At the beginning of Tiffany White’s category romance Cheap Thrills, the hero Crew Harper is working this side gig as a window-washer when he becomes an accidental peeping Tom. A woman enters an office, she undresses… 4 stars
Contemporary Romance Review
Category Romance Review: Sirocco by Anne Mather
An Anne Mather Harlequin Presents is what I considered to be an “old reliable.” In this category romance, Sirocco, Anne Mather employs one of her commonly used tropes: a hero in pursuit of an already “attached” woman. 3.5 stars
Category Romance Review: Forbidden Fantasy by Tiffany White
As long as I have memory, Tiffany White’s Forbidden Fantasy is a book I will never forget reading. Hopefully, if you pick it up, you’ll feel the same way, just for a slightly different reason. 4 stars
Category Romance Review: Man in Control by Alice Morgan
Man in Control by Alice Morgan features a unique heroine, an avaricious young woman who openly acknowledges that she’s looking to settle down with a man, not for love but money. 3 stars
Category Romance Review: Country Bride by Debbie Macomber
Debbie Macomber’s Country Bride was my introduction to this hugely popular author. I’m ashamed to admit that although I’ve read a handful of her Harlequins, I had no idea that Debbie Macomber was such a commercial hit with her small-town romances. Up until recently, I had no clue that she’s got a whopping 200 million books in print and has written several movies for the Hallmark channel. 4 1/2 stars
Category Romance Review: Tangled Hearts by JoAnn Ross
I have to give it JoAnn Ross for her book Tangled Hearts, in that she tried to do something unique in a category romance novel. It’s just unfortunate for me that I didn’t like where she went with it. 1.5 Stars
Category Romance Review: Bride at Whangatapu by Robyn Donald
Bride at Whangatapu includes the hallmarks of almost every one of Robyn Donald’s books: the environment of New Zealand and a cruel hero. 2 Stars
Category Romance Review: Nelson’s Brand by Diana Palmer
Nelson’s Brand was my first and, so far, only foray into Diana Palmer’s little corner of Romancelandia. Palmer has got a bit of a reputation in the genre as an author of ultra-macho, hairy-chested heroes and virginal, too-stupid-to-live heroines. 2 stars
Category Romance Review: Easy Lovin’ by Candace Schuler
Harlequin Temptation #331 Candace Schuler Easy Lovin’ is slow romance written by an author who’s produced much better books. Kate Hightower is a prim and proper miss who’s always done what’s expected of her. Except now, she’s running away from her life, having left her fiance at the altar. She’s not sure what she wants, but it’s definitely a drastic change. So she goes to New Orleans to find herself. 1 star
Romance Review: Trust in Tomorrow by Carole Mortimer
Trust in Tomorrow by Carole Mortimer (also known as Cherish Tomorrow) offers an engaging romance between its main characters. Sadly, the overall plot suffers from implausibility and a lack of emotional depth. 2.5 stars