Smitten by Books

by Kat Latham

There are some great contemporary romances being released this month and next month. I’ve read most of these and can highly recommend them. What are you looking forward to reading over the next couple of months?

Heartstrings and Wedding Rings by Jane Graves

He’s the man of her dreams. . .

In a world full of frogs, Alison Carter is determined to find her prince. Maybe her dating past is more Titanic than Love Boat, but she’s seen enough happy marriages to know that true love is possible. No matter what, she won’t give up on happily-ever-after. If she can’t find Mr. Right, she’ll simply hire someone who can.

 

She just doesn’t know it yet

When Brandon Scott inherits a successful matchmaking business, he thinks his prayers have been answered. Set up a few lonely ladies, collect the fee, how hard can it be? No one needs to know he’s not really a professional matchmaker–especially not his first client, the beautiful, spirited Alison. Soon he’s falling for her–and her dreams of kids and carpools. But Alison is getting close to figuring out his secret, and if she learns he’s deceived her too, she’ll walk right out the door, taking Brandon’s heart with her.

My take:

I recently discovered Jane Graves and have devoured several of her books in a very short time. Heartstrings and Diamond Rings is a beautiful story of a woman searching for love and the man who didn’t realize he was too. You’ve got some time before it comes out on September 27, so pick up Tall Tales and Wedding Vales – which takes place before Heartstrings (but you can read them in any order).

Good Girls Don’t by Victoria Dahl

With her long ponytail and sparkling green eyes, Tessa Donovan looks more like the girl next door than a businesswoman – or a heartbreaker. Which may explain why Detective Luke Asher barely notices her when he arrives to investigate a break-in at her family’s brewery. He’s got his own problems – starting with the fact that his partner Simone is pregnant and everyone thinks he’s the father. The last thing he needs is a nice girl like Tessa getting under his skin.

Tessa has her hands full, too. Her brother’s playboy ways may be threatening the business, and the tensions could tear her tight-knit family apart.  In fact, the only thing that could unite the Donovan boys is seeing a man come after their “baby” sister. Especially a man like Luke Asher. But Tessa sees past the rumors to the man beneath.

My take:

I really enjoyed this novel (you can read my review here), which is the first in a quick-release three-book series about siblings who own a microbrewery in Denver. Personally, I liked the second and third books in the series more than this one, but Good Girls Don’t is still a great read and sets up the story that runs throughout the series.

 

In Seconds by Brenda Novak

In the whole state of Montana, there’s nowhere to hide. . . Laurel Hodges has changed her identity twice. She’s been on the run for the past four years, trying to outdistance the men who blame her for the death of one of their own. She’s finally found the peace and stability she needs, for herself and her two children, in the small town of Pineview, Montana.

But just when she thinks they’re safe — the nightmare starts all over again. The Crew, a ruthless prison gang with ties to Laurel’s brother, will never forget and they’ll never forgive. And now that they’ve finally found her again, they’ll stop at nothing. It could all end in seconds. Only Sheriff Myles King stands between Laurel and the men who want her dead.

My take:

The second book in Brenda Novak’s Prison-Break-style Bulletproof series doesn’t have as gripping a romance as the first (Inside), but it’s still a terrifying, edge-of-your seat suspense full of twists and surprises. Highly recommended. Read my review here.

Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis

She’s tempting his basic instincts…

Sunshine, Idaho, is a quiet ranching town, a perfect place to give injured animals a refuge…or to find one. And veterinarian Dell Connelly suspects there’s a reason his clinic’s uber-efficient receptionist has taken shelter here.

Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape her well-meaning but smothering family and their expectations, not to mention the big-city jungle. There’s nothing like working with injured animals, having a forlorn, grumpy stray kitten make its home under her desk…or enjoying the gorgeous views of her ruggedly sexy boss.

Jade is used to planning everything in her life, but Dell’s understanding has sparked an uncontrollable desire. And though Dell has never had time for love, Jade’s strength and sass is the kind of call no red-blooded male can resist…

My take:

I haven’t read Animal Attraction yet, but I read the first in Jill Shalvis’ hot-veterinarians series (Animal Magnetism) and I Can Not Wait for Animal Attraction to come out. Jill Shalvis’s beautiful heroes are my smack. In fact, they’re better than chocolate cheesecake.

Slow Ride by Erin McCarthy

As a tribute to her late journalist father, Tuesday Jones is planning a career benefit, auctioning off racing memorabilia and meet-and-greets with drivers. Ex-racing star Diesel Lange has had his own brush with death, and is determined not to waste another minute of his life- especially when he meets Tuesday. He wants nothing more than to shift their romance into high gear, but he knows she’s still grieving. Can Diesel do the one thing he could never do on the track and take it slow?

My take:

Another book I haven’t read but am looking forward to. I’ve only read a couple of Erin McCarthy’s novels, but she writes the kinds of stories I love: gripping emotion and very steamy romance. Slow Ride looks like the kind of story I can really get behind. Bring it on!

Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl

Olivia Bishop is no fun. That’s what her ex-husband said. That’s what her smart bob and glasses imply. And with her trademark determination, Olivia sets out to remake her life. She’s going to spend time with her girlfriends and not throw it all away for some man. But when an outing with her book club leads her to a brewery taproom, the dark-haired beauty realizes that trouble – in the form of sexy Jamie Donovan – may be too tempting to avoid.

Jamie Donovan doesn’t mean to be bad. Sure, the wild streak in his wicked green eyes has lured the ladies before. But it’s time to grow up. He’s even ready for a serious romance. But how can that be when Olivia, the only right woman he has ever met, already has him pegged as wrong.

My take:

Buy it. Buy it now. I know Bad Boys Do isn’t out yet, but don’t wait. I love everything about this novel and I’ll be pimping it for months. If you love emotionally injured characters who work hard to rebuild their lives (and have lots of sex), you’ll love this story.

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Kat Latham has been reading romance for a couple of decades. With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves stories that reflect the depth, humor and emotion of real life. When she’s not writing contemporary romance novels, she can usually be found blogging or tweeting overly personal information. She loves meeting other readers and writers online, so follow her on Twitter or check out her blog and say hello!