Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: To Have and to Hold
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://laurenlayne.com/
CITY: Manhattan
STATE: NY
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
LC control no.: no2014159826
LCCN Permalink: https://lccn.loc.gov/no2014159826
HEADING: Layne, Lauren
000 00511nz a2200181n 450
001 9725886
005 20141205073538.0
008 141204n| azannaabn |n aaa c
010 __ |a no2014159826
035 __ |a (OCoLC)oca10031252
040 __ |a NN |b eng |e rda |c NN
100 1_ |a Layne, Lauren
370 __ |e Seattle (Wash.) |2 naf
372 __ |a Romance novelist
374 __ |a Authors |2 lcsh
375 __ |a female
377 __ |a eng
670 __ |a Only with you, 2014: |b title page (Lauren Layne) book cover (currently lives in the Seattle area)
PERSONAL
Female.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Novelist and e-commerce and web marketing manager.
AWARDS:New York Times best-selling author.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Manhattan-based Lauren Layne is a New York Times best-selling author of romantic comedies who has written “The Best Mistake,” “New York’s Finest,” and “Wedding Bells” series. She worked as an e-commerce and web marketing manager in Seattle, Washington. One day in 2011, she decided to quit her job, move to New York, and become a full-time writer. Within a year, she had an agent and two publishing contracts.
"THE BEST MISTAKE" Series
In 2014 Layne began “The Best Mistake” series with Only with You. Las Vegas, Nevada, cocktail waitress Sophie Dalton has been enjoying her wayward life of partying until businessman Grayson Wyatt mistakes her for a prostitute. Reevaluating her life, Sophie moves to Seattle to start over. At her new job, she is surprised to find that her boss is Grayson. As both leave the misunderstandings of the past behind them, they turn to a hot office romance. In the series’ second installment, Made for You, sexy playboy Will Thatcher is pining for untouchable ice princess Brynn Dalton, the ex-lover who got away. Now back in town, he is her new neighbor and hopes to rekindle their romance, not as a one-night stand but as something meaningful and lasting. Since her boyfriend has not yet proposed, Brynn, who thinks Will is not her perfect man, may give him a second chance. A writer in Publishers Weekly commented: “The constant sparring between Brynn and Will makes for perfect foreplay.”
In Layne’s Someone like You, best man Lincoln Mathis falls for bridesmaid Daisy Sinclair. At his best friend’s wedding, playboy Lincoln is drawn to sassy Daisy, but a dark secret from his past makes him hesitant to love again. Meanwhile, Daisy is coming off a devastating divorce and wants to avoid men, especially a playboy. But she stumbles upon his secret and realizes she could take a chance on him.
"WEDDING BELLS" Series
Starting Layne’s “Wedding Bells” series is the 2016 To Have and to Hold. Brooke Baldwin’s reputation as a wedding planner took a hit when at her own wedding her groom was arrested as an international con man. Making a new start, Brooke moves from Los Angeles, California, to New York City. She believes her business is on track when she gets her first client, a spoiled hotel heiress. However, Brooke clashes with the heiress’s uptight, micromanaging brother, Seth Tyler, who is paying for the wedding. Seth has sworn off love after a bad experience, but the sassy blond Brooke may rekindle his desire for love. In Publishers Weekly, a reviewer lamented the lengthy, predictable story, saying: “This engaging tale has a light, fun style, but the plot suffers from an excess of repetition.”
Following that book is From This Day Forward. Photographer Leah McHale works for the Wedding Belles, an elite wedding planning agency in New York City. She gets her big break when she is asked to photograph a former First Daughter’s wedding. However, her partner on the project is Jason Rhodes, who captured her heart and then promptly broke it. To be professional, she agrees to work with him, even if his irresistible smile rekindles old feelings. “The heat between them is enough to melt steel,” noted a Publishers Weekly contributor.
The last book in the series is To Love and to Cherish. Wedding planner Alexis Morgan runs her successful Wedding Belles company in Manhattan, but she has reservations about silent partner and British accountant Logan Harris. She has considered romance with Logan, but she would rather have someone fun, not all business. When she needs a last-minute date for her sister’s wedding in Florida, she turns to Logan, who has secretly been in love with her for years. Florida’s sultry days melt both their hearts. “This heart-melting story is the perfect conclusion to Layne’s enjoyable series,” declared Kristin Ramsdell in Library Journal.
