Wildflower Season by Michelle Major

 WILDFLOWER SEASON -- Michelle Major

The Carolina Girls, Book 1

HQN

ISBN: 978-1-335-54779-8

May 25, 2021

Contemporary Fiction

 

Magnolia, North Carolina – Present Day

 

After the failure of her marriage, Emma Cantrell came to Magnolia and bought an old, rundown mansion belonging to an eccentric artist who had died. She plans to refurbish the mansion into an inn, but a strong windstorm upends the remodeling. With the other contractors busy due to the storm’s damage, she doesn’t know what to do and ends up drinking in a bar. There, she meets Holly, a woman who is looking for a wedding venue after her planned one ended up kaput after the windstorm. After talking about their woes, Holly suggests using the inn for the wedding—if Emma can get it repaired in time. Holly suggests her brother-in-law, who used to be a contractor, be hired to repair the damage and to help get the inn ready for the wedding ceremony and reception. The two pay him a visit.

 

Cameron Mitchell once built beautiful furniture, but ever since his wife died in an automobile accident, he has basically withdrawn from society and now works as a fishing boat guide. Emma and Holly arrive at his house to ask Cam, who isn’t exactly welcoming though he has a soft spot for his sister-in-law. Soon, Holly convinces Cam to work for Emma. While he is surly and mostly uncommunicative with Emma, they soon prove to be a good working team. He wants to do this for Holly, but it means drawing himself out of his shell and being confronted by the people from his past, including Holly’s mother, who blames him for her daughter’s death.

 

Meanwhile, Holly is wondering if her wedding ceremony will happen. She is engaged to a U.S. senator and his mother doesn’t think Holly is good enough for her son. Between Cam and her new friendship with Emma, they try to calm her nerves. Emma also hires a couple of women in Magnolia for the wedding. The four women form a bond that makes WILDFLOWER SEASON a tale of friendship.

 

Getting Emma married is the goal of everyone in WILDFLOWER SEASON.  Emma comes from a wealthy family and once sat on the board of their powerful charity foundation—until she felt forced to walk away. Emma’s ex-husband blackmailed her with a sex tape to get her money. Too embarrassed to even tell her family, she moved to Magnolia after visiting her brother, who lives there. But getting the inn ready is proving to be a lot harder than she expected. Then there are the people in town, who haven’t exactly opened their arms to welcome her. Is it because they think Emma is too haughty and will soon be leaving town?

 

Cam is surly for the better part of WILDFLOWER SEASON. His heart is still broken after losing his wife. Slowly, after going toe-to-toe with Emma, the two build an attraction, one that leads to the bedroom. Cam can’t promise Emma a rose garden, but in the meantime, he will enjoy their time together. But it never fails that whenever he turns around, there is a memory of his wife and her death. Can Cam get past the pain? Will Emma be the one who soothes his soul—and heart?

 

WILDFLOWER SEASON is a heartwarming tale that is a perfect beach read. You will cheer on Emma, Cam, Holly, and the others that have banded together to give Holly a beautiful wedding to the man she loves. Will it come off without too many bumps in the road? If you love reading about female friendships and a couple falling in love, then don’t miss WILDFLOWER SEASON.

 

Patti Fischer

Romance Reviews Today

The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan

 THE SUMMER SEEKERS – Sarah Morgan

HQN

ISBN: 978-1-335-18092-6

May 18,2021

Contemporary Fiction

 

England & the United States – Present Day

 

After eighty-year-old widow Kathleen has a run-in with a burglar in her kitchen, she decides life is now worth living big. She decides to embark on her dream trip by driving the famed Route 66 across the United States. Her daughter, Liza, is appalled that her mother would even think about doing this trip but agrees to the plan as long as she has a companion. Martha is interviewed and hired. What the other ladies don’t know is that Martha isn’t sure she is up for the driving part of the trip. But the two ladies are soon headed to the United States.

 

Liza worries about her mother’s trip, but she has other problems to contend with. Her family has taken her for granted for years—then her husband, Sean, forgets their anniversary. Feeling sad and overwhelmed, Liza escapes to her mother’s beachside cottage, where she encounters the next-door neighbor, Finn, who is a famous musician. Can Liza save her marriage…and her sanity?

