Quick & Dirty Romance Reviews – February 2015

February 22, 2015 by Erin

How to Kiss a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy Series: Cowboys of Decker Ranch #2 (can be read alone) Published: February 3, 2015 Genre: Contemporary romance The couple: They’ve known each other since they were teenagers, but no-nonsense world champion barrel rider Suze Carlyle and ladies’ man bronco rider Brady Caine never thought they’d make a good match. They were wrong, of course. When they’re forced to spend time together they realize years of insecurity and miscommunication had screwed them over real good. Purple prose: Nope. Joanne […]

Categories: Book Review • Tags: billionaire jerks, cowboys, joanne kennedy, kresley cole, romance novels, samantha young

True Life: Our High School Friend is a Romance Cover Model

February 13, 2015 by Ladies On The Shelf

     We’ve known Brian Watson a long time. We’ve known him since his fluffy-haired high school days, when we used to make inside jokes about Homestar Runner and pass notes in between classes. My, how long ago those days seem! Imagine our surprise when our old poofy blonde friend turned up in the most unexpected place: on the cover of a romance novel! Turns out it was a surprise to Brian as well – having had free head shots taken […]

Categories: Featured • Tags: boys, Brian Watson, Cover models, romance novels

Quick & Dirty Romance Reviews – January 2015

January 30, 2015 by Erin

Introducing Quick & Dirty Romance Reviews, in which Erin rates a few of this month’s steamiest novels to determine what was deliciously swoony or just plain silly.  Last Call by Alice Clayton Series: Cocktails #4 (can be read alone, but more enjoyable if you at least first read #1, Wallbanger) Published: January 6, 2015 Genre: Contemporary romance The couple: This is the final novella in a series, and main characters Caroline (hot interior designer) and Simon (hot photographer) already met-cute […]

Categories: Book Review • Tags: alice clayton, laura lee guhrke, lovey dovey, romance novels, sabrina jeffries

Recommended Reading: Georgette Heyer

August 16, 2014 by Erin

Today marks the birth of one of my favorite romance novelists, Georgette Heyer. Celebrate by rereading an old favorite from her considerable backlist, or by discovering and falling in love with her work for the first time. During an impressive writing career that spanned almost six decades, Georgette Heyer crafted stories mostly set in the early 19th century during the British Regency period, and her attention to accurate historical detail is remarkable. You’ll come away from any of her books […]

Categories: Book Review • Tags: British Regency period, happy birthday georgette heyer, recommended reading, romance novels

The Trailer We’ve All Been Waiting For

July 24, 2014 by Ladies On The Shelf

The first official trailer for the highly anticipated, possibly gross Fifty Shades of Grey adaptation has dropped, and we have to say… It actually looks kinda good. Dakota Johnson looks appropriately frumpy as Anastasia Steele, Jamie Dornan, well. He is handsome, wears a suit and has dark eyes. So we’re good there. I think we’re all glad to see that they went with lesser-know actors, because I don’t know if I could ever look at a Hemsworth the same way again […]

Categories: Adaptations • Tags: Dakota Johnson, Fifty Shades of Grey, Jamie Dornan, movies, romance novels

Opening Act: A Rock-and-Roll Romance

May 20, 2014 by Erin

Opening Act: A Rock-and-Roll Romance, Dish Tillman Release Date: May 19, 2014 Rating: ★★★★☆ I must admit, my expectations weren’t exactly stellar when I started reading this romance novel, because the title is ridiculous and the premise sounds distinctly unoriginal: an uptight young graduate student meets a hot young rock star, opposites instantly and passionately attract, and differing personalities, ideals and whatnot must be sorted out before a plausible happily-ever-after is achieved. I have read this type of book before, and it […]

Categories: Book Review • Tags: Dish Tillman, rock-and-roll romance, romance novels, young and angsty

Happy International Women’s Day!

March 8, 2014 by Ladies On The Shelf

Today marks International Women’s Day, a day to recognize how far the world has come in gender equality, inspire positive changes for the future and encourage advocacy for women’s rights across the globe. On top of that, International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the women in our lives who inspire us – from our mothers and sisters, to our friends, to our role models who motivate us to change our world. Of course, we, the authors of Ladies […]

Categories: Events • Tags: authors, fantasy, Harry Potter, International Women's Day, ladies, literature, romance novels