"NEW YORK'S FINEST" Series
Layne’s “New York’s Finest” series begins with the 2015 Frisk Me. New York cop Luc Moretti is being called a hero after he saves a drowning victim in the East River. Coming from a family of cops, Luc insists he was just doing his job. But the media are all over him, including reporter Ava Sims, who is hosting an interview show with him. Dedicated to singlehood, Ava believes she is the only woman in the city not in love with the heroic cop. Focused on her career, Ava wants to learn Luc’s background and discover what kind of man he is. She already knows that his loving relationship with his family, including his grandmother, is a counterbalance to her dysfunctional family. The more she learns, the more she might let someone get close to her. Calling Luc and Ava’s relationship stimulating and realistic, a Publishers Weekly reviewer said: “They negotiate their professional and romantic interactions with banter that’s clever but not self-satisfied.”
The second book in the series is Steal Me. Anthony Moretti has blue in his blood as a member of a family of officers. He has decided to put his love life on hold so he can concentrate on his career with the goal of becoming police commissioner. He is beginning to rethink that strategy when he is taken with the gorgeous new waitress at the Darby Diner, Maggie Walker. Maggie hopes to make a new start after getting a divorce. When Anthony asks Maggie for help identifying a criminal threatening the diner, she is horrified to think the miscreant could be her ex-husband. The more they work together, the closer Anthony and Maggie become. A Publishers Weekly reviewer praised the book as a standout second book in the series, saying: “Readers will love getting to know the Moretti family better, and the story’s pacing is flawless.”
The 2016 installment Cuff Me finds New York Police Department homicide detective Vincent Moretti working with longtime partner Jill Henley, a woman who drives him crazy even though all his friends think they make a great pair. Jill, meanwhile, has had the hots for Vincent for years, but a relationship with her partner would break the rules. When she decides to date someone else, Vincent is surprised that he feels jealous. He now has to persuade her to be his partner not just on the job but in romance as well.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Library Journal, October 15, 2016, Kristen Ramsdell, review of To Love and to Cherish, p. 66.
Publishers Weekly, September 1, 2014, review of Made for You, p. 55; June 29, 2015, review of Frisk Me, p. 52; November 2, 2015, review of Steal Me, p. 70; April 25, 2016, review of From This Day Forward, p. 77; July 11, 2016, review of To Have and to Hold. p. 51.
ONLINE
Lauren Layne Home Page, http://www.laurenlayne.com (April 30, 2017).
Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies.
A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.
She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL's ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.
To Have and to Hold
Publishers Weekly.
263.28 (July 11, 2016): p51.
COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
To Have and to Hold
Lauren Layne. Pocket, $5.99 mass market (384p) ISBN 978-1-5011-3513-2
Layne (Good Girl) begins a contemporary series with this lengthy, predictable story of a wedding planner recovering from the disastrous
disruption of her own wedding and a CEO with very little use for the institution of marriage. Brooke had it all: a successful wedding planning
career in L.A. and a wonderful fiance with whom she was planning the wedding of her dreams. Then her groom was taken away in handcuffs.
Now she's in New York, trying to establish her reputation all over again. Her first wedding is for the sister of business magnate Seth Tyler. Seth
had one bout with love that soured him on the idea--until he met his sister's wedding planner. As the passion heats up between them, their pasts
come calling. This engaging tale has a light, fun style, but the plot suffers from an excess of repetition and a rehashing of tired romance tropes. It
borders on unrealistic without the diversion of actually slipping over into fantasy. However, enough teases are given about the other "Wedding
Belles" to create genuine interest in where their stories lead. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Aug.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"To Have and to Hold." Publishers Weekly, 11 July 2016, p. 51. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA458915345&it=r&asid=654b1e64e6d8e77350cbffec3dc2f532. Accessed 6 Apr.
2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A458915345
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Romance
Kristin Ramsdell
Library Journal.
141.17 (Oct. 15, 2016): p66.
COPYRIGHT 2016 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS.... Although as of this writing the days are still warm, the leaves are just starting to
turn, and it's not especially Christmassy outside, the romances crossing my desk tell another story. Family-centered charmers; modern romps;
cozy, community narratives; and tales with a dusting of magic or a paranormal twist--infused with holiday themes and sporting covers featuring
idyllic snowy scenes, balsam and holly wreaths, and sparkling ornaments and satin ribbons--are the perfect incentive to get ready for the
upcoming season. The current offerings provide something for every taste, so get started on your shopping, pour yourself an early cup of hot
buttered rum, and check out the books below. Note: Holiday-themed anthologies continue to be popular, and their quickly devoured stories are
ready-made for this busy time of year. For more yuletide titles, see "Killer Holidays," p. 74ff.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
HO, HO, AND MO(RE)
Mason, Debbie. Mistletoe Cottage. Forever: Grand Central. (Harmony Harbor, Bk. 1). Nov. 2016. 352p. ISBN 9781455537174. pap. $5.99; ebk.
