Romance | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

THE TOTAL PACKAGE by Stephanie Evanovich

March 15, 2016

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This is the latest contemporary romance from someone who has become one of my favorite authors. If you haven’t read Big Girl Panties (which made my best books of 2013 list) or The Sweet Spot, you can start here. Like most romance series, the latest book barely touches on the previous ones, but if you’ve read them, you will appreciate the update, and if you haven’t, you will want to after reading this one. Make sense?!

Tyson Palmer was a super star quarterback until he fell into drug and alcohol addiction. During that time, his college tutor, Bella, who had a big crush on him, managed to get him to take her virginity, but he barely remembers it.

Fast forward a few years, and Tyson has been given a true gift by the owner of a fictitious Texas football team. The owner gets Tyson dried out and cleaned up and back playing the best football of his life. Sports reporter Dani Carr isn’t too impressed, and in fact, keeps her distance from him. Until she’s hired by the team as a publicist for one of their closed mouth superstars and she is forced to deal with him.

Eventually Tyson figures out who she really is, but it takes a little longer for the romance to reach it’s usual conclusion – but not before the angst, the laughs and hot sex -and Evanovich really excels at all three. This is a terrific romance for fans of Jennifer Crusie or Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I loved it!

3/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE TOTAL PACKAGE by Stephanie Evanovich. William Morrow (March 15, 2016). ISBN 978-0062234858. 256p.

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4 Comments | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Thriller | Permalink
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IN WANT OF A WIFE by Jo Goodman

February 23, 2016

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Bitter Springs Series, Book 3

So yet again I have started a series from the middle. But even with the new genre, Western Romance, it doesn’t seem to matter. The series is set in the Old West, this book in 1891, and I’m really not sure how they differ from more traditional westerns. More research ahead.

This has what I imagine to be a typical Western Romance trope, the mail order bride. The bride in question is Jane Middlebourne.

Jane has lost her parents and was reluctantly taken in by some cousins. She is more servant than family member, so when the opportunity arises to escape her situation, she leaps on it.

But when she arrives in Bitter Springs, Wyoming, she find that her husband-to-be was expecting someone else – her cousin, who had somehow swapped out their pictures before mailing the letter for Jane. They decide to wait 24 hours to see if they still want to get married, and they do – but they don’t consummate the marriage for quite a while due to a series of misunderstandings and miscommunication.

Morgan Longstreet is the husband and is a rancher, fairly new to the community. He bought an existing ranch, hired some local ranch hands, but has been plagued by cattle rustlers. Longstreet is very closemouthed – to the town, and to his wife.

Eventually they find a way to communicate, and his past starts catching up with him. A bit of a mystery and some exciting action help propel this story right along. I stayed up late into the night to finish it. Now I’m looking for the first book in the series, Last Renegade.

2/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

IN WANT OF A WIFE by Jo Goodman. Berkley (May 6, 2014). ISBN 978-0425264164. 384p.

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1 Comment | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Historical, Western | Permalink
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TRUE TO THE LAW by Jo Goodman

February 22, 2016

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Bitter Springs Series, Book 2

This was my first foray into the Western Romance subgenre. These are historicals, set in the Old West around 1889, and I’m really not sure how they differ from more traditional westerns. Guess I’ll have to read a few of those to find out.

Cobb Bridger was a detective with the famed Pinkerton private detective agency who has gone out on his own. He is hired by the wealthy Mackey family in Chicago to find a former employee who has stolen something. Mackey won’t say what was stolen, but rather only hires Cobb to find the woman.

He tracks her down to Bitter Springs, Wyoming, a small town that is at the crossroads of the burgeoning train system. Tru Morrow is the new school teacher, recently hired by way of Chicago. Bridger forms a relationship with her, ostensibly to determine if she is the woman he is seeking, but he finds her most attractive and honest, and cannot imagine that she has stolen anything.

The more he gets to know her, and she him, the more their relationship deepens. When the Mackeys arrive in town, Bridger’s protective instincts are out in full force.

There are several interesting characters, all of whom are well developed, and I really enjoyed this story. There is the setting of the Old West, which is interesting for sure, and a mystery as well as the romance. Lots to keep the pages turning.

