Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

Crazy in Love is the story of Anna Flint and Matt Harper, two programmers who spend years sharing a cubicle wall and trying very hard not to crush on each other. Anna is a mess, but she is also completely wonderful. She collects can, as in food cans, and she can’t stand for anyone to touch her. They call her ‘Crazy Anna’ and it bothers her only marginally. She likes being alone, at least until Matt. He is kind and nice and it doesn’t seem to matter that she’s Crazy Anna. Annabelle Costa has done something pretty wonderful with this story as she takes us on a six-year journey of crushes, friendship and, ultimately, love.

I cannot say enough good things about Crazy in Love and especially Anna. She is strong, smart, and for the most part she is completely happy with her life as it is. Isolated and lonely. When Matt needs her, she comes through for him, not right away though because Annabelle Costa is a masterful storyteller. We watch Anna gradually getting better in fits and starts, doing things even her own family couldn’t convince her to do. For him. And Matt is totally swoon-worthy, he has a giant crush on her even before his world is flipped upside down, and his affection only grows. What I loved most about Crazy in Love is that there were times I felt exasperated with Anna and disgusted with Matt because they were being exactly who they are. They weren’t perfect people with a perfect love, but they were the perfect couple for this story. Typically I avoid stories written in the first person, but I’m glad I kept going because this book was totally worth it!

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

When we first meet Grace, she is a happy bride, but that quickly ends and, in her heartbroken state of mind, she decides to go on her planned honeymoon to Bora Bora alone. Leo is in Bora Bora on a work assignment in the room next door to Grace. Leo sees the pain that Grace is in and takes it upon himself to be there for her. They spend the week together, enjoying each other’s company, hiking, snorkeling and talking. At the end of the vacation, they say their goodbyes and though each has felt a great attraction toward the other, no last names or phone numbers are exchanged. At home both can’t get the other out of their thoughts, but they know they will never meet again; or will they? Grace restarts her life with a new job, in a new town, which just happens to be where Leo lives. The two face many roadblocks, distractions and concerns, but slowly allow their feelings to win over. When Grace finds an old article that has shocking news, the roller coaster takes another huge dip and she runs as quickly as she can away from Leo. I am leaving out a lot of the story because you simply must read it for yourself and find out the conclusion to each of their lives.

Broken Wide Open is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Grace and Leo tell their story sharing the uphill, downhill and screaming drops in a way that kept me glued to the book from beginning to end. I found Broken Wide Open to be everything I enjoy in a good book. Author Susan Griscom has created characters that are impossible not to like and a plot that never falters. I highly recommend Broken Wide Open to every romantic genre reader – it is a definite winner.

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

High Hopes by Sue Lilley is a romantic drama centering around the life and loves of the main protagonists, Sam, Grace, and Dixie. Sam and Dixie have been married for a long time and the three go back a long way as friends. However, Grace carries a secret from a long time ago when she and Sam had a brief fling that resulted in a pregnancy. However, Grace had decided to give up the baby for adoption, knowing that Sam and Dixie were getting married and she would never wreck that or be able to be a single mother successfully. Now, several years later, Grace hears from her daughter who wants to know about her biological father. This sets in motion a series of events as Grace faces the choice of telling her secret after all these years, and how it will affect all of their lives and relationships forever, as well as form new ones in the process.

High Hopes by Sue Lilley is a fictional novel, but the characters and setting are portrayed in an authentic and realistic way. This is a book filled with suspense, romance, love, heartbreak, and pain. There are a number of supporting characters that round off this story and complement the central protagonists well. This book teaches us that sometimes there are just no easy answers and that life and relationships are complicated. That being said, the plot and the writing still make this a hopeful and inspiring read, and convey the idea that as long as there is life and love, there is hope. A good, enjoyable read that I would recommend!

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

Very early in life, Katharine Firestone realized her existence was jaded beyond repair. Daughter of a ruthless Hollywood agent, Kat’s earliest memories are filled with hours of toe-bleeding ballet, ridiculous figure conscious dieting, and extreme routines not normal for any normal child. If her mother, Cynthia, really wanted to know of her daughter’s preferences, Kat would undoubtedly confirm that she was quite content with life as a bartender at one of LA’s swankiest night clubs.

But Cynthia is relentless and when Katharine finds herself at another unwanted audition, she is firmly aware that she is not acceptable for the part for which she is reading. She is not at all aware of the fact that reading for just another cheesy vampire script will change her life. At least that is what Wyatt Hastings of the network owning Hastings tells her following her disastrous performance. She is not to be the next television sensation. Wyatt Hastings has marked her for the lead in a big screen film. He sees her gritty fire and feels her passion that will perfectly complement co-star Grayson Dunn. The man who broke her heart years ago. The man Kat firmly swore to hate for all of eternity.

