Novel Review: Sizzling (Buchanans, #3) by Susan Mallery

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harlequin Romance

Release Date: 2007

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Powells.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Reid Buchanan was always a fan favorite on the baseball diamond. But between the sheets?

A spiteful article about the former pitcher and current playboy questions his talent in the bedroom. And the newspaper's just the first bad news. Reid's grandmother Gloria's broken hip means she needs constant care--but Reid hired Nurses 1 and 2 for their bedside manner with him. So for Number 3 he chooses Lori Johnson, the first candidate who seems immune to his brand of charm.
Lori's never wasted her time with amoebas like Reid Buchanan. So why are her well-fortified defenses starting to crumble under the force of his sexy smile--and the kindness he shows her at every turn? There's only one explanation for the feelings flaring between them--chemistry. Chemistry so hot, it's sizzling!

The Cover:

This is pretty typical adult contemporary romance. I don't mind it, find it a little cute and easy on the eyes, although I don't really think the models really resemble the characters. Could be better, could be worse.

Quotes:

• "'Do you know that here, in the States, you have to opt in to a donation program. That the assumption is you’re not interested in donating unless you say otherwise. But in Europe, it’s the opposite. The assumption is people want to donate. If you aren’t interested, you have to opt out. That makes a whole lot more sense to me.’” (Mass Market Paperback, pg. 276)
• "'Sure, we’re all going to die eventually, but most of us get to pretend that moment is a long way off. We get to live normal lives.’” (Pg. 363)

Review:

This was another really fast book of Mallery’s that I had on my shelf, and I really enjoyed it. Even more than the first book of hers’ I read.

I connected with the characters a lot more. I liked all of their growth, the main two as well as Gloria’s. I liked their relationships, and I really liked seeing Gloria get nicer and closer with her family (although I probably would have liked it even better, had I read the first books in this series). I liked how Reid and Lori grew closer, I understood their hesitation, but I liked how open and honest Reid was with Lori when they got together. The ending was quite sad, and not what I expected (given the first book I read), which made it hit even more. I liked where everyone was at, at the end, though. 

I definitely plan to pick up the next book, because I really want to know what happens next with Dani, Reid’s sister. I liked her a lot, and we got to see the beginning of her story in this book, so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next. After that, I’ll probably get to the previous books in this series, since I didn’t see much of his brothers but would like to know them more.

Novel Review: Accidentally Yours by Susan Mallery

Rating (Out of 5): ~3 (maybe 3.5)

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harlequin Romance

Release Date: 2007

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells.

Goodreads Synopsis:

WANTED:

Single mom seeks billionaire's pocketbook to fund dying son's research cure. Will seduce if necessary. Blackmail is not out of the question. Miracles welcome.
Cynical billionaire seeks working mom with a heart of gold for PR campaign to improve his standing in the community. Must be willing to attend social events. Anyone looking for love, need not apply.
It seemed like the perfect match...until the unthinkable happened.

The Cover:

I do not particularly like this cover. It's pretty generic adult romance, with models that don't particularly portray the characters or anything inside the book. I suppose the suit and dress and olive are supposed to represent fancy, rich parties, which kind of has to do with the book. But overall the cover isn't flattering, pretty, and just could have been better.

Review:

I started this book a long time ago, and paused it. I finally started it again, and I’m glad I finally got to it. It was kind of average, but it was enjoyable, and it was a really fast read.

I’ve found that Mallery’s books are really fast, easy reads, and that’s really nice. This one wasn’t very smutty at all, but focused on the romance and the main plot, which was Kerri’s son’s sickness. I liked the characters relationships with each other, their growth, even if I didn’t get particularly attached to the characters. I did like the scientist and his girlfriend, too, though.

The ending was nice, even if a bit unrealistic. Overall, this was a pretty good book; I enjoyed it, I liked how quickly it went by. I’ll be picking up another of her books, when I get the chance.