Jennette Green's Romance Novel Blog

Her Reluctant Bodyguard

A contemporary inspirational romance

"Top Pick"

“There are no words. Honestly, there are no words to explain how much I loved this book. This is probably one of the absolute best books I have ever read in my entire life. I just don’t know where to begin.” – Rebecca Lynn, The Pen & Muse …full book review

Recommended Read

"Her Reluctant Bodyguard is an amazing, compelling story about love, but most of all faith…faith in one’s self, faith in others and faith in God." -- AJ, Blackraven’s Reviews ...full book review

Alexa had never met a more exasperating man...

When English pop star Colin Radcliffe asks Alexa to write his biography and tour with him in Europe, she is thrilled—until she begins to receive death threats.

To her dismay, Colin puts her under the 24/7 protection of his Italian chief bodyguard, Jamison Constanzo—a man with whom she’s clashed from day one. If only she could spend more time with her perfect man, Colin, rather than spending all of her days with this black-hearted thorn in her side!

Alexa struggles to control her flip attitude toward Jamison. Why does opening up her heart to him feel almost as dangerous as dealing with the stalker’s threats? But when the killer strikes, Jamison is the only one she can turn to…

For an excerpt, visit www.jennettegreen.com

Buy eBook:
Kindle, Barnes & Noble

Paperback:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble

About the Reviews

We scour the web, searching independent review sites for the best romance novels. We consider books from large publishers, and also gems from the small presses. Each book posted has earned at least one 5 star review from a respected reviewer. In addition, we check that novel's average star ranking on Amazon. If a book earns 5 stars from both sources, we post it here.

NOTE: Recently, finding books which have a 5 star review from a respected reviewer, plus averaging 5 stars on Amazon has been next to impossible to find. As a result, we'll also occasionally post books which have received both a 5 star review from a respected reviewer, and average 4 1/2 stars on Amazon, with a minimum of 20 posted reviews. These are fabulous books too, and we're looking forward to sharing them with you. Enjoy!

Favorite Websites

Jennette Green
Author of historical, contemporary and inspirational romance.

www.bestromancenovelstoday.com
Best Romance Novels Today

Self-Publishing Nerd

Self-publishing can be complicated. We make it easy. Contact us for a free consultation, or for free file troubleshooting.

Diamond Press

"Publishing One Gem at a Time." Publishes quality fiction and nonfiction.
Offers technical services for publishers, too, such as document and image conversions to Lightning Source, CreateSpace, Kindle, and Smashwords standards.

The Wild Rose Press
Romance novel publisher

The Romance Reviews
Romance novel review site

New Policy starting 8/28

New posting criteria:

1. The book must be a non-erotic romance novel (from any publisher).

2. The novel must receive a five star review from one of the review sites listed on my website, http://www.bestromancenovelstoday.com/. Here is the link to the reviewer page.

3. The book must average 5 stars on Amazon. A minimum of four reviews is required, or I will consider books with two 5 star reviews, but only if both are from reviewers on the above list.

I look forward to posting more great romance novels!

~ Jennette

Said the Spider to the Fly
by Miss Mae

Mona Murphy returns to Copper Springs to attend her grandfather's memorial service. His passing appeared ordinary enough—the official report stated he'd tripped and fallen down the staircase. Yet Preston Hitchcock, the insurance agent who'd sold a half million-dollar policy to Mona's grandfather days before the old man died, isn't convinced, especially when bloody towels are discovered in the backyard. More…

You Gotta Read rating
You Gotta Read Reviews

“I loved this little romance mystery!... The story had an old fashioned feel to it that made me think of a small town “genteel” era. These were lovely characters with a great murder mystery. A very wonderful read!” – Martha E., You Gotta Read Reviews …full review

Five Stars
WRDF Reviews

“Miss Mae has skilfully woven a web of intrigue and danger that draws you in and introduces you to characters who may or may not be what they seem. Who can you trust? Who can you believe? If you want to read a book that you can immerse yourself in, then this is a must.” – Andrea, WRDF Reviews …full review

Five Books
Long and Short Reviews

“At first, this book appeared to be a sweet romance with nothing out of the ordinary to make it special. Not so! I soon found the story pulling me in. Every time I figured out who the murderer was, the story took another turn and I had to think again.” – Orchid, Long and Short Reviews …full review

Five Hearts
The Romance Studio

“This is a nifty little puzzle with a shocker of a solution.” – Lynn Bushey, The Romance Studio …full review

Available at Amazon

Visit Miss Mae's website and blog!