The Monday Girl (The Girl Duet, Part 1) by Julie Johnson is packed full of energetic dialogue and amusing situations, even if you are not a Hollywood star! Johnson’s delightful incorporation of current events invites the reader to become part of the writing process with familiar references. My only complaint is that it ended too soon.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Friar is a romantic suspense novel written by Samantha Cole. Sage Hammond was determined to keep her husband’s family horse ranch a going concern, even though the stillborn birth of a colt the previous season had made keeping up with mortgage payments a challenge. Ever since her husband died two and a half years ago, she had been both mother and father to her two small children, as well as a full-time rancher with a 150-acre spread specializing in breeding Appaloosas. Evan and Maddie Tanner were extended family who had been working with the Hammonds since her husband had been a boy, but the ranch needed at least another hand to keep up. It was a hot and dusty late spring morning when Adam Westfield came walking up the path to her home. Benji, the family’s dog, instantly went on the defense, and Sage had to admit to herself that the man had quickly disarmed her protective dog with his calm and kind responses, but Sage wasn’t about to be as easily persuaded. Adam explained that Reverend Stevens had suggested he come out and meet her. The Reverend knew she was looking for a ranch hand, and Adam, who was new in town, needed work. Adam explained that he was from New York and had been recently released from prison. He was looking for a chance to start again.

Samantha Cole’s romantic suspense novel, The Friar, is a marvelous second-chance story about a young widow and the ex-con who walks into her life. Cole’s main characters are strong, independent and ethical in their outlooks on life, and the reader can instantly understand why Reverend Stevens sent Adam to Heaven’s Pastures, Sage’s ranch. I had a grand time watching as Adam interacts with Sage, Evan and Maddie, and Sage’s two children, and loved seeing him adapt to a very different culture than the one he was raised in. The Friar is a delight to read. There’s tension and suspense around the stalker who’s determined to wreak havoc on the ranch and its inhabitants that works quite well to keep the reader involved in the story. Cole also admirably addresses the automatic bias that many ex-convicts face after they’ve served their time, and the difficulty they have in being accepted back into society, as evidenced by the hostility of the local residents toward Adam. The Friar is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Out Of The Box Everlasting by Jennifer Theriot is an intense romance novel about a middle-aged couple who are giving themselves another chance with a loving relationship. The newly engaged Olivia and Ash are just returning from a ten-day trip to Paris. They are planning on going to their newly renovated condo and visiting Olivia's pregnant daughter. On their arrival at the Houston airport, they receive an alarming phone call. A critical accident has occurred and the repercussions from it expose secrets and reveal a hidden indiscretion. This new element in their family changes the family's perspectives and how they view their relationships. Olivia is still reeling from the feelings of inadequacy in her previous marriage and, taking offense, she runs away. While Olivia seeks to find herself, Ash is desperately searching for her. Apprehensive and agitated, will Olivia allow Ash back into her life? Will they be able to reconcile their pasts and have a future together?

Out Of The Box Everlasting by Jennifer Theriot is the third Out Of The Box novel. In this book, Ash and Olivia's individual tainted histories have come to haunt their present. Before they can move ahead to their future, Olivia and Ash must resolve their pasts. They have to confront the painful memories of their former marriages. Olivia is a passive aggressive person and has to be in control, believing that her first husband walked over her. Even though she doesn't realize it, she tries to take charge of everybody else's lives so that she feels safe. Ash is an amazing and loving man who cares very much about those around him. Although he has the ability to be a powerful person, he is easily manipulated by those who are closest to him. He loves so hard, that he sometimes gives too much. Olivia and Ash have been deeply injured by their previous spouses and this is the story of how they put their unhappy experiences behind them and start over. This is a beautiful story about a second chance at love, and I recommend it to all those who love second chance romance novels. However, I must give a word of caution; this book contains very graphic sex scenes and is not suitable for anyone under the age of eighteen.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Giving new meaning to “off the charts,” Stepping Stone: The Stone Series, Book 2 by Dakota Willink is one of those novels that make you want more the moment you read the last word. The novel moves the story of Krystina Cole and Alexander Stone forward and takes us on a journey with them. Krystina and Alexander both have a dark past that they cannot fight off. Krystina knows that her past has damaged her and no one can help her get over it, but her. She can love, but only to a limit. She cannot let herself go and delve deep into love. Even if she wants to, she cannot help it.

