Contemporary Romance Reviews by Team Romance Book Haven - a group of ladies, worldwide, who read and discuss romance books for the love of it - kind of like a virtual book club - minus the wine ;)
This is the fifth and last book in this series and again I loved it sensual fast paced and it was a fabulous story to read.
Dex McCoy has moved back to his hometown of Glacier Creek, Montana after being away for months doing a smokejumper exchange he is still known as the rookie on the team but he is really good at his job and has learnt a lot over the past few months, he is gorgeous single and has no plans to change his single status his brother and his sister in law and their little girl Lila live on the family ranch and Dex does everything he can to help them after Lila was hurt in an accident but when he runs into Cady Adams a spark starts up again after many years are they destined to be together?
Cady Adams has lived all of her life in Glacier Creek and after going off to California to go to a culinary institute and learn to bake the best cakes and pies in the land she is back in town now but there was one thing she wanted before she left and it had a lot to do with Dex McCoy but she left without getting it so when she runs into Dex there is a lot of water under the bridge between them and feeling that emotion between them flying from the pages is awesome.
Who doesn't love a firefighter and Dex has a few issues that need to be resolved and Cady is just the person to help him truly they are so made for each other the journey to a HEA is filled with ups and downs but is sensual and very moving. I do highly recommend this one MS Purman will pull you in and have you smiling of course it was fabulous catching up with friends from the previous books and the cup cakes that Cady makes well I want them all :)
WOW MS Milburne knows how to write a story that gives the reader an emotional journey to a HEA one that will keep you smiling as you turn the pages I love the feelings that she brings out in me as the reader while I get to know the characters.
Clementine Scott, Clem as she likes to called has lead a pretty rough life growing up with her beautiful mother who flits from one man to another, Clem's father is not around and she has a half brother Jamie that she cares very much for. She has body image problems stemming from a terrible time at the age of sixteen although she is beautiful now she is still not convinced, she works hard with books old books collecting them and is always looking out for them. But when a blast from her past walks into the shop she is stunned and reminded of her teenage years Alistair Hawthorne was back in her life and when he insists that she accompany him to Morocco looking for his step sister who has run off with Jamie where will this lead?
Alistair is furious when his step sister runs off with none other than Jamie Scott he has not seen Clem of Jamie for ten years when is father has a fling with their mother but he needs to get is step sister back and there is only one person who can help and there is a spark when they meet again Clem has grown into a beautiful woman who appears to be strong but with a vulnerability to her how long will he be able to deny this pull?
Yes pick this one up sit back and enjoy you will not want to be disturbed while jetting across Morocco and getting to know Alistair and Clem and see them enjoy a very sensual journey that opens up a lot of wounds from the past but in turn helps them fall very much in love I do highly recommend this one it really does tick all the boxes that a beautiful romance requires I loved it.
5/5 stars for a great story
Expected publication: July 19th 2016 by Harlequin
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Review by TashNZ - 5 Stars
Mistress for a Week is a passionately warm lovestory of two adults who have the worst parents in the world and have spent their adult life trying to rise above the rotten examples that were set for them. Bought back together by their naughty younger siblings Alastair and Clementine take off to Monte Carlo to find the missing wayward teens.
The past lives of Alastair and Clem were cleverly woven together and their love story was as equally spellbinding. I enjoyed their thoughts and verbal sparringand I think the younger siblings were an enjoyable asset to the story. It also showed you can’t judge a book by the cover because appearances can be deceiving. Clem is a most imperfect heroine who spends her life looking out for everyone else. I loved that Alastair helped her grown into the beautiful swan she was.
It was refreshing to read a hero who wasn’t so macho and his inner caring bubbled up more than once.
A lovely read full of interesting characters who all deserve their happy ever after in the beautiful locations they were in.
