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Robin Takes The Scenic Route


Contemporary Romance Book Reviews: "Cowboys & Starlight" & "Taming His Heart"

1/22/2020

 
This week, I've got a couple of reviews on contemporary romance novels. Sometimes, I just feel like these types of stories are so rushed. Am I the only one? I sometimes wish for more info on the characters and their reasoning, or more about the area they live in, or a little more plot depth. I realize romance novels don't necessarily need these things to qualify for their genre. ... But does anyone else think it might make the stories more lasting?
Enough questions... On with the reviews!

Book Review: Cowboys & Starlight by Jacqueline Winters

Cowboys & Starlight (A Starlight Sweet Romance, #1)Cowboys & Starlight by Jacqueline Winters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a nicely plotted, clean contemporary romance novel which I found perfect for a cozy evening read. The characters were exactly as they should've been, with flaws and having things to learn. The hero wasn't larger than life. The heroine was strong without coming across as anti-feminine. Some of the parts tugged at my heartstrings while others made me laugh. If you enjoy clean, contemporary romance, why not give this one a try?

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Book Review: Taming His Heart (Cottonwood Ranch Book 2) by Jaclyn Hardy

Taming His Heart (Cottonwood Ranch Book 2)Taming His Heart by Jaclyn Hardy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was OK. I found it a bit ...juvenile...and fairly unbelievable as far as the heroine was concerned. I mean, her problems seemed legitimate but her lifestyle was just...wow! Not normal. Besides that, the setting and interaction between the characters was pretty well done. I liked how life in the little town was portrayed. The grammar and style seemed pretty well done for the most part. It was also a clean read. Teens and college students might enjoy this book.

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I think I need to clarify what I meant by 'not normal' in reference to the heroine's lifestyle. I have never known anyone who lived this kind of lifestyle. Maybe others do. But I found it hard to relate to her. My normal is the opposite end of the spectrum so it's highly likely someone who can relate to this heroine being able to relate to mine. I guess this was more like a modern day fairytale? Either way, I wasn't so taken with it.

Honestly, contemporary romances are my least favorite these days. I feel like in most cases, the stories lack the substance needed to make them truly great. I wonder how much of this is due to the fact that authors are pushed hard to publish books rapidly. Let's face it. There are not many Sherilyn Kenyons running around. (She writes an insane amount in such a short time!) How many romance novels would have benefited from a few extra months spent on their refining?
...says the person who takes forever to get hers done and still makes glaring mistakes...
Believe me! I know how hard it is to put out quality work. I know what it's like to have a deadline looming over my head. And I know what it's like to release your fledgling book into the open air of the public and wait. And wait. And wait some more. (I still don't have many reviews so I mostly know what my family and friends thought.) My first book is not so epic as it probably could have been and I'm not sorry it's taking me a while to get the next book out. I want my work to be as good as I can make it. In my case, time is required to make that happen -- time, and a fine-toothed comb. My fine-toothed comb is missing a few teeth so I need to fix that. *nervous laugh*

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    Melody Kittles writes fantasy fiction under the name Robin McElveen. She loves God, her family, the arts, a warm cup of coffee or tea, visiting friends, and collecting coffee & Pusheen items.

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    Rumpole Misbehaves
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    Jesus > Religion: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough
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    Write to Discover Yourself


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