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Historical Romance Readers Group
Love historical romance? Commune with like minds, share book ideas, and talk about your favorite new reads!
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MMC was so romanti...
MMC was so romantic. At first, he shows his gruff exterior, but he cannot help himself to help those in need. You see this with his nephew and sister. Then a cute pumpkin, Abby, comes into his life and he falls head over heels with her and her mother.
FMC was so relatable. She is on her own, picking up her bootstraps from a bad relationship. She wants something to call her own and give her and her daughter financial stability. While she and John rub each other in not such a great way - when they final put their shields down - they are combustible.
I love all the small town cozy feels this romance gives. I love a hero who is protector and lover all in one, and heroine you can connect with. The story is entertaining, romantic and a one day bingeable. I love this author's storytelling. And this one I will find myself re-reading over and over again.
It is 75 pages so you are in for a instalove story-which is my favorite. But for such a short, it packs a really amazing relationship building for the characters.
Shane and Callie aren't looking for love. But the magic of Christmas sprinkle love dust on these two as they figure out replacement gifts for Shane. If you've never read Melanie Moreland, this short give you a nibble into her storytelling voice.
100% of royalties are being donated to Hamliton Food Share. Doubly makes for joy!
FTC requires disclosure that I am contractor for Moreland Books, Inc. This review is my honest opinion on the short story.
First, I am all for the alphahole boss trope. Give me a grumpy, overachieving, perfectionist and knock him on his head over heels in love ass - I am there for it. And Alexander Bane fits the brief. He is the perfect crusty hard cinnamon roll and ONLY for her. He doesn't get soft for anyone else (except begrudgingly Hedgy).
Next, give me a hyper competent, not backing down but wears her heart on her sleeve heroine - and I am there for it. Magnolia Myers was the relatable heroine that everyone can see a piece of yourself in. She wants to do a good job - no a great job. She wants to be her own person - seen in her wardrobe that is where her heart also shines brightly. She loves deeply, and genuinely cares about those inher charge - including her grumpy boss.
The banter is hilarious. There were times I hyperventilated. They fight the chemistry but when they give in, WOO BOY.
I've read the ebook, read the paperback I've just finished the audiobook. While I know some will eyeroll, I won't re-read every version because it's my job - but because this was the escape to watching love bloom and a happily ever after I want delivered in my romance books.
Once again, Melanie Moreland has blown me away with her storytelling. Leaving a place for real heart and emotion that doesn't get lost in the laughter. If I could give this story 10 stars I would.
FTC rules require I disclose that I am contractor for Moreland Books Inc. I am her cover designer and this aint AI art -but beautifully hand drawn art from a talented illustrator. I am her PA and gal Friday. I am her friend. But my biggest role is I am a genuine fan - and those who know me best know I wouldn't be the other if I didn't really love her storytelling.
Roman is everything I expect in a hero and lead of the family and business. He drips with power and connection. With the one thing he lacks - intimate, loving relationship. Enter Effie.
Effie is the soft place for Roman to land but never a push over. Her life has been upended and trying to find her way. But when pushed, that spine shows up!
If you are all about the protective, he falls first for the noble cinderella, look no further. I spent time in this world because I never wanted it to end.
This story was page turner, amazing characters that made you laugh, gasp and swoon.
Aldo is that big bear of a man. Sca...
This story was page turner, amazing characters that made you laugh, gasp and swoon.
Aldo is that big bear of a man. Scary on paper but a soft cinnamon roll when it comes to the heroine. Loyalty is his strongest trait and one I can get behind.
Vi - oh she is my girl crush. I love a lead who is strong but not stubborn. Who calls it like she sees it. And she sees that he falls first just needs to find a way to use his words.
This is book 1 of Men of the Falls duet. Aldo and Vi sets the tone and the pace for Roman to earn his HEA.
Cannot wait to see him fall!
While I loved the MCs equally - Asher brings the butterfl...
While I loved the MCs equally - Asher brings the butterflies - it was the FMC, Rosie I loved. She was the perfect balance. Relatable, vulnerable, and strong. She has built the best possible life for her and her son. While she can't deny the chemistry, she's also not going to allow Asher to just take over. Asher learning to take his cues, lead to the couple finding compromise and love.
AJ - he just was the embodiment of the holiday spirit. All joy and laughther.
If you are looking for that perfect Hallmarky, feel good, laugh and a few tears (that epilogue), look no further than this story for the season!
