Tag Archives: Shannyn Schroeder

My Forever Plus-One by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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My Forever Plus-One by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

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Description:
Evelyn is a woman who has everything–a successful career as a TV producer, and her best friend—sexy firefighter Owen Hanson—who looks mighty fine as her plus-one to awards dinners and backyard picnics. But something is missing and it’s not just the sex.

Owen Hanson is living the dream—a Chicago firefighter who volunteers at a youth center on the Southside and he’s got his best friend Evelyn—who knows him better than anyone. When Evelyn starts hinting about wanting something more, Owen panics.

Sex changes everything but taking their relationship to the next level surpasses even their wildest dreams. Until Evelyn’s ex-husband shows up and could make even the most perfect couple crash and burn…

Each book in the Daring Divorcees series is STANDALONE:
* One Night with a Millionaire
* My Best Friend’s Ex
* My Forever Plus-One

 

 

Review:

My Forever Plus-One by Shannyn Schroeder is book three which is also a standalone book in the Daring Divorcees Series. Evelyn Rhodes and Owen Hanson are best friends who met in a divorcee support group.  They have been each other’s plus-one, through thick and thin for a few years now. Always relying on the other in times of need and always having each other to fall back on. They end up sustaining their friendship even with a few bumps in the road. But can their friendship withstand taking it to the next level? 

 Evelyn is a tv producer and Owen is a fire fighter – and over time their friendship has changed into something more. Evelyn didn’t start to think of Owen in any way other than friendship until last summer when their New Beginnings group leader, Nina, suggested that they should be more than friends.  Ever since then she started to see him in a whole different light.  Even though they each have some issues to work through in their relationship they eventually get there in the most heart warming way! 

The concept of this series is amazing. A divorcee support group that meets each week and where each character that is there gets their own story. This is a new to me concept which I just fell in love with! And even though I have come in late to the show, I will be going back and reading the other books in the series.

This book was light hearted, warm and caring! All the feels you want from a friendship turn lover’s story! Throw in how hilarious Owen’s mom Carol is and you have yourself an amazing read! 

Reviewed by Erin

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My Best Friend’s Ex by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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My Best Friend’s Ex by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

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Description:
Trevor Booth’s life was just thrown a curveball. When his ex dies, he suddenly goes from an every-other-weekend, fun-time dad to a full-time dad. The dad part he’s cool with, but life with two teens is like a roller coaster in hell. Thank God his ex-wife’s best friend, Callie, seems to have secret powers that allow her to deal with the chaos.

Callie is devastated when Lisa dies, and she’s determined to help the kids get through it. She’s concerned about how Trevor will adjust to being a full-time parent, but she’s having a tough time keeping her eyes off his ripped physique. Callie loves being a part of this makeshift family, but no way she’s falling for her best friend’s ex.

Each book in the Daring Divorcees series is STANDALONE:
* One Night with a Millionaire
* My Best Friend’s Ex

 

 

Review:

My Best Friend’s Ex is book two in the  Daring Divorcees Series by Shannyn Schroeder.

Trevor Booth has lost everything, due to his alcoholism. Ten years ago his ex -wife Lisa divorced him. Since then, he has struggled to get his life back on track, and come to terms that he will never get back what he has lost! While he is weekend dad to two teenagers, his ex-wife has been texting asking him to step up and deal with their sons disrespectful attitude. The next call he gets changes everything. Lisa has died in a car accident.  This completely changes Trevor’s world. 

In coming together to pay respects to his ex-wife, he coMes face to face with his ex-wife’s best friend Callie.  When Trevor is forced to take on the full-time parent role. He admittedly acknowledges that he doesn’t have clue about raising children. Callie is reeling from the fact that she has lost her best friend. She is not going to lose Lisa’s kids also. Callie feels obligated to step up and be there for Lisa’s children.

In the process, Trevor and Callie begin to realize that they have feelings for each other. And both also feel disloyal to Lisa in the feelings that they feel. They also don’t want the kids to know anything until they are sure things will work out! But they are teenagers – they already knew!

Trevor is hard working, loyal and honest.  I enjoyed him coming into his own as a single parent. And even when he doubts that he can do it – he does!

Callie is a world traveller and is always on the move. When she loses her best friend, she makes the decision that she can’t lose the only pieces of Lisa she has left!

I enjoyed how the relationship developed and couldn’t stop reading well into the night! I needed to know what was going to happen next! Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend as a great summer read.  

