Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Third Person, Dual Series: From Here to Paternity, #1 Publisher: Harlequin Hero: Ryan Kincaid Heroine: Devon Franklin Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: August 01, 1996 Started On: August 17, 2024 Finished On: August 22, 2024
Sandra Marton’s A Proper Wife is a heady mix of passion, pride, and the irresistible pull of two people who, on paper, should never have worked. As the opening novel of the From Here to Paternity series, it sweeps readers into a tale of family meddling, reluctant vows, and a relationship that begins in sparks and keeps burning right through.
Ryan Kincaid, a man Time magazine dubbed “The Lone Raider,” is wealthy, commanding, and absolutely unwilling to be dictated to, especially by his grandfather. Devon Franklin, on the other hand, is fiery, independent, and saddled with a mother whose ambitions extend far beyond her own. Their paths collide in the most unexpected (and explosive) of ways, and what begins as a clash of wills evolves into a marriage neither truly wanted, but both can’t walk away from.
Ryan is very much the quintessential alpha hero: virile, confident, with a streak of arrogance that makes him fascinating. However, there is a vulnerability that he hides beneath that confident façade stemming from his deep-seated issues with abandonment.
Devon, at only twenty-three, is no meek heroine. She has strength, courage, and a sharp tongue, and while she initially appears overwhelmed by the larger-than-life Ryan, she proves more than capable of holding her ground. Together, their chemistry is combustible, with every encounter threatening to set off fireworks.
The heart of the novel lies in the conflict that stems from their forced marriage, a union orchestrated by Ryan’s grandfather and Devon’s mother, each with very different motivations. Both Ryan and Devon enter this marriage unwillingly, determined not to bend to the will of meddling family members.
Yet the irony lies in how deeply they affect each other, even as they try to maintain distance. The push and pull between them and their reluctance to admit what they truly feel fuels the narrative, making their separation and misunderstandings as compelling as their moments of intimacy.
What I particularly enjoyed was the earthy, raw quality of Ryan as a hero. Sandra Marton has always excelled at creating men who are magnetic and unapologetically masculine, and Ryan is no exception. His refusal to fall into the cliché of a lovesick husband was as fascinating as it was believable.
Devon’s strength was equally appealing; she is no doormat, and her fire balances Ryan’s dominance beautifully. That said, I did miss some of the banter I had hoped for as the couple spend a surprising amount of their marriage leading separate lives, and while their union is fiery, more moments of verbal sparring would have elevated the connection even further.
Still, Marton knows how to deliver intensity. The sensuality here is high, with scenes that simmer with desire and crackle with tension. And woven throughout is the poignant reality that both characters, scarred by imperfect childhoods, don’t quite know how to accept love when it is on the table.
Recommended for: Readers who love classic Harlequin Presents-style romances filled with fiery chemistry, reluctant vulnerability, and a marriage-of-convenience trope that turns deliciously real.
Final Verdict: A Proper Wife delivers passion, sizzling tension, and a hero and heroine who do not want to be married, as they fight against the very love that could heal them both.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: First Person, Dual Series: Unperfect, #1 Publisher: Sett Publishing Hero: Max Hardcastle Heroine: Amelia Banks Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: October 05, 2021 Started On: August 06, 2024 Finished On: August 10, 2024
I loved that this big, abrasive, gruff man cared about me so much that he tried to contain all that fierceness so as not to scare me or push me too far. But at the same time I hated that he felt he had to do that. That he thought I was so fragile. I wanted unedited, disinhibited Max. The rough, unapologetic Max.
Unperfect by Susie Tate is a deeply emotional, gritty, yet heartwarming contemporary romance that takes readers into the shadows of domestic violence and the difficult path towards healing and trust. It begins with Amelia Banks who hides under the alias “Mia Lantum” and arrives for a job interview at an architecture firm with nothing but a jar of peanut butter and a desperate determination to survive.
Having escaped an abusive marriage, Mia is wary of men, particularly the kind who embody strength and authority. Unfortunately for her, the firm’s owner is Max Hardcastle, the grumpy, brusque architect made famous for his bluntness on TV. To Mia, Max’s sheer size and intimidating presence are terrifying, but she has no choice but to take the job if she wants a chance at rebuilding her life.
Max is the kind of hero who sneaks up on you. Rough-edged and intimidating to most, he is also a man scarred by his past and burdened with responsibilities, including his troubled stepson. Though he initially regards Mia as a nuisance, he slowly begins to notice the fragility beneath her guarded exterior.
Mia, on the other hand, is a survivor who has endured unimaginable cruelty, and her wariness of intimacy makes her flinch at even the gentlest of touches. Watching these two navigate a relationship is as much about tenderness as it is about fire. Max may look like a grizzly bear, but he is exactly the kind of quiet strength Mia needs; a man whose protectiveness is matched only by his patience.
