Chantel RhondeauRezensionen

In the first McCallister’s Paradise book, massage therapist Larissa Benner can’t believe what her boss’s son just asked her. He’s naked on her massage table and is demanding she give him a happy ending—a hand job—or she’ll lose her job. She’s desperate to keep her job at the island resort for the health benefits, but refuses to have sex with him, no matter how handsome he is.
Quinn McCallister will do anything for his family and the family business. Even though he feels like scum, he propositions the talented therapist his dad wants to hire on full-time in order to test her morals and values. But he didn’t expect her to be so fiery. A rocky friendship builds between them but love soon takes hold.
I really enjoyed this story. Larissa and Quinn have great chemistry, but they’re both troubled, confused people.
Larissa is a breast cancer survivor, but the chance of the cancer returning is high. She’s a sweet, understanding woman who’s been through a terrible time, but I found it hard to connect with her. She’s a strong person when it comes to fighting the cancer, but she’s prudish and judgmental.
Quinn is an unflappable macho hero. He’s so determined to be a manly man, do a good job at work, and make his parents proud that he’s forgotten what life is all about. His stubbornness and foolishness nearly cost him a wonderful relationship, and I loved seeing the high-powered businessman fall at the feet of a woman.
The side characters are great. Quinn’s parents are kind but pushy people. Quinn’s interactions with his sister and brothers are typical of sibling love and rivalry, and were very believable. I especially like his sister, Sydney. She’s one tough cookie.
There were a few typos but nothing took me out of the story. I would definitely like to read more books in the series.
4 Stars

In the third McCallister’s Paradise book, Sydney McCallister works in New York City where she evaluates foundations and gives out grant money to various charities. Unfortunately, she can’t accept every applicant, which angers a lot of people.
Matt Coleson founded New Beginnings to help drug addicts recover from their addiction and to get homeless people off the street by giving them an education and a job. He desperately needs the McCallister grant but didn’t get it. After he curses Sydney out at her office, he thinks that’s the end of it, until she bursts into his office accusing him of vandalizing hers. A tentative friendship blooms between them, but they come from two different worlds—he’s the homeless street kid who rose above the statistics to do good things with his life, and she’s the rich girl who wants to help others.
Sydney and Matt are awesome characters, and I love that their roles were reversed when compared to most romance novels. They both have alpha tendencies, but he’s more beta than most romantic heroes, which was a breath of fresh air for me. Their arguing did grow frustrating at times, but they meshed wonderfully and had chemistry.
Half the book takes place in New York, and the other half is on the McCallister resort island. I liked both parts of the story equally. Even though I’d already guessed what the “big problem” was going to be for the couple, their pain drew tears to my eyes and I couldn’t stop smiling once Matt and Syd made up.
The McCallister family is back and as wonderful as ever. Though I haven’t read book 2 in the series, this book gave enough information above the previous one so I wasn’t lost. All these books are standalones.
I like the author’s writing style, but there were some awkward sentences, so I had to reread a few passages to understand what was going on. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more in the series.
4 Stars

In the fifth McCallister’s Paradise book, single mom Elaina Parson wins an all-expense three-week vacation to the McCalliser’s Paradise resort island and it couldn’t have come at a better time. She’s on the run from her abusive ex-boyfriend who wants to steal her daughter. The island is everything Elaina and her daughter, Kylee, could’ve hoped for, but it gets even more special when she meets the sexy head chef at the resort’s gourmet restaurant.
Shane McCallister is the youngest of the McCallister siblings, and he’s happy with his life as a playboy bachelor. Once he meets Elaina and Kylee, he realizes what he’s been missing. He quickly becomes attached to the ready-made family, and they to him, but a past failed relationship and his womanizing ways holds him back.
This is a great story. Elaina and Shane help each other see their own worth and heal from past hurts. Despite their attraction, they started as friends and got to know each other before they moved to the bedroom. That was really nice. Kylee, the five-year-old girl, is absolutely adorable. It’s no wonder Shane fell head-over-heels for both her and her mom.
The story could use a light edit to add in missing words. Sometimes I had trouble picturing the scenes and would’ve liked more description.
Anyway, I loved seeing all the previous couples return, who are now starting their own families. I haven’t read all the books in this series, but the ones I have read, I’ve enjoyed. I’m sad to see the McCallister sibling romances come to a close. For readers who wants romances set on a tropical island, give this series a try.
4 Stars

A Hearts On Fire Review

"Always & Forever" seems to promise suspenseful romance between an abused, disabled woman on the run with a criminal past and a disenchanted wealthy widower. The story started with elements of some great romantic suspenseful stories starts with and then...the characters were not as promising as the story progressed.

