Review- Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

Summary-

#1 "New York Times" bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac--the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut's premier wedding planning companies. 

Parker Brown turned the quartet's childhood game of Wedding Day into their dream jobs. And now she's the face of Vows--the one who meets every bride's demands; keeps every event on schedule; and brings Emma's romantic flowers, Laurel's delicious treats, and Mac's stunning photography together in one glorious package. She knows how to make dreams come true... 

Mechanic Malcolm Kavanaugh loves figuring out how things work, and Parker is no exception. Both know that moving from minor flirtation to major hook-up is a serious step. Parker's business risks have always paid off, but now she'll have to take the chance of a lifetime with her heart.

Release date: November 2nd, 2010

Published by: Berkley

Page numbers: 333

Review-

Finally, I got to Happy Ever After which is the fourth and final book in Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet series. I'm just going to come out and say this, Happy Ever After was the best book in the series. It was amazing and a pretty perfect romance actually. If you don't have the time, patience or inclination to read the entire series I would totally suggest skipping everything and getting right to this one. It was a total pleasure to read about Parker and Mal.

Parker is the one who manages every little thing at The Vows. She is there when anything needs to be fixed or if anyone needs an extra set of hands. Basically, Parker runs the show to make it perfect for every single bride out there. I loved Parker. She was deeply affected by her parents' death and has tried her best to be the best at what she does. Vows are her life and unlike her other friends, she isn't looking for love. But then comes in Mal.

I loved Mal. He just came barging into Parker's life and disrupted her perfectly timed schedule. I loved how unpredictable he was and he always kept Parker on her toes. More than that, he had this confidence and cockiness about him which made him the perfect match for Parker. I am glad we got to see Mal's side of the story because that just gave more depth to him.

Parker and Mal had sizzling chemistry. They were unbelievably good together. Like the chemistry was coming off the pages. I enjoyed every single conversation the both of them shared because it was filled with wit and humor. I thought Emma and Jack were my favorites but these two definitely surpassed all my expectations.

We get to see everyone in Happy Ever After. Mac, Carter, Emma, Jack, Laurel, and Del all seem to be doing really well and Parker and Mal seem to fit in easily with the remaining couples. It worked like a well-oiled machine. It was a little bit bittersweet to be done with the series but frankly, the entire series has been a pleasure to read. I loved Happy Ever After.

Review- Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

Summary-

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac — the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut’s premier wedding planning companies.

 Laurel McBane has always relied on her friends for support, especially when her dream of attending culinary school was almost ruined by her parents’ financial problems. Now Laurel is repaying the kindness of her friends by creating extravagantly luscious tiers of cakes and other confectionary delights that add the perfect touch to their clients’ weddings. As for romance, Laurel believes in it — in theory. But she’s too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that other women seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker’s older brother, Delaney Brown, on whom Laurel has had a mega crush since childhood. But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her, or so she thinks. When Laurel’s quick- silver moods get the better of her — leading to an angry, hot, altogether mind-blowing kiss with Del — she’ll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever…

Release date: April 27th, 2010

Published by: Berkley Books

Page Numbers: 339

Review-

Savor the Moment is the third book in Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet series. I devoured the first two books and while I was totally in the mood for it I decided to get right into Laurel and Del's book too. Savor the Moment was a good read. It won't be the favorite of mine in the series but it was a great addition to the Bride Quartet series.

Laurel is the baker in the quartet. She has worked extremely hard to get where she is now, working for The Vows but she still feels a bit left out at times. I liked Laurel. She had a tough exterior and was really protective of all her friends and loved ones. But she did have a vulnerable side to her. She could see that even though she was in love with Del since ages they would never fit into the same world.

Then we have Del. Now him, I really liked since the beginning. Del is Parker's brother but more than that he considers every single one of the girls from his quartet as his honorary sisters. Del has always been protective over his girls and always looks out for them. But suddenly he can't stop thinking about Laurel as more than just a friend and they have sparks flying all over the place. 

I loved the chemistry Del and Laurel shared. They had an attraction and it was easy to see. Laurel has been in love with Del since a long time but she doesn't want to admit it to him or anyone else. She just wants to live in the moment. But Del is slowly catching up and he can't deny that his feelings go just as deep.

I liked how Del and Laurel sorted through their issues and finally came together in the end. I also loved seeing Mac and Carter and Emma and Jack. More than anything, I was extremely curious to see what happens between Parker and Mal. I am really excited to get to the last book in the series. Savor the Moment was a good read.

