Nicole Helm, All's Fair in Love and Politics

Title:  All's Fair in Love and Politics 

Author:  Nicole Helm

Rating:  Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Keywords:  Champagne Rosebud, Spicy 

Page Count:  208       

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61217-160-9

Price:  $3.99

Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4842

Reviewer:  Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

When sexy reporter Doug Kapshaw shows up on Abigail Fortman's doorstep to cover her state senate campaign, Abigail knows to keep her guard up. Doug's not after her story. He’s after an expose on Abigail’s U.S Senator father. Though Abigail’s relationship with her father is tense at best, she’s not going to be the pawn that brings Grant Fortman down. 

Despite his assignment to use Abby, Doug can’t help but be attracted to her mix of strength and vulnerability. When Grant gets Doug fired, Abby is ready to take a stand against her father. Working together to bring Grant down, Doug and Abby can no longer fight the attraction between them. Attraction turns into much more, but while the secrets they uncover promise to revive Doug’s career, the ugly truth about her father poses the biggest challenge to Doug and Abby living happily ever after.

Review:

Lies, cover ups, scandal....yes, there's so much of that going around, and it certainly doesn't stop with Doug.  But things are going to take an interesting turn when his attraction comes front and center with what he's trying to accomplish.

All's Fair in Love and Politics is what you'd expect with a title such as this- plenty of things going around.  Doug and Abby are in the middle of a war it seems, and the only way to get out is to 'fess up.  Or is it?

I wasn't too keen on the idea of Doug “using” Abby.  It bothered me some, but then as time went on and his feelings surfaced, I wasn't as upset with him.  It did make a good story, and he became redeemable.

Nicole Helm pens a good contemporary story with this book, and it is pretty enjoyable.

Darcy Lundeen, Finding You Again

Title:  Finding You Again

Author:  Darcy Lundeen

Rating:  Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Sub-Genre:  Romantic Comedy

Keywords:  Champagne Rosebud

Page Count:  223     

ISBN E-Book:  d6423

Price:  $3.99

Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4726

Reviewer:  Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

Maggie Demarco thought she’d have the perfect wedding…until the groom backed out without even saying goodbye. So she packs a bag and flees to the town where she grew up to heal and prepare for the rest of her life.

Eric Holt is surprised when he learns that Maggie’s back in town. He’s never forgotten the hours he spent in high school introducing her to the joys of sex. Of course, he’s also never forgotten the pain of her rejection. But he’s still willing to help her recapture the sexual mojo she lost waiting for her AWOL groom, and he proposes a no-strings-attached affair to prove how desirable she still is.

Neither expect the unintended consequences, when old hurts resurface, new problems arise, and simple sex threatens to turn into the craziest complication of all: love.

Review: 

What could be worse than being stood up at your own wedding?

That's what the heroine, Maggie faces.  I can't imagine the mixture of feelings this woman must have.  So she sets out to take a journey and clear her head for awhile.  I don't always like the way Maggie acts, especially around Eric.  She's sometimes a bit snotty and self centered.  I know she's just gone through an emotional roller coaster, but still, it got to me.

Eric isn't always much better.  Maybe it's the way they react to one another.  But after awhile, their chemistry gets better and they aren't as much fire and ice with one another as they are in the beginning of the book.

I love stories about second chances, and Eric sure has a plan to change Maggie's mind about things.  Her overall attitude does get better as the book progresses.

If you're a fan of contemporary stories filled with heat and heart, grab yourself a copy of Finding You Again. 

Meg Bellamy, Homecoming

Title:  Homecoming

Author:  Meg Bellamy

Rating:  Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Keywords:  Champagne Rosebud, Spicy

Word Count:  61,873     

ISBN E-Book:  d6055

Price:  $5.50

Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4654

Reviewer:  Ashleigh


Tagline: Being brought home by tragedy, could end up being the best thing that could have happened for Julie.

Blurb/Summary:

When a family illness forces Julie Loring to return home to North Carolina from New York, she is determined to avoid her old love, Dan Williams, and make the speediest possible escape. Her hope is dashed the first night back.

Dan doesn’t know why Julie ran off twelve years earlier, but he’s still in love with her. He wants her to be his wife and mother to his child. Though Julie warns she hasn’t changed, neither can deny the sparks that fly between them.

But Julie left with a secret—one she’s certain will destroy any chance they might have of a future together.