Then the story became disjointed, the dialogue weird. It's billed as a contemporary but the characters sometimes sounded right off the page of a so-so regency.

But leaving the stilted speak out of the equation, the weak characters were another issue for me.

The heroine has a damaged leg from an earlier attack which the hero was not understanding of. The hero was insecure and selfish, the heroine vapid and TSTL (too stupid to live). Both of them were so weak, the hero always acting like a jerk and the heroine was readily willing to forgive in the name of "love".

Please. *eye roll*

There's an easy guessable plot line involved and I'm going to spoil the ending but potential readers need this warning. Because if I'm rooting for the villain's beating of the heroine, you know there is a problem. But don't worry, while the heroine is being beaten, the hero's crying outside of the locked door - he's worried you see. And you know who saves the heroine?

The heroine.

And you know what's the heroine's first thought after being beaten and defeating the bad guy? She's grateful the hero is alright.

Seriously?

I. Just. Can't.

Maybe there are other readers who can forgive this but I can't. I'm all for equal rights and happy endings but this is disappointing.

There was nothing endearing of either character and both deserved each other. Good riddance."

Kristine Mason told me about this anthology and after checking it out, I thought, " I have to have these."

I am reviewing Killer Romances as a bundle, but will rate them separately on Goodreads.

I had read Kristine Mason's 5 Star novel, Shadow of Perception (Book II of the Core Shadow Trilogy) some time ago and loved it. If the rest of the books are anything like hers, this is going to be a huge hit!

I was not disappointed.

Killer Romances has all the elements thrillers need to make us squirm.

The novels are varied.

We have the mob, serial killers and secret agents.

We have romantic suspense and murder mystery galore.

We travel from the city to the wilderness.

I started reading on September 2 and finished in the wee hours of the morning on Septmber 18, 2014.

Killer Romances had me on the edge of my seat for 16 days.

I couldn't stop reading.

I read one right after the other.

My eyes are burning and ready to pop out of my head. 8-)

I was surprised at how many times cancer was mentioned in the beginning novels, not that there's anything wrong with that. A little humor there. If you have ever watched Seinfeld on TV, you will know what I mean.

If you love mystery, romance, sex, suspense, thrillers and science fiction, this fantastic anthology is for you.

There is loss, love, loyalty, betrayal, brutality, sorrow, tragedy, arrogance, ego - no mercy.

I loved, I hated.

I wept, I laughed.

I kicked ass, I killed.

My favorite is Shadow of Perception by Kristine Mason. I was a huge fan of hers before I picked up Killer Romances. Kristine is the one who brought this awesome anthology to my attention. Thank you so much Kristine, for the burning eyes and sleepless nights, thus the shades. 8-)

I was going to list some other favorites, but I kept adding another and another.

I love them all and will be looking for more of their work.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

A great collection of Christmas romance stories, some light hearted, some a little less so but all heart warming at the end.

I got to read a beta version of this book, and I loved it. Chelsea fits right in to the Resort family. Now, if only Brad can start to fit in, they might have a chance. This is a nice, light, contemporary romance. I've enjoyed the entire series.

Fantastic collection filled with some amazingly sizzling hot romances. I haven't had a chance to read all of them but the ones I have made this worth the price! I highly recommend this set.

This is a wonderful story about what can happen when the boundaries of professionalism are blurred. Melanie is a rising star in the tennis world. Rich and beautiful, she gets everything she wants. What she wants now is Ethan, her coach. Ethan is a tennis star in his own right; benched due to a leg injury that left him with unending pain and a limp. He's rebuilt his career by training new people to be champions. Is he willing to compromise his own rules against fraternizing with clients, to give Mel what she wants? How will that affect their training? Her performance? Her parents, wealthy snobs, may not want their daughter to be taken advantage of, if they ever found out, it would be catastrophic! I really loved this story. If you've ever read anything else by this author, and loved it, you will love this too!

I LOVE box sets, especially when I get to read new authors, and revisit some favorites. I've read most of Chantal Rhondeau's previous collaborations, and enjoy her sweet approach to the fantasy love story that every woman dreams of. Rich, gorgeous bazillionaires with their own tropical island resort? Yes please! The rest of the novels contained in this set range from sweet to stunningly sexy. From the hot-as-hell actor to the boy next door. I am in love with all of them! (Downfall of the box set: now I have too many book boyfriends swimming around in my head!) One-click it today!