 

For years, Kathleen had a successful travelogue TV show where she traveled the world. She was able to do this because Liza’s father was supportive and didn’t mind raising their daughter while she traipsed the world. Kathleen hasn’t shared with Liza about the man she loved first, well before she met Liza’s father. The man betrayed Kathleen with her best friend, Rachel. Kathleen has ignored the letters sent periodically from Rachel, who lives in California. As Martha and Kathleen hit the road in Chicago, they start to talk about each other’s past. Kathleen begins to wonder if it’s time to face the past.

 

Martha is still trying to recover from a bad marriage, but her ex keeps hounding her. She is used to being the quiet, unassuming one in her family, so accepting this job as Kathleen’s “chauffeur” is a big departure. Kathleen and Martha soon get to know each other. They pick up a hitchhiker named Josh, who is on a journey of discovery himself. Kathleen pulls some strings to make sure Martha and Josh get a chance to be alone and get acquainted with each other despite Martha’s resistance. Will Martha fall in love with Josh?

 

Imagine the freedom of taking off in a car and traveling across the country. That is the dream Kathleen and Martha are living in THE SUMMER SEEKERS by Sarah Morgan. While Liza didn’t have to travel far in her own quest to find herself, she is soon reconnecting with the things she lost after she married, such as painting.  She worries about Kathleen, wondering if she should’ve been stronger in stopping her mother from taking this trip. But for Kathleen, it is like she is on her final trip of life, with memories of her lost friendship with Rachel haunting her as they grow closer to the state where her friend lives. Readers will grow to love the three women and hope they find whatever it is they are looking for.

 

Martha tries to avoid Kathleen’s matchmaking, but Josh is too charming to resist. Is he the balm that she needs after her failed marriage? Will she discover after years of being told by her family that she is a failure that she is instead a person who can accomplish anything? Can Kathleen and Martha make it to California with no issues? Will Liza and Sean realize that their marriage needs saving…and accomplish it? A wonderful tale that will warm a reader’s heart, don’t miss THE SUMMER SEEKERS to find out the answers to the questions.

 

Patti Fischer

Romance Reviews Today

 

 

Deep River Promise by Jackie Ashenden

 

DEEP RIVER PROMISE – Jackie Ashenden

Alaska Homecoming, Book 2

Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN: 978-1-7282-1689-8

March 30, 2021

Contemporary Romance

 

Deep River, Alaska – Present Day

 

Damon Fitzgerald, along with his two best friends, have the responsibility of ensuring the legacy of their late friend, Caleb, who was killed in an accident. That legacy includes owning the town of Deep River. But Damon has the added responsibility of making sure that Caleb’s son—the child no one knew about—is taken care of. It helps that the child, Connor, and his mother, Astrid James, also live in Deep River. Now, how to approach her to let her know that he will be there for them? Using the ruse that he’s interested in tourism, he contacts Astrid, who happens to be the mayor. There’s a hitch, though, in Damon’s plans. Connor is protective of his mother and isn’t happy to have Damon around his mother.

 

Astrid has been raising Connor, now fifteen, on her own all these years and doesn’t need anyone’s help, especially Damon’s. After getting in a bind five years ago, she did allow Caleb to move her to Deep River, where she settled in and no one was aware of who Connor’s father is. The knowledge that Damon is in on the secret and was designated by Caleb to take care of her and Connor has her putting up a shield. Astrid has learned that the only people she can trust are herself and Connor.  But Damon is persistent, though he can only be in town a couple of days. His mother has early onset of Alzheimer’s, and he needs to return to California to care for her. But in the few days that Damon is there, an attraction develops between him and Astrid. How will Connor react? Both Astrid and Damon feel there can’t be a relationship between them, yet there is this burning passion.

 

Damon is in Deep River reluctantly in DEEP RIVER PROMISE by Jackie Ashenden, the second book in her Alaska Homecoming series. Years ago, Caleb told Damon about the child he fathered and swore him to secrecy. Why? Because he felt embarrassed at literally abandoning Astrid and Connor. Yet, when she turned to him for help, he was there. But again, she couldn’t reveal Connor’s paternity, even though he looks a lot like Caleb. Damon just wants to make sure Astrid knows that he is there for her and Connor. Of course, being the independent person that she is, Astrid immediately brushes off the help. Torn between his responsibilities in Deep River and Los Angeles, Damon will have to work quickly. But the attraction that sparks between him and Astrid has him wondering if he could stay an extra day or two.

