Ex Libris Romance (24)

Ex Libris Romance is a feature that gives short reviews of romances.  You can read about my Heat ratings here.

 

doubleDouble Take by Leslie Kelly
Heat: Hot
Publisher: Harlequin
Available Now
When her research about orgasms goes viral, sex therapist Lindsey Smith needs a place to lie low. Substitute teaching on Wild Boar Island, Michigan, promises not only privacy, but an opportunity to not think about sex. Which, thanks to the town’s too-tasty police chief, lasts exactly one second. After the dangerous streets of Chicago, Mike Santori figured the island was a safe, sane place to settle down. Getting hot for the new teacher wasn’t in the plan. Especially when he discovers that Lindsey is more than she claims to be. Mike decides to use every sexy trick in the book to strip Lindsey of her defenses and reveal all of her secrets. It’s a wickedly sensuous journey, one that pushes both of them beyond their limits…to the heart of their desires.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Double Take was a nice twist on the woman running away from her problems trope with a heroine that has a PhD and who is famous (notorious) for her orgasm research.  Enter a small town cop and some very nosy residents and you have a fun, quick read.  I liked the banter between the two main characters and the small town setting, which will always be one of my favorites. The subject matter of the research also made for some hilarious and steamy situations. All in all, this one was a win for me.

 

 

bestBest Kind of Broken by Chelsea Fine
Heat: Medium
Publisher: Forever
Available Now
Pixie and Levi haven’t spoken in nearly a year when they find themselves working―and living―at the same inn in the middle of nowhere. Once upon a time, they were childhood friends. But that was before everything went to hell. And now things are… awkward. All they want to do is avoid each other, and their past, for as long as possible. But now that they’re forced to share a bathroom, and therefore a shower, keeping their distance from one another becomes less difficult than keeping their hands off each other. Welcome to the hallway of awkward tension and sexual frustration, folks. Get comfy. It’s going to be a long summer. – Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This book had everything I love in NA romance: dual point of view, a sexy and protective (but respectful) love interest, and a heroine who is not perfect, but is interesting and strong.   It’s set in a small town (my favorite) where Levi and Sarah (Pixie) are both getting over something devastating.  You don’t know their complete history right away, but it is given to the reader in tidbits that really kept my interest.  There are some steamy scenes, but it is mostly a very sweet and and poignant romance.  I really enjoyed reading this story and getting to know the characters, as well as their families and friends.  I see that there will be a companion novel set in the same town and I will definitely be checking that out, as well!

 

 

undone Undone by Shannon Richard
Heat: Hot
Publisher: Forever
Available Now
After losing her job, her apartment, and her boyfriend, Paige has no choice but to leave Philadelphia and move in with her retired parents. For an artsy outsider like Paige, finding her place in the tightly knit town isn’t easy-until she meets Brendan, the hot mechanic who’s interested in much more than Paige’s car. In no time at all, Brendan helps Paige find a new job, new friends, and a happiness she wasn’t sure she’d ever feel again. With Brendan by her side, Paige finally feels like she can call Mirabelle home. But when a new bombshell drops, will the couple survive, or will their love come undone?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undone was one of those romances that I got pulled into and happily read in one sitting.  I loved the sweet relationship between Paige and Brendan and the nosiness of the town’s residents.  That nosiness was cleverly turned into a point of conflict in the story  The majority of the book is actually about their relationship, which was a nice change from a story about endless break-ups.  They faced some pretty tough challenges after they became a couple and so I felt I really got a chance to see them as a couple rather than the book ending when their life together starts.  What can I say except that it was a good story that I enjoyed reading.  I am definitely going to be buying the other books in this series!

 

 

alwaysIt’s Always Been You by Jessica Scott
Heat: Medium
Publisher: Forever
Available Now
The only thing riskier than mixing business with pleasure is enjoying it . . . and Olivia can’t resist locking horns–and lips–with Ben. He’s got more compassion in his little finger than any commander she’s ever met, a fact that makes him a better leader than he realizes. But when the case that brought them together awakens demons from Olivia’s past, she will have to choose between following orders–or her heart. – Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I went into this book expecting it to be a quick read, but what I found was a sexy and emotional romance about people trying to live their lives in a time of war ad deployments.  The company that Ben inherits, and must lead, is a mess.  Olivia is the lawyer assigned to help the leadership wade through any legal issues – sort of like a company HR person, and there are many issues to be had.  Both Ben and Olivia are scarred, physically and emotionally, and I found their relationship to be both sweet and very believable.  I became really involved int the story and definitely plan to go back and read the rest of the books in the “Going Home” series!

Kate

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2 responses to “Ex Libris Romance (24)

  1. Ah, I love these mini reviews for romance titles! Our spinoff romance blog is on hold at the moment since Kate and I have both been so busy, but we’re always on the lookout for good recs. These sound fun, thanks for the reviews.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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