Three Adult Contemporary Romance E-book Mini-Reviews

Still working to catch up on reviews!  So here are my last three e-books that are not part of blog tours.

On Hart's Boardwalk (On Dublin Street #6.7, Hart's Boardwalk #2.5) by Samantha Young:

Published:  March 20th, 2018
Source:  Purchased e-book
My rating:  5 stars

Synopsis:
One of New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young’s most beloved couples returns for the first time in a brand new novella set ten years after her blockbuster bestseller Before Jamaica Lane…

Nate and Liv have a great life together but they miss the spontaneity and freedom they enjoyed early on in their romance. Careers and their children have inevitably kept them busy, so when Nate discovers Liv is feeling disconnected from him, he plans an anniversary trip to the idyllic seaside town of Hartwell, Delaware. There he hopes they will have the opportunity they’ve been craving—a chance to reinvent themselves and fall in love all over again.

With each new day comes a new adventure, from wedding crashing at the five-star boardwalk hotel to pretending they are two strangers having a chance encounter at the boardwalk bar. In the midst of this daring, sexually charged game of romantic rediscovery, Nate and Liv discover the only constant they need is each other. 

If you've followed me for very long, you know that Nate is my #1 book boyfriend.  I even made a shirt for him, and also gave the shirt to the author to share in my love for him.

So when the author announced a new story, albeit a short story, featuring my favorite couple, I was so excited and could NOT wait!  In fact, I rarely, if ever, pre-order an e-book.   But I was on the edge of my seat, finger hovering over my mouse ready to purchase it as soon as I had the chance.  But when I started it, wow, that first little prologue, I was crying.  And then when I jumped into the story, I was crying.  I couldn't believe the author was putting my poor favorite couple through that.  But later one, when the little part at the beginning fits into the story later on, it wasn't so bad.  Nate's behavior, while maddening to Liv (and me), fit him perfectly based on how we knew him from his story.  Of course getting back to all the On Dublin Street gang made me feel like I need to go back and read the whole series again.  Not only that, but I am still impatiently waiting for the next chapter of the Hart's Boardwalk story.  Which reminds me I need to go bug the author about when that story is coming. 

Almost Jamie (The Jet City Kilt Series #1) by Gina Robinson:

Published:  June 8th, 2017  
Source:  Free e-book  
My rating:  4.5 stars

So, this one popped up in one of the daily emails I get about free e-books, and with my recent falling in love with and obsession over Outlander, I knew immediately I needed to read it.  And so when I downloaded it, it was only a few days before I gave in to my temptation to read it.  It was a quick, hard to put down read.  Although it was a bit frustrating to get so close to the end only to realize it was going to have a cliffhanger!  Now I must buy the next one.  So good job by this author!  She got me hooked with a free book so I will now buy her others.  I've discovered quite a few of my new favorite indie authors this way.  Authors that I will now buy their books, all of them, often having to buy the physical copies because I know how much I will love them and want to reread them.  

One thing about this book that grabbed me was that I had been thinking when I was attending my own local Comic-Con how much I wished there would be people there from Outlander.  And in this story, the stars from the book's version of Outlander are at Comic-Con.  I mean if Sam Heughan was anywhere near me, I'd probably faint, but I still want it to happen some day!  To be in a room listening to him talk in his Scottish accent, I'd be just sighing constantly, and probably pretty worked up as well.  Another thing in the story that I liked, I wish that there was a dating service like the one Austin works with.  I'd join.  Also, when he mentions that guys will hide their insecurities by acting indifferent, well, not just guys.  I do that as well.  If I act that way, then the person I like won't know if they've hurt my feelings, right?  Anyway, this was a good one.  I highly recommend it, the reason it didn't get the full 5 stars is because of the cliffhanger only.  

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
A kilt meets dress modern love story.

If you like good guy geek heroes who look hot in kilts, strong, intelligent heroines, and poignant romance, then you’ll love Almost Jamie, the first book in Gina Robinson’s light, fun contemporary romance Jet City Kilt Series.

