Welcome to Serenity by Sherryl Woods

Jeannette Brioche is happy with her life, that is until all her friends start getting married and having babies. Tom McDonald is the new city manager in Serenity. It's not the job his parents would have picked for him, but Tom sees it as a challenge. He likes the small town and knowing his neighbors. Then one day Tom clashes with Jeannette and he knows this is the place for him, at least for now. Neither Tom or Jeannette had typical home lives growing up, so they understand each other. Then one day Jeannette sees Tom's parents and realizes that his mother tried to have her fired and sued her place of employment when she worked in Charleston. Tom is determined to have his mother and Jeannette make nice. Then Jeannette's father has an accident and she has to face the cold treatment from her parents that she received since her brother's death. With all this going on Tom is still confident that he and Jeannette have a future, she is not so sure.

The Sweet Magnolias are at it again meddling this time in Jeannette and Tom's lives. They keep pushing them together to see the sparks fly. Jeannette is a very strong person but very vulnerable when it comes to talking about her past. Tom knows what his family like was like and loves his parents even though he does not want their life. From the first Jeannette and Tom clash, but they keep finding their way back to each other. Good chick lit book with a sweet storyline.

The Stranger and Tessa Jones by Christine Rimmer

Tessa Jones has just learned that her boyfriend married someone else in Vegas. She realizes that she has lousy taste in men. While breaking all the dishes that Bill had given her a stranger collapses in her front yard. When the man comes to he has no idea where he is or who he is. Tessa takes him in and nurses him as best she can during a snow storm. Several days later, things start coming back to him and he remembers his name is Ash Bravo. He calls his brother and learns that he is engaged, but Ash remembers that he broke it off with Lianne. Having learned that he was injured in a plane crash, Ash also learns that Lianne is in the hospital in a coma. Tessa tells him that he needs to go to her and see that she is ok. Then he can figure out what he wants to do. Ash tells her that he will return for her, but Tessa is not so sure.

This book combines two of Ms. Rimmer's series The Jones Gang and Bravo Family Ties. Quick book to read with a pretty simple storyline. Each of the Bravo books are a little different but still a cute romantic read. This one is no different in that area. Good strong characters like the other books, Ash and Tessa return in A Bride for Jericho Bravo. Have been enjoying this series very much.

The Shifters by Alexandra Sokoloff

Caitlin MacDonald is the Keeper of the Shapeshifters in New Orleans. One morning she wakes up after having a bad dream and has the feeling that something really bad is going to happen. Ryder Mallory is a shapeshifting bounty hunter. He agrees with Caitlin that something is going to happen, it's in the air. Tourists are dying after being filled with a walk in entity and Caitlin and Ryder along with the leaders of the Others communities in NOLA are trying to find the leader. They are targeting Caitlin and she and Ryder are afraid they will also go after her sisters who are the Keeps for the vampires and werewolves.
Caitlin is not sure she can trust Ryder after being lied to by another shifter.

Set is New Orleans the description lends a lot to the storyline. From glimpses into clubs and the walk on Bourbon Street the flare of NOLA is there. A nice balance between the descriptive passages and the dialogue between the characters. Caitlin is trying to prove herself not only to herself but to her sisters too, that she can really take care of a watch over the shifters. Ryder will do anything to bring the walk ins to justice. One of them killed his sister so it's personal. He also wants to make sure Caitlin is safe from harm. Liked the storyline and the flow of the book. A very fast read for me and a good paranormal romance.

The Keepers by Heather Graham

Fiona MacDonald is the keeper of the vampires in New Orleans. Jagger DeFarge is a homicide detective and a vampire. Blonde girls are being found in cemeteries around the city dressed in white. They are drained of blood and the Underworld thinks that the killer is a vampire. Fiona and Jagger have to work together to find the killer. But, they are not sure if the killer really is a vampire or not. Fiona and Jagger are drawn to each other and his main focus is keeping Fiona and her sisters safe while finding who is trying to start a war.

This is the first book in the Keeper series. It sets the stage for the books to come, which I read out of order. Good story line as Ms. Graham is a great storyteller. This one was a page turner for me and I read it pretty quickly. I really enjoyed this book not only the story but the location too.

