Secret Love, by Fiona McGier

Title: Secret Love

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary, Erotic, Suspense

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press

Publication Date: January 1, 2011

ISBN #: 9781603139724

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Sheena has spent the last twelve years working for a government agency so secret that she didn't even learn what it was called for a year. She enjoys the work, but is getting bored. She tries her usual cure: a new man. But something about this one is different...and she develops feelings. In her world, even having feelings is dangerous. Indulging them by falling in love can be deadly.

Review:
My rating for Secret Love is more of a 3.5 Cups.

Destiny has a way of bringing two people together. Sheena Nelsen and Hickory Woods couldn’t be from more different worlds. Hers is a world of darkness, lies and secrets. His is flashy, public and surrounded by paparazzi.

No one really knows Sheena. Most don’t even know her real name or face. She is a spy. Her agency is so secret, the government barely knows about it. On a bit of a break between assignments, Sheena is in Berlin. Settling down for a little R&R, she is looking for one thing; a man to entertain her during her break. In walks tall, dark and handsome. A challenge she is ready to tackle. She has been bored for a while and he is just the diversion that she needs.

Hickory’s life changed dramatically two years ago by the loss of his wife and child. He was living the high life full of women and fame when his pregnant wife was killed in an auto accident. An accident he very well could have saved her from. With his Native American good looks he has taken the world of Hollywood by storm. A highly sought after action movie star. The world is at his feet, but he is a lonely man. Now after two years, he is beginning to live life again and his body is telling him that he needs to get a lot closer to a certain redhead.

Secret Love is a universal romance. I don’t mean that in a bad way either. The underbelly of this book is that the heroine is a deadly international spy, but the mystery, suspense and action doesn’t play a factor in this book. It is 100% pure romance. There was a touch of action in the book, but it was pretty standard and I felt downplayed. Yes, there is a villain but you know who he is and what he has planned, no surprises. I was on the edge of my seat as to when and where he would strike though.

While the story was fun and sweet, I kept hoping Ms. McGier would step out of her comfort zone and delve into the gripping world of intrigue. She can write a great love story, but I kept waiting for her to mix it up a bit. This series does have great promise. I am not a lover of the suspense/mystery genre per se, but I can see with Ms. McGier’s skill as a romance author and the prospect of a superlative secret spy agency, she could really spice things up and have an exceptional series. With her aptitude for sultry love scenes and character interaction she is a must read for me. I’m looking forward to her next novel in the series, Undercover Lover.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

--

*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to C&R Romance eBook Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other C&R reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Love Therapy (Reyes Romance, Book 6), by Fiona McGier

Title: Love Therapy (Reyes Romane, Book 6)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress

Publication Date: June 1, 2010

ISBN #: 9781597055

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Miguel’s first love, his high school sweetheart, was the woman he wanted to marry…because they belonged together. But she had a different kind of future in mind and left for college, leaving him and his broken heart behind. 20 years later he saw her at their high school reunion. Will he walk away this time? Or is it still meant to be? And what will his family think?

Review:
This installment of the Reyes Family Romance was a sweet endearing love story.

The Reyes family has a history of falling in love and staying in love. This story really proved that theory. Love Therapy is a testament to true everlasting love.

Miguel Reyes is a man looking for his true love. Unfortunately he’s looking for her in feisty independent women who have no interest of settling down. As his twentieth class reunion looms he reflects on his lack of love life and family. He had it once, but lost it twenty years ago.

Alicia Torres stole and broke Miguel’s heart, not once but twice. She moved on and started a career in nursing miles away from her home town. She runs from him because of her past. She has no desire to relive the life of her mother. Fear makes her run, but regret makes her return. She attends her class reunion with one hope in mind…reconnecting with her one and only true love, Miguel.

What can I say about this story? It was a romance through and through. No real evil plots or dastardly deeds. Love Therapy was just heartfelt romance and the proof that love can endure all, even time and separation.

