romance

Review: The Chocolate Heart by Laura Florand

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16101234 I love the Chocolate series by Laura Florand. 2 different authors that I really like – Ruthie Knox and Nalini Singh – recommended these books publicly and I’m so glad they did.

The latest book, The Chocolate Heart, is set in a Parisian hotel for the majority of the book. Summer Corey has been told all of her life that she is a spoiled brat. By her father, by those around her and by the press who loved to follow her around as she made mistakes. Everyone was surprised when about 4 years ago she dropped out of sight and it was rumored she was on an island the entire time. The first time she’s seen again by the public is in her father’s expensive hotel facing off with pastry chef Luc Leroi.

Fans of the series will recognize the Corey last name and will be happy to see some previously featured characters have some screen time. Summer’s father has essentially blackmailed Summer to be in France for a certain amount of time even though Summer hates the city and has only negative memories of the hotel. Luc tries to woo her with his elaborate chocolate desserts and is astonished to have them returned to the kitchen one by one every evening with Summer’s regrets, saying that she does not eat sweets. Luc is bound and determined to get to the heart of this enigma of a woman who does not want to let anyone in.

What I love about this series and what is hard to explain is that it’s about chocolate, but so much more. Looking at covers and reading descriptions doesn’t quite do the books justice because there is so much depth to these books that were unexpected to me at first. This new book does not disappoint at all. I adore the descriptions of the desserts and how they’re made – the author does a wonderful job of doing this in such a way that it captures the emotion and passion that seems to jump from the page. After reading each book in this series I always want to run off to France and find a chocolatier to watch at their best.

Luc is a passionate man but not a typical alpha male in the sense that is common in many romance novels currently. He is intent on Summer and wants to know her and why she is the way she is, while Summer has no desire to get to know him. She wants to run away back to her island and get back to her lonely existence.

This was a beautifully written addition to the series. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to another romance lover.

5 stars

~Clio

Buy it Now The Chocolate Heart (Amour et Chocolat)

Review: Remy by Katy Evans

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“When I take you, you’ll be mine.”

Holy sexual tension, Batman!! I love reading male’s POVs cuz of all the emotions they feel, but this books is nothing like those. Now, don’t get me wrong, this book had emotion, but most of it was filled with sexual tension so raw, I was fanning myself a few times. He is a fierce lover. FIERCE!

It’s starts off on their wedding day. And while he’s waiting for Brooke, he remembers all those things that happened between them. I thought this book was going to basically be Real from Remy’s point of view. But I was wrong. It was Real and Mine together. I was very happy about that. It basically alternated between the now and then. I’m glad we got to see some of his scenes, where Brooke isn’t there. We never knew how he felt about going black and needing the shots. I felt so horrible for him, at those parts. I can’t imagine not being in control like that. Scary.

When we first see Remy meet Brooke, you see how he was thrown off balance, just like she was. It’s nice to see a guy off kilter. The way he wanted her was slightly overwhelming. He was quite obsessive for her. I never knew the depths of his needing love, until this book. He was basically thrown away, when all he wanted was love. He wants to give all of himself to Brooke, if she’ll take him.

And once he has Brooke, he will do everything to keep her.

“I’m not letting anyone take her. I’m not letting her go. I’m her Real. She’s Mine.”

I still loved the way music was intertwined throughout the book. Remy uses songs to show Brooke how he feels, since he can’t quite say the right things. The songs they picked were perfectly written for them. She seems to understand him more and more, with his song choices.

This was a nice ending to the Remy and Brooke story. I know there are more books coming, but those will be about some of their friends. Not that I’m complaining about this sexy fighter, but it will be a nice break from all his obsessive ways.

I received this ARC for an honest review.
~Melpomene

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Release date: Nov 26
Gallery Books
Buy it now Remy (The REAL series)

Review: Her Sexiest Mistake by Jill Shalvis

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I’m usually a little wary of reading from an author’s backlist. Sometimes their earlier works aren’t up to par with the later ones, and I don’t like to be disappointed. Well, have no fear with this November 2013 e-release of a 2005 paperback. Every bit reflected the same witty, romantic and fun Jill Shalvis I’ve been reading in recent years.

I loved that Mia was a driven, ambitious, self-made career woman. I loved that she made her own destiny. And I totally respected the fact that she had to build up emotional walls to do it. What better foil to her neighbor Kevin, a sensitive, caring guy who just wants to help everyone live up to their full -professional and emotional- potential.

I liked that Kevin nudged Mia to make their relationship more honest and authentic. I liked seeing the push and pull of their emotions. Kevin was a catalyst in Mia’s emotional growth, and even better, a catalyst in Mia’s niece Hope’s adolescent development.

Her Sexiest Mistake is a love story that starts off hot, cools down a little, and then gets emotional. With strong, sensitive Kevin and wounded-but-won’t-be-a-victim Mia, the reader gets all the uncertainties of a new romance AND the happiest of happy-ever-afters.

–Calliope

Buy it now Her Sexiest Mistake

Review: On His List by Wendy Sparrow

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20131119-142353.jpg Remy and Owen meet serendipitously. That’s perfect for spontaneous Remy… but a little crazy for organized, structured Owen. Little does Owen know that he’s going to fall hard for Remy, and loosen up in the process.

