Book Review: I’d Rather Be Growing Grapes by Jan Romes

Hi all,

If you love sweet, witty, and fun romances then you should be reading novels by Jan Romes. I’ve read nearly every novel she has ever written, and I’ve enjoyed them all. The stories are sharp, entertaining, laugh-out-loud funny, plus sexy and heartwarming. What more could you want? Jan’s latest novel, I’d Rather Be Growing Grapes is, I have to say, my favorite one of hers so far. You’re going to love it! Here is more about the novel and my review.

 

I'd Rather Be Growing Grapes

Cover by Tugboat Design

Jan Romes

 

Book Description:

Sabrina Kerrigan is a sassy, independent woman whose fiancé ditched her a week before they were to be married. Since then, she gives all her attention to a backyard filled with flowers and a spindly grape arbor. Her meddling twin, Lilith, thinks Sabrina’s had enough time to grieve the relationship that wasn’t meant to be. Lil registers her to be one of twenty-one bachelorettes who will vie for one guy’s heart in an event called Pick Me. Sabrina is furious at Lil for immersing her in what is sure to be three weeks of nonstop chaos. The only reason she agreed to take part is because the entry fee goes to charity. The minute Sabrina arrives at the hotel a case of mistaken identity sets the chaos in motion.

Millionaire winery owner, Beau Reinholt has had the worst luck with women. He seems to pick those interested in his money not him. His best friend, Marco Santaguida, the director for Pick Me, cons Beau into being this year’s bachelor. Beau agrees on one condition - the women aren’t to know his true identity until he either falls in love or finds extreme-like with one of the candidates. Everything goes smoothly until he meets Sabrina Kerrigan. She ticks him off right away. She also turns him on. The more Beau tries to focus on the twenty other women the more he’s drawn to the one who says she doesn’t want any part of him.

Can two wounded people tune out the noise going on around them to listen to their hearts?

 

 

Buy now on:

Amazon Kindle

Paperback

Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

 

My 5 Star Review:

Sabrina Kerrigan’s twin sister, Lilith, decides to take it upon herself to find her a mate. So she signs her up for a local fundraiser based on The Bachelor called Pick Me. Sassy Sabrina wants nothing to do with it, but when she finds out how much money her sister paid for the event, she agrees. Her hope is to hide in the background and be one of the first women to leave.

 

Enter bachelor Beau Reinholt. Sexy, handsome, and oh, so delicious. Even when Sabrina fights with him, she can’t help but find herself falling for him. But Beau, who was also conned into doing this gig, only wants to get through the three weeks and get out of there. He doesn’t believe he’ll find his soul mate among the twenty-one women who paid to be there. But as the days go by, he begins to find his thoughts are constantly on Sabrina. Can he really find true love amidst all the chaos?

 

I’d Rather Be Growing Grapes is packed with wit, humor, and charm. Jan puts together a wonderful cast of characters that fills this story with all kinds of crazy scenarios so you don’t want to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I’m sure anyone who loves a good romantic comedy will love it too. Thank you, Jan, for another entertaining novel! Can’t wait for the next one.

 

About the Author:

Jan Romes is a hopeless romantic who grew up in northwest Ohio with eight zany siblings. Married to her high school sweetheart for more years than seems possible, she is also a proud mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She likes to read all genres, writes witty contemporary romance and women's fiction, enjoys finding new ways to stay fit and likes to grow pumpkins and sunflowers.

Connect with Jan:

Facebook

Twitter

Her Website

I hope you'll try this latest by Jan Romes. Her books are all delightful!

Cheers,
Deanna

Book Review: The Bette Davis Club by Jane Lotter

Hi all,

I can’t say enough good things about this latest book I’ve read. The Bette Davis Club by Jane Lotter was such a delight to read. It’s an absolute must-read for those who love a great women’s fiction novel. Here is more about the novel and my review.