Review:

For Julie Loring, coming back to North Carolina was never an option for her. After running away from her entire life twelve years ago, being drug back was something akin to torture for her.  But when her mother fell ill, Julie knew that if she didn’t go now than it might just be too late.  When her chance meeting with Dan Williams happened shortly after she arrived, Julie’s entire world turned upside down.  Even after all this time, Dan still had her heart, now Julie had to find a way to leave again without getting even more attached to the one place she was always sure she never needed.  Will finding Dan again, prove more difficult than before to leave behind or will Julie ignore her heart again and give up the perfect second chance at happiness?

Dan Williams has been in love with Julie since he first saw her in the second grade.  Being four years older than her didn’t stop the feelings from coming to fruition like a freight train after college.  When Julie left him without a reason why, Dan’s love for Julie grew even more, and while he was angry at her for leaving, Dan knew that his life would never be the same without Julie in it.  After twelve long years, and a tragic reason for coming home, can Dan convince Julie to give him another chance or will he have to bear the pain of losing his first love all over again?    

The story of Dan and Julie was really well written and came across as a great coming together after so many years.  Having never read anything by Meg Bellamy before I was a little disappointed by the story overall.  While the characters seemed to have great potential, the story line just seemed a bit understated to the idea behind it.  Not once did any great passion overcome me while reading this, but then it was an easy read.  I can’t really put my finger on what went wrong in this story for me, but just something seemed off throughout the entire piece, while I won’t stop reading other books by Meg Bellamy, I would hope that her other works give me greater feelings than lukewarm.

Jan Romes, One Small Fib

Title: One Small Fib

Author: Jan Romes

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Champagne Rosebud, Spicy

Page Count: 167

ISBN E-Book: d6408

Price: $4.75

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=175_133&products_id=4609

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

[Millionaire's Club]

Allie Blue's dream of buying the old Smithington mansion and turning it into a bed and breakfast is stomped by a mystery real estate developer with a fancy pen and loaded checkbook. With no bed and breakfast, Allie resorts to one small fib which lands her a flight attendant's job and the task of pampering Upward Airlines' most demanding frequent flyer -- Kiptyn Thomas, III. Something raw and potent snaps between them, but Allie fights the attraction for the guy who thinks he's at the top of the food chain. Kiptyn Thomas is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it. Allie Blue both annoys and intrigues him. Will some well-intentioned fibs, a deep dark secret, and similar personalities draw them together or keep them apart?

Review:

When one fib changes your life, can you really stop there?

Allie never thought she'd meet such a man like Kiptyn. At first, he's rude and unlikable. After awhile, however, he kind of grew on me. Allie's first impression of him wasn't the best, but yet he wanted her to be the one that attended to him while on a flight.

One Small Fib is a wonderful little romance that is bound to deliver a smile to the reader's face. It's full of heart, a bit of deception, and an ending you'll be happy with. I enjoyed the in-depth characterization and for a shorter book it was done very well.

I would definitely check out other titles from this author. If you enjoy contemporary romance, then don't lie. You know you want to get a copy of One Small Fib.

Caroline Johnson, Sugarberry Road

Title: Sugarberry Road

Author: Caroline Johnson

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Champagne Rosebud, Sensual

Page Count: 215

ISBN E-Book: d6105

Price: $5.50

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4406

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

Newly divorced, Jenna Stewart unwillingly leaves her two children with their father for his allotted month and heads to her grandparents’ now vacant Texas farm. The last person she expects to see that summer is her adolescent crush, Ethan Ehlers. He shows up at her door, handsome as ever and bearing two pages of astonishing prose — a love letter from Jenna’s grandfather to Ethan’s grandmother. Her wounded heart gradually heals as she uncovers the details of her grandfather’s unrequited love and explores the possibilities for a new love in her own life. But who is trying to scare her away? And why?

Review:

The house on Sugarberry Road has many memories for Jenna. Now, after her divorce, she comes back to the house to clean it up for her family. A month away from her kids seems like such a long time. And then, Ethan shows up. The man she swore she wouldn't speak to because of a childhood crush and a betrayal. But that was all those years ago. Seems silly now.

Jenna has trust issues with everyone now, especially men. She wonders if there's anyone left who stays true to their vows. Ethan even shows her a letter between his grandmother and her grandfather, who loved each other all those years ago, but moved on to different paths in life.

With glimpses of the past history between the grandparents, and the blooming story between Jenna and Ethan in the present, Sugarberry Road is a story about second chances, learning to trust, and finding love. It's a beautifully written sensual story that keeps the readers engaged and smiling. What a story! I will surely be checking out other books from Caroline Johnson.

Are you in the mood for an emotionally satisfying read? Pick up Sugarberry Road, and you won't regret it!