On His List is a cute, romantic novella filled with flirtation and double entendres. Even though I am more of a list-maker myself, it was fun to see Owen want to relax and enjoy the insouciance that Remy brought to the table.

My favorite part was the end, when Owen did the most spontaneous thing in his life — all for the sake of love — and then showed how he still stayed true to himself by making the ultimate romantic list. Even Remy swooned.

3.5 stars for 77 pages of flirtatious fun.

–Calliope

Buy it now On His List

Review: Miracle Road by Emily March

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Spanning autumn and ending at Christmas (into the New Year if you count the epilogue), Miracle Road is traveled by Hope and Lucca, each trying to overcome grief and depression. They lift each other up with family and community help. In the end they find a way to love themselves and each other.

I’ll be honest, my favorite part of this book was tall, dark, hot, hunky, lean, brawny Lucca Romano. Somehow his broody self was so very appealing (i.e. sexy). Lucca’s brothers were just as awesome, though they took a back seat in the plot.

Hope is just as appealing a heroine. She’s a kindergarten teacher, a stand-in hoops coach, and a volunteer in the community. She’s headstrong and maybe somewhat of an introvert. I totally related to her and loved her character.

Lucca aside, my other favorite part of Miracle Road was a full-on cry fest at the single most romantic thing Lucca could have done for Hope. I read happily-ever-after romances all the time, and I didn’t even see this coming. Grab some tissues, and prepare to be impressed. It’s brilliant, in more ways than one. 😉

Miracle Road illustrates how a strong sense of family can help someone overcome a personal life challenge. The book has other romantic subplots, as well as friendships and mentor-ships that bring people together and uplift them. Emily March’s writing is good, her character development strong, and her ability to create a strong, sensitive, swoon-worthy hero… beyond excellent!

Miracle Road is #7 in the Eternity Springs series, but it can definitely be read standing alone.

–Calliope

Buy it now Miracle Road

Review: Infinite Possibilities, by Lisa Renee Jones

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“You are infinitely mine.”

OK. So if you haven’t read Escaping Reality, stop right here and go read it first. I’ll wait…..

Done? Good. This book starts off right where ER left us. Amy just left Liam and is on the run trying to figure out what happened to her family. She doesn’t fully trust him, even though she’s be alone for so long and was hoping she could trust, but that’s not what happens.

So she tries to hide and keep moving so Liam, and whoever else, can’t find her. But he is one determined man and will do anything to find her.

“Run to me, not from me.”

He finds her eventually, only to lose her after a major twist in the story. I honestly never saw this coming. But Liam won’t give up. He is out to prove to her that she is everything to him and that he needs her just as much as she needs him.

She starts to have more and more flashbacks, which give a glimpse on some of the people from her past. She learns that the answers to many of her questions, were right in front of her, but her brain blocked them. But as she learns more about her family, she finds more unanswered questions.

But as the puzzle pieces started to be put back together and her life may actually start over, she still faces guilt over the deaths of her family, even though it wasn’t her fault. That is the reason she can’t move on. She knows there’s more to them and she doesn’t want Liam involved. It could lead to his death and she’s had enough death in her life. She can’t survive anymore. But that man is stubborn and shows her that she is his and he will always be there for her.

“When our eyes met in that airport, I saw another lost soul. And baby, you will never be alone again.”

I was so hoping that this would wrap up Amy’s story, but it didn’t. I understand why it can’t. The next book will be about the twist. And what a twist it was. And I’ll say it again. Never.saw.it.coming!! And that leads to the craziest epilogue. I want the next book NOW!!!

~Melpomene

Buy it now Infinite Possibilities (Contemporary New Adult) (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen)

Review: Otter Bay series by Julie Carobini

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I just finished a few books in the Otter Bay series. Set in a small town on the northwest coast, Otter Bay offers a tiny Main Street with the necessities: a coffee shop, a diner, a church. A little further out of town are the Pines, some cottages, and some winding mountain roads.

All this beauty provides the backdrop for new beginnings. Whether it’s Diner owner Peg’s niece Holly looking for her family, or Gage and Callie starting a life together, or Suz learning to be a single mother — and (gasp) start dating, the water in Otter Bay has heart-and-soul-cleansing properties.

Heartfelt family dynamics, strong but sweet heroes, and heroines searching for something – or someone – recur in the Otter Bay novels. This series is similar to Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series, but with a slightly (non-preachy, yet inspired) Christian slant.

Julie’s novels uplift me, give me hope, and give me a case of Happily-Ever-After sighs. If you’re in the mood for inspirational and sweet stories with romance in the plot, read Julie Carobini!

–Calliope

Only 99¢-$2.99!
Buy them now:
A Shore Thing
Fade to Blue
Sweet Waters

Review: The Mountain Between Us by Cindy Meyers

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20131108-161406.jpgA snowy Christmas romance! The Mountain Between Us is set in Colorado, in a tiny town where everyone leans on each other. The dynamics among the residents of Eureka remind me of those in Robyn Carr’s Virgin River — a focus on family, with woodsy, macho men who protect strong and emotional women.