Miss Mae on Amazon

Lasting Love
by Sharon A. Donovan

When Vermont florist Abbey Jordan’s nursery manager quits a few days before Easter, she is left up the proverbial creek without a paddle. However, when she places it in God’s hands, she finds lasting love in a garden of roses. Brady Jones has a daughter to raise, is out of work, and knows a lot about cultivating roses. When Abbey meets him and hires him as the Horticultural Manager of her nursery, it seems like the answer to both of their prayers. Just on the brink of a budding romance, a fire destroys the nursery and buries all hope of love. Will their passion spark and resurrect or stay unlit beneath the burning bed of ashes?

Five Stars
from Review Your Book
“This is a great little novelette, which can be read in a matter of minutes. It will restore your faith in things not seen.” – Debra Gaynor, Review Your Book …full review

"Ms. Donavan paints a beautiful portrait with words. I feel like this book is entertaining but it brings with it a lesson of forgiveness and love that I really needed to hear at this moment in my life. God is everywhere if we just take a moment to look. I give Lasting Love a You Need to Read rating because I really do feel that you would be missing out of something very special if you pass this book up." -- Val, You Gotta Read Reviews …full review

"I truly found this an exceptionally sweet story and very moving as well....Based on the dedication you will find that it is all true as is life itself and this has a bit of everything you can want, especially at Easter with life and its rebirth and resurrection." -- Lainey, Coffee Time Romance ...full review

Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Watch the exciting trailer!

Visit Sharon's website.

Damn Good Man by Michelle Witvliet

Widower Joel Hubbard isn’t interested in his friends’ attempts to fix him up. He’s content with his quiet, structured life as a single dad until he wanders into Gwen Marconi’s real estate office and discovers everything he never knew he was missing in his life. Gwen has a knack for attracting womanizers, losers and jerks. From what she can tell, Joel isn’t any of those things. In fact, he’s everything she ever wanted in a man and it starts her thinking she’s finally found herself a keeper. More…

“Have a house to sell? Ask for Gwen Marconi. Have a heart longing for its perfect match? Ask for Dr. Joel Hubbard. Want a sexy love story that combines the best elements of both? Then you need to read Damn Good Man.” – Tiger Lily, Long and Short Reviews …full review

Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Let Nothing You Dismay
by Linda Swift

Kala's position as a tour guide at a Kentucky Welcome Center isn't enough to cope with huge debts left by her late husband's illness, but she manages to make ends meet…until her car quits running. To save money on repairs, she enrolls in an auto-maintenance class taught by Rex, a handsome part-time instructor whose broken heart needs repairing, too. More…

Top Read
from WRDF Reviews
“Beautifully written, there is warmth exuding from this book that makes you feel happy: it is a winner; a book to keep and read over and over again.” – Andrea, WRDF Reviews …full review

“Linda Swift did an amazing job with Let Nothing You Dismay….I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a sweet romantic story.” – Violet, Long and Short Reviews …full review

“Ms. Linda Swift has excelled in this fast-paced work set around the holiday season. Her main characters were struggling to start over. The poignant look at these two lives was so realistic that it quickly became real….I highly recommend this book.” – Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio …full review

Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Visit Linda Swift's website!

Dragonstone
by Michelle Young

Lady Katerina is the independent, headstrong heir to the Latharian throne, the one to fulfill the prophecy and defeat Black magic. When betrayal and a violent Awakening transforms her own magical Dragonstone Black, she vanquishes it, rendering her virtually powerless. Now, after a three year sojourn, she returns to claim her crown and discovers sinister forces are working against her. Though able to handle a weapon as well as any man, Katerina reluctantly agrees to a personal guard. Amongst the candidates, one man emerges, the handsome but infuriating knight, Sir Logan Shepherd. More...

Top Read
from WRDF Reviews
“This is one fine story of magic, of fantasy, love, and belief….Dragonstone is definitely a recommended read, a guaranteed satisfaction and a fantastic book.” – Amy Love, WRDF Reviews ...full review

Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Visit Michelle Young's website!