Mia’s past does not stay neatly behind her, and the added complication of her abusive husband being professionally linked to Max brings another layer of angst to their already fragile relationship. It is a conflict that heightens the stakes and underscores just how much Mia has to lose, while also giving Max a chance to prove his worth as more than just a protector.
What I loved most was Susie Tate’s ability to juggle heavy subject matter with humor and heart. She does not sugarcoat the devastation of domestic abuse, yet she writes characters so vividly that they leap off the pages. Max’s grumpy-sweet nature, Mia’s resilience, the banter with side characters like Yaz and Verity, and even the hilariously unexpected cameo from the Prime Minister and his wife; all of it added richness to a story that could have otherwise been unbearably heavy. The romance itself is beautifully balanced: tender, slow-burning, and ultimately very satisfying.
For me, this has been the best book I have read thus far in my Susie Tate binge following my discovery of her books. The sheer realism of the take on domestic abuse and Mia’s journey made this book worth every palpitation I suffered during the most difficult places. Max, in turn, was her perfect counterpart, steady and kind, just what the doctor ordered.
Recommended for: Readers who love romances with heavier themes, strong heroines who grow into their strength, and gruff heroes with a marshmallow core.
Final Verdict: Raw, heartfelt, and utterly unputdownable—Unperfect is Susie Tate at her best.
Favorite Quotes
“You’re right pretty, mind,” he whispered, then blinked as if he hadn’t meant to speak out loud. He cleared his throat, two flags of colour appearing high on his cheekbones. I was frozen in place, staring up at his beautiful face. The air around us crackled with that tension and energy from before. I was both equal parts terrified and exhilarated. His hand reached up to brush a lock of my hair behind my ear with a feather-light touch. A trail of fire was left in its wake as though he’d left a mark there.
“That’s your big secret, isn’t it?” she said. “What’s that?” “You – you’re kind. You’re a good man. You would never hurt me.” “No, love,” I said softly, searching her face and pushing her fringe back from her forehead. “Not ever.” “I really, really like you,” she said, giving me so much direct eye contact it was like a punch to the gut. “I like you too, Mia,” I told her, my voice rougher than normal and my chest feeling tight. “’s not real,” she whispered, as her eyelids fluttered closed. “What?’ “’s not for me,” she said, her voice so faint it was a struggle to hear it. Her body went completely lax then and her eyes drifted shut.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Third Person, Dual Series: Broken Heart, #3 Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Hero: Sam Heroine: Katie Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: October 11, 2015 Started On: August 03, 2024 Finished On: August 06, 2024
Beyond Repair by Susie Tate is an emotional, gritty, yet heartwarming romance that brings together two complete opposites in a story that is as intense as it is endearing. Katie is the bubbly, scattered, endlessly kind-hearted doctor whose warmth draws everyone in. She is the sort of heroine who lights up every room, who always has time for her patients and friends, even if she is running late, clumsy, or rambling her way into awkwardness. On the surface, she is sunshine personified, but underneath, Katie is dealing with shadows from her past, including a stalker who refuses to let her go.
Sam, by contrast, is the surly, brooding ex-Special Forces operative, scarred inside and out, whose intimidating presence and clipped words have convinced Katie for years that he cannot stand her. He is a man who has lived in silence and control for so long that numbness feels like safety. For six years he has kept his distance from Katie, hiding behind a mask of indifference, but when he learns about the stalker who has been tormenting her with notes and threats, everything changes. Protecting her becomes non-negotiable, and suddenly Sam, who has spent years avoiding her, is forced into her life in the most intense way possible.
What unfolds is a romance as much about healing as it is about attraction. Katie’s chatter, warmth, and relentless optimism drives Sam mad, but they also chip away at the walls he has built around his heart. Their push-and-pull dynamic; her sunshine against his storm, creates sparks that leaps off the pages. Yet, Sam’s past, riddled with trauma and secrets he is unwilling to share keeps him lashing out, withdrawing, and nearly destroying the fragile bond they build. Watching Katie try to stand firm, even as his moods swing hot and cold, was both frustrating and deeply moving.
This book has a darker edge than Susie Tate’s earlier stories, thanks to the stalker subplot and the raw way it handles Sam’s PTSD. At times Sam’s behavior, particularly the cruel things he says when he is afraid, made me want to shake him. His inability to believe he deserved love dragged out their journey, but when he finally gave in, the redemption was powerful. What balanced all that angst was Katie herself, who is one of the most lovable heroines I have read: scattered, affectionate, sometimes naive, but unfailingly brave. The humor sprinkled throughout due to a wonderful secondary cast helped soften the darker parts.
I especially loved how the stalker story line forced Sam to face feelings he’d denied for years. It was not just about protecting Katie’s safety, it was about protecting her light, and in doing so, he had to confront the darkness in himself. The epilogue, with its glimpse of their chaotic, love-filled future, was a gorgeous conclusion after all the pain, making their journey feel truly earned.
Recommended for: readers who enjoy opposites-attract romances, scarred ex-military heroes, and heroines who are sunshine and love.