Review- Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

Summary-

As little girls MacKensie, Emma, Laurel, and Parker spent hours acting out their perfect make believe “I do” moments. Years later their fantasies become reality when they start their own wedding planning company to make every woman’s dream day come true. With perfect flowers, delicious desserts, and joyful moments captured on film, Nora Roberts’s Bride Quartet shares each woman’s emotionally magical journey to romance.

In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn’t found Mr. Right. And the last place she’s looking is right under her nose.

But that’s just where Jack Cooke is. He’s so close to the women of Vows that he’s practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss—they must trust in their history…and in their hearts.

Release date: October 27th, 2009

Published by: Berkley

Page numbers: 335

Review-

I have to confess Bed of Roses was the book I was most looking forward to in the Bride Quartet series. We'd met both Emma and Jack in the previous book and I liked them. Bed of Roses turned out to be a sweet book, filled with romance and it couldn't have been more perfect for Emma and Jack's love story.

Emma is the florist in the quartet. She feels lucky that she can pursue her passion with flowers while giving each bride the perfect set of flowers on their wedding day. I loved Emma. She was so sweet and she had this niceness about her which everyone seemed to feel. Yes, her head was up in the clouds sometimes like any romantic but it was a pleasure to read about her.

Then we have Jack. Where Emma is always looking for love Jack shies away from it. A bad past with divorced parents make him believe that nothing can last and he likes his space and freedom. I really liked Jack though he did act stupid a time or two. We get loads of his point of view which made his situation easy to understand. Plus he never denied how attracted he was to Emma.

I loved how Jack and Emma come together. They have been friends since a long time but suddenly they are seeing each other in a new light. If you are a friends to lovers romance fan, this should not be missed. Jack and Emma had chemistry and they seemed to fit each other perfectly. I loved their romance.

We get to meet the remainder of the quartet too. They play an integral role and I really enjoy the bond they share. I also enjoyed seeing how Mac and Carter were doing. Del has me curious too. I am totally warmed up to all the characters now and can't wait to get to Laurel's book next. Bed of Roses was a really good read.

Review- Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts

Summary-

To celebrate the rise of their new queen, three goddesses of the moon created three stars, one of fire, one of ice, one of water. But then they fell from the sky, putting the fate of all worlds in danger. And now three women and three men join forces to pick up the pieces…

Sasha Riggs is a reclusive artist, haunted by dreams and nightmares that she turns into extraordinary paintings. Her visions lead her to the Greek island of Corfu, where five others have been lured to seek the fire star. Sasha recognizes them, because she has drawn them: a magician, an archaeologist, a wanderer, a fighter, a loner. All on a quest. All with secrets.

Sasha is the one who holds them together — the seer. And in the magician, Bran Killian, she sees a man of immense power and compassion. As Sasha struggles with her rare ability, Bran is there to support her, challenge her, and believe in her.

But Sasha and Bran are just two of the six. And they all must all work together as a team to find the fire star in a cradle of land beneath the sea. Over their every attempt at trust, unity, and love, a dark threat looms. And it seeks to corrupt everything that stands in its way of possessing the stars…

Release date: November 3rd, 2015

Published by: Piaktus Books

Page numbers: 304

Review-

This is not my first Nora Roberts read. As everyone and their mother knows, Nora Roberts is the queen of romance and so I have read a series or two by her. And for the most part I like the way she writes. Her stories are solid. Stars of Fortune is the first book in Nora Roberts' Guardians Trilogy. This is not a contemporary romance like any other. It leans more towards the paranormal side with dashes of magic and gods and mythology. While I didn't love Stars of Fortune, it was still a good read.

This is the first book in the series so Nora Roberts does lay the ground work for all the six characters who are a part of the trilogy. Like I said before this book is filled with magic and myths and gods and goddesses so time is spent explaining all of that too. But with it we also have a nice romance going on between Sasha and Bran.

Sasha is an artist. For about a year now she's been having dreams and nightmares about five other people along with her who are supposed to be on a quest to find the stars. Sasha is haunted by them but she is compelled to follow her instincts. I liked Sasha as a heroine. She seemed fragile and vulnerable in the beginning but she came into her own. She finally gained confidence in herself and in her powers.

Bran on the other hand is a magician. Literally. He is just as intrigued by the whole thing which is going on in their group of mismatched people. But Bran is far more confident of himself as well as the connection he feels towards Sasha. I liked Bran and Sasha together. Obviously the book is equal parts romance and equal parts adventure with the quest so the focus is not completely on them.

