A sweet romance, but one with some substance behind it, which is what you would expect from a Carla Kelly. I liked the redemption elements, but though...moreA sweet romance, but one with some substance behind it, which is what you would expect from a Carla Kelly. I liked the redemption elements, but thought this was heavy on the darker elements - or arguably more realistic!(less)
I picked this up because it was on sale, IIRC. Shouldn’t really have bothered as the romance was nothing out of the ordinary - basic plot being two hi...moreI picked this up because it was on sale, IIRC. Shouldn’t really have bothered as the romance was nothing out of the ordinary - basic plot being two high-school sweethearts reunited in a small-town setting. And quite a few POV changes - not sure if it was specific to the book or a feature of old-school categories as I don’t remember this bothering me previously.(less)
This one unfortunately didn't quite live up to...moreI have been buying quite a few Jessica Harts, after reading (and loving) Juggling Briefcase & Baby.
This one unfortunately didn't quite live up to my expectations - too much head-hopping (pet peeve of mine) and also umm... less realistic than previous Harts (I know, I know - it IS an M&B, but I think I prefer something more rooted in reality).
Oh well. I did think the release was spot-on timing-wise, what with Wills & Kate's wedding at the same time. (less)
This was a freebie and as I was in the mood for contemporary romance, it fitted the bill nicely. While this didn't tread any new ground romance-wise,...moreThis was a freebie and as I was in the mood for contemporary romance, it fitted the bill nicely. While this didn't tread any new ground romance-wise, there was a smooth flow to the story, the heroine was easy to empathise with, and I liked how the private radio station and pier setting added something slightly different. (less)
This is a sequel to Ms Hart’s “Oh-So-Sensible Secretary”, which I haven’t read, but I didn’t feel I was missing out on much – it’s very much a standal...moreThis is a sequel to Ms Hart’s “Oh-So-Sensible Secretary”, which I haven’t read, but I didn’t feel I was missing out on much – it’s very much a standalone. Alexander “Lex” Gibson is flying up to Scotland to close a business deal for his company, and Romy is a last-minute stand-in for the acquisitions director. With no time to make alternative arrangements, she ends up having to bring her baby, Freya, with her. Awkward enough, and made worse by the fact that Lex and Romy shared a week in Paris years ago, ending with Romy firmly turning down Lex’s proposal of marriage.
So standard category romance fare, but what I really liked was how Ms Hart played around with the usual romance tropes. Yes, Romy has a baby, but it’s not Lex’s. You have the uptight corporate executive and the free-spirited temp, except their POVs reveal very different sides to their characters.
In fact, this story started off in Lex’s POV, which was a refreshing change (is this something that’s becoming common in category romances, by the way?). I loved having both the hero and heroine’s POVs in this story – it certainly gave more insight into their feelings. There was angst aplenty, though I would say there was possibly one too many buried issues in both Lex’s and Romy’s pasts that were used to create conflicts.
As a counterbalance to the angst, you do have the fact Lex is very much not the paternal sort, in fact, he is very much averse to all things baby, which (a) makes for some rather hilarious scenes and (b) makes the inevitable realisation that he actually cares for Freya all the much more satisfying (this is obviously not a spoiler because it is a romance and there will be a HEA).
I liked the British setting, which went beyond mere mention of geographical place names – for instance, there was reference to the big four as competitors to Lex’s supermarket company, the secondary characters’ names that were “right” (okay, Lex and Romy aren’t exactly standard British names, but they get a pass as they’re the h/h) – and also how the corporate backdrop was realistic. You know how sometimes it’s blatantly obvious the author has no experience of a corporate environment and is just making it up? This wasn’t like that – sure, it wasn’t exactly your everyday working life, what with the private jet and all, but at the same time, it wasn’t an anachronistic view of an office environment. And when Lex decides to rescue Freya from the crèche at work, he didn’t just walk out with her. Even though he’s the chief executive, there was still a phone call to Romy to get the mother’s permission first.
Combined with a believable romance, it was little touches like this that kept the story grounded in reality and feeling current (mixed in with the moments where you do have to suspend disbelief admittedly), which added to my enjoyment and kept me completely engrossed for an hour or so.
I really liked the heroine's first person POV in this book - I found it fresh and engaging, more please!
What I didn't care that much for was the well...moreI really liked the heroine's first person POV in this book - I found it fresh and engaging, more please!
