great tender romance, highly recommended
933987
A great tender hearted story, and another winner by Lorraine Heath.  This is my 5th book by this author, and so far I have not been dissapointed. She has a way with getting to the pulse of the passion and romance of the story while spinning an interesting plot that sucks you in, and (as always) a fantastic ending. Archie is a fantastic hero, one that will steal your heart.
4800636
I loved this book from the well developed characters to the depth of warmth, passion, and tenderness. Highly recommended read.
3539720
Although I'm not a big reader of romance novels, I really enjoyed this book.  The plot was more complex than many other novels in the genre, and the characters and dialogue were well-written and fleshed out.  The romantic parts of the book had the right combination of heart-warming and sexy.  I enjoyed the way the author switched perspectives between the main characters.  This book is definitely worth your time and money! I'm looking forward to "Who Wants to Marry a Doctor?"
3169022
I really enjoyed this sweet romance, and while funny, it still managed to address some very real, heavy emotions. I was able to relate to both the hero and heroine and had great empathy for them. I love it when a seemingly unlikely couple are perfectly suited for each other.
1053561
I read this story without reading any previous book in the series. I'm sure that having the back stories of the characters would have made this book even richer, but don't let that stop you. This is a tender, lift you up and leave you feeling satisfied story. Yes, it follows the formula of downtrodden women meets handsome, wealthy man. Only our hero isn't typical. He is shy and has a stutter. That makes him even more enduring. He is gentle, not weak, and when the situation merits, he can be quite intimidating. She is hiding in fear from a past that can destroy her, wanting desperately to go unnoticed. He has always unobtrusively blended in and wants desperately for her to notice him.

This is one of those stories that is too good to be true, and I mean that in a good way. A backdrop of hard reality painted with a quirky family that you just can't help but love and cheer on as they come together and save the day. This book left me with a sigh and a smile on my face. I highly recommend this book.
2147260
The Hop and Lanie love story is tender and compelling.  Lanie is who she is which is high strung, girlie girl, accepting, loving and temperamental. Hop is who he is which is a bad ass who likes a challenge and who himself has a rough temper but is hugely observant and sweet. They both learn, grow, and forgive. They end up in a better place each time they butt heads and become more and more emotionally close. This is a great picture of love and acceptance that Ashley draws for us.  I am sure I will be rereading this one.

There are few things that troubled me about character development and world development, however, that kept this from being a 5 star book.  Some of these things are spoilers so I won't discuss them here but I did in my Goodreads review. . However, I can say without giving anything away that while the epilogue is good it is not the lush fat over the top double helping triple scoop of an epilogue that I have come to demand from KA.  I love it when we get the near HEA, the far HEA, and the Far Far HEA. I love it when she writes the next book and we are living in one of those HEA in the timeline of that book. I am sure we will get more Lanie and Hop in the next books of the series though and that is a great thing.

I stayed up too late and read this in one glup.
1691076
A truly sweet and charming romance, Miss Truelove Beckons was a delightful historical romance. I really liked this book. It was a wonderfully romantic and enjoyable read.

True was a really lovely heroine. Kind, selfless, and entirely at peace with herself, she was a character with a calming influence. But, that didn't mean she was a pushover. She had a quiet dignity that ensure that nobody could bring her down. I really liked her.

Drake was wonderful as well. He had come back from the war disillusioned and unwilling to deal with flighty misses. But, beneath that cynicism, he was a sweet and kind man of action. I really liked him as well.

The romance was perfect. True and Drake were perfect together. True and her steadiness were exactly what Drake needed while Drake's willingness to give himself over to love was what True needed. I thought they were lovely together.

The plot was fast paced and I was hooked right from the start. The story was just lovely and the ending was perfect.

Miss Truelove Beckons was an absolutely delightful read that I really enjoyed. It was sweet, emotional, and enjoyable. Romance lovers, this is a book you won't want to miss.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
240557
One of the funniest, wittiest, snarkiest, and most tender romances I've read in a long time. Brilliantly crafted and flawlessly researched, this book is firmly on my "keeper shelf" and I will probably read it again, which is unusual for me.  The heroine is strong and a bit prickly, but with a vulnerability that makes her instantly likeable. The hero seems to be patterned after the Scarlet Pimpernell, with his dandyism taken to a new height and matched with a depth guaranteed to put readers into a swoon.
Because it's squeaky clean, with no swearing, profanity, or sex, it's also suitable for all ages and all "heat" comfort levels.
2104112
This book totally took me by surprise, I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. Somehow, I thought that there would be a whole lot of drama, some hot moments and then Kaitlin would realize that Tyler wasn't the guy for her anyway, but not before he woke up and realized that he wanted her after all.