 

The Bette Davis Club

Jane Lotter

 

Book Description:

The morning of her niece’s wedding, Margo Just drinks a double martini and contemplates the many mistakes she’s made in her fifty-odd years of life. Spending three decades in love with a wonderful but unattainable man is pretty high up on her list of missteps, as is a long line of unsuccessful love affairs accompanied by a seemingly endless supply of delicious cocktails.

When the young bride flees—taking with her a family heirloom and leaving behind six hundred bewildered guests—her mother offers Margo fifty grand to retrieve her spoiled brat of a daughter and the invaluable property she stole. So, together with the bride’s jilted and justifiably crabby fiancé, Margo sets out in a borrowed 1955 red MG on a cross-country chase. Along the way, none of what she discovers will be quite what she expected. But it might be exactly what she’s been seeking all along.

From acclaimed humor writer Jane Lotter comes this madcap, laugh-out-loud adventure, The Bette Davis Club.

 

Buy now on:

Amazon Kindle

 

Paperback

 

My Five Star Review:

 

Margo Just is near the end of her rope with no money in the bank, debt, and no income coming in. When her sister—her wealthy sister—invites her across country to California to attend her niece’s wedding, Margo decides a family celebration is just what she needs. Then, when her niece takes off before the ceremony, a wonderful opportunity comes Margo’s way. Her sister is willing to pay her loads of money to track down the runaway bride and get back the family heirloom she’s absconded with. One catch—the jilted groom will go along, too. So, off they go in Margo’s father’s old 1955 MG on a wild goose chase across country, and Margo learns much more about herself than she anticipated along the way.

 

The Bette Davis Club is one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. Author Jane Lotter is a pro when it comes to writing a hilarious, heartwarming story. The characters are written with expertise and the storyline truly keeps you turning the pages. Such a well-written story! I loved how each and every character was flawed, but also able to win your heart. When you read The Bette Davis Club, you know you are reading a story by a talented wordsmith. Thank you, Jane Lotter, for leaving us this amazing story.

 

If you love witty, heartwarming stories, you will love this novel.

(I received this novel from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)

 

About the Author:

Jane Lotter was a Seattle-based writer and humorist whose work has appeared in national publications. Her hilarious column, Jane Explains, ran in the Seattle Sun, winning several awards, including one from the Society of Professional Journalists. Jane’s only novel, The Bette Davis Club, won first place in the Mainstream category in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest.

 

I hope you will give this novel a try – you will not be disappointed.

 

Cheers,

Deanna

Book Review: The Gift of Gray by Jan Romes

Hi all,

I adore Jan Romes! She not only writes extremely entertaining novels but she is a sweet, gracious person as well – what a great combination! The Gift of Gray is the fourth novel of hers that I've read and I can't say enough good things about it. As we head into the holiday season, give yourself a gift and pick up this novel. It will lift your spirits and warm you heart. Here is more about this novel and my 5 star review.

 

The Gift of Gray

Jan Romes 

Book Description:

Alexis Kelly will do anything for her best friends - even work as a masseue at their weekend matchmaking ranch. Besides, she needs the cash and a distraction from the mistakes she made in the name of self-preservation.

Gray Patterson is a grouchy advertising executive with perfectionist tendencies. He's tired of going home to an empty apartment but has little time to date, so he shucks convention in search of a soul mate.

The second Alexis and Gray meet, their personalities collide, but there are also some amazing sparks. Over the course of the weekend, they dodge the convoluted attraction until it begs to be acknowledged. Their relationship takes a major hit when another client reveals Alexis's haunting baggage.

Will chemistry and a peek at love be enough to repair the damage?

 

Buy on Amazon Kindle for only$2.25    

 

My 5 Star Review

Advertising executive Gray Patterson has little time in his busy life to find the woman of his dreams so he goes off to a weekend matchmaking ranch to let them find him the perfect woman. However, he isn't interested in the women who were picked for him, he has his eyes on one of the ranch's employees, Alexis Kelly. Alexis isn't looking for a man, she's too busy trying to earn money and forget about her failed marriage. When Gray makes it clear he's interested in her, she tries her hardest to resist him, but it sure isn't easy.