Final Verdict: Darker and more intense than Susie Tate’s earlier works, Beyond Repair delivers a heartfelt, angsty romance with a beautifully delivered ending.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: First Person, MFC; Third Person, MMC Series: Broken Heart, #1 Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Hero: Reverend Thomas G. Longley Heroine: Frankie Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: April 04, 2014 Started On: July 29, 2024 Finished On: August 01, 2024
Broken Heart Syndrome by Susie Tate is one of those books that blends humor, angst, and a heartfelt romance against the backdrop of a medical setting. The story features Frankie as the main female lead, a shy, reclusive heroine who has carried the scars of a painful past and the humiliating nickname “Frigid Frankie” since her university days. Back then, she and her best friend were quietly infatuated with Reverend Thomas G. Longley, Tom, the charismatic, seemingly easygoing golden boy of medical school. But when he publicly embarrassed her, that crush turned into a wound she carried for years. Ten years later, fate throws them back together when Frankie ends up working under Tom in Cardiology, only to discover that he has become her critical, domineering boss.
Frankie is a heroine who carries so much weight on her shoulders. With a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and the grief of losing her mother, it is little wonder she struggles with self-esteem. She is self-deprecating, a master at fading into the background, and often doubts her worth in both her personal and professional life. Yet, beneath all that fragility, she is compassionate, fiercely loyal to her patients, and far stronger than she realizes.
Tom, on the other hand, is not the easygoing charmer Frankie once admired. Now, he is sharp, critical, and difficult to please, hiding behind a harsh persona born from his own hurt pride and unresolved feelings. While he initially comes across as a bully, it soon becomes clear that his cruelty is a misguided defense mechanism. Watching him wrestle with his growing feelings for Frankie, while also realizing just how deeply he had misjudged her, was one of the most compelling aspects of the book. His determination to break through Frankie’s defenses, despite her mistrust, made him both frustrating and endearing in equal measure.
Their relationship is marked by misunderstandings, pride, and the ghosts of their past. Frankie struggles to believe that a man like Tom could ever want someone like her, and Tom’s earlier actions, coupled with the meddling of Dylan, who harbored his own unspoken feelings for Frankie, only drive a deeper wedge between them. Add to this Frankie’s history of abuse and the emotional baggage she carries, and what unfolds is a slow, tentative journey toward trust and healing. But the push and pull between them, along with their undeniable chemistry, makes every small victory feel that much more satisfying.
What I loved most about this book was the humor sprinkled in amid the heaviness. Ash and his eccentric habit of quoting proverbs, Lou’s no-nonsense friendship, and even the chaos of hospital life added moments of levity that balanced the emotional intensity. Frankie’s vulnerability was beautifully written, and Tom’s groveling, though subtle compared to more dramatic romances, still managed to deliver.
What disappointed me, however, was the closed-door approach to intimacy. After such a long buildup, I had hoped for more on-page. Frankie’s tendency to push Tom away because of her insecurities also veered into frustrating at times, though it fit her character arc.
Recommended for: readers who enjoy medical romances with emotionally scarred heroines, alpha heroes who have to work hard to redeem themselves, and stories that blend humor, heartache, and hope.
Final Verdict: A poignant and witty romance low on the steam factor but delivers a heartfelt journey of healing, forgiveness, and love.
Favorite Quotes
‘You smell amazing,’ she said, her voice aching with longing. Tom froze and looked up at her face. ‘What?’ he whispered. ‘But then I shouldn’t be surprised,’ she went on, ignoring him. ‘Everything about you is lush, lush, lush.’
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: First Person, Dual Series: Daydreamer, #1 Publisher: Sett Publishing Hero: Felix Moretti Heroine: Lucy Prudence Mayweather Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: June 27, 2024 Started On: July 21, 2024 Finished On: July 26, 2024
Plunging into my first Susie Tate book turned out to be the best thing ever! Susie Tate’s Daydreamer is the kind of book that takes on a familiar trope, childhood friends turned into boss-subordinate relationship, and breathes into it a heartfelt, addictive energy.
From the very first page, the story pulled me into Lucy Mayweather’s messy, colourful world as she tries to navigate the cut-throat environment of Felix Moretti’s high-powered London office. What starts off as a desperate attempt by Lucy to find her footing outside her small village life, while hopelessly nursing a crush she has carried for years, unfolds into a romance that is both intense and painfully emotional.
Lucy is a heroine I could not help but bring out my pompoms for. She is the bookworm in all of us; whimsical, shy, forever daydreaming, and clearly out of place in Felix’s ruthless corporate jungle. She wears her battered jumpers and carries pens in her hair, and yet beneath all that awkwardness is a creative, brilliant author with stories that have the power to captivate. Her struggles with loneliness and vulnerability make her deeply relatable, but what stood out for me most was her quiet form of strength, how she still carries that spark despite the constant dismissals and the cruelty she faces from those around her.