What I didn't care that much for was the well-used plot - the heroine pretending to be in love to get her ex back and then falling in love with the hero. Having said that, it was done well. And as a bonus (as I managed to read the sequel Juggling Briefcase & Baby first), I loved Lex's sardonic cameos in this book.
I'm slowly working my way through Joan Wolf's ebook backlist.
This was a quick and fun read, though not a standout one - the frankness of the h/h was a...moreI'm slowly working my way through Joan Wolf's ebook backlist.
This was a quick and fun read, though not a standout one - the frankness of the h/h was a refreshing change from other regencies, and I'm a sucker for angst and insecurity in romances, of which there were spades here. A bit of a satisfying showdown at the end as well!(less)
I've a soft spot for Joan Wolf's regencies - I liked this sweet romance, though it's not one of her best. Familiar plot and familiar characters with a...moreI've a soft spot for Joan Wolf's regencies - I liked this sweet romance, though it's not one of her best. Familiar plot and familiar characters with an OTT villain - a quick and enjoyable read.(less)
I really like Elizabeth Mansfield's historicals - she gives good romance within the length constraints dictated by categories. This was a traditional...moreI really like Elizabeth Mansfield's historicals - she gives good romance within the length constraints dictated by categories. This was a traditional regency with an American heir being the main plot point. It was a decent read - I liked the relationship between the h/h and how the story eventually played out. Yes, it was a bit predictable and the secondary romance didn't do anything for me, but overall, I enjoyed this.(less)
I loved the banter and flirting between Seb and Poppy - it was sweet, funny, and sexy (which are probably words I use about every single Kelly Hunter...moreI loved the banter and flirting between Seb and Poppy - it was sweet, funny, and sexy (which are probably words I use about every single Kelly Hunter book).
I found it interesting that Poppy was portrayed as suffering from crippling shyness or as she puts it, she's not just a people person - that is a slightly different slant for an M&B. I liked all the secondary characters, especially Seb's brother Tom(as), who really needed more page time (though slightly annoyingly, Seb kept on flipping between Tom and Tomas, and I never did figure out why he would use different names).
Kelly Hunter's strength lies in sparkling dialogue and believable relationships, and this was a really enjoyable read for me. And as an unexpected bonus - this was linked with her previous book, Flirting with Intent, I'm guessing we'll be getting a West family series? (less)
I loved the idea of M&B's based on classic literary romances and EMMA is probably my favourite Austen, so I obviously had to read Kate Hewitt‘s ta...moreI loved the idea of M&B's based on classic literary romances and EMMA is probably my favourite Austen, so I obviously had to read Kate Hewitt‘s take on it. After a couple of false starts (tip – it’s THE MATCHMAKER BRIDE in the States, but MR AND MISCHIEF in the UK), I downloaded it onto my Kindle and ahhh, fun read.
I did wonder how this would read to someone not familiar with EMMA because really, I had the original novel and its characters and plot at the back of my mind more often than not, comparing and contrasting the two.
Did this detract from my reading experience? I think not. There were just enough allusions to the original novel to delight me, while Emily and Jason were more than enough to hold my attention in their own right – I certainly didn’t view them as mere fascimiles of Emma and Mr Knightley. In a way, having read EMMA may even have added to my enjoyment of MR AND MISCHIEF – being familiar with the eventual relationship between Emma and Mr Knightley made me love Emily and Jason’s interactions even more, right from the start. I did think Emily came across as more sympathetic than Emma (while still retaining that I-know-best personality), which is probably a good thing in a book constrained by category romance word count limits.
Friends-to-lovers is one of my favourite tropes, and having that bit of history between Emily and Jason made the chemistry and romance even more satisfying, while the London background was a lovely way of bringing EMMA into the present-day. Emily’s insta-friendship with the receptionist struck me as slightly off (Emily being the head of HR), but then again, Emma’s friendship with Harriet in Austen’s novel was probably just as unlikely, and the office setting – unlikely friendships aside – hit the right note (one of my pet peeves is anachronisms in office settings, which used to be prevalent in M&Bs*).
I thought Ms Hewitt’s MR AND MISCHIEF did an excellent job of capturing the key themes and the spirit of the original novel, while translating EMMA into a category romance. I really enjoyed this book and am planning on reading the rest of the “inspired by” books, especially if they’re all just as good. And I hope there will be more than four in this series.
*I’ve not been reading many M&Bs recently, so have no idea whether this is still the case or not – I think this tends to be author-specific actually.