 

Keeping a secret is hard to do in Deep River, but it’s what Astrid and Damon will have to do. Caleb’s sister also lives there, yet she hasn’t figured out Connor’s paternity. The main focus Astrid has right now is bringing income to the town. That is why Damon is researching for potential sources. Of course, the time spent together only brings them closer…and more attracted to each other. How long will it be until Astrid and Damon are locking lips…and making love? Not that secret trysts can be kept under wraps in this small town. Will Damon leave town for good, or will he make plans to return? Can he make any kind of future in Deep River?

 

A sweet and sensual romance that is both funny and heartwarming, don’t miss DEEP RIVER PROMISE.

 

Patti Fischer

Anywhere for You by Abbie Greaves

 

ANYWHERE FOR YOU – Abbie Greaves

William Morrow

ISBN: 978-0-06-293387-4

April 6, 2021

Contemporary Fiction

 

London, England

 

For the past seven years, Mary O’Connor has haunted the Ealing Broadway station each night as she stands on the platform holding a sign. The sign says simply, “Come Home Jim.” Jim is Mary’s former partner and he disappeared suddenly seven years ago. Mary hopes that he or someone will see the sign and he will indeed come back to her. Most everyone shuffles past Mary, not wanting to meet her eye or acknowledge her. One night, Alice, a reporter at the Ealing Bugle, spots Mary. Alice wants to know Mary’s story about Jim. But she must be careful how she approaches Mary. Alice decides to volunteer at the same crisis center where Mary volunteers when she’s not working or standing on the platform holding the sign.

 

ANYWHERE FOR YOU shifts between the present day of 2018 and back to thirteen years ago when Mary and Jim first met. They felt connected to each other and were soon living together in London. While their life appeared good, deep down, Jim had issues with depression and drinking. Mary tries to be his savior, but does he want to be saved? The years move along as we learn more about the relationship between Mary and Jim. Seven years ago he walked out. Why did he leave? What happened to him? Meanwhile, Alice decides that she wants to find Jim. With the help of Kit, a man she also met at the crisis center, they take off in search of the missing man—but without Mary knowing what they’re doing.

 

ANYWHERE FOR YOU is a haunting tale that will pull readers in. Mary is a sympathetic character that readers will grow to care for. She doesn’t know Alice is a reporter. If she had, she probably wouldn’t have talked so freely to Alice. We learn that Jim loves Mary, but he is slowly drifting away from her, and Mary doesn’t see it because she is bent on saving him from his demons. Will Alice find Jim, and if so, will she bring him back to Mary? As for Alice, the road trip in the enclosed confines of the car has her and Kit growing closer. Will there be a romance blooming between them by the end?

 

If you love a well-written and emotional tale that has you wanting to find out the answers to the questions surrounding Mary and Jim, plus Alice’s pursuit, then you will enjoy ANYWHERE FOR YOU. Be sure to grab this when it goes on sale in April 2021.

 

Patti Fischer

Romance Reviews Today

Love of a Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan

 LOVE OF A COWBOY – Jennifer Ryan

A McGrath Novel, Book 2

Avon Books

ISBN: 978-0-06-285198-7

April 2021

Romantic Suspense

 

Montana – Present Day

 

Skye Kennedy was raised in a self-supporting commune, but things have changed since their leader passed away two years ago. His son, Gabriel, has secretly expanded the commune’s businesses to include things that are not legal. Skye has been keeping their farming and garden parts alive with her skillful management and abhors what Gabriel is doing. One night, she witnesses him killing another woman of the commune and decides now is the time to run. She tries to help the other young women in the commune, but Skye knows too much and realizes that Gabriel will order her killed if she’s caught. She escapes and winds up in Montana, where she ends up with her car broken down and needing a job.

 

Declan McGrath is busy running the family ranch, so he needs to hire some ranch hands. One day, a woman who can barely stand shows up on his doorstep desperate for work. The job is hard even for a man, but Skye convinces him that she can do the work. He hires her, and even agrees to let her stay in his spare bedroom since it appears that she has no place to live. Soon, Skye impressively shows him how much of a hard worker she is, and the two settle in nicely even as he grows attracted to her. Yet, Declan suspects she is hiding—or running—from something. Turns out that he is right because she is wanted for a murder she didn’t commit, and she has evidence that Gabriel was assisting some dangerous anti-government terrorists about to commit a violent act. Can Declan help Skye prove her innocence and protect her?