Author Jan Romes has done it again with this delightful Christmas romance The Gift of Gray. Fast-paced, witty, warm and spicy are just a few words that describe this entertaining novel. Jan knows how to pace a story to keep you turning pages and her use of dialogue is genius. If you love quick-witted, cute and warmhearted romance stories, you just can't go wrong with a Jan Romes' novel. Truthfully – I think this is my favorite of all her books so far!

 

More novels by Jan Romes

 

 

I hope you will try one or more of Jan's books - you won't be sorry!

Cheers,
Deanna

Three Days With Molly by Jan Romes

Hi all,

I just love novels by Jan Romes. They are fun, witty, quirky and entertaining. Jan knows how to pace a love story and blend romance and wit perfectly. Jan's latest novel is Three Days With Molly. I can't wait to read this story and will definitely share my review of it in a future post. Until then, here is a description of the novel and an excerpt for you to enjoy. If you love a fun romance - you will love novels by Jan Romes.

Cover by Tugboat Design

Three Days With Molly
Jan Romes

Book Description:

Finn Riley is a hard-working country-rock star whose less-than-meager upbringing turned him into a guarded, self-proclaimed heartless bastard. He's about to embark on a summer concert tour and is in need of a personal assistant.

Molly Williams is a stressed-out, over-worked aide to a divorce lawyer. She's dealt with people suffering from heartache and irreconcilable differences for so long that she thinks all relationships are doomed. When her boss takes a sudden leave of absence, she's gifted with three-months to do whatever she wants. A friend talks her into stumping as Finn's assistant.

Can two work-aholics with trust issues lighten up long enough to follow their hearts? Or will they kill each other before the tour is over?

Where to buy:

 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

 

Read my reviews of two of Jan's other novels:

Lucky Ducks

Stay Close, Novac!

  

Author Bio:

Jan Romes grew up in a small town in Ohio with eight siblings who remain a constant source of love and entertainment. Married to her high school sweetheart for more years than seems possible, she’s also a proud mom, mother-in-law, grandmother, and owner to a loveable mix-breed dog and the world’s most independent cat. Jan loves to read all genres but she enjoys writing witty romance.

An Excerpt from Three Days With Molly

Finn tossed and turned, punched his pillow for the hundredth time, and tried to block out the day that had been a calamity of errors. Molly was upsetting the rhythm of his life and stretching the trial basis so tight it was about to snap in two. She was a major disruption. He did a minute by minute accounting of the things that had gone wrong since her arrival. The woman stood out in the pouring rain, for crying out loud. He took a soul-cleansing breath, and made a firm decision – if tomorrow went the way today did, she was out of there.

Giving his fans the best of him for three months required one-hundred percent focus…and sleep.   

He closed his eyes again and tried to clear his mind.

Fifteen minutes later he rolled to his side to stare at the clock on the nightstand. He’d been trying to shut down for hours. It was now four-thirty in the morning. He crawled out of bed and headed to the kitchen. On the way, he noticed a small light shining above Molly’s bunk. It appeared someone else couldn’t doze off.     

Finn tiptoed to the fridge, poured a glass of milk, and perched himself lengthwise on the couch. He took his first sip, and Molly was suddenly there looking bedraggled but beautiful. 

“I couldn’t sleep either.” She yawned and parked herself at the kitchen table.

“Join me.” Finn threw his legs off the couch to make room for her.

“Finn, I’m sorry for being a pain.” She blinked with dewy lashes.

Had she been crying? Finn’s heart clenched. “Shh,” he said. “Let’s not rehash the day. We need to relax and wipe the slate clean. Get a fresh start tomorrow.”

Their gazes connected.

“Thank you.” 

For half an hour, they made small talk about the unusually hot summer, how the lack of rain – until earlier today – had put the Midwest in one of the worst droughts ever, and how the temperature had teetered close to a hundred degrees for the past week.

Molly pointed to the leather bands tied at his wrist. “Those are unique.”

Finn removed one and handed it to her. “I made them.”

“Seriously?” Molly inspected the band, turning it over, running her fingers over the soft leather. “This is really great.”

