Cat's Books: Romance

This is a companion blog on the Romance genre to my theme and troupe list making madness. North American Wordcat: Romance Reader Reviewer, Romance List Maker.Twitter @Catsbookrom, Cat's Books Romance Novel Theme Park catsbooks.net Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cats-Books-Romance/

Once Upon a Winter’s Eve By Tessa Dare 99 cents!

Once Upon a Winter's Eve - Tessa Dare

Some wallflowers bloom at night…

Violet is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. The gentlemen aren’t beating down her door.

Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet’s feet. He’s wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue.

Only Violet understands him. And she knows he’s not what he seems.

She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers—and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable… Love.

Cheeky Royal By Nana Malone Free!!

Cheeky Royal - Nana Malone

I never wanted the throne...

I have a plan: find my long-lost brother & make him the prince so I don't have to rule. 

The last thing I have time for is my sexy new neighbor. She's everything I don't want, sassy, funny and...not available. 

That's okay--I'm amazing best-guy-friend material.. Friends? Sure. Anything more? Definitely not. 

All I have to do is not touch her, kiss her or fantasize about...never mind...

It's not like I have a choice. With my secrets, I can't let her find out who I really am. My secrets could get us both killed.

Garters By Pamela Morsi Free! I love this book!

Garters - Pamela Morsi

Esme Crabb has spent a lifetime in the mountains trying to stir up good gravy from watery “poor-do”. And she’s had no help from her ne’er-do-well father or silly sisters. The family lives rough and gets by beholden to their neighbors. Esme was hoping the twins could marry well, but like everything that needs doing in her family, it seems she has to do it herself. 

Starting from Zero (Starting From #1) by Lane Hayes 3.5 Stars!!

Starting from Zero (Starting From #1) - Lane Hayes

ustin Cuevas is going through a rough patch. A broken relationship, a scandal, and the demise of his band have shaken the aspiring rock star’s confidence. Working two jobs and sleeping on his friend’s sofa isn’t ideal, but Justin isn’t ready to give up yet. With a little luck, he’s hoping to re-launch his music career in LA with his new band, Zero. The key is to stay focused, and not get distracted by his past…or the sexy songwriter he can’t get out of his head.

Gray Robertson has written dozens of hits and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. But he’s never met anyone like Justin. The younger man is fiery, passionate, and smart. A powerful voice for a new generation. Other than an unforgettable one-night stand and a passion for music, the two men have nothing in common. Or do they? Justin knows the out-of-the-blue challenge to write a quintessential love song is a huge opportunity. And it’s the ultimate test for someone who’s doesn’t believe in happily ever after. When sparks fly, Justin and Gray realize they have a shot something special if they start from zero together. Maybe even love.

 

Review 

 

The start to a good series set in LA music culture. The romance is really sexy and the age difference is well handled. I like the bisexual rep in this book particularly.

Good chemistry here and good secondary characters that should make for great heroes.

The drama with the older hero's ex is really will done but the drama with the younger hero's ex and the music business is way less engaging.

I am looking forward to the next book with Charlie as the lead.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell 1.99!!!!

Attachments - Rainbow Rowell

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now—reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be “internet security officer,” he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers—not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. He can't help being entertained, and captivated, by their stories. But by the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself. What would he even say...?

Risk Taker (Mixed Messages, #3) by Lily Morton 4 Stars!

Risk Taker - Lily Morton

Being in love with your best friend is hard.

Henry’s the odd man out. All his friends are settling down, and his reputation as the Hook-Up King of London seems more like a curse than a blessing these days. Especially when it keeps photojournalist Ivo, his best friend and the brilliant man he’s loved since they were fifteen, at arm’s length. But that’s where Ivo wants him, right? Putting aside his feelings, Henry decides to give up casual sex and look for the real deal. After all, he has no chance with Ivo - or does he?

Henry is everything to Ivo. Best friend, soul mate, the one person who has never let him down. The one person he is loyal to above everything and everyone. But Henry’s in a box marked best friend and that’s where Ivo’s kept him for nearly twenty years, despite steadily falling in love with the gentle man. And besides, why would Henry want to date Ivo? Burned out and injured, he’s the walking embodiment of damaged.

Distance has helped Henry and Ivo keep a lid on their attraction, but when they find themselves in the same city for a change—Ivo hurt and needing assistance, and Henry more than willing to provide it—the two best friends grow closer than ever, forcing a realization, and a decision. Risk their friendship for their hearts? Or can they have both?

