The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.75 stars. Cute book. A bit repetitious in places, but very clean and sweet. I can recommend Sarah Eden’s books to anyone who doesn’t want to worry about inappropriate content, but also wants something thought-provoking. This book touches on abuse. The ending is satisfying and happy, though. I liked it.

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The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A fun, quick read. I stayed up waaaay too late last night reading it. Satisfying ending.
Why only three stars? The language was rough and completely unnecessary, and there was one slightly graphic sex scene. If that doesn't bother you, it's a 4 star book.

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Falling Fast

by Lucy Kevin

1 star

 

147 pages

Published Jan. 16, 2011

 

 

I should have stopped while I was only a third into the book, because this book was dumb, dumb, dumb. It is a literary (I use that word loosely) version of TV's The Bachelor.

Please, don't waste your time.

The Accidental Bride

The Accidental Bride (Summer Island #2)

by Christina Skye

3 stars

 

376 pages

Published Sept. 18, 2012 by Harlequin

 

I wasn't overly thrilled with this book, but it was a sweet story without all the yucky sex scenes. A bit of an unbelievable plot, with the main characters falling in love the moment they see each other - call me jaded, but it usually doesn't happen that way. I guess that's why it's a "romance" book - the idealized version of love.

I was a little bugged by the blatant use of puppies and knitting and cooking in the book - it was as if the author thought of three things that women love and stuck them in the book to appeal to the widest range. I'm surprised that kittens and rainbows did not make an appearance, although reading in front of a sunset did (which is my personal favorite). See! It caught me, too!

Doubt I'll read another one in the series. But it was a good experiment.

The Little Lady Agency

The Little Lady Agency (The Little Lady Agency #1)

by Hester Browne

4 stars

406 pages 
Published Sept. 5, 2006 by Gallery Books

A little Sophie Kinsella-ish, but the main character actually has some morals, if a bit innocent (which is refreshing). There is very little swearing and no sex at all! I enjoyed it quite a bit. Although, I think she ended up with the wrong guy at the end!

Starry Night

Starry Night

by Debbie Macomber

3 stars

384 pages (on my e-reader, 142 pages)

Expected publication: Oct. 8, 2013 by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine

Debbie Macomber has made a name for herself writing sweet, little love stories using a formula that guarantees a happy, uplifting ending. If you are looking for angst-ridden romances strewn with sex, language and grit, Macomber is not for you. I happen to like these innocent, little novels. But not every day … or even every month. Her plotlines are eerily similar, and if you read them one after another, this is easily seen. But as a guilty pleasure – or a palate cleanser after a particularly gruesome, bad or stupid book – these little novels are perfect.
Starry Night tells the story of a female journalist who is challenged with finding a reclusive, “no-interviews-ever” best-selling author who lives in Alaska. If she succeeds, she can have her pick of any beat at the newspaper. So … predictable? Of course it is. That’s why you read these books! You know what’s going to happen. The joy is in the journey. How do they get together?
My only gripe is that I wish that the romance were developed further. It seems that within 24 hours (if that), the two are madly in love. I like my love stories drawn out just a tad bit more.
And an Epilogue would have been appreciated, too.
Yet for all its shortcomings, I will be reading Macomber again. She’s a bit addictive.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to review this book.

Glad Tidings

Glad Tidings (Here Comes Trouble & There's Something About Christmas)

by Debbie Macomber

3 stars

475 pages

Published Nov. 1, 2006, by Mira

I'm back!! The trip was fantastic, but it's always nice to come home.
 
I've delved into "adult fiction" with this book - a rare occurrence. But there isn't anything offensive - like so many adult fiction books. Little to no swearing and zero sex. In fact, I gave it to my mother-in-law to read after I was done with it on our trip.

For what it is - two sweet, unassuming love stories - this book excels. If you're looking for angst and star-crossed lovers who are constantly faced with obstacles before they can be together, this book is not that. Sometimes, I just was plain, ol' cheese. Just a boy and a girl falling in love - your guaranteed a happy ending - if a bit abrupt.

It's definitely not fine literature, but it never pretends to be. Macomber has made a name for herself for fluffy stories - and this is a great introduction to her style.

This is a good book for every once in a while. I wouldn't be able to read one Macomber book after another. She uses too many of the same devices and formulas in her stories. It would seem like you're reading the same book over and over.

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1)

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1)

by Gail Carriger 

4 stars

 
I'm not sure what genre to put this in ... paranormal for sure, but it also is a mystery, with steampunk and romance overtures and a dash of Mary Poppins. Definitely a fresh take. I enjoyed it quite a lot.
There are a few over-written sexy scenes, but if you can skim, the rest of the book is really quite good. I'm a sucker for a good, strong female protagonist.
Will be reading the next in the series!