Jean Adams, Yesterday's Dreams

Title: Yesterday's Dreams

Author: Jean Adams

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Champagne Rosebud, Spicy

Page Count: 290

ISBN E-Book: d2831

Price: $5.50

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=175_133&products_id=4376

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

She was his strength—and his weakness.

Ten years ago, Emma Davenport gave her innocence to a blue-eyed bad boy guaranteed to break her heart. Little did she know, a teenage love would eternally haunt her dreams and change her life.

Now Kane Hunter’s back. With him comes a whirlwind of memories and unrequited dreams. He possesses the means to repair Emma's fractured world and guilt drives him to do all he can for the woman he’s never forgotten.

But when he learns he has a daughter, Kane confronts the one fear that all his success can’t negotiate. Will youthful passion become a reality, or will their love always remain yesterday’s dreams?

Review:

Sometimes the past doesn't stay buried, it comes back to haunt you. And when Kane came back, Emma knew it was time to face her past. But that meant unveiling a big secret, and letting go of her stubborn pride.

I thought this to be a very good book. There were a few things about the story that bugged me. The actions of both Kane and Emma. When the story wrapped up well, I let go of those irks. The story is jam packed with emotion, and the situation forced the two to rehash the past and decide what they were going to do.

Jean Adams creates a well written story about passion and second chances. If you enjoy the type of story that has you crying and laughing along with the characters, then let Yesterday's Dreams into your heart.

Sally Clements, Catch Me A Catch

Title: Catch Me A Catch

Author: Sally Clements

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Champagne Rosebud, Spicy

Page Count: 191

ISBN E-Book: d5292

Price: $5.00

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/catch-me-a-catch-p-4147.html

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

She had the perfect life - and all she wanted was to escape it. Artisan chocolatier and reluctant matchmaker Annie Devine wants to survive the annual Durna Matchmaking Festival without messing up. She's useless at relationships, and the whole village know it. They've known ever since the day she was left at the altar in her wedding dress. When Jack Miller, charismatic head of Miller Advertising is forced to make an emergency stop on his transatlantic crossing, she mistakes him for a love-lorn bachelor, and sparks fly. Jack's in Ireland to discover his roots, while Annie's desperate to escape hers. Annie longs to win the coveted Chocolate Oscar competition, and claim the ultimate prize, her own shop in Dublin. But with the deadline for Jack's return to New York looming, is she making the right choice?

Review:

A misunderstanding changes both of their lives forever.

Jack Miller, who is sailing the Atlantic, makes an emergency stop in Ireland. He enters a pub looking for Devine. That's when he meets Annie, who assumes Jack is there for matchmaking. Stuck in Ireland for awhile, it gives Jack and Annie a chance to get to know each other, and the attraction is intense.

This is a great contemporary story, in a beautiful setting. I found it easy to read with plenty of laugh out loud moments, heart warming moments, and then there are the hot love scenes.

Sally Clements' Catch Me a Catch will appeal to fans who want a short but sweet contemporary read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that other readers will, too.

JM Stewart, Staking His Claim

Title: Staking His Claim

Author: JM Stewart

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Champagne Rosebud

Page Count: 190

ISBN E-Book: d5269

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/staking-his-claim-p-4056.html

Reviewer: Yvette Lowe

Blurb/Summary:

Kyle Morgan’s in love with his best friend. Unfortunately, he’s honor bound to keep a secret from her that not only prevents him from confessing his feelings, but also has the power to destroy their relationship.

Cecelia Anton has only ever wanted one thing—to find the answers to her mysterious past. But the search leads her into the arms of her best friend. While the attraction frightens her, she can’t deny the way he makes her feel.

The deep connection they share as friends only heightens the passion, forcing them to reevaluate their relationship. Are they willing to risk their lifelong friendship for the promise of love?

Review:

Cecelia wants to know about her parents, but with the death of her grandmother she feels that all hope may be lost. She knows that her grandmother only wanted Cecelia protected, but aren’t the everyday nightmares worse than knowing what happened so she can get on with her life? Cecelia knows who she can turn to, her best friend Kyle, he knows how to help her get the answers she has wanted for forever but he is always refusing to help. But why?

Kyle is in love with Cecelia and would love to help her get rid of the demons that haunt her nightmares, but he made a promise and he is bound by his honor to keep it. He really isn't sure if Cecelia knew the truth, if it would do more harm than good. Even though he can't give her the answers she wants he can be there for her to comfort her from the nightmares she faces now.

Staking His Claim is an endearing story of a man who is trying to protect the woman he loves. This is a sexy and heartfelt story of two people who must overcome many things to prove their love for each other, but who says they can't work it out in between the sheets while figuring a way into each other’s hearts.