Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

Camden is the story of two brothers, Cam (Camden) and his twin brother Pierce, who couldn’t be more different on the outside. Cam rocked the bad boy look while Pierce was pure Brooks Brothers, but still they became partners at a firm called The Skin Agency, which was created to keep the rich, famous and infamous free from kidnappers, blackmailers and extortionists. Mostly. But one night things go wrong when a burgeoning pop star, Yara Bujold, goes missing. It changes everything for Cam and Xio Axelrod did a fantastic job of showing just how much he was affected by that night. He was tortured and guilty before leaving the agency to work at a bar he owned, and then…in walks the dead pop star he’d helped destroy.

I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure about Camden at first. Even though his guilt was palpable almost from his first appearance on the page, in my view he was still a pretty bad guy and the more I learned about what happened to Yara, the more that belief stuck. Yara was strong and tough and vulnerable at the same time, so basically she was the kind of heroine you have a really good time rooting for. When Yara and Cam first shared a page, the chemistry was so hot and sizzling, it leapt off the page. Xio Axelrod did a really good job illustrating the inevitable tension between them as the chemistry turned to more. The best thing about this story in my opinion is Yara. She wasn’t a dumb heroine who constantly put herself in danger to find the truth. She was smart, calculating, and cleverly stayed out of sight while she set her plans in motion. Xio Axelrod is a new author to me but Camden is a good, fast read that held my attention from beginning to end.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Escape by Cybill Cain is a novella that is a cross between a steamy romance and erotica. When Max Alexander, silver screen superstar, finishes his latest movie he needs a break and his old friend offers him exactly that with a month at an isolated beach B&B on the North Carolina coast, all to himself. An opportunity to be pampered is not one Max is going to turn up his nose at, but little did he suspect that this vacation would mark a turning point in his life. Annie Clemons, the woman who runs Escape is a self-contained artist who has spent virtually all her life at the boarding house that has been in the family for generations. She also has an undying movie crush on the gorgeous Max Alexander. When Max first arrives, sparks fly between the pair and so develops an adventure.

It is obvious that Escape is part of a larger series of books grouped together as Chimera Club stories. Although only a novella, I found the story packed full of intrigue and adventure, not to mention the sex, which was hot, steamy and well written by the author. I do enjoy a good, old-fashioned romance from time to time and this is exactly what Escape is – an escape into fantasy and desire. We all dream of the perfect relationship with the perfect man/woman and Cybill Cain brings us that in Escape. Perhaps Max is too perfect physically, but then again, he is an actor so what can you expect. As pure escapism, it is as good as anything I’ve read lately. If you like your romances with some sexual bite, then I’m sure this will prove a winner for you. A good solid five stars for this effort.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Evie Taylor is obsessed about her work, with decidedly no time for men and she loves her life that way, but she has a secret liking for Michael Marsh, the Diamond Superstar. Michael has been widowed for two years and the young woman who helped close the case on his wife’s murder still haunts his thoughts. Circumstances bring them together and this time their hearts are lit with a powerful flame of desire. And it’s not long before they find themselves poised for an ultimate union. But there is someone who is out to destroy their marriage before it is even consummated, a spy who does not seem to particularly like the Marsh family, a journalist who is about to prove that Michael has an incestuous relationship with his own daughter, Lisette. Will Evie’s investigative skills be enough to stop an enemy hell-bent on destroying the man who’s turned her life upside-down?

Sweet Temptation is another compelling, sizzling romance spiced with detective work from an author that has created her unique signature for the genre with her exciting characters and strong plot lines. Sarah Stuart creates worlds that feel so real and gets her readers into them. I was hooked from the very start of the story, thanks to the tight and exquisite writing. The reader is greeted with action as they start the story and the intensity doesn’t slow a bit. Abduction is introduced at the beginning in a very clever manner, and the reader immediately notices one of the key characters, Evie. I fell in love with her and was keen to see how she develops. The themes of romance, family, and intrigue are so masterfully crafted into the strong plot and readers will want to discover the part each character plays. Sweet Temptation is a well-crafted story that will delight fans of contemporary romance; it is well-plotted and the characters will stay with readers for a long time. I particularly loved the age gap between Michael and Evie. Sarah Stuart successfully establishes herself as a mistress of the romance genre.

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Love Over Lattes (Desert Monsoon Series, Book 1) by Diana Hicks is a contemporary romance novel. Love Over Lattes is one of those quintessential romance novels with plenty of chemistry, mutual attraction, and push and pull between the characters. In this book, we meet Valentina who is a single parent, finishing up college and trying to find a house to rent for her small family. Due to financial troubles, she is unable to find a place, and this is where Derek Cole, a highly attractive man, steps in and offers her a place to live. Derek and Valentina had been eyeing each other in the coffee shop for six months before they finally talked. Derek is also fighting through his own problems with his ex-wife and his company. Although Valentina strictly enforces a no-sex rule, the mutual attraction is undeniable and their romance is what forms the plot of this novel.

Love Over Lattes is a good read for anyone who enjoys love stories. Set in Arizona, the story has all the makings of a good romance novel. I liked the portrayal of both of these protagonists and I also liked the fact that Valentina is shown to be a single mother, willing to do anything for her child, as it provides a realistic and hopeful glimpse into modern life where, in the end, true love is what matters. Cole is, of course, dashing and handsome, and the fact that this novel is written in these characters’ voices provides a glimpse into his male mind, emotions, and motivations. This is certainly a fun and entertaining read for romance fans.

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 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 Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Tate is struggling with the fact that her parents are dead, her Nana is dying, her husband is cheating on her, and she is keeping all of the pain deep within. With her last breath, Nana Maria asks Tate to go to Europe and meet her European family. Over the years, Nana Maria has shared stories of her youth with Tate, but has not told her all of the details. As the story progresses, we read Maria’s story in her own words as she tells us of her life in France. Tate immediately makes plans to travel to Europe and meet her family. Tate is welcomed with open arms and is quickly made to feel right at home. She finds happiness, peace, love, and willingly and happily opens her heart and her thoughts to her wonderful new family. There are secrets to learn, adventures to have, lots of parties and food to eat, and Tate would like to stay forever, but sadly she must go back home to Pittsburgh.

Beautiful Secret is a love story of the present beautifully intertwined in the past. I really loved being a part of Tate and Nana Maria’s story and was drawn further and further in as I read. Beautiful Secret will make you smile and make you cry and it will keep you reading long into the night. The ending has a totally unexpected twist and is one I did not see coming. Dana Faletti is a gifted romance storyteller, creating believable, lovable characters and a plot that has no flaws. I highly urge you to read Beautiful Secret; it is more than just a five star winner.

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!