Tempting Faith by Susan Mallery

Faith Newlin runs an animal sanctuary. She is keeping a rare pair of white tiger cubs. Colt Hollenbeck is getting over a gunshot wound and a mission he can't remember. His boss sends him to handle security at Faith's reserve. They are afraid that someone is going to try and steal the cubs. Colt admires the way Faith takes care of the animals and she uses the same technique on him to try and get him to open up to her. Little by little the memories return of Colt's mission. Now the only thing on his mind is keeping Faith and the animals safe.

This book was not such an easy read for me. I usually love Ms. Mallery's books but just had a hard time getting into this one. I won't say it's my favorite that she wrote because it's far from that. However, in the end the story was a good one. It just did not flow all that well for me.

Stranger in Paradise by Amanda Stevens

Emily Townsend has moved back home. In fact, she is opening a bed and breakfast. The house is the scene of a grizzly murder and Emily is capitalizing on that for publicity. Her first guest is Matthew Steele. He tells her he read an article about the murder and came to look into it. They decide to work together and then weird things start happening and they are put in danger. During their investigation Emily learns things about people she has known all her life and is taken aback. She also finds out that Matthew is more than he told her.

This is a good suspense book. Liked the plot from the beginning to end. It was fast paced and easy to follow. There were no lagging parts at all. Enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters and the way they worked together to solve the mystery. Short but very enjoyable read.

Storm of Visions by Christina Dodd

Jacqueline did not want to acknowledge her gift. Caleb goes and finds her and brings her to her mother. She is also there with the Chosen Ones. Zusane, Jacqueline's mother leaves when all the Chosen Ones are in the circle and tells them they have survive on their own. While together the other Chosen Ones are murdered in an explosion. Now the Chosen Ones who are left have to figure out who betrayed them and Jacqueline has to deal with her gift and help find out who killed her mother.

This book was ok. I liked the darkness chosen series better. However, this was just the first book and hopefully the rest will be better. There was a lot going on and not each person was explored yet. Jacqueline and Caleb are both strong personalities and play well off each other. There was the right balance of dialogue and description and ended up in the end being a pretty fast read.

She's No Faerie Princess by Christine Warren

Fiona knew it was time for her to take a vacation. She was tired of the Court and all it entailed. So, she went through the gate leading from Faerie to the human world. Not long after she is attacked by a demon. Her rescuer is a beta werewolf by the name of Tobias Walker. Walker gets crazy around Fiona and only wants her to go back home. But, when they go back to the gate it has been sealed. Fiona's uncle Dionnu is in the human world as a delegate to the negotiations that will lead to the unveiling of the Others. First a human woman is killed by a demon and then a lupine woman finally a pixie friend of Fiona's is killed. Walker's main priority now is to make sure that Fiona is safe since she became his mate. No matter what she has to face Walker will be there.

This is the second of the Other's books in the series. Kinda knew from the beginning who the bad guy was gonna be, but it was still a very enjoyable read. Really liked that she brings back former characters in succeeding books, if not their presence then they are talked about. It makes you feel like you are revisiting old friends. Anyone who likes paranormal will like this book. Very easy and fast read because you just can't put it down.

Savor the Danger by Lori Foster

Jackson Savor wakes up in bed with Alani Rivers and can't remember how he got there. From things that Alani says they spent the night getting really well acquainted. Not remembering their night grates on Alani's nerves and she leaves him perplexed. Finally Jackson figures out that he has been drugged and goes to talk to and straighten things out with Alani. With the help of her brother Trace and friend Dare they realize that both Jackson and Alani are in danger and that Jackson needs to guard Alani while they figure out who is trying to kill them both.

Recurring characters from When you Dare and Trace of Fever. The chemistry between Jackson and Alani from the other two books will not be denied. Good story line and a real page turner from beginning to end. Enjoyed this book as much as the other two. Makes me think I will find more books by Ms. Foster to read.

Photo Finished by Laura Child

Carmela Bertrand was having an all night crop at her shop Memories Mine. Her assistant left to move Carmela's car for her and found the body of Barty Hayward. Carmela's friend Tandy's nephew Billy is the prime suspect. Everyone knows at Carmela's shop that Billy would not hurt a fly. Tandy finally asks Carmela to look into the murder and while she is doing special jobs for businesses around the area she begins to investigate. It all comes to a head at the Monsters & Old Master's Ball at the Art Institute.

The second scrapbooking mystery by Ms. Child. Very clean and easy read. Most of the same characters from the first book are back in this one. Lovers of cozy mysteries will want to read this series. I really liked it and is a nice change of pace.

