My favorite books to sigh, giggle, blush and swoon

Why am I passionate about this?

I read my first romance novel at fourteen. I know, I know, too young to probably read any of these novels. As I grew older, my library expanded beyond Regency Romance and I entered the Contemporary genre. I found my happy place among the modern world. I related more. Who wouldn’t? And yet, my personal life was nothing like the romance novels I read. It was a tragedy. A complete train wreck. Being the single friend among the group was awkward and sometimes lonely. Between my fanciful love of romance novels and the dreaded dating era I experienced, I came up with the concept of The Martini Girl Bar and wrote my first novel. 


I wrote...

Loving Whiskey

By Gracie Cooper,

Book cover of Loving Whiskey

What is my book about?

Tired of dating, Willow Lawson gives up on love and focuses on the expansion of Martini Girl Bar. She is officially on a man-strike—until she meets Colt. Colton Royce has his hands full raising his four-year-old niece and seventy-two-year-old grandmother. But when a chance encounter to play music again knocks on his door, he takes it. Lightning strikes when Willow and Colt are around, proving love enters when they least expect it.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Simply Irresistible

Gracie Cooper Why did I love this book?

This was the first rom-com book I read and it made me giggle, sigh, and swoon. I was hooked on the series afterward and I could not consume the books fast enough. Jill Shalvis has a way of creating relatable characters which you end up cheering for at the end. In fact, the MC, Maddie, from the first chapter tugs at your heartstrings and you can’t help but hope she finishes her bag of potato chips before anything else happens. Well unless it happens to be Jax. Their meet-cute is comically on point. Not to mention the nosy busy bee elder, who loves to post everything on “the” Facebook. You can’t help but chuckle at every page turn and hope Maddie finds the courage within her and go after what she wants. 

By Jill Shalvis,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Simply Irresistible as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The first enchanting novel in the Lucky Harbor series from New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis, laced with her trademark gift for humour, warmth and romance. Fans of Susan Andersen, Bella Andre, Rachel Gibson, Carly Phillips, and Susan Mallery will fall head over heels for the Lucky Harbor series.

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover. In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother - a ramshackle…


Book cover of Fated

Gracie Cooper Why did I love this book?

I know, I know, this book is a paranormal romance, but hear me out. This is a series and if you can guess, I love series. I love knowing if the other characters in the stories also get a HEA. I mean everyone deserves one. Well except for the bad guys. But even then…that’s another genre. In this case, Fated is a Vampire series however Rebecca Zanetti takes a different spin on the Vampire myth which makes this one of my favorite paranormal series. The tug and pull between the MMC and FMC…chef kiss.

Talen is the ultimate ALPHA male, warrior, dominant, “I am man, you are my mate” kinda dude and Cara is so not having it. Due to the imminent threat against herself and her daughter, Janie, Cara is left with no alternative but to trust the strange man who claims to be a Vampire. The dynamic between Cara and Talen is humorous as well as the relationship between these dangerous and powerful Vampires and a young child, Janie, who paints their nails pink when they lose a game against her. How can you not chuckle and swoon over them?

On a side note: Without her knowing, Rebecca’s website assisted me in many ways with my writing. I recommend any new writer to visit her page and check out her “How To’s” for New Writers. I will forever be grateful for the information on her website.

By Rebecca Zanetti,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Fated as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Marry Me

Cara Paulsen does not give up easily. A scientist and a single mother, she's used to fighting for what she wants, keeping a cool head, and doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter Janie. But "whatever it takes" has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous-looking stranger with an attitude problem. . .

Or Else

Sure, the mysterious Talen says that he's there to protect Cara and Janie. He also says that he's a three-hundred-year-old vampire. Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he's had that long to practice. . .…


Book cover of Three Little Words

Gracie Cooper Why did I love this book?

How do you not fall in love with Fool’s Gold? This series has everything you can ask for. Instant Love. Second chance romance. Enemies to Lover. Friends to Lover. The list goes on and on. Three Little Words is a sweet story of Isabel who has crushed on Ford since she was fourteen years old. Ford left and joined the services and she sent him letters as often as she can, giving him updates on her life throughout her high school, college, and early career adventures until one day she made the decision to stop writing, knowing it was time to move on and let him go. Time passes and Ford never responds to her letters however he returns to Fool’s Gold and is quickly smitten by Isabel. Isabel’s letter kept him sane throughout his time in the service but a jaded pass prevents him from moving on saying those Three Little Words.

Ford is a complicative soul and yet so sweet with Isabel. It’s understandable why her feelings for him have always remained close at heart. I love their connection and all the characters in this series. If only Fool’s Gold really existed. Wouldn’t that be grand!

