Book Review: A SEALs Purpose

A SEAL's Purpose by Cora Seton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Back at Chance Creek and this time, the Navy SEALs' project of sustainable living continues as well as the Regency women's Bread and Breakfast business. The camera's are still rolling for the reality TV show they all signed up for and the stakes are up for the gang to keep their dreams from ending. It's Kai's turn to find a wife and Addison, who has seen the TV show since it began, steps into Base Camp with a different set of expectations.

Having read and followed the series from the very beginning, I knew what I was up for. The background of the story and its premise are unique. The contrast between the SEALs and the Regency women make for an intriguing read. As Cora Seton has proved all along, it can work. The personal stories of each couple fits in this colourful tapestry of love at first sight, battling inner demons and finding one's true calling. It has been consistent all this time and though some parts can be predictable, it is the individual and personal journeys of each character that makes the books a fun, interesting and heart warming read.

In Book 5, Kai and Addison battle internal and external forces to be the persons they choose to be and found true love in the process. Supporting characters, like Felicity, Addison's sisters and Kai's family, provided a dynamic to the story in exploring issues on fears and detachment. By this time, there are enough characters from past books to pad and thicken each book in the series. If you are a follower, watch out for clues that lead to book 6.


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Book Reviews: Falling for Her Brother's Best Friend and A Baby for Easter

Falling for Her Brother's Best Friend by Noelle  Adams

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


It is a crazy round about love affair between Emma and Noah. So, they are friends and their siblings are best friends. What's really stopping them from hooking up and, apparently finding love in the process? Sex complicates things? But, life, even without the sex is already complicated.

Not the best Noelle Adams book for me but it has the fun and the laughs. There is witty dialogue and a loving grandma. I love the simple life in a small town and this make up for the pointless run-chase-run drama of Emma and Noah.



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A Baby for Easter by Noelle  Adams

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Alice is back in her hometown of Willow Park after a series of failures. She had lost her job and her fiance broke off their engagement. She lives with her parents and couldn't find a stable job to keep her finances and her life back to normal. She gets by working as a part time librarian for the local pastor and her prospects are slim.

Micah is the pastor's brother whom she nurtures a special attraction to after all these years. However, she has agreed to follow the 5 Nevers in Dating and Relationships (a five point guide to prevent her heart from being broken again). But this self imposed strategy to distance herself from Micah never really worked out especially when a baby came into Micah's life from a past relationship and he needed a nanny.

Who else to trust but the Pastor's new librarian and secretary? What follows is a romantic adventure on taking risks, going back to things lost and remembering that the human heart is big enough to forgive and to love again. I liked it. It gave me that warm, cozy feeling of falling in love for the second time around is indeed sweeter.



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Book Reviews: Love for Christmas and Arm Candy

Love for Christmas: A Billionaires and SEALs Romance Novels Boxed Set by Julia Kent

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Pretty much what I expected. A light, good read during the holidays to destress one’s mind from all the busyness of the season. Cora Seton remains my favorite for keeping the community spirit intact at Crescent Hall.



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Arm Candy by Patricia Ryan

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I neither like it nor hate it. I just didn’t find Nora and David worth rooting for. Perhaps I have had enough of the billionaire-experienced guy meets ingenue romance troupe?



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Holiday Reads: Rancher Daddy and Naughty but Nice

Rancher Daddy: A Single Dad & Nanny Romance by Lexi Whitlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has all the ingredients of the modern romance story. The more experienced and older man meets young, smart and independent woman. It was love, and lust, at first sight. Every one in the family circle is rooting for Camden and Grace to make it, of course. Both came from relationships that were meaningless and for, Camden, his was a messier one. Include a five year old girl in the story who deserves a family and a home, and you will be cheering this pair on to growing old together.

It is this baggage that Camden brings into the relationship causing conflict. When Grace’s ex-boyfriend came around, it made matters worse as she needed to decide whether to stay or leave Montana. But a force of nature changed all that!

Rancher Daddy, despite the cliche, is a well planned and thought out romance story.


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Naughty but Nice: A Bad Boy Christmas Romance by Rye Hart

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not my first May-December romance story, but it took me a while to accept the plausibility of Gabriel and Penny. The rich single dad, Gabriel, was established as a good man early in the story. A match perfect for Penny who was in need of a protector. Other than this, I did not, or failed, to see anything else worth rooting for.