2/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

TRUE TO THE LAW by Jo Goodman. Berkley (May 7, 2013). ISBN 978-0425264164. 384p.

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ANYTHING FOR YOU by Kristan Higgins

February 6, 2016

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The Blue Heron Series

Jess Dunn is a young woman with a past – and everyone in this small town knows all about her alcoholic parents, her mother’s death, her father’s disappearance, her younger brother with fetal alcohol sydrome and her nickname, “Jessica Does.” Jess was the high school slut, but she had good reasons for sleeping around; all the boys she slept with helped protect her brother.

As an adult, she’s managed to turn her life around. She has a good job in marketing at a small, prestigious winery and works a second job as a waitress at the town’s swankiest restaurant. When the restaurant owner wants to send her for a wine class to help her upsell her customers wine, she reluctantly agrees. But when she gets to class, the teacher is none other than Connor O’Rourke.

Jess met Connor as a child, and when her dog attacked and almost killed him, the dog had to be put down. Connor felt terrible, and they basically fell in love with each other at age 12, but never pursued it or even acknowledged it. But the time had come, and after Connor spends the night with her, he accidentally blurts out the dreaded nickname – Jessica Does.

Their relationship is off to a rocky start, and over a ten year period they are on again, off again more times than anyone even knows. But eventually things come to a head and decisions have to be made.

I loved these characters and although their relationship was ridiculously overrun with obstacles, most of their own making, I couldn’t help but root for this couple. I also loved the small town setting, the vineyard beautifully brought to life, and the inside look at a passionate chef’s first restaurant.

This was my first Kristan Higgins book, which I picked up after seeing several stellar reviews, and I have to agree. I loved it. This is the fifth book in the series, so happily, I have some catching up to do.

2/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

ANYTHING FOR YOU by Kristan Higgins. HQN Books (December 29, 2015). ISBN 978-0373789085. 416p.

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4 Comments | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: chick-lit | Permalink
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COLD-HEARTED RAKE by Lisa Kleypas

January 24, 2016

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Lisa Kleypas writes romance, both contemporary and historical. This one is historical, and terrific!

Devon Ravenel has inherited an earldom from his cousin, which he is none too happy about. The earldom includes a large estate that has fallen into serious disrepair after years of neglect, along with substantial debt. The former Earl’s wife and sisters are living in the manse and Devon decides to visit, kick them all out and sell off all the property. But when he gets there, he finds it’s not as easy as he thought it would be.

For one thing, his cousin’s widow Kathleen is stunning, and gets under his skin immediately. They butt heads constantly, but eventually Devon decides to keep the property. He send his drunken brother out to find out exactly what needs to be done, and with Kathleen’s sharp tongue keeping him in check, and sober, the work begins.

Eventually the romance heats up, but Devon has a love ’em and leave ’em reputation, and Kathleen isn’t interested – or so she thinks. This is a fast paced romance filled with snarky humor, my favorite kind. I can’t wait for the next book in this series – Marrying Winterborne (May 2016.)

1/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

COLD-HEARTED RAKE by Lisa Kleypas. Avon (October 27, 2015). ISBN 978-0062371812. 416p.

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2 Comments | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Historical | Permalink
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SUMMER ON BLOSSOM STREET by Debbie Macomber

January 22, 2016

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Blossom Street #6

This is the 6th entry into this very gentle series, which of course I started with book 10. When I need something I know will be light, sweet and ultimately satisfying, I turn to Debbie Macomber. It encompasses everything Macomber readers expect; women’s friendship, sweet romance and knitting. The series is set in Seattle and centers around A Good Yarn, a knitting shop. I don’t knit but I envy those who do.

Lydia Goetz, owner of A Good Yarn, decides to offer an evening knitting class called “Knit to Quit.” She gets an interesting mix of people. Phoebe Rylander signs up in hopes of getting over her broken engagement. Her fiance was arrested for soliciting a hooker – for the second time. She took him back once before and despite her mother’s pushing, not to mention his need to always be in control and working hard to get her back, she won’t budge. She hopes the knitting will take her mind off of things.