Marrying Molly by Christine Rimmer

Molly O'Dare is the mayor of Tate's Junction. Tate Bravo is on the city council. They argue at each meeting about what is good for the town. Each has their own views and they don't meet in the middle. That did not stop Molly and Tate from having an affair and now Molly is expecting a child. Tate demands that Molly marry him but she will have no part of it. After uncovering secrets from Tate's mother and father's past. She confronts Tate and he gives her an ultimatum marry him or move out.

With each book more comes to light about Blake Bravo and just what a worm he was. Each of his sons have to learn to live with what they learn about their father. Molly just wants Tate to admit he loves her and embrace the knowledge that his mother left him and his brother. Both very strong and hard headed people Molly and Tate just seem to be at odds. Good category romance and a quick and easy read.

Lori's Little Secret by Christine Rimmer

Lori and her twin sister Lena switched places the night of their senior prom. Lori attended with her sister's boyfriend Tucker Bravo. After graduation Tucker left Tate's Junction and never knew he was going to be a Dad. Almost 11 yrs. Later both Lori and Tucker are back in their hometown. Lori has decided that Tucker needs to know that her son Brody is his son too. Before she can tell him though, he figures it out for himself and tells Lori that he will never forgive her for not telling him. When Brody finds out that Tucker is his Dad, he tells him that he wants him and his mom to get married so they can be a family. Lori, however, tells Tucker that she can not marry a man who will not forgive her.

Seems like most of the Bravo books center around an unexpected pregnancy. This one deals with that issue 11 years after the fact. Lori wants forgiveness and Tucker will not give it. Very enjoyable but typical romance. A good way to lose yourself for a couple of hours. Still have a few left to read and on the whole have really liked Ms. Rimmer's books

Listen to Your Heart by Fern Michaels

Josie and her sister Kitty have a catering business. Kitty is the cook and Josie has the head numbers. One day a man comes to hire the sisters but before he does his dog destroys Josie's flowers and her screen door. The reason is that the dog, Zip falls head over heels for Josie's dog Rosie. They may have gotten off on the wrong foot but Paul is determined to make it up to Josie. They start talking about mother's because Josie is missing her's. Paul tells her that he is estranged from his. Little do they know but Paul's mother Marie is one of Josie's clients. Josie knows the whole story from listening to Marie talk about the son she loves and does not see. Finally, Paul is ready to confront his mother, Josie tells him to listen with his heart.

Fern Michaels is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. Loved the dogs Zip and Rosie and all they got up too. Set in New Orleans, with the sites and sounds as a back drop. Josie did not have much luck with men and was not sure it had changed when she met Paul. She thought he only wanted her for a dog sitter. Paul has issues of his own that he had to deal with to find his way to Josie. Cute story and a good romance, I liked it.

Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian

Gabrielle Maxwell is an artist. She sells photographs that she has taken. One night she and some friends go to a club and later she witnesses a murder. She even takes pictures on her cellphone. The police, however, do not believe her. Lucan Thorne has vowed to kill any rogue vampires he can find. He goes to Gabrielle and get the photos on her phone to help identify the rogues. He does not tell her that he is a vampire or that she is a breedmate. When Gabrielle finds out about Lucan she does not want to have anything to do with him. But, she needs protection and Lucan is going to be the one to take care of her whether she likes it or not.

This book was ok. Very slow in parts to me and I didn't read it quite as fast as some others. In the end I did enjoy it but there was something lacking in it for me. I have a couple more in the series and I hope they are a little bit better.

Just a Taste by Deirdre Martin

Vivi and her half sister Natalie are opening a bistro together. Across the street there is an Italian restaurant run by chef Anthony Dante a widower. Vivi and Anthony clash from the beginning. They even challenge each other to a cook off. Sparks fly but Vivi thinks Anthony is not over his late wife and she says she is not ready for a commitment with her bistro just starting up. Then things fall apart when Vivi learns that Natalie has spent all their money. Now the bistro is in danger.

Loved this book, so much in fact that I have ordered three more of her books. It was witty, charming and just a good story. Really enjoyed the by play between Vivi and Anthony. There is also a bevy of minor characters that are wacky and funny. Good contemporary romance quick and easy.