Review by Adel - 5 Stars
His Mistress for a Week by Melanie Milburne is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It is an uplifting story about Alistair and Clem reconnecting after 10 years apart, it describes how they break the mould and are respectable people despite the bad decisions both their parents made. The story grabs you from page one. I immediately fell in love with the characters, Alistair and Clem. Clem is insecure but extremely feisty, she stands up for those she loves and is very witty. Alistair is a strong “no nonsense” type of guy who takes charge of any and every situation, he is deeply caring and protective of the people he loves. I literally couldn’t put this book down until the last page. I would highly recommend this book to all romance lovers who like an easy flowing story that is witty, fun, sizzling and has a happy ending. Well written, Melanie Milburne! Review by Alexia - 5 Stars "His Mistress for a Week" by Melanie Milburne is a wonderful read alone book that was a quick, enjoyable read. Clementine Scott knows what it is like to be humiliated because Alistair Hawthorne did that to her 10 years ago. When her brother, and his step sister go missing Alistair forces Clementine to help him find her with the threat that he would call the police on her brother and have him arrested for taking his minor step sister out of the country. Seems like old habits are hard to break and they find their way back to each other. Review by Dottie - 5 Stars Clementine Scott has such low self esteem she feels she will spend her life alone and only worry about taking care of her brother and sending money to her mother. Plans sometimes go astray and in this case they are totally changed. Alistair Hawthorne is responsible for his step sister Harriet and finds she has run away with a Jamie the brother of Clementine and has taken money and his car. He confronts Clementine and tells her she must go with him to find the runaways. Ms. Milburne always delivers a fantastic story and again she has written a story that will draw you in from the first page. Clementine had a humiliating situation with Alistair years ago when her mother was responsible for breaking up of his parents marriage so the last place she wants to be is with Alistair but he makes it impossible for her to refuse so they travel to find the runaways. Alistair is an amazing hero and after his initial anger he realizes how difficult Clementine's life has been and so begins a relationship neither thought would be. Love has a way of slipping in when you least expect it but Clementine's self worth is so low that the real thing may pass her for lack of believing in herself. Another fantastic book by an amazing author Review by Amanda - 5 Stars There aren’t enough adjectives in the English dictionary to describe Melanie Milburne’s latest offering to Harlequin Presents. His Mistress for a Week swept me away from page one. The angst. The drama. The intense scenes. The provocative writing... It took my breath away! I savored every sentence. I growled expletives at Alistair, such a brute at first. I cheered Clem on when her razor sharp tongue and inward dialogue sliced Alistair to shreds—the dialogue between H/h held such weight. It provoked and it tantalized.
It's been ten years since Alistair and Clem laid eyes upon each other. Then one day Alistair waltzes back in town and uproots Clem from her quiet, non eventful life. It’s a storm between her and Alistair who would not take no for an answer. But they’re but determined to have their own way but Alistair is convincing enough to persuade Clem in the most ruthless way. Want to know what happens next? Just imagine having these two hot headed and temperamental rivals together… Explosion. I thoroughly enjoyed this delicious story and highly recommend it to all fans of romance! You won’t be disappointed.
Highly, Highly Recommended 5 Stars Review by Lynn - 4 Stars A sexy take on an enemies to lovers story!
Ten years ago, an ugly confrontation happened between Clementine Scott and Alistair Hawthorne that was mostly based on raw emotions and mistaken intentions. She was left with the attitude that all men were horrible and she had no intention of ever having a relationship with one again, especially the arrogant Alistair!
Fast forward 10 years and she's approached by a seething Alistair again telling her that her little brother has taken off with his step-sister and she has to help him track them down. She resists having anything to do with him, but he doesn't give her any choice if she wants her brother to be safe.
As they spend time together, the true story of what had happened years earlier comes out and they forgive each other for the misunderstanding. They can't resist the attraction that is flaring up between them, so they decide on a a one week fling ... will either of them be able to walk away after just one week? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reviewed by Nas Dean
HIS MISTRESS FOR A WEEK by author Melanie Milburne is an
August 2016 release by Harlequin Presents series.