Reviewed by Erin

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One Night With a Millionaire by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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One Night With a Millionaire by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

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Description:
Over-forty, single mom Tess Howland’s life is all about caring for other people. Indulging in a one night stand is just what she needs. She doesn’t expect to meet anyone she would introduce to her kids, especially not some rich playboy who acts like a big kid himself. Even if he keeps giving her the best sex of her life.

Millionaire Miles Prescott can’t get the sexy nurse he met at a fundraising gala out of his head. For the first time ever, he doesn’t want a woman with no-strings-attached. He wants everything—even it comes with a ready-made family with a woman in her forties. Suddenly, helping with homework doesn’t sound like the worst thing in the world, especially if it means being near Tess.

But what happens when he’s ready to step up and she says no?

 

 

Review:

One Night With the Millionaire by Shannyn Schroder is the first book in her new Daring Divorcees series. Tess Howland is our heroine, and we meet her from the start; she is a nurse, as well as a divorcee with three kids. She is attending the Saint Marks Gala, an annual fund raiser for her hospital, and makes her rounds to convince people to donate to Saint Marks. 

Miles Prescott, is a millionaire playboy, who attends this gala to please his mother and sister, who run their company, and expect Miles to step up and have a more active role; especially with their father having passed away a year ago.  He notices a woman who immediately gets his attention, and makes sure to introduce himself to Tess.  Miles knows how to attract woman, and Tess enjoys the attention he gives her.  Tess is a workaholic, and has little time for herself caring for her three kids.  But she decides since she is free, to have a one night stand with the handsome Miles.  One night only.  Best laid plans do not always work out.

Miles is not willing to let Tess go, as he enjoys her company, not to mention the sex.  He sees in Tess, a woman different then his other woman, and perhaps a future, but can he convince her to allow him to be part of her life?  In a short time, their relationship will heat up, and Tess cannot resist the hot sex with Miles.  Tess tries to keep their relationship private, but Miles wants more.  In time she will relent and have him meet her kids, who end up liking Miles.

What follows is a sweet, fun story with both slowly falling in love, but Miles will begin to become frustrated in his attempt to convince Tess that he wants a more permanent relationship with her and with her children.  Tess after her nasty divorce pushed herself to be independent, self sufficient, and refuses to allow Miles, who is rich, to help.  Will Miles be able to change Tess’s mind?

One Night with the Millionaire was a fun read, and wonderful characters, including Tess’s friends, children and Miles’s mother and sister.  Shannyn Schroeder once again gives us a sweet romance that keeps us unable to put the book down.  I look forward to reading more from this new series.

Reviewed by Barb

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Meeting His Match by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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Meeting His Match by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

Meeting His MatchAmazon / B&N

Description:
Malcolm “Mac” Sterling has one goal: take over the family matchmaking business. His final obstacle? Host his family’s new dating show and prove he can help each contestant find true love. One catch. Mac’s meddling mother has approved a co-host, a so-called expert who seems impervious to his charms. Now he could lose everything, because if his co-host proves she’s the better matchmaker, he can say goodbye to his legacy.

Natalie “Gem” Hale never intended for her alter ego as an online dating expert to get her the opportunity of a lifetime—or for that opportunity to come with a co-host who’s as infuriating as he is tempting. But she didn’t get this far by backing down from a challenge. All she has to do is keep her secret identity a secret.

Except as sparks fly and the competition heats up, Mac realizes his co-host is hiding something. He’s just got to figure out what.

 

 

Review:

Meeting his Match by Shannyn Schroeder is a sweet fun romance that is a stand alone novel.

We meet our hero, Mac Sterling, as he is complaining to his mother, Gail and his best friend Paul.  Mac is not happy that he has to compete in a new television dating show.  Seems his mother has arranged for an internet sensation to be the co-host, with winner take all.  Mac needs to prove to his mother that he can help each contestant find a true love match.  Mac’s family owns a successful matchmaking business, which Mac feels he is ready to take over the business, since his mother is hinting at retirement.  But now he has to compete, and win against someone who has no matchmaking experience.

Natalie Hale, our heroine, uses her alter-ego name of Gem, when she posts video’s of her dating experiences, and gives advice.  Natalie is an out of work, librarian, and needs the money to hold her over until she gets another job.  Natalie is the conservative studious librarian, and Gem, is the one who has all the fun, and is totally liberated. It is Gem, who applies and gets the job as the co-host. 