In The Dark by Heather Graham

Alex works at a resort organizing dives and one on ones with her beloved dolphins. David is a treasure hunter and Alex could not live with the separations and David not respecting what she loved. So, they divorced after a year of marriage. Now David has shown up at the resort just as Alex has met someone else. He tells her that due to a technicality they are still married. Alex and one of her co workers find a dead body on the beach but when they call the sheriff the body has disappeared. David thinks it's the person he was supposed to meet and vows to keep Alex safe.

Heather Graham is a very good storyteller and this book is no different. It's quite the page turner as you can't help but want to know why people are dying and who is killing them. It's also a second chance at love romance to boot. Alex is a strong woman with a mind of her own, but David is also determined to show her that they never should have gotten divorced. Suspenseful read with just enough romance thrown in.

Hunter's Moon by Lori Handelland

Leigh Tyler has been called by Edward Mandenauer to go and teach another Jager-Sucher in Crow Valley Wisconsin. Edward found Leigh after her entire family and her fiance had been killed by a werewolf. Leigh had been marked by him too but not killed. Since then it has been Leigh's job to kill werewolves. Jessie McQuade has just hired on with Edward and is the student that Leigh is supposed to teach. They clash in the beginning but come to understand each other. Leigh's room is over a bar run by Damian Fitzgerald. Leigh had not had a romantic encounter since her fiance was killed but something about Damian drew her to him. He is afraid though, that Leigh will not care for him when she learn what he is. Damian is a werewolf and vows to kill others like himself. They do work together to get Hector, the werewolf that killed Leigh's family and wants to be her mate. Now they have to figure out if there is any way to cure Damian.

This is the second book in this series. Both Leigh and Damian are dealing with a lot in their lives but they are drawn together anyway. Damian knows who Leigh is from the beginning and is afraid what will happen when she learns about him. Leigh is confused where Damian is concerned and goes bonkers when she finds out. Good story line with just enough description without overload. Really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the others in the series.

Hummingbird Lake by Emily March

Sage Anderson is living with dark secrets that she has not been able to tell her friends. Colt Rafferty has seen Sage at her worst and still will not leave her alone. He tries to get her to go to counseling and talk out what happened to her in Africa. But, Sage refuses to even consider it. Then her sister Rose arrives in town and Sage wants nothing to do with her. Rose has just battled cancer and wants to renew her relationship with her sister. Sage's doctoring skills come into play and she delivers her friend Nic's twin daughters. But, when Colt's niece is hurt and he asks Sage to go with him, she tell him that she can not. She doesn't know if she will ever be able to handle children and blood again.

Very compelling book when you get into it about all that Sage endured in Africa. A lot of the book is how she deals with her relationships with her friends, her sister and Colt. She feels she can not talk to any of them about what happened to her. Colt being a strong alpha male tries to get her to deal with what happened so they can have a life together. Really good chick lit book, another good page turner. There is so much going on in this one that the read goes by fast.

How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

Dr. Shanna Whelan works the night shift at an all night dental clinic. Roman Draganesti has lost one of his fangs and needs a dentist to put it back. Shanna gets a call and learns that the men that want to kill her have found her even though she is in the Witness Protection Program. When Roman arrives at the clinic Shanna thinks he is one of the assassins coming to get her. After he arrives all heck breaks loose and Roman gets Shanna out of there. It takes quite a long time before Shanna realizes that Roman is a vampire. Roman thinks he is not worthy of anything good in life, Shanna plans to make sure that he knows he is. Roman learns that the man hired to kill Shanna is an old enemy of his. Shanna is reunited with her father only to learn that he wants to kill Roman.

Lots of twists and turns in this one. Very good storyline and a quick read for me. Loved this one, it's the first in her love at stake series. There is just about anything you could ask for, some comedy and suspense and lots of sexual tension. Really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. Kerrelyn Sparks has become one of my favorite authors.

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Mo Duval-Wenstein left Mississippi and her life there behind and moved to Alaska. After a broken engagement she decided she needed to put distance between herself and her hippie parents. One day when she went to the Blue Glacier to eat the cook cut his hand and was not able to prepare meals. So, Mo volunteered to help out and thus got herself a job. She met two men Alan a park ranger and Cooper a guide. Mo really wanted her hormones to tell her that Alan was the man for her, but nope they wanted Cooper. Then she found out that Cooper was a werewolf with issues of his own. There were murders happening and people were being attacked and Cooper thought he was doing it in wolf form. Mo, however, did not believe that for a second she knew that Cooper was a good kind man.

