SUMMER ON MIRROR LAKE (HONEYMOON HARBOR #3)

Summertime is the best time to lose yourself in the romance of Honeymoon Harbor…

When he lands in the emergency room after collapsing at the funeral of a colleague and friend, Wall Street hotshot Gabriel Mannion initially rejects the diagnosis of an anxiety attack. But when warned that if he doesn’t change his adrenaline-fueled, workaholic lifestyle he could end up like his friend, Gabe reluctantly returns to his hometown of Honeymoon Harbor to regroup.

As he adjusts to the sight of mountains instead of skyscrapers, Gabe discovers advantages to this small Pacific Northwest town he once couldn’t wait to escape. But it’s irresistible librarian Chelsea Prescott who, along with the two foster children she’s taken under her wing, makes slowing down seem like the best prescription ever.

Over the course of their summer romance, Gabe gets a taste of the life he might have had if he’d taken a different path. But with his return to New York City looming on the horizon, he’ll have to choose between the success he’s worked tirelessly for and a ready-made family who offers a very different, richly rewarding future…if he’ll only take the risk. 

Release Date: June 11, 2019

HQN Books

Honeymoon Harbor #3

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Summer on Mirror Lake is the newest book in the Honeymoon Harbor series from Joann Ross. I've been a fan of Ms. Ross for years, and reading the Honeymoon Harbor series of books reminds me why I started reading her books years ago. I have to say the Mannion family might be one of my favorite group of characters ever from Ms. Ross.

I loved Gabe Mannion and was so glad he had come home for the summer to recover following an anxiety attack, after seeing his mentor die from a heart attack. Gabe had been away from home for years, and it took him a bit to get back into the feel of things is his old hometown. I love the small-town feel of Honeymoon Harbor, and have to say local librarian Chelsea Prescott was a favorite character of mine from the beginning.

Chelsea has the biggest heart. She loves taking care of all the kids that come through her library and when 2 foster children start hanging out, she immediately takes them under her wings. She recognizes herself as a big sister in Hannah and I liked the connection from the beginning.I loved the connection between Chelsea and the girls from the beginning. Hailey and Hannah added something extra to the budding romance between Gabe and Chelsea, and there were moments I was absolutely laughing out loud and they tried to figure out have alone time with 2 young children in the house. 

Gabe and Chelsea worked as a couple for me, even as I wondered how two such different people, with different goals could make it work long-term. I thought they had amazing chemistry and I really felt it grew stronger the more time they spent together. My only complaint about this story was I felt like the resolution was rushed a bit. Yes, I wanted it to turn out as it did, but the pacing just seemed a bit fast for me.

Summer on Mirror Lake was another wonderful story from Joann Ross. This story can easily be read as a stand-alone story, but as I adored the other books in this series, I also suggest giving those books a read first. I'm one of those people who doesn’t like to reading books in a series out of order, but know there are many without that issue. Summer on Mirror Lake is the perfect romance for contemporary fans. 

Rating: 4.5 Stars (B+)

JACKSON: ETERNITY SPRINGS THE MCBRIDES OF TEXAS

From New York Times bestselling author Emily March comes Jackson, the newest novel in the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series.

Sometimes it takes a new beginning

Caroline Carruthers married young to a much-older man. Now that he’s gone, she’s lost…until she dares to chase a dream all on her own. Moving to Redemption, Texas, is chapter one in Caroline’s new life story. Opening a bookstore is the next. Finding love is the last thing on her mind as she settles into this new place called home. But when she meets a handsome, soulful man who’s also starting over, all bets are off.

to reach a happily-ever-after 

Jackson McBride came to Redemption looking only to find himself, not someone to love. Ever since his marriage ended, he’s been bitter. Sure, he used to believe in love—he even has the old song lyrics to prove it—but the Jackson of today is all business. That is, until a beautiful young widow who’s moved to town inspires a change of heart. Could it be that the myth of Redemption’s healing magic is true…and Jackson and Caroline can find a second chance at a happy ending after all?

Release Date: June 25, 2019

St. Martin's Press

Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas #1

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Jackson is the first book in the Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas series from Emily March. This is a spinoff from her popular Eternity Springs series, and while it can be read as as stand-alone, you will meet many characters from the other series in this first book. Emily March is one of my go-to authors for sweet contemporary romances, and she totally delivered with Jackson.

I adored this story. Caroline and Jackson both have so much sadness surrounding them for different reasons when they first meet. They each end up being there for one another at a very emotional time and I felt like it almost set up the connection between them from the very beginning. 