When they first meet, Mac and Natalie do not really get along, and act the part of competitors, especially when disagreeing on how their chosen candidates should act.  The producers are thrilled to get scenes of them arguing, and want more of the same.  Slowly, both begin to feel an attraction to each other, which they desperately try to avoid.   Mac is also hell bent on finding out who Gem really is, as he knows it is only the internet persona. 

What follows is a fun romance, as we get to see the ladies that each of them will train, and help them with matchmaking skills.  This will bring them together, and in time, they will both tell each other about their lives; Mac fighting to win control of the company and Natalie expressing her true side, the quiet and smart young lady, whom Mac is really falling in love with.  Both Mac and Natalie were great and had wonderful chemistry together.  I loved watching how they worked with the three girls.  A lot of fun.

Meeting His Match was a fun, quick, sweet story, a wonderful sexy couple, with a matchmaking tv show background.  I really enjoyed this book, which is no surprise, as I have come to expect that from Shannyn Schroeder.  If you enjoy light hearted, sexy romances, I suggest you read Meeting His Match.

Reviewed by Barb

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Through Your Eyes by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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Through Your Eyes by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

For Your LoveAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
ONE LAST CHANCE

Deirdre Murphy has had her life planned for her since she was born: Work in her parents’ noisy pub in rural Ireland. Live with her family until she marries. Marry her childhood sweetheart ASAP, since he’s decided sexy fun time should wait for marriage. None of it excites her. But before her fate closes in, Deirdre’s got one last visit to her Chicago cousins—where she can spend her mornings in a peaceful bakery, keep to herself, and savor the space she needs…. Until she meets Tommy O’Malley.

Tommy is as tough as his city and twice as ready to welcome her in. He’s covered in tattoos, stays up half the night inking them on other people, and has a reputation for being good with his hands. And he’s heart-pounding, forgot-her-words, can’t-stop-staring exciting.

Tommy knows he’s the opposite of everything Deirdre has prepared for. But to watch her set herself free, he’s willing to risk almost anything…

 

 

Review:

Through Your Eyes by Shannyn Schroeder is the 3rd book in her For Your Love series.  This was a very nice sweet romance, and especially good because we get to spend a lot of time with the O’Learys, whom we fell in love with in that series by Schroeder

Deirdre Murphy, our heroine, arrives in Chicago from Ireland to vacation with her cousins (O’Learys).  Deirdre received a Christmas present from her boyfriend to return to the states, since she was her happiest when she last visited.  Deirdre was somewhat disappointed that she did not get a proposal from her boyfriend, but was happy to return to the states for a month.  She is not too happy at home, since she has too much pressure from her family to run their pub, and uses this opportunity to give herself a break. 

Tommy O’Malley, our hero, is a tattoo artist, who has many tattoos himself and is a hockey player.  Tommy still thinks about the lost opportunity to introduce himself to Deirdre that last time she was here, and is shocked when he visits the bakery, to see her working there.    In a short time, Tommy asks Deirdre to go out with him, but she puts him off due to her having a boyfriend in Ireland.  But every time she talks to her boyfriend, he keeps telling her to have fun, even to go out with others.  Deirdre knows something isn’t right, but she does then accept Tommy’s advances; soon Deirde, who is a virgin, begins to feel a strong attraction to Tommy.  He was determined to win her over, and in a short time both of them realize they were falling in love.  The problem….she was soon to return to Ireland, as she knew her family depended on her.   

Things change once her boyfriend explains why he is pushing her to date others.  He is gay, and wants to marry his boyfriend.  After getting past the initial shock, Deirdre is happy to explore more of her feelings for Tommy.  I thought Tommy and Deirdre were so perfect for each other, and together they will find a way to stay together.  Despite their love for each other, both families ( O’Learys- O’Malleys) for the most part are not too happy with their decision.  I loved seeing the O’Learys, especially Maggie, and Moira, and though he was tough on Tommy, it was good to see Jimmy, though I wanted to smack him a few times. 

What I loved about this story was seeing two people fight for their love, and in Deirdre’s case, possibly hurt her family to allow herself to be happy.  There were some ups and downs for them, mostly from the family pressuring them, but love will prevail. In time, it becomes apparent to all how much they truly did love each other. Through Your Eyes was a wonderful romance, a great couple, fantastic family, and some issues that threaten their relationship.  Once again, Shannyn Schroeder gives us another sweet story that you should be reading.

Reviewed by Barb

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Under Your Skin by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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Under Your Skin by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

Under Your SkinAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Blood Is Thicker Than Ink. . .