I had fun reading the reaction of their immediate family members though. It is a hot and steamy read and that’s all there is to it.

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Book Review: Issued to the Bride : One Marine (ARC)

Issued to the Bride One Marine by Cora Seton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Back at Chance Creek. Back to familiar grounds.

Seton is consistently good at keeping the romantic tropes in line with the theme of the series. It has become a predictable read. Nothing else surprised me but for the General’s imminent return to Two Willows.

Logan is the funniest of the four men, so far. That he built a reading room up in the attic for Lena earned him points in my book. As for Lena, she is the most interesting of the sisters, so far. So let’s see what Alice ad Jack has to offer!

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Book Review: Issued to the Bride: One Sniper

Issued to the Bride: One Sniper by Cora Seton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Getting an ARC of Cora Seton's book is always a pleasure to read and to write a review afterwards. The third book in the Brides of Chance Creek led me to familiar grounds, predictable troupes and plot lines and as usual, a comforting HEA (happily ever after). Not complaining. Going back to Chance Creek is like having coffee with friends I haven't met in a while.

In this book, Hunter and Jo went through all the motions necessary to end up HEA. The story stays true to its message of partnership, gender equality, compromises and women empowerment. Though, what I like about this series is Hunter's journey to redemption. It was his own and he was brave to face his demons that has haunted him for years. Thanks to Jo, love at first sight and the error of his ways. He was given a chance to begin life anew.

And when love is real, it does find a way.

It is now the General who baffles me. How his pride has gotten in the way of loving his daughters. The mysterious ways of his wife does little to make him go back to Two Willows. I wonder what big surprise Cora Seton has at the end of the series?



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Book Review: Issued to the Bride One Airman

Issued to the Bride One Airman by Cora Seton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is my second ARC of the series and while I am glad to be back on familiar grounds, meeting familiar characters and favorites from other series by Cora Seton, Issued to the Bride: One Airman had been a very predictable read. It did not bring new discoveries or surprises for me. Yet, it seems to emphasize the message that, while our service and uniformed men serve and protect the country from wars that threaten national security and the world's, it is the conflict at home where they are needed the most.

I think this is the strongest point of the series yet. The rest, it was plateau for me.

I have started to doubt the Reed women, capable as they are, because they appear dumb and stupid. If not for life threatening events, they seem to have difficulty rising above challenges small and large. They have talents and skills, yet, they need men to boost their confidence. This is perhaps due to the absence of their father for decades. How I wish the General would come home and redeem himself. Apologize and make up for lost time. After all, Two Willows stands on generous and wonder filled land.

And so, I am now beginning to think how the General's men measure up in the series. I want stronger female leads, but for this installment, Connor outshines Sadie. Connor did all the hard work. I am uncomfortable with the ending of Grant getting killed by Sadie and Jo. I hope this could be dealt with in a more humane closure, not just for Jo, but for Sadie too. I am happy that Connor's parents took the road towards reconciliation but questions linger. Will Hunter be Jo's equal? Or will I see how they complement and not just complete each other? What is the escalating problem that Cab Johnson and the rest of the residents of Two Willows face in the future books in the series?

I sure would like to know.



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12 Days of Christmas Book Review: Holiday Hat Trick

Holiday Hat Trick by Catherine Gayle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Mitchell Quincey is visiting his ex-wife, Mia, for the holidays. His sole objective is to get approval from her for joint custody of their daughter. When Q (a nickname he goes by among friends in the Portland Storm Hockey Team) finally met Mia for the first time in a long while, he realized he was still in love with her.

Q is persistent and charming. While Mia plays hard to get, she couldn't help but give him another chance seeing Q shower her daughter with attention and love. Admittedly, Mia has her hands full on being a single working mom. Somewhere in the middle of the holidays, they got back together in each others' arms.

What worked

Christmas magic and the presence of family were factors that pushed Mia to forgive Q's faults. Besides, Q and Mia have a long history that their families brought back through reunions and dinners shared during Christmas time. Having divorced a year before, the time apart made them both think of their loss in the divorce and how rash decisions can further lead to loneliness and isolation. On the one hand, it gave Mia the confidence to find her own footing and rediscover her self. Not only is she a wife to a popular hockey player, she has become a person of her own pursuing a career she could be proud of. What better time to have things sorted out but at Christmas time. When love is real, it finds a way.