Clementine Scott had a humiliating night at the hands of Alistair
Hawthorne ten years ago. But she would never ever let it happen again, would
she?
Yet here she was. Forced to spend one week with Alistair
while they searched for her brother. But she saw a new side to Alistair. Could
she forgive him for the past? Because no matter how much she denied it, the
attraction between them sizzled and scorched.
HIS MISTRESS FOR A WEEK would
hook a reader in and keep her hooked right till the last page. You can’t
imagine Clem and Alistair ever getting together but author Melanie Milburne brings
them together convincingly by how they manage to work out all the differences
and fall fast in love. The sensual and the emotional scenes shimmer and sizzle.
And the fun come-backs in the story would keep you laughing along with them.
Yet the emotions would keep you crying too.
I was really looking forward to this one I have loved the first two books in this series and I was very much looking forward to seeing Eliza get her HEA and with none other than billionaire Jake Marlowe you see they were best man and bridesmaid at Andie and Dominic’s wedding and then again at Gemma and Tristian’s weddings and that spark that started with the first wedding grew with the second one and bought them together in the magical European castle such a fairy tale but there were still obstacles in their way so it took another 6 months before they were in contact again and wow.
Eliza is part of the Party Queens party planning company and loves her job she has been married and divorced and is one of the most independent and determined to do everything herself people there is she will not be told what to do and can be very stubborn about it. Eliza is not the sort of girl who is into affairs but she cannot deny the pull between her and Jake so when she decides to take a much needed four day break at Port Douglas Jake is the last person she expects to run into at the airport but that spark cannot be denied.
Jake Marlowe is a self- made billionaire gorgeous and caring but he also has secrets from his past and has just come through a divorce and with a rule book to guide him although another marriage and fatherhood is something that is not in his future, he decides it is time to get back to living and seeing as Eliza is someone he cannot forget the time is right for them to meet again where will this lead? Four wonderful sensual days together with consequences that neither of them thought could happen.
Truly this is one moving sensual emotional story that I did not want to put down MS Shepherd knows how to write a story that will pull you in and have you turning those pages. The setting is fabulous and that glimmer that has been glowing between Jake and Eliza for some time now explodes with emotions that will see stubbornness and determination and then the pure joy of opening up and realizing that they are very much in love with a baby on the way. Thank you MS Shepherd for another fabulous story.
The Bridesmaid’s Baby Bump is the third book in Kandy Shepherd’s Sydney Brides series. This was a great story about attraction turning into a test of will between two fiercely independent individuals. The main characters were carefully created. They had depth, they had flaws and of course they were realistic. I rooted for Eliza Dunne; she is passionate, talented and fragile. Jake Marlowe on the other hand is strong, independent and roguish but in the end he proved himself as a worthy father and life partner. Eliza and Jake meet up at their friend’s wedding and they discover the attraction between them has never died. This meeting rekindles past desires and it isn’t before long that Eliza and Jake act upon their attraction. The consequence of their passionate four day rendezvous adds drama to this rather fun, banter filled story. So grab Kandy’s book and find out how Eliza and Jake work past their differences in order for them to reach their happy ever after.
Review by Adel - 4 Stars
In The Bridesmaid’s Baby Bump by Kandy Shepherd, Eliza Dunne and Jake Marlowe meet once again at their friend’s wedding. The attraction between the two is as strong as it ever was and the time soon comes when Jake is free to act on the attraction. Eliza believes she is infertile so it comes as a major shock when she discovers that she is pregnant after spending a magical four days with Jake.
Eliza and Jake are both fiercely independent and fear getting hurt again, causing for some interesting times while the two fight each other for custody of their unborn baby. Fortunately, they realise the error of their ways and work out their differences. Love heals both Eliza and Jake.
It was a lovely and emotional story and I recommend it to any romance lover that believes in second and even third changes. Review by Hina - 5 Stars Finally I have read this book by Kandy Shepherd.
I must applaud the integrity of the heroine, Eliza Dunne, who would not kiss the hero because he is married to another. Even if the divorce proceedings have already begun. I love her for that.