An odd emotion made him shift like he couldn’t get comfortable.  

“I love how you used a guitar pick as decoration.”

Damn it all to hell, he was embarrassed. For the life of him he couldn’t figure out why. “Thanks.”

Molly handed it back.

Finn shook his head. “You can have it.”  

Oh, no, I can’t accept this.”

“Sure you can. I want you to have it.” Finn tied the leather band around Molly’s wrist. “There.” He turned her wrist to show the band from every angle. “Looks pretty good.”

“It does,” she said softly. “Thank you so much.”

“My pleasure.” Finn detailed how easy it was to make the wristband – some leather cord, a few knots, and a guitar pick. He made her laugh when he shared that he broke well over a hundred picks before he got it right.

Finn loved when Molly laughed; her whole body shook.

Molly lifted an impish brow. “How’d you get it right?”

“I finally wised up and took a dozen to the jewelry store. They drilled tiny holes on each end of the pick, big enough for me to fish the leather cord through.

“You’re a complex man, Finn. There’s so much to you that it would take a lifetime to discover.” Molly scrunched her face like she couldn’t believe she said such a thing. 

“Not true. I’m a simple man.” He laughed. “I just have a lot of hang-ups that make me seem complex.”

Molly touched his arm. “Tell me about the real Finn Riley, not the version that makes headlines. I’d like to get to know the guy who makes wristbands and writes songs.” 

Finn slanted Molly a deprecating smile. “I did tell you about the real Finn Riley. Heartless bastard, remember?”

Molly’s eyes sparkled. Damn it. They sparkled.

****

 

I hope you'll try one or more of Jan's books - they make a great weekend read!

 

Cheers,

Deanna 

Book Review: Lucky Ducks by Jan Romes

Hi all,

I have to tell you right off the bat that I am already a fan of Jan Romes! I loved her romance novel StayClose, Novac, (read my review) so when I was in the mood for a lighthearted, humorous and delightfully fun romance novel I picked up a copy of Lucky Ducks. Jan did not disappoint me. If you have ever read any of Janet Evanovich's funny romance novels (aside from the Stephanie Plum ones which of course I also LOVE!), then you will enjoy Jan's novels. Here is a description of Lucky Ducks and my 5 star review.

Book Description:

Recently divorced, Claire Stone is off to a fresh start. A new city. A job prospect. Wearing her lucky ducks underwear. Things are going great -- until a clumsy lout barrels into her, sending her to the concrete. Her world takes a tumble too when the handsome klutz who scuffed her up turns out to be her new boss.

Engaged twice. Dumped twice. Kasen Isaak has had his fill of green-eyed women, yet his father insists he hire Claire Stone -- a nail-biting claustrophobic with the greenest eyes he's ever seen.

Will green eyes, a run of bad luck, and a slew of idiosyncrasies keep them from finding the greatest luck of all?

My 5 Star Review:

Claire Stone isn't having a good year. She's newly divorced, is pressed (by her father) to take a job she doesn't want working for a man she knows she isn't going to like. It seems the lucky ducks underwear her friend gave her aren't working in her favor.

Kasen Isaak isn't doing so hot himself. His father insists he hire the daughter of his best friend and she turns out to be another green-eyed woman – just like all his ex-girlfriends! But try as he might, he can't seem to brush aside the attraction he has for this crazy woman who wears underwear with ducks on it!

Lucky Ducks is a funny, quick-witted romance novel with a big heart. You'll fall in love with these characters from the get-go and root for them to fall in love despite their flaws and misunderstandings. Author Jan Romes knows how to write a well-timed, humorous romance that keeps you turning pages from the first page to the last.  If you love light-hearted romances, you will love Jan's novels.

Buy Lucky Ducks on Amazon Kindle

 ***

Cover by Tugboat Design

Be sure to check out Jan's latest novel – Three Days with Molly – now on Amazon!

Visit Jan's Amazon Author Page to learn more about her other novels.  

I hope you will try one or more of Jan's novels – if you love humorous romance novels, you will love hers.

Cheers,

Deanna