romance - No Apology Book Reviews

Laird of the Black Isle by Paula Quinn

November 6, 2019April 10, 2018

Title: Laird of the Black Isle Author: Paula Quinn Series: Highland Heirs #7 Could have been better but who cares because MACGREGORS!! I would like to thank Paula Quinn, Forever/Hachette Book Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Two years ago, Lachlan MacKenzie, Laird of the Black Isle, tucked himself away in his dark, empty castle to mourn the murders of his wife and four-year-old daughter. He provides for his tenants, …

Interview with Joan Johnston (Surrender)

October 10, 2018April 8, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Surrender by Joan Johnston is a romantic western. The main characters, Brian and Taylor have a history, they dated in high school. Playing on the Hatfield/McCoy feud, Johnston has the fathers hate each other. The plot begins with the protagonists forced to land the plane in the middle of a wild fire. With disaster looming, they must struggle to survive. Injured and starving, the threat of imminent death reignites something deep and powerful between …

Marry in Scandal (Marriage of Convenience #2) by Anne Gracie

November 6, 2019April 3, 2018

Title: Marry in Scandal Author: Anne Gracie Series: Marriage of Convenience #2 Uninspired plot saved by endearing characters I would like to thank Anne Gracie, Berkley/Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The charm of the characters saved this novel. The plot is lazy: A man with a gambling debt absconds with a young, naive heiress to Gretna Green to marry her and inherit her fortune, but some kind …

Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks

October 9, 2018March 19, 2018

Title: Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon Author: Kerrelyn Sparks Series: The Embraced #3 An issue with the narrative but overall I LOVE this series! I would like to thank Kerrelyn Sparks, Macmillan/St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. When her beloved niece is kidnapped by a dragon, Gwennore grabs onto the beast’s foreleg and hangs on for dear life, determined to protect the girl. They’re taken to …

Interview with Sarah Sundin (The Sea Before Us)

October 10, 2018February 24, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin brings into focus British cultural and historical tidbits, a mystery involving an embezzler, a World War II setting, and a love triangle. It is a reminder of how America’s finest prepared for the D-Day invasion to defeat the Nazis. The year is 1944 and the Allied forces are preparing for the invasion of Normandy. Lieutenant Wyatt Paxton is a US Naval officer advising on how to use …

Interview with Karen Rose (Edge of Darkness)

October 10, 2018February 12, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Edge of Darkness by Karen Rose is the fourth book of the famous suspenseful Cincinnati series. As with most of her books she explores relevant issues centered around friends and colleagues. This one is no different since the current issues of abuse and addiction become the main theme of the novel. Meredith Fallon counsels sexually abused women like Mallory Martin to help them reintegrate into the world. But not everyone sees it as honorable …

Interview with Lauren Willig (The English Wife)

October 10, 2018February 4, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The English Wife by Lauren Willig is full of intrigue and suspense. It is a refreshing change from all the recent Gone Girl look alikes, and instead is part mystery, part love story, and part family drama. This historical crime fiction novel involves murder, scandals, and secrets. The Gilded Age is highlighted between the years 1894 in England to 1899 in New York. Bayard, the son of a Knickerbocker prominent family returns after a …

Interview with Lynette Eason (Oath of Honor)

October 10, 2018January 20, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason is the first in a new series. This thrilling story is a shout out to those in law enforcement who put their lives on the line each and every day to keep everyone safe. The action never ceases as the plot combines a mystery, criminal investigation, politics, gang wars, shootings, and bad cops. What makes this story stand out is that Eason also brings to life engaging and …

Spring Forward by Catherine Anderson

October 10, 2018January 12, 2018

Title: Spring Forward Author: Catherine Anderson Series: Mystic Creek #4 — Stars Boring, didn’t finish I really don’t like reviewing a book I didn’t finish, so I won’t rate it (except on Amazon I have to in order to leave a review, so I gave a neutral three), but I did want to share my thoughts on the third I did read. Anderson’s a great writer, mechanically, and it’s obvious she puts extra effort into her descriptions. Several times I …

Interview with Anne Elizabeth (The Power of a SEAL)

October 10, 2018January 5, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Many military books have been written by and about SEALs. The Power of a SEAL by Anne Elizabeth is a suspense-romance novel that highlights the SEAL community. It blends a mysterious plot, some romance, and a realistic look at those serving. Readers gain an insight into the personality of a SEAL. They are truly the selfless warriors that do not require any accolades: humble, bold, strong, brave, with an inner calm during the missions. …