Title: True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop
Author: Annie Darling
Series: Lonely Hearts Bookshop
Pages: 416 
Genre(s): Contemporary, UK
Hot Buttons: /

Verity Love – Jane Austen fangirl and an introvert in a world of extroverts – is perfectly happy on her own (thank you very much), and her fictional boyfriend Peter is very useful for getting her out of unwanted social events. But when a case of mistaken identity forces her to introduce a perfect stranger as her boyfriend, Verity’s life suddenly becomes much more complicated.

Johnny could also use a fictional girlfriend. Against Verity’s better judgement, he persuades her to partner up for a summer season of weddings, big number birthdays and garden parties, with just one promise - not to fall in love with each other…

This isn’t my usual romance novel as I don’t tend to read contemporary romances set in the UK - too close to home and too hard to disappear into a fantasy world that way. I’ll admit that it did take me a while to get into the book, but once it got going, I was hooked. It was smart, rich and, at times laugh out loud funny. And perhaps because it was set in the UK, I felt a connection with the story and the characters.

Verity was a very real character and a true introvert. I loved how she owned her quirks and foibles and, without sounding like a sap, I really admired her, identified with her and looked up to her, despite her ‘flaws’. I could feel her pain and was 100% with her when she wanted to punch Marissa and her friends. I did too - so very much. It was nice to read about someone who went through the same problems as normal people and came out the other side - not unscathed - but still happy.

Much like Very, we didn’t get any insight into Johnny’s feelings as the story was told purely from her point of view. I think I ended up being just as frustrated as she was by not knowing what was going on in that daft, gorgeous head of his. He took a bit too long to stop being foolish but it was annoying realistic in that sense.

This book was definitely a slow burner. I loved how the progression of Very and Johnny’s friendship almost meandered along although there were significant milestones that were so small but so huge at the same time. It was lovely to watch the pair. And frustrating at times, too!

I normally prefer my romance books with a decent amount of sex in them. This didn’t have that and honestly, it didn’t need it. No, really - I didn’t miss it.

There were little Jane Austen quotes and titbits littered in the book which were fun to read. And the ending…I think I might have swooned. *Sigh* Definitely a re-readable moment.

I finished the book last night and I still find myself reaching for my kindle to read more about the lives of Very and Johnny. Because it took me about a week to finish the book - and also through the skill of the author in bringing the characters to life and making them feel like very real people - I feel like I know them and I’m going to miss them!

This book was a surprise to me. As I mentioned, it’s not my usual type of book but true love and bookshops? - I just couldn’t resist - and I’m so glad that I didn’t. The only reason for not giving this book the full 5 stars was because it took me quite a while to get into it (and only when I did did I realise it was set in London rather than a cute little village somewhere!). There was a lot of detail throughout the book but in the first few chapters I just wanted Very and Johnny to meet (and meet again) and get the love story started! The other reason is that I could have done with a bit more grovelling from Johnny at the end. It wouldn’t have worked with the way the story played out but I still wanted it.

I’m now off in search of Posy’s story (The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts) and (hopefully) any future stories with this same set of friends. The level of detail and richness of their stories means I must have more in my life! Add to that, I really found this story up-lifting. Even if this isn’t your usual sort of romance, I would recommend this book to you. Give it a shot - I know you won’t be disappointed. 4 stars.

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* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

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Title: A Talent for Temptation
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Series: Sinful Suitors
Pages: 68
Genre(s): Historical, Regency
Hot Buttons: /

Widow Meriel Vyse is stunned speechless when someone tries to abduct her on her way to a ball. Fortunately, Quinn Raines, her secret beau, shows up to foil the attack. Unfortunately, as the two of them are struggling with her abductor, Meriel accidentally stabs Quinn with a knife.

Unbeknownst to Meriel, Quinn set up the fake abduction so he could play the hero and win her hand in marriage. But now that his plan has gone disastrously awry, can he convince her that he's still the man for her?

You don’t always feel completely satisfied with a short story due to its length - but this one does feel like a complete tale. This is because we join the love story after our couple - Quinn and Meriel - have met and fallen in love. Not that either of them are prepared to admit that just yet. Or have consummated those feelings. More fun for us as we get to read all the good bits packed into a short space!

I loved the premise for this story - it sounded hilarious - but I’ll admit to being a tiny bit concerned that Quinn might be a little bit of a wet blanket if he needed to woo someone with subterfuge and machinations. I shouldn’t have worried. Quinn was a nice, strong man who had just gone to bizarre lengths to win the woman he loved away from the other man that he feared she may love more.

Meriel was a no-nonsense, strong woman with worries about her worth and her past that gave her a true-to-life roundness to her character. I loved her. Together, she and Quinn were adorable and I was rooting for them to work things out. Especially after their time together in the parlour! Plus, extra marks for the name Quinn. It’s up there with Nick, Matt and Finn as my favourite hero names of all time!

The other thing this story did was really whet my appetite for the next (and last) in the Sinful Suitors series dealing with Baron Fulkham (who also appears in this story) - The Secret of Flirting. When he remarks that he has neither the time nor the inclination to fall in love I laughed. Ha! Little do you know what Ms Jeffries has in store for you, Gregory!

Anyway, A Talent for Temptation is a short read that will take you less than an hour. Despite that it’s sweet and satisfying and if you’re a fan of Sabrina Jeffries, the Sinful Suitors series or just enjoyable historical romance stories, I would highly recommend this book to you. 5 stars.