Norah O’Malley has been alone for a long time. It’s been ten years since her father and four brothers shipped her off to be raised by her aunt. Seven months since she’s seen the guy who got her pregnant–who still doesn’t know. And it’s two weeks since she came home to Chicago and discovered none of her family wants to talk–or listen.

She never expected to walk into a tattoo shop seven months pregnant and get her socks knocked off by instant attraction. She can’t even see her socks. But Kai Ellis is big and gruff and sexy as hell, and if he has a past, well, so does she. Even more, Kai knows how to listen so that Norah feels just a little less alone . . .

All the chemistry in the world can’t help Norah make her decisions. And no sizzle of desire will make Kai believe in happy endings. But a little time with someone who understands might just change everything . . .

 

 

Review:

Under Your Skin by Shannyn Schroeder is the 1st book in her new For Your Love series. I loved the O’Leary series by Schroeder, and I am happy to say that Under Your Skin is a wonderful start to a new series.  We even get a member of the O’Leary family in this book; Moira O’Leary is dating Jimmy O’Malley, who is the brother of our heroine.

Norah O’Malley is our heroine, who has returned home after 10 years.  Norah had been sent at the age of 12 to live with her aunt, since her father and 4 brothers could not take care of her. Now she is pregnant, and comes home to be with her family, as she decides what to do about her pregnancy.  We meet Norah and her family from the start, giving us a chance to learn about the O’Malley’s.

Norah was a great heroine; sweet, fun, beautiful, independent and determined to live her life the way she wants to.  She decides she needs to get a job, as she is bored with being home.  Visiting her brother Tommy, at his job in a tattoo parlor, Norah meets the boss, Kai, our hero.  

Kai has had a rough childhood, spending much time in gangs, and eventually going to jail.  But he has learned from his past mistakes, and now runs a good business, and determined to keep himself clean.  Norah begins to crush on Kai, but he wants nothing to do with her, as he feels he is unworthy.  With his mother coming home from the hospital, Kai needed someone to take care of her during the day.  When he is desperate, he hires Norah, which will turn into a mistake…..a good mistake.  

A major part of this story was Norah making difficult decisions on what to do about her baby.  The father of her child makes an appearance, and they remain as friends only.  Norah will stand firm that she will do what is best for the baby.  Very nicely written.

This was a very slow build romance, which was also fun watching Norah do all she can to seduce Kai.  It was nice to see Norah become friends with Moira, her first friend since she came home.  I enjoyed meeting all her brothers, with Jimmy and Tommy my favorites.  I look forward to future stories on them all, though there will be no story on Jimmy, since he and Moira had theirs in the O’Leary series (you do need to read that series).  Kai’s mom was also a great character, as she was fun at times. .  I loved Norah, and did like Kai, but his constant refusal to open himself to love was annoying at times.  He had to let go of his past to move forward with Norah.

Under Your Skin was an enjoyable read, great characters and very well written by Shannyn Schroeder.  I suggest you read this book and join the fun when we get more stories on the O’Malleys.

Reviewed by Barb

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His Work of Art by Shannyn Schroeder -a Review

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His Work of Art by Shannyn Schroeder -a Review

 

His Work of ArtAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Reese Carter is definitely not your average college girl. She’d prefer to spend Saturday nights playing Hero’s Crusade than attending a wild frat party on campus. When she bands together with Adam, fellow comic enthusiast and illustrator, it appears that Reese has formed a dream team sure to propel her writing into the comic hall of fame.

Adam Hayes has never met a girl like Reese. She’s sassy, smart, and loves talking comics, although he can’t see why she’d choose DC over Marvel. He’s thrilled to finally put his artistic chops to use in their upcoming comic project. But. this relationship is strictly professional. Or so he tells himself. When the two combine forces, they churn out magic in more ways than they had planned; they never expected to develop a steamy romantic sub-plot of their own…

 

Review:

His Work of Art by Shannyn Schroeder is the 1st book in her second trilogy of her New Adult Hot and Nerdy series. Reese Carter is our heroine, and she is not your usual college girl, as she loves hanging around her geek friends playing rpg games. Reese is also a lover of comic heroes, and is working on her lifelong dream of creating her own comic.

Adam Hayes, our hero, works at the comic store that his mom owns, and Reese is a weekly visitor to buy her comics. Adam is not only a comic fan, he is also an Illustrator. One day when Reese comes to pick up her comics, she tells Adam that she would love if he would draw her characters for her comic book. He is hesitant at first, but then agrees to work with her.