You can’t help but fall in love with Miguel and Alicia. It is actually heartbreaking that they lost so many years and opportunities because of misconceptions and untruths. If I had a complaint about the book it would be all the sugar sweet talking. I may have to go to the dentist after reading this story. Boy, those two were the most enamored, kissy-kissy characters I have ever come across. Though in all fairness, Miguel has loved her most his life and he finally has her and Alicia has past pain and a terrible childhood to overcome. They truly both deserve their happiness.

While reading Love Therapy I was fascinated by Alicia’s sister, Gabriela, and Miguel’s brother, Pablo. They knew each other when they were younger and their possible future could be an exciting addition. Gabriela, the ugly duckling turned beautiful swan and Pablo, the forever bachelor. My fingers are crossed that I get to enjoy their story. I have a feeling it will be spectacular.

Love Therapy is a fantastic addition to the series. Ms. McGier has continuously written enjoyable and well developed story lines. I have been captivated by them all and I plan to devour any and all of her future books.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

--

*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Analysis of Love (Reyes Romance, Book 5), by Fiona McGier

Title: Analysis of Love (Reyes Romance, Book 5)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress

Publication Date: April 8, 2010

ISBN #: 9781597055871

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Catalina is the one Reyes sister who has always resisted her Hispanic roots. She refused to learn Spanish...she refuses to fall in love. She is always in control; no man can resist her sexy appearance that promises to fulfill their every dream. What happens when she is assigned to interview a blind man who cant see her reliable attributes?

Review:
Sometimes in the world of investigative journalism you are required to do things you don’t agree with. That is the position Catalina Reyes has been put in and she is not a happy woman at all.

Catalina has always been in control of her life. Never wanting the white picket fence and the 2.5 children, she is happy being single. A consummate lover of men, she is a woman who knows what she wants and knows exactly how to get it. Unfortunately, she works for a devious tyrant of a man. Her boss has a score to settle and has no problems using Catalina’s looks and womanly wiles to achieve them. She is put in a no win situation. Take down the doctor or lose her job.

Dr. Evan Thompson is the one of the best looking men Catalina has ever set her eyes on. Tall, blond and a well sculpted body; he may just be the man for her. Problem is she has to discredit and destroy him, all while she can’t keep her mind off wanting to have him. She also respects him and believes in how he is helping people. He captivates her like no other man has ever done before.

Evan has a big problem and being blind is the least of his troubles. He is infatuated with his patient. Since the moment she walked into his office he knew there was something special about Catalina Reyes. His senses are well tuned instruments and they all screamed, "Sexy Trouble". He may not be able to see her, but he can feel the heat coming off her body, smell her alluring scent, and hear the lust in her voice. He is headed for a train wreck with no way to stop it.

The story had wonderful surprises and steamy love scenes. The situation was handled well and after a slight bump in the road, they handled themselves professionally. I enjoyed revisiting the family and was pleasantly surprised that so much time had passed since the last book. While the time span was quite large, I found it more believable then some series where the siblings / friends all fall in love, one right after the other. It was a very nice change of pace.

I have to admit I was a little weary about the subject matter of this book. It was sneaky, underhanded and deceitful. I was delightfully surprised on how Ms. McGier pulled off the storyline. Catalina had a very unsavory task ahead of her and was totally dismayed that she must complete the job, especially since she is immensely attracted to Evan. The surprises were well written and the heartbreak was poignant. Analysis of Love is another must read in the Reyes Family Romance series.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

--

*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Prescription for Love (Reyes Romance, Book 4), by Fiona McGier

Title: Prescription for Love (Reyes Romance, Book 4)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.

Publication Date: July 6, 2010

ISBN #: 0011087285

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Enrique Reyes was named after his grandfather, and together they visited his hometown in Mexico, where Enrique is now happy being the doctor. The only thing he is missing is a wife. When Tanora Doyle, a bi-racial research biologist arrives in town, he is intrigued. But will the baggage she carries keep them apart? Or can Enrique cure whatever ails her and solve his problem as well?

