What The Hex by Alexis Daria

 Isla Bruja is an island hosting the two largest Latina witch families and their union through a spectacular wedding.  

Catalina Cartagena takes a big breath and brooms herself from New York back to her family's island.  She had escaped the island many moons ago because she wanted to resist being a witch, but as her sister's maid of honor it is time to return.

Catalina's nemesis from high school, Diego Paz, is the best man.  Her luck doesn't seem to be changing.  Granted, nerd to super- sexy is an okay start when she spots him on the island.

Distracting her from Diego, she notices a strange vibe on the island.  Her intuition is confirmed after meeting the groom.  The groom's eyes are distant, which definitely indicates he's possessed by a demon along with most of the witches on the island.

Except Diego.

Time to overcome her negativity toward an old grudge.  Diego and she are the only ones who can exorcise the demon.  

Diego is handsome, smart, and incredibly nice.  What happened??  Catalina is amazed at how easy they get along, yet she remains leery of his approachability.  However, she needs to get over it and make a plan with him to save the families and the island.

After Diego reveals his secret, baring his soul, Catalina is shocked.  They bare more than their souls while fighting the island demon.  

Island magic won't dare miss out on another romance and happily-ever-after as long as Diego and Catalina let their hearts be heard.

Happy reading,

Dawn

Beachcomber by Karen Robards

 Leaving everything all behind is harder than you think, even if Christy Petrino moves to Ocracoke Island.  Small and peaceful, the residents and tourists think.  So, why doesn't it have the same atmosphere to her?

She left behind her job as an attorney at a large firm - mob owned-, a fiancé -mob family-, and her mother and sisters - mob controlled.  What could be worse?

It gets more perilous.  

The Beachcomber is hunting beautiful brunettes on the same beach Christy rented her cottage.  She looks like his typical target.  Adding to that, she might identify him because she saw him kill a girl.  It's dark during the murder, but any witness is a dead witness.

Luke, staked out next door, is quite an annoying tourist to Christy.  He shows up out of thin air on multiple scenarios.  If only she could know he works for the FBI and she's under surveillance.

That is partly bad (the surveillance) and fortuitous (he's always around).  

It's a cagey show between the hot and sexy man next door repeatedly saving her from being murdered, or whether his job to catch her in connection with the mob wins out.

Happy reading,

Dawn

There's Something About Greece by Sue Roberts

 One last summer read.  The warm weather feel does not have to traditionally end with Labor Day weekend!

The island of Crete, Greece is a scene of sandy beaches, tropical colors, and warmth of the sun.  Tania randomly visits her Aunt Judith on the island and currently accepts an offer to help Judith with her animal rescue farm while Judith undergoes an operation.  

Right there is the perfect summer! 

The workers at the farm are typically young volunteers.  After tending to the dogs and a few random donkeys and pigs, the twenty-somethings and a few older helpers sightsee, have bonfires and cocktails, and check out adventures on the island.  

Nicos has a beautiful home near the farm where he tends to his adopted dog.  Dogs may be chick magnets, but they are guy magnets, too!  Nicos and Tania meet, yet Tania isn't sure she should pursue the handsome young man because she doesn't know how long she'll be on the island.  Why start something you can't finish?

I'll tell you why.  Tania doesn't have permanent plans for her future, so she has the option of creating plans in any direction.  

As for Nicos, she needs to find out his future plans and see if she fits in.  

Although, another volunteer seems to have caught her eye, so it's time to make a choice.  A choice of either one, or no one at all.  Let's skip the "no one" choice because who can resist a romance on an island.   That leaves Tania to kindle a relationship with divorced Nicos or fun loving Euan.

As I read the story, I lean back and forth between either man until the decision is easy.  Easy for me as the reader, not necessarily as easy for Tania, but she made a great decision!

Happy reading,

Dawn

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

 Just what we want to talk about after the holidays is a guest list.  Although, the list for this romance is for a wedding on an exclusive island off of Ireland.

The wedding is from the perspective of several of the guests, the bride, the plus-one (an extra friend who had something to say), the best man, the wedding planner, and a bridesmaid.

Anxiety during weddings come in all forms.  The bride, Jules, wonders if the groom loves her and it's the right choice.  The plus-one,  Hannah, worries that her current boyfriend, an ex of Jules, is going to be competition.  Johnno, the best man, has always been felt to be lesser of a person than the groom.  The wedding planner, Aoife, naturally wants everything perfect even if the ghosts of the island spook her.  And Olivia, the bridesmaid, stresses about doing everything to plan in order to keep Jules happy.

They all have their personal grudges.  Some just want to leave the island married, in love, and part of someone else's beautiful day.

That's until death pops up at the most inopportune time.  Which one with a sore heart or mind will be the murderer of love?

The story boasts a full crew of characters to keep track of, but make a note to yourself as you read because it's worth the surprise ending! 

Secrets Hidden in the Glass by Cate Beauman

 Callie Davis wants nothing more than a way out of her rich life created by world renowned glass art.  Amazing that a gift of talent can result in anxiety and the need to flee.

Leaving the glam of Manhattan, Callie rents a cabin on a quiet, touristy island in Massachusetts.  Maybe she'll get her muse for art back or disappear into a world she's not known.

Her new landlord is more than a plumber who fixes her sink but also the town sheriff.  She can't get around Carter Island without his influence.  Nate Carter is either related to or knows everyone.  He wants to get to know the beautiful visitor.

Couldn't imagine a couple getting along any better at first sight.  Yet, Callie has secrets from her childhood that keep appearing in her attempts at art and to fit in with the locals.  She's leery of getting into a relationship as she digs for answers of her past.

Which, might I add, would be the perfect tension in the romance, but that strain is missing in the story.  Nate has no reason to not pursue their relationship, and Callie constantly decides it's okay to continue.

I love a good relationship, although in a story I want to be on the edge of my sofa wondering how they're going to make it work.  Callie's origins and job are up in the air, but not her romantic feelings.  Nate cannot imagine letting Callie out of his arms, even with her unknowns and former lifestyle.  

The romance is solid, but if you're interested in answers to the side problems, it's an enjoyable read.

Happy reading,

Dawn