See No Evil, My Pretty Lady
by Miss Mae

New maid Dorcy Edwards spurns her wealthy employer's attempts to seduce her. When he becomes a victim of the person the newspapers call "Jack the Ripper," estranged son Gareth Davenport returns to London to handle his father's affairs. Dorcy puzzles over what the brooding, handsome heir might be hiding behind his eye patch and black leather gloves. More…

Five Angels
from Fallen Angel Reviews
“See No Evil, My Pretty Lady is a wonderful, well-crafted mystery. The senior Mr. Davenport is the perfect murder mystery victim. Everyone has a reason to hate him. Even the heroine, Dorcy, is a suspect. The author, Miss Mae, kept me guessing.” – Kimber, Fallen Angel Reviews …full review

Five Angels
from Dark Angel Reviews
“SEE NO EVIL, MY PRETTY LADY is a delightful and intriguing historical mystery….[It] will linger in the mind after the end. I highly recommend this book.” – Frost, Dark Angel Reviews …full review

“The author’s style is reminiscent of Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and other great mystery writers. Like them, she keeps the suspense tight and continuous….See No Evil, My Pretty Lady is an exciting romance with a fast moving, mystery-based plot, and enough adventure to keep you turning the pages into the wee hours of the night.” – Linda Morelli, My Shelf …full review

“Loved it! This story is a must read. There is action from the first sentence to the very end.” – Verbena, Long and Short Reviews …full review

Watch the exciting Trailer!

Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Visit Miss Mae's website and blog!

Miss Mae on MySpace

This Time for Always
by Debra St. John

As manager of a local bar, The Corral, Sharlie Montgomery has put the past behind her. That is until Logan Reed walks back into her life, turning her world upside down. His presence brings back painful reminders of the past: the love they once shared, the money he took from her father, and the baby she gave up for adoption. More...

Top Read
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I loved how the suspense built itself from one situation to the other. I loved the characters and the plot line was great....I would definitely recommend this book to someone else." -- Dawn Olexa, WRDF Reviews ...full review

Five Stars from
The Romance Studio
"I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an expressive romance with a happily ever after. This is not a cut-and-dried story that automatically gives away the ending. Expect some surprises. Above all, expect a great book from a wonderful author." -- Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio ...full review

"An excellent combination of romance, love, hope, family values with a gut-wrenching narrative make This Time for Always a wonderful book. One word of warning, though: keep plenty of tissues handy while turning the pages!" -- Bluebell, Long and Short Reviews ...full review

Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Visit Debra St. John's website!

The Jinx
by Jennifer Johnson

Talk about a house call! All Ellen wanted was to get her ring out of the bathtub drain; what she got was a rude plumber who made her clean out her closet, bled all over her bedroom carpet and fainted. Then refused to let her pay her bill! What’s with this guy? More...

"Jennifer Johnson’s book, The Jinx, is a hilarious read. Following the “courtship” of Ellen and Rick is a study in mishaps at a graduate level. Looking at the story, you find two people drawn together almost against their will, yet when all is said and done, underneath there is a true love and attraction which is unmistakable." --Rose, WRDF Reviews ...full review

"The author’s skillful writing and slightly warped sense of humor make this a thoroughly delightful read. The fun never stops, and the sexual tension is high from the first few pages until the very end of the book." -- Poppy, Long and Short Reviews ...full review

"Written with a flowing style with lots of visual imagery, The Jinx was a hysterical read. The bantering about of the fee for retrieving her ring out of the sink was awe inspiring. Truly entertaining, I kept finding myself wondering what new, horrible ways the author would come up with to torment poor Rick." -- Christine, Simply Romance Reviews ...full review

Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Visit Jennifer Johnson's blog!

Love in Bloom
by Jules Bennett

Claire Wilson's life was never more promising. She has boyfriend and a budding career as a nature photographer…until an accident robs her sight. Now... More...

Joyfully Reviewed
Recommended Read
“For a romantic, irresistible story that makes you believe in happily ever afters, look no further than Love in Bloom.” – Shayna, Joyfully Reviewed …full review

“Jules Bennett pens a romantic and passionate tale weaved into a gripping plot with magnetic characters. I laughed at the easy bantering, cried from the heartbreak both have suffered and sobbed at the beautiful ending.” – Billie Jo, Romance Junkies …full review

View the book trailer on her website!

Buy from The Wild Rose Press
or buy Kindle edition

Welcome to Redemption

Second chances don't always come easy, but in the small town of Redemption, if you're willing to try, anything is possible. From a single mother struggling to make it on her own, to an EMT drowning in the guilt of his past...four couples, eight journeys, one place they all call home. Nestled in the heart of Northeast Wisconsin, Redemption offers these lost souls not only a second chance in life, but in love, too.