What did not work

Since I am invested in the series, I would have wanted to see Mia more involved in the Portland Storm WAGs. The same with Q. Before and after this novella, he was only a footnote to the entire series. He could have been a character that shaped the team into what it is in its recent stands on the series. But, I am keeping my hopes up to find out what Mia and Q will play in the community of the Portland Storm Hockey Team players and their families.

I'm waiting for what Catherine Gayle has in store in the future installments for Q and Mia. I'm holding her out to Jim Sutter's mantra, "we take care of our own."



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12 Days of Christmas Book Review: Mistletoe Misconduct

Mistletoe Misconduct by Catherine Gayle

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Jim Sutter, General Manager of the Portland Storm has been divorced from his wife for two decades. The WAGs (wives and girlfiends) of the Portland Storm hockey team thought of giving Jim a holiday treat. Unknown to him, the WAGs posted his profile in a dating site. Miles away, his ex-wife Elaine found him online. She took her chance and the journey in at a second chance on love begins.

What worked

Christmas is a time of reunions and reconciliations. Some are successful and some aren't. In the Portland Storm series, the coming together of Elaine and Jim magically worked out with very little effort and resistance. Jim is still haunted by his past mistakes, especially the one that led to his divorce. He lives with this pain by being the father to the Portland Storm hockey players, their wives and children. To them, Jim is not just a manager of the team. Apparently, Jim is a big believer on second chances. If he could give his players a second chance, why can't he give it to himself? Elaine loves him still, after all. If she could forgive him, why can't he forgive himself?

Throwing his guilt and regrets out the window, he took the first step to redemption.

Like Jim, I do believe in second chances. Like Elaine, I go after what my heart tells me to do. Twenty years apart is a long time, but between two people who truly love each other, time is merely a concept.

What did not work

The ending felt rushed. I would have wanted to see a chapter devoted to Jim's reunion with his son as well. If this is a technique by the author and the publisher to rope me in for the next novellas in the series to see more of Jim's turn around as a father to his son, well, that is pretty smart.

For fans of contemporary romance and happily ever afters, this novella makes for a good Christmas read as it celebrates forgiveness and hope for a brighter future.




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Book Review: Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL

Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL by Cora Seton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL is the first book of a new series by Cora Seton that has a lot of heart, just enough magic to tickle your romantic, and a complicated old man who, I am excited to see, will pull through some surprises as the series unfold.

What worked for me

Going back to Chance Creek is like visiting old friends from way back. I have read three series by Cora Seton and by now, I can comfortably predict her plot lines and casually identify with her characters. There is the hesitant or unsure female lead laden with baggage from the past; the alpha male who has gone full circle and is on the path to rebuild his life; an array of supporting characters that move the lead characters into action as well as lending a layer of conflict and exciting dynamics to the plot; villains who get what they deserve; and favorite characters from previous books in the series.

I am on a familiar ground. Not complaining, as I have invested so much on the first series, the Cowboys of Chance Creek. So meeting Cab and Rose again, is a delight. But in this initial book to the series, Brides of Chance Creek, Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL, I gathered an insight on the role that men and women play in the family and in the society at large.

I have always believed that women are strong yet, delicate. As a mother, I once told my daughter this: that women are not weak. We have the great capacity to accommodate another life in our beings, in our souls. Thus, the men in our lives have a great role to protect and keep us safe. But as things go in society and in the world, conflict happens and war breaks out. As things go with people, men and women are imperfect. So, we struggle. We try to keep our best to balance and even things out the best way possible.

Cass and her sisters have been terribly fooled by irresponsible men. Without a father for so long, the sisters were easy prey to people who mean them harm. Brian's presence in the ranch allows a modicum of security and protection. This is not to say that Cass and her sisters have been weak or stupid. They are in fact, smart and kind, beautiful and full of talents. But, I admit, they need a man who will respect them for what they can do and who will value their relevance to the family and to the community they belong to. The message of this book to me is this: treat women well; respect them; value them; work along side them in the farm; in the factories, in offices, support them in all their good endeavors even if it means running for public office; and yes, be honest with them when they are about to fail; call them out when they are going out of line. Love them!

Men, love the women in your lives! If this happens more, then, world peace is a dream that can be fulfilled.

As for the women, know how to value this love and honor the men who love you.

