romance - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with Maisey Yates (Cowboy to the Core and Lone Wolf Cowboy)

August 10, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Cowboy to the Core and Lone Wolf Cowboy by Maisey Yates are the latest in the “Gold Valley series.” What these novels have in common, a Yates specialty, is showing how individuals make their own choices and can choose love over being broken. Both books delve into the lives of the Dalton brothers and how their father’s imperfection affected them regarding relationships. Jamie Dodge is the heroine in Cowboy to the Core. She is …

The Baron and the Enchantress by Paullett Golden

November 4, 2019August 7, 2019

Title: The Baron and the Enchantress Author: Paullett Golden Series: Enchantresses #3 Got a bit long, otherwise a beautiful story My thanks to Paullett Golden, who asked me to read a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This was typical Golden (Is it too early to start saying “classic” Golden?)—a well-told, heartfelt story with endearing characters, deep themes, historical detail, bittersweet irony, and humor. The only real issue, in my eyes, was the length. I …

Interview with Milady (from Milady by Laura L. Sullivan)

August 3, 2019

Find an interview with the author here. Elise Cooper: Milady, thank you for sitting down and doing this interview. You are no longer a teenager, but now a woman who has seen and been through so very much. Some claim you are a devil, but others see you as a heroine fighting for justice. You have overcome life’s challenges against incredible odds, especially by those who call themselves The Three Musketeers. Hopefully anyone reading this they can see the true …

How to Hack a Heartbreak by Kristin Rockaway

November 4, 2019July 29, 2019

Title: How to Hack a Heartbreak Author: Kristin Rockaway Series: N/A Earnest but unexciting and perhaps a bit self-righteous I would like to thank Kristin Rockaway, Harlequin/Graydon House, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Okay, so I am not the ideal reader for this kind of story. Subject matter-wise, I mean; genre-wise—women’s fiction/romance—it’s right up my alley, but I don’t give a rat’s about dating apps, social media, or the …

Gothic Ghost Stories, Historical Mysteries, Scottish and Vampire Romance – Review Roundup Spring and Summer 2019

November 4, 2019July 29, 2019

There may be tiny spoilers for some of the books I mention, so here’s your warning. This spring I was craving Simone St. James. She put out one book a year from 2012 to 2016, but then it was two years between Lost Among the Living and The Broken Girls and will now be two years between The Broken Girls and The Sun Down Motel. I don’t know why there has been longer waits between books, if St. James has …

Interview with Laura Griffin (Her Deadly Secrets)

July 27, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Her Deadly Secrets by Laura Griffin has plenty of action and suspense with a touch of romance. Readers are easily drawn into the investigation of this murder mystery that involves the mob and a surprise villain. The plot starts out with a bang, literally. The heroine, Kira Vance, a private investigator, arrives to a meeting with her boss/mentor, Ollie Kovack, and the lead defense attorney Brock Logan. Unfortunately, she finds herself in the wrong …

Steel Resolve by B. J. Daniels

November 4, 2019June 28, 2019

Title: Steel Resolve Author: B. J. Daniels Series: Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy #1 Generic tale with more suspense than romance and underdeveloped MCs I would like to thank B. J. Daniels, Harlequin, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was a solid piece of work, but it lacked personality. It was well plotted and moved at a steady pace that didn’t let me get bored—though it slowed, sometimes a …

Interview with Amanda Quick (Tightrope)

May 24, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Tightrope is a fabulous mystery, typical of what readers have come to expect from Amanda Quick also known as Jayne Krentz. This action based plot has secrets, betrayals, Hollywood actors, circus characters, spies, gangsters, and a sweet romance, although the focus is more on the suspense than the romance. The plot has Amalie Vaughn putting the past behind her, especially the recent attack from the Death Catcher, a serial killer who targeted trapeze artists. …

Interview with Julia London (The Charmer in Chaps)

May 19, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Charmer in Chaps by Julia London is a heartwarming novel. This relationship story emphasizes the need for a little more acceptance in society today, as both the main female and male characters struggle with handicaps. Luca Prince has grown up without a care in the world or so it seems. He is part of Texas’ high society where his family is regarded as one of the wealthiest in the state. Contrast that with …

Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau

November 4, 2019March 20, 2019

Title: Kingdom of Exiles Author: Maxym M. Martineau Series: The Beast Charmer #1 Not the best beginning but still a great book I would like to thank Maxym M. Martineau, Sourcebooks, Inc., and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was a fun adventure with high stakes, an intriguing premise, and a fascinating use of magic. It was generally well-written, with multifaceted characters and creativity that knew no bounds. I …