This RITA® Reader Challenge 2013 review was written by Karen. This story was nominated for the RITA® in the Best First Book category. The summary: Sadie Turner can organize just about anything — except her own life. When her cheating spouse topples Sadie’s impeccably tidy world, she packs up her kids for a summer vacation at her aunt’s lake house, hoping to relax, reboot, and formulate a new plan — one that does not … Continue reading RITA Reader Challenge: Crazy Little Thing by Tracy Brogan →
I really wanted to like The Waiting Game by Eve Devon. It had an interesting premise—a stalker story with a twist—but inconsistent characters and holes in the plot kept me from enjoying it. Brooke Bennet is in hiding. She used to be a music superstar as part of the duo Nocturne, but then she was kidnapped and tortured by a fanatic stalker. Safe now, recovering from the emotional and physical trauma, she is trying to … Continue reading The Waiting Game by Eve Devon →
This RITA® Reader Challenge 2013 review was written by Erica. This story was nominated for the RITA® in the Short Contemporary Series category. The summary: The CEO's second chance Max Montgomery had it all-charm, good looks and a career as CEO of the family business. Marriage to Kate Hunter was the icing on the cake. Until a devastating family secret sent his world-and then his marriage-crashing down around him…. Years later, Max is accidentally reunited … Continue reading RITA Reader Challenge: The Tycoon’s Secret Daughter by Susan Meier →
If I had to describe What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston in one sentence it would be this: the hero and heroine don’t really meet until page 140. Also there’s a lack of shoes, but more on that later. I really wanted to like this book. The premise is similar to The Hangover; a night of partying leads to confusion and regrets in the morning. The problem is, you can’t have a romance novel … Continue reading What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston →
Kentucky Home is a fast read that initally appealed to me in a few ways: I liked the idea of a book set in Kentucky, especially on a horse farm. I liked the description of the heroine, I liked the idea of a romance about folks starting over, and while the part of the cover copy where the heroine “wins the hearts” of the hero's family one by one gave me a pause, I wanted … Continue reading Kentucky Home by Sarah Title →
This is it for romantic suspense for me, and not merely because I don't enjoy it. I can't tell if I dislike this book more because I'm not enjoying the romantic suspense parts, or more because of the other flaws I found with the characters and the plot. I'm pretty much opening this entire review with, “Take this with a grain of salt because Romantic Suspense and I are breaking up for good, that's it, … Continue reading Dangerously Close by Dee J. Adams →
This might be the first time I've written this on a review, but I want to warn you: this review, and the excerpts contained within it, might be triggering of emotions and recollections in people who have suffered assault or been victims of abusive relationships. As I was typing out the excerpts, I got a very sick feeling in my stomach when I wasn't rolling my eyes, and I want to warn you before you … Continue reading Twisted in Tulips by Nikki Duncan →
This review was written by Elyssa. This story was nominated in the Contemporary Series Suspense/Adventure Romance category. The summary: As chief legal council for Project Justice, widow Raleigh Shinn doesn't seem the type to accept bribes. Still, Griffin Benedict has an anonymous tip that points to her guilt. And if he wants to make the move to national news anchor, he needs a sensational story. But nothing is as it seems. Including the do-good … Continue reading RITA Reader Challenge: Nothing but the Truth by Kara Lennox →
This review was written by Shevaun. This story was nominated in the Contemporary Series Suspense/Adventure Romance category. The summary: As chief legal council for Project Justice, widow Raleigh Shinn doesn't seem the type to accept bribes. Still, Griffin Benedict has an anonymous tip that points to her guilt. And if he wants to make the move to national news anchor, he needs a sensational story. But nothing is as it seems. Including the do-good … Continue reading RITA Reader Challenge: Nothing but the Truth by Kara Lennox →
This review was written by Jamarleo. This story was nominated in the Best First Book category. The summary: From London's slums to its bawdy playhouses, The Darling Strumpet transports the reader to the tumultuous world of seventeenth-century England, charting the meteoric rise of the dazzling Nell Gwynn, who captivates the heart of King Charles II-and becomes one of the century's most famous courtesans. Witty and beautiful, Nell was born into poverty but is drawn … Continue reading RITA Reader Challenge: The Darling Strumpet by Gillian Bagwell →
This review was written by Donna. This story was nominated in the Best Romantic Suspense category. The summary: Brooding and sexy Rafe Di Luca has returned to his family's luxurious vineyard resort and discovers that a long-ago quarrel has ignited once more, forcing him to work with Brooke Petersson, the woman he seduced … and betrayed. As the danger escalates and their passion threatens to rage out of control, Brooke fights her … Continue reading RITA Reader Challenge: Secrets of Bella Terra by Christina Dodd →
