Marianne Rice

Okay, I'm going to say it. I felt like I was reading a Hallmark Christmas Movie. Now, as a fan of said movies, I loved this book. Funny, witty, charming, romantic and the chemistry as the relationship grew was so delightful that you felt like you might be watching some small town friends match up. I loved the fact that he was enthralled by her large family. The way he grew up made him kind of sad because his Dad just wasn't there. As for the story she is writing, so absolutely inspirational show more and totally devoted, that it gives you all the feels. This is a romantic story with a definite Christmas feel. It's perfect to start the upcoming holiday season with. A warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and this book. You couldn't ask for more, except snow. Again, this is a really good romance that you should read. I highly recommend. show less

Alexis Le Blanc helps run her family's vineyard in Crystal Cove, Maine. She likes the traditions her grandfather implemented and isn't happy to learn her parents are bringing in a marketing expert to make suggestions for changing the brand.
Benito Martelli comes from a family that runs its own large and successful vineyard in the Napa Valley. While there's chemistry between Alexis and Ben almost immediately, the two are very different people. Alexis is an ex-tomboy, too comfortable for the show more guys to date and not girly enough (at least in her mind) to have female friends. She's devoted to the vineyard and that's pretty much it. Ben is handsome, a bit of a player, with his own successful business and life in San Francisco. He also has some personal problems he's running away from.
I had some trouble liking either of the two protagonists in the beginning of the book. Alexis is prickly and rude while Ben can be too slick and deceptive. I had trouble seeing the two of them together. But Ms. Rice is masterful in gradually building up the relationships, not only between Alexis and Ben, but also Ben and Crystal Cove.
As Alexis slowly comes out of her shell, her vulnerability shows as well as the reasons for her feelings. Ben also becomes more understandable in his behavior. The turning point for me was when Alexis accuses Ben of speaking Italian to her during sex. He refutes it at first, then realizes she's the only woman he's done that with. It's a charming moment that shows just how much he's fallen for her.
I really did love this romance. I loved the slow burn and how much Alexis and Ben both matured and resolved their differences. This book is such a wonderful start to this new series, and I can't wait for the next book. show less

Jenna is a caretaker for an elderly man, Jerry, and a potter/artist on the side. When her ex-husband Tristan shows up as the caterer for her friend's wine/food pairings, she's not happy. Their divorce eight years ago was not happy, though Tristan didn't want the divorce.
I've been enjoying this series, but this one is my least favorite. It starts out okay, especially as Jerry is fun, but I had a hard time with the characters. I get that Jenna had a tragedy, but so did Tristan. Her whining show more and the way she treats both Tristan and Carter (her new boyfriend) made her unlikeable to me. Tristan seems like a nice guy, but also a bit of a wimp. His second marriage didn't make sense and didn't add to the story imho. After Jerry's gone, the story slows down a lot.
I'm looking forward to Carter's story (I think that's the next book in the series). show less

This is a wonderful addition to the Rocky Harbor series. I've been waiting for Colton's story; I love second-chance romances.
Colton is home after ten years in the marines because he lost part of his leg in Afghanistan. He ends up doing some handyman work for Ellie, the woman who won the inn in the essay contest, and also the woman who broke his heart ten years ago. Both are shocked to see each other.
There have been many changes in both their lives, not the least of which is CJ, Ellie's son. show more CJ is an adorable scamp despite some of his health issues.
Colton is a strong, silent hero which provides for some communication issues with Ellie. Ellie is also strong in her own way; she's come a long way from the rich girl who Colton first fell in love with.
Wounded Love is a great story, whether as a stand-alone or as part of this series. I can't wait for the next book. show less