Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts
Published by Berkley Books in November 2010
Bride Quartet #4
All Time Favorite

"As the public face of Vows wedding planning company, Parker Brown has an uncanny knack for fulfilling every bride's vision. She just can't see where her own life is headed. Mechanic Malcomb Kavanaugh loves figuring out how things work, and Parker is no exception. Both know that moving from minor flirtation to major hook-up is a serious step. Parker's business risks have always paid off, but now she'll have to take the chance of a lifetime with her heart..." - From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I really think Parker's story is my favorite.  Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I love my planner and carry it around with me everywhere I go.  She seems the most unwilling to open herself to love, and when she finally does it's a beautiful thing.

Disclosure: I own the physical book, but I borrowed the audiobook from my local library.

Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts
Published by Berkley Books in April 2010
Bride Quartet #3
All Time Favorite

"With the support of her friends, Laurel McBane’s dream of attending culinary school came true. Now, she’s repaying their kindness by creating extravagantly luscious tiers of cakes and other confectionary delights that add the perfect touch to their clients’ weddings.

As for romance, the low-key Laurel has had a mega crush on Parker’s older brother, Delaney Brown, since childhood. But she’s convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. When Laurel’s quicksilver moods get the better of her—leading to an angry, hot, altogether mind-blowing kiss with Del—she’ll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever…"- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I love how feisty Laurel is in her own book.  She knows what she wants and doesn't take any crap doing it.  If you love weddings or romance, then this series is definitely for you.

Disclosure: I own the physical book, but I borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts
Published by Berkley Books in October 2009
Bride Quartet #2
All Time Favorite

Another review from the Cassie's Babblings archives!  Planning my own wedding made me really want to read this series again, and I'm glad I did!

"In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn’t found Mr. Right. And the last place she’s looking is right under her nose.

But that’s just where Jack Cooke is. He’s so close to the women of Vows that he’s practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss—they must trust in their history…and in their hearts." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
If you love weddings and romance this series is for you.  The audiobook is great!  When I don't know what else to listen to, I know I can always pull one book from this series and I will enjoy it.

Disclosure: I own the physical book, but I borrowed the audiobook from my local library.

Vision in White by Nora Roberts

Vision in White by Nora Roberts
Published by Berkley Books in April 2009.
Bride Quartet #1
All Time Favorite

I'm reposting this review from the Cassie Babblings archives.  I've started to relisten to these audiobooks at work, just for something to listen to.  I also want to be real about what I'm reading.  I don't want to only post about the hottest new releases.
Enjoy!

"Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends-and business partners-to see her way to her own happy ending." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
Honestly, if you like weddings, friendships, and romance this series is for you.  I read this series every year (the audiobooks are great!).  It's like revisiting old friends.  I would recommend x10 this series.

Disclosure: I own the physical book, but I borrowed the audiobook from my local library.

Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber

Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber
Published by Ballantine Books in October 2015

"Ashley Davison, a graduate student in California, desperately wants to spend the holidays with her family in Seattle. Dashiell Sutherland, a former army intelligence officer, has a job interview in Seattle and must arrive by December 23. Though frantic to book a last-minute flight out of San Francisco, both are out of luck: Every flight is full, and there’s only one rental car available. Ashley and Dash reluctantly decide to share the car, but neither anticipates the wild ride ahead.

At first they drive in silence, but forced into close quarters Ashley and Dash can’t help but open up. Not only do they find they have a lot in common, but there’s even a spark of romance in the air. Their feelings catch them off guard—never before has either been so excited about a first meeting. But the two are in for more twists and turns along the way as they rescue a lost puppy, run into petty thieves, and even get caught up in a case of mistaken identity. Though Ashley and Dash may never reach Seattle in time for Christmas, the season is still full of surprises—and their greatest wishes may yet come true." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I truly enjoyed this quirky Christmas novel.  Two unlikely characters pair up to travel to Seattle with some federal agents trailing behind.  Ashley and Dash slowly warmed up to each other over the course of the novel.  Their relationship never felt forced, and was very entertaining to watch.  The whole case of mistaken identity was a little harder to explain away.  It did provide some interesting bits of comic relief.

I know that if anyone wants a cute Christmas or winter-themed book to cozy up with by a fire with some hot chocolate, I will recommend this book.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber
Published by Ballantine Books in October 2016

"Friendly and bubbly, Julia Padden likes nearly everyone, but her standoffish neighbor, Cain Maddox, presents a particular challenge. No matter how hard she’s tried to be nice, Cain rudely rebuffs her at every turn, preferring to keep to himself. But when Julia catches Cain stealing her newspaper from the lobby of their apartment building, that’s the last straw. She’s going to break through Cain’s Scrooge-like exterior the only way she knows how: by killing him with kindness.