I always find much humor in each book by Emily March, and while there were many super emotional times with this newest story, I still found myself laughing out loud repeatedly. I know that is part of the reason I still continue to read books from Emily March. I know going it I'm going to get a very sweet and emotional romance with lots of laughter thrown in to offset any sadness. The slow build from friends to more between Jackson and Caroline totally worked for the characters with all they had gone through in their respective pasts.

Redemption, Texas is just as much a character in this new series as Eternity Springs is in its series. I love reading romances that take place in a small town, as you get to know the town and all the other characters better with each new installment. I have to say my two favorite characters in this book were hands down Celeste and her colorful cousin Angelica. They way the fed off each other was laugh out loud funny and totally kept everyone around them upbeat.

I can't wait to head back to Redemption, Texas again to get the other McBride cousin's stories. Emily March has pulled me into her world once again, and I know each new installment will only make me fall in love with this series even more. 

Rating: 4 Stars (B)

SAPPHIRE FLAMES (HIDDEN LEGACY #4)

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrew comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart. 

Release Date: August 27, 2019

Avon HarperCollins Publisher

Hidden Legacy #4, Catalina Baylor #1

Urban Fantasy

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Sapphire Flames is the 4th book in the Hidden Legacy series and the 1st book with Catalina Baylor being the main character of the series. Catalina is the head of House Baylor and they are in the final weeks of new house protection when Sapphire Flames begins. I feel like all of the Baylors have the same moral code when it comes to taking care of friends, family and those in need, and Catalina was everything I wanted in the new head of the house.

Catalina's style and magic is very different from Nevada's, and I liked she delegated more responsibilities to various family members.  Even when there were issues along the way, she showed a strength I wasn't aware she had from the first 3 Hidden Legacy books. I felt like Catalina's strength was more internal and she was learning on the fly, and it was very refreshing for me. Her sense of right and wrong worked for me and I loved seeing her begin to come into her own as the story progressed.

Alessandro Sagredo gave me all the happy sighs when he was on the page. I loved the banter between him and Catalina. OMG the chemistry and attraction between these two gave me all the feels. I can't wait to see where they go as this series progresses, as I think I love them even more than I loved Nevada and Rogan...and I had mad love for those two.

Sapphire Flames was a great read. I loved getting to spend more time and learn more about each of the Baylor family members with each new installment. Ilona Andrews became an auto-buy/auto-read author for me as soon as I read the first Kate Daniels book, and I have to say my love for the Hidden Legacy series is every bit as strong. I can't wait to see where we are taken next in this wonderful Urban Fantasy series.

Rating: 5 Stars (A)

LETHAL NIGHTS (BRUTE FORCE #3)

Ilya Dragonovich is no stranger to the dark side. As a safe-house owner for security agency Brute Force, Dragon knows that the battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man―and, sometimes, a beautiful woman…

Emma Jane Preston needs help. After her marriage crumbled, she believed she could get back to a normal, happy life. But her ex-husband moved among some shady characters, and now she needs the kind of protection that comes at a cost―one that only someone like Dragon can provide. But can Emma Jane trust this handsome, undercover operator to keep her safe when she is in danger of falling into the arms of the deeply seductive, fiery Dragon…and never letting go?

Release Date: September 24, 2019

St. Martin’s Press

Brute Force #3

Romantic Suspense

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

Lora Leigh is one of my unicorn authors. I have devoured her novels for years! I was so excited to dive into her newest book.

Ilya is a typical Lora Leigh hero, which I adore. He’s growly, stubborn, alpha, and oozes hot sexy times! Emma is the kind of heroine that I really like. She’s spunky, sassy, independent, and kind. She also has that vulnerability that I like to see in a heroine. 

The chemistry between the two was off the charts. It just kept building and building. By the time things came to a head, I thought I was going to scream “thank god!”. Lora Leigh knows how to keep the reader on their toes when it comes to the rising lust between her characters. 

As much as I liked this book, I struggled a bit. There’s constant mention of dragons. Dragon tribes, dragon bloodlines, dragon mates, and other mystical type of stuff. I started to wonder if I was reading a paranormal romance rather than romantic suspense. I think the flow of the story would have worked better had those things not been so prominent. I started to skim over those parts. 

One thing I can always count on with a Lora Leigh novel is the intricately woven suspense storyline. There was a great balance of romance and action. 

This book wasn’t my favourite in the series. It didn’t grab me quite like the first two books did, but I am definitely looking forward to the next installment! 

 Rating: 3 Stars (B)

WRAPPED UP IN YOU (HEARTBREAKER BAY #8)

Wrapped Up in You by Jill Shalvis

Release Date: September 24, 2019

Wrapped Up in You, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by Jill Shalvis.