This is book 4.5 in Jeffries’ Sinful Suitors series but can be read as a standalone story.

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Title: Love So Hot
Author: Marquita Valentine
Series: Lawson Brothers
Pages: 200
Genre(s): Contemporary
Hot Buttons: /

Bank Teller and all around good girl, Sydney McKnight, is tired of being the girl all the guys want to have as a friend. Who better to help unleash her inner vixen than her best friend and secret crush, Brody Lawson? Only, Sydney has no idea how to ask him, without their friendship going up in flames, until that is, the town of Jessamine's annual Firemen's Auction gives her the perfect excuse to set her plan into motion.

Fire Captain Brody Lawson has been in love with his best friend, Sydney, for years, but he would never risk their friendship by confessing his feelings to her. So, when Sydney beats out the competition to buy his time at the annual Firemen's Auction, Brody can hardly believe his luck until she asks him to teach her how to seduce a fellow fireman.

Now, it’s up to Brody to show Sydney how perfect she already is and convince her that the only man for her is him, because if Sydney is going to seduce any man, it’s going to be him. And once he has her in his bed, he’s not letting her go.

Fun but lacked some oomph

Can I just start by saying that this was about the cutest and sweetest book I’ve ever read! It was so much fun. It doesn’t hurt that I love a best friends into lovers storyline - even better that they’ve both been hiding their feelings for the other for fear of losing their friendship. It's almost as good as a second chance romance for me.

The story is set in a small town and the author clearly knows the nuances of that setting well. Some of the small town quirks seemed crazy but never came across as cliched or scathing of life in a small town in mid-America. I was surprised to realise that this was the first in the series of books as there were a number of characters introduced that I was under the impression that I should have known. Having said that, I’ll be looking out for books about some of the other folks in the town as I can’t resist finding out their stories since we got some interesting glimpses.

The two main characters were really fun. Sydney and Brody were perfect for each other and I liked how they played off each other and danced around each other before getting to that happily ever after part.

The main reason that I didn’t give this book 5 stars - despite liking it a lot - is that I just felt it lacked a little something. There were sex scenes but they never really caught fire. There was talk of love but we never really felt the way the characters were feeling. It just lacked a little depth. A little oomph. And the big misunderstanding/argument before the final declaration was a little bit silly. Brody just needed to man up a bit, in my opinion, instead of going in a strop when he had been doing things that were just as bad (but neither worthy of a massive argument) as Sydney had been doing.

Having said that, this is still a fun, cute and sweet book and, as I said, I’ll be looking out for others in the series as the story was well-written and a good way to spend a couple of hours. 4 stars.

Plus - not crazy about the cover. Oh, the guy and gal are hot enough but the pic looks like a badly lit snapshot that I might take when I'm trying to pretend that I'm an arty photographer. Which I'm definitely not!

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The Lawson Brothers Series:

       

          

                            Brody                                 Lucas                                 Mason                                Tristan

           

                                                     Austin                                Caleb                                 Preston

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Title: Misadventures of a City Girl
Author: Meredith Wild and Chelle Bliss
Series: Misadventures
Pages: 300 
Genre(s): Contemporary
Hot Buttons: Anal Sex, Language

Fresh off a divorce from a Hollywood hotshot, Madison Atwood needs an escape. With the paparazzi fresh on her heels and her love life splashed on every tabloid, she runs away to a swanky retreat in Northern California. Avalon Springs is the mountainside haven she needs to find herself again.

Luke Dawson lives off the grid, preferring solitude to society. When he finds a beautiful woman soaking in the hot springs on his property, he can’t stop himself from watching her. She captures his attention, but she’s just a city girl—a beautiful distraction disturbing the peace he’s settled here to find.

When Madison discovers Luke’s secluded cabin, he can’t turn her away again. They make no promises. Madison needs to feel wanted again, and Luke misses the touch of a woman. But when mother nature has other plans, they’re forced to spend more than a night of passion together. Can Luke say goodbye to the only woman who’s made him feel anything in years, and can Madison leave behind the man who brought her back to life?

A fresh and sexy read

When I first started this book, I was under the impression that it was a short story. I’m not sure why I had that impression since it’s a book of 300 pages. I’m also not sure if that changed my perception of the book until I realised it was a full-length novel.

Anyway, to start with this story just read like one of my fantasy vacations. Head off into the mountains to detox from busy life and find yourself a hunky, wild mountain man that you can have lots of care-free sex with. Ahhhh - bliss!

From there, the pair get to grips with each other, with their own baggage, and their developing feelings for each other.

At one point - namely the part where Luke and Madison go into town and get into it with the townsfolk - I really stopped liking Maddie for a while. It’s been a few days since I finished the book I still have no idea why she acted the way she did. It was so bizarre. The story as a whole took a downward turn towards three stars at that point. Luckily, it picked up again after that and I started enjoying it all over again.

There was a lo-o-o-t of sex in this book and some fruity language to go right along with it - so if that’s not your thing then this isn’t the book for you. There was one occasion of anal sex - which is really not my thing, but it was brief so I managed to skip it and not miss anything of the story. There was also a really odd occasion where Maddie walloped Luke during sex. I mean walloped him in the face. Spanking I can get behind; being hit in the face is just weird, in my opinion.

This is a fun, sexy story about two polar opposites who find comfort in each other and then find more than they bargained for. There are a few blips along the way - in the story as well as for the couple, but overall it’s a fresh, saucy read that will keep you entertained and occupied for a couple of hours. 4 stars from me.

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* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

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