I love the MacCallisters! Sydney's story is perfect! She's her regular snarky, strong self, and she meets a man who is willing to stand up to her. Beloved characters from previous books are revisited, and the story continues. A lovely story with a few dark spots, this would be a great beach read. Totally enjoyable!

A dream job at an island resort? A hunk of hot man who just happens to run the whole thing with his family? Count me in! I needed something light to read, and Happy Endings fit the bill! There's some light drama, some conflict, and some steamy (but not too spicy, if you know what I mean) love scenes. All in all, a perfect book for the beach, or cuddled near the fireplace. Definitely looking forward to more in this series!

Sierra is sick of her abusive mother constantly holding her trust fund over her head. She's on McCallisters Paradise, a tropical island, for a whole month, with her parents. She just wants to rebel and have a little fun. While riding a horse full speed along a beach forbidden to guests, she nearly runs down Parker. A smoking hot playboy who has a way with women, Parker can't keep his mind off of Sierra. Her fiery red hair, and the temper that match it, intrigue him to distraction! This series is contemporary romance at it's finest!

Once upon a time, there lived a girl with daddy issues, who grew up to be a spy. Every author tries to write a story that will cause the reader to "feel" what the character is feeling. This story succeeds, smashingly well! I wanted to choke ALL of the men in Shelley's life, just for existing! The author kept me guessing about the outcome until the very last page! Love!

Spies, terrorists, conspiracy, corruption, who can you trust? This story keeps you guessing til the very end! I couldn't put this book down until I knew what was going to happen to Nick and Carlie. It's crazy good!

I really enjoyed Blazing Love. It's romance at it's finest! A smoking hot (pun intended) fireman, a curvy veterinary assistant, and an injured kitten... Who could ask for anything more? There are also some crossover characters from previous novels, which makes it even more amazing for those who've read the Agents in Love series. Well rounded characters, suspense, and a message about cutbacks to city fire departments budgets, all combine to make this romance novel worth whatever you've paid for it.

Overall, I enjoyed this bundle, but it was far more sweet than I like my romance. I prefer the hot, sweaty, tell it sex, not the behind closed doors that we got with the majority of the stories. Just my preference.

If you like sweet, you will like this. If you prefer hot and sweaty, this will be something different, just know that going in.

What I Thought

I've read through four of the stories in this book, and have found them all really great. Each one is built with enough detail, back story and love to keep you really pulled in. You find yourself attached to the characters, hoping for the best for them.

I found each story just long enough to really get you involved and invested in the read, but not long enough to make you feel as though you wouldn't have time to finish. It's the perfect little ebook to have by your bedside, on these wintery nights, to read on the few days up to Christmas. Plus, I think most of them are great reads to enjoy throughout winter and anytime of year really. Love stories with a bit of Christmas cheers make you feel great!

I found the level of detail and the pace, in the stories I read, to be excellent. These authors really know what they are doing. With shorter reads, it is always hard to get the right balance, as the pace needs to be fast enough to get all the story in, but we readers still need to be given the time and detail to know the characters and feel as though the story is real. I thought that these stories did that well.

As a collection, they are great! They have been put together with the common themes of love and Christmas, but each once is still unique. They each have very different plots and the characters also have differences, which is great because you aren't left feeling as though you've read the same story ten times over.

Kristine Mason told me about this anthology and after checking it out, I thought, " I have to have these."

I am reviewing Killer Romances as a bundle, but will rate them separately on Goodreads.

I had read Kristine Mason's 5 Star novel, Shadow of Perception (Book II of the Core Shadow Trilogy) some time ago and loved it. If the rest of the books are anything like hers, this is going to be a huge hit!

I was not disappointed.

Killer Romances has all the elements thrillers need to make us squirm.

The novels are varied.

We have the mob, serial killers and secret agents.

We have romantic suspense and murder mystery galore.

We travel from the city to the wilderness.

I started reading on September 2 and finished in the wee hours of the morning on Septmber 18, 2014.

Killer Romances had me on the edge of my seat for 16 days.

I couldn't stop reading.

I read one right after the other.

My eyes are burning and ready to pop out of my head. 8-)

I was surprised at how many times cancer was mentioned in the beginning novels, not that there's anything wrong with that. A little humor there. If you have ever watched Seinfeld on TV, you will know what I mean.