Half American, half English physician Blair Edwards has always wanted her Jamie, the Sinclair, the dashing Highland laird of the wildly popular TV series, Jamie. Unfortunately, it's so hard to find a man like him in the modern world. When the stars of Jamie come to Seattle's Jet City Comicon, Blair dresses up as Jamie's Elinor in a vibrant red gown, hoping to get a seat in their popular presentation and a good view of the handsome, charming star of the show. She doesn't expect to be called on to use her medical skills to treat an injured cosplayer who looks almost like…Jamie. And sets her wounded heart racing.

Cosplayer, geek, app designer, and cyber security expert Austin MacDougall has been styled by his matchmaker to look like the actor who plays Jamie. He's been trying to win the prize for best amateur cosplayer for years. Against the advice of his friends, he goes to Jet City Comicon in a kilt as Jamie, the striking redheaded Highlander. When he's injured during a mock battle with a vicious cosplaying orc, his friends get him help from a beautiful doctor in a stunning red dress.

Has Austin met his Elinor? The adventure is just beginning…

Find out why readers love Gina Robinson’s good guy heroes, the strong women they fall for, and their funny, witty, romantic stories.

Oh yeah, check out the alternate cover.  Do you like this one, or the one above, the one that I saw when I decided to buy it?

Convicted (Consequences #3) by Aleatha Romig: 

Published:  October 8th, 2013  
Source:  Purchased e-book  
My rating:  4 stars

This is a series that started out so dark, but I loved it.  This last book took me a bit longer to read because it was so many flashbacks, and not knowing why Claire was in the place she was, or why she wasn't talking, or what happened to Tony.  So it got hard in places to follow because of these things. And I think that kept me from having my interest kept as much as the first two books, Consequences and Truth, which you can read my reviews for them HERE.   Although I've rated all three of the books at 4 stars, this one was not my favorite.  I am really excited though, that I will get to meet this author at Book Bonanza in July.  I have to buy the first book in the series to get autographed and will have to get my picture with her.  Now, while I was okay with all the twists and turns when we found out what really happened finally to get them to the point where they were, I got so mad at Tony for the first thing he did at that point.  I was a little teary-eyed for sure.

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
Book #3 of the bestselling Consequences series:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes the shocking third book of the Consequences series and the long-awaited, action-packed conclusion of Claire and Tony’s tumultuous relationship.

Stick to your convictions.

Against all odds, Claire and Tony have found their way back to one another, but it doesn’t mean a happy ever after. Not even close. Just when they seemed to have it all—love, respect, and the promise of a family—the game master exposes the truth and Claire’s world once again unravels. With old convictions wavering and past transgressions coming to light, the cards have changed and luck is not in the deck for Claire and Tony.

Abandon all assumptions.

Lost in a constant nightmare, who will save Claire from her past? From herself? Everyone has a hand to play, and now they’re playing for keeps. Everything known to be true is questioned. Motives are explained. The past is once again unearthed, and this time, secrets lurk between dreams and reality, between the past and the present.

The clock is ticking.

Time is running out on Claire…on Tony…on their happy ever after. When the final cards are played, will their unconventional love trump the opposition?

In the end, some will discover their bets were too high, and all will learn the most crucial lesson—there are always consequences for the truth.

You must stick to your conviction, but be ready to abandon your assumptions. –Denis Waitley

Six Adult Romance E-book Mini-Reviews

I've got six to share. Three of them are actually very short novellas that an author sent me to read and review, and they were so short I got through them all very quickly. 

Imperfect Love:  Unsupervised (Imperfect Love Universe) by Cora Kenborn:

Published:  June 4th, 2017
Source:  Ebook from author for honest review
My rating:  4 stars

This is my first book by the author that wasn't a rock star romance, and it was not a disappointment.  It was a cute story, sweet, and a very quick read.  I had trouble putting it down when I wasn't reading it, and so I zoomed right through it.

Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:
Niall 

I have twenty-eight days to find the perfect wife… 

On paper, it seems like I need a life coach, but I’ve managed to get a decent grip on the single-dad thing. As a sought-after photographer with a sexy Irish accent, I have no problem attracting women. Especially crazy ones who can’t take no for an answer. But now, I’m backed in a corner, and both mine and my daughter’s futures are being threatened. 
The plan is simple: find a fake fiancée, introduce her at my company’s gala, and save my job. A chance meeting with a tall, leggy blonde who looks like she could use a night out is the perfect solution. Beautiful, sane, and she has a kid? We have a winner. 
The relationship is a ruse, but I didn’t count on her being unforgettable. A lie brought us together, but now I have no intention of letting her go. 

Laken 

I can’t buy my way onto Madison Avenue… 

I didn’t bust my ass in college to be a nanny. Unfortunately, a 4.0 GPA and sucking up did nothing to secure me a coveted Tate & Cane internship. I’m not proud of being a nanny-for-hire to get my foot in the door, but my wealthy employer has connections, so I do what I need to—until one outrageous proposal changes everything. 
In one afternoon, I find myself fake engaged with a fake new family. I’m not a liar, but he assumes the kid is mine. I should set the record straight. There’s only one problem. My new “fiancé” is a photographer for Tate & Cane. He’s my “in.” 
If I can hold on to this charade long enough, I can get the job and the man of my dreams. I’m winging this completely unsupervised. Game on.

Wine Tasting Series by London Michelle:
Source:  Received from author for honest review

Sweet Summer Wine:

Published:  May 8th, 2017  
My rating:  2 stars

This first one is very short, as I was told it would be. The story itself is not bad. But I had a few issues with it. First, I feel like the way the girl talks about having sex seems a little mature for that age. And I can't tell for sure if she is supposed to be a virgin before, if not, then maybe we need more detail about that. If so, it makes this first time not seem exactly like you'd think. I do have the next two, and am interested enough to read on and see if it develops any better the further it goes. My thought is that maybe all three together would make up one book probably.

Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:
Giselle is forced to end her summer visiting her father and his new wife for two weeks. She's at odds with him over the one guy that makes her feel alive, Ryker, her step-mother's nephew. She must choose whether she's willing to go against her father's wishes to experience what could possibly be the love of her life, or will she obey her father and give Ryker up forever. 

Giselle and Ryker must decide if they're feelings are worth pursuing in this sexy, summer series.

Simply Bittersweet:

Published:  May 20th, 2017
My rating:  2 stars

Maybe 2 and a half stars. It was a little better than the first one, we got some more background. But it is still kind of stilted in the way the story goes. It is only the 2nd day that she knows him and she remarks that it was the first time he'd used a pet name with her. Some of the romance is extremely instal-love, too fast. Also some of the words used for the sexual bits are a little cringe/giggle-worthy. Again, pretty short, although a little longer than the first one.

Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:
Giselle and Ryker can't seem to get enough of each other and risk so much to keep their intimacy a secret. When her step-mother starts trouble at the family picking party, Giselle wishes she was anywhere but there. 

Ryker tries to be there for her, but is Giselle willing to take the chance of losing what relationship she has left with her father for the man that could be her only salvation? 

Early Harvest:

Published:  June 29th, 2017
My rating:  2 stars

Again, the story isn't bad. But, there are little bits where it says, "lately he'd been" or something like that. And it's only been like 3 or 4 days. Plus, it is hard to feel like Giselle should really want to keep her relationship with her father, because honestly she doesn't seem to have much of one with him. There have been a few of the editing errors I tend to see in self-published books, but not anymore than what would be expected, or anything that terrible. I will say I'm not a big fan of using the word cave over and over for the female body part. Just a preference probably. Thanks to the author for letting me quickly read these three stories. This isn't the end, there is still going to be at least one more because it is left at a cliffhanger, and then there is a short excerpt from the next book at the end.  I don't think I'll be going on with the series however.

Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:

Giselle and Ryker's relationship continues in this fast paced erotica. 

Giselle must decide if she's ready to cut ties with her father over a man that could possibly be her soul mate. But first, she should find out if her feelings are even reciprocated. Is she merely the early harvest before the prime picking or is she the one thing that Ryker desires more than anything else in this world.