From the bestselling author of Rule Breaker and Deal Maker comes a tender love story about two best friends who are perfect for each other, and always have been - if only they knew it.

 

Review

 

I think that both Ivo and Henry was powerfully depicted in this friends to lovers, loved you forever romance.

Henry is the bee's knees in all his bookworm care taking sexy ginger self. Ivo is pretty damaged and afraid. But all their actions make sense to me so while I might not have like how Ivo processed his feelings all the time, I got it. Plus, he gets therapy which I always like to see with characters who are this wounded.

The love between these heroes is tangible and we get to enjoy the banter and the ache as well as the cast from the series as well as a great dog. Good stuff!

Deal Maker (Mixed Messages, #2) by Lily Morton 4 Star Review!!

Deal Maker - Lily Morton

Sometimes your mouth makes deals that your heart can’t honour.

Jude is a highly successful model, but a very reluctant one. His life is full of casual hook-ups with pretty men in glamorous locations, but it’s still empty. However, circumstances decreed a long time ago that this was his path, so he’s resolutely stayed on it and accepted his fate with good grace. He made a deal with himself and his hook-ups. Get in, get out and no ties with anyone.

However, an accident at home one night leads to him making a new deal and accepting the offer of help from an unlikely source. It leads to an unexpected summer of falling in love with a larger than life man and his child.

But by the end of the summer his reasons for not staying are still valid. Will he turn away? Can he?

Asa is a talented actor who has spent time away from the scene to look after his son. But now he’s back, and the last thing he needs are complications from the gorgeous man who is staying with him. Scarred from too many betrayals, he has no intention of forming a lasting tie with anyone. However, he can’t resist the beautiful man with secrets, and to his horror he develops feelings.

But a deal’s a deal and they said it was just for the summer. What can Asa do with a man who has forever in his eyes and goodbye on his lips?

 

Review

 

A wonderful emotionial romance. Jude and Asa resist falling in love but fall they do and it is a joy.

Asa is quick to judge because of his past and this makes him pretty spiky but Jude is just to too lush and really sweet. We have a cool kid in the mix here too which raises the stakes a bit.

Wet get to know each hero as they get to know each and that is the most fun. The circle of friends is here and the banter makes this book very fun.

The HEA is epic and well earned. Enjoy!

Savior (415 Ink, #2) by Rhys Ford 4 Star Review!!

Savior (415 Ink #2) - Rhys Ford

A savior lies in the heart of every good man, but sometimes only love can awaken the man inside the savior.

 

The world’s had it out for San Francisco firefighter Mace Crawford from the moment he was born. Rescued from a horrific home life and dragged through an uncaring foster system, he’s dedicated his life to saving people, including the men he calls his brothers. As second-in-command of their knitted-together clan, Mace guides his younger siblings, helps out at 415 Ink, the family tattoo shop, and most of all, makes sure the brothers don’t discover his darkest secrets.

 

It’s a lonely life with one big problem—he’s sworn off love, and Rob Claussen, one of 415 Ink’s tattoo artists, has gotten under his skin in the worst way possible.

 

Mace’s world is too tight, too controlled to let Rob into his life, much less his heart, but the brash Filipino inker is there every time Mace turns around. He can’t let Rob in without shaking the foundations of the life he’s built, but when an evil from his past resurfaces, Mace is forced to choose between protecting his lies and saving the man he’s too scared to love.

 

Review

 

Mace and Rob are on fire together. We have a bit of that hate love going on and the forbidden as well as Mace part owns the tattoo shop where Rob works.

Mace's backstory like all of his foster brother. There is a great deal of outside drama in this book as Mace's past comes back and all the darkness he has tried to hide leaks out but that is all for the good as Mace gets a chance to heal.

The brothers are wonderful as they were in the first book and I would recommend reading this series in order.

I like Rob a great deal and love that he comes with his own support system. Ford really builds a world here and I like coming to hang out with this crew.

Rebel (415 Ink, #1) by Rhys Ford 4 Star Review!!

Rebel - Rhys Ford

he hardest thing a rebel can do isn’t standing up for something—it’s standing up for himself.