ISBN 9781455537181. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Eight years ago, devastated and secretly pregnant, 18-year-old Sophie DiRossi fled Harmony Harbor for Los Angeles, certain she'd never return.
A disastrous house fire leaves her no option, so she and her young daughter head home to a town and people she'd once adored--and into a
precarious new life filled with old conflicts, opportunities, and complications. Not the least of the latter is firefighter (and knight in shining armor)
Liam Gallagher, her very private teenage crush. Lively family interactions, a profusion of memorable characters, long-kept secrets, and issues
relating to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) fuel this engaging holiday story. The death of a meddling matriarch and the search for her "tellall"
memoir throw the prickly Gallagher and DiRossi clans into chaos just in time for Christmas. VERDICT This touching, often funny story
tweaks the classic "secret baby" plot in a surprising way. A hint of ghostly fantasy shimmers through this first entry in a new small-town series,
leaving enough loose ends to have fans anxious for the next installment. Mason (Happy Ever After in Christmas) lives in Ottawa, Ont.
* Morgan, Sarah. Miracle on 5th Avenue. HQN: Harlequin. (From Manhattan with Love, Bk. 3). Dec. 2016. 368p. ISBN 9780373789344. pap.
$7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781460396131. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
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As a surprise, Eva Jordan agrees to decorate for Christmas the apartment of the grandson of one of her events and concierge company's oldest
clients (even preparing frozen meals) and finds crime writer Lucas Blade lurking in the dark instead of in Vermont where he is supposed to be
working. Recently widowed Lucas has hit a massive writer's block and is hiding out at home. He certainly doesn't want an effervescent,
captivating, Christmas-loving woman disturbing his peace--although it's exactly what he needs. A cynical novelist who doesn't believe in love
and an optimistic chef who thinks it's more important than all else set the pages alight in a compelling romance that tempers the serious issues of
loneliness, grief, and fear of commitment with the salutary joy of the season. VERDICT Sexy, touching, and often hilarious, this rewarding tale
stands on its own while being the perfect conclusion to Morgan's popular series. RITA Award winner Morgan (Sunset in Central Park) lives near
London, England.
Ramsay, Hope. A Christmas Bride. Forever: Grand Central. (Chapel of Love, Bk. 1). Oct. 2016. 336p. ISBN 9781455564804. pap. $7.99; ebk.
ISBN 9781455564828. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Ousted from her job at a medical device company when she discovers fraud and turns whistle-blower, Willow Peterson leaves New York and
returns to Shenandoah Falls to get her life back on track. She also gets involved in planning a Christmas wedding at her best friend Shelly's home,
Eagle Hill Manor. Shelly was killed before the house could be restored, but Willow knows it's just what she would have wanted. The stumbling
block is getting aspiring congressman David Lyndon, Shelly's still-grieving husband and cousin to the groom, to agree. A heroine with a knack
for stirring up trouble and a hero who finally gets his priorities straight come to terms about their mutual feelings in a story knee-deep in class
issues, family expectations, political action, and characters both to love and loathe (among them an adorable eight-year-old and a domineering
mother who makes Cruella de Vil look like a saint). VERDICT With skillful precision, Ramsay nails the political dynamics and small-town vibe
and launches an endearing series fans will savor. Ramsay (Last Chance Hero) lives in Virginia.
Roberts, Sheila. Three Christmas Wishes. Mira: Harlequin. Oct. 2016.384p. ISBN 9780778319696. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781460396001.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Riley's fiance has called off the wedding; the house that Noel loves and wants to buy is being sold to a flipper; and Jo is dealing with a late-term
pregnancy and a stubborn military husband, so heading to the mall to tell Santa what they want for Christmas seemed like a good idea at the time.
After all, what could it hurt? But when Santa's strange predictions start coming true, the three friends begin to wonder if he wasn't the real deal,
after all. VERDICT Christmas wishes become reality for three young women in a charming holiday tale that has a perky chick lit feel and will
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appeal equally to women's fiction and romance fans. Just plain fun, with a dusting of magic for good measure! Roberts (Home on Apple Blossom
Road) lives on a lake in Washington State.