Review:
What a great installment to the Reyes family series and to think it is also free eBook!! Fiona McGier has done it again with another great story.

At thirty years old, Enrique Reyes is living in Mexico, miles away from his friends and family. He is the general practitioner for the town where his grandfather grew up. After visiting the area with his grandfather several years ago, Enrique decided to practice in the quiet quaint town. While he enjoys the people and the town, he is unhappy with the selection of woman. He wants an equal in his marriage. He wants a woman that is strong, intelligent, engaging and independent, one who will challenge him, a partner. Enrique may have just found his perfect match.

Tanora Doyle is a botanical research biologist in the area looking for new plants to study for viable medicines. Before even stepping foot in the town, she falls face first out of the bus and breaks her wrist. What a way to start a research project. Tanora has always been a single minded motivated person and this set back is not going to be taken lightly. Nor will she be derailed by a handsome doctor who is basically blackmailing her into going out with him. She does find him attractive, but she has a job to do and doesn’t have time for a man.

While Enrique’s attraction is instantaneous, Tanora’s took a bit longer. She is fascinated with him, but was apprehensive and rightfully so. Her past traumas will always haunt her and will be very difficult to get past. With Enrique’s kindness and love, she is able to persevere and heal. His love and affection for her jumped off the pages. I enjoyed his seduction of Tanora. Enrique is a dream come true.

I enjoyed the different location and atmosphere of Prescription for Love. It was refreshing to get out of Chicago. While I’m not completely sure, it seems this story has a small link to other books by Fiona McGier involving an “agency”. For a free book, this story was appealing and satisfying. Don’t bypass this story to get to the next book. Enrique and Tanora’s novella shouldn’t be missed and is a welcome addition to the series.

Available at:
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)
Smashwords

--

*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Love by Design (Reyes Romance, Book 3), by Fiona McGier

Title: Love by Design (Reyes Romance, Book 3)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.

Publication Date: February 1, 2010

ISBN #: 9781597050661

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Can you do all of that for me, Rosa?

His voice was lower and more persuasive now.

Can you make my house into a home for me, Rosa? Make all of my dreams come true?

She felt her pulse race, and licked her lips unconsciously.

Thats why Im here, Greg. To bring your dreams to life.

Suddenly aware that he was leaning forward without intending to, as if his body was going to make him kiss her whether he planned to or not, Gregor froze, then cleared his throat as he sat back in his chair.

Review:
Once a Reyes man finds their intended wife they just know it and their love lasts forever. Now we know that the same can be said about the Reyes women too.

Seven years ago, Rosa Reyes broke up with her long time fiancé. She never forgot him and definitely never stopped loving him. Now she must work closely with him while renovating his new home. This job is a chance to possibly get national recognition for her work as an interior designer. She can’t pass up the opportunity, but working day in and day out with her ex will be very difficult, especially when all she can think about is how much she still wants him.

Gregor Lubovich is a Russian immigrant, transplanted into a country that he never wanted to come to. After a rocky start in the U.S., he worked harder to prove himself; becoming ambitious and very driven to succeed in the cut throat world of sales and in his personal life. At thirty-five, he is top in his field, but alone after a failed marriage. Never forgetting his only love, he is now determined to make her remember what they had and to bring her back into his life.

Rosa and Gregor’s journey back to love is sweet and enduring. It’s a testament of their strength that they were able to work together and complete the job before falling into each other’s arms. I also enjoyed the show of family support. They really proved that they back one another through good times and bad. The family also showed they were able to forgive and move on.