Hutch took over his family’s chocolate business after his father died very suddenly, and very young, from a heart attack. His doctor warns him that he is heading down the same path and recommends he takes up knitting as a stress reducer, so Hutch joins the class. And Alix Turner joins to try and help her kick the smoking habit since she wants to have a baby.

The young widow, Anne Marie Roche, is finally happy to be settled with her adopted daughter Ellen. They are a small family, and when Tim comes by the bookshop asking about Ellen, Anne Marie gets her guard up. Lydia and Brad decide they want to try and adopt a baby. Anne Marie loves being stepmother to Brad’s young son Cody, but two rounds of brain cancer left her unable to have her own so they hook up with a social worker to try and adopt. While they are waiting, a 12 year old girl needs immediate placement in a foster home so they take her in, which causes a bit of strain on the family.

All these women are friends, and their relationships and the budding romance between Phoebe and Hutch make for an interesting and enjoyable read.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and it was completely captivating and entertaining, despite the reader. Narrated by the single-named Delilah, who I did not love, to say the least. Delilah is quite the actress, or at least thinks she is, but was completely over the top here. Not to mention reading the same line twice on more than one occasion, and even worse, mispronunciations – I was especially annoyed when a thriller reader in the story was reading Brad “Metzler” books, who I happen to know as Brad MELTZER! Twice she called him Metzler. Arggh! I am very glad a different narrator does some of the later books, I won’t be listening to any more Delilah if I can help it.

1/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

BLOSSOM STREET BRIDES by Debbie Macomber. Ballantine Books (March 31, 2015). ISBN 978-0345528865. 432p.

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FORBIDDEN TO LOVE THE DUKE by Jillian Hunter

January 10, 2016

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The Fenwick Sisters Affairs, Book 1

The Fenwick sisters share an historic home that has fallen into serious disrepair since their father’s death in a duel. They have been selling off whatever they can to survive, until finally Lady Ivy Fenwick decides to answer an ad for a governess position with the nearby Duke of Ellsworth.

Lady Ivy had her coming out before her father’s death, and attended a ball where she was kissed by a stranger. He knew who she was though, so when the Duke of Ellsworth sees her applying for employment, he immediately hires her.

While she’s an excellent governess, she proves to be quite a temptation for the Duke, and he for her. When another man starts courting her for all the wrong reasons, the Duke does not take it very well.

This was a charming read with some humor and a terrific romance. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

1/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

FORBIDDEN TO LOVE THE DUKE by Jillian Hunter. Signet (February 3, 2015). ISBN 978-0451470133. 352p.

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Comments Off on FORBIDDEN TO LOVE THE DUKE by Jillian Hunter | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Historical | Permalink
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THE LIE AND THE LADY by Kate Noble

January 7, 2016

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Read on to find out how you can win a copy of the first book in the series, The Game and the Governess!

Winner Takes All, Book 2

In the first book of the series, the Earl of Asbury trades places with his secretary, John Turner, for a bet. While posing as the Earl, Turner falls in love with the visiting widow, Leticia, Countess of Churzy, but as soon as she finds out he is just a secretary, she dumps him and storms off.

This sequel follows John Turner and the Countess. She has been traveling, trying to stay one step ahead of all the stories about her misalliance. While in Paris she meets a lovely older gentleman, Sir Barty, and quickly agrees to become his wife.

Sir Barty brings her back to his small hometown, where she meets his daughter, a young woman who is a serious botanist in need of some guidance and a husband. Leticia is sure she can make a go of things but is forced to wait the requisite number of weeks while the banns are read in Church. Much to her horror, she finds herself face to face with John Turner.
TLTL TLL Teaser 1 Final
Turner’s mill is in this same small town, and his mother is great friends with Sir Barty, so they are often forced together. Something is afoot with the mill, and Turner is determined to get it running again but is quite distracted by his Letty. Try as they might to keep away from each other, sometimes true love is like magnetic north, and the pull is simply irresistible.

This was a terrific story with humor, pathos, and a bit of mystery in addition to the heated romance. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!

