Kiss of the Vampire by Cynthia Garner

Goodreads Description:

Warriors of the Rift

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos.
Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she's more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world's mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist . . . 

Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.

My Rating:

My Review:

I love the original aspects of this story.  The theory that the beings cross over through a dimensional rift and then possess human beings to turn them into Werewolves, Vampires, Demons, Etc is very original and I highly enjoyed that aspect of the story.  Nix is part human and part demon, and the human liaison between the counsel and the human PD.  Her specialty is demon crimes.  She has to keep hold of her temper because half breeds like herself tend to go insane at a young age due to the dueling personalities.  The love of her life, Tobias, left her to try and keep her sane.  Tobias is a vampire and could see Nix slowly loose her humanity the longer they are together.  He leaves to try to capture a long running enemy but is called back to the town Nix lives in by a friend.  When that friend is found murdered, both Nix and Tobias are thrown together by the counsel to solve the murder which is the second in a series of viscous crimes against vampires.  Their interactions are intense and you can just feel the passion simmering beneath.  Their search for the murder and the reasons for the murders is very well written.  There is just enough twist and turns to keep you guessing till the end!  I really loved the world created and the love story between Tobias and Nix.  I can not wait to read the next in the series!

Moonlight Road, Promise Canyon, Wild Man Creek, Harvest Moon, & Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description for Moonlight Road:

WITH HER BELOVED YOUNGER SIBLINGS SETTLED AND HAPPY, ERIN FOLEY HAS EMPTY NEST SYNDROME. AT AGE THIRTY-FIVE. 

So she's hitting the pause button on her life and holing up in a secluded (but totally upgraded --- she's not into roughing it!) cabin near Virgin River. Erin is planning on getting to know herself ... not the shaggy-haired mountain man she meets. 

In fact, beneath his faded fatigues and bushy beard, Aiden Riordan is a doctor, recharging for a summer after leaving the navy. He's intrigued by the pretty, slightly snooty refugee from the rat race --- her meditating and journaling are definitely keeping him at arm's length. He'd love to get closer ... if his scruffy exterior and crazy ex-wife don't hold him back. 

But maybe it's something in the water --- unlikely romances seem to take root in Virgin River ... helped along by some well-intentioned meddling, of course.

My Rating:

My Review:

You met Erin in her sisters book and for me I wanted to see her let loose and take care of herself instead of her siblings!  I was so happy to read this book and finally see her take control of her life and let her siblings take control of theirs!  I loved the chemistry between Erin and Aiden and I laughed out load a lot in this book!  I didn't expect some of the twists in the plot especially where Aiden was involved and the ending what both shocking and superb!  And as always you get a few updates about the Virgin River residents which are always nice to read! Highly Recommend!

Goodreads Description for Promise Canyon:

After years spent on ranches around Los Angeles, Clay Tahoma is delighted to be Virgin River's new veterinary assistant. The secluded community's wild beauty tugs at his Navajo roots, and he's been welcomed with open arms by everyone in town--everyone "except" Lilly Yazhi.

Lilly has encountered her share of strong, silent, "traditional" men within her own aboriginal community, and she's not interested in coming back for more. In her eyes, Clay's earthy, sexy appeal is just an act used to charm wealthy women like his ex-wife. She can't deny his gift for gentling horses, but she's not about to let him control her. There's just one small problem--"she" can't control her attraction to Clay.

But in Virgin River, faith in new beginnings and the power of love has doors opening everywhere....

My Rating:

My Review:

I loved the new blood in Virgin River and the new romance!  Robyn Carr certainly knows how to keep a series going and kicking!  Clay had an interesting life and needed a chance when the local Virgin River Vet and his long time friend calls and asks if he knew of any Vet Techs who were looking for a job he jumped at the chance!  He never expected to meet a blue eye'd hopi goddess!  Lilly had to grow up at age 13 and it was a hard transition for her!  Due to her early advancement into adulthood she has issues trusting men, especially gorgeous Navajo men!  Clay and Lilly's romance is interesting to read and I really liked the Native American aspects to this book!  The ending was sweet and I can't wait to read more about the couple in subsequent books in the series!

Goodreads Description for Wild Man Creek:

Colin Riordan came to Virgin River to recuperate from a horrific helicopter crash, the scars of which he bears inside and out. His family is wonderfully supportive, but it's his art that truly soothes his troubled soul.

