REVIEW: The Takeover Effect by Nisha Sharma
Stevie‘s review of The Takeover Effect (Singh Family Trilogy, Book 1) by Nisha Sharma
Contemporary Romance published by Avon Impulse 02 Apr 19
There are some tropes I only read if I think the author has found a new spin on the idea. One of those is the billionaire romance. In this case we’re dealing with a trio of very unstereotypical brothers, the sons of Punjabi immigrants, who all have roles to play in the business their father built up after he arrived in the US. And these guys really do work – none of that pouncing around being billionaires with no sign of where their money comes from, which I and other reviewers have complained about in the past – although at the beginning of the story only two sons are actually working for their father’s company. The eldest has his own successful law and investment firm and has amassed his own fortune separate from family input, following a major disagreement with his parents. Not that we meet him straight away. First there’s a prologue, in which we encounter the patriarch of the family and learn how his religion and his sons are of the utmost importance to him – the two aspects deeply entwined – and how much he regrets the estrangement of the man he fully expected to take primary control of the business one day.
REVIEW: The Five-Minute Life by Emma Scott
Kristie J’s review of The Five-Minute Life by Emma Scott
Contemporary Romance published by Amazon Digital Services 14 May 19
I subscribed a while ago Ms Scott’s newsletter, because she’s an auto-buy author, and as soon it was announced this book was released, I picked it up. She writes such rich, emotional, poignant stories and at times when I’m reading one of her books, I’m crying.
REVIEW: Wild Hungry Hearts by Beth Kery
Sandy M’s review of Wild Hungry Hearts (Wild Hearts, Book 1) by Beth Kery
Contemporary Erotic Romance published by Amazon Digital Services 4 Jun 19
I’m always happy to see a new release by Beth Kery. She has a knack for giving readers interesting characters and moving story lines. In this case, Jude and Esme are childhood friends who have hidden their feelings for each other for years. All it takes is one night together to complicate their lives. Or are they overthinking their newfound feelings?
REVIEW: This Green and Pleasant Land by Ayisha Malik
Stevie‘s review of This Green and Pleasant Land by Ayisha Malik
Contemporary Fiction published by Zaffre 13 Jun 19
I was greatly charmed by Ayisha Malik’s first novel, Sofia Khan is Not Obliged, although I’ve yet to pick up a copy of its immediate sequel. I have been keeping an eye out for more books by and about British Muslims that have a similar tone. This book fits that brief very nicely, although its central couple are a little older than Sofia and Conall, Their friends and families are just as quirky, to say nothing of the richly described surroundings in which they have chosen to live.
REVIEW: Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh
Veena’s review of Wolf Rain (Psy-Changeling Trinity, Book 3) by Nalini Singh
Romantic Fantasy published by Berkley 04 Jun 19
Ms. Singh takes us back on a nostalgic journey to where it all began with the leopards and wolves. Alexei, on patrol in a remote part of the SnowDancer den, finds and rescues an imprisoned empath who is loudly broadcasting her distress. Surprisingly, she has been a prisoner for most of her life in this corner and yet she emerges fighting strong, even having the temerity to challenge a SnowDancer lieutenant.
Who is Memory and how will her unique powers play into the post-silent world? Snuggle down and be prepared for an emotional treat.
REVIEW: Savaged by Mia Sheridan
Kristie J’s review of Savaged by Mia Sheridan
Contemporary Romance published by Amazon Digital Services 27 May 19
I was pondering on this review – at 3:30 a.m. as I was on the third night where I couldn’t get to sleep – and was stumped on how to describe the outline of the story. It’s one of the most unusual and unique books I’ve read in a while and for me, wow, did it work.
REVIEW REVISIT: The Bond That Heals Us by Christine D’Abo
Devon’s review of The Bond That Heals Us (Eternal Bonds, Book 2) by Christine D’Abo
Futuristic Romance published by Ellora’s Cave 7 May 08
Original Review posted 19 Jun 08
Every once in awhile, when I’m feeling a bit sick of the same old, same old, I like to sink my teeth into a SciFi/futuristic romance. Futuristic romances present a similar challenge to paranormal: that of creating a coherent, consistent alternate universe in addition to a believable love story. Authors have to avoid the dreaded info dump, while weaving the details of their world so that it’s not all meaningless jargon and faux technological mumbo-jumbo. On the other hand, you don’t want to give too little detail, because then the reader has too many questions and can’t get involved in the story.
REVIEW: Love on Lavender Lane by Karis Walsh
Stevie‘s review of Love on Lavender Lane by Karis Walsh
Contemporary Lesbian Romance published by Bold Stroks Books 12 Mar 19
One thing I love about Karis Walsh’s novels is the way the setting is as important an aspect of the story as the characters. Then again, the non-human characters generally make a good effort at upstaging the human ones too. This time the setting is an idyllic valley in rural Oregon, populated by a range of small-scale farmers and crafters. Our story begins, however, in the city of Portland, where one of our heroines lives and works.
REVIEW: The Good Sister by Gillian McAllister
Stevie‘s review of The Good Sister by Gillian McAllister
Women’s Psychological Fiction published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons 11 Jun 19
I’m always intrigued by stories that set family members at odds with one another, particularly when a legal element is involved. This novel particularly caught my attention, because there’s also a mystery to be investigated, with a tragic death at its heart. Told from the point of view of both sides: the accused and the mother of the victim – now a witness for the prosecution – this novel also shows how difficult it is for families to stay together when two family members are equally in need of support, but when helping one may imply a rejection of the other.
REVIEW: Duchess of My Heart by Maya Banks
Sandy M’s review of Duchess of My Heart by Maya Banks
Historical Romance published by Maya Banks 20 May 19
I’ve had an up-and-down relationship with Maya Banks’ books over the last year or two. Later books in her KGI and Enforcers series became so repetitive that I just gave up on both series. I’ve not read Ms. Banks since. But when I saw this new historical, I figured it’s time I try again. What I didn’t know while I read is that Ms. Banks is releasing a new collection, some of which have been in print before and some that have not. This book reinforces my belief that her books in recent years are lacking for some inexplicable reason. I don’t know what that reason is, but my hope is Ms.Banks can re-evaluate and come back stronger than ever.