Seduction and Snacks (Chocolate Lovers #1) by Tara Sivec:

Published:  June 11th, 2012
Source:  Purchased Kindle copy
My rating:  5 stars

I bought this because it was one of the pages in my Love Between the Lines coloring book, and I like to read the books before I color the pages, in case it gives me ideas on what colors to use and what certain things in the picture are.  I'll show you my finished page at the end of the review for this book.

But anyway, let me tell you that while I have trouble paying for ebooks more than 99 cents or so, the price of this was $3.99 and it was worth every penny!  In fact it was so good I immediately ordered a physical copy of the book as well.  I LOVED this!  I laughed at so many parts and I can't wait to read on in the rest of this series, as well as to read other books by this author.  I pretty much feel like I hadn't laughed at a book in a long time as hard as I laughed at this book.  It was so funny.  Her little boy almost stole the story so many times. But then just the sex scenes and the funny self-deprecating thoughts and comments both of the main characters had were perfect.  This book is a must read!

Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:
Claire is a twenty-something, single mom that grudgingly helps her best friend sell sex toys while she attempts to make enough money to start her own business to give her foul-mouthed, but extremely loveable (when he's asleep) toddler a better life. 

When Carter, the one-night-stand from her past that changed her life forever, shows up in her hometown bar without any recollection of her besides her unique chocolate scent, Claire will make it a point that he remembers her this time. 

With Carter's undisguised shock at suddenly finding out he has a four-year-old son and Claire's panic that her stretch marks and slim to none bedroom experience will send the man of her dreams heading for the hills, the pair will do whatever they can to get their happily ever after.

Room for You (Cranberry Inn #1) by Beth Ehemann:

Published:  October 22nd, 2013
Source:  Purchased Kindle copy
My rating:  4.5 stars

This is another one I had to buy as I was getting ready to color another page in the coloring book.  I'm not quite done with that page, but I'll show you what I have so far at the end of this one.  It was a pretty cute read, although I did get a little irritated with the main character for how cautious she was.  But fortunately her family and friends knew better than she needed to take the chance.  And I really liked Brody.  About halfway through she finally got accused of something that I was sure would have happened earlier by his friends or family, but it didn't happen and all of them were pretty cool with her as well.  At least his real friends and family were.  I also got irritated a bit with some of her self doubt, especially the 2nd time she let the same person cause it.  It ends with a bit of a twist, and I'll need to go on to see where that will go next.

Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:

Four years ago, my dreams were shattered in an instant.

I tried to pick up the pieces and glue them back together the best I knew how, but something was always missing.

A father for my two girls.

But then, Brody Murphy landed on my doorstep, literally. He was a carefree, playful hockey player who barged into my life and messed with my head. He left me more confused than I had ever been.

What if the one thing I thought I needed was the only thing holding me back?

Roadie (Rock-Hard Beautiful #2) by C.M. Stunich:

Published:  May 8th, 2017
Source:  Purchased Kindle copy
My rating:  4 stars

I didn't actually like this one quite as much as the first one, but it still was pretty good.  I liked how the relationships between all of the worked.  For the most part the sex scenes were all pretty good, although a few were a bit more than are what I enjoy reading, but not enough to keep me from reading.  And it definitely left it so that I'm going to need to get the next book. The first one was so good I did go ahead and buy this one for a higher price than I normally do for ebooks, $3.99, and I'll probably end up getting the third one for a similar price if necessary.  You can read my review of book one, Groupie, HERE.

Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:
Lilith and her five rockstars are back. 
Paxton is the leader, covered in tattoos, and cocky as hell. 
Michael is the bad boy determined to change his ways. 
Ransom is the scarred one, dark and beautiful. 
Muse is the practical one, the enigma with a silver mohawk. 
Copeland is the boy next door with a penchant for reading romance novels. 

Together, these six twisted souls make up one beautiful whole.

Roadie is a new adult rockstar romance and a reverse harem novel (one girl who falls in love with--and gets with--five guys).