My Review Of Midnight Sun By Stephenie Meyer

 

This has been one of my most anticipated reads for a while. I read the draft years ago that the author posted online after it was leaked and couldn't wait to read more.

 

Midnight Sun didn't disappoint. I loved every minute of reading Edward's POV. It gave a lot of insight into some things that were hinted at but not fully explored in Twilight.

 

I teared up twice while reading, but the biggest surprise for me was a conversation between Edward and Rose. The author did such a great job in expressing Edward's pain, both the current pain and what he perceived was to come.

 

The most surprising part of the story, though, was not Bella or Edward. It was Jasper. While reading Twilight, and even the rest of the series, I was rather indifferent toward Jasper. Even with what we learned about him in Eclipse, I wasn't overly moved one way or the other. In Midnight Sun, my entire perspective changed. 

 

If you were team Edward, then this is a must read book.

 

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#Review #Romance My Forever Valentine by Tracey Alvarez

Title: My Forever Valentine

Author: Tracey Alvarez
Rating: 5 stars

I was excited to visit Stewart Island again. I love these characters and it was great to check in with the couples I fell in love with in previous books. 

First, this is four short stories about the four couples we already met in this series and their first Valentine's Day with each other, so I would recommend reading the first four books in the series before picking up this one. Not a sacrifice by any means as they are all great reads.

I loved seeing these couples again, but I have to say that Del and Shaye were still my favorites. Their book was my first introduction to this author and I absolutely love them any way I can get them.

My only complaint? It was too short. LOL.

I would recommend this book to those who love small town contemporary romance and have read the first four books in the Stewart Island series.

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Author Bio

Tracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.

Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.

When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework. 

Website

#Review #Romance Claiming Her SEAL by Kat Cantrell

Title: Claiming Her SEAL

Author: Kat Cantrell

Rating: 5 Stars

All I can say is WOW! If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.

It's been a while since a book had me missing sleep, but this one did. I was up till three in the morning reading until I could barely keep my eyes open. I didn't want to stop.

Dex and Emma had all the makings of a great couple. They had such amazing chemistry and the conflict between them was so real I could feel it deep in my bones. I never wanted their story to end and can't wait to see more of them in later books in the series.

As I said above, if I could I would give this book more than 5 stars. There were no negatives that I could find. The story flowed well, the plot and characters were amazing, and the book was well edited.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great read and enjoys military romance.

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Nook

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Kat Cantrell read her first Harlequin novel in third grade and has been scribbling in notebooks since she learned to spell. What else would she write but romance? When she’s not writing about characters on the journey to happily ever after, she can be found at a soccer game, watching Friends or dancing with her kids to Duran Duran and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Kat, her husband and their two boys live in North Texas. Kat was the 2011 Harlequin So You Think You Can Write winner and a 2012 RWA® Golden Heart® finalist for best unpublished series contemporary manuscript.

Website

#Romance #Review Fallen Angels by Lori Foster

Title: Fallen Angels

Author: Lori Foster

Rating: 5 Stars

This is an anthology made up of three separate stories.

Beguild

I'm not sure why its taken me so long to read a book by this author. I've owned Beguiled for a while now, but its sat on my TBR list for over two years and I have to say that now I'm regretting it.

Beguiled was the perfect example of why Lori Foster is a recognized name in the romance genre. This was a page turner from the first chapter. It was fast paced with just the right amount of steam. I did figure out the bad guy almost from the start, but that was okay. It didn't take away from the highlight of the story, which was the romance.

Dane and Angel were really good together. They had instant chemistry and it didn't take long for them to begin falling in love, although it took them a while to see it. Some readers might find it odd the way Dane steps in to take over his brother's identity in every way, but I didn't mind it. He had his reasons for doing it and once he began to fall for Angel his reactions to the deception were believable.

This is the first book in a series. I do own the other two books, so I will be reading them soon. 

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast paced romance with a bit of mystery.


Wanton

This is the second book in Lori Foster's Fallen Angels series.

After reading Beguiled, Dane and Angel's story, I was excited to start reading Wanton. What I didn't expect was to love Alec and Celia as much, or more, than I did Dane and Angel.

I'm not sure what it was about Alec and Celia that I enjoyed so much. They just seemed to fit. They had amazing chemistry. He was such a loner and she knew how to push him out of his shell. Each brought out the best in the other.

This is the type of story I love where on the surface the two characters don't seem to fit, but once you get to know them they are perfect for one another.