Stung personally and professionally by an ill-advised affair, PR guru Jillian Matlock has rented an old Victorian with a promising garden in Virgin River. She's looking forward to cultivating something other than a corporate brand.

Both are looking to simplify, not complicate, their lives, but when Jillian finds Colin at his easel in her yard, there's an instant connection. And in Virgin River, sometimes love is the simplest choice of all....

My Rating:

My Review:

Colin's military career is ended to early due to a stupid commercial airplane not knowing where it was flying.  It flew into his Black Hawk during routine practice on base an Colin now has burn scars and rods and bolts in his body.  He then got addicted to prescription medication and was put into rehab. He goes to Virgin River to try and come to grips with his new life and paint, something he's been doing for a hobby since his teens.  He wasn't prepared for Jillian.  Jillian got blind sided by her boyfriend who was only dating her to get her job.  She has to take a 'leave of absence' from her career and goes to Virgin River to be alone and just try to figure out what has happened to her.  Hope died and Jillian finds out her old house is for sale and she decided to be impulsive, which isn't unusual for her, and buys it to start her own farm.  Colin and Jillian don't seem to have much in common but they have a hot an fantastic relationship.  Such a great page turner! One of my favorites in the series!

Goodreads Description for Harvest Moon:

Rising sous-chef Kelly Matlock's sudden collapse at work is a wake-up call. Disillusioned and burned out, she's retreated to her sister Jillian's house in Virgin River to rest and reevaluate. 
Puttering in Jill's garden and cooking with her heirloom vegetables is wonderful, but Virgin River is a far cry from San Francisco. Kelly's starting to feel a little too unmotivated...until she meets Lief Holbrook. The handsome widower looks more like a lumberjack than a sophisticated screenwriter--a combination Kelly finds irresistible. But less appealing is Lief's rebellious stepdaughter, Courtney. She's the reason they moved from L.A., but Courtney's finding plenty of trouble even in Virgin River. 
Kelly's never fallen for a guy with such serious baggage, but some things are worth fighting for. Besides, a bratty teenager can't be any worse than a histrionic chef...right?

My Rating:

My Review:

Ever since Jillian and Kelly visited Virgin River I knew they'd both get their own books.  This book is Kelly's book.  She's an impressive chef who fell in love with the owner of the restaurant she works at and is a chef himself.  Problem is he's married.  She loved her fast face job until one day changed everything.  She goes to Virgin River to regroup and figure out what she wants in life.  She discovers a lot about herself and Lief.  Lief is a Widower with a teenage step daughter.  They have a lot of issues that are dealt with in this book and it's a pretty good view into the mind of a teenager who's had some traumatic things happen to her in her life.  Lief is an amazing man and dad and is very dedicated to Courtney, even though they aren't blood related.  Kelly and Lief's story is good but not one of my favorites. I felt there was a lot of things that weren't very important and just made the story lag.  I enjoyed reading it to see what happens to Kelly and Lief, who is introduced in a previous book. 

Goodreads Description for Bring Me Home for Christmas:

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list: getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It’s time she got over her silly college relationship and moved on. 

So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother’s men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters. 

As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. An the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

My Rating:

My Review:

This book is about Denny, who was in previous books, and his ex girlfriend Becca.  Denny had a very hard few years, his mother died of breast cancer, his mother tells him the dad he had wasn't his real dad, he breaks up with his true love to rejoin the marines.  After his tour he finds Becca but she says it's too late so he goes in search of his dad, who is Jack or so his mother says.  Becca is dating a great guy who is going places and has a rich family in Cape Cod.  She can't stop thinking about Denny so she tags along with her brother on a hunting trip Danny is hosting.  Danny and Becca seem like opposites but through the story you see why they love each other.  Becca hurts herself and is stuck in Virgin River after the hunting weekend and Danny steps up to take care of her.  It's a fairly predictable story line and happy ending.  It wasn't a favorite for me and I could have lived without reading it.  I don't know why but I never really got emotionally invested in Danny from the other books. Still a good read if you are like me and reading through the series.

A Town Called Valentine by Emma Cane

Goodreads Description:

Welcome to Valentine Valley—where broken hearts come home to mend, and true love may lie just across the range . . . 