Felix, by contrast, is all sharp edges and control. At thirty-three, he is a successful, commitment-phobic billionaire with a reputation as a playboy. He is emotionally scarred by his father’s cruelty, and that pain drives much of his cynicism and obsession with success. To Lucy, though, he is also the boy who once listened to her stories, the one who never made her feel odd for dreaming.
Watching him battle with his possessiveness, his jealousy, and ultimately his own vulnerability, made him both infuriating and enticing on so many levels. There were times I wanted to shake him for being so blind and emotionally stunted, but that only made his groveling later all the more satisfying.
The central conflict between them hits hard; Felix’s inability to trust, his constant prioritization of work and control, and Lucy’s hidden truths. There were moments where I questioned what Felix even wanted from her, moments where his actions nearly broke her beyond repair. But what followed was a redemption arc packed with raw emotion, grand gestures, and groveling that truly delivered. The tension between them, from their first kiss to their explosive confrontations, kept me on edge, and the eventual conclusion was absolutely worth it.
What I loved most about the story was how much it felt like an extended, modern Lynne Graham novel; rich with angst, a ruthless hero, and a heroine who transforms from a pushover into a stronger version of herself. The writing had me smiling at Lucy’s quirks one moment, clutching my chest at Felix’s harshness the next, and then sighing happily at the tenderness buried beneath all that ruthlessness. The epilogue, with its warm glimpse into their happily-ever-after, tied it all together in the most heart-melting way.
Recommended for: readers who love brother’s best friend romances, ruthless billionaire heroes, groveling done to a fine art, and quirky heroines who surprise you with their strength.
Final Verdict: A wonderful, emotional romance that had me hooked from the start. With top-notch groveling and a beautiful end, Daydreamer is a gem.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novella Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Third Person, Dual Series: The Romanos, #1 Publisher: Mills and Boon Hero: Matthew Romano Heroine: Susannah Madison Capital Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: January 01, 1998 Started On: July 10, 2024 Finished On: July 13, 2024
Sometimes you stumble across a romance that makes you grin, sigh, and want to hug the book to your chest when you are done, and The Sexiest Man Alive by Sandra Marton was exactly that for me. I picked it up while hunting for something that would give me the same buzz as The Bedroom Business (another Marton favorite that I have reread countless times), and it delivered in spades. I have to appreciate Amazon for doing such a swell job in recommending this title to me. Equal parts sexy, hilarious, and heart-tugging, this one had me smiling from the first chapter to the very last page.
The premise itself is fun and lighthearted. Susannah Madison, editor at Chic magazine, finds herself at odds with Matthew Romano, a ruthless and commanding businessman who wants to shut down her publication. Susannah, clever and determined, comes up with a scheme to save the magazine: a feature on the “sexiest man alive” for Valentine’s Day. What she doesn’t anticipate is Matthew’s decision to supervise her search, or the way sparks fly between them from the very beginning. Their encounters are deliciously combative, full of sharp banter and sizzling chemistry that neither of them can deny.
Matthew Romano is exactly the sort of hero I love; sexy, commanding, sensitive, and yes, stupid when it comes to matters of the heart. He is a man who has been steadfastly holding on to his bachelorhood, only to find himself helplessly drawn to a woman he once thought of as an adversary.
That push-and-pull is what makes him so compelling; for all his ruthlessness in the boardroom, he loses his cool spectacularly whenever Susannah is near. He pushes her buttons, makes her drop her armor, and forces her to embrace her femininity in ways that both terrify and exhilarate her. He makes her feel, and that is where the power of his character lies.
Susannah, for her part, is just as delightful. Strong-willed, independent, and determined to fight for what she believes in, she matches Matthew every step of the way. From the moment she literally falls into his arms and they kiss each other senseless, to their many fiery clashes where neither one will back down, she proves herself to be every bit his equal. The way she unsettles him, challenges him, and ultimately steals his heart is exactly why this romance works so beautifully.
This book was undoubtedly delicious. What really makes the novel stand out is the hilarity woven into the fabric of their story. The way both Susannah and Matthew tries to deny the elephant in the room, the combustible attraction simmering between them, leads to some truly laugh-out-loud moments that balance the sensuality perfectly.
The sexual tension between Matthew and Susannah is off the charts. Every encounter, whether it is an argument, a negotiation, or an accidental brush of hands, is charged with longing and fire. Their kisses are fiery, their stolen moments laden with passion, and the eventual culmination is everything you would want from an enemies-to-lovers romance, and the eroticism much better than any explicit erotic romance. Add to that a touch of angst, the kind that makes your chest ache in the best possible way, and you have a romance that checks every single box. This is old-school category romance at its best, reminding me of why these classic Mills & Boon romances still stand the test of time.
Recommended for: readers who love old-school Mills & Boon with a perfect blend of wit, humor, fiery sexual tension, and heartfelt emotion. If you enjoyed The Bedroom Business, this one should definitely be next on your list.
Final Verdict: A marvelous story that made my heart happy, with a hero who is sexy, and commanding, and and story that is hilarious and romantic in all the ways that matter. This is one I will be revisiting again and again.