The build up between them was well done and I loved the ending. She really does keep him on his toes. 

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast paced romance with two very likable characters.


Uncovered

The final book in Lori Foster's Fallen Angels series is a little shorter than the other two. And while there is a mystery of sorts, it lacks the suspense/danger element of the first two.

I did like Harris and Clair. Their love story was slightly less than typical, but that was okay. It worked for them.

The best part of the entire book for me, however was toward the end when all is revealed. Sometimes men can't see what's right in front of their faces.

I would recommend this story to anyone who is looking for a quick and easy romantic read.

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About the Author

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Website

#Romance #Review Wanton by Lori Foster

Title: Wanton

Author: Lori Foster

Rating: 5 Stars

This is the second book in Lori Foster's Fallen Angels series.

After reading Beguiled, Dane and Angel's story, I was excited to start reading Wanton. What I didn't expect was to love Alec and Celia as much, or more, than I did Dane and Angel.

I'm not sure what it was about Alec and Celia that I enjoyed so much. They just seemed to fit. They had amazing chemistry. He was such a loner and she knew how to push him out of his shell. Each brought out the best in the other.

This is the type of story I love where on the surface the two characters don't seem to fit, but once you get to know them they are perfect for one another.

The build up between them was well done and I loved the ending. She really does keep him on his toes. 

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast paced romance with two very likable characters.

Amazon
B&N

About the Author

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Website

#Romance #Review Beguiled by Lori Foster

Title: Beguiled

Author: Lori Foster

Rating: 5 Stars

I'm not sure why its taken me so long to read a book by this author. I've owned Beguiled for a while now, but its sat on my TBR list for over two years and I have to say that now I'm regretting it.

Beguiled was the perfect example of why Lori Foster is a recognized name in the romance genre. This was a page turner from the first chapter. It was fast paced with just the right amount of steam. I did figure out the bad guy almost from the start, but that was okay. It didn't take away from the highlight of the story, which was the romance.

Dane and Angel were really good together. They had instant chemistry and it didn't take long for them to begin falling in love, although it took them a while to see it. Some readers might find it odd the way Dane steps in to take over his brother's identity in every way, but I didn't mind it. He had his reasons for doing it and once he began to fall for Angel his reactions to the deception were believable.

This is the first book in a series. I do own the other two books, so I will be reading them soon. 

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast paced romance with a bit of mystery.

Amazon
B&N

About the Author

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Website

#Review #Romance Touching Jace by Mallory Crowe

Title: Touching Jace

Author: Mallory Crowe
Rating: 5 stars

I always know when I pick up a Mallory Crowe book that I'm always going to get a great story.

Touching Jace introduces readers to the Devereaux family and a mystery that surrounds Emma's sister. Emma enlists the help of an ex-SEAL, Jace, in order to find out what led to her sister trying to murder one of the richest women in New York. He's reluctant at first, but it doesn't take long for sparks to fly between these two.

This was a fast paced romance. Everything happen quickly, including the feelings that developed between the two, but it didn't feel unrealistic. They were well matched, even though it didn't seem that way at first. What could an ex-SEAL who works private security and an heiress have in common?

The story had just the right amount of steam and mystery to keep me turning the page. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sexy romance with a touch of suspense.

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Author Bio

Mallory Crowe has lived in Michigan her whole life and has been in love with romance ever since she'd skip to the end of every novel, just to make sure the hero and heroine survived and ended up together. She lives with her husband and three dogs. When she's not writing, she's spending too much time in front of the TV, hiking, or working with various animal rescues.

#Review Cross Falls Box Set by Mallory Crowe #Romance

Title: Cross Falls Box Set

Author: Mallory Crowe
Rating: 5 stars

I love Mallory Crowe's books and this box set was a perfect example of why.

This is a three book serial series, so I recommend getting the box set instead of purchasing them one at a time. Once you get started, you're not going to want to stop. I know I didn't. Every chance I got, I was reading. I ended up finishing the entire series in two days.

The story was full of twists and turns. It revolves around a love triangle of sorts and a mystery involving Gabrie's past. Normally I don't care for love triangles, but this one didn't make me want to bang my head against a wall and scream at the heroine to pick one already. The mystery was well fleshed out and I have to admit I didn't figure out who the 'bad guy' was until right before the characters did. I had my suspicions, but there was always a little doubt in the back of my mind.

Mallory Crowe is one of my go to authors and she didn't disappoint with this series. I can't wait to dive into more from her.