Emily Murphy never thought she’d return to her mom’s rustic hometown in the Colorado Mountains. But after her marriage in San Francisco falls apart, leaving her penniless and heartsick, she returns to her old family home to find a new direction for her life. On her first night back, though, a steamy encounter with handsome rancher Nate Thalberg is not the fresh start she had in mind . . . 

Nate has good reason not to trust the determined beauty who just waltzed into town—he’s no stranger to betrayal. Besides, she’s only there to sell her family’s old property and move back out. But as Nate and Emily begin working side-by-side to restore her time-worn building and old family secrets change Emily’s perception of herself, both are about to learn how difficult it is to hide from love in a place known far and wide for romance, family ties, and happily-ever-afters: a town called Valentine.

My Rating:

My Review:

I received this book as from another book blog giveaway.  I enjoyed it but wasn't in love.  I liked the family dynamic Nate has and I LOVED the first meeting between Nate and Emily.  I felt for all Emily had gone through and I was very happy to see how she took over her life.  I only gave this a three because I felt that the writing wasn't where it could be but it was by no means horrible.  It was a good book and I hope the author creates more in the series so I can see Nate's family find love and maybe Emily's friend Monica.  This series has GREAT potential and I can't wait to read more from this author to see how she progresses her writing and the series!  Emma Cane has the potential to be the next Robyn Carr, we'll see!

Midnight Kiss by Robyn Carr, Jean Brashear, Victoria Dahl

Goodreads Description:

THESE ARE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS WORTH KEEPING! 

TAKE A RISK 

At the inaugural New Year's Eve party at Jack's Bar, two lonely revelers decide the best balm for their broken hearts might just be each other. 

FIND THE PERFECT WORK-LIFE BALANCE 

When a flinty lawyer with a bad-boy addiction meets the quintessential nice guy, sparks fly that consume their expectations of life and love. 

GET THOSE FINANCES IN ORDER 

Working over the holidays on a messy bank takeover is made worse for two federal specialists by an ill-advised kiss that will never happen again ... right?

My Rating:

My Review:

I picked this up because it had Virgin River Story 12 in it.  I'm working my way through that series.  The reading was good, nothing stuck out that was drastically wrong.  The Virgin River story was good but I don't see why it couldn't have been added to one of the other books.  That series has a few running romances at a time and I didn't think it deserved it's own 'book'.  The other two stories were good but nothing fantastic.  I just felt like I wouldn't have been harmed if I had never read the three short stories.  Don't get me wrong they were cute and sweet just not fantastic.  I am not a fan of short stories or novella's so maybe that is tainting my opinion of the stories a little.  

Scandalous Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt

Goodreads Description:

Can a pirate learn that the only true treasure lies in a woman's heart?

Widowed Silence Hollingbrook is impoverished, lovely, and kind—and nine months ago she made a horrible mistake. She went to a river pirate for help in saving her husband and in the process made a bargain that cost her her marriage. That night wounded her so terribly that she hides in the foundling home she helps run with her brother. Except now that same river pirate is back...and he's asking for her help.

"Charming" Mickey O'Connor is the most ruthless river pirate in London. Devastatingly handsome and fearsomely intelligent, he clawed his way up through London's criminal underworld. Mickey has no use for tender emotions like compassion and love, and he sees people as pawns to be manipulated. And yet he's never been able to forget the naive captain's wife who came to him for help and spent one memorable night in his bed...talking.

When his bastard baby girl was dumped in his lap—her mother having died—Mickey couldn't resist the Machiavellian urge to leave the baby on Silence's doorstep. The baby would be hidden from his enemies and he'd also bind Silence to him by her love for his daughter.

My Rating:

My Review:

Since reading the first book in this series I have wanted to read more about Silence.  I was SO EXCITED to read this book!  It starts with Charming Mickey taking his daughter from Silence and Silence coming to get Mary Darling back.  Silence is forced to stay at Mickeys and their interactions get more and more steamy and emotional until they implode.  The connection between Mickey and his enemy is interesting and for a while there I was worried all would not end well!  This book has some good mystery and had me hopping in my seat a few times turning the pages as fast as I could!  Silence's story did not disappoint and I am so happy with the ending!  You HAVE to pick this book up if you like historical romances and/or the Maiden Lane series!  