This book appealed to my sense of the ridiculous. When passages make you laugh or reread, you know you're on to a keeper. Hallie and Nick kept me up l...moreThis book appealed to my sense of the ridiculous. When passages make you laugh or reread, you know you're on to a keeper. Hallie and Nick kept me up late - I loved the banter and chemistry between them, and couldn't put the book down. One of my favourites and made me want to read the next Bennett family book immediately.(less)
Kelly Hunter does it again. This had everything - humour, chemistry, romance, and great storytelling, and the (small) subplot around stolen diamonds t...moreKelly Hunter does it again. This had everything - humour, chemistry, romance, and great storytelling, and the (small) subplot around stolen diamonds tugged at my heartstrings. Both the h/h concede gracefully at the end and both end up winners. I haven't been reading any Kelly Hunters before now - obviously I've been missing out. (less)
I love how Kelly Hunter writes strong alpha males coupled with women who give just as good as they get. As usual, the main romance was wonderfully con...moreI love how Kelly Hunter writes strong alpha males coupled with women who give just as good as they get. As usual, the main romance was wonderfully convincing and sizzling, but the secondary romance and subplot was just as good. I loved the setting in this book as well - it had the great small-town feel, in this case, the small town being a Greek island populated with relatives and friends. (less)
I've a soft spot for the friends-to-lovers romance trope, and we get the trademark Kelly Hunter humour in this one. Not my favourite Hunter (I think i...moreI've a soft spot for the friends-to-lovers romance trope, and we get the trademark Kelly Hunter humour in this one. Not my favourite Hunter (I think it felt a bit light, plot-wise), but still a good read.(less)
Fourth in the Bennett Family series, and just as good as the previous ones.
I liked how Kelly Hunter inversed the usual M&B tropes here, with Madd...moreFourth in the Bennett Family series, and just as good as the previous ones.
I liked how Kelly Hunter inversed the usual M&B tropes here, with Maddy, the heroine, being the insanely wealthy one. Luke was a very alpha hero, which could so easily have gone wrong, but I think it was pulled off perfectly here.
The (unusual for an M&B) Singapore setting and the secondary characters also stood out, especially Maddy's housekeeper, with her hilarious pokes at Luke and references to the Chinese zodiac. And there was a sly nod to events in the first Bennett book (funeral vases!) which made me smile.
The story also did an excellent job of setting up the fifth Bennett book, Red Hot Renegade - good thing I had that to hand and could start reading immediately. (less)
The final Bennett book, and possibly the only one of the series that can't be read as a standalone - in a way, I'm glad I discovered Kelly Hunter so l...moreThe final Bennett book, and possibly the only one of the series that can't be read as a standalone - in a way, I'm glad I discovered Kelly Hunter so late, as I could read the whole series in one go!
Jianne and Jake's relationship was so intense, yet their story was leavened with the humour that I've come to expect in Kelly Hunter's books. I'm a sucker for marriage-in-trouble plotlines - it's the shared history and what-could-have-beens that always gets me, and this book delivered angst and romance in spades.
As with the previous book, Untameable Rogue, I liked the Singaporean setting and the freshness that it lent the story. The friendly rivalry and banter between the Bennett brothers continued to keep me entertained, and while there was a bit of a Bennett reunion, it was kept to the minimum - which had the opposite effect of me wishing more of the family had turned up!
Normally with category romances, I end up bemoaning their shorter length, but with this one, I thought Kelly Hunter packed so much story into this one and it was the perfect length for Jianne and Jake's romance.
I've heard a lot of good things about Sarah Mayberry's books, and they're not unjustified. Talk about packing a punch - the friends-to-lovers theme is...moreI've heard a lot of good things about Sarah Mayberry's books, and they're not unjustified. Talk about packing a punch - the friends-to-lovers theme is explored in-depth here and in a believable manner. I liked - I'll need to explore her backlist more now.(less)
Kelly Hunter's characters are very three-dimensional - I was quickly rooting for Cole and Jolie to overcome the past and get their HEA. This romance h...moreKelly Hunter's characters are very three-dimensional - I was quickly rooting for Cole and Jolie to overcome the past and get their HEA. This romance had a small-town feel to it, which I also enjoyed.(less)
I read this during my Kelly Hunter glom, when I made my way through her entire backlist during a couple of weeks (okay, I exaggerate, but only slightl...moreI read this during my Kelly Hunter glom, when I made my way through her entire backlist during a couple of weeks (okay, I exaggerate, but only slightly).
