The Eclectic Reader: Romance

Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads and open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs.

Friday, November 20, 2015

November 9 by Colleen Hoover ~ Review & Giveaway

Title: November 9
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 10th November 2015
Pages: 320
Book Source: Atria Books

Synopsis: Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

My Thoughts:

I jumped on the Colleen Hoover bandwagon just last year and 3 books in I'll happily say I'm a CoHo fan. November 9 has that unmistakable Colleen Hoover stamp ...

Maybe Someday had music, Confess had artwork and in November 9 the point of difference is the uniqueness of the story ... Fallon and Ben meet in unusual circumstances and continue to meet up each year on the same date; with absolutely no contact outside of that date.

What a wonderful mix of sweet, angsty, funny, heart-achy messiness. And that twist; did not see that coming. I don't have a problem with tragic pasts in fiction, I'm someone whose real-life past reads like a soap opera ... so November 9 #gotmerightinthefeels

I loved the bookie references, tongue-in-cheek, clever, funny but there were still things that bothered me (that note from Ben's mother was a biggie) and a couple of throw-up-in-my-mouth lines.

"Baby," he says, his lips forming a smile. "You already made this the best sex I've had and I'm not even inside you yet."

November 9 was not issue-free (for me) and yet here I am loving on it ...

Colleen Hoover's writing is just so darn addictive!!

Seriously, how the heck does she do that?

Connect with Colleen Hoover

Purchase November 9

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Giveaway:

Win 1 of 5 prize bundles of one signed copy of NOVEMBER 9 and a pair of #November9 sunglasses! Contest is open until November 30^th.

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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Short & Sweet Review: All I Want by Jill Shalvis

Title: All I Want
Author: Jill Shalvis
Series: Animal Magnetism #7
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 6th October 2015
Pages: 304
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: Pilot-for-hire Zoe Stone is happy to call Sunshine, Idaho, her home base. But her quiet life is thrown for a loop when her brother’s friend Parker comes to stay with her for a week. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife special agent is a handsome flirt with a gift for getting under her skin. And the situation only escalates when Parker hires her to fly him around the area while he collects evidence on a suspected smuggler.

Now she has to live and work with the guy. But when they’re in the air, she sees another side of him. He’s driven, focused, and sharp. And while he enjoys giving commentary on her blind dates, she quickly realizes with a shock that it’s Parker who gets her engines going…

My thoughts:

I'm making this short and sweet.

I love this series ...

it's humour, heat and heart in one warm-fuzzy package.

What more could you want?

animal cuteness ... check

Oreo the Bernese mountain dog rescued in book 5, two crazy kittens and more laugh out loud moments with Peanut the potty-mouthed parrot.

Sexy alpha males with marshmallow hearts ... check

enter hot-as-hell special agent Parker James who is nice to Zoe "I've got this" Stone and her adorable dog, saves kittens, fixes stuff and takes down bad guys.

smokin' hot chemistry, fun banter, lashings of sarcasm, snerk funny and aww sweet moments ... check

low angst ... check

If that's not enough, there's sex.

lots of sex

lots of wild monkey sex

what's not to like??

go on ... you know you want to :)

Connect with Jill Shalvis

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Review: The Saddler Boys by Fiona Palmer

Title: The Saddler Boys
Author: Fiona Palmer
Genre: Rural Romance
Publication Date: 23rd September 2015
Pages: 371
Book Source: Penguin Books Australia

Synopsis: Schoolteacher Natalie has always been a city girl. She has a handsome boyfriend and a family who give her only the best. But she craves her own space, and her own classroom, before settling down into the life she is expected to lead.

When Nat takes up a posting at a tiny school in remote Western Australia, it proves quite the culture shock, but she is soon welcomed by the swarm of inquisitive locals, particularly young student Billy and his intriguing single father, Drew.

As Nat's school comes under threat of closure, and Billy's estranged mother turns up out of the blue, Nat finds herself fighting for the township and battling with her heart. Torn between her life in Perth and the new community that needs her, Nat must risk losing it all to find out what she's really made of – and where she truly belongs.

My Thoughts:

My first time reading Fiona Palmer, surprising, since I'm actually familiar with a few of her titles. Anyway, not only was this a delightful rural romance with wonderfully endearing characters, The Saddler Boys has substance, highlighting topical issues of domestic violence, single parenting, rural school closures and small town viability.

Set in the actual town of Lake Biddy in Western Australia, 22 year old Nat leaves her family and boyfriend Greg in Perth to take up her first teacher's posting at the small country school. While unfamiliar with remote rural life, she's enthusiastic, genuine about embracing the experience and she's warmly welcomed by the locals ...