 

Things soon turn dangerous for Skye and Declan in Jennifer Ryan’s LOVE OF A COWBOY. Bad people are after her and they will do whatever it takes to silence her. Skye isn’t sure who to trust, but Declan is a decent man who soon wins her trust. How will he react when she tells him her story? Will he believe her—or turn her in? Skye has proven to be resilient, and it helps her on the ranch because no job is too small for her. She can work in the fields and in the house. Declan’s family—his brothers and sister—soon see what he can’t: that he’s falling for Skye. But they will need to “free her” of the trouble that is hanging over her head. She can’t go to the police because Gabriel is shrewd, and he also has the local police in his pocket.

 

In LOVE OF A COWBOY, the plot has as many curves as a winding road. Just when Skye thinks she is headed to clearing her name and getting everyone arrested for their crimes, things change, and she and Declan are back in danger. Meanwhile, their friendship turns sexual, and daily they grow fonder of each other. But once everything is over, Skye will probably return to the commune because her family and friends are there. They need her. But does she need Declan more? Do they have any chance for a future together?

 

LOVE OF A COWBOY is an entertaining and suspenseful tale right from the first chapter and all the way to the end. Readers will love Skye’s spunk and determination, while Declan’s dedication to the woman he’s fallen for will be endearing. Don’t miss the adventure, drama, and romance in LOVE OF A COWBOY.

 

Patti Fischer

Strong, Silent Cowboy by Lora Leigh & Veronica Chadwick

 STRONG, SILENT COWBOY – Lora Leigh & Veronica Chadwick

A Moving Violations Novel #2

St. Martin’s Paperbacks

ISBN: 978-1250220097

March 9, 2021

Erotic Romance

 

Deer Haven, Texas – Present Day

 

Introduced to Jacob Donovan in a bar one night, Sallie Hamblen can’t let on that she has already met him—three years ago when both had different names and a different life. Back then, they instantly hit it off and spent three sizzling nights together before he mysteriously disappeared. Jacob doesn’t recognize Sallie, which saddens her, but she wonders if it’s for the best considering so much has changed in the three years since they parted. From what she has heard, shortly after they separated, Jacob was injured in an explosion that took part of his memory—the days that include their time spent together. Now they are like any other couple meeting for the first time. And like the last time, they hit it off. It doesn’t take long before Jacob and Sallie are spending a pleasure-filled night together.

 

So much has changed for Sallie and Jacob in the past three years. Back then, she was the adored stepdaughter of the ambassador. She met Jacob, then an undercover CIA operative, which she didn’t know about, and fell hard for him. The sex was fast, beautiful, and explosive between them. Then he walked out of her life. Eventually, she married another man, Jacob’s partner, but that marriage ended, and an annulment was obtained. Then the threats against her life started and her adoptive father arranged a new identity for her and plucked her down in this small Texas town. She soon realized that Jacob was also here, but he was now under a different last name and is a cowboy. And he doesn’t recognize her. Sallie stayed in the background watching Jacob, but it was inevitable that they’d meet again—and that they would find their attraction insatiable. Then, the danger that she thought she’d escaped returns to haunt her. Will Sallie have to run again?

 

For Sallie in STRONG, SILENT COWBOY, she believes the bad guys are after her ex-husband. She doesn’t realize at first that Jacob was also a CIA undercover agent. To her, he was just that handsome hunk who swept her off her feet and made love to her. Having him walk out of her life—and now not remember her—pains her so much. But Sallie can’t reveal her identity to Jacob because it would put both their lives in danger. However, unknown to her, once Jacob meets Sallie and has sex with her again, he begins to have flashes of her in his memory. Will it all come back? Jacob has also been laying low in Deer Haven because of his past CIA work. The bad guys are ruthless terrorists who torture their victims before brutally killing them. He can’t afford to let someone he cares for be lost to these barbaric murderers.

 

Meanwhile, Jacob can’t get enough of Sallie in his bed. He proclaims to her that it’s simply great sex, but deep down, does he care more for her than he’s willing to admit? Sallie lost her heart to Jacob once…will she lose it again? Their relationship starts off hot and heavy in STRONG, SILENT COWBOY, then shifts to a riveting suspense when it becomes clear that the terrorists have targeted Sallie once more. Jacob believes they are after him, but to convince Sallie of this, he will have to reveal more about his past to her. But that might put her life in even more danger…

 

A suspenseful and erotic romance about a couple that can’t get enough of each other, you won’t want to miss STRONG, SILENT COWBOY.

 

Patti Fischer

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