 

Life takes delight in stabbing Gus Scott in the back when he least expects it. After Gus spends years running from his past, present, and the dismal future every social worker predicted for him, karma delivers the one thing Gus could never—would never—turn his back on: a son from a one-night stand he’d had after a devastating breakup a few years ago.

 

Returning to San Francisco and to 415 Ink, his family’s tattoo shop, gave him the perfect shelter to battle his personal demons and get himself together… until the firefighter who’d broken him walked back into Gus’s life.

 

For Rey Montenegro, tattoo artist Gus Scott was an elusive brass ring, a glittering prize he hadn’t the strength or flexibility to hold on to. Severing his relationship with the mercurial tattoo artist hurt, but Gus hadn’t wanted the kind of domestic life Rey craved, leaving Rey with an aching chasm in his soul.

 

When Gus’s life and world starts to unravel, Rey helps him pick up the pieces, and Gus wonders if that forever Rey wants is more than just a dream.

 

Review

 

us's story is heartbreaking and hard to read. Stark.

I am not usually a fan of second chance romances but Rey and Gus really work for me.

They both were at fault for the end of their earlier relationship and to see them really grow is devine.

The deep love between them (and lust) is a joy to watch. We get a great setting and cast of foster brothers where the family love is as important as the romantic love.

Well written and gripping.
 
 

 

Life According to Liam by V.L. Locey 4 Star Review!!

Life According to Liam - V.L. Locey

There’s always that chance that your heart’s desire is one click away.

Someone needs to pinch web designer/humor blogger/Pittsburgh Ravens mega fan Mike Kneller. Hard. For years, Mike has been living his life for his younger sister Kelly and his four-year-old nephew Liam. He’d opened up his home to Kelly when she found herself pregnant at sixteen and facing having a baby alone. Sure, his days are filled with skinned knees, snotty noses, and the occasional mishap with stuffed superheroes, but he’s perfectly happy because he loves Liam as much as he loves his baby sister. Giving up a social life and going to bed alone is a small price to pay. Little does he know that someone on the Ravens is about to show Ravens goalie Bryn Mettler one of his vlog posts. Of course he’s not going to believe it when his phone rings and the world-famous netminder—and his goalie crush—is on the other end. I mean, life doesn’t work that way for ordinary, hardworking uncles like Mike. Does it?

Bryn Mettler is a superstar athlete and a major part of the Pittsburgh sports society. He seems to have it all. He’s well-dressed, handsome, wealthy, an elite goaltender, a famed philanthropist, and the holder of numerous medals and trophies. To date, there are two things that have avoided him: lifting that big shiny silver cup over his head and finding a man to settle down with. Now that he’s over thirty, Bryn is finding the gay club scene is wearing thin. His teammates’ wives have decided it’s their duty to the team—and to Bryn—to find him Mr. Right. He’s relatively sure the man who’ll capture his heart surely won’t be found on a humor blog. Funny how life likes to take the things that you’re most certain about and flip them—and you—on its ear. When Bryn meets Mike, he is instantly drawn to the warm, funny, sexy man who shares his hectic days with thousands of Pittsburgh natives. Now he just has to convince Mike he is who he says he is so he can get to know him better. Thankfully, Bryn isn’t a quitter. But does he have what it takes to leap into life with Mike, Kelly, and Liam?

 

Review

 

This is a fully enjoyable, sweet, low angst romance with wonderful courting between two kind heroes.

We get the fun of a hockey romance with two out heroes mixed in with a charming little kid.

I could read this little gem over and over. If you are looking for a low angst delight, pick this one up!

Starting from Zero By Lane Hayes 99 cents!!

Starting from Zero (Starting From #1) - Lane Hayes

Justin Cuevas is going through a rough patch. A broken relationship, a scandal, and the demise of his band have shaken the aspiring rock star’s confidence. Working two jobs and sleeping on his friend’s sofa isn’t ideal, but Justin isn’t ready to give up yet. With a little luck, he’s hoping to re-launch his music career in LA with his new band, Zero. The key is to stay focused, and not get distracted by his past…or the sexy songwriter he can’t get out of his head.

Gray Robertson has written dozens of hits and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. But he’s never met anyone like Justin. The younger man is fiery, passionate, and smart. A powerful voice for a new generation. Other than an unforgettable one-night stand and a passion for music, the two men have nothing in common. Or do they? Justin knows the out-of-the-blue challenge to write a quintessential love song is a huge opportunity. And it’s the ultimate test for someone who’s doesn’t believe in happily ever after. When sparks fly, Justin and Gray realize they have a shot something special if they start from zero together. Maybe even love.