None more so than 8 year old student Billy who blossoms under Nat's instruction and compassionate nature. My heart melted at the first mention of little Billy and when we learn of his Nana's death from metastatic melanoma, I was undone. My boys had a beautiful bond with their Nana who died from Melanoma 7 years ago.

Palmer's passion for the rural landscape is vivid on the page, farming, shearing, seeding, P&C fundraisers, the genuine sense of community, neighbourly generosity and compassion. I loved that almost as much as I loved the bond developing between Nat and the Saddler boys, Billy and hardworking single dad, Drew. The Saddler boys, big and little won my heart!

Family, friendship, love and community with a thoroughly authentic Australian flavour.

Connect with Fiona Palmer

Saturday, September 05, 2015

Review: Forever Bound by Deanna Roy + Giveaway

Title: Forever Bound
Author: Deanna Roy
Genre: Romance
Series: Forever Series #4
Publication Date: 28th July 2015
Pages: 300
Book Source: from author for review

Synopsis: Jenny is a girlfriend-for-hire, the platonic kind.

While under contract with her movie director boyfriend, glamour has ruled. Designer gowns. Red-carpet premieres. And, of course, seeing her face in the tabloids.

She loves tabloids.

But her reign has come to an end. Her sugar daddy has fallen in love -- with someone else. Her contract is over and tonight she has to end it publicly by making sure the paparazzi "catches" her with another man.

She just has to find the man.

Chance has been hitchhiking across the US, playing and singing for tips. This is the life he's always imagined, and the farther he gets from his disastrous family in Tennessee, the better he feels.

An unexpected invitation to sing with an indie blues group at a movie premiere party gives him a sweet taste of fame. As a bonus, a beautiful girl with pink dreadlocks only has eyes for him.

But the collision between Jenny and Chance is more emotional and intense than either of them expected. When the scandal hits the news, Chance's family finds him, pushing him to come home and face his demons.

The night has even more consequences for Jenny. She needs to find Chance, but nobody knows anything about him, not even his last name.

Her journey takes her across the country and into the disaster Chance is running from. But she can't give up on him, because what neither of them realized is that sometimes a single night can be the beginning of forever.

It is a standalone HEA that does not require reading any other parts of the Forever series.

Karen's Thoughts:

Well at 20% on my kindle I'm already in need of a cold shower …

And at 80% I had to force myself to close my kindle and get some sleep … if I hadn’t I would have devoured this book in one sitting.

Jenny’s contracted relationship with Frankie, her sugar daddy movie director, has come to an end. They’ve agreed that she will set up some scandalous snaps for the paparazzi ... media hype for Frankie, just in time for his upcoming movie release.

Chance is a loner and a drifter musician hitchhiking his way around the US, avoiding emotional family issues in his hometown of Chattanooga, Texas. It was really easy to fall a little bit in love with Chance when we meet him in the beginning of the story.

Jenny and Chance end up at the same Hollywood after party, Jenny on Frankie’s arm and Chance jamming with the band hired for the party. Chance immediately catches Jenny’s eye as the perfect guy for the paparazzi snaps and Chance’s attention is immediately caught by the girl with the pink dreadlocks.

I was surprised I felt such chemistry between Jenny and Chance early on considering Jenny’s reasons for seeking Chance out. The scenario didn't really scream hotness for me, more like tackiness but I instantly felt the connection and it worked in the overall story.

I seriously thought I was reading a novella I flew through this book so quickly, but when I checked the details on Goodreads Forever Bound is actually a little longer than the first book Forever Innocent. My only complaint is that I could have easily read more.

It was lovely that Corabelle and Tina were present in this novel, but Forever Bound is a standalone. I'd still recommend reading the series ... why miss out on Deanna’s other wonderful and touching novels.

Once again, Deanna’s novel offers an emotional and real life situation that families often go through. Whilst this novel isn't about infant loss, it's still about the loss of a loved one.

I highly recommend picking up a Deanna Roy novel, you won’t regret it. Just make sure the tissue box is within reach.

Guest review by Karen

Connect with Deanna Roy

Purchase Forever Bound

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Giveaway:

I'm thrilled to offer readers the chance to win the eBook Forever boxed set, which includes the three full-length novels leading up to Forever Bound. Just leave a comment and ensure you're easily contactable.

Extra Entries:

+ 2 tweet giveaway and leave a link

Giveaway ends 19th September and winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Racing the Sun by Karina Halle - Review & Giveaway

Title: Racing the Sun
Author: Karina Halle
Genre: NA Romance
Publication Date: 28th July 2015
Pages: 384
Book Source: Atria Books/Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: When I’m traveling, I feel like the secret to my life, to myself, to really becoming, is one step ahead. It’s in the next destination, the next town I get lost in, the next stranger I talk to. It’s always next but never here . . .