But love is not easy for all. Jake is a broken man. He has lost the ability, or so he thinks, to make a life with someone. But then there's a baby to bring happiness in their lives and to force them to search deep in their hearts and souls and accept what resides there.
A lot of drama and and repression of emotion in the beginning.
Loved every word of it.
I would recommend all romance readers to check out this awesome series. Review by Alexia - 5 Stars Author Kandy Shepherd does it again, and gives us another wonderful book "The Bridesmaid's Baby Bump." This is a continuation of her series 'Sydney Brides' but it is also a read alone book. Eliza Dunne meets billionaire Jake Marlowe at a wedding and they hook up. Since he is just getting over a divorce he isn't looking for anything serious. Too bad their one night has some unexpected consequences. Review by Cheryl - 5 Stars Eliza Dunne is a party planner for the Party Queens, and she has met Jake Marlowe at a wedding. Eliza was bridesmaid and Jake was best man at a wedding in the first and second book in the series. They loved chatting and getting to know each other however until Jake’s divorce is final Eliza won’t give in to her attraction to him.
Jake is a strong independent billionaire and Eliza has an intricate place in the Party Queens. Jake is recently divorced and really does not feel he is ready for a serious relationship now. But their one night Eliza becomes pregnant with his baby and he has to rethink his plan.
I love reading Kandy Shepherd’s books and this bride’s series is wonderful. Each can either be read as a stand-alone book or in the series. Review by Dottie - 5 Stars The conclusion of Ms. Shepherd's Sydney brides is fantastic. Take billionaire Jake Marlowe,with a past he keeps a secret, put him at a wedding with Eliza Dunne part owner of Party Queens, add a physical attraction to each other, add that he is not quite divorced yet and add that Eliza wants him but has issues with him not being totally free. If that doesn't get you roped into this wonderful book how about she meets him again when he is finally divorced both decide to spend a few days together and that time produces an unexpected complication. Eliza gets pregnant, which doctors said was impossible. Put extremely handsome, overwhelming wealthy Jack who from issued in the past trusts no one , in the middle of this miracle baby. Never wanting to be a father for reasons known only to him, he approaches Eliza with his decision on how to handle this. Get married, from here you follow two people who are so sure what they want but under it all love is there. Ms. Shepherd never fails in leaving her readers with a fantastic story that has you pulled in from the first page. This is an incredible story of two truly lovely people confused by their past and almost let it destroy there chance of a future. Love seeing all the others from Party Queens and their mates but this can be read alone. Think Jake is my favorite of the hot men in this series, just needed a little fine tuning from Eliza. Don't miss this one its a keeper. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reviewed by Nas Dean
THE BRIDESMAID’S BABYBUMP by author Kandy Shepherd is a July 2016 release by Harlequin Romance
series.
Eliza Dunne has secret
attraction to billionaire Jake Marlowe, yet she keeps away as she knows his
divorce is not final.
Then Jake’s divorce is
final yet he is not ready for any commitment so soon. But after giving in to
their scorching chemistry and when Eliza lets him know she is expecting his
baby, will he step to his responsibilities?
THE BRIDESMAID’S BABY BUMP is a swoon-worthy romance. Author
Kandy Shepherd brought this sensational tale full of shimmering sensuality. Readers
already hooked on the Party Queens Sydney Brides miniseries would love to read
how Eliza brings Jake to his knees.
ALWAYS AND FOREVER by author Soraya Lane is a Lake Union
Publishing release for July 2016.
Lisa had a beautiful life with her loving husband Matt. And
now they were pregnant. What more could they ask for?
But life never is this simple. At one point Matt has to make
a choice of either Lisa or the baby. Could Lisa ever forgive him for making
this choice? Now Matt was fighting for his life with Lisa. Would he be able to
forge a path to happiness for both of them now that Lisa could not forgive him?
