Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Scoring the Keeper's Sister is the first book in the Mr. Match series by Delancey Stewart. Erica was not expecting it when she was dumped by Andrew, her boyfriend who just happened to be a hand model. Now looking for love, she was surprised when her brother suggested Mr. Match, a dating app. However, when she was matched with Fernando “the Fire” Fuerte, she knew her luck was out to get her into trouble. He was a PR nightmare that she often had to handle as the representative for the Sharks. He might be a great player on the field, but he was not a man she would want to get romantically entangled with. He was a man who loved the chase and she was looking for something serious. However, a silly bet with her brother made her take the risk to make Fernando fall in love with her. The more time he spent with her, the more she started liking him. If she was not careful, she might be another victim to the Fire. Could she keep her heart in check to win a bet?

Scoring the Keeper's Sister by Delancey Stewart was flirty, hilarious, and too entertaining to put down. I loved the clichés and the surprises in the story. Erica and Fernando complemented each other well. He was the not-so-player player and she was the misinformed lady who was used to handling messes he created. At a glance, they were different but when I looked at them closely, they were very similar. They both loved with a fierceness that was at once as relatable as it was believable. They both were compassionate and they both loved to take care of people they liked. The pace was fast, it kept the story going and the plot was well thought out. I enjoyed how Erica and Fernando learned more about each other and how their feelings developed. It was not instant; they took their time and I got to enjoy their not-so-friendly banter in the meantime. This is entertainment at its best!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Bat Out Of Hell is a work of fiction in the romantic comedy genre. It is aimed at mature teen and adult readers alike and was penned by author Bernadette Franklin. The book follows the adventures of Shirley Manchester as she attempts to survive a wild Halloween, with a secret admirer in hot pursuit and a vengeful fashion designer with a bone to pick. Shirley attempts to navigate Halloween whilst unable to shrug off the thought that maybe she’s been cursed for real. As she manages to escape the party from hell (possibly literally) she discovers that the tricks and treats of Halloween are far from over. What results is a splendid and highly enjoyable rom-com with a spooky twist.

One of the most charming elements of this entertaining novel by Bernadette Franklin is the all-out commitment of the author to the time period of the story and the spooky hijinks that work their way out of Halloween and into Shirley’s life as the novel progresses. As a big fan of this particular holiday, I loved the atmosphere which it lent to the tale's curious twists and turns. The writing itself is highly enjoyable, with narration that allows us close insight to our heroine and the many issues she has to deal with as the plot careers around on a truly wild ride. The dialogue too was stellar, giving us instant characterization of many new faces and plenty of witty repartee between the central figures. Overall, I would certainly recommend Bat Out Of Hell to romantic comedy readers everywhere.

Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

My Not So Wicked Boss by Jennifer Peel is the third book in her My Not So Wicked Series. Aspen Parker has a track record for dating losers, so she has sworn off men. After assisting her favorite author, Miles Wickham, in setting up a checking account, she finds he is in great need of a nanny for his nephew. Aspen would love the opportunity to work for Miles and get out from under her obnoxious boss and make enough for the needs of her daughter. The attraction to Miles is troubling, especially since his primary character’s personality and flaws are like Aspen. It is as if he can see into her soul. Working for him could be her undoing if it wasn’t for the unusual clause in their contract.
 
Jennifer Peel is an award-winning author that keeps her fans begging for more. My Not So Wicked Boss has all the elements of an enticing romance novel; characters that sizzle, conflicting personalities, and past romances that have come back to haunt them. The author takes you quickly from one dramatic event to another as the tension builds between Aspen and Miles. The characters reveal their flaws, but you love them all the more. Aspen’s attitude towards men keeps her true to herself and her focus on her daughter. I love the fact that Aspen is cautious about the men she allows into her life with her vulnerable daughter. You will enjoy seeing characters from the previous My Not So Wicked Series books and how their lives have developed. Overall, I found this novel enchanting and mesmerizing with a fascinating plot and well-developed characters. If you enjoy a romance that relies on quality instead of cheap thrills, this is the novel for you.

Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite

The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin is a romantic comedy covering the chaotic and amusing midlife crisis of Hope, an accountant-sometimes-wedding-planner. After managing to get her brother’s "thoroughbride," Amy, (a chronic runaway bride) down the aisle, Hope is unceremoniously smashed on the temple by an errant baseball during the wedding photographs, leaving her in the care of her brother’s best friend, Rick. While she is ensconced in the hospital, Rick asks Hope if she would be willing to plan his cousin’s wedding, to which Hope agrees. After the hospital stay, and her brother’s complete disregard for her help in getting Amy to be his wife, Hope uproots her life and moves to New York. Rick is recruited by her family to find out where she is and talk some sense into Hope, as she deals with outlandish wedding requests, a new job, and her feelings for Rick in the process.