What did not work for me

It's a small thing, but, I'll say it anyway. I just wish Cass is not as young as she is compared to Brian.

I enjoyed reading this new book as the first installment in the new series. I look forward to the love story of Connor and Sadie.

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Book Review: A SEAL's Pledge

A SEAL's Pledge by Cora Seton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The plot is really very simple: boy meets girl, they fell in love at first sight, another boy comes in the way as well as the girl's family and conflict after conflict arose. What redeemed them all, surprisingly, is boy number two's conscience, the leaders' morals and wise advice, and the amazing support of girl friends - proving once again that keeping your blood sisters close enough can do wonders to your hair, make up and sanity.

What worked

What I think worked for me was to witness Samantha's journey in finding herself. Being away from her family made her realise that she can do so much more. She found out her potentials by staying in Base Camp as an arranged bride to Curtis. But, even that didn't work out since it was Harris who fell in love with her. An icing on the cake, so it seems. Harris, on the one hand, learned how to fight for what he believes in with a little help from Curtis. I wonder what would have happened if Curtis didn't give way for Harris over Samantha.

What did not work

Curtis. I felt he was used as anti-hero turned hero in the story. Which only heightens my curiosity if he will ever find love. Now, that is something to look forward to in the coming books in the series.

Over all, I enjoyed reading this light, contemporary romance. It has a good mix of the personal battles of the characters set with in the backdrop of more pressing issues of a society at large.


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Book Review: Me Before You

SPOILERS ALERT.

SPOILERS ALERT.

SPOILERS ALERT.

You have been warned.

Me Before You
By Jojo Moyes
Penguin, 2013

I rode the bandwagon for this book. I knew it was a best seller in Amazon a few years back, but I was still in my Rainbow Rowell phase then. With the movie's trailer scattered all over social media,  starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin, I made the jump and boy, did I get a wallop.

Me Before You is the story of Louisa Clarke and Will Traynor. Two very different people who were thrown together into circumstances they have no control of. Both discovered love but in the end, it was the choices they made that defined who they were for each other.

What worked

Louisa and Will have chemistry. Like opposite poles of a magnet, they were drawn to each other instantly. Moyes, however, revealed this so carefully through well developed characterization of Louisa and restraint in keeping Will's mindscape from the reader. It is through her description of Will's actions and subtle affections towards Lou, the events that they are put together and the plotting of crucial events, like the family dinner, the wedding and their trip to the maze that made him such a darling despite his bossy exterior. Lou may seem like a teenager at age twenty six, but Moyes was able to present why this was so in an experience that left her fearful and cautious. Thus, her child like qualities of transparency, cheerfulness and sincerity scored big time not only in readers' hearts, but in Will's as well.

Their banter and witty conversations were delightful to read. It was easy to love these two. Indeed, this is the couple worth rooting for. That is why, when the time came for Will to end his life, tears can't be helped but pour out.

That was the most difficult part for me. It was tough letting go of Will and seeing Lou in misery. What now? After all the effort and the love, the sacrifice and the suffering, Will has chosen to leave her with an impressive inheritance and inspiring words to live by. How can one's joy be a source of pain? Yes, this is love that is true, but the choice to leave and to let go is a way of loving too. Isn't it? Or is it?

I couldn't help but think how unfair Will had been to Lou. On the one hand, he was fair and humane to her considering that she deserves a better man who could give her, not just inspiring words to go and live boldly, to see the world and to conquer one's fears but for her to be loved as a woman should be loved. Something that Will was very good at before being confined to a wheel chair.

What did not work

Which is my issue at the end of the book. I want to know what happens to Lou after Will. She deserves her happily ever after or a closure that would tell me that things are going to be alright.

This is why, I am off to read the sequel, After You.

Over all, I love the book because of its fearless narration of how love can bring out the best in us and that loving is the respect we give to the ones we love as they make choices we often couldn't fully grasp.

Rating: 4 Bookmarks

Quick Book Reviews: 10 Contemporary Romance Novellas for Your Reading Pleasure

Because it's Valentine's Day, I am recommending these ten novellas for those who wish to read contemporary romance. In no particular order, these novellas are good reads as it brings the "kilig" and "ohlala" moments. All for light and easy reading but each book has a way of making you feel that all is right in the world because, at the end of the day, all you really need is love.

Big Rock by Lauren Blakely - Why it can be good to fall in love with your best friend.