Love by Design was a fun engaging read. I rather enjoyed the way Ms. McGier incorporated the past with the present. Her use of flashbacks was not annoying and cumbersome. They conveyed all the necessary information that I needed to thoroughly understand the characters and how their relationship progressed and eventually failed. The editing was solid and the continuity was spot on. The story was well written and flowed quite nicely. Ms. McGier entices you to continue her series with excellent character interaction and development. I am looking forward to continuing the series just see who next falls in love and how.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

--

*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Recipe for Love (Reyes Romance, Book 2), by Fiona McGier

Title: Recipe for Love (Reyes Romance, Book 2)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.

Publication Date: January 22, 2010

ISBN #: 9781597050661

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

When Patti’s best friend is planning her wedding, of course she is asked to be the maid of honor. But since they are partners in an event planning company, and Patti is in the process of opening a small café and catering service, they decide that she will do both functions for the wedding. As the day gets closer, more people are invited, and Patti begins to worry about how she will be able to cook for that many guests, as well as calm down her very pregnant and irritable best friend for her important day. It is the groom who suggests that she hire an assistant cook.

None of the women who apply for the job are suitable, but Patti is surprised when a tall, muscular, tattooed biker rides up on a Harley and applies for the job. He tells her he is a Roma, which is the term his people prefer to “gypsy”. He offers to shave his beard, and tells her he has cooked all over the southwestern U.S., as well as everywhere he has traveled in Mexico. Since the groom and his family are Hispanic, so are the foods that Patti will need to prepare. She is still not sure, but when he offers to “audition” for her, she helps him cook some of his specialties, and they both enjoy the time spent together in her kitchen. They discover they are compatible in the kitchen, and they enjoy the same foods.

Patti, who has been divorced for years, wonders what else they might enjoy doing together. But she has two children and a meddling ex-husband…not exactly the best ingredients for a successful relationship. Will she be able to convince this wandering man, to stay for a while?

Review:
Patti Johnson is a very busy woman. She is preparing to open her own restaurant, has two growing kids, is catering her best friend’s wedding and she is also to be the maid of honor. The guest list is growing, not to mention her maid of honor duties are mounting too. She will also need help with the restaurant. There is no way she can do it all so she agrees to hire an assistant. With only one applicant left to interview, she stops to think, can she work with a man?

Patti’s prayers have just been answered. While unsure about working with a man, J.T. is a godsend. He has experience with preparing Hispanic foods, serving large numbers of people and has no problems taking orders from a woman. Now the only thing she needs to worry about is her growing attraction to the man. Tall, bald and built, J.T. has become a star in her ongoing fantasies.

Jules Marks Tremenczyk, J.T., didn’t know what hit him. He just needs a temporary job to get him a little cash so he can get back on the road. Unfortunately, Patti is just his type of woman; petite with curves in all the right places. J.T. has never stayed long in one place. He has always been a roamer, never wanting to settle down, and Patti is making him rethink his way of life.

Recipe for Love is a great love story. Both characters are older and wiser and have been down the road of love before. J.T. has a great zest for life and Patti is a total hoot. Their chemistry is explosive which shows in their relationship and love scenes. It was also a nice change of pace to have Patti’s children adore J.T. Ms. Grier didn’t follow the usual, “I hate my mother’s boyfriend” pattern, which was very refreshing. The children were welcoming and quite surprising at times with their acceptance of J.T. Their roadblocks are handled nicely and there are no cliché misunderstandings.

Recipe for Love is a straight forward romance with a touch of excitement and an annoying ex-husband that gets put in his place so classically that I will always remember that scene with a giggle, a smile and a big “Hell YES!!”

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

--

*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Never Too Old for the Game of Love (Reyes Romance, Book 1), by Fiona McGier

Title: Never Too Old for the Game of Love (Reyes Romance, Book 1)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.

Publication Date: March 18, 2010

ISBN #: 9781597054072

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Alexander tried calling Tegan a couple of times over the weekend, but each time when a child answered the phone, he hung up without saying anything.

He sighed with frustration, saying out loud to his phone, Okay, thats the way you want to play it, huh? Now let me think, how can I get you to come to me, so I can see you again, and ask you out? Without interference from anyone else?