And READERS this is the best book ever. Something you didn't think you needed.
A cheeky take on one of my favorite tropes.
In short, you ...
And READERS this is the best book ever. Something you didn't think you needed.
A cheeky take on one of my favorite tropes.
In short, you are going to love everything about this book and I'd love to tell you my favorite parts. Starting with -- The whole damn book.
Listen we all know, Melanie Moreland doesn't 'stay in her lane'. Sometimes we get angsty then she give us romantic suspense, and then small-town found family goodness.
This time she looked at the lanes and said "Hells Bells. Let's drive down the middle and give each one some of both". AND I AM HERE FOR IT.
Yes, it's literally forced proximity. Yes, we got an older man who thinks he is going to fix all the heroine's problems because he is more worldly and has the money to do so. Yes, she is sassy and not going to give his overbearing ways one inch. Until they finally give into the undeniable chemisty.
Dante is the alpha, possessive hero perfection who has no idea who cupid is and why he is no longer acting rationally. AND I AM HERE FOR IT.
Brianna is the sassy, hustling heroine who has been dealt the crap hand in life but isn't going to allow it (or her crappy boss) let her take the eye off the prize. Until one night she happens to go to sleep (aided) and wakes up in Italy. The prize may have changed.
They are the sunshine to each others grumpiness. They are impulsivity to the others ordered lives. They are the missing piece of their souls and everyone (readers) can see it and we get the perfect light bulb moments and crashing of walls we need.
Mkay - I need you to read this book. Because for me to discuss "my favorite scene", it's the whole damn book. Honestly there is nothing I would change. And I should know because I've read it at least 12 times by now.
Okay one part - if you are a girl like me, Melanie Moreland wrote the mirror scene for us. IYKYK We want to be seen for all our beautiful parts. And Dante SLAYS the swoons in this scene.
This book?
The romcom book my dark romance friends wanted to read but didn't think it would be their thing.
The kidnapping dark romance theme my romcom friends run from as it is not their thing.
This book - This book IS YOUR THING.
It is funny, sweet, sexy, makes you hopeful, makes you feel joy. AND. I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT.
I have been a fan day one of the entire seri...
I have been a fan day one of the entire series. While Maxx and Charly are a forever comfort read, these two have joined their ranks. I love that Melanie Moreland wrote in scenes featuring this beloved found family so we don't miss them. But the former couples don't overpower the scenes but enhance them. Well, our feisty red-head is our new RVR in the Reynolds Restoration series. Charly calls it like she sees it and gives Chase sage advice.
Redeemable heroes are a catnip trope. But often authors redeem them in their story. Chase was forgiven in book 1 and grew through books 2-3. Fans of the series have the chance to watch the transformation and recognize he now deserves his other half. She comes in a strong cinnamon sprinkled police officer, Hannah. Who just happens to be crushing on her new landlord just as hard. OH YES MY HEART.
Both main characters bring heartbreak and growth to their scenes. Melanie Moreland has written character development that shows you don't have to wallow in what was but learn to embrace what can be.
And the damn epilogue. Once again perfection and why I call her the queen of happily ever after epilogues.
I highly recommend this story. You cannot go wrong. The storytelling allows for standalone but you want to get the entire series under your belt to be just in love with the Littleburn town and families.
NOW - BRING on Dom and Cherry because that story is gonna be FLAMING HOT!
Character-Driven Romance - That is what the first book of The Contract series was. The arc of character change for the hero that slowly and artfully was written for him to accept and be loved. The second, a novella, gave what readers asked for - an epilogue into the future. When readers continued to ask her for more books with this couple, book 3 came out with a shake-up. An accident that can change things in the blink of an eye and builds character strength in this couple. When more messages and comments on social media from readers for another book, how can the author bring another storyline to give our beloved characters more to grow from - This book.
Rather than taking the easy way with a continuation of the couple's story by showing us their HEA as all sunshine and roses, Mrs. Moreland has given the characters a situation to deal with and grow. Instead of painting with broad strokes through rose-colored glasses, she wrote her characters with flaws. Maybe not handling this new situation perfectly - but with the bumps and warts of human emotion that on a level, readers can react to.
This book is so many love stories. The love story of a couple and how they keep the romance fires burning. The love story of family those bonds and how to not take sides but open arms in welcome. The love story of the friendship of your found family and how they stick with you when the waters become troubled. The love story of finding your soulmate and how they support you as you are not the best version of yourself.