Scott, Regina. A Convenient Christmas Wedding. Love Inspired Historical: Harlequin. (Frontier Bachelors, Bk. 5). Nov. 2016. 288p. ISBN
9780373283828. pap. $5.99; ebk. ISBN 9781488008085. INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE
Proposing to a man was the last thing quiet seamstress Nora Underhill ever thought she'd do. Yet when she learns that her greedy brother and his
spoiled, demanding wife are moving to Seattle, she sees her hard-won independence vanishing and strikes a desperate bargain with upstanding
Simon Wallin--her 160-acre land grant for his protection in marriage. It's the perfect answer to both their problems, and, naturally, their pragmatic
marriage could never become real. Never. Delightful family interactions (a crew of rowdy brothers are memorable), admirable protagonists who
come into their own, and descriptions that bring the colorful historical Northwest to life combine in a well-paced story that saves a twist or two
for the end. VERDICT Tender yet laced with humor, this well-researched, faith-suffused Christmas romance should please both inspirational and
sweet historical fans; a worthy addition to this popular series. Scott (A Rancher of Convenience) lives in Tacoma.
Shalvis, Jill. The Trouble with Mistletoe. Avon. (Heartbreaker Bay, Bk. 2). Oct. 2016. 384p. ISBN 9780062448040. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN
9780062448057. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
There's no way pet shop owner Willa Davis is getting involved with real estate developer Keane Winters, the arrogant jock who once crushed her
teenage heart by standing her up for the high school Sadie Hawkins dance--and now he doesn't even remember her. However, she can't resist an
animal (or a person) in need, so helping him out with his great-aunt's gorgeous Siamese cat is another matter entirely. Willa is magnetic and
Keane is persistent, and despite her plan to swear off men, Willa is drawn into a relationship far more serious than either had wanted. A quirky
cast filled with familiar characters, a fountain with legendary powers, and a bevy of heart-stealing animals are pluses in this well-written tale.
VERDICT Lighthearted, sexy, and fully entertaining, this second-chance romance blends holiday cheer with long-buried emotional issues and
plenty of passion. This delectable story adds another cheeky charmer to Shalvis's San Francisco--set series. Shalvis (Sweet Little Lies) lives in the
Sierras near Lake Tahoe.
Spear, Terry. A Very Jaguar Christmas. Sourcebooks Casablanca. (Heart of the Jaguar, Bk. 5). Oct. 2016. 320p. ISBN 9781492621805. pap.
$7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781492621812. PARANORMAL ROMANCE
When a strange wolf-pup child is dropped off at a jaguar day-care center just before the holidays and the parents can't be found, JAG agent
Everett Anderson finds himself helping Guardian Demetria MacFarlane tend to the boy as they try to find his missing family. Romance blossoms
between the pair as they track down cross-country leads, but as neither shifter species had known the other existed, the situation takes on a
dangerous, unpredictable edge, making the search a lot more complex and wide-ranging. VERDICT This sensuous, heartwarming romance,
enhanced by an adorable wolf pup and wintertime fun, puts an intriguing paranormal spin on the season and forges a welcome link with Spear's
wolf-shifter titles. Spear (Billionaire in Wolfs Clothing) lives in Texas.
Thayne, RaeAnne. Snowfall on Haven Point. HQN: Harlequin. (Haven Point, Bk. 5). Oct. 2016.384p. ISBN 9780373789894. pap. $7.99; ebk.
ISBN 9781459294943. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Widowed Andie Montgomery is planning to give her two young children a wonderful first Christmas in Haven Point--and it doesn't include
keeping tabs on Marshall Bailey, the wounded, grouchy sheriff who lives up the street. But there's no way she can refuse her friend Wynona's
request to check in on her brother as he recovers, especially as Wyn had saved Andie by taking a bullet for her in a terrifying confrontation.
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Naturally, Marsh isn't looking for help, but earnest Andie won't take no for an answer. In addition, her chatty four-year-old and his painfully shy
older sister take Marsh in hand, and he can't help but be charmed. Is he in danger of falling for them all, including their relationship-wary mom?
A mystery, a rebellious teenager, and hints of long-standing town conflict add interest and depth to this ongoing series. VERDICT A stubbornly
independent hero who learns to accept assistance and a heroine afraid of risking another loss take a chance on each other. This holiday-steeped
romance overflows with family and wintry small-town appeal. Thayne (Riverbend Road) lives in Northern Utah.
LUMPS OF COAL?
Ashe, Katharine. The Earl. Avon. (Devil's Duke, Bk. 2). Nov. 2016. 368p. ISBN 9780062412751. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9780062412768.