Well thats not what happens, lol, at all, and Im so glad, because this was such a sweet, romantic and tender story, about love, friendship, knowing oneself and realizing that following your true passion is the most important thing, even if you have to fight to do it.

I found the writing simply wonderful. It was simple, while at the same time painting clear pictures of what was being described, and I was suddenly fascinated by Iceland, and now I really want to go there  even in winter. I also loved how the connection between Kaitlin and Gabe was described, it felt like some kind of magical thing.

The main POV is Kaitlins, but we get small glimpses of Gabe and Tylers POVs, and Im glad we do, because they allow us to know whats going on on the guys heads, which is especially helpful in Tylers case. Against my initial thought, I liked Tyler too, and I would like to know more about him and maybe read a book about him finding his way.

Kaitlin and Gabe are both wonderful characters, and even though the book is quite short and spans a very short time period, I was surprised by how well rounded these two characters were, and how much chracater growth there is. The romance is clearly instalove  theres no way around it  but it is so well done. They complement each other nicely and you cant help but root for them.

I really really enjoyed this book, and Im sure Ill pick up more books by Lark ONeal soon.
2109606
"Tender No Judgment" is an exciting, salacious story of the chance encounter between Micah and Sabrina, two broken-but-deserving people. Micah rescues Sabrina from almost certain death at the hand of her abusive boyfriend and nurses her back to health -- and love -- in his cabin on the mountain.

Rather than just a shallow romance, these two truly met their other half. Yet despite this, Micah and Sabrina have to work past their hurts, their fears, and their shortcomings to be together. Just as they begin to do this, danger and chaos ensues, and the two are ripped from each other. What they both have to go through to reunite is heartbreaking, and some of the best writing in the book. The ending was a little tough for me to read, personally, but was satisfying.

Despite being a romance novel, the plot itself is as interesting at the frequent sexual encounters of the two leads. The author does a wonderful job of giving history, personality, and depth of emotion to all of the characters, which naturally elicits sympathy, if not empathy, from the reader.

I haven't read a romance novel since I was a teenager -- and let's face it, back then, I just skipped around and read the sex scenes. :) This book I read cover-to-cover, and thoroughly enjoyed in its totality. There are a few typos that were missed during proofreading, but they don't detract significantly from the experience.

This was a great read. If you want a short escape from reality, I highly recommend this book.
4283960
It's not the best time for reading a christmas novella, I know, but I just finished this one.
And I have to say, I was enchanted.

The writting is really good, as I expected, since I liked this author's work in a ya novel I read previously, entitled 'Roadside Assistance'. But on top of that, the story although brief, was very well thought-out, with diverse and very realistic characters.
The romance was sweet but deep, both the hero and heroine having to overcome struggles before they could be together. There is a little girl in the story, whom I didn't find at all annoying, as I usually do, and quite cute actually. There is a jealous girl who wants to subotage our heroine, which added spice to the story. And there is the hero's and heroine's persoanl relationships with God, which is what guides them throughout the story.

I really enjoyed this beautiful, Amish novella, and although I strongly disagree with the amish way of life, I found some things it could teach me about trusting God's will for my life.

Rating: 4/5

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

review first posted at: bookshelfstories dot blogspot dot com
4532754
Originally given 3.5 hearts at Rookie Romance.

After reading Highlander's Hope, I knew that Adaira and Roark's story would certainly be interesting and I've been looking forward to seeing their journey unfold!

Adaira is a free-spirited heroine, who doesn't care what other people think of her and she certainly doesn't abide by some of society's rules. Underneath all of her fierce and feisty independence, Adaira hides a painful secret that she doesn't want anyone to discover. This showed a vulnerable side to her character which softens her and makes her a lot more understandable when she is being more than a bit stubborn.
Roark was a great hero, and just as stubborn as Adaira. He has been burned in the past by an adulterous wife and family scandals, so now he has a proper and stoic facade that hides the kind and compassionate man that he is. He's adorably grumpy sometimes, but I loved seeing more of his true character emerge as the story progressed.

Adaira and Roark are a great couple with a very sweet chemistry. They have a rocky start when she mistakes him for his treacherous brother, but eventually they come to admire each other more and more. Then love follows swiftly on the heels of this begrudging respect.

Generally, this is very enjoyable although there was a lot going on at times. If there was a baddie in sight you can be sure they somehow found their way to Adaira and Roark. Those two were magnets for trouble.
Apart from that this is a very sweet story with a great wit and humour that shines through. There are so many characters that I'd love to have their own stories but I'd particularly enjoy seeing Adaira's sisters find their own romances. I'm very much looking forward to more from this author!