Till Dawn with the Devil by Alexandra Hawkins

Goodreads Description:

Few women can resist a man like Gabriel “Reign” Housely, the Earl of Rainecourt. With divine good looks, delectable charms, and delicious wealth, he would seem to be every marriage-minded mother’s dream match for their daughters. But not so, given the mysterious death of his first wife. Fortunately for Gabriel, he has no plans to seriously court any of the London ladies ever again. That is, until he shares one unforgettable dance with a mysterious stranger…

Exquisitely beautiful though decidedly modest, Lady Sophia usually shuns the festive ballrooms of London society. But when a man who calls himself “Reign” enters her life—seemingly from out of nowhere—and shows her true kindness, her wary young heart begins to melt. Of course, Sophia would be shocked to learn the truth about Reign’s past. But when scandal strikes, this devilish stranger may be her only salvation…

My Rating:

My Review:

I got this book from Swap.com and was very excited to read it.  This is the second in the Lords of Vice series.  I loved the surprises at the end and I really liked having a heroine who was not perfect and had very poor eye sight.  I think it added something a little different to this series.  Reign had a horrible first marriage and was not keen on doing it again but then he met Lady Sophia and he just couldn't stay away from her.  When she needed protection he couldn't stop himself from coming to her rescue.  I enjoyed reading his slow progression to falling in love and the mystery and action were pretty good in this book.  I read this in a few hours and is a good read! If you enjoyed the first in the series you will like this one I believe.

Princess Charming by Nicole Jordan

Goodreads Description:

In Nicole Jordan’s dazzling new Regency series, the scandalous Wilde cousins seek true love by imitating history’s legendary lovers . . . beginning with Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort, who takes on the daunting role of Prince Charming to an unlikely Cinderella.

Thanks to the mischievous meddling of his matchmaking sister, Ashton Wilde meets a damsel in distress during the midnight magic of a lavish ball. But Maura Collyer isn’t looking for a prince—or an intimate pairing with any member of the scandalous noble Wilde family.

Intrigued by Maura’s beauty and daring, Ash is determined to aid in the rescue of her beloved stallion, gambled away by her wicked stepmother to an evil viscount. As their adventure becomes rife with peril and passion, Ash suspects he’s found his heart’s desire.

Even though her dearest friend may be her self-proclaimed fairy godmother, Maura is mortified at being pushed into a romance with a notorious rake such as Ash. Dashing and charming, he comes to Maura’s rescue just in time to help her steal back her precious horse. As they flee across the countryside, she can’t resist his sweet seduction. But is her prince playing a role in a fairy tale to test an improbable theory, or is the love awakening in her heart proof of her own happily ever after? 

My Rating:

My Review:

Maura is a woman who has her pride but she must get her prize breeding horse back.  He's more then just a horse, he's her pet and her father gave him to her.  Now that her father is gone she can't to be with out her horse.  Maura's step mother stole his papers and sold him to the very man responsible for Maura's fathers death, even if indirectly.  Maura's first attempt at asking for her horse goes terribly wrong and Ashton Wilde witnesses it all.  Maura ended up loosing her temper and kneeing the scoundrel all while Ashton watched, just about to step in to be the knight in shining armor.  He however learns Maura is more then able to hold her own and that intrigues him.  Ashton tells himself he's just helping Maura because she's best friends with his sisters but its more then that and as they spend more time together he realizes he can't let her go.  Ashton and Maura and real funny together and their romance is an inferno!  The mystery and action in this books is fabulous and I loved seeing such a strong independent female in that era of time!  I really enjoyed getting to know the other family members and I hope the author gives them all their own book and romance!  I know I'll keep this author on my list of author's to keep track of!  Fabulous book!

That Holiday Feeling by Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, and Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description:

Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber 

In this classic story, Debbie brings those Manning men and Manning sisters home for a mistletoe marriage when a single dad finally says "I do." 

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods 

Will bachelor Trace Franklin become a groom-to-be by Christmastime? He sure will ... if Savannah Holiday's aunt Mae as anything to do with it. 

Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr 

When the folks of Virgin River discover a box of adorable puppies under the town's Christmas tree they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help. But it's his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues --- and tails --- wagging!