This was really a cute book. I've never read anything by this author before and I know I will again. She tells a very good story with just enough description to enhance along the way. It was funny, it was serious and there was sexual tension along the way. Loved both the characters of Mo and Cooper. For paranormal lovers this is a good one.

Her's For The Weekend by Tanya Michaels

Piper has to go home for a family reunion. She needs a date so her mother will get off her back and to put off her ex-fiance Charlie. Piper's good friend Josh says he will be her date. Everyone in Piper's family assumes that they are in love. They have been friends for several years but nothing romantic. Piper thinks that Josh is a ladies man and he knows that she is not looking for a relationship. However, Josh kisses her in her parents kitchen and things turn completely around. When they get back home though, Josh starts treating her differently and Piper is determined to find out why.

Good best friends find romance book. First book I have read by this author and I have to say that I did enjoy it. Lots of funny minor characters including Piper's Nana. Typical category romance but worth the time for a cute warm and fuzzy story.

Feels Like Family by Sherryl Woods

Helen is a divorce attorney. Her two best friends are married with families and she is single. Erik works as a chef for Dana Sue one of Helen's best friends. They have clashed from the beginning but when Helen champions another employee of Dana Sue's things come to a head. Helen decides she wants a baby, but Erik has told her that he does not want to get married again or have children. Erik's wife and child died in childbirth and Erik who was an EMT could not save them. Even so, they begin an affair and Helen gets pregnant. Erik wants to marry Helen but she is dragging her feet.

This one is the last in the Sweet Magnolia series. Usually with trilogies the last book is the best. For me though the second was my favorite. This one was good in it's own right and had a good story. I liked the main characters but the story was not as compelling. Chick lit lovers will like this book.

Dry Ice by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Flint Agro-Chemical has a weather station called TESLA. It helps them regulate the weather on their many crops to aid in production. The facility is headed by Greg Simpson. However, Greg has gone rogue and is working on the side for members of the government. All of this is on the sly and not readily known. Then there is a disaster that Flint can lay at Greg's door and decides it's time to replace him. They hire Tess Beauchamp to come in and lead the team in the Antarctic. Tess and Greg used to word together and are not at all friendly. After being escorted from TESLA, things start happening that no one had anticipated. It seems that Greg was bent on destruction and revenge. For the next few days Tess and everyone at the facility fight endlessly to try and undo the coming damage that Greg has inflicted on the world.

This was a very good book, while not a page turner for me I did enjoy it. The word pictures the authors give of the mass destruction are amazing. The character of Greg Simpson is one that you love to hate, real evil in every sense of the word. Just thinking about the possibility that this scenario could actually play out is frightening. There had to be a lot of research done with all the technical jargon, however it was all very well explained for the layman. Kudos to the authors for a story well told and riveting to the reader.

Dream Mender by Sherryl Woods

Frank Chambers has been burned in a fire. Frank is a woodcarver and it's his hands that have been injured. He does not want to be in the hospital and he does not want therapy. Jennifer Michaels is a therapist assigned to work with Frank. She bullies him and cajoles him into accepting the therapy and helps him regain use of his hands. During his therapy he learns that the reason Jennifer is so compassionate to her patients is that she has scars too. Now he has to figure a way to make Jenny understand that it's not transference that he feels but love and that he can accept her the way she is.

Good story of healing of both Frank and Jenny. Jenny is accepted into his family after having to go through breast cancer surgery by herself. She does not find it easy to trust that Frank will stick with her and not feel revulsion from her scar. Frank needs Jenny to keep pushing him to realize that he will heal and be able to lead a normal life doing what he loves. This book is very touching and will definitely move who ever reads it.

Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley

Emma Tremayne lost her boyfriend and her job in the same day. She found out her boyfriend was having an affair with her boss. She moved to northern England and took a job doing PR with the Bannerdale tourist board. One of her first assignments was to help raise money for a new rescue center. Her proposal was a nude calendar. Most of the men were on board but there was one lone holdout Will Tennant. He thought it would make them a laughing stock but in the end decided to participate. Emma liked Will until she found out he left his fiance at the altar. One of her friends told her not to believe what others were saying and ask Will about it himself. Finally Emma decides to take a chance on Will and then gets a job offer in London. All she wants is for Will to ask her to stay, but he is not sure he can trust another woman.