By Susan Mallery,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Three Little Words as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Can first love turn into the real deal? Anything can happen in a sizzling new Fool's Gold story from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery. 

Isabel Beebe thinks she's cursed in the romance department. Her teenage crush, Ford Hendrix, ignored all her letters. Her husband left her for another…man. So Isabel has come home to dust off her passion for fashion and run the family bridal shop until her parents are ready to sell it. Then she'll pursue her real dreams. At least, that's the plan, until sexy, charming Ford returns and leaves her feeling fourteen all over again…..…


Book cover of The Perfect Hope

Gracie Cooper Why did I love this book?

A hot, cranky contractor, paired with a sassy innkeeper and meddling romantic ghost? What’s not to like? This is book 3 of the Innsborro Triology and it was a hard one for me to pick out of the three of them (because I love them all) but this one wraps up all loose ends and I love a hot, cranky man with a tool belt. The chemistry between Ryder and Hope flies off the pages. I mean the fireworks exuded each time I turned a page. It was amazing. I could not read this series fast enough. Nora Roberts was one of the first romance authors I read way, way…way back (eh, eh..clearing throat). If you ever have a chance to pick up any of her trilogies, this is one I would definitely recommend. It is a very sweet and comical story of three brothers renovating an Inn with their all-knowing mother. Along the way, the brothers meet their match and fall in love. Ryder is no different and meets Hope in an earlier book, experiencing a New Year’s kiss that has left him restless and unamused. Every encounter with Hope is laughable especially when the Inn’s ghost intervenes and locks them in a bathroom. Their only way out… Kiss. Naughty ghost. 

By Nora Roberts,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Perfect Hope as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Montgomery brothers have been the talk of Boonsboro, ever since they decided to renovate the old Inn into an intimate and handsome new Bed and Breakfast.

Beckett and Owen have both found love in the process, but what of Ryder, the third Montgomery brother? Can the Inn Boonsboro weave its magic one more time?

Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out - with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He's surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a tool belt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except, apparently, Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper…


Book cover of Until November

Gracie Cooper Why did I love this book?

The Mayson boys. Need I say more? The Mayson boys are known in their local town, especially with the ladies. But there is something else known within the family alone. The Boom.

Aurora Rose has made “Love At First Sight” hot and sexy. Not to mention the meet-cutes are not always pleasant, but the persistent aftermath are quite funny and swoonworthy. There is nothing sexier than a partner who knows what they want. No games. No ploys. These are fast reads and tie together. I recommend reading them in order but they can all be read as a stand-alone. Until November is the first in the series. November has a troubled relationship with her mother and leaves to start over in a small town in Tennessee with her father.

Along the way, she runs into some trouble but manages to pick up a massive stray dog and make it home to the safety of her dad and uncle. Shortly after, she meets Asher Mayson and under an incorrect assumption, he opens his mouth and inserts a foot or two, making the first impression undesirable. Needless to say, November and Asher meet again and with the help of Asher’s grandmother, November gives Asher a second chance. But things don’t always go as planned and November’s pass comes quickly after her and Asher will do everything to protect his Boom.

By Aurora Rose Reynolds,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Until November as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

November is looking forward to getting to know her father and the safety of a small town. After leaving the big apple and her bad memories for Tennessee, November starts working for her dad at his strip club doing the books. The one time she’s allowed there during club hours she runs into Asher Mayson. He’s perfect until he opens his mouth and makes assumptions. November wants nothing to do with Asher but too bad for November fate has other plans. Asher Mayson has never had a problem getting a woman that is until November. Now all he can think…


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The Samaritan's Patient

By Chevron Ross,

Book cover of The Samaritan's Patient

Chevron Ross

New book alert!

What is my book about?

Teenager Paige Abernathy awakens after a severe beating to find that she suffers from amnesia, and that everyone seems to hate her. She has only flashes of memory until the night a grieving parent attacks her in her hospital room. Paige then remembers her role as the creator of an online group where members talk about ways to commit suicide.

After recovering from the beating, Paige embarks on a journey of penance to atone for a disaster born of good intentions. Her odyssey launches her on a mission of mercy and into new danger. The Samaritan’s Patient is a thought-provoking novel about navigating the treacherous waters of social media.

The Samaritan's Patient

By Chevron Ross,

What is this book about?

Teenager Paige Abernathy awakens after a severe beating to find that she suffers from amnesia, and that everyone seems to hate her.

She has only flashes of memory until the night a grieving parent attacks her in her hospital room. Paige then remembers her role as creator of an online group where members talk about ways to commit suicide.

After recovering from the beating, Paige embarks on a journey of penance to atone for a disaster born of good intentions. Her odyssey launches her on a mission of mercy and into new danger.

The Samaritan's Patient is a thought-provoking novel…


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