My Rating:

My Rating:

I got this because it has the Virgin River book 8 as one of the 3 stories.  I also LOVE Sherryl Woods so I wanted to read her story as well.  I don't have a lot of exposure to Debbie Macomber but I really enjoyed her story as well.  They were all based around the Christmas holiday and of course all have a happy ending.  These felt more like novels then short stories, there was so much information and romance in each story.  If you read the Virgin River series, you don't have to read this story to continue the series but it would help you figure out how the local vet finds love and how the puppies come into the story line.  I don't know if Cherryl Woods or Debbie Macomber's stories are connected to any existing works but I didn't feel left wanting for information or confused about how any of the characters were connected.  I would definitely recommend picking this book up if you want some feel good holiday stories or just some good short romance stories!

Paradise Valley, Forbidden Falls, and Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr

Paradise Valley
Goodreads Description:

Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraq--his tour ended abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image. But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body and shattered heart?

As the people of Virgin River rally around Rick, another recent arrival tests the tightly knit mountain town's famous welcoming spirit. Dan Brady has a questionable past, and he's looking for a place to start over. He'd like it to be Virgin River...if he can find a way in. But he never expects to find it in the arms of a woman who was as much an outcast as himself.

For a favorite son returned from war and an outsider looking for a home, Virgin River offers them a chance to make peace with the men they once were...and to find the dreams they thought they'd lost.

My Rating:

My Review:

Ricks story was hard to read but very well written.  I just felt so bad for him and it makes you realize how hard some soldiers have it.  It was very vivid and realistic and truthful about how a wounded soldier returning from a war will missing parts would act and feel.  I hurt for him and his loved ones and I enjoyed reading about him healing and evolving.  Definitely recommend!

Forbidden Falls:

Goodreads Description:

VIRGIN RIVER IS ABUZZ WITH THE NEWS THAT A STRANGER BOUGHT THE TOWN'S ABANDONED CHURCH ON EBAY. THE BUYER, A YOUNG WIDOWED REVEREND, IS A LITTLE LIKE THE BUILDING ITSELF: IN NEED OF SOME TENDER LOVING CARE. 

Noah Kincaid arrives ready to roll up his sleeves and revitalize his new purchase, but he's going to need some help. An ad in the local paper brings and improbably candidate his way. 

"Pastor's assistant" is not a phrase that springs to mind when Noah meets brassy, beautiful Ellie Baldwin. With her colorful clothes and even more colorful past, Ellie needs a respectable job so she can regain custody of her children. Noah can't help but admire her spunk and determination, and she may just be the breath of fresh air he needs. 

The unlikely duo may come from two different worlds, but they have more in common than anyone would have expected. And in Virgin River lasting happiness is never out of the question. 

My Rating:

My Rating:

New Blood in Virgin River!  And it's a Minister no less!  I really enjoyed Noah's story and I loved how he found his assistant.  I felt horrible for Ellie but sadly things like what happened to her happen a lot.  There is sometimes injustice in the justice system.  Ellie worked her 'butt' off to get her children back and deal with her crazy ex husband who was even more crazy then she thought!  Noah is a unique minister with his own issues but from the first look he's battling his attraction to his assistant!  Great romance, mystery, and action in this book!  Also has some awesome action with other characters in the town!  Again a book that completely sucked me in!

Angel's Peak:

Goodreads Description:

FOUR YEARS AGO, AIR FORCE SWEETHEARTS FRANCI DUNCAN AND SEAN RIORDAN REACHED AN IMPASSE. SHE WANTED MARRIAGE AND A FAMILY. HE DIDN'T. BUT A CHANCE MEETING PROVES THAT THE BITTER BREAKUP HASN'T COOLED THEIR SIZZLING CHEMISTRY. 

Sean has settled down in spite of himself --- he's not the cocky young fighter pilot he was when Franci left, and he wants them to try again. After all, they have a history ... but that's not all they share. 

Franci's secret reason for walking away when Sean refused to commit is now three and a half: a redheaded cherub named Rosie who shares her daddy's emerald-green eyes. Sean is stunned --- and furious with Franci for the deception. 

News travels fast in Virgin River, and soon the whole town is taking sides. Rebuilding their trust could take a small miracle --- and the kind of love that can move mountains. 