Bound: The Mastered Series by Lorelei James - Where the thin line between art and pornography is drawn in exquisite details.

Unwound: The Mastered Series by Lorelei James - A follow up novella of Bound, Ronin and Amery, come to terms with broken promises, a deeper level of intimacy and that every relationship has compromises. Reading about shibari is interesting too.

Corporate Husband by Beverly Farr - Love slowly grows. Like art, it is not rushed. Hail to the guy who knows how to give a wounded woman her space and a time to heal.

Let Me Be the One by Lily Foster - Love makes us better people. Darcy showed Tom how and it took him a lot of humble pie to eat up and swallow.

Our Now and Forever by Terri Osburn - If you want a fairy tale kinda love story, this one is for you. Caleb never gave up on Snow because, really, a guy would know if a girl is worth fighting for.

One Night With A Stranger by Linda Steinberg - What if a one night stand turns into something that is an always? Lisa took a risk and Matt knew how to treasure her in return.

His First and Last by Terri Osburn - First love never dies.

Boiling Point by Tessa Bailey - HOT! HOT! HOT!

Romance Books 1-4: The Other Man; Torn; True Love; New Beginnings by Nancy Adams - John and Tina's marriage is on the rocks. Tina fumbles. But John, oh dear. How he loved Tina. Here's to second chances!

In all ten novellas, I can say that the men are all in love with strong women who, flawed as they are, are confident to speak their minds and make decisions of their own choosing. Of course, this is romance and the love teams in each novella are all convincing enough to root for.

Happy Valentine's Day!

12 Days of Christmas Book Review: The Cowboy's Christmas Bride

The Cowboy's Christmas Bride by Cora Seton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Cole and Sunshine return to Chance Creek. They have plans and dreams to pursue. What kept them together after all these years is their love for each other. Going back to Chance Creek, they come face to face with their past and the uncertain future. Cole and Sunshine are at a crossroad. Is their love strong enough to make them stay and build a new life in Chance Creek?

Good thing the gang is there to welcome them; to show them a thing or two about couplehood and married life; what has changed in the community; and how this community can be their support group in starting a family of their own.

This 9th volume in the Cowboys of Chance Creek is a fitting Christmas book in the series. It is not only the story of Cole and Sunshine but everyone's! I return to Chance Creek as a curious visitor wondering how my favorite cowboys and their wives are doing. And everyone seems to be adjusting real well with married life. This is enough for Cole and Sunshine to make a decision. In the end, love wins.

While it gave me, once more, that happy ever after feeling, I think about the what ifs. There is more to married life than wonderful beginnings. I wish to see more of love and romance in married life. How will the Cowboys and their wives weather through bigger challenges? What is love in the face of death, bankruptcy, infidelity and disasters?

I enjoyed the series, but I am asking for more. I am a demanding fan!



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Goodreads Review: ARC of Dare Me Again

Dare To Love Series: Dare Me Again by Cora Seton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Dare Me Again is a novella set in the Dare to Love series by Carly Phillips. Though written by Cora Seton, Dare Me Again stays true to the trope and approach of the original series started by Carly Phillips. And Cora Seton adds more- her style and voice in writing contemporary romance.


What worked

The themes of family life and settling down after years of hard work is evident in the novella. Such themes are present in most of Seton's work so far. I like reading about such themes as it echoes my own dreams and wants. What is a decade or two of hard work and investments if there is no place and no person so share it with? Connor , the male lead seeks to retire from profession football and marry Carolina, the strong willed and independent social media entrepreneur. How Connor wins her heart makes the novella a steamy and exciting read.


The way the chapters were introduced through excerpts of blog entries by Carolina is a creative technique that helped me predict what the chapter is going to be about. It adds meaning to the entire novella as well since it speaks about life lessons and truths we believe in. A crafty technique as it sets the pace of Connor and Carolina's romance.


What did not work

It's just too short.

Over all, it is a good piece of work from Cora Seton.




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ARC: The Airman's Email Order Bride

There are spoilers in this review. But read on if you wish to get a glimpse of Cora Seton's last book for the series, The Heroes of Chance Creek.

Finishing the last book in the series, The Heroes of Chance Creek, by Cora Seton is a funny and almost frustrating ride. I suppose it is the way with young love. We make a fool of ourselves, turning ourselves inside and out, and risking life and limb beyond reason. Since the last book, The Airman's Email Order Bride, is a contemporary romance, all is well that ends well.

