Jill Monroe (1)

I like that Harlequin's Blaze line has started printing erotic romantic comedies, because, hey, like the "Blush" slogan says: "sex doesn't have to be serious."

The way sex was approached in this book was different, to say the least. Ava, the heroine, is an anthropologist who's written a book on sex in various cultures. Ian, the hero, is a photojournalist who's been sent to ghost write the book since Ava's writing is, well, a bit bland. So throughout the entire book, Ava and Ian are discussing show more (and reenacting) various practices from different cultures. Now, I have to confess, I took an anthro class as an undergrad on human sexuality, and it was by far one of the most interesting courses I took in college. So all these different stories totally captivated me.

Ava's naivete did irk me a little bit, but it was understandable considering she'd barely spent any time in America while growing up (her parents were archaeologists, so while she got lots of experience traveling the world and observing other cultures, she never really got a chance to observe her own). Overall, though, this was an enjoyable read, fun and funny. show less

A 2018 Favorite!

Don’t you just love it when a story grabs your heart, refusing to let go? That’s what this Hallmark Christmas romance does, so open your heart and enjoy a rich, sentimental tale by Jill Monroe!

At the Heart of Christmas packages up heart, tradition, and favorite places and ties them together with a ribbon of love. What a treat!

I love the alternating points of view between Nolan Vesser and Quinn Hardwick, and how the characters’ backstories blend lightly and seamlessly show more into the story. Nolan has a silent charm and a teasing yet humble heart, and Quinn is a slightly awkward yet heartwarming dreamer. I’m still smiling from the fun initial meeting between this idealist and artist, and yearn for their story to continue. So dreamy!

The prologue quickly gives a glimpse into Quinn’s upbringing and inspiration and the first chapter’s action gets a heart to pounding! It only takes a moment to get the full taste of each character and to seize your sympathies.

I love everything about this story and the history and future of the Hardwick Ornament Company.

Jill Monroe is a gifted storyteller. She has introduced me to compassionate characters that feel like old friends. The air of familiarity makes me feel part of Bethany Springs, and I desperately want to visit again.

This is another Hallmark hit and a 2018 Favorite! I love this town. I love this spirit of Christmas. And I love this love.

I was blessed to receive a complimentary copy from the publisher. show less

Lord of Rage
3 Stars

Synopsis
Following the overthrow and murder of her parents, Princess Breena of Elden finds herself wandering in the woods, exhausted and starving, until she comes across a cottage offering warmth, food and a soft bed. Unbeknownst to Breena, the cottage is the refuge of three Ursan siblings and the oldest, Osborn, is, in fact, the dream warrior who haunts Breena's sleep. Now that Osborn has awakened her, Breena wants nothing more than the beserker warrior's legendary show more fighting skills to fulfill her need for revenge, or so she thinks...

Review
Not bad for my first Jill Monroe book and a definite improvement on the first book in the series.

Breena is far more likeable than Jane in book #1 whose character would have been much improved if she had been knocked unconscious with a blunt object. In contrast, Breena is a proactive heroine with some kick-ass powers. The scenes in which she learns to fight are very entertaining. Like Nicolai in book #1, Osborn is also an alpha but can thankfully speak in complete sentences. His character is a captivating mix of ferocity and gentleness, honor and a willingness to do what is necessary to survive.

The Blood Sorcerer plot has potential but is ultimately under-developed and poorly executed. There is no build up of tension and the villains are lacking in the menace department. Moreover, the timeline is confusing as the events in book #1 occur 20 years after the fall of Elden while this story is set a few days following the downfall.

Nevertheless, there are several appealing aspects to the story such as the shared dreams, which form the foundation for Breena and Osborn's relationship and contribute to their chemistry, and the references to Goldilocks and the Three Bears (even though the actual romance is more reminiscent of Beauty & The Beast). In addition, the lore surrounding the Ursan warriors and their beserker natures is compelling and well integrated into the story.

Unfortunately, the final confrontation is abrupt and the villain's demise anti-climactic. Moreover, the epilogue is superfluous as there is no sign of Nicolai's reunion with his sister.

Well, on to the next installment which is Dayn's story written by Jessica Andersen, an author I am more familiar with. show less

If you are looking for feel-good Christmas tale where the protagonists achieve their HEA, then this book’s for you. Quinn has inherited her family’s long shuttered blown glass ornament company, and works to reopen it, sinking her savings and more into it. By a funny quirk of fate, the descendant of a man who worked there decades ago discovers a deed which says he is the owner. This glass blower travels there, to check things out, and Quinn offers him a job. Readers will have no problem show more seeing how this will end, even with the few obstacles the author has thrown in. But it’s a fun read with a merry Christmas vibe, and the delightful characters make it quite entertaining. show less