*I received a review copy for my honest opinion. Thank you!
3504264
The Knights Scarred Maiden by Nicole Locke is the latest addition in the Lovers and Legends series by Harlequin Historical. The story is about Rhain and Helissent, two deeply scarred people.
Rhain once led a respectable and comfortable life until one day his prestige topples. Now scorned and tainted, with a new and unwelcome life, he lives for himself as he fights to make his life a better place. But then he crosses path with a woman who instantly catches his attention. She is beautiful as much as she is scarred.

Can these two find happiness together? Or will their very connection leave them with regrets?

I enjoyed Rhain and Helissents story. It is a gripping, compelling and emotionally satisfying read. The lyrical prose and deeply touching storyline will make its way into your heart. Overall, this is a splendid historical romance about two unlikely people overcoming tragic experiences.

Highly Recommended
5 Stars
2478790
I really enjoyed the first book of The Survivors Club (The Proposal) so I was very excited to read the next in the series. I was thrilled that this book was about Vincent, who is funny, smart, competent... and blind.

I think this is one of the few romance novels I have ever read that dealt with a person with a disability as not only a main character, but as a fully-rounded person who is more than just the sum of their body. Vincent's lack of sight was part of the story but did not at any point overwhelm the relationships he had with his friends (although his family made it out to be a bigger deal than he felt it was -- which was great to see their overreactions, and realizations that he wasn't broken as he struck out on his own). His relationship with Sophia is adorable although occasionally sweet to the point of saccharine (I think I liked the grumpiness of Hugo from the previous book more), but it's never seen as a magical fix to all of his problems. I think Sophie proved herself more than his equal without having to rescue him, and that she isn't intent on "fixing him with love" was really important to me.

This most importantly isn't "disability porn" or a heartwarming story of overcoming a disability so people can feel better about themselves -- it's a sweet romance novel with a non-standard hero, and thank goodness for that. Vincent isn't a jerk, Sophie isn't a milksop, and the writing is delightful. I can't wait to read the rest of these books!

You don't need to have read The Proposal to read this book, although some of the characters do make an appearance. You could easily read them out of order or as stand-alones and still fully enjoy them.
2388048
This is a super charming contemporary romance with a wonderful smart self assured heroine and an uptight sexy as hell hero.

What makes this book grand is that it is funny and that there are real aches to each character as well as details that make them complex.

I believe in the love story.

The outside conflicts are well down with a bit of fantasy in the resolutions that is winning.
This is a sexy as hell book too.

There is a little dumb moment towards the end and a clinging to some ideas that hold the book back from being a five star but overall so very good!
597876
D.C. Clark has forged a romance that is tender and infinitely pleasurable. Erin Forbes, a nurse who inherits her beloved grandfather's property in beautiful Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, suddenly discovers that she may have a cousin she knew nothing about. Michael Cameron is on the search for the truth about his grandmother's past and enlists a reluctant Erin's help. Initially suspicious of his motives, they discover a secret history of their grandparents which brings them together beyond family ties. This story builds a gentle romance against the complexities of modern living and the careful secrets of the past. It's the perfect antidote to a long day, and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good read on a cold winter's night.
4311460
Skip's journey from being broken-hearted sap to happily in love again is delightful. His civil union with Monty ends after almost a decade of being together. He feels blindsided, heartbroken, and like a complete wreck. He decides that he needs a major change of scenery and moves back home with his mom until he gets his act in order. In the meantime, he has a new teaching job at his old high school, where his high school crush is also a teacher. And the sparks fly.

I really enjoyed this story. Paul is amazing - almost too perfect - and his gentle wooing of Skip is full of fun, quiet moments, as well as some pretty hot sex. The chemistry between these two can bring on a hot-flash. These guys are more than just lovers, though. There's a playfulness in their 'non-relationship' that is genuine. This is a couple you'd totally want to hang out with. They're lovely with each other. They exchange looks, little touches, funny texts. They're always communicating with each other, consciously or not. I like how their relationship develops. There is immediate sexual attraction, but it's so much more than that in a short amount of time, which, of course, freaks the hell out of Skip, but he keeps justifying it in his head so that his mind can accept what his heart surely knows. The interactions between the MCs and their families and friends are funny and sweet. I don't know, I just really liked this quiet romance. Skip's angst and skittishness really has no chance against Paul's charm, hotness, and love, but it's fun to see how it happens.

Highly recommend.