This was really a cute book and I enjoyed it very much. Since the author is British there was some slang that I was not quite sure of, but it did not detract from the storyline. It reminded me of the movie Calendar Girls with the nude calendar. However, it was a very good feel good romance.

Completely Smitten by Susan Mallery

Haley Foster has run away from home after her broken engagement. She has never been a bad girl and feels like she has missed something. Deciding to go to a bar, Haley is surrounded by men and feeling uncomfortable. U.S. Marshall Kevin Harmon just wants to have a beer and something to eat. But, can not sit by and watch Haley being taken advantage of. She orders a drink and sits with him. After awhile he realizes that the bartender has been giving her doubles. After taking her to her hotel room and waiting out her being sick, Kevin is called to a riot at the prison where he delivered a prisoner earlier in the day. Kevin is shot and Haley makes him the offer to drive him home.

Short fast romance read by Ms. Mallery. Good girl wants bad boy to help her learn to be bad too. Cute storyline with very likeable characters. Easy flow from start to finish. Nice romantic read for romance lovers.

Causing Havoc by Lori Foster

Dean “Havoc” Conor is an extreme fighter. He has decided that he needs to take a little time off. A letter from his past seals the deal. Dean hears from on of his sisters that he has not seen since he was 9 years old. His sisters were raised by their Aunt Lorna and Dean was raised by their Uncle Grover. The first night he is there he meets Eve Lavon his sister Cam's best friend. Through Eve and her parents he gets some insight into what has been happening in his sisters lives. A series of “accidents” casts a bad light on Cam's fiance Roger. But in the end they are all surprised at who wants harm done.

Lots of stuff and storylines going on in this book. However, it was very easy to follow and turned out to be a pretty good book. It's the first in a series called SBC fighters. Both of the main characters were very likeable and strong. Enjoyed the minor characters of Cam, Jacki and Gregor too. The book went pretty fast for me and is a good contemporary romance.

Bravo Unwrapped by Christine Rimmer

B.J. Carlyle is pregnant. She had a one night fling with an old boyfriend named Buck Bravo. L.T., B.J.'s father tells her he wants an article about Buck for the Christmas issue of their magazine Alpha. Buck agrees, his only condition is B.J. She must write the article and spend two weeks with him. Having agreed to his condition they set out for Buck's hometown where they stay at his mother B & B. Buck overhears her tell his brother's girlfriend Glory that she is pregnant. The whole time they are together he keeps waiting for her to tell him. Then her father has a heart attack and she must work that much more. Finally Buck tells her that he knows about the baby and had been waiting for her to tell him. Obviously her father and job mean more to her than him or the baby and he walks out of her life.

Very good category romance. Really liked the storyline and the character of B. J. She is a very strong willed and capable woman. Buck is the typical alpha male like the main male lead in all series romances. They have great chemistry and in the end everything works out for them. Really like the Bravo series and still have several more to go.

Bound for Murder by Laura Child

Carmela Bertrand made place cards for the engagement party of Jamie and Wren. However, before the dinner could be served Carmela and restaurant owner Quigg find Jamie dead in Quigg's office. Wren's cousin Gabby asks Carmela to look into the murder and also to help Wren cope with the business she now owns. Between her almost ex sister in law pressuring Carmela to have Wren sell the inventory of the bookstore to a client of her's to Jamie's business partner Blaine trying to take advantage of Wren, Carmela has her work cut out for her.

This is another good cozy mystery by Ms. Child. A lot of the same characters are in this book as they were in the first two. It's like visiting old friends when each book starts. Good description of New Orleans and life there, plus all the scrapbooking tips and recipes that are included make this a very enjoyable read.

All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

Toni Davis is trying to prove vampires are real. Her friend Sabrina was attached my Malcontent vampires and so was she. A good vamp saved her and now Toni is working as a daytime guard of the good guys. Ian MacPhie wants a true love and he wants her to be a vamp like him. As soon as Toni and Ian meet sparks fly and both vow to keep the other safe as they deal with Sabrina's uncle and the Malcontent vampires. Of course then they have to deal with her being a mortal woman and him a vampire.

This is the first book I have read by this author. I seem to be on a werewolf and vampire kick lately. But, I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. It made me want to read the others in this series and hopefully they will all be as good. Had to love the good vamps and hate the bad ones in this. Plus a shapeshifter was thrown in for good measure. Very good paranormal romance.