What Worked

Colt and Heather's reunion is exciting, steamy and bitter sweet. Indeed, love is dearer when it is lost and regained. The comic turn in the plot was entertaining for a while. It got a bit boring as events moved further on because really, a hopeless romantic like myself will choose love, always love, at day's end. But no, Ms. Seton prolonged the agony. Good thing is, she is crafty at characterization and caricature making. Heloise is hilarious. Mia, Rose and Autumn, supporting characters in this book, but major ones from the The Cowboys of Chance Creek series, all made relevant cameos. Their presence in the story's plot gave me hope to expect nothing as bad as a death of a main character. Ms. Seton sure knows her genre!

In the end, Colt made the decision that led to his growing up. The boy finally became a man. This is my favorite part in the novel. His brothers agreed to the decision. They understood how important it was to their own personal lives having experienced to be forgiven and loved. Love conquers all, so wise men say.

What Didn't Quite Work

I was hoping for a deeper re-connection between Colt and Austin. Knowing how complicated the older Hall is, it would have made for a dramatic chapter. What I was looking for was a dynamic that would define the relationship of the Hall brothers as true heroes. Each conquered their own demons in different ways and the women whom they love were all instrumental in their personal victories. I was expecting for more sibling love among the men however.

At the last page of the book, I ended up as one happy reader. My faith in the world is restored and I can now go back to real life with a stronger belief in the human spirit to triumph over adversity: the ones we have with in ourselves and those brought by people with in our periphery. The Hall brothers may be fictional characters as well as their wives, but for a brief moment of reading about their struggles and little victories, it made me feel that I too can be a hero in love and in life.

Thank you Ms. Seton for a comforting and wonderful adventure!

ARC: The Navy SEAL's Email Order Bride/Red Hot Beginnings Anthology

My affair with contemporary romance novels hit an all time high when I started reading Cora Seton, particularly The Cowboys of Chance Creek series. I have read all eight books in the series and was very much amused at the quirky characters, loveable female leads and the swoon worthy cowboys that are matched with them. It was a lot of fun reading the romance stories of Ethan and Autumn, Jaime and Claire, Cab and Rose, Rob and Morgan, and the rest of the Matheson brothers.

When I learned about The Heroes of Chance Creek series, I immediately purchased the first book The Navy SEAL's Email Order Bride. When I finished reading this, I bought the second one, The Soldier's Email Order Bride and the third, The Marine's Email Order Bride. I am patiently waiting for the fourth installment in the series, The Airman's Email Order Bride, to see how the Halls' quest to reclaim their home and ranch will end. Of course, it will end happily ever after, like most romance novels do. But the adventure, the relationships, the sense of community, along with its complications are elements in the series I want to see unfold and come to a conclusion.

What worked

I love Mason Hall because he loves his brothers, his family's heritage and the land he grew up in. Apparently, this SEAL has a strong and well balanced mental faculty that he does not suffer any post war trauma. Nope. He is not the dark and brooding hero. He is prideful, handsome, a gentleman and knows where his head and heart should be. He is your romance hero whom you can depend on. Ah, but his pride would get in the way some times and this is where Regan Anderson comes in to temper and put Mason into rights.

This is what I love about the book. How the author mixes and matches her characters to bring home the message that, despite differences, man and woman can live together. The stuff of fiction, some would say. An escape from reality, a few may add. But, I have seen real life relationships endure that makes me a believer in this conceit.

What about the sex? Of course there is plenty. But Regan knows what she wants and how to get it. Mason gives what he can and takes, in all sincerity and respect, what Regan is capable of giving.

What did not work

It's too short. I would have wanted to see more complications between the leads but, Cora Seton reserved that for the second book in the series.

As for the anthology, the Red Hot Beginnings, it is a sizzling read; a good reading companion these hot summer days. I've finished the second book, Life Blood  by V.M. Black and it can stand strong, enough for me to suspend my disbelief. Though it is not a finished novella, I can say that this is the better vampire romance novel I have read in a while. There is a series to the initial offering, Cora's Choice, so I might check it out soon as well. I am on the third novella now, Beauty Touched the Beast by Sky Warren, another promising read that touches on a May-December affair.

I will leave this review here but with a promise that I will come back to finish it. Until next post!