To track her progress, Julia starts a blog called The Twelve Days of Christmas. Her first attempts to humanize Cain are far from successful. Julia brings him homemade Christmas treats and the disagreeable grinch won’t even accept them. Meanwhile, Julie’s blog becomes an online sensation, as an astonishing number of people start following her adventures. Julia continues to find ways to express kindness and, little by little, chips away at Cain’s gruff façade to reveal the caring man underneath. Unbelievably, Julia feels herself falling for Cain—and she suspects that he may be falling for her as well. But as the popularity of her blog continues to grow, Julia must decide if telling Cain the truth about having chronicled their relationship to the rest of the world is worth risking their chance at love." -- From Goodreads

Will you love it?
I'm pretty sure that I'll love any Christmas book that comes my way.  It's just what happens.  I loved Macomber's unique take on killing her neighbor with kindness.  It just goes to show what can happen when someone takes the time to be nice to another person.  I don't think that happens enough in today's world.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

It Must Be Christmas by Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward, and Mandy Baxter

It Must Be Christmas by Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward, and Mandy Baxter
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks in October 2016

"Hot Toy 
From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Crusie comes a hilarious, sexy story about a determined shopper who grabs the last action figure off the shelf, only to find herself plunged into the arms of a sexy secret agent. Mayhem under the mistletoe ensues. Business as usual this Christmas season…right?

Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher 
Nate wants to stay away from all the women who want his money in Mandy Baxter’s story set deep in the heart of Texas. But when gorgeous do-gooder Chloe Benson comes knocking at his door—in search of funds for her charity—Nate can’t ignore the passion he feels for her. Maybe love is priceless after all?

Christmas at Seashell Cottage 
’Tis the season in Jewell Cove when local doctor Charlie Yang finds her quiet, steady life disrupted by both an abandoned baby in the nativity manger and ex-SEAL Dave Ricker. Are these turn of events too good to be true? Or is Christmas working its magic—for real— Donna Alward’s heartwarming holiday story?"  -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
This was a good collection of Christmas short stories.  It has a lot of humor and just a little spice.  I think my favorite story was Christmas at Seashell Cottage only because they find a baby in the manger.  I love that slight mystery aspect as well.  Definitely a good book to enjoy during the busiest time of the year.

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from my local library.

Last Chance Rebel by Maisey Yates

Last Chance Rebel by Maisey Yates
Published by HQN Books in August 2016
Copper Ridge #6

"The man who ruined Rebecca Bear's life just strolled back into it with one heck of an offer. Years ago, Gage West's recklessness left Rebecca scarred inside and out. Now he wants to make amends by gifting her the building that houses her souvenir store. Rebecca won't take Gage's charity, but she's willing to make a deal with the sexy, reclusive cowboy. Yet keeping her enemy close is growing dangerously appealing…

He's the wild West brother, the bad seed of Copper Ridge. That's why Gage needs the absolution Rebecca offers. He just didn't expect to need her. After years of regretting his past, he knows where his future lies—with this strong, irresistible woman who could make a black sheep come home to stay…" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I love any Copper Ridge novel!  The romances never seem too scripted, and it never seems like it's the same romance over and over.  If you like romances of any kind, then I would wholeheartedly recommend this series to you!

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from my local library.

Tough Luck Hero by Maisey Yates

Tough Luck Hero by Maisey Yates
Published by HQN Books in June 2016
Copper Ridge #5

"Ranching heir Colton West knew his wedding would be the talk of the town. But he didn't expect to get left at the altar—or to escape on the next flight to Vegas with Lydia Carpenter, the woman who gets under his skin like no one else. The only thing crazier than honeymooning with Lydia is waking up married to her. So why does he find himself entertaining his new wife's desire to stay married—and fantasizing about a real wedding night?