Night Owl Romance
Reviewer Top Pick
“I absolutely loved this anthology! In my opinion, Donna Marie Rogers & Stacey Joy Netzel both have unique writing talents and clearly have a winner with this book.” – Diana Coyle …full review

Dark Angel Reviews
Recommended Read
“WELCOME TO REDEMPTION by Donna Marie Rogers and Stacey Joy Netzel is a must summer read. With great characters, exciting plots and sizzling romance, you can’t miss this book.” – Becky Gaede …full review

“Four related tales told by two very talented authors make this anthology a keeper. With their easy, breezy style and skilled characterizations, Rogers and Netzel have created a town that readers won't want to leave.” – Karen Sweeny-Justice, Romantic Times Book Reviews …full review

Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Buy print edition from Amazon
Kindle edition also available

Night Owl Romance 5 Heart Reviewer Top Pick
A Different Kind of Honesty is a fast-paced tale filled with strong relationships and unexpected drama, with a fascinating plot that will leave you breathless. Full review…

Simply Romance Reviews A+ Outstanding Read
From the beginning of the book, Ms. Richardson reaches out and grabs her readers by the heart and doesn't let go.... Full review…

All profits go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Buy A Different Kind of Honesty from The Wild Rose Press.
or buy Kindle edition

Friday, July 27, 2012

Best Romance Novels: Defiant

Welcome!

Are you looking for a great romance novel to read? This blog, in association with the website Best Romance Novels Today, is dedicated to posting the best romance novels we can find anywhere on the internet.

We search to find top romance novels by researching respected, independent review sites, and we combine that with research at Amazon, also. We consider books from large publishers, and also gems from the small presses. Each book posted has earned a five star review from a respected reviewer. In addition, we check that novel's average star ranking on Amazon. If a book earns 5 stars from both sources (or averages 4 1/2 stars with at least 15+ reviews on Amazon), we post it here. Enjoy!

Defiant
(MacKinnon's Rangers, Book 3)
Pamela Clare
Berkley, 2012
Best Historical romance, Hot

... the flames of passion are difficult to deny...

Major Connor MacKinnon despises his commander, Lord William Wentworth, beyond all other men. Ordered to rescue Wentworth's niece after the Shawnee take her captive, he expects Lady Sarah Woodville to be every bit as contemptible as her uncle. Instead, he finds a brave and beautiful lass in desperate peril. But the only way to free Sarah is for Connor to defeat the Shawnee warrior who kidnapped her--and claim her himself.

Torn by tragedy from her sheltered life in London, Lady Sarah is unprepared for the harshness of the frontier--or for the attraction she feels toward Connor. When they reach civilization, however, it is she who must protect him. For if her uncle knew all that Connor had done to save her, he would surely kill him. More...

5 Stars

“...engrossing, powerful...” – Jean Wan, All About Romance …full book review

Available at Amazon

Friday, July 20, 2012

Best Romance Novels: Her Forbidden Hero

Her Forbidden Hero
Laura Kaye
Entangled Publishing, 2012
Best Contemporary romance
Available on Kindle and NOOK

You always want what you can't have...

SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN OFF-LIMITS...

Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend's little sister, but her return home changes that...and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco's not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he's not about to let her see the mess he's become.

...BUT NOW SHE'S ALL GROWN UP.
When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can't stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa's not looking for protection--not anymore. Now that she's back in his life, she's determined to heal her forbidden hero... More...

Five Stars

“...highly recommend Her Forbidden Hero...” – Tamara Hoffa, Manic Readers/Sizzling Hot Book Reviews…full book review

Available at Amazon

Friday, July 13, 2012

Best Romance Novel: The Taming of a Scottish Princess

The Taming of a Scottish Princess
(The Mysterious Hurst Amulet)
Karen Hawkins
Pocket Books, 2012
Best Historical romance, hot

...vivid passion flares between them...

A DETERMINED EXPLORER

When famed Egyptologist Michael Hurst discovers that the infamous Hurst Amulet is hidden in Scotland, he insists his trusted assistant, Miss Jane Smythe-Haughton, accompany him north. Strangely, the usually unflappable Jane seems perturbed by their destination—the mysterious Isle of Barra. A fascinated Michael watches as his staid assistant transforms, revealing intriguing layers of mystery and vulnerability. Could he be about to uncover not one, but two, precious treasures?

A DAUNTLESS PRINCESS

Once her clan’s princess, Jane fled Barra years ago to avoid a forced marriage. Since then, she has made her living as efficient Miss Smythe-Haughton—the perfect (and highly paid) assistant. Now she must confront her secrets . . . including her feelings for her irascible employer, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Michael Hurst. More...

