The Bachelor Boss / Rodeo Hero / Lakeside Reunion

Three contemporary romances for your consideration.

Title: THE BACHELOR BOSS

Author: Judy Baer

Publisher: Love Inspired

August 2012

ISBN: 978-0-373-87763-4

Genre: Contemporary romance

Hannah St. James is not having a good day. She’s been fired from her job, her bills are behind, and her sister’s tuition for school is due. Not only that, but her son’s clothes were all too small, even though she’d just bought them a few months before. The day gets even worse when she goes to talk to a doctor about a job and gets into a car accident.

Tyler Matthews is getting worn out. He’s having to take too much time off his job to care for his elderly grandmother, and she doesn’t sleep much, instead wanting to stay up late playing Scrabble. When the doctor gently suggests live-in help, Tyler isn’t one hundred percent on board though. He would be, if his grandmother hadn’t already run off everyone he hired. But grandma promises she’ll only be good if he hires the woman who hit his car.

Tyler finally calls the number the doctor provided in desperation. To his surprise, the nurse is none other than the woman who’d caused the accident. But still Hannah is in no condition to pass up his live-in caregiver to his grandmother. Hannah adores his grandmother and her son’s new bedroom is every boy’s dream. But workaholic businessman hides behind ledgers and meetings. Will he find a life beyond work?

I have enjoyed many of Ms. Baer’s books, and was looking forward to this one. I did feel that the plot was a bit overdone—car accident, then the man hires the woman—I’ve read a lot of contemporary books with that theme, but otherwise, the writing is stellar, the characters interesting, and grandma is a real sweetie that adds a whole new dimension to the story. Discussion questions are included at the end. Recommended if you are looking for a sweet romance. 224 pages. $6.75.

I bought this book for cash. Nothing was expected from me.  

****

Title: RODEO HERO

Author: Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Publisher: Heartsong Presents

2012

ISBN: 978-0-373-48608-3

Genre: Contemporary romance

Kendra doesn't need to be rescued. — Kendra Maddox isn't thrilled when Stetson Wright steps in to help fend off her overanxious date at a wedding. A new Christian, she's struggling with a promiscuous past, and Stetson's firm belief that true love waits only makes his gallant attempt to defend her honor even more unwanted. Then her friends continually push her and Stetson together. . . but can't they see she'll never be good enough for him?

Stetson doesn't need any distractions. And Kendra Maddox is definitely a distraction. From his job as the new youth director at church to moonlighting as a rodeo clown, Stetson has other things to think about. Finding the perfect wife will have to wait.

When Stetson saves a prominent bull rider, he makes headline news, and Kendra's ad agency is hired to promote the rodeo hero. Attraction simmers, but will they be able to accept each other for who God sees?

RODEO HERO is maybe the second book of Ms. Vannater’s I’ve read, and I enjoyed getting to know Stetson and Kendra. Stetson is a true hero, stepping forward to help a woman in need and being kind and compassionate, even knowing her less than stellar past.

Kendra is fiercely independent and doesn’t always appreciate Stetson’s help, yet she recognizes quality when she sees it. She knows she’ll never be good enough, so why even try?

I had to cheer for Stetson and Kendra and hoped they would work their difficulties out. If you like contemporary romance, be sure to check out RODEO HERO. Available at select online bookstores. 190 pages. $3.99 

****

Title: LAKESIDE REUNION

Author: Lisa Jordan

Publisher: Love Inspired

November 2011

ISBN: 978-0-373-81587-6

Genre: Contemporary romance

Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won't run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he's still able to stir up Lindsey's old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he'll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again.

Lisa Jordan has crafted a sweet romance in the pages of LAKESIDE REUNION. Two former lovers reunited—through a routine traffic stop. And then Lindsey and Stephen keep getting thrown together.

Stephen is a sweet hero, kind, and compassionate. Lindsey has a bit of a sarcasm problem and comes up with some witty comebacks. My men (husband and sons) wouldn’t take the sarcasm as well as Stephen did. I have to give him kudos there.

If you are looking for a good sweet romance, then LAKESIDE REUNION is one you might enjoy. It’s been out awhile, but still available online. $6.75. 288 pages.