Alexander Stone knows that he loves Krystina and he wants to give this love a chance. Even if it means that he will have to share his dark past with her, he will do it in a heartbeat. He knows that she is his salvation and his way out of this dark life. Together, they are ready to give themselves a chance and make it work; however, is it possible? But fate has other plans for them. What can they do when the universe is conspiring against them?

This novel was intense! I loved it and I loved the sizzling hot chemistry between Alexander and Krystina. Both of them were trying equally hard (although Alexander takes the brownie points for being an awesome guy!). I loved how after resisting, Krystina took a chance, finally working with Alexander to make it succeed. I cannot wait for the next novel in the series because this is now one of my favorite novels this year! So romantic and awesome!

Reviewed by Anna Smith for Readers' Favorite

Your Soul Was Made for Mine by C.L. Hunter is a sizzling romance that combines romance with different elements of fantasy and history to create a well-balanced story. Billionaire Nolan O'Neil is surprised by the tragic death of his friend, attorney Thomas Stone. Nolan makes a deathbed promise to Thomas to look out his wife, Emmalyn. When Nolan and Emmalyn meet in Ireland, their lives careen onto a different path. Suddenly, their lives are changed forever as they start to uncover amazing secrets. Intense dangers appear from Nolan's past. When an angel begins to guide the pair, the story leads to discoveries that neither character could have imagined. All the while, they are hopelessly attracted to one another in a very hot and steamy way that will leave the reader breathless.

Your Soul Was Made for Mine is a steamy romance with very well written characters, especially the main characters, Nolan and Emmalyn. I loved the attraction between the two and thought the heat on the pages was very well done! Hunter did a nice job of creating passion in a story that involved a widow and the husband's best friend. I thought that relationship was explained well. I also enjoyed the rest of the story, so that this wasn't just a flat romance but it had some body and depth. The setting in Ireland was beautifully described and made me want to travel there immediately! I always appreciate a story that is written well enough to transport me to a new place.

Reviewed by Michelle Randall for Readers' Favorite

Cypress Falls is a sleepy little town in Louisiana that gave rise to three sisters; twins Georgia and Ginger, and their older sister, Risa. At one time, Georgia and Risa sang together in a local band, but that is all water under the bridge and food for a longtime grudge that is probably being held against the wrong person. Georgia and Ginger now live in LA, and are coming home for Risa's only daughter's wedding. With sibling rivalry, old boyfriends, and lost loves, it is bound to be an eventful weekend. The Lonely Hearts Club is the story of three sisters, each lonely in their own way and for very different reasons. Author Sandra Edwards weaves together an old-fashioned tale of younger sister making it big and older sister feeling slighted with exes and might-have-beens to form a heart-warming tale of second chances.

The Lonely Hearts Club is the second book in the Southern Charmers series, and who doesn't love a story about some good ole southern men, with looks and charm. As the story develops, we learn that the longtime grudge between Georgia and Risa is really only one sided, and it is being fueled by someone who uses it to their advantage. Old feelings are rekindled and new romances bloom in the garden and backyard of the south. Author Sandra Edwards does an amazing job making you feel for each character and see their side of things. I found myself wanting to smack certain self-involved characters that were using the sisters for themselves, and just waiting, impatiently, for the truth to come out and the sisters to find their place together again. This is a wonderful book, nothing you wouldn't want your teen to read. Great for all ages of readers!

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Forever Grace: Ever After Book 2 by Linda Poitevin follows Grace, a woman in her thirties, living with four children deep in the woods. Lonely and scared, her main priority is protecting these little kids who are mature beyond their years. With the threat of danger always in their heads, there is nothing that can change her focus from them to anything else. She had no idea what a handsome stranger with his leg in plaster can do.

Sean is a cop, he is a protector and he loves his peace. When he came to his cabin to recuperate from a bad leg after a shooting incident, he had no idea that he would find a family that he will love and cherish beyond anything else. The four children are special and so is their aunt. There is an undeniable chemistry between them, but there is something else. They are hiding, but from what and who? Is this a disaster waiting to happen or he is finally finding kids he can actually call his own?

Forever Grace: Ever After Book 2 by Linda Poitevin is one of those rare romance novels that is not just good, but leaves an imprint on your mind and so you remember it forever. This novel made me so happy. Clean, beautiful and a perfect romance novel that will make you sigh. From the moment I started reading this novel, I knew it was special and I would just simply love it. This beautiful novel is now my all time favorite. I love every single thing about this novel. I love Annabelle, Joshua, that brave little boy. That Annabelly chant was really cute. And gosh the end, it was intense, sweet, and so very romantic. Sean and Grace are now my favorite characters! Five stars through and through.