My Rating:

My Rating:

Sean just saw his brother 'bite the dust' as he calls in and with a huge smile on his face.  Sean goes to a bar in a coastal town and runs into the love of his life, Franci.  He and her had a serious relation ship for 2 years but out of the blue she demanded more and he wouldn't budge and she left. The instant he sees her he realizes how monumental a mistake he had made and needs to get her back.  There are complications though and she's skittish.  Franci didn't want to risk rejection and so she left Sean with out telling him she was pregnant.  Now she has a 3 1/2 year old daughter, Rosie, and Sean finds her.  They have a lot to deal with but there are sparks and they just start to smoke every time they are near each other.  The romance is good and I love Franci's near miss with 'Professor Hottie'.  I love how accepting Sean's family is and the side story of Maureen, Sean's mother, and her budding romance!  Now I want to see Aiden, Patrick, and Colin 'bite the dust'.  

I just love how many different families are inter connected and how diverse the town is.  I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!  

Heiress without a Cause by Sara Ramsey

Goodreads Description:

One title to change his life… 

A disgraced son with a dark reputation, William “Ferguson” Avenel is content to live in exile – until his father dies in the scandal of the Season. With rumors of insanity swirling around them, his sisters desperately need a chaperone. Ferguson thinks he’s found the most proper woman in England – and he won’t ruin her, even if he secretly desires the passionate woman trapped beneath a spinster’s cap. 

One chance to break the rules… 

Lady Madeleine Vaillant can’t face her blighted future without making one glorious memory for herself. In disguise, on a London stage, she finds all the adoration she never felt from the ton. But when she’s nearly recognized, she will do anything to hide her identity – even setting up her actress persona as Ferguson’s mistress. She’ll take the pleasure he offers, but Madeleine won’t lose her heart in the bargain. 

One season to fall in love… 

Every stolen kiss could lead to discovery, and Ferguson’s old enemies are determined to ruin them both. But as their dangerous passion ignites their hearts and threatens their futures, how can an heiress who dreams of freedom deny the duke who demands her love?

My Rating:

My Review:


The female main character, Madeline, has always followed societies rules but also has a passion for theater.  She LOVES to perform.  After almost 30 years, she finally get's her chance to perform even if it's under the disguise of a french widow.  However nothing ever goes 100% well and first a mysterious Duke, Ferguson,  comes back into London and seeks her help in assisting his sisters debut then that same Duke arrives to her last show which is the spark to the fuse that causes a whole lot of other issues.

Mad, as she is called by Ferguson, is a very brave passionate woman but she tries to hide herself to fit into society.  Ferguson is the only person it seems to see her for who she truly is and it makes him feel things he'd rather not feel.

This story is about the characters discovering who they are, and what love is worth in their lives.  I really loved how it was written and the little twists in the plot that made it just more amazing to read!  I will definitely be picking up the second in the series!

SEAL of my Dreams by by Robyn Carr (Foreword), Jamie Alden, Stephanie Bond, Kylie Bryant, Helen Brenna, Helen Kay Dimon, Cindy Gerard, Tara Janzen , Leslie Kelly, Elle Kennedy, Alison Kent, Jo Leigh, Gennita Low, Marliss Melton, Christie Ridgway, Barbara Samuel, Roxanne St. Claire, Stephanie Tyler , Loreth Anne White

Goodreads Description:

Honor, duty, courage, passion . . . the men of the Navy SEALs are a special breed of hero, and in these novellas by eighteen top romance authors the SEALs are celebrated not only as symbols of devoted service to their country but as the kind of men every woman wants to love. They’ll rescue a damsel in distress and her lap dog, too. They’ll battle hometown dramas and international bad guys. When it comes to giving away their hearts, they’ll risk everything.

All proceeds from sales of SEAL of My Dreams go to the Veterans Research Corporation, a non-profit fundraiser for veterans’ medical research.

Between them, the authors of SEAL of My Dreams have won dozens of writing awards including multiple RITAs from Romance Writers of America. Their nearly 600 published novels have sold at least 35 million copies worldwide. The SEAL of My Dreams roster includes many of the best-known authors in modern romance fiction. In addition, many have strong family connections to the servicemen and women of our nation’s military, and many specialize in novels featuring heroes and heroines from all branches of service.

My Rating:

My Review:

This anthology is stocked full of awesome romance!  In each story, there is a Service man an his unique story of hardship and finding love!  Each story sucked me in and there wasn't one I didn't LOVE!  I'm usually not a fan of anthologies but I have to say this book was fabulous!  There were way more stories then I'm use to in an anthology and I think that helped me fall in love with it.  There was just so much romance and love in those pages!

Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description:

At twenty-five, after five years as her mother's caregiver, it's time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance. But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly "not" whom she has in mind.

A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he's tough and jaded. His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance.

Technically, these two are all wrong for one another. But sometimes what you want and what you need are two different things...two very "good" things.

My Rating:

My Review:

You are introduced to Shelby a little in prior books, she is Vanessa's Cousin who was taking care of her ailing mother.  Shelby's mother passes and she finally gets to live her life.  She goes to Virgin River to stay with her Uncle at his ranch till she decided what to do.  Even before she arrives she meets her fate in the form of Luke, however neither know it yet!  Luke is a lot older then Shelby and doesn't want to ruin her life like his was when he was her age of 25.  Luke has a lot of baggage and Shelby is totally free of it.  They are interesting together and Luke is the typical Military man, hard shell but a softy inside.  He finds Art, a 30 year old with Downs Syndrome, squatting in one of his cabins and he helps him out. And that is just one example of his soft heart!  Their romance is hot and sweet!  You learn a lot of other members of the town especially Walk and Muriel, and the town drunk Cheryl.  Great read and I just love learning about all the town members and seeing them all live their lives and fix their own problems!

Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description:

In the space of a few months Vanessa buried her husband, Matt, and gave birth to their son--breaking her heart while filling it with a whole new kind of love. But the one man she longs to share this love with now acts as if she doesn't exist.

Paul Haggerty lives by the marine motto: Semper Fi. Ever faithful to his best friend, he's done right by Matt's widow as best he can...considering he's been secretly in love with her for years. Now, just as he's about to make his move, another woman has staked her claim on him--a claim that will be tough to escape.

With courage, humility and not a little meddling from the good folks of Virgin River, Vanni and Paul might just get a second chance to have the love they both desire and deserve.

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I was really looking forward to this story.  Matt died in book 3 and you first found out that Paul had fallen in love with Vanessa a long time ago.  Paul felt he had no right to those feelings and admiralty kept them to himself, his friend and his wife never knew.  After Matt passed, Paul stepped up to help Vanessa give birth and live her life with out Matt.  Vanessa realizes she has feelings for Paul and Paul, not knowing Vanessa's feelings, tries to push her away so she doesn't find out his true feelings.  A few things happen and Paul is forces to show his hand and is glad he does.  There are so many true feelings in this book and you feel like you are there with the characters!  I love when that happens!  Highly recommend!

A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description:

Last Christmas, Marcie Sullivan said a final goodbye to her husband Bobby. This Christmas she’s come to Virgin River to find the man who saved his life and gave her three more years to love him. 

Fellow marine Ian Buchanan dragged Bobby’s shattered body onto a medical transport in Fallujah four years ago then disappeared as soon as their unit arrived Stateside. Since then, Marcie’s letters to Ian have gone unanswered. 

Marcie tracks Ian to the tiny mountain town of Virgin River and finds a man as wounded emotionally as Bobby was physically. But she is not easily scared off. As Marcie pushes her way into his rugged and reclusive life, she discovers a sweet but damaged soul beneath a rough exterior. 

Ian doesn’t know what to make of the determined young widow who forces him to look into the painful past and, what’s worse, the uncertain future. But it is, after all, a season of miracles and maybe, just maybe, it’s time to banish the ghosts and open his heart.

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This was the 4th in the series, and I was a little let down.  It was still a great read but I would have preferred to see other town members stories first!  They aren't even mentioned much in the following book in the series.  It just seems a little out of order I guess.  I liked Marcie's determination even though she's stupid about somethings and risks her life.  I loved Ian and his tortured soul. I also wished there was a little more information about other members of the town.  I did love what Mel did for the town with her Christmas tree idea!

One pet peeve I have is when order isn't right.  And there is a HUGE mistake in this book with reference to timeline.  See below for Spoiler:


















Lilly has breast cancer and it is diagnosed and she dies in the 3rd book but this book talks about Lilly being at the tree lighting.  I am almost 100% sure that in book 3 she dies prior to Christmas.  It could be that I'm wrong.  In book 3, it's just stated that she dies in her sleep with her family around but then why would she be at the tree lighting in the 4th book it just confused me.