If you love mystery, romance, sex, suspense, thrillers and science fiction, this fantastic anthology is for you.

There is loss, love, loyalty, betrayal, brutality, sorrow, tragedy, arrogance, ego - no mercy.

I loved, I hated.

I wept, I laughed.

I kicked ass, I killed.

My favorite is Shadow of Perception by Kristine Mason. I was a huge fan of hers before I picked up Killer Romances. Kristine is the one who brought this awesome anthology to my attention. Thank you so much Kristine, for the burning eyes and sleepless nights, thus the shades. 8-)

I was going to list some other favorites, but I kept adding another and another.

I love them all and will be looking for more of their work.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Thirty-three year old Madeline Scott has moved from her childhood home in Utah to the small coastal town of Pleasant View, California after calling off her wedding when she discovers her fiance in bed with her Maid of Honor. Seeking peace and quiet, and a time to heal, Madeline loves to walk the beach ... but her life is once again turned upside down when she discovers a man's dead body on the beach and sees the killer jogging away from the murder scene.

Forty-Two year old Pleasant View Police Officer Donovan Andrews is the first to respond to the murder scene. When he recognizes the dead man's face, he knows that the murder will cause him trouble. He has a problem with men who abuse their wives and children, and it looks like his past has caught up with him as someone frames him for the murder. Donovan is known as the town's womanizer, he is not the marrying type, and has cycled through every available women in town, including the Police Chief's daughter.

When Madeline and Donovan meet there is mutual attraction, but Madeline has trust issues and avoids dating men after her failed wedding. Donovan's player reputation doesn't exactly help him woo Madeline, but when he is framed for the murder of Frank Johnson, a known domestic abuser, Madeline comes to Donovan's defense. When a second murder occurs and Madeline becomes the next target for the killer, Donovan will do anything to protect her, and together they search for the real killer while learning to trust each other and fall in love.

In Crime & Passion, author Chantel Rhondeau weaves a riveting and dramatic suspense story written in the third person narrative that interweaves murder, mystery and romance. This fast paced whodunit captivates the reader's attention from the beginning, and leads them on a thrilling adventure along with Madeline and Donovan as they search for the real killer. It is a dramatic action packed story full of suspenseful and romantic twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing who the real killer is among a town full of suspects, all the while watching as Madeline and Donovan navigate the murky waters of building a love relationship.

I loved that the author interweaves the murder mystery with a love story, she engages the readers with a balance of both that flows seamlessly throughout the story. I really enjoyed Madeline and Donovan's banter and romantic development, it was sassy, flirty, passionate, and down right humorous. I loved that the love story featured a woman who has been previously burned in love and has to learn to trust again, while the man has to overcome his troubled past and womanizing ways in order to find true love. As a huge fan of suspenseful murder mysteries, I really enjoyed how the author engaged me to guess who the real killer is with an intriguing list of suspects, and the riveting twists and turns kept me on my toes until the conclusion.

With an intriguing cast of characters; witty dialogues; suspenseful and dramatic interactions; and a two-fold storyline that features a richly detailed and descriptive murder mystery and passionate tale of finding true love; Crime & Passion is one heck of an entertaining romantic suspense novel that lives up to its title.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/06/crime-passion-by-chantel-rhond...

With compelling characters that are bound to worm their way into your heart, Chantal Rhondeau has created a story that will have you outraged and thrilled, anxious and satisfied, with just enough frustration at the situations to keep you turning pages until the end. With an abused woman who needs to learn to trust, a man who has his own issues to deal with, and a slew of miscommunications and insecurities that alternate between incredibly frustrating and wholly understandable, readers will find the relationship has been detailed with a near-tactile realness.

With a mystery to solve that is full of twists and turns, a heroine that is easy to root for and some incredibly steamy sex scenes, this book provides a good afternoon’s reading and time will just fly by. Aside from some minor pacing irregularities, and a ‘bad guy’ who is more one-dimensional than I prefer, this book begged to have just another page read. Conversations are beautifully detailed; the characters spoke as if overheard, without artifice or embellishment. A few repetitions of key points were a niggling frustration, but since neither character had really ‘dealt’ with the issues of the past and the new problems were triggering old responses, it was both understandable and realistic.

As a first book from this author, it shows great promise and I look forward to more from her.

I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review as part of my Indie Authors Rock on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.