***copies provided by publisher through NetGalley***

BOUND TO THE BACHELOR by Sarah Mayberry

I wasn't expecting a work of art, but at least something that would've kept me engaged. It didn't.

It was filled with clichés, it was predictable, featured bland characters and a very iffy insta-love romance that failed to strike the right notes, but at least it was a quick read.


BACHELOR AT HER BIDDING by Kate Hardy

The hero was a saint, the heroine was a self-righteous bitch filled with self-pity, the plot was rife with clichés and seemed written by a high-school student.


THE BACHELOR'S BABY by Dani Collins

This book was one massive clichéd rip-off of a Harlequin story (just read the blurb to know why).

The characters were poorly (or none at all) developed, the heroine's issues were annoying and the "drama" unnecessary and forced...I ended up skimming the better part of it.


WHAT A BACHELOR NEEDS by Kelly Hunter

If I had to use a word to describe this story it would be "simple". Too simple, in fact, with a very basic, rehashed and clichéd plot, and a cheesy, ordinary romance.
There was no conflict, no depth, no agency...It was just there, not doing anything.


IN BED WITH THE BACHELOR by Megan Crane

Poorly written with way too much inner monologues and with even more poorly drafted characters making them difficult to understand, empathize, sympathize and/or like.
Slow, boring and firmly in the "meh" category.


ONE NIGHT WITH HER BACHELOR by Kat Latham

Rather inconsistent (character- and their behavior-wise), and definitely nothing to write home about.
It had potential, but the author failed to bring it to fruition.

He’s used to risking it all in the ring, but nothing prepared him for love…

After flying half-way around the world to surprise her boyfriend, Evie Forrester finds herself heartbroken and stranded in a strange city. What could be a total disaster becomes something else when a tall, dark bull rider turns out to be a white knight in disguise. Evie isn’t sure she needs saving, but Tanner Harding is a difficult man to deny. He’s even harder to resist…

Tanner Harding can tame a monster bull with ease, but he never expected to be floored by someone like Evie. Sparks fly between them until injury threatens to end Tanner’s career –and suddenly he’s the one in need of a rescue. 

Evie can’t turn her back on her wounded hero and, as Tanner struggles with his recovery, she’s not sure she can guard her heart against him either. Tanner knows Evie has slipped under his skin, but she lives in Australia and his future is under a cloud. Can two people with too many reasons to walk away make the bold decision to stay?

Here are great books I read in 2016 but that were not published during that year. 

I am always looking for more wonderful books. Please share your favorite reads of the year with me! 

In no particular order... 

1. The Milch Bride: by J.R. BIERY

A good historical western is hard to find and this one is very compelling with all the best elements of the genre. 

2. The Year We Hid Away by Sarina Bowen

This whole series was beyond great and I power read it. 

3. Takes Two to Tackle by Jeanette Murray

Wonderful sports romance. 

4. Louder Than Love  by Jessica Topper

Gah. 5 Stars. Rock Star Romance with grown people. This book. Yes.

5. Stealing Mercury by Charlee Allden

Great Science Fiction Romance World building Gladiator style. 

6. Kulti by Mariana Zapata

5 Stars. I have already reread it 3 times. The best slow burn. 

7. His Christmas Gift by Sarah Mayberry and Three Nights before Christmas by Kat Latham

A perfect pair of Christmas Romances. 

8. Saving the CEO by Jenny Holiday

Charming and sexy. 

9. SATED: #3 in the Fit Trilogy by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Fun. Hot. I love this author. 

10. Dukes Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase

5 Star. Historical Romance doesn't get any better than this. 

Something more than friendship

Being a single dad was never on Michael Young's agenda. Yet with the sudden loss of his wife, that's exactly the role he has. On his best days, he thinks he can handle it. On his worst… Luckily, family friend Angie Bartlett has his back, easily stepping in to help out.

Lately, though, something has changed.

Michael is noticing exactly how gorgeous Angie is, and how single she is. She's constantly in his thoughts and he feels an attraction he never expected. Does he dare disrupt the very good thing they have going? If they have a fling that goes nowhere, he stands to lose everything— including her. But if they make it work, he stands to gain everything!

Since tragedy estranged defense attorney Jenna Macintosh from her family, she’s done her best to pretend Christmas doesn’t exist. Not so easy this year when she needs to work with client Lacey Gallagher, who is living on her brother Sawyer’s Christmas tree farm. All those fragrant pines dripping with twinkling lights are bad enough, but when disaster strikes, Jenna is stuck alone in a wooded cabin with Sawyer, the hottest man she’s ever met.

Experience has taught Sawyer Gallagher that smart city women like Jenna don’t want men like him, but when Jenna falls ill, he must abandon his plan to keep his distance and soon he’s trying to work out ways to make her his—and not just for Christmas.

Review

Sarah Mayberry is a treasure of a writing. She writers wonderful character driven romances. 

This book overlaps in time with the story of the hero's sister told in Kat Latham's wonderful Three Nights Before Christmas (Wild Montana Nights).

The hero is gruff and grumpy and a great loving hardworking man who likes and respects women and is not a man whore. Who knew? So, good.

The heroine has a bit more baggage but is super smart and kind. 

They both go after what they want which is each other.

There is the fun of a Christmas Tree Farm and a cabin romance when the hero takes care of the heroine who comes dow with chicken pox.

A lovely book to snuggle up too.