Read ALWAYS AND FOREVER to find if Matt manages to reach
Lisa and heal her heart. This is a sensational story filled with sweet romantic
scenes amid heart-breaking emotions. Author Soraya Lane penned this emotional
story and would hook her readers till the last page.
When you pick this book up and I highly recommend that you do make sure you have a box of tissues at the ready because you are going to need them, this one is an emotional roller coaster of a ride that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Matt and Lisa are the couple that are envied by everyone childhood sweethearts so very much in love Lisa is so strong and Matt is the fun guy who can always make you laugh and smile, they both work hard Lisa designing clothes and Matt in the building industry but they both want to start a family so badly and with IVF their dreams come true only to be shattered.
I won't say anymore only to recommend you read this one, Matt has some issues from his past that he must deal with so they can move forward and Lisa needs to know what happened with his Mum. MS Lane will pull at your heart strings as she brings so many emotions out in you truly there where times that I could have yelled at Matt and Lisa and then hug them and cry with them I was so engaged with them. Thank you for a story that yes had me smiling in the end and wishing them both lots of love and happiness.
5/5 stars for a beautiful story
Expected publication: July 26th 2016 by Lake Union Publishing
This is such a good story moving and emotional as MS Marshall Takes on a subject that can be controversial and she has done this so well truly this is a story that had me turning the pages.
Dr Jackson Hilstead has moved to California left everything behind in Charlestown to start a new life divorced and getting over PTSD after being badly injured in Afghanistan Jackson has a prosthesis and the couple of woman he has gotten close to since moving shy away and with two sons already children and marriage is not what he wants but he is drawn to the beautiful pathologist Charlotte this could be what he needs to bring out the best in him again and make him happy.
This really is a must read story it is beautifully written the caring and loving Charlotte and Jackson are so drawn to each other but with scares from their past it takes a bit of time for them to take the plunge to find true love. Charlotte’s decision to have the surgery is handled so well I shed some tears but was smiling throughout this one, the scenery is fabulous as well. I highly recommend this story I loved it. It is part of a small series Sumer Brides but can be read as a standalone but I am looking forward to the other one in this series.
5/5 stars for a fabulous story
Expected publication: July 1st 2016 by Mills & Boon Medical
I've just recently said that Lynne Marshall writes stories that are not always the norm for this type of genre and I feel she approaches her stories with such a solid depth that you always have a big sigh at the end of the story.
A GOOD big sigh, especially for Wedding Date with the Army Doc; it represents the emotion of the journey taken on as a reader; it represents the tears that may have been quietly shed during the book, either because things written you can relate to or just because you're all caught up in what you're reading; it represents the happiness of the two characters, in this case Jackson and Charlotte, who achieving their happy ever after and it represents true appreciation of the hard work it must have been to write such an emotional story with a double whammy of heartbreaking topics.
Both topics are approached with caring and sensitivity as well as boldness and I loved how both Jackson and Charlotte got to know each other and liked how the inevitable was handled. I applaud the story and the choice to write about such topics.
I recommend this story if you are looking for something special. Review by Amanda - 4.5 Stars I am never disappointed when I pick up a Lynne Marshall medical romance. Ms. Marshall tends to bring out the best in her characters by delving deep into their pasts, torturing them with the demons they’ve locked away in their dark forbidden closets. In Wedding Date with the Army Doc we meet Charlotte Johnson, a woman who knows pain from the inside out. She has put dating on hold after her surgery. However, when Dr. Jackson Hilstead walks into her life, Charlotte couldn’t help but register the butterflies in her stomach. Could she start dating again if it involves the hot doctor? Jackson is sexy and brilliant at his job but beneath his outward charm is a man who life has beaten and bruised over the years. And Charlotte may very well be the balm Jackson needs to heal his broken soul. Overall, I think Ms. Marshall has done a fine job bringing together Jackson and Charlotte. These two characters compliment each other. They bring out each other’s best qualities. And their journey through the ups and downs makes this book a worthy read.
