of Familia by Lauren E. Rico
Women’s Fiction published by Kensington Books 26 Dec 23
Besides the fact Lauren Rico is one of my favorite authors, in this book I was looking forward to the genealogical aspect – I’ve been researching my family for the past twelve or so years, have even volunteered at one of my local libraries in their genealogy room to help others discover their families and any mysteries that may be revealed. I’ve heard some amazing family stories, including one in my own family, over the years, so this book should have been right up my alley…
DESIRE REVIEW: What Happens on Vacation by Brenda Jackson
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Desire 29 Mar 22
This series by Ms. Jackson is fantastic. Alpha to-die-for men and the feisty women they romance. This one is no exception. Paige Novak was the one that could have made Jessup Outlaw give up his bachelor status and set up a forever-ever-after with, but the timing is never right – until finally it is.
DESIRE REVIEW: Mask of Duplicity by Julia Brannan
LynneC’s review of Mask of Duplicity (Jacobite Chronicles, Book 1) by Julia Brannan
Historical fiction published by Harlequin Desire 3 Jul 12
When this book came up on a list I subscribe to, I was really excited. Oh, a book set in my favourite period about a conflict I know a little bit about. The reviews said the book was historically accurate, so away I went.
I ended up DNF’ing it halfway through. If I weren’t reading it for review, I wouldn’t have lasted that long. I skimmed to the end, just to see how it all ended up. It didn’t really end, you have to buy the next one to find out.
DESIRE REVIEW: First Comes Love by Elizabeth Bevarly
Dinca’s review of First Comes Love by Elizabeth Bevarly
Contemporary Romance published by Silhouette Desire 1 Oct 00
This book is full of faux pas and misunderstandings. The whole town needs to work on their communication skills. It is silly at times with funny thoughts, and I enjoyed the story. If you are looking for a light read, this will fit the bill. It is an older book by Ms. Bevarly, which I didn’t realize when I started reading it. I assume they are making her older books available in ebook form, which is what I have.
DESIRE REVIEW: Take Me, Cowboy by Maisey Yates
Tabs’ review of Take Me, Cowboy (Copper Ridge: Desire, Book 1) by Maisey Yates
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Desire 01 Apr 16
This Harlequin Desire spin-off to Maisey Yates’ HQN Copper Ridge series takes a friends-to-lovers romance, mixes in some Pygmalion, and cranks up the heat. Anna and Chase are best friends who have both been suppressing their romantic feelings for each other for the last fifteen years. Are hot sex and a possible future together worth risking their friendship for?
DESIRE REVIEW: Triple the Fun by Maureen Child
Veena’s review of Triple the Fun (Billionaires and Babies, Book 7) by Maureen Child
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Desire 05 May 15
I found this story very cute and refreshingly different. Do you remember that comedy with this guy who was a sperm donor in his youth, causing him to be a father of hundreds of children? In this case it was only the one time that yields triplets and they’re thirteen months old by the time the legal paperwork for child support catches up with the father. Connor King is not happy and definitely not willing to pay child support, but he does want his children, much to the dismay of their legal guardian and aunt Dina. It’s pretty clear where this story is going to go, but, nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable and sometimes emotional ride.
DESIRE REVIEW: Pregnant by Morning by Kat Cantrell
LynneC’s review of Pregnant by Morning by Kat Cantrell
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Desire 1 Jan 14
I really enjoyed this book.
The blurb to this is one of the most misleading I’ve read for a while, as is the title. Plus, it’s a spoiler, since the pregnancy doesn’t happen until late in the book. This isn’t about the consequences of an unexpected pregnancy; it’s about moving on with your life after a trauma. Perhaps Harlequin thought that would be a downer. It was so not.
Harlequin Desire – The End of an Era
We’ve learned Harlequin’s Desire line, originally Silhouette Desire, is being revamped after forty years. Where the Desire stories began the hotter-than-usual plotlines for Harlequin back in the early ’80s, it’s new predecessor is Afterglow, which will take on the desires of present-day romance.
These next two weeks we will be highlighting our Desire reviews from years past. A walk down Memory Lane, if you will.
We know you more than likely have some favorite authors who began their careers with the Desire line. Drop us a comment and tell us about your fave authors and their stories.