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Despite their late fathers' wishes and their onetime childhood friendship, freethinking Emily Anne "Zenobia" Vale (aka women's rights
pamphleteer "Lady Justice") and conservative and somewhat reticent Colin Gray, Earl of Egremoor, have gone their separate ways and have no
intentions of marrying each other. Circumstances, however, send them haring across the countryside together on separate but linked quests,
changing their world and their perspectives. Old hurts and betrayals make their path to love anything but smooth, and with plenty of issues to
work through and truths to disclose, their humorous sparring and contentious courtship keep the plot on point and readers thoroughly
mesmerized. VERDICT A wealth of fascinating historical detail, elegant prose, and well-drawn, complex protagonists blend in a lively romantic
adventure that will please the most persnickety of romance fans. Ashe (The Rogue) lives in Durham, NC.
* Balogh, Mary. Someone To Love. Signet: NAL. (Westcott, Bk. 1). Nov. 2016.400p. ISBN 9780451477798. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN
9780698411340. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Although most orphans dream of being happily reunited with their families (rich and titled, of course), Anna Snow, abandoned at four and now a
teacher at that same orphanage, knows such things never happen. Except they do, as Anna is in truth Lady Anastasia Westcott and has inherited a
fortune, an event that turns her life, and the lives of her stunned, rather resentful family, upside down. Caught between two worlds, Anna is
determined to make the best of things, but when Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby, outrageously gorgeous, outwardly bored, and notoriously
averse to anything resembling work, decides to lend a hand, she gains an unexpected ally and an equally unexpected love. An intriguing premise,
a well-designed plot, and a delightful array of secondary characters ensure a compelling read. VERDICT Brilliant dialog, sly wit, and soulsearing
emotion breathe life into a pair of unlikely but beautifully matched protagonists who will slip into readers' hearts. A stunning romance
that puts a new spin on a familiar fairy-tale plot and gets Balogh's latest series off to a magnificent start. The incomparable Balogh (Only
Beloved) lives in Canada. [See "Editors' Fall Picks," LJ 9/1/16, ow.ly/wkvx304GnLc.]
* Dare, Tessa. Do You Want To Start a Scandal. Avon. (Spindle Cove, Bk. 5). Oct. 2016. 384p. ISBN 9780062349040. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN
9780062349057. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Scandal-prone Charlotte Highwood has no intention of marrying Piers Brandon, Marquess of Granville--she's not at all the wife he needs, and, in
any case, she has more adventurous plans in mind. When they are caught in a compromising situation at a country house party, they are forced to
agree to an "understanding"--one that Charlotte intends to get out of as soon as she can. But Piers has other ideas. He not only needs an heir, he's
intrigued by the unconventional, exceptionally perceptive Charlotte. Clever badinage, an intricate plot, breathtaking sensuality, and carefully
realized secondary characters make this another delightful page-turner from one of the genre's best. VERDICT An irrepressible, independentminded
heroine and a responsible hero who's leading two lives fall for each other in a rollicking and passionate romp that is just what Spindle
Cove fans will relish. Dare (When a Scot Ties the Knot) lives in Southern California. [See "Editors' Fall Picks," LJ 9/1/16, ow.ly/wkvx304GnLc.]
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Jordan, Sophie. While the Duke Was Sleeping. Avon. (Rogue Files, Bk. 1). Nov. 2016. 384p. ISBN 9780062222541. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN
9780062222558. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
From the moment the Duke of Autenberry walked into the flower shop where she worked, Poppy Fairchurch has adored him from afar. When she
sees him being attacked and then nearly run down by a carriage, she rushes to the rescue, but the fall puts him in a coma. Poppy accompanies him
home, where she is mistaken for his fiancee and swept up in a deception beyond her making. Although concerned for the duke, even more of a
worry is his estranged half brother, Struan Mackenzie, a tough-minded, canny Scot who both attracts and repels Poppy--and seems to be bent on
seduction. VERDICT An intrepid heroine with a fierce protective streak and the well-to-do bastard son of a duke clash from their first meeting
and keep the sparks flying. This sizzling holiday-tinged romance launches a new series with links to Jordan's popular "Debutante Files" books.
Jordan (Hell Breaks Loose) lives in Houston, TX.