The Savage King By Michelle M. Pillow Free!!!

The Savage King: A Dragon Lords Story (Lords of the Var Book 1) - Michelle M. Pillow

​Cat-shifting King Kirill knows he must do his royal duty by his people. When his father unexpectedly dies, it’s his destiny to take the throne and all of the responsibility that entails. What he hadn’t prepared for is the troublesome prisoner that’s now his to deal with.

 

Undercover Agent Ulyssa is no man’s captive. Trapped in a primitive alien forest awaiting pickup, she’s going to make the best out of a bad situation… which doesn’t include falling for the seductions of an alpha male king.

Stealing Mr. Right by Tamara Morgan 99 cents!

Stealing Mr. Right (Penelope Blue) - Tamara Morgan

Penelope Blue has the perfect life, and the perfect husband. Well, except for the fact that he works for the FBI...and she's a thief. What's the saying? Keep your friends close...and your husband closer.

 

Being married to a federal agent certainly has its perks. This way a savvy jewel thief always knows what the enemy is up to. Plus, who doesn't love the way a G-man looks in a suit? Penelope spends her days lifting jewels and her nights tracking the Bureau should have been a genius plan. But the closer Penelope gets to Grant Emerson, the more dangerous this feels.

 

It turns out that the only thing worse than having a mortal enemy is being married to one. Because in their game of theft and seduction, only one of them will come out on top.

Good thing a cat burglar always lands on her feet.

The Rancher’s Baby by Maisey Yates 99 cents!!

The Rancher's Baby - Maisey Yates

When a torrid, possibly dangerous scandal comes to Royal, Texas, Selena Jacobs is nearly caught in the middle. Until her best friend Knox McCoy ensures her safety—by moving in! Selena has loved Knox for years, but she’s never had the courage to tell him. Now the sparks she’s tried to smother burn out of control…and leave her pregnant. But with the pain in his past, will Knox finally take a chance on love…with her?

The Derby Girl by Tamara Morgan $2.99!!

The Derby Girl - Tamara Morgan

Roller derby girl Gretchen "Honey Badger" Badgerton lives in the moment, no apologies. Like every woman in Pleasant Park with a pulse, she finds Dr. Jared Fine irresistible, but she's taken by surprise when her unattainable new neighbor asks her out.

 

On paper, Jared is the perfect man: gorgeous, wealthy and charitable. But his golden image is just that, and opening an upstate practice is a welcome chance to start a new life. When Gretchen stops to help him with a flat tire, he's intrigued by her feisty attitude—and her sexy body art. There's something refreshing about being with a take-charge woman who doesn't expect him to be anything but himself.

 

Though Gretchen is hesitant to shatter Jared's "bad girl" illusion of her, she has to face facts: she's fallen for the good doctor. She's used to putting everyone else's needs before hers, but as their relationship heats up, can she handle having someone take care of her for a change?

Soaring by Kristen Ashley $1.99!!

Soaring (The Magdalene Series Book 2) - Kristen Ashley

American heiress Amelia Hathaway needs to start anew.

Her husband cheated on her, and when everything she wanted in life slipped through her fingers, she fell apart. When she did, she took another heart wrenching hit as she lost the respect of her children.

When her ex took her family from California to live in the small town of Magdalene in Maine, Amelia decided it was time to sort herself out. In order to do that and win her children back, she moves to Cliff Blue, an architectural masterpiece on the rocky coast of Magdalene.

Her boxes aren’t even unpacked when she meets Mickey Donovan, a man who lives across the street, a man so beautiful Amelia takes one look at Mickey and knows she wants it all from him.

The problem is, she finds out swiftly that he’s friendly, he’s kind, but he doesn’t want everything back.

Amelia struggles to right past wrongs in her life at the same time find out who she wants to be. She also struggles with her attraction to the handsome firefighter who lives across the street.

But Amelia will face a surprise when her friendly neighbor becomes not-so-friendly. As Amelia and Mickey go head to head, Amelia must focus on winning back the hearts of her children.

She soon discovers she also must focus on winning the heart of a handsome firefighter who understands down to his soul the beautiful heiress who lives across the street is used to a life he cannot provide.