I would recommend this series to those looking for a sexy romantic suspense novel that will keep you one your toes.

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Author Bio

Mallory Crowe has lived in Michigan her whole life and has been in love with romance ever since she'd skip to the end of every novel, just to make sure the hero and heroine survived and ended up together. She lives with her husband and three dogs. When she's not writing, she's spending too much time in front of the TV, hiking, or working with various animal rescues.

#Review Beautiful Ruin by Amy Olle

Title: Beautiful Ruin

Author: Amy Olle
Rating: 5 stars

Beautiful Ruin is one of those books you don't want to put down. I was up until 3am reading, and even then had trouble stopping. It's the best book I've read in a while.

I loved, LOVED, Noah and Mina. They had such amazing chemistry and both their backstories added so much to the story. I knew pretty early on that something was up with Mina, but I had no idea what until everything started to unravel in her world. And I like how the author didn't gloss over it and make it all better over night.

Noah was one of those book boyfriends you just can't help but fall in love with. He was exactly the man Mina needed and it didn't hurt that he had a sexy Irish accent either.

If you couldn't tell already, I highly recommend this book. It's emotional and sexy and I can't wait to read more of this series.

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Author Bio

Amy writes sexy contemporary romance novels filled with charmingly flawed characters and cozy settings. Her first book, Beautiful Ruin, is the first in a series about five Irish-born brothers sent as children to live with family on a remote island off the coast of northern Michigan. She is delighted to put her Psychology degrees to good use writing romance. The day she defended her thesis, she picked up Diana Gabaldon’s, Outlander, and discovered the genius of romance novels.

Amy lives in Michigan with her long-suffering husband, brilliant son, and (female) turtle named George. Her favorite thing about Michigan’s long, cold winters is that they provide plenty of incentive to stay indoors and read (or write) a good book.

In between writing sessions, Amy drinks too much wine, obsesses over college football and basketball, and feels guilty for reading when she should be writing. All the while, she’s busy brainstorming her next plot twist with Mr. Olle.

Website

#Review Teach Your Heart by Tracey Alvarez

Title: Teach Your Heart

Author: Tracey Alvarez
Rating: 5 stars

Tracey Alvarez is one of those authors I go to when I need a good story and I know she will delivery every time.

Owen is in desperate need of a nanny and Gracie stumbles into his orbit at exactly the right time-with the help of his niece and nephew. She is almost his exact opposite, a free spirit to his rigid and structured life. The physical attraction is there from the beginning, but it takes a little time for these two to connect on an emotional level. When it began to happen, though, I couldn't stop grinning.

One of the things I found most interesting about this couple was not only was their current lifestyle and view of life opposite, so was their upbringing. They both rebelled against all the things they disliked from their childhoods to the point where they almost lost themselves. It was beautiful to see them find not only each other but their true selves as they opened up and let love blossom.

As with all of this author's books, I didn't want Owen and Gracie's story to end. I would have loved to see how their life unfolded years into the future and look forward to seeing more of them in other Far North books.

I recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a great contemporary romance set in a small town.

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Author Bio

Tracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.

Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.

When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework. 

Website

#Review Love and Let Die by Lexi Blake

Title: Love and Let Die

Author: Lexi Blake
Rating: 5 stars

This is the fifth book in Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series and so far it's one of my favorites. For me, this one ranks right up there with the first book in the series, which happens to feature Ian's little brother, Sean. 

I knew when we first met Ian in book one that whoever his lady ended up being she was going to have to be tough. Ian needed a strong woman and he got it in Charlie. 

What can I say about this book? I loved Ian and Charlie. I loved them separately, but I especially loved them together. They brought out the best in the other person. Sean tells his brother at one point that Charlie is Ian's match and he is one hundred percent correct. She's the right amount of sweet and tough and exactly perfect for Ian. 

This is a great series, but I wouldn't recommend reading them out of order since there are elements that carry over from previous books.

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Author Bio

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem. 

Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.

In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.

Website

#Review Melting Into You by Tracey Alvarez

Title: Melting Into You

Author: Tracey Alvarez
Rating: 5 stars

I keep thinking that one of these days Tracey Alvarez will writing a couple I won't like, but so far it hasn't happened. Ben and Kezia's story had me swooning.

Ben was a steadfast bachelor in In Too Deep, book one in this series, and Kezia was the island's new school teacher. On the outside these two seem worlds apart, but the attraction is there.