What follows is a slow to build romance between Adam and Reese, which gets off to a rocky start, as Adam wants to keep their friendship business like. Reese does not understand, since she has had a crush on Adam for a while. This is also an interracial romance, which delves into Adam’s fear of becoming involved with Reese, who is white. Adam does not want to be like his father, who left him and his mom because of the negative comments and scorn from others.

Reese doesn’t care that Adam is black, but isn’t happy that he won’t give their romance a chance. A one night stand at a party, they act on their strong feelings for each other. Just when Reese believes that Adam finally expresses how he feels about her, her heart is broken when he says it was a mistake.

When the comic begins to generate interest, their friendship will also suffer, due to Adam’s misguided fears. In his mind, he doesn’t want to hurt Reese, as he sees obstacles that would make him leave her in time. Will Reese be able to show Adam that their relationship will work? Will Adam give in to his fears and break Reese’s heart?

Shannyn Schroeder does a good job of building this romance, and trying to show other sides of any interracial relationships. The comic that they both worked on was the fun part of this story. I liked both Reese and Adam, as well as some other characters introduced by Schroeder. This was a fast, easy book to read.

Reviewed by Barb

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Hold Me Close by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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Hold Me Close by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

Hold Me Close
O’Learys series – Book #6
by Shannyn Schroeder
Release Date – July 21, 2015

Hold Me CloseAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Maggie O’Leary is finally coming home to Chicago. After more than a year in Ireland, she’s ready to make a plan for her future. But first, she’ll have to confront the tragedy that scarred her so deeply. Asking for a job in the family bar is the first step, and it’s one her family isn’t entirely happy about. At least Shane Callahan, her best friend in the world, is behind her a hundred percent. He’s also a hundred percent more lovable than she remembered…

Shane is determined to keep Maggie safe, even if it means working three jobs and giving up sleep to be around during her shifts at the bar. But when Maggie boldly tells him she needs more than a loyal friend now, Shane knows a single night together won’t be possible. The idea of spirited Maggie in his bed is electrifying, but will she believe he wants to give her his heart, too?

 

 

Review:

Hold Me Close by Shannyn Schroeder is the 6th and final book in her wonderful O’Learys series. Maggie O’Leary is our heroine, and she has just returned from a year in Europe. 5 years ago she was raped by her ex-boyfriend and has been trying to overcome her fears and the memories. Maggie calls on her best friend, Shane to pick her up at the airport, and not tell her family, so that she had time to settle before they came as a group to see her. She loves Shane as a friend, someone she has always been comfortable with, confided things to each other and hung around together all the time.

Shane Callahan, is our hero, and he has secretly loved Maggie, more than as a friend, all these years. Shane feels he needs to protect her, as does all the O’Leary Family. He knows that Maggie would get mad, so he privately works out a deal with Ryan O’Leary to work part time at the bar, and take an apartment above, since Maggie is planning on doing that. He wants to be close to be able to watch and protect her.

Maggie is determined to get her life back, and become normal again. She still has some issues, such as always locking the door no matter where or when; and she has not had sex for 5 years. Maggie does dream of a hot sexy fantasy man each night. Maggie also sees a therapist, and tells her about how she freezes during any attempt at sex. The therapist tells her she needs to be able to find someone she trusts to help her through her crisis.

After her sister, Moira teases her about her fantasy man possibly being Shane, Maggie laughs it off, but decides perhaps he is just what she needs to get past her sexual fears. She decides to ask Shane to have sex with her, just as an experiment. Shane is shocked at first, but understanding what she wants, and he having loved her for so long finally agrees, but only if she allows him to do this at his pace. As much as he wanted her, he was determined to take it slow, and allow her to relax with him. I loved Shane, as he was a sweet, caring, affectionate, loving and a hot hot hunk.

This was a great friends to lovers story, with the added element of the scars that remain from rape. Maggie was a tough heroine, though at times, even if I understood, she did annoy me a little that she was not seeing how much Shane loved her, and that she truly loved Shane. All she could see is that she loved him as a friend, and did not want to lose their friendship. Of course, my annoyance was probably due to me wanting both of them together.

Shannyn Schroeder has given us an emotional, but sweet romance, and the chance to spend time with all the O’Learys, as we say goodbye to them. Hold Me Close was an excellent story with great storyline and a wonderful couple we rooted hard for. I for one will miss the O’Learys.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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