Highly Recommended 4.5 Stars Review by Hina -4. Stars This book about imperfectly perfect people by Lynne Marshall is all about how life does not stop when tragedies happen. The story talks about the idea that people are beautiful and whole even when a body part is missing because a body part does not a person make.
I'd have rated it a 5 on 5 if not for the fact that both of them had body image issues. Both had some part missing. It felt as if they understood each other because they have been through the same (albeit differently) process of losing something of themselves.
It would have packed more of a punch if one of them did not loose a body part and still understood what the other went through.
This is my second visit to Glacier Creek and the Smokejumpers and the characters that are so alive and fabulous to be with. These Smokejumpers are strong reliable and determined people who know how to love when they find the right person.
Jacqui Edwards has lived in this town all of her life and always wanted to work with the smokejumpers and has been the receptionist for many years and also married to Russ the boss but when tragedy strikes and Russ loses his life in an accident Jacqui takes off to Florida letting another smokejumper Vin Kingston move into the house, but when Jacquie comes back to Glacier Creek to get things settled she realizes that she can't leave she needs to get on with her life and that she is drawn to Vin there is a spark that could very well start a fire will she be able to get through to Vin?
Vin Kingston has finally found a family in the smokejumpers at Glacier Creek he loves the people the job and the security it brings even if his marriage does not work out and his ex works at the local tavern he is determined to stay but when he witnesses his boss's death it takes a lot out of him he does everything he can to help Jacqui and over the months that he is in her house they become very close friends and yes there is a spark but nothing can happen he cannot jump his late friend's wife no way, but can he be strong enough to control the spark.
This is a sizzling passionate story about people getting a second chance at love it is steamy and emotional as we journey to a HEA filled with lots of ups and downs, seeing Jacqui get stronger and stand up to Vin and when he can no longer deny this spark the sheets heat up and you will be turning the pages very quickly. I loved this one from page one and I highly recommend it for people who enjoy fast paced sexy stories that will make you smile.
5/5 stars for a fantastic story
Expected publication: June 14th 2016 by Tule Publishing
Scorch by Dani Collins is a steamy, passionate story with a cast of imperfect characters who command your attention from the start. Fast-paced and enjoyable, Scorch, second novella in the Firefighters of Montana series, is a must read. Jacqui Edwards carried around a lot of emotional baggage ever since she lost her husband. She has returned to Glacier Creek to sell her home before heading back to Florida and move on with her life. What she hasn’t bargained on is meeting Vin Kingston, her husband’s best friend. Vin has never gotten over the guilt of losing his best friend. But seeing Jacqui, the urge to protect her takes up residence in his head…but below the friendliness between them burns a passion too hard to resist!
Recommended 4 Stars Review by TashNz - 5 Stars Loved this book from the start, I loved the characters Jacqui and Vin because they were two people deserving of love a second time around. I loved the setting of the story and reading about the job Vin did for a living - coming from NZ, I didn't know there was such a thing. I loved the interaction between Jacqui and Vin and I loved how he held back when all he really wanted was Jac. I loved how the author made it completely legit that Jacqui wanted to live life and love again. I loved how I did not want to put this book down at all.
This is my first intro into the Firefighters of Montana and I enjoyed this so much I will be picking up the others to read. Fast paced but emotional and edge of the seat reading. I loved how Jacqui had cut all her hair off and I loved seeing into the thoughts of both characters and totally understanding where they come from and why they think the way they do.
The author has written with a freshness, a punchyness and in such a way that i laughed and cried right along with them, like I was there. Scorch had me hook line and sinker.