I liked the Hong Kong setting in this one and as always, the chemistry between the hero/heroine worked perfectly. I also liked how she played around with redemption/acceptance themes in this book.(less)
Not a totally original plot device, but the what-happens-when-your-made-up-fiance-turns-up-in-the-flesh setup made me laugh.
I thought Charlotte and G...moreNot a totally original plot device, but the what-happens-when-your-made-up-fiance-turns-up-in-the-flesh setup made me laugh.
I thought Charlotte and Grey played off each other very well, and liked the secondary characters.(less)
This was my first Karina Bliss - I've heard good things about her writing and I ended up really liking this book.
This was a twins/swapped identities s...moreThis was my first Karina Bliss - I've heard good things about her writing and I ended up really liking this book.
This was a twins/swapped identities storyline, which is always fun, and I totally believed in the relationship between Viv and Ross. I have to say I didn't really care for the secondary romance (or should that be the secondary h/h?) in the book.
All in all though, a really good romance and I look forward to reading the other two related books.(less)
Not a massively memorable story - I bought it primarily because I was in the mood for Christmas stories. I think the talking-to-animals angle plus Kri...moreNot a massively memorable story - I bought it primarily because I was in the mood for Christmas stories. I think the talking-to-animals angle plus Kris Kringle required a suspension of disbelief that I couldn't quite manage.(less)
I liked this collection very much - it left me with warm fuzzy feelings (and slightly teary-eyed a couple of times throughout), and I would totally re...moreI liked this collection very much - it left me with warm fuzzy feelings (and slightly teary-eyed a couple of times throughout), and I would totally recommend it for anyone who wants to get into the Christmas mood (yes, I read this in December!).
I remain impressed at how versatile Carla Kelly's writing is - each story was set in a different time period and location - and I loved the medical focus in this collection. I would have liked more to have been made of the family relationship that linked the three stories, but really, that's just me being picky.
I enjoyed Kelly Hunter's take on this second-chance-at-romance story. Some angst and lots of crazy chemistry between the h/h made the relationship int...moreI enjoyed Kelly Hunter's take on this second-chance-at-romance story. Some angst and lots of crazy chemistry between the h/h made the relationship interesting, and I liked the unusual European vineyard setting.
I think this is being offered as a free read now (at Amazon, anyway) so would definitely recommend picking up!(less)
Having read the first of the duology, Exposed: Misbehaving with the Magnate, I was looking forward to meeting Rafe, the brother of the heroine in EXPO...moreHaving read the first of the duology, Exposed: Misbehaving with the Magnate, I was looking forward to meeting Rafe, the brother of the heroine in EXPOSED. I probably sound like a broken record when it comes to Kelly Hunter's books, but again, I loved the chemistry and the banter between the h/h - her writing never fails to make me smile. The big secret was possibly a bit OTT, but this is a M&B after all.(less)
This was an impulse purchase - I liked the premise and recall liking some of Sara Craven's previous books. While the setting felt current enough, Mari...moreThis was an impulse purchase - I liked the premise and recall liking some of Sara Craven's previous books. While the setting felt current enough, Marin came across as being too much on the naive side, and I never got into their romance. Nothing wrong really with this story, but it doesn't deliver anything fresh either.(less)
I picked this one up after hearing good things about the author. The Yorkshire setting appealed and I liked how she played around with the accidental...moreI picked this one up after hearing good things about the author. The Yorkshire setting appealed and I liked how she played around with the accidental pregnancy plotline. Having said that, I never really connected with the h/h, and it ended up being a so-so read. I did like Caitlin Crews' writing and I would probably try another of her books though.(less)
A sexy, sweet, yet sentimental romance - what more could you ask for? The humorous banter between Mia and Ethan made me laugh, and I loved the side in...moreA sexy, sweet, yet sentimental romance - what more could you ask for? The humorous banter between Mia and Ethan made me laugh, and I loved the side interactions between Ethan and his father. The setting was fantastic - the local colour provided additional depth to the story, which was really all about complicated messy family ties and love.(less)
This book started off nicely, with some obvious chemistry between the h/h - unfortunately too many misunderstandings and an overdone suspense plotline...moreThis book started off nicely, with some obvious chemistry between the h/h - unfortunately too many misunderstandings and an overdone suspense plotline meant that I lost interest halfway through. (less)
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