I certainly have to say this novel was not what I expected it to be. Witty dialogue, some immensely memorable characters, and a brilliant romantic build-up kept me hooked from page one. I devoured this book in two days, only because I had to stop to eat, sleep, and do housework. Hope is a captivating character with a punchy sense of humor that Rick fed right into. My favorite characters, though, were the Carters, but you’ll have to read the book to find out why! I will definitely be looking for more books by this author, as she seamlessly wove together a story that would do the big screen proud. The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin will keep any romance fan entertained from page one.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Relatively Normal is a contemporary humor novel written by Whitney Dineen. Jasmine and Catriona were the best of friends who had gone from being college chums to owning one of the most famed event planning companies in New York City. Now with Jazz about to marry her boyfriend, Dylan, Cat has some plans of her own for some light entertainment with one of the more attractive groomsmen in the bridal party. As she was wont to do, however, Cat tripped as she was reaching for a drink and toppled unceremoniously to the ground. One of Dylan’s friends, a tall, James Bond type with a sexy deep voice and impossibly green eyes was there to help her up and get her to a chair. He assiduously began helping ice her ankle for three hours during the event. From Cat’s perspective, he was a knight in shining armor and not bad to look at either. And while he didn’t exactly set her heart on fire, he was everything she could ask for in a prospective mate. But why then was she dreading bringing him -- and her prospective in-laws -- home to meet her dysfunctional family in Illinois?

Whitney Dineen’s contemporary humor novel, Relatively Normal, is a sheer delight to read. I loved getting to know Cat Masterton’s warm and quirky family and even looked up their family tartan on Google to see the admittedly garish pairings of bright yellow, green and red first-hand. Dineen’s story moves fluidly and smoothly, and her characters are so realistic I had to keep reminding myself that Relatively Normal was fiction and not a memoir. I watched as the Mastertons pulled their surprises on their beleaguered daughter and marvelled at the closeness and warmth that was theirs, dysfunctional or not. And I loved wondering whether Cat and Ethan ever would get married while admiring the latest costumes adorning her dad’s taxidermied collection of mice.

I’ve reviewed a number of Dineen’s books, including her middle-school book, Wilhelmina and the Willamette Wig Factory, and her memoir, Motherhood Martyrdom and Costco Runs, so I expected to have a grand time reading this offering. If anything, this exceeded my expectations. Relatively Normal is definitely not your normal story about in-laws and holidays -- it’s so much more. Relatively Normal is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Tracy Young for Readers' Favorite

September 9, 1989 in Cedarwood saw a remarkable event in the natal department of the General Hospital. Two sets of twins were born to the McCallister family and the Pascucci family respectively. Ian and Evan McCallister and Rainne and Rio Pascucci were destined to be a part of each other's lives due to the circumstances of their births, and so it seemed to be for the first nineteen years of their adolescence. Paradise by the Dashboard Light by Kathryn R. Biel is the story of what happens to them when a terrible secret rips their lives apart. Ten years after the events that destroyed their friendship, Ian and Rio meet up in Boston and discover they have a connection that is hard to ignore. Despite their sizzling chemistry, there is still a deep dark secret that threatens to keep them from fulfilling their destiny to be together despite the obstacles in their paths. Can their past be overcome, or will they face the future without each other?

This is a great read, a love story that will have you hooked until the very last page. Kathryn R. Biel has created characters that are complex, passionate and stubborn, and they will make you want to bang their heads together! They face the sort of obstacles that we have all encountered in our relationships, and she has also explored family issues that impact on the main characters. Paradise by the Dashboard Light is an emotionally charged story of love and passion, with a healthy dollop of lust thrown in for good measure! It is also a chance to examine the relationships between twin siblings and the connection they share. Rio and Ian have a rocky road to travel if they want to be together and the journey is a thrilling one. I recommend you take it with them!

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

A young woman takes a chance on love by beta-testing a cutting edge dating app in the sweet romance, Counting on You (Amarillo Sour Book 1) by Laura Chapman. Shy, quiet, high-school math teacher Haleigh Parde has a problem. An anxiety-inducing, nightmare-causing problem. In as little as one month, she will have to face her ex and his perfect wife at their ten-year high school reunion. Everyone on the reunion forum has taken bets that Haleigh won't even show. With rumors flying that she hasn't gotten over her old high school sweetheart, Greg, Haleigh decides to reclaim her life by forcing herself back into the dating world. With the help of a friend, she agrees to go out on a blind date, hoping to prepare for the reunion. When her first date in ten years goes horribly wrong, she is approached by a sympathetic onlooker, Ian. Or so she thinks. Ian Henning, an up and coming app developer for a romantic connections company, offers his dating app in exchange for an honest review. Desperate for a date for her reunion and confident that she won't be able to find one on her own, Haleigh agrees to try the app, with a few conditions. Will Ian agree to her terms? Can Haleigh find a date before the reunion?