Layne, Lauren. To Love and To Cherish. Pocket. (Wedding Belles, Bk. 3). Nov. 2016. 320p. ISBN 9781501135170. pap. $5.99; ebk. ISBN
9781501135187. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Ever since he became a silent partner in Alexis Jordan's Manhattan boutique wedding planning company, British accountant and businessman
Logan Harris has known Alexis was The One for him--and he has quietly waited for eight years for her to come to the same conclusion. Now
pressured to return to London to take over the family business, Logan has no time to lose. When Alexis heads to Florida for her sister's wedding,
Logan follows, intent on passion--and putting to rest Alexis's deep-seated issues of trust. VERDICT A love -wary heroine who needs to be in
control and a smart hero who won't concede finally get their own happy ending. This heart-melting story is the perfect conclusion to Layne's
enjoyable series. Layne (For Better or Worse) lives in New York City.
Sandlin, Susannah. Black Diamond. Montlake Romance: Amazon. (Wilds of the Bayou, Bk. 2). Oct. 2016. 266p. ISBN 9781503940413. pap.
$7.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Still recovering from a near fatal shooting that left her scarred and seriously depressed, Louisiana wildlife agent Jena Sinclair is determined to get
back on the bayou and reclaim her life on the Terrebonne Parish enforcement team. Then an alligator-ravaged fisherman's body floats into the
swamp and packets of deadly Black Diamond turn up in several gators' stomachs. Suddenly, the action heats up as Jena, her team, and mysterious
recluse Cole Ryan are consumed by unraveling an ingenious drug trafficking operation that turns deadly. Emotionally fragile, relatable
protagonists bond through similar, devastating loss and find hope for the future in a story that zeroes in on the lethal results of the illegal drug
trade. VERDICT Greed, violence, and danger up the ante in a riveting romantic adventure that brings the sultry, exotic Louisiana bayou to life
and beautifully continues Sandlin's compelling series. Sandlin (Wild Man's Curse) lives in Auburn, AL.
STOCKING STUFFERS
Short stories and novellas are made to order for the time constraints of the holidays, so check out the anthologies below.
Crusie, Jennifer & others. It Must Be Christmas. St. Martin's Paperbacks. Oct. 2016. 384p. ISBN 9781250106377. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN
9781250106384. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Three novellas with a delightful assortment of settings sweep readers around the country with stories that highlight the vast variety among
holiday experiences. A university librarian and a professor of Chinese lit (with a secret agenda) trade barbs and kisses as they spend Christmas
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Eve searching for an elusive action figure for a five-year-old in Crusie's nonstop chuckler "Hot Toy"; a small-town doctor and an ex-Navy SEAL
dad are thrown together when they find a newborn in the Christmas creche in Donna Alward's insightful "Christmas at Seashell Cottage"; and a
wealthy rancher who wants nothing to do with his late father's money finds romance with the founder of a sports-related charity for at-risk kids in
Mandy Baxter's steamy "Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher." VERDICT Spirited, refreshing, and brimming with holiday joy, this diverse
trilogy delivers both sexy and sweet, providing a little something for everyone. Crusie, Alward, and Baxter live in New Jersey, Eastern Canada,
and rural Idaho, respectively.
Hill, Donna & others. Holiday Temptation. Dafina: Kensington. Oct. 2016.384p. ISBN 9781496702463. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781496702470.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Three unlikely couples heat up the pages in this sensual trio of holiday romances by three of the genre's most noted authors. An aspiring
playwright and a barista who is more than he seems learn to trust their hearts in Hill's passionate "A Gift of Love"; a chance meeting in Istanbul's
spice market turns into something more for a Christmas-phobic photographer and techie craft brewer when the fates and the weather get into the
act in Farrah Rochon's affecting "Holiday Spice"; and a hard-driving real estate mogul hires a health-conscious chef to improve his diet and
lifestyle during a business trip aboard his yacht and gets more than he bargained for in K.M. Jackson's pert "From Here to Serenity." VERDICT
This engaging anthology transports readers to destinations throughout the world in tempting stories that are sure to light up the holidays. Hill,
Rochon, and Jackson live in Brooklyn, the New Orleans area, and Ardsley, NY, respectively.
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Long, Kelly & others. The Amish Christmas Kitchen. Kensington. Oct. 2016. 248p. ISBN 9781496705914. pap. $9.95; ebk. ISBN
9781496705938. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
The life of the Amish takes on a warm (and delicious) glow as three winning couples find their way to love in this food-focused anthology by a
talented team of authors. A lonely young widow lets go of the past and reaches for happiness with her late husband's best friend in Long's
poignant "Baking Love on Ice Mountain"; a couple's plan to see their 24-year-old daughter wed takes an unexpected turn when she falls for a
gentleman who is not the intended groom in Jennifer Beckstrand's delectable "The Christmas Bakery on Huckleberry Hill"; and a charity auction
to save the life of a young boy sparks conflict and attraction between the child's teacher and his stubborn older brother in Lisa Jones Baker's
heartfelt "The Special Christmas Cookie." VERDICT Tender, redolent of nutmeg and cinnamon, and graced by the occasional goat, this trio of
smile-inducing romances will appeal to inspirational fiction and Amish culture fans, while bakers will appreciate the recipes at the end of each
story. Long, Beckstrand, and Baker live in Hummelstown, PA; Centerville, UT; and Bloomington, IL, respectively.
