If, like me, you’re not the biggest fan of the schmalzy, Hallmark-y Christmas romances that proliferate at this time of year, then Garrett Leigh’s Christmas on Cosmic Avenue could be just what you’re looking for. It’s funny and snarky and warm; and it’s festive without being over-the-top, which makes for a perfect seasonal love story…
Off the Clock is the second book in Annabeth Albert’s latest series about a group of first responder friends who live in the fictional Oregon town of Mount Hope. A low-angst, age gap romance, it isn’t going to win any prizes for originality, but it’s an entertaining, character-driven story that underlines the importance of taking…
I am new to Candice Fox’s writing, but after inhaling Devil’s Kitchen, I’ll be reading more of her work. I know this sounds like hyperbole but, truly, I could NOT put this one down. The setup is irresistible: New York City’s fire department, especially after 9/11, is known for their heroism and skill and one…
Up All Night is the first book in Annabeth Albert’s new series featuring first responders, which is set in the small (fictional) Oregon town of Mount Hope. The author is a long-time favourite whose books, even when they’re not stellar, are good, solid reads featuring protagonists who are easy to like and relate to, with…
Kate Meader has garnered quite a few good grades for her contemporary romances here at AAR, but I’m afraid that I found her latest book, Down in Flames, just about average. The romance between a newly-out hockey star and a probationary firefighter with a chequered past is well-written, but there’s nothing new here and the…
I know Rebecca Crowley from her soccer romances (such as Crossing Hearts, which I previously reviewed at AAR) but currently she’s been writing a contemporary romance series called Orchard Hill, with characters who practice their Jewish faith. I picked up Shine a Light, a Hanukkah-themed romance recently and thoroughly enjoyed this holiday read. Ellie Bloom’s…
Garrett Leigh’s What Remains is a touching, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting story about a couple who are forced to rebuild their lives and relationship after one of them is involved in a serious accident. I’ve been meaning to read it for ages so this month’s “Blue Collar” prompt gave me the excuse to push it…
Sassy, warmhearted and sensual, Set on You is a really lovely book about physical fitness and true love coming in all shapes and sizes. Scott Ritchie is instantly the most annoying man that Crystal Chen has ever met; the cocky firefighter keeps stealing her favorite squat rack. Crystal, a personal trainer and Instagram influencer, is…
Kate Meader’s books have been on my radar since her Hot in the Kitchen series debuted in 2013. That was followed by her Hot in Chicago series (Playing with Fire, a scorching enemies to lovers romance remains a favourite and made my top ten list in 2015). Since then she’s delved into some hockey romances…
Tawna Fenske certainly knows how to bring the funny. Sometimes she’ll make you cringe at her character’s behavior, and sometimes you’ll get a giggle over their silliness. The Best Kept Secret made me do both, and your ability to enjoy a lot of goofiness will best determine how much you’ll like this book. Fenske tempers…
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