As Copper Ridge's prospective mayor, Lydia can't risk a divorce scandal so close to election time. But pretending to be blissfully in love with her new husband is more confusing than she'd thought. For a man who's always rubbed her the wrong way, Colton suddenly seems to know exactly what to do with his hands. And his lips. Now Lydia's wildest mistake could turn out to be her luckiest move, if they're both willing to take the ultimate gamble…" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
This series has become one of my favorite romance series.  I love the cowboy aspect (who doesn't love cowboys?).  I reach for this series when I need something fluffy to read.  If you like romance, then I would suggest this series.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

One Night Charmer by Maisey Yates

One Night Charmer by Maisey Yates
Published by HQN Books in April 2016
Copper Ridge #5

"If the devil wore flannel, he'd look like Ace Thompson. He's gruff. Opinionated. Infernally hot. The last person that Sierra West wants to ask for a bartending job—not that she has a choice. Ever since discovering that her "perfect" family is built on a lie, Sierra has been determined to make it on her own. Resisting her new boss should be easy when they're always bickering. Until one night, the squabbling stops…and something far more dangerous takes over.

Ace has a personal policy against messing around with staff—or with spoiled rich girls. But there's a steel backbone beneath Sierra's silver-spoon upbringing. She's tougher than he thought, and so much more tempting. Enough to make him want to break all his rules, even if it means risking his heart." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I really love this series.  The books are very typical romance reads, but Yates manages to put in a little extra spice with her characters.  The ending did bother me a little bit.  The author time jumps about 4 years.  I'm not entirely sure why, because the next book in this series sounds like it takes place very close to the events in this one.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my local library.

The Villa by Nora Roberts

The Villa by Nora Roberts
Published by Jove in March 2002
All Time Favorite

"Sophia Giambelli has never worried about competition. For three generations, the Giambelli wines have been renowned for their quality-- from Napa Valley to Italy, and throughout the world. The pride of the Giambelli family and a top PR executive, Sophia loves her job-- and excels at it. But things are about to change at Villa Giambelli. Tereza, the matriarch, has announced a merger with the MacMillan family's winery-- and Sophia will be assuming a new role. As a savvy businesswoman, she knows she must be prepared for anything . . . but she isn't prepared for Tyler MacMillan. They've been ordered to work together very closely, to facilitate the merger. Sophia must teach Ty the finer points of marketing-- and Ty, in turn, shows her how to get down and dirty, to use the sun, rain, and earth to coax the sweetest grapes from the vineyard.

As they toil together, both in and out of the fields, Sophia is torn between a powerful attraction and a professional rivalry. At the end of the season, the course of the company's future-- and the legacy of the villa-- may take an entirely new direction. And when acts of sabotage threaten both the family business and the family itself, Sophia's quest will be not only for dominance, but also for survival." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
There's a reason this book is one of my all time favorites.  It has everything you could want: love, money, greed, betrayal, and sabotage.  And when the ending is finally revealed, your jaw can't help but hit the floor.

Disclosure: I purchased by own copy.

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts
Published by Berkley Books in October 2009
Bride Quartet #2
All Time Favorite

"In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn’t found Mr. Right. And the last place she’s looking is right under her nose.

But that’s just where Jack Cooke is. He’s so close to the women of Vows that he’s practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss—they must trust in their history…and in their hearts." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
If you love weddings and romance this series is for you.  The audiobook is great!  When I don't know what else to listen to, I know I can always pull one book from this series and I will enjoy it.

Disclosure: I own the physical book, but I borrowed the audiobook from my local library.

Vision in White by Nora Roberts

Vision in White by Nora Roberts
Published by Berkley Books in April 2009.
Bride Quartet #1
All Time Favorite

"Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends-and business partners-to see her way to her own happy ending." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
Honestly, if you like weddings, friendships, and romance this series is for you.  I read this series every year (the audiobooks are great!).  It's like revisiting old friends.  I would recommend x10 this series.

Disclosure: I own the physical book, but I borrowed the audiobook from my local library.

Hold Me by Susan Mallery

Hold Me by Susan Mallery
Fools Gold #16
Published by HQN Books on April 28, 2015

Summary: "Destiny Mills believes passion has its place—like in the lyrics of the country songs that made her parents famous. After a childhood full of drama and heartache, she wants a life that's calm. Safe. Everything that Kipling Gilmore isn't. Her temporary assignment with the Fool's Gold search and rescue team puts her in delicious proximity to the former world-class skier every day. Part of her aches to let go for once…the rest is terrified what'll happen if she does.

Though an accident ended his career, Kipling still lives for thrills—and a hot fling with a gorgeous redhead like Destiny would be a welcome diversion. Yet beneath his new coworker's cool facade is a woman who needs more than he's ever given. With her, he's ready to take the risk. But love, like skiing, is all about trust—and before you soar, you have to be willing to fall.

I love all of the Fool's Gold books, but Destiny and Kipling's story fell a little flat for me.  I think Destiny's backstory was the part of book that I had trouble with.  Her parents are famous, and she's a virgin who gets pregnant after having sex one time.  Sigh.  I hope the next book in this year's trilogy is has a better character.