A Whole New Light by Sandra Brown

A Whole New Light by Sandra Brown

Cyn is discontent with her life and doesn't know why. She lost her husband two years ago and her mother moved in with her and her son when her father died. Her mother and her best friend Worth have been telling Cyn she needs to get on with her life. Worth was supposed to go to Mexico with a friend and now he has two tickets and needs a companion. He convinces Cyn to go with him and their relationship is changed forever. Cyn has to learn how to leave the past behind and embrace the future.

This is an old book of Sandra Brown's from when she wrote category romances. Good storyline of friends becoming lovers. It's a very easy read and typical of the genre. Vintage Brown with a good storyline and likeable characters.

A Slice of Heaven by Sherryl Woods

Dana Sue and Ronnie Sullivan are divorced. She threw him out when he cheated on her in a one night stand. Now their daughter Annie is suffering from anorexia and passes out when she was having a sleep over. Dana has to call Ronnie and tell him about Annie. He tells her he is coming home whether she likes it or not. After he arrives and they unite to help Annie, Ronnie tells Dana Sue that he is staying in Serenity and that he plans for them to remarry. Dana is very confused by this Ronnie and has trouble trying to deal with not only him but with the health crisis of their daughter.

The middle of the Sweet Magnolia trilogy. This book was much deeper than the first in that it dealt with the issue of anorexia. Both Dana and Ronnie not only had to find their way back to each other but they had to deal with their daughter almost dying. This one really pulled at the heartstrings and was a very compelling read. It did go fast for me and I really enjoyed this book.

A Bravo's Honor by Christine Rimmer

Mercy Cabrera and Luke Bravo fall in love. But, they have a problem since their families are bitter enemies. They have been that way for many years. Mercy's sister Elena and Luke's brother Caleb tell them that the fight is not theirs and they should just be together. Mercy is worried about what her parents will say and finds out when her mother begs her to break it off with Luke. Luke is confronted by his father and told in no uncertain terms to let Mercy go. Both of their respective parents are hiding a secret that they do not want out. Mercy and Luke decide for themselves that they are getting married and no one will stand in their way.

This was one of the better Bravo books I think. It was not just the typical romance but had secrets not associated directly with the main characters. It seemed everything would blow up when the affair between their parents was revealed but true love in the end as they say won out.

A Bravo Christmas Reunion by Christine Rimmer

Hayley Bravo is pregnant. She left her job and her boss Marcus Reid when she found out she was expecting his child. Hayley knew in his heart that Marcus was still carrying a torch for his ex-wife Adriana. When Marcus goes to visit Hayley he is shocked to find her in the family way and when he realizes that the baby is his he tries to convince her to marry him. Hayley asks him for two weeks of just the two of them. But, Jenny Reid decided to make her apprearance early. Then Marcus was getting calls from his ex that he was not telling Hayley about. When Adriana shows up on the newlyweds doorstep Hayley leaves to go back home and wait to see what Marcus does.

It's seems that all the Bravo books I have been reading lately are girl gets pregnant and guy tries to talk her into getting married. While they are all ok reads and fast they are pretty predictable. Each book adds new Bravos to the family and glimpses of others from past books. There were no lags in the book and it read easily. It's a good fluff book if that's what you want to read.

Blowing Embers by Lauri J. Owen

Kiera is one of the Governors of alternate Fairbanks and a fire mage. She rules with Lazlo her husband and former slave and Marco who is like a brother to Kiera. Lazlo and Kiera are raising her nephew Alex whose father murdered his mother Kiera's sister. Vrishka, a water mage wants to rule all of alternate Alaska and sends conditions of surrender to Kiera and the other governors. After receiving them Hunter, Alex's father attacks Kiera and vows to kill her and get his son back. They hear of an attack by Vrishka and Lazlo leads their soldiers to fight. However, he is captured and Chanda the man that Vrishka would replace Kiera with tells her that Lazlo is gone. At first she believes that he is dead but after awhile she remembers that they are all about deception. Now, Kiera has to fight not only Hunter but keep her people free and release her husband from captivity.

To me an excellent book grabs you in the first few sentences and takes you on wild ride. This book fell short for me. I had a very hard time getting into the story and it took until about a third of way through the second part before it became a page turner. Wish the glossary would have been in the front for easier access and familiarization before the start of the book. Maybe if I had read the first book things would have made more sense to me. The cover is nice though and fits I think. Sci-fi lovers will most likely enjoy this book. For me though it was just ok.