**To win your own copy of The Game and the Governess, the first book in the “Winner Takes All” series, please send an email to contest@gmail.com with “GOVERNESS” as the subject.**

You must include your U.S. street address in your email.

All entries must be received by Jan 21, 2016. One (1) name will be drawn from all qualified entries and notified via email. This contest is open to all adults over 18 years of age in the United States only. Your prize will be sent by the publisher.

One entry per email address. Subscribers to the monthly newsletter earn an extra entry into every contest. Follow this blog to earn another entry into every contest. Winners may win only one time per year (365 days) for contests with prizes of more than one book. Your email address will not be shared or sold to anyone.

Good luck!

1/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE LIE AND THE LADY by Kate Noble. Pocket Books (December 29, 2015). ISBN 978-1476749396. 384p.

2 Comments | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Historical | Permalink
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THE GAME AND THE GOVERNESS by Kate Noble

January 7, 2016

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Winner Takes All, Book 1

Read on to find out how you can win your own copy!

The Earl of Ashby, Lucky Ned to his friends, is sure he garners all the attention he does because of his innate charm. His old army captain, John Turner, is a mill owner down on his luck after his mill burns down, not once, but twice. Turner is working for the Earl as his secretary, trying to save enough to reopen his mill.

When the Earl is informed that he needs to make a decision about selling his mother’s home where he grew up, he decides to visit it one more time before he sells it. He hasn’t been back since he was a boy. His secretary will accompany him, and then Turner makes Lucky Ned a bet he can’t resist. They will trade places, Turner impersonating the Earl, and the Earl posing as Turner. Furthermore, the Earl has to get a woman to fall in love with him without revealing who he really is. If he wins, Turner will earn enough to reopen his mill, and if he loses, the Earl gets the mill.

There are rules and such, but the bet is on and they arrive in the small town to meet the family they will be staying with, and their visiting friends. Ned, posing as Turner, is determined to win the bet and the governess will fit the bill. Or will she?

I picked this up because it was on many of the best romances of the year lists and I liked it, but I found the back and forth and who was who a bit confusing at times. I did like the humor and the characters, and it all came together really well and I can see why it ended up on those lists. The sequel, The Lie and the Lady, just came out and I liked that one even more.

**To win your own copy of The Game and the Governess, please send an email to contest@gmail.com with “GOVERNESS” as the subject.**

You must include your U.S. street address in your email.

Good luck!

1/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE GAME AND THE GOVERNESS by Kate Noble. Pocket Books (July 22, 2014). ISBN 978-1476749389. 432p.

2 Comments | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Historical | Permalink
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THE ART OF SINNING by Sabrina Jeffries

January 4, 2016

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The Sinful Suitors, Book 1

I finally started a series with the first book, and now I can’t wait for the next!

Jeremy Keane is an American hiding out in Europe. After his father’s death, he and his sister inherited the family’s hugely successful mills, and she is running the business and doing a good job of it.

Jeremy has always wanted to be an artist, and is making a name for himself in England – and also a reputation as a rakehell. (I just love these old English words that pop up in all these historicals.) Known for frequenting bordellos, Jeremy is in search of his next model but can’t seem to find her there. He attends a ball and spots a woman across the room that he is just drawn to. She is Lady Yvette Barlow, and her brother Edwin is her protector.

Edwin has been having a rough go of finding a husband for his sister. Keane talks him into a portrait, which Edwin thinks will portray her in a marriageable way. Really.

Keane is completely smitten with the lady but believes it to be lust, although he’s never felt this way before, not even with nude models. The Lady is trying to find her debauched and imprisoned brother’s bastard, and enlists Keane’s help.

Both sets of families have secrets, and ferreting out the truth leads Yvette and Jeremy down a rocky road fraught with hot sex and eventually love. Great characters make a great love story and that is the case here. I stayed up late into the night to finish and was happily rewarded with a terrific ending.

1/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE ART OF SINNING by Sabrina Jeffries. Pocket Books (July 21, 2015). ISBN 978-1476786063. 400p.

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1 Comment | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Historical | Permalink
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