Loved this book to pieces! Review by Cheryl - 5 Stars Jacqui spent years as the receptionist for the Glacier Creek smokejumpers. She left Glacier Creek when her husband who was the captain of the group of smokejumpers died during a jump six months earlier. She went to live with her family for a while and clear her head. She comes back to settle up with things including her house that Russ and her had lived in. Another jumper Vin Kingston was now living in it and remodeling it and was also planning to purchase it when she was ready to sell. Vin grew up in foster care and he has married Tori who just could not be happy with him and they divorced. She was tries to sell what was Vin and Tori’s house and at first did not succeed and the 2nd time was the charm. Vin took it upon himself to keep a watch over Jacqui and not in any romantic way as he for sure felt he could never go for his friend’s widow. Again fate took over and they finally said the magic I Love You. Jacqui asked Sam Gaskill, who was now the captain for her job back. She liked order and had really loved her job. There are 2 more books after this one and can’t wait to read them too. I learned quite a bit about smokejumpers and what they go through. Review by Alexia - 5 Stars "Scorch" by Dani Collins is book 2 in her 'Firefighters of Montana' series. It can be a read alone or be read as part of the series. The author takes us into the story about smokejumpers in Glacier Creek. Jacqui Edwards is returning home after losing her husband (he was a smokejumper) in order to put her affairs in order and be close to family. She is thrown when Vincent Kingston, Vin, becomes more than her her husbands best friend. After being friends for years they seem to have found a new appreciation for their relationship. Review by Dottie - 5 Stars The second book in series in Glacier creek about smokejumpers. In this book we meet Vin Kingston who after a failed marriage still stays in Glacier creek because of the love of his job and security it brings. He witness's his boss's death and so comes to the aid of his boss's wife Jacqui and he moves into her house to help her. She has a difficult time and decides the best thing to do is pick up and move so she goes to florida leaving Vin in her house. Realizing that the distance doesn't help she returns and so does the sizzle that was there for a while but denied by both. Vin feels guilty about having feeling for his late boss's wife, but Jac feels its time to accept what they feel for each other and see where it leads. A very lovely story about two hurting people, but the amazing chemistry between them has you immersed in an incredible love story of second chances. Love finds a way through the heartache and she finds there is love again right in front of them. Ms. Collins always writes fantastic stories and this is another example of her wonderful talent to heat up the pages of a book.
This is a great start to a fabulous new series about smoke jumpers these guys are strong and determined they work hard and fast to stop fires and save lives and they are just what every girl needs in their lives if you can cope with the danger. This is from a new to me author Tracy Solheim and I loved it and will be looking out for more of her stories.
Ex Army ranger Sam Gaskill has arrived in Glacier Creek Montana from Texas to take on the captains role at the smoke jumpers he as arrived with his late wife's horse Tabitha and has her boarded at the local Whispering Breeze Ranch where he hopes that the owners can bring a wish to fruition for his wife and that is to have Tabitha win the finals at the quarter horse championships Sam has a lot of issues from his past and wants nothing more than to get on with his life but I think this is about to change when he meets Laurel Keenan daughter of the owners of the ranch the spark between them could start a fire.
Laurel Keenan is a single mum and lives at the ranch works hard she has been through what she thought was love with an champion snow boarder and getting involved with someone is not what she wants her life now evolves around her 5 year old son Tyson but she cannot deny the pull that she has when first meeting Sam but of course Laurel is known for speaking before she thinks and this has Sam on his toes. What is in store for Laurel will she be able to overcome her past and get on with the future?
This is a sizzling story for two people who had both been burnt in the past there is a lot of emotion flying of the pages and neither of them can deny this spark this lustful passion that shoots between them can they overcome their pasts together? This is really a beautifully written story that gives Sam and Laurel the chance to find love again it is fast paced emotional and a thoroughly enjoyable read that had me turning the pages I do highly recommend this one.
5/5 stars for a fabulous story
Expected publication: June 7th 2016 by Tule Publishing
Sizzling, engrossing and angsty Smolder by Tracy Solheim should definitely be on your radar of novellas to read. The characters in this short and fast-paced story were well-drawn out and the author did a fine job building their individual back-stories without overpowering the readers. Sam and Lauren jumped off the pages. Their past relationships, their struggle, their growth—their overall personalities kept you interested until the end. This is a gem for readers who love short stories that sizzle!