Favorite Quotes
“Mr. Romano.” She licked her lips. “I may have been a little out of line, but—” “A little?” He closed the distance remaining between them and looked coldly at her as her shoulders hit the wall. “Fascinating, Miss Clinton, how cautious your use of the language has suddenly become. For a woman given to such interesting hyperbole, I mean.” His eyes, dark and deep, fastened on hers. “Once again, I’m asking you to tell me what you mean by that word.” Susannah swallowed hard. He was close. Too close. She could smell the faint scent of soap on his skin, see the shadow of stubble on his jaw and chin. His lashes were dark and thick. His nose was perfectly straight except for a barely perceptible tilt midway down its length. He looked cold and hard and angry. And studly. He was studly, indeed, she thought dizzily. Her heart did what felt like a somersault in her chest. If you liked the type. She didn’t.
“Suze?” Claire’s voice was shrill. “Suze, are you okay?” Matthew dragged one of Susannah’s arms from around his neck. “She’s fine,” he called. Susannah glared at him. “I’m not—” He clamped a hand over her mouth “You want them to see this mess?” he hissed, his mouth at her ear. “Do you have an explanation that’s going to keep everybody out there from figuring we just slugged it out?” Susannah threw a wild look around the room. Papers were strewn across the floor. The heavy conference table stood at an angle to the wall. The lamp had shattered, and the telephone was emitting a pathetic bleep. And on top of all that, here she was, sitting cozily in Matthew Romano’s lap.
“Susannah,” he said fiercely. She looked at him. His eyes were hot and dark with desire. A shudder raced through her. She knew that what was going to happen between them would change her life forever, would make any other lover impossible. “Yes,” she said, raising her arms to him, “yes. yes…” The door swung open, hitting the wall like a clap of thunder rolling over the canyons of the city. “Oh, my God! Susannah!” Susannah almost fell off the table. She sat up. Matthew stepped back. Both of them stared at the open door, where Claire and Eddie and Judy and, Susannah thought desperately, what looked like a million other CHIC staffers stood crowded together in stunned silence. It was like staring into a sea of disbelief. Mouths hung open. Eyes grew round as saucers. Heads swiveled, as if this were a tennis match, while everyone looked from Susannah to Matthew, from Matthew to Susannah…
Matthew’s gaze flew over her again, taking in all the details. A black suit had replaced the Beethoven sweatshirt and the baggy jeans. The suit was demure, even severe, but it couldn’t disguise the curves beneath. Black shoes had replaced the sneakers. Not just any black shoes. Matthew swallowed hard. The heels were high. Not outrageously high. They were surely some Fifth Avenue shop’s idea of dress-for-success shoes to match the dress-for-success suit, but high enough to show off the trimness of Susannah’s ankles and the luscious length of her legs. And they were cut low enough in the front so he could see…what did you call those little lines between a woman’s toes? Cleavage? He wanted to laugh—the word, the very concept, seemed so outrageous—but how could he laugh when he was busy concentrating on keeping his jaw from dropping again?
What kind of a man kissed a woman he didn’t like with such passion? A better question was, what kind of woman kissed him back? And she was kissing him. There was no point in pretending otherwise. Matthew was feasting on her mouth, and she was on fire for him, for his kisses and his touch. Some still logical part of her fought for sanity. “No.” she said, against his mouth, “Matthew, we can’t…” He tunneled his fingers into her hair, tilted her face to his. “Just kiss me,” he said thickly, “kiss me and stop thinking.”
“Well,” he said. “Well,” she said. “Good night, Susannah.” “Good night, Matthew.” He turned. She put her hand on the doorknob. He stepped into the hall. She began to shut the door… “The hell with this,” he growled, and swung toward her. “Dammit, Susannah,” he said, and before his heart could take another beat, she was in his arms. He lifted her, and she wound her arms around his neck as his hand tunneled into her hair. He kicked the door shut and kissed her without preliminaries, without gentleness. Why would there be wooing when they both knew that this moment had been inevitable?
“No more games, Susannah.” “No,” she whispered, stroking the tip of her tongue against his, reveling in the heavy beat of his heart against hers. “No more games, Matthew.” He tasted of danger and of darkness. Of the heady wildness of desire. She tasted of hunger and of need. Of the sweetness of passion. “I want—I want—” “Everything,” he whispered, and kissed her again.