Bravo Melanie for writing the story you wanted to tell. My heart was a bit bruised in parts. This new, bigger and better family made it all worthwhile.
If you loved book 1 and don't wish to delve into more storylines that challenge the characters to grow more, stop there. No one says you have to read beyond it. But if you trust the author to bring you a story - a page-turning journey that will give you exactly a challenge to the characters, then trust her when she says:
No cheating. And always a happily ever after.
I cried. I laughed. I held these characters' hands. Often I found myself answering "What would I do if in their shoes?" with a resounding - I am sure I wouldn't have handled myself with as much grace.
This is the perfect sunset and lifelong love story of a beloved couple. Their capacity to love and be inclusive of new people is something we should all strive for.
Personal Favorite both read and audiobook
I did... I love him. I love his story.
Richard is one of the most challenging character arcs for a reader to watch. You wonder how this man - this man who is so unapologetic about his behavior can learn to love. He finds Katy. This woman who - I seriously wondered how she could tolerate him. But the more you get lost in their world, the more you come to understand the whys and - damn it - you WANT them to have a HEA which they get - and you laugh with- in The Baby Clause.
Anytime I am bored with my reading selection, I pick up The Contract/The Baby Clause to binge in. Not because fake romance/enemies to lovers is my favorite trope. Because the brilliance of the storytelling keeps me mesmerized in the tale. Like another reader friends states - it's my GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).
I became giddy when Richard and Katy showed up in Maddox (major fist bumps with romance friends) and in Reid. He was still Richard, and Katy was still keeping him in line. How could their story possibly be better?
HOLY SH*T!
I mean what possibly could the author give us? Grocery shopping? More holidays? She gives us that. Melanie Moreland paints a beautiful picture of a man - a man who never dreamed of this life - a wonderful family of marriage and friends. As we all know, life isn't without challenges. What happens when the unthinkable does? How do the characters react?
It is real, raw and emotional. I will not lie. It gripped my heart and kept me devouring page after page.
My GOAT just got better in more ways than I could imagine.
Thank you Melanie Moreland for writing not only this couple again for Romancelandia to enjoy. But gifting us another incredible story.
5 plus STARS
For all of us who need: give-me-a-man-who-will-sweep-me-off-my-feet-by-his-handsome-alpha-ways, we got: I-want-to-slap-him-then-kiss-him-and-kick-him. Never has an author so turned on every emotion for reader in a character. And it wasn't just the leading man we adored. The heroine and secondary characters left a lingering mark. So what happens after the HEA?
Ms Moreland gives us exactly the perfect followup and so much more. Best part about 2.0, Richard is still Richard. You want to smack him upside the head while you hug his mug. And Katy still deserves every reward for taming this man. You get their next phase that has you grinning and swooning with each page turn. And wanting the 3.0 "Teenage Years" next. If you've not read The Contract, you must. Then pick up this gem to get a further look into these fabulous characters.
First, this is a love story. One between to unlikely characte...
First, this is a love story. One between to unlikely characters that in different circumstances may have never met or clicked. The siren in the pool, the sassy gofer and the confident author are all sides of Mila. Nicholas has the chance to meet all three and falls for the entire package. Although opposites–one who is in the spotlight and the other in anonymity– their connection is real and deep. Their hearts connect and it's a beautiful storytelling.
While romance is in the forefront and primary in the story, the other themes are equally important. The subject of acceptance and everyone deserves a HEA is well written with sensitivity. Mental health awareness is important to me and part of my everyday life. Ms. Moreland took the time to not only pull from personal experiences of a dear friend, but have a bipolar sensitivity reader and mental health professionals guide her story to be the best representation. For me, as a mental health advocate, having this representation in a positive light made me grateful Melanie Moreland wrote a HEA story for them.
This is also the end of interconnected three-series. While this book can be read as a standalone or as part of ABC Corp series, the author gives readers for standalone, just enough information without overtelling and fans of all three series cameos to love. The characters provide entertainment and depth. Before I forget - the audiobook is perfection! John Lane and Maxine Mitchell nail the performance.
If you cruise Goodreads for other reviews, check out Jo Reads Romance. She said everything I felt and has it in better words than I. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It's brilliant romance storytelling with relatable characters, deep themes, spicy scenes we dream of, and a book worth re-reading again and again. I cannot recommend this book enough.
I beta read and a member of Moreland Books Inc team