Ryan, Jennifer & others. Snowbound at Christmas. Avon Impulse. Nov. 2016.384p. ebk. ISBN 9780062658784. $2.99. CONTEMPORARY
ROMANCE
There's nothing like a major snowstorm to change lives, narrow the focus on the things that really matter, and add a little sparkle (or a dash of
danger) to the holidays. The series-linked novellas in this wintry collection definitely rise to the occasion. Cruelly torn apart ten years ago, a
couple are given a second chance to make things right for themselves and their young daughter in Ryan's emotionally compelling "Close to
Perfect" ("Montana Men"); a pair of long-estranged lovers come to terms with their feelings when they are forced to ride out a raging blizzard at a
ranch with family and friends in Lia Riley's fast-paced "Hot Winter's Night" ("Brightwater"); and two longtime friends are snowbound overnight
and end up exploring feelings that have been simmering unacknowledged for years in Maisey Yates's insightful "Snowed in at Copper Ridge
Lodge" ("Copper Ridge"). VERDICT Holiday ambience and stirring emotion permeate these steamy stories, making them perfect late-night reads
and leaving fans yearning for a snowstorm of their own. Ryan, Riley, and Yates are West Coast authors all.
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SECOND TIME AROUND
Burton, Jaci. Mistletoe Games. Berkley. Oct. 2016.384p. ISBN 9780451488138. pap. $15; ebk. ISBN9780451488145. EROTIC ROMANCE
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Baseball, ice hockey, and surfing are highlighted in this collection of sensual holiday-linked novellas that are part of Burton's popular "Play-byPlay"
erotic romance series. Included are "Holiday Games," "Holiday on Ice," and "Hot Holiday Nights," published in 2013, 2014, and 2015,
respectively.
Macomber, Debbie. Christmas Masquerade. Severn House. Dec. 2016. 208p. ISBN 9780727886521. $28.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
A young woman who met the man of her dreams--and lost him--at Mardi Gras is stunned to be reintroduced to him during the holidays as her best
friend's fiance in a classic romance that still holds deep-down appeal. First published in 1985 as a Silhouette Romance.
Riley, Lucinda. The Angel Tree. Pan Macmillan. Oct. 2016. 672p. ISBN 9781447288442. pap. $14.95; ebk. ISBN 9781447288459.
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
The Welsh country lifestyle intersects with the tarnished glitter of the entertainment world in this British-focused story that spans the 40 years
following World War II. Rife with secrets and tragedy and more family saga than pure romance, this rewritten narrative with a historical feel
includes enough poignant love interest to appeal to romance and women's fiction fans. First published in 1995 as Not Quite an Angel under the
pen name Lucinda Edmonds.
Kristin Ramsdell is Librarian Emerita, California State University, East Bay. She is the author of the romance section of What Do I Read Next? A
Reader's Guide to Current Genre Fiction (Gale, annual) and Romance Fiction: A Guide to the Genre. 2d ed. (Libraries Unlimited, 2012)
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Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Ramsdell, Kristin. "Romance." Library Journal, 15 Oct. 2016, p. 66+. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA466412944&it=r&asid=b5a78cb0af6cffc559337932c66c13da. Accessed 6 Apr. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A466412944
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Frisk Me
Publishers Weekly.
262.26 (June 29, 2015): p52.
COPYRIGHT 2015 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
* Frisk Me
Lauren Layne. Grand Central/Forever, $6 mass market (384p) ISBN 978-1-4555-6118-6
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Layne (the Redemption series) launches the New York's Finest contemporary romance series with this stellar example of the genre. The recent
endeavors of Luc Moretti, the youngest son in a family of NYPD officers, have earned him the nickname America's Hero, catapulted him to
unwanted fame, and made him the subject of a national television special that the department hopes will counter some recent negative press.