“I’ll come by at seven. We can have drinks first.” “Matthew, I don’t—” “Yes. You do.” His eyes turned dark and smoky. “Shall I prove it to you the way I did this morning?” Color flooded her face. “Why?” she whispered. He laughed, a low, sexy laugh that made her blood sizzle. “I mean,” she said quickly, “why me? I’m not your type.” “No,” he said. He ran his finger along the back of her hand. Goose bumps rose on her skin. “You’re not.” He smiled again, right into her eyes. “You’re not blond. You’re not dumb—although many of the ladies I’ve dated would be very upset to hear you use that word in conjunction with them, Susie.” His smile tilted. “I remember Miss North Carolina… She said she wanted to become a physicist.” “Matthew, I’m serious.” “So am I.” His smile faded. “You’re right. You’re not my type. You’re stubborn and hotheaded. You have a nasty temper and you like things your own way.” “You’re a fine one to talk,” she said huffily. “And I’d bet I’m not your type either, Madison. I don’t think you like being with a man who reminds you that you’re a woman.” “Your ego is unbearable, Romano.” “I’m just being honest.” His eyes grew hot. “Tell me if Sam or Peter ever made you feel the way I make you feel.” Sam. And Peter. Oh, God… “I can see the answer in your eyes, Susie.” Matthew smiled. “Seven o’clock. Don’t keep me waiting I like my women to be prompt.” “I am not your—” He bent his head and kissed her lightly on the mouth. Then he sauntered away.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Historical Romance POV: Third Person, Multiple Series: Fairy Tales, #2 Publisher: Avon Hero: Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant Heroine: Linnet Berry Thrynne Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: January 25, 2011 Started On: July 06, 2024 Finished On: July 08, 2024
Every now and then, a romance comes along that makes you laugh, swoon, and ache all at once, and for me, Eloisa James’ When Beauty Tamed the Beast was exactly that kind of read. A fairy-tale re-imagining with a historical twist, it is a story that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go until the very end. Set against the rugged backdrop of Wales, the novel takes the essence of the Beauty and the Beast archetype and spins it into something wittier, sharper, and, dare I say, even more deliciously compelling.
This is a romance that has been raved about by so many readers, and I will admit I am late to the party. But better late than never is always my motto, especially when it comes to decadent romances, because this was my first taste of Ms. James’ work, and I must say it was nothing short of exquisite.
Linnet Berry Thrynne is our heroine, blessed with striking beauty and a boldness to match, she has grown up navigating the absurdities of her family with wit as her armor. Far from the demure society miss, Linnet faces life head-on, unafraid to embrace her sensuality and her desires. Her charm lies not only in her looks but in her refusal to be cowed by conventionor by the formidable beast she eventually encounters.
That beast comes in the form of Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, heir to a dukedom and a man physically and emotionally scarred by the traumas of his past. A brilliant doctor with a razor-sharp tongue and a temperament to match, Piers has little patience for fools and even less tolerance for sentiment. He is eccentric, forceful, and a loner by nature, his brusqueness serving as a shield against further heartbreak. Yet, beneath his bark lies a man far more complex than anyone including himself, truly realizes.
Following a series of events, in order to protect her reputation and solve a delicate problem, she is sent off to marry Piers, the man whose bad temper is legendary and whose injury has made him the subject of cruel whispers. The set-up is delicious: she is the beauty, and he the beast, cloistered away in his Welsh castle. What neither of them anticipates is the irresistible spark that flares from the very start.
What unfolds between Linnet and Piers is a battle of wills wrapped in sparkling banter, unexpected tenderness, and a sensuality that takes both by surprise. Piers may try to approach matters clinically, but Linnet brings him to his knees with her warmth, humor, and fearless approach to love. Their dynamic is captivating precisely because it is not easy; Linnet challenges Piers at every turn, and he, in turn, forces her to see the strength in her own vulnerability. The story builds not just on attraction but on the deeper fears each must face: hers of rejection and his of being unworthy of love.
I adored everything about this book, Piers, Linnet, her crazy family, the lust and love between Piers and Linnet, and how she brings the formidable Piers to his very knees. The humor, much of it coming from Linnet’s outrageous family and Piers’ cutting wit, had me laughing out loud in many places, while the romance was swoon-worthy without losing its emotional bite.
I loved how Eloisa James wrote Linnet as unafraid of her desires, and how Piers, the man who thought himself untouchable, ends up enslaved to the very emotions he tried to dismiss. Their relationship is the kind where the supposed teacher becomes the student, and it was glorious to watch it all unfold. And the epilogue? Absolutely swoonworthy. The perfect bow on a romance that I know I will carry with me for a long time.
Recommended for: readers who love historical romance or romance in general, witty banter, strong heroines, and brooding yet brilliant heroes who need to be taken down a peg (or two).
Final Verdict: When Beauty Tamed the Beast is every bit as exquisite as the glowing reviews promised; funny, sensual, deeply emotional, and perfectly executed. An unforgettable romance that deserves every bit of its praise.
Favorite Quotes
“Tell us who fathered that child, and your father will demand marriage. No one below a prince would dare to refuse him.” Without pausing for breath, she swung back to her brother-in-law. “You might have to fight a duel, Cornelius. I suppose you have pistols somewhere in this house, don’t you? Didn’t you threaten to fight one with Lord Billetsford years ago?” “After finding him in bed with Rosalyn,” Linnet’s father said. He didn’t even sound mournful, just matter-of-fact. “New bed; we’d had it only a week or two.” “My sister had many passions,” Zenobia said fondly. “I thought you just said she was white as snow!” the viscount snapped back. “None of them touched her soul! She died in a state of grace.”