It’s love. Trust me.

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.

Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-terms plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.

Download your copy today!

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Excerpt:

     He held her gaze for a long beat before taking the bag and unzipping it, finding the dishes she’d put together for him. “Not tacos,” he said in surprise.

     “Making tacos is my job,” she said. “This was for something else.”

     “And what’s that?”

     “An apology for being … grumpy last night.”

     “You weren’t.”

     She gave him a get real look and he smiled. “Okay, maybe a little. But it was understandable. You’d just gotten an unfortunate and unfair surprise.” He gently tilted her face up to his. “You doing okay this morning?”

     “Yes,” she said. “Of course.”

     “Of course,” he repeated and shook his head. “Smart, tough, and resilient,” he murmured, his gaze on her face.

     Now it was her turn to smile. “Some might say stubborn, impulsive, and doesn’t know when to quit.”

     “Yeah,” he said. “But I find those things very attractive.”

     Honestly, she didn’t know how to take half the things he said. They made her feel both terrified and exhilarated at the same time. “You’re a strange man.”

     “So I’ve been told.” He looked over the food. “You poison any of it?”

     “No, and only because I’d never waste food.” But to prove it, she grabbed the fork she’d packed and took a bite of her eggs. “Mmm,” she moaned before she could stop herself, but hey, she’d worked out and been on the move ever since, and she was starving. Plus, she made damn good eggs if she said so herself.

     Again their eyes met, and that now familiar spark went right through her. She wanted him. Quite badly, if going off her racing pulse meant anything. He was so … what, exactly? Steady? Tough? Intense and yet somehow easy-going, not to mention also extremely easy on the eyes?

     “You didn’t have to cook something special for me,” he said, sounding touched.

     “You helped me last night. I repay my debts.”

     “I didn’t do it so you’d feel indebted to me,” he said and cocked his head as he studied her for a beat. “Someday you’re going to have to tell me about the apparent assholes who’ve been in your life to make you so distrusting of me.”

     “Oh, don’t flatter yourself. It’s not just you. I don’t trust anyone. And it wasn’t just me paying back a debt,” she admitted. “I wanted to cook for you.” And because that made his smile warm, which in turn made something inside her warm as well, she shrugged and backed up a few steps, needing breathing room. “I also wanted to thank you for your help,” she said, feeling annoyingly awkward as he shoved stacks of plans to one side of the table and started pulling everything else out of her bag with a deep male hum of pleasure when he caught sight of the pancakes.

     “Are those blueberry?” he asked very seriously.

     She nodded.

     “Fair warning, if they’re as good as the eggs, I really am going to drop to my knees and ask you to marry me.”

     That startled a laugh out of her. “Fair warning, if you drop to your knees, I’m going to use my considerable kickboxing skills on you.”

About Jill:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Connect with Jill:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillShalvis/

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Website: http://jillshalvis.com

Liza's Review:

Wrapped Up In You is the 8th book in the Heartbreaker Bay series of books from Jill Shalvis. Kel O'Donnell, Caleb's cousin,  and Ivy Snow, taco truck owner, are both pretty guarded individuals thanks to things for each of their pasts. Kel is a by the rules cop in Idaho, while Ivy is finally ending her nomadic lifestyle in San Francisco. 

I enjoyed Ivy and Kel's story. While they were pretty opposite in certain things, there was enough alike about them and chemistry between them, for me to keep wanting them to spend more and more time together. They did seem to dance around their attraction way longer than I expected, but it also seemed to work for them as a couple. As with any book by Jill Shalvis, there are moments where I'm laughing out loud one minute, and crying a bit at others. I had wanted Kel's book since forever, and while I still love him, he mad me mad on more than one occasion in Wrapped Up In You. I think because I've always seen him as such a great guy, when he acted what I felt like was out of character, it took a bit for me to get past it. 

Honestly while I enjoyed the romance in Wrapped Up In You, the friendships Ivy finally realized she had with all the women in the series gave me all the happy feels. They each had each others backs always and the friendships with the women were every bit as important to Ivy moving forward with a romance as it was to her everyday life. I love how the friendships that develop in a Jill Shalvis book end up being every bit as important to the main characters as the romance.

Wrapped Up In You was a great addition to the Heartbreaker Bay series of books. I love with each new book, we get to spend time with favorite characters from the series and I know I'm going to have an emotional romance that will keep me reading way past my bedtime.

Rating: 4 Stars (B)

Review copy provided by publisher