Reporter Ava Sims is assigned to his story; she intends to advance her career, and her reporter's sense tells her there is something more to Luc
than heroics. Luc and his loving family, especially his outspoken grandmother, offer a nice counterbalance to Ava's dysfunctional background,
which leaves her unwilling to let anyone get close to her. Ava and Luc's sparks are immediate, and the evolution of their relationship--which starts
with little common ground except a dedication to singlehood--is stimulating and realistic. They negotiate their professional and romantic
interactions with banter that's clever but not self-satisfied, and their moment of truth feels warm and real. Fans of slightly gritty contemporaries
will adore this. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Aug.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Frisk Me." Publishers Weekly, 29 June 2015, p. 52. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA420928912&it=r&asid=4d6cdfce4f350b3823317d545ca16890. Accessed 6 Apr.
2017.
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Gale Document Number: GALE|A420928912
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Made for You
Publishers Weekly.
261.35 (Sept. 1, 2014): p55.
COPYRIGHT 2014 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Made for You
Lauren Layne. Grand Central/Forever, $6 mass market (320p) ISBN 978-1-4555-4609-1
Layne proves that the line between love and hate is often blurred in her witty and charming second Best Mistake contemporary (after Only with
You). Life isn't going according to plan for Brynn Dalton, who just turned 31. She's a beautiful, successful orthodontist who lives in the Seattle
area, but her perfect boyfriend, James, has not yet proposed. When Brynn discovers that her ex-lover Will Thatcher has moved back to town and
is now her neighbor, she can't decide whether to act on their mutual attraction or keep pushing him away. Will has his own agenda: He's intent on
luring back into his bed, but this time he wants more than one night--he wants her heart. The constant sparring between Brynn and Will makes for
perfect foreplay as he draws her into understanding that a perfectly planned existence isn't necessary to achieve happiness. Agent: Nicole
Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Nov.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Made for You." Publishers Weekly, 1 Sept. 2014, p. 55. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA381406431&it=r&asid=5dc299f8420d3c034c18684909d19c7c. Accessed 6 Apr.
2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A381406431
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From This Day Forward
Publishers Weekly.
263.17 (Apr. 25, 2016): p77.
COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
* From This Day Forward
Lauren Layne. Pocket Star, $1.99 e-book (100p) ISBN 978-1-50113-519-4
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Layne (the New York's Finest series) packs as much into this sexually charged and emotionally intense novella (an introduction to her upcoming
Wedding Belles series) as most authors do in a full novel. Manhattan photographer Leah McHale was head over heels for her boyfriend, Jason
Rhodes, until she went to visit him and a woman answered his door wearing nothing but a shirt. Leah immediately ended the relationship and
avoided him at all costs. She's done her best to move on, but when they're both hired to shoot a high-profile wedding that could catapult their
careers, she must learn to play nice with the man who shattered her heart. Jason has never gotten over Leah or her distrust of him. He's a former
foster child, and all he wants is for someone to believe in him. The circumstances of their break-up screamed infidelity, but everything is not as it
appears. The heat between them is enough to melt steel, and the emotional connection and psychological struggles will keep readers engaged.
(June)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"From This Day Forward." Publishers Weekly, 25 Apr. 2016, p. 77. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA450904578&it=r&asid=691a807f3d0f28ed198fc80bc9cec11a. Accessed 6 Apr. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A450904578
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Steal Me
Publishers Weekly.
262.44 (Nov. 2, 2015): p70.
COPYRIGHT 2015 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
* Steal Me
Lauren Layne. Grand Central/Forever, $5.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-4555-6121-6
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Layne's standout second New York's Finest contemporary (after Frisk Me) pairs the oldest brother in a family of cops with a sweet and sassy
waitress. Police Capt. Anthony Moretti has no doubt that he'll one day reach his dream of becoming police commissioner, but a cocky burglar
continues to outsmart him. He's obsessed with thoughts of how to finally catch the conniving criminal, and his last relationship ended badly, so
he's reluctant to get involved with anyone--even Maggie Walker, the cute, accident-prone waitress his family adores. Everyone in Maggie's life
needs something from her, and no matter how much she may want to say no, she always gives in. All she wants is to get her book published so
she can make a much-needed career change. When she realizes the burglar is her ex-husband and teams up with Anthony to catch him, their
relationship becomes much more complicated than the case. Readers will love getting to know the Monetti family better, and the Story's pacing is
flawless. This bold contemporary serves up quick-witted banter, a hint of suspense, and a nice set-up for the next installment. Agent: Nicole
Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Dec.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Steal Me." Publishers Weekly, 2 Nov. 2015, p. 70. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA434413572&it=r&asid=42bbfe95089f4590750c71a34ab1adba. Accessed 6 Apr.
2017.
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Gale Document Number: GALE|A434413572