“I think we have a more interesting connection than parental ineptitude,” Piers said. He switched his cane from his right to his left. She waited, just waited. A hand brushed by her cheek, curled into her hair. Still, she waited, without saying a word. It felt as if the whole world waited, the sounds of the stable, the noise of Gavan’s unsteady footsteps walking down the corridor, the occasional stamp of a horse’s hoof, the creaking wood . . . it all faded before the intent look in his eyes. “Your eyes—” she said, but he cut off her words. His lips were like brandy, like an intoxication that swept down her back and stole her breath away.
Linnet was having a hard time keeping herself within the bounds of ladylike behavior. She wanted to touch Piers, to speak only to him, to smile at him in unmistakable invitation. She was in the grip of ravening hunger, as if lust were the only emotion in her body.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: First Person, Dual Series: Harris Brothers, #2 Publisher: Amy Daws, LLC Hero: Tanner Harris Heroine: Belle Ryan Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: March 12, 2017 Started On: June 16, 2024 Finished On: June 22, 2024
Amy Daws’ Endurance is a riotous, cheeky, and surprisingly heartfelt sports romance that delivers passion, sass, and two characters who test each other’s patience, limits, and hearts. This second entry in the Harris Brothers series takes on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope with a footballer who cannot seem to stay out of the tabloids and a sharp, no-nonsense surgeon whose tolerance for his antics is nonexistent. Throw in a fake relationship and all the complications that come with it, and the stage is set for plenty of sparks.
Tanner Harris, the so-called wild Harris twin, is every inch the cheeky, bearded bad boy that readers of the series expect him to be. With his tattoos, devil-may-care attitude, and scandalous reputation, he is both magnetic and infuriating. Belle Ryan, on the other hand, is all discipline and ambition, a surgical fellow who has fought tooth and nail to get to where she is. Belle is the kind of heroine who has no time for games, least of all from Tanner, and their early dynamic is full of snark and sparring that makes their eventual collision feel inevitable.
What makes their story particularly fun is how they end up in each other’s orbit again after a disastrous first encounter. Forced into a fake dating setup for the sake of appearances, Tanner and Belle have no choice but to tolerate one another. But as jealousy flares and real attraction edges past their pretenses, the carefully drawn lines between them blur into something far messier and hotter. Their chemistry jumps off the pages, with Belle’s cool restraint a sharp counterpoint to Tanner’s impulsive fire.
I loved how Tanner’s humor and larger-than-life personality kept the story light even when emotions deepened, while Belle’s intelligence and steel gave their relationship grounding. Their banter is one of the highlights of the book, with every interaction teetering on the edge of an argument or a kiss. That said, the buildup sometimes outpaced the delivery, and while the sex scenes eventually delivered, I expected a bit more heat earlier on given the intensity of their dynamic.
Overall, Endurance is an entertaining, laugh-out-loud, and surprisingly tender romance. It is a great example of Ms. Daws can balance hilarity with emotional depth, particularly in a sub-genre I do not normally pick up; sports romance. And yet, the combination of a roguish footballer and a determined heroine worked beautifully here, making it hard not to root for them even when they drove each other crazy.
Recommended for: fans of sports romance, enemies-to-lovers banter, bearded bad boy heroes, and heroines who refuse to be bowled over.
Final Verdict: A laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers romance with a bearded bad boy footballer and a sharp-tongued doctor who prove that endurance is as much about the heart as the game.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Third Person, Single Series: Standalone Publisher: Harlequin Hero: Rafaello Grazzini Heroine: Glory Little Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: November 02, 2001 Started On: June 12, 2024 Finished On: June 16, 2024
Lynne Graham’s Rafaello’s Mistress is a classic Harlequin romance brimming with passion, angst, and the kind of emotional intensity that makes Ms. Grahams’s books so addictive. The story revolves around Glory Little, a young woman whose past entanglement with the powerful and devastatingly handsome Rafaello Grazzini left her scarred in more ways than one. Years later, their paths cross again when desperation forces Glory to seek his help, only to find herself bound once more by the dangerous allure of the man she had once loved.
Rafaello is the kind of hero Graham excels at creating; commanding, arrogant, and emotionally complex. He is a man who wields control effortlessly, and yet beneath that steely exterior lies a vulnerability he refuses to admit. His reappearance in Glory’s life isn’t without an edge; he has long believed she betrayed him years earlier, taking money in exchange for ending their relationship.
That sense of betrayal has festered into a need for revenge, driving his low opinion of her and fueling his determination to assert control over their renewed connection. Layered over this are complicated family ties that adds another dimension to his mistrust and makes their entanglement even more fraught.
As such, it is not far fetched for their shared history to have resulted in misunderstandings and half-truths, and much of the conflict later on is fueled by the mistakes and manipulations of those around them. Rafaello’s belief in Glory’s supposed betrayal colors every interaction, creating sparks of both fury and passion.