Disclosure: I received a digital galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Shelter in a Soldier's Arms by Susan Mallery

Shelter in a Soldier's Arms by Susan Mallery
Published by Silhouette on June 1, 2001

Summary: "When Jeff Ritter offered Ashley Churchill shelter, the struggling single mom longed to lean on his broad shoulders. And though she accepted a job as his housekeeper, Ashley was determined to make her own happiness, without the heartbreak of loving a man. No matter how tempting that man was....

It was Jeff's nature to protect, but his heart was off-limits -- even to the woman and child he came home to each night. For life had made Jeff a hardened soldier, not a man to love. And despite the hope he saw shining in Ashley's eyes, Jeff didn't dare dream she could truly be his."

I liked this book.  I felt it was a good romance, and I liked how it dealt with Jeff's PTSD.  Standard romance fare, but I truly enjoy Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold series much better.

Disclosure: I borrowed the book from my local library.

Love, Lucy by April Lindner

Love, Lucy by April Lindner
Published by Poppy on January 27, 2015

Summary: "While backpacking through Florence, Italy, during the summer before she heads off to college, Lucy Sommersworth finds herself falling in love with the culture, the architecture, the food...and Jesse Palladino, a handsome street musician. After a whirlwind romance, Lucy returns home, determined to move on from her "vacation flirtation." But just because summer is over doesn't mean Lucy and Jesse are over, too." --From Goodreads

I thought this was a great, lighthearted read.  The setting was perfect, and the author described the streets of Italy to perfection.  I felt like I was right beside Jesse and Lucy as they discovered Italy and each other.  

If you're a fan of contemporary romances, traveling, or need a summer beach read, I would suggest you pick this book up.  

Disclosure: I picked up this book from my local library.

In the Garden series by Nora Roberts

The In the Garden series by Nora Roberts is up today.

Blue Dahlia • Black Rose • Red Lily

Trying to escape the ghosts of the past, young widow Stella Rothchild, along with her two energetic little boys, has moved back to her roots in southern Tennessee, taking a job at In the Garden nursery. As Stella settles comfortably into her new life, she finds a nurturing friendship with her boss Roz and with expectant mother Hayley. Stella also  discovers a fierce attraction with ruggedly handsome landscaper Logan Kitridge.  After her relationship starts, she is increasingly plagued with visits from the Harper Bride; a ghost that has haunted Roz's house for decades.

I pulled this series off of my library's book sale rack, and I'm glad I did.  I liked the three women, and the romances all seemed genuine.  The paranormal aspect was also interesting, and I liked the way book three tied up all loose knots.

I also liked Nora Roberts' The Bride Quartet series.  

Her Inn Boonsboro trilogy is also in the similar vein of the In the Garden series.  It features some paranormal aspects as well.

If you like Nora Roberts, or like romance stories with aspects of the paranormal, you should read this series.  

Overall, I really liked this series, but I don't think it'll be one I re-read.  It was a solid Nora Roberts series, and anyone who likes her works will probably like this series as well.

Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson

Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson
Mystic Creek #1
Published by Signet on January 6, 2015

Summary: "After years of living in fear of her husband, Amanda Banning has left him and moved to Mystic Creek, Oregon, for a fresh start. But she’s having a tough time providing for herself and her six-year-old daughter. Writing her secret yearnings on slips of paper and sending them into the wind helps her cling to the hope that things will get better…and that she can find happiness again.

Jeb Sterling has no idea that the handwritten messages he finds scattered across his land are the first hints that his life is about to change. Nor does he understand why he feels so compelled to help Amanda Banning and her daughter when a cold snap leaves them temporarily homeless. Maybe he’s inspired by Amanda’s courage or perhaps by her beautiful brown eyes. Either way, the man who once renounced love suddenly finds himself willing to do anything for the pair. Amanda seems to have given up on her dreams, but Jeb refuses to quit until he makes her every wish come true…"   --From Goodreads

I was surprised at how much I truly liked this story.  Amanda ran away from her husband with her daughter Chloe, and that took real guts.  She also was very mindful about how she wanted to stand on her own two feet and was hesitant about taking any help from anyone, even her swoon-worthy neighbor, Jeb.  The story was well written and clearly illustrated how some women heal after being abused by their significant others.  I can't wait for more in this series, as I hope the other main characters will be Jeb's five brothers and sisters.  

Overall, this is a good book for someone who likes a little bit of intrigue with their romance novels.