Top Pick

“...delightfully humorous...” – Kathe Robin, RT Book Reviews …full book review

Available at Amazon

Friday, July 6, 2012

Best Romance Novel: Darker After Midnight

Darker After Midnight
(A Midnight Breed Novel)
Lara Adrian
Delacorte Press, 2012
Best Paranormal romance

...addiction beckons him toward eternal darkness...

In the dark of night, a blood war escalates within the hidden world of the Breed. After existing in secret for many long centuries, maintaining a fragile peace with the humans who walk beside them unaware, a single act of retaliation has put the entire vampire nation at risk of discovery. It falls to the Order--a cadre of Breed warriors pledged to protect their own and humankind alike--to stop Dragos, the power-mad vampire at the center of the conflict, before his push for domination can explode into catastrophe.

At the center of the Order's quest is Sterling Chase, once a morally rigid enforcer of Breed law, now a warrior fallen from grace, whose biggest battle is the one he wages against his own savage nature. With addiction beckoning him toward eternal darkness, Chase's path to redemption has never seemed more out of reach--until he finds himself drawn to a beautiful young woman who may be something much more than she seems . . . More...

Five Stars

“... a cool book!” – Matilda, Coffee Time Romance and More …full book review

Available at Amazon

Friday, June 29, 2012

Best Romance Novel: The Measure of Katie Calloway

The Measure of Katie Calloway
Serena B. Miller
Revell, 2011
Best Inspirational romance

...she flees north to protect herself and her young brother

The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a Northwoods lumber camp. The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love. More...

Five Stars

“...awesome...” – Joy, A Romance Review …full book review

Available at Amazon

Friday, June 22, 2012

Best Romance Novel: The Darkest Surrender

The Darkest Surrender
Gena Showalter
HQN Books, 2011
Best Paranormal romance

...she tempts him to the razor’s edge of surrender.

Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor's edge of surrender.

Known among her people as The Disappointment, Kaia must bring home the gold in the Harpy Games or die. Strider is a distraction she can't afford because he has an agenda of his own—steal first prize, an ancient godly artifact, before the winner can be named. But as the competition heats up, only one prize will matter—the love neither had thought possible.… More...

Best Book

“... a great love story...” – Peppermint, Long and Short Reviews …full book review

Available at Amazon

Friday, June 15, 2012

Best Romance Novels: Love on the Line

Love on the Line
Deeanne Gist
Bethany House Publishers, 2011
Best Inspirational romance

It's a Battle of Wills...

Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world...which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman are the last things he wants to do. More...

2012 RITA Finalist
Inspirational Romance

5 Stars

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Available at Amazon

The Commander's DesireAwarded "Top Pick" and Readers' Favorite Hero

Ice Baron Third Place Global eBook Awards

Her Reluctant Bodyguard

About the Reviews

Favorite Websites

New Policy starting 8/28

Each Book has Earned Three (or more!) 5 Star Reviews

Reader's Pick of the Month for June

Said the Spider to the Fly by Miss Mae

Reader's Pick of the Month for May

Lasting Love by Sharon A. Donovan

Reader's Pick of the Month for April

Damn Good Man by Michelle Witvliet

Reader's Pick of the Month for February AND March!

Let Nothing You Dismay by Linda Swift

Reader's Pick of the Month for January

Dragonstone by Michelle Young

Reader's Pick of the Month for December

See No Evil, My Pretty Lady by Miss Mae

Reader's Pick of the Month for November

This Time for Always by Debra St. John

Reader's Pick of the Month for October

The Jinx by Jennifer Johnson

Reader's Pick of the Month for September

Love in Bloom by Jules Bennett

Visit Our Sister Site

Reader's Pick of the Month for August

Welcome to Redemption

Reader's Pick of the Month for July

Reader's Pick of the Month for June

Blog Archive

About Me

Friday, July 27, 2012

Friday, July 20, 2012

Friday, July 13, 2012

Friday, July 6, 2012

Friday, June 29, 2012

Friday, June 22, 2012

Friday, June 15, 2012

The Commander's Desire
Awarded
"Top Pick"
and Readers' Favorite Hero

Ice Baron
Third Place
Global eBook Awards

Each Book has Earned Three
(or more!)
5 Star Reviews

Said the Spider to the Fly
by Miss Mae

Lasting Love
by Sharon A. Donovan

Let Nothing You Dismay
by Linda Swift

Dragonstone
by Michelle Young

See No Evil, My Pretty Lady
by Miss Mae

This Time for Always
by Debra St. John

The Jinx
by Jennifer Johnson

Love in Bloom
by Jules Bennett