What makes this story so compelling is not just the clash of wills, but the revelation of family secrets and the complex web of ties that bind them together. The more the truth unravels, the more layered Rafaello becomes as a character, moving beyond the archetypal alpha into something deeper.
I loved the humor woven into this story; it lightened the heavy emotions and gave both Rafaello and Glory moments of unexpected warmth. The sexual tension between them is electric, with explosive kisses and encounters that keep the pages flying. What stood out most was how nuanced his characterization turned out to be. Instead of a one-dimensional domineering hero, Ms. Graham delivers a man whose contradictions and vulnerabilities make him all the more magnetic.
Told entirely from Glory’s perspective, the book gives the heroine’s voice center stage, and I found that choice made the story even more powerful. Seeing Rafaello only through her eyes adds to the mystery of his emotions, making his actions all the more intense when his true feelings come through.
Recommended for: readers who love angsty, passionate romances with complex heroes, strong but vulnerable heroines, and a shared past that demands resolution.
Final Verdict: A fiery and emotionally charged romance, Rafaello’s Mistress is elevated by Rafaello’s surprisingly complex characterization, delivering the kind of layered love story that lingers.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Paranormal Romance POV: Third Person, Single Series: Standalone Publisher: Harlequin Hero: Alessio Leopardi Heroine: Daisy Thornton Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: January 01, 1997 Started On: June 01, 2024 Finished On: June 01, 2024
‘You are the only woman I have ever loved,’ Alessio murmured roughly. ‘And I want to be inside you so badly, I ache.’
Second-Time Bride is one of those Lynne Graham classics that blends angst, humor, and emotional punch in a way that keeps you flipping the pages long past bedtime. Daisy and Alessio married as teenagers in a union that was doomed from the start; too young, too unprepared, and crushed under family pressure and their own insecurities. Within months, the marriage imploded, leaving Daisy to raise their daughter alone. Thirteen years later, Alessio returns, unaware he has a child, and determined to reclaim the woman he once lost.
Alessio is a quintessential Graham hero: arrogant, forceful, and brimming with jealousy that he can barely control. At thirty-two, he is wealthier, more powerful, and every bit as single-minded as the nineteen-year-old who first pursued Daisy. He is also plagued by insecurities he would never admit aloud, his reactions driven by the fear of losing her again, even as he masks that fear with bluster and arrogance.
Daisy, at thirty, is his equal in more ways than he expects. Wary, skittish, and protective of her daughter, she nonetheless refuses to be steamrolled, meeting his intensity with quick wit, flashes of temper, and the kind of honesty that continually throws him off balance.
The heart of the story lies in their second chance. Thirteen years of silence have bred misunderstandings, half-truths, and old wounds that refuse to stay buried. Daisy has kept the existence of their daughter a secret, a betrayal Alessio cannot easily forgive. He, in turn, cannot understand how she could walk away from their marriage without ever looking back. Their renewed relationship becomes a tug-of-war between pride and vulnerability, with their daughter Tara right in the middle, eager for the father she never knew.
Tara herself is one of the delights of this book. Equal parts her mother’s wit and Alessio’s will, she injects humor, heart, and energy into every scene she is in. She is clever, observant, and at times far too shrewd for her parents’ comfort, and her presence grounds the story in a way that makes the reconciliation between Daisy and Alessio even more meaningful.
What I adored most about this book was the balance between angst and humor that had me gasping for breathe one minute and guffawing the next. There is no shortage of fiery confrontations, jealous accusations, and emotional intensity, but Graham sprinkles it with laugh-out-loud moments that lighten the heaviness.
Daisy’s ability to fluster Alessio is pure delight; watching his frustration when she refuses to play by his rules gave me more than one chuckle. The chemistry between them is undeniable, their banter sharp and their passion blazing, making their reconciliation all the more satisfying. And that ending, sweet, funny, and unexpectedly heartwarming, was pure delight, the perfect conclusion after such a rocky road.
If I had a quibble, it is that the story would have benefitted from glimpses into Alessio’s perspective during their teenage marriage. Seeing how deeply besotted he had been would have added another layer of poignancy to his present-day determination. Still, his relentless pursuit of Daisy, even when he masks it with arrogance, is telling enough, and his jealousy-fueled antics both maddening and thoroughly entertaining.
Recommended for: readers who love second-chance marriages, fiery banter, jealous alpha heroes, and heroines who refuse to back down.
Final Verdict: Equal parts humor, heartbreak, and heat—Second-Time Bride is a Lynne Graham gem with a pure delight of an ending.
Favorite Quotes
At nineteen, Alessio had told her that a boy who slept around was only gaining necessary masculine experience but that a girl who slept around was a tart. That might not be fair but that was life, he had informed her cheerfully. But Alessio could not find it within himself to be quite so cheerful now about the idea that he might have married a tart.
A Maldivian's Passion for Romance 