Recommended 4 Stars
Review by TashNz - 5 stars Although this is the 1st in the series, I read it second. I loved the symmetry between this book and number 2, for example a couple of things happened in book 2 from book 2's characters point of view and the same things happened in book 1 from book 1's point of view. I found that really interesting. Once you've read the two you'll know exactly what I mean.
I was just as invested as Book 1, Captain Sam is quite the character and very likeable. I liked the plot, his back story and his go get em no nonsense approach to all things. Laurel was quite the lucky girl I think!
Fantastic examples of smokejumpers and what they do to practice in season and off season, coming from NZ I knew nothing about these type of firefighters. I found the action side of the story great.
The reason I give this book 5 stars is because I loved the characters, I loved how the first two stories kind of merged in the right places and I loved that I was totally invested 100% early on in the piece. I also enjoyed the fast paced story line, the action and the characters and locations that were focal point in book 2 as well, I enjoyed the familiarity.
Totally recommend this read to everyone! Review by Cheryl Steckling - 5 Stars Having never read a book by Tracy Solheim I did not know what to expect. But now will keep my eyes open for me. She sold me over with this book. It of course takes place in Montana, Glacier Creek to be exact. Former Army Manger, Sam Gaskill is starting over since losing his wife and what better way but then moving out of Texas to Montana. There he boards his late wife’s horse and where that happens he meets Laurel Keenan. She is a champion horsewoman and she was going to leave the ranch and area however when her mother got sick and she herself got pregnant all those dreams vanished. She was there raising her son alone and leading a pretty quiet life, she also was taking classes. Sam already failed one wife with his being gone a lot with the Army and her death that he does not want to let his heart fall for another woman. Laurel does not want to risk her heart once again for a thrill seeker. She knows her son still wants her to be with his father and that is not happening as he has moved on to another gal. But fate has stepped in and they found each other. Will they last? As I said in the start this is an awesome book and can’t wait to read the rest in the Firefighters of Montana series. Enjoy as I did!!
Review by Alexia - 5 Stars "Smolder" by Tracy Solheim is the first book in the 'Firefighters of Montana' series. We are introduced into the world of smokejumpers who are very sexy, and just regular guys too. Captain Sam Gaskill, former Army Ranger, relocating to Glacier Creek is leaving behind his memories in Texas. Laurel Keenan couldn't wait to leave town but is back because of her sick Mom. When Sam and Laurel meet the instant attraction is there, but there are also complications. Past memories, and Laurel is coming back already pregnant.
Review by Amanda - 4 Stars
Sizzling, engrossing and angsty Smolder by Tracy Solheim should definitely be on your radar of novellas to read. The characters in this short and fast-paced story were well-drawn out and the author did a fine job building their individual back-stories without overpowering the readers. Sam and Lauren jumped off the pages. Their past relationships, their struggle, their growth—their overall personalities kept you interested until the end. This is a gem for readers who love short stories that sizzle! Review by Dottie - 5 Stars A fantastic start to a new series called Firefighters of Montana. Sam Gaskill moves from Texas to Glacier Creek Montana to start over bring his late wife's horse with him. He lost his wife in a way that leaves him with a feeling of remorse. He was a skilled soldier and that kept him away from home more than his wife liked and so to ease her loneliness he bought her a palomino to occupy her time. Her desire was for the horse to be trained and enter a championship unfortunately she dies before she accomplishes this. In order to fulfill her wish he engages the help of Whispering Breeze ranch to have Tabitha trained. Laurel lives on the ranch with her son Tyson, and she has her hands full enough trying to help her son accept that her marriage to his dad is done. The last thing she needs is to get involved with a firefighter. Ms. Solheim takes two people both hurting in their own way and bringing them together to train a horse. The attractions is immediate but the fear of being hurt is strong. You will fall in love with little Tyson and his dog Oreo. Can these two find the love they deserve despite the fears they both have. You will have to read this lovely story to appreciate the wonderful writing of Ms. Solheim and fall a little in love with Sam also.