Counting on You by Laura Chapman is the first in the Amarillo Sour Series. A sweet, heartwarming romantic story of two unlikely individuals not looking for love, this book is inspiring to the socially awkward and single. The characters are engaging and the plot conflicts charmingly, creating the perfect light read. Haleigh's insecurities play nicely against Ian's feigned confidence. I appreciated how both characters clearly had their flaws, but their kindness and compassion overshadowed those traits. Although the story slows a bit in the middle, it quickly picks up pace to a touching ending reminiscent of a high school rom-com. I recommend this book to readers of all ages who enjoy romantic themes such as second chances, love at first sight, and high school retribution. While initially they may not be searching for romance, Haleigh and Ian find something so much more valuable; companionship and trust.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Shammed is a contemporary romantic comedy novel written by Bernadette Franklin. Working as a legal secretary at R.K. Legal & Associates was not at all what Alice had envisioned it would be. The last attorney she had worked for was a bully and a cheat, and she was still undergoing surgeries to correct the damage done to her face when he attacked her. Alice’s friend, Chloe, had set the job search in motion, and Alice’s new boss, Mr. Kenton, was a dream of a boss. She had been there only a month before the latest prank, the festooning of his office with voice-activated spider toys, had him shrieking like a little girl. Alice, who absolutely adored spiders and had a few feisty tarantulas of her own, couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of those spiders and Mr. Kenton’s reaction. Pranks were a part of everyday life at R.K. Legal. Lance McCarthy was the opposing attorney in the Randell Case, a divorce action, and he was a veteran prankster. Alice’s new status with the firm would make her the least likely suspect for the series of pranks Kenton had in mind, and Alice was more than game to get involved.

Shammed is a hilarious look at the lengths to which some attorneys and their associates will go to to bring a little comic relief to what is a highly stressful and not terribly well compensated profession. And while Franklin describes R.K. Legal’s operating hours as between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., anyone familiar with that demanding profession knows that associates are expected to put in 60-80 hour workweeks to even begin to be considered for partner. Legal matters aside, I loved how this book ties in with Franklin’s preceding romantic comedy, Claustrophobic. The pranks are marvelous, and learning about Alice’s favorite pets, tarantulas, kept me taking side trips to google each new tarantula she considers buying and wistfully considering how to get one for myself. Franklin’s characters are credible and finely crafted and her plot is grand fun. Seeing how Alice learns to trust again and gains her self-confidence back is marvelous. Shammed reads like a breeze and kept me smiling throughout my reading experience. Shammed is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite

Emma Loveless was convinced her last name embodied the status of her love life – she would remain “loveless” forever. Working as a metallurgist at a local steel plant and living on a constant diet of Dr. Pepper and other sugar-filled items, Emma was not a petite young woman. When her well-meaning, matchmaking mother sets her up with her new optometrist, Dr. Sawyer King, Emma’s life takes unexpected twists and turns. In My Not So Wicked Stepbrother (My Not So Wicked Series Book 1), written by Jennifer Peel, there is a wonderful combination of humor, intrigue and numerous heartrending and heartwarming moments. Emma’s family, including her younger twin sisters Marcy and Marlowe, and her circle of friends, are supportive at times and seemingly unhelpful at others. Although Emma and Sawyer seem to be destined for each other, many other forces make the outcome unpredictable.

There is a complicated history among the family members, adding some unforeseen aspects to the interesting plot. The author skillfully adds new facts along the way, creating a depth to this romantic comedy story. There are many characters – from family members, to Emma’s coworkers, to her father’s employees – and each one is aptly described. The book is engaging from the first page to the last, and it is easy and fun to read. Author Jennifer Peel has written an entertaining romantic comedy in My Not So Wicked Stepbrother (My Not So Wicked Series Book 1). The title indicates it is the beginning of a series, and readers will look forward to seeing what happens next!

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Mona Lisa by Robyn Sheridan is just an out and out fun chick-lit story. Mona Lisa, a good Jersey girl from a strong Catholic Italian background, has been jilted at the aisle by her high school sweetheart and is feeling the intense pressure from her parents to get married and have children. Unable to face the whispers and pity of small town Jersey any longer, Mona Lisa decides she needs to get away from the family she loves and adores, but struggles to come to terms with, and seek a new beginning in far off Atlanta, Georgia. Between a father that still treats all his “girls” like they are still babies, a mother that wants to know everything she is up to, and four sisters who just want to help Mona Lisa, she is feeling penned in and unable to cope. Perhaps a new start will allow her to finally meet someone worthy of her love and attention – “Mr. Right”.

I have no doubt I am not Robyn Sheridan’s defined demographic with Mona Lisa, but I don’t care. I’m happy to proclaim that I absolutely loved this story and the smart, sassy humour that came with it. I particularly loved Mona Lisa as a character, who came across as the typical, ballsy, brassy Jersey girl, but who deep down just wanted to be normal and in a relationship, like everyone else. The whole Catholic/Italian/Jewish vibe that permeated the book was a pleasure to read and just added to the enjoyment. Noni, Mon Lisa’s feisty and frank grandmother, was such an endearing character and it was clear Mona Lisa relied so heavily on her advice and guidance. Yes, the father and mother were a little like caricatures but nonetheless, I am sure the story would resonate with many women from that background. I loved this book and found it a fun diversion from everyday events. An excellent read that I can highly recommend.