All their dancing around each other changes when Ben is forced to lean on Kezia. He needs her help and the passion that was right beneath the surface can't be held back. These two lit up the page. I didn't want their story to end.


I recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a great contemporary romance set in a small town.

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Author Bio

Tracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.

Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.

When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework. 

Website

#Review The Dom Who Loved Me by Lexi Blake

Title: The Dom Who Loved Me

Author: Lexi Blake
Rating: 5 stars

Lexi Blake has been on my radar for years. I met her in Colorado a few years back, but I'd never read any of her books. Why? Because a good friend of mine loves her and after I'd read a few other authors she'd suggested and didn't like them, she was scared to death that I wouldn't like Lexi's books so she forbid me from reading them. As luck would have it, Lexi made the box set of her first three books in this series free for a weekend and I couldn't resist the temptation. 

The first book in Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series is all about Sean and Grace. It was hard not to fall in love with them. Sean had his stupid guy moments, but he more than made up for them. 

One of my favorite things about this book is that it was more than just one sex scene after the next. Readers were able to get to know the characters and see their relationship develop and evolve. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something with a good mix of romance, suspense, and BDSM. 

Amazon
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Author Bio

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem. 

Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.

In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.

Website

#Review The Opposite of Wild by Kylie Gilmore #ContemporaryRomance

Title: The Opposite of Wild

Author: Kylie Gilmore
Rating: 5 stars

This is the first book I've read by Kylie Gilmore. It's the first book in her Clover Park series and I'm so glad I picked it up. This is exactly the type of romance I love. It's sweet, sexy, heartwarming, and real all rolled up into one.

Liz is one of those characters that you'll either love or she'll drive you crazy. I loved her. She had a reason for everything she did even if it didn't always make sense from the outside looking in. Her love for her family was obvious from the start of the book, as was her caring nature.

Ryan was hard not to love. He was protective of those he cared about, especially his grandmother, Maggie, who helped to raise him and his brothers. I loved his flaws just as much as his sweet, sensitive side.

Some of my favorite parts of this story were the interactions these two had with the other people in their lives, especially Maggie. I've read stories where the crazy relatives detracted from the story, but that wasn't the case in this one. Maggie, Daisy, Trav, Rachel, Shane, and all the others balanced the story perfectly helping the reader to better understand the characters. I grew to love them all and I can't wait to read their stories.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a romance that takes its time to develop into something deep and meaningful. Kylie Gilmore is definitely going on my must read author shelf.

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Author Bio

Kylie Gilmore is the USA Today bestselling romance author of the Clover Park series and the Clover Park STUDS series. She writes quirky, tender romance with a solid dose of humor. Her debut novel, The Opposite of Wild, is currently FREE on all platforms.

Kylie lives in New York with her family, two cats, and a nutso dog. When she’s not writing, wrangling kids, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her flexing her muscles all the way to the high cabinet for her secret chocolate stash.

Join the Gilmore Goddesses Readers Group to chat about Clover Park books in a non-spoilerly way. Also, man candy. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gilmo...

Find out more about Kylie and upcoming books at www.kyliegilmore.com. Sign up for Kylie’s newsletter at http://eepurl.com/KxkOb

You can also find Kylie on:
Twitter @KylieGilmoreToo
Facebook www.facebook.com/KylieGilmoreToo
Goodreads KylieGilmore

#Review Hide Your Heart by Tracey Alvarez #ContemporaryRomance

Title: Hide Your Heart

Author: Tracey Alvarez
Rating: 5 stars

Tracey Alvarez has become one of my favorite authors. This is the third book by her that I've read and every single one of them has been stellar.The romances are believable as are the conflicts and the writing are top notch, too. Seriously, what is there not to love?

In this story we get to meet Nate and Lauren. They both come from very different backgrounds but each has what the other needs...someone to love...someone to trust.

Nate is pretty lovable. He's great with Lauren's son, Drew. There's this one scene where Nate is making 'monkey-roni' for Drew in her kitchen that is just adorable. He was exactly the right amount of tough and tender.

Lauren's character took a little longer to unravel. She's very secretive at first, but we don't find out all the details until about halfway through the book.

I enjoyed the pacing of this story. The author didn't rush the romance and it was easy and natural to watch these two fall in love.

I would recommend this book (and any of Tracey Alvarez's books) to anyone who is looking for a realistic contemporary romance with a lot of heart.

Amazon
B&N

Author Bio

Tracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.

Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.

When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework. 

Website