Some of my favourite parts of the book were when all six of the characters were together. I love that we are able to see the start of relationships that are sure to form strong bonds in the future. Also, its quite easy to see the next two pairings while the adventure continues for these six. I am curious to see how Sawyer and Annika's book will go. Doyle and Riley are tough but the toughest fall the hardest. Anyways, though not brilliant, Stars of Fortune was a good read. Yes, it was predictable but predictable is not always bad, it can even be comforting at times. If you are a Nora Roberts fan give this one a shot.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Hachette India in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Review- Vision in White by Nora Roberts

Summary-

Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends-and business partners-to see her way to her own happy ending.

Review-

I had wanted to read Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet series since quite some time now. Well, I finally got to them and I really did enjoy each one of them. The Bride Quartet series has this dreamy sort of feel to it which makes every romance reader want to pick it up and devour it to pieces. That is exactly what I did. Vision in White was not my favorite out of the bunch but it was a good read.

The Bride Quartet series is about four life long friends who run a wedding business called The Vows. Mackensie or Mac as everyone calls her is the photographer. I really liked Mac. There was so much meaning behind her reasons and passion for photography. She thought things didn't last in real life and so captured the moments in pictures. She had her insecurities but it was justified.

Then we have Carter. Carter has been infatuated with Mac since high school. He couldn't do anything about it then but now Mac and her friends are organizing his sister's wedding which puts Carter in close contact with Mac. Carter was adorable. A total beta hero who had a sweetness to him. He was a klutz and completely smitten with Mac.

I liked the romance between Mac and Carter. It was hilarious how they meet. Carter somehow instinctively understood Mac and Carter's gentle nature was just what Mac needed. Things go quite smoothly between Mac and Carter but Mac's insecurities get in the way of their relationship. I could see how it was easy to lose patience with Mac's behavior but it seemed fitting under the circumstances.

I adored how solid the friendship was shown between Mac, Emma, Laurel and Parker. A good base was set in Vision in White with just enough information to make you curious about all the other books in the series. I really liked and enjoyed Vision in White.

Review- Truly, Madly Manhattan by Nora Roberts

Summary-

Local Hero
Who was that masked man...? When Mitch Dempsey appeared in Hester Wallace's doorway bearing gifts, she knew she should beware. She'd just moved and didn't need trouble in the form of an all-too-attractive downstairs neighbor. Her nine-year old son had no such qualms. When he discovered Mitch was the creator of his favorite comic book here, he was sold.

Though Mitch was no Superman, Hester made him feel he could leap tall buildings in a single bound. But could he convince her she needed a hero to call her own? 

Dual Image
On-camera conflict leads to behind-the-scenes love in this story of reluctant desire from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. 

Working with screenwriter Booth DeWitt is the chance of a lifetime for actor Ariel Kirkwood, but she’s landed the role of his conniving ex-wife in his semiautobiographical film. Doing her job well means turning him off, unless Ariel can convince the intense Booth to see her for the woman she is when the cameras stop rolling. 

Review-

Truly, Madly Manhattan is a combo of two of Nora Roberts classic novels called Local Hero and Dual Image. I didn't know that but I liked the summaries for the both of them and it seemed like a good deal so that is the reason I picked up Truly, Madly Manhattan.

Local Hero is the story of Hester and her son who move into a new place. While Hester is trying to find the balance between her work and son she doesn't expect her neighbor Mitch to pop in or the things she feels for him. I liked Hester and her hesitance where Mitch was concerned was easy to see. Mitch on the other hand was the goofy and nerdy hero who was the creator of the comics Hester's son loved.

I liked Mitch's profession and how he may seem laid back but had a lot of depth to him. Mitch and Hester's romance was slow but sure. I also enjoyed all the conversations Mitch and Hester and her son shared. They made a good team. I liked Local Hero.

Then we have Dual Image. I have to admit I enjoyed Dual Image more than I did Local Hero. The reason being there was so much more happening in Dual Image. Ariel is a tv actress who lands a major part in a movie. The movie has the screenwriter Booth who is our hero and who has written a semiautobiographical film where Ariel plays the cold ex-wife.

Ariel was a free spirit, full of love and laughter. There was more going on in her life than she led on for people to belive. I loved her positivity. Booth on the other hand was cynical and silent, always doubting things. I loved the opposites attract plot here and how Booth finally got over his issues. All the filming scenes were extremely fun to read paired with the romance. I enjoyed Dual Image.