RNAA Rose Rating: Four Roses
Category: Book Reviews
A Kiss in the Shadows – Romance Novel Addicts Anonymous Book Review
RNAA Rose Rating – Four Roses
Title: A Kiss in the Shadows
Author: Eve Kincaid
Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Thriller
Synopsis:
A woman afraid to trust…
Erin Grady will do anything to bring a mental health clinic to Lost Coast Harbor, even if it means accepting money from the local police chief—the father who abandoned her. She’s willing to overlook where the money came from, until a determined and very sexy prosecutor literally crashes into her life…
A man tempted by desire…
Will Patton is desperate to leave the small town of Lost Coast Harbor and rebuild his struggling legal career. To do that, he must expose the dirty police chief—but he never expected to be so drawn to the man’s irresistible daughter.
A town full of corruption…
The darkness in Lost Coast Harbor runs deep and wide—and exposing the truth will require Erin and Will to reveal their hearts…no matter the risk.
What I Loved About this Book:
This book works well as a page-turning thriller with some surprises thrown in. The heroine, Erin, is strong and independent, which is always a plus for me. She has a good heart, as her main goal in life is to open a clinic for the mentally ill in her small town. The romance is both sweet and steamy, which is my favorite kind of romance. The hero, Will, is strong and protective but not an alphahole, which I liked.
What Could Have Been Better:
This book was heavy on the thriller plot, and relatively light on the romance overall. The couple spent a fair amount of time in the book apart. MINOR SPOILER. There was a point toward the very end where the main crisis had passed where the hero just abruptly stopped talking to the heroine for no apparent reason. I guess it was supposed to be for dramatic tension purposes, but it really didn’t make any sense to me.
Sexual Content: Yes.
Overall:
A good, fast-paced thriller with sweet, steamy romance.
Related links:
AMAZON
iBOOK
KOBO
AUTHOR WEBSITE
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Wanderer: The Moncrief Legends by Carol Sabel Blodgett – Romance Novel Addicts Anonymous Book Review
RNAA Rating – Five Roses
Title: Wanderer: The Moncrief Legends
Author: Carol Sabel Blodgett
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Thriller/ Paranormal
Synopsis:
Beyond the wall of computers, all the books rested. Perhaps I belonged to every one of them. Fiction: Immortals aren’t real. Romance: I had a lovely wife who I adored. Horror: She died, in my bed, with my best friend. Mythology: I wish all of this was a myth. There she was. Curled up in an overstuffed chair. Like a child, I darted between the rows of books. She would give the occasional smile as she read. We stayed like this for some time—her reading, me watching. This was exciting. A new person. She was beautiful. That was three days ago. I’ve been reduced to watching her from afar, from this secluded spot across the street from her house. I’m Seth. I was named after Adam and Eve’s third child. It’s been centuries since I’ve been with a woman. Immortality can be a nuisance like that. The time, where does it go? I must make her mine. Some would say that I stalk. I don’t see it that way at all.
What I Loved About this Book:
This is an expertly-crafted supernatural thriller/suspense novel that will keep you guessing until the very last page. The book features well-drawn characters that are unusual yet relatable and are easy to root for. Lots of terrific twists and turns, and room for plenty more in the series. Don’t miss this one!
What Could Have Been Better:
This book was a bit darker than what I usually read, but that’s not really a criticism of the book. It’s more of a personal preference.
Sexual Content: Yes.
Overall: An intense, romantic, intriguing read.
Related links:
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Pairing Off by Elizabeth Harmon – Romance Novel Addicts Book Review
RNAA Rating – Five Roses
Title: Pairing Off
Author: Elizabeth Harmon
Genre: Sports/Figure Skating/Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:
American figure skater Carrie Parker’s Winter Games dreams were dashed when her philandering partner caused one of the greatest scandals in skating history. Blacklisted from competing in the United States, her career is over…until she receives a mysterious invitation and is paired with the most infuriating, talented—and handsome—skater she’s ever met.
Russian champion Anton Belikov knows sacrifice. He gave up a normal life and any hope of a meaningful relationship to pursue his dream. And he’s come close—with a silver medal already under his belt, the next stop is the gold. All he needs is a partner. While he’s never forgotten the young American skater he seduced one long-ago night in Amsterdam, he never expected to be confronted with their past…never mind share the ice with her.
When what starts as a publicity stunt grows into something real, Carrie and Anton’s partnership will test their loyalties to family, country and each other. With only a few months to train for the competition of a lifetime, can they master technique and their emotions, or will they lose their footing and fall victim to the heartaches of their pasts?
What I Loved About this Book:
This was one of those books where I found myself getting annoyed when I had to do other things when all I wanted to do was sit down and read! I absolutely loved this sweet and sexy romance. Anton is my favorite kind of romantic hero; strong, sweet, and protective of the woman he loves. This book was engaging from the very beginning with well-developed characters and a nice, steady pace. Lots of conflict and drama and, for the most part, the author avoided the whole “most of the conflict is based on a misunderstanding” plotline. There were plenty of opportunities in this book for her to go that route, and I was pleasantly surprised that she didn’t.
What Could Have Been Better:
There was very little that I didn’t like about this book. I will say that (SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER AHEAD!) was that the ending was just the tiniest bit too perfect. Carrie’s father had a pretty sudden change of heart and her being pregnant with twins was just a tad over the top. That being said, I wanted a happy ending and that’s what I got.
Sexual Content: Yes, but not super-explicit.
Overall: A highly engaging read and one of the best books I’ve read in quite some time.
Related links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iBooks
Kobo
Author Website
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Penalty by Jacob Chance – Romance Novel Addicts Anonymous Book Review
RNAA Rating – Three Roses
Title: Penalty
Author: Jacob Chance
Genre: Contemporary/Sports Romance
Synopsis:
He’s the bad boy quarterback of Boston University’s football team. As the son of a former NFL player, he’s showered with attention and praise twenty-four-seven. One flash of his smile and all the girls fall at his feet – or should I say to their knees?
And then there’s me.
Brady Lincoln is the last person I want attention from. He’s the kind of guy my father warned me about. His play on the field is legendary and his play with the ladies, even more so. I’ve managed to stay off his radar until recently.
What happens when the cocky quarterback breaks all the rules to win my heart?
What I Loved About this Book:
The main characters, Harlow and Brady, had great chemistry. I do enjoy a good sports romance, and this one was well written. There was an interesting twist toward the end that I didn’t see coming, and it’s always nice to be surprised.
What Could Have Been Better:
I would have liked to see a bit more character development, though, as the leads had a lot of the usual characteristics you find in romance novels. Mainly, it was the bad boy who gets around and the innocent, good girl.
Sexual Content: Yes, explicit.
Overall: This was a sexy, entertaining read.
Related links:
AMAZON
Join the Author’s Email List
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Hard for My Boss by Daryl Banner – Romance Novel Addicts Anonymous Book Review
RNAA Rating – Five Roses