After six months of backpacking and soul-searching across the world, Amber MacLean is flat broke. There are worse places for a twentysomething to be stuck than the Amalfi Coast, but the only way she can earn enough money for a plane ticket home to California is to teach English to two of the brattiest children she has ever met.

It doesn’t help that the children are under the care of their brooding older brother, ex-motorcycle racer Desiderio Larosa. Darkly handsome and oh-so-mysterious, the young master of the crumbling villa tests Amber’s patience and will at every turn—not to mention her hormones.

When her position turns into a full-time nanny gig, Amber grows dangerously closer to the enigmatic recluse. But can she give up the certainty of home for someone whose closely guarded heart feels a world apart from her own?

My Thoughts:

Not just right book, right time but the perfect feel-good read for one of those not-feeling-so-good days. Which is kind of weird because this isn't a fluffy romance or even just a hot romantic romp, although it is hot. This romance has issues and I love issues.

And I read it in one sitting, which if you've been reading my blog lately you'll know how not-like-me that is ... Racing the Sun kicked my snail's pace to the curb. It was heat and heart and I loved it.

I suddenly remember where I am. Sad lemon house. Capri. New job. Traumatized twins. Hot mysterious Italian boss.

Sums it up well.

The breeze wafts in from the sea and carries the scent of fresh herbs and bracing salt and lemons, the way I imagine sunshine should smell.

When July slides into August like a hot greasy egg sliding off a frying pan, Capri becomes its most unbearable.

The descriptions of the Amalfi coast, Positano, Naples, Capri and the Villa dei Limoni Tristi had me dying for my own slice of Italy ... I settled for pizza. At least it was real Italian pizza :)

I loved Amber, she's adventurous and brave and she tells it like it is.

Somehow, and I don't know how, because that banana hammock is just begging for people to stare, I manage to tear my eyes away from him just as he looks up.

I turn around, about to ask Derio and his penis whether this is the place to go in the water, but he strides to the edge of the water and does a perfect swan dive off.

HA banana hammock :) Guys in Australia mostly wear boardies. Speedos (budgie smugglers) are so not cool. Unless you're a surf life saver or Derio.

The only thing I didn't love ... Amber's disparaging comments about her body. I hang there like a fat orangatan ... sheesh really? luckily when things heat up with Derio, she gets over herself quick enough.

"Did you feel anything?"

"No," he murmurs. "I felt everything."

Racing the Sun will have you fang-ing for Italian food. Hey, if you're not single, putting it out there that you want your very own hot Italian guy is just not on. So. Food it is.

Ciao. My bags are packed, I'm ready for Italy.

... Ok I'm off to plan my pinterest holiday.

Alrighty ... I'm heading to the Italian restaurant at the end of our street.

Connect with Karina Halle

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Purchase Racing the Sun

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Giveaway:

Check this out for a giveaway ... woohoo!

Grand prize of a $50 AMEX Gift Card + 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN and 1 copy of WHERE SEA MEETS SKY….PLUS: 6 x Runner Up Prizes of 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN.

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Tuesday, July 07, 2015

Review: Six Degrees by Honey Brown

Title: Six Degrees: The Power of Attraction Connects Us All
Author: Honey Brown
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: 1st August 2015
Pages: 269
Book Source: Jane Curry Publishing

Synopsis: Emotion, seduction and passion wind through six intricately connected stories, where strong Australian women embrace their most intimate desires, and the men are more than just their suit and tie.

Apparent strangers are bound together by one tragic event, the effect of which is felt from the urban streets of Sydney to the dusty bars of Western Australia.

My Thoughts:

I've had a love affair with Honey Brown or should I say her writing, since Dark Horse blew my mind and Through the Cracks had me tasting despair. They're darkly disturbing psychological thrillers. Six Degrees is a complete departure from her previous works but with the same expressive yet restrained style that grabs and keeps the pages turning.

Knowing from the synopsis that the six stories are somehow connected, I was curious reading each whether the connection would come across as forced or convenient. No and No. It's clever and smooth and brings a cohesiveness to what would otherwise be random short stories about desire.

My favourites were the first story and the third. The first was HOT and just a bit naughty and that's all I'm saying about it and the third, well it's the fly fishing story. Yep you read that right.

Fishing in my book (when you don't catch anything) is up there with watching grass grow or paint dry. Fly fishing and sexy are two words I would never use in the same sentence. But Tasha and Daryl's story is beautiful and sexy and very, very sensual. So, hang on a minute while I eat my words.

This is probably completely left field but the sexual attraction in Six Degrees reminded me of the weather in Dark Horse ... a character in itself.

Six Degrees is a fun and very satisfying read about the power of sexual attraction and our intrinsic need to feel emotionally and physically connected.

Connect with Honey Brown