romance - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with Suzanne Nelson (The Librarians of Lisbon)

March 28, 2025

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Librarians of Lisbon by Suzanne Nelson is a fast-paced roller coaster ride of deceit, espionage, and danger inspired by real historical figures. The setting of Lisbon plays a significant role because Portugal was a neutral country filled with espionage, romance, and friendship. The main characters are two Boston librarians, Selene Delmont and Beatrice Sullivan, who are trained by the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (precursor to CIA) and assigned to work in Lisbon. …

Interview with Lori Foster and Maisey Yates (The Two of Us)

March 27, 2025March 21, 2025

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Two of Us is a novella anthology that includes The Odd Couple by Lori Foster and Force of Nature by Maisey Yates. The plots focus on rescue dogs and how they brought together two meant-to-be couples. Elise Cooper: Idea for The Odd Couple? Lori Foster: The idea originated with the first book in a series of guys connected by close friendships that have fostered a sort of brotherhood. There will be four books …

Interview with Sarah Sundin (Midnight on the Scottish Shore)

February 28, 2025

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin takes readers on a journey to the Scottish shore. This is one of her best, as she intertwines WWII history, spy craft, espionage, military intelligence, family disputes, strong character development, along with an emotionally wounded hero and heroine. The plot has Cilla van der Zee as a member of the Dutch resistance who infiltrates the local Nazi Party to gather intel. Because it is becoming more …

Interview with Shelley Shepard Gray (B is for Bonnet and Unforgotten)

March 6, 2025February 21, 2025

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper B is for Bonnet and Unforgotten by Shelley Shepard Gray are both riveting stories. B is for Bonnet continues the story of four English raised siblings, Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Johnny, who return to their grandparents Ohio community as they ponder becoming Amish. This book is Johnny’s story who becomes smitten with Amish café owner Treva Kramer. He and she must navigate the difficulties of being heartbroken, she by a former boyfriend and he …

Interview with Lisa Childs (Hostage Security and A Match for the Sheriff)

February 14, 2025

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Hostage Security and A Match for the Sheriff by Lisa Childs have fascinating stories that are compelling. Hostage Security is a suspenseful romance that involves a child being kidnapped. Five years ago, Josh Stafford ended his engagement to Natalie Croft after he pleaded guilty to a crime he did not commit to protect his loved ones. As he was leaving for prison, he told Natalie that he did not love her, which devasted Natalie. …

Interview with Jennifer Faye (Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses)

February 10, 2025

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses by Jennifer Faye is a great read. This book is very heartwarming and has readers wondering will the hero be able to open his heart again after his losses. Intertwined are three homeless puppies, town lonely hearts, and a massive snowstorm. The heroine Candi Goodman has no family, has lost her job, and the animal shelter she volunteers is closing. She agrees to drive the last three puppies from …

Interview with Anna J. Stewart (Arctic Pursuit)

January 24, 2025

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Arctic Pursuit by Anna J. Stewart is a suspenseful story. The plot has FBI Agent Ty Savakis deciding to go ‘off the books’ to help a witness, Alice, he worked with years ago. She is targeted by those she will be testifying against and is now in a coma. He asks his FBI partner Wren McKenna for her help. Not hesitating at all, she goes to Alaska to help safeguard the witness and find …

Interview with Melinda Curtis (Cowboy Santa)

January 3, 2025

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Cowboy Santa by Melinda Curtis, set in an Oklahoma small town around Christmas, is a good holiday read. The male lead is single dad Chandler Cochran who is basically raising his second-grade son, Sam on his own. It seems Sam is prodded to do certain things by the female lead, Izzy’s daughter, Little Della-Mae. Izzy and Chandler are pulled together to deal with their children’s misadventures. Chandler Cochran is a no-nonsense single father who …

Interview with Suzanne Woods Fisher (A Year of Flowers)

December 22, 2024

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Year of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a heartwarming read. In this collection of four novellas, three former friends have found success in the floral industry, but happiness and love remain elusive. The novellas follow the three former friends, Jaime, Claire, and Tess as they take a journey from leaving their sanctuary of Rose’s Flower Shop in Sunrise, North Carolina, as teenagers, to returning years later. Each story explores their reflections on …

Interview with Catherine Bybee (The Forgotten One)

November 16, 2024

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee once again proves how she can make readers laugh yet also pull at their heart strings. This plot has a rags to overnight riches story. Yesterday Max was an ordinary workingman, concerned with little more than the price of gas. Now he suddenly has a family, jaw-dropping wealth, and an avid (if clumsy) reporter on his trail. With the press threatening to destroy his new life, he needs …