Cindy Meyers gives us DJ and Olivia, a former couple who may or may not get back together; and Maggie and Jameso, a newish couple who have some real obstacles to overcome. Throw in a few spinsters, a con artist, a teenager and a local diner, and you have yourself a town.

I liked how Meyers gave the characters strength and integrity. They were likable and sweet. They held each other up during snowstorms and swindles. They lent each other an ear and a shoulder to cry on. I also liked the dual romance… and the inclusion of extended family. I felt like I could depend on these people. I trusted them.

The only thing that disappointed me about this book was the rambling writing. Some chapters took way too long to say what they needed to say. A good 10% of the verbiage should have been cut to tighten up the writing. Because of the long-windedness (especially in the first half), I found myself skipping over entire paragraphs, itching to get to the action! Nevertheless, the writing is excellent and the dialogue flowed naturally.

The Mountain Between Us is a warm Christmas romance, replete with snowstorms, love, and a strong sense of family. Read it beside your Christmas tree with a cup of hot cocoa, and you might even hear the jingle bells.

–Calliope

Buy it now The Mountain Between Us

Review: Mine, by Katy Evans

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“Remy, you’re my king…There’s no chess game for me without you.”
“You’re the queen who will protect me.”

Oh my word!!! This book had my emotions all over the freaking place!! I remember how intense Real was and this is right up there. This takes place right after Real ends. Brooke is back with Remy and she continues to fight for him at every corner.

They have such a fierce, and an all consuming love for each other, it made their struggles even more hard to read. And boy did they have struggles. They had such doozies, that I remember the exact percentage that these happened. Brooke had to come to terms with what happened when she left him, in Real. She knows she was gone, and shouldn’t hold anything against him, but it’s much easier said than done.

“You…are going to love me until I die. I’m going to make you love me even if it hurts, and when it hurts, I’m going to make it better, Brooke.”

I felt so bad for Brooke during this book. She seemed to draw the short straw at every turn. At one point, I was reading, thinking it was a dream, until I realized it was actually happening. I was shocked and appalled. I couldn’t imagine anyone surviving that.

But then something wonderful happens and that totally made the book for me. But, as with all good books, the good parts can only last for so long, before the drama and turmoil starts to seep in and tries to destroy everything that is good. Brooke has to face something so hard, and Remy can’t help her. And when he’s away from her, the poor guy can barely function. He may appear so strong, but even the strongest beasts can fall. And if she’s not there to catch him, no one can.

Scorpion is still a major player in this book. He’s also the creator of some of the drama. Brooke’s sister play a role in the drama as well. I was getting so mad at her for not supporting her sister and Remy. He was the reason she’s alive and back in good health. But of course, drama is needed.

“You deserve this and more. While you fight out there, I will fight for you to come home to this.”

I was so strung out on the all the fight and sex scenes. FIERCE. Every time I turned around, someone was getting thrown to the floor or the bed. Not that I’m complaining. If I had a Remy of my own, I’d probably be the same way. He’s a force to be reckoned with and you better watch out. He loves and protects the ones he loves and he’s not afraid to fight hard or dirty.

There was a point where him being bipolar produced a scene that was extremely hard to read. My stomach was in feet. He was so down, there was no other option for him. Watching Remy try and fail to bring himself back up, was so sad. Growing up with people who basically threw you away, will change you, and not for the better. Even if he has caring friends, that love and support him now, not having that in the beginning of his life, has done damage to him. I know there are many people who suffer from this also, I just hope they are surrounded by loving people who will help them.

“Your family isn’t with you because of destiny or blood or because they have no choice. They’re with you because they love you. And chose you.” I gaze into his blue eyes. “I choose you.”

~Melpomene

Gallery books
Buy it now Mine (The REAL series)

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Review: Love, in Writing; by Elsa Winckler

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20131102-220427.jpg Just released this month!

Love, in Writing is about a romance author, Margaret, who meets a sci-fi writer, Graham. They live in different towns in South Africa but keep running into each other at various events. Margaret and Graham develop a relationship, but each is too stubborn to see the love they have between them.

I enjoyed the South African setting, the surfing references, crazy cousin Louise, and Margaret’s bookshop (full of books with happy-ever-afters). The author signings and book launches were fun to read about, too.

I really liked that Margaret stood her ground and wouldn’t compromise her values and needs just because she met a hot guy. She wanted Love and Forever, and she was prepared to wait for it. I also thought it was great that Graham wanted to hold back, since his goal was a casual relationship. He pulled back from getting too close to Margaret before he was really ready.

Within this novel, Margaret and Graham wrote about each other in the books they were writing. Using valuable novel space to describe how and what they were writing was a little too silly for me. I skimmed over those parts when I saw them coming. I thought the plans near the end to get back together were also a little unrealistic. But I suspended my disbelief and was satisfied with the ending and the epilogue.

Love, in Writing is a well-written, quirky romance. The characters are fun, and the setting is unique. I enjoyed it.

–Calliope

Buy it now Love, in Writing