Suddenly an idea popped into his head, and he got a wicked grin on his face.

Review:
“Tell me, just what you want me to be… one kiss, and ‘boom’ you’re the only one for me…” That one line from the Santana song, “Game of Love”, sums up this book beautifully.

Been there done that, is Alexander’s view on marriage. He loves being a bachelor and rightfully so. He’s a forty-two year old Hispanic male who knows he is hot at six feet tall and with an alpha attitude that can get him any woman he desires. Now he has to put all his seductive experience to good use. He has met his match in a fiery Irish woman. She is a strong beautiful woman who is not going to take his masculine ways and just bow down to him and he likes it.

Tegan O’Neill is a very busy divorced mother of two. Tegan and her best friend Patti have started new party planning business, Parties by Pat-Teg. On top of everything else going on in her life, she now needs to find a stripper for a birthday party. They both knew that agreeing to plan an all male party would be a tough one to pull off. But when Alexander Reyes agreed to their proposal price, they couldn’t refuse. With not a stripper in sight, she does the only thing she can do….strip.

Tegan is still gorgeous even at almost forty. She worked hard after the birth of her second child to entice her husband back into their bed. Even though it ultimately didn’t work, all her hard work is now going to pay off. She needs this money and it’s not like she will ever see these men again. Who knew dancing half naked in front of a dozen horny men can get a woman so excited?

Alex cannot take his eyes off the amazingly sensual woman in front of him, gyrating and dancing to the sultry music. Once he looks up and discovers it is Tegan, the only thing he can do is follow his desire right into her arms.

Their passion is primal and sizzling. Now they both want more, but Tegan can’t allow this to continue. She has two children to think about and they have already been hurt by one man. She agrees to a secret affair with Alex. They are only allowed to see each other once a month, while her children are with their father. It is too bad that after his one taste of her he can’t get enough. Now all he has to do is convince her they could be so much more.

I absolutely adored this story. The whole journey of their affair was exciting and very well written. I believed their story 100%. The sex scenes were deliciously hot and the pacing the story was perfect, with never a dull moment. Never Too Old for the Game of Love was touchingly sweet but also extremely spicy. The supporting cast was just as engaging as Tegan and Alex. I can see some wonderful stories waiting this amazing bunch.

Don’t stop me now!! I’m rushing out to get the next titillating story in this series.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

--

*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

The Reluctant Bride, by Fiona McGier

Title: The Reluctant Bride

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary, Erotic

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press

Publication Date: April 2011

ISBN #: 9781603139649

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Susan

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Veterinarian Pamela Wilson frequently ran away from home to get attention from her status-conscious, preoccupied parents. Years ago she’d met a man who loved her unreservedly, but her parents didn’t approve of his blue-collar mechanic job, so she’d run away from him, too. When the ambitious lawyer she’s marrying answers a phone call while she’s walking down the aisle, it’s the last straw! She runs away again, this time to a cabin her parents don’t know about, owned by the mechanic.

Will he let her into his life again? Will she finally stop running away and make the right decision for her future?

Review:
If you have doubts about getting married, then you really shouldn’t do it! Pamela had her doubts but didn’t act upon them until she walked down the aisle and her fiancé not only had his cell phone on, but actually took a phone call while she was walking towards him to be his wife! Pamela was a wonderful character who had to battle internal demons in order to be true to herself and her happiness.

If you are a true romantic, then this book is for you. It will leave you cheering for Pamela as she sets her mind on finding happiness and once she comes to grips with what she needs, she is determined to go after it. She walked away from true love once before, will she make the same mistake twice?

The only character in this book I couldn’t truly believe was the mom and her actions, or maybe it was the characters’ reactions to her. You will end up cheering for Pamela while cursing at her mother. An amazing love story that is very well written.

Available at:
Fictionwise | Whiskey Creek Press

--

*Blurb Courtesy of Whiskey Creek Press

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to C&R Romance eBook Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other C&R reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.