Jennifer's Garden, Dianne Venetta (3 stars)

From Amazon: In a race against time, cardiologist Jennifer Hamilton is caught between her mother's dying wish and taking the risk of a lifetime with Jackson Montgomery. He's the man hired to complete the landscaping for her new home; the venue for her upcoming wedding. He's everything she never wanted in a man, but his lure pulls strong, putting her career on the line . . .

Jennifer Hamilton advises people how to take care of their hearts for a living, but can she protect hers? Facing losing her mom, and only family, Jennifer doesn't want to be left alone. Her fiance is just the steady safety net she needs; the fact that he doesn't cause her toes to curl is a minor flaw in the scheme of things.

Not so according to her best friend, Sam. Sam, driven by heat and desire, wants more for Jennifer. Cue Jackson Montgomery, sexy bartender and landscaper. Jax is a man who embraces life and encourages people to live their garden.

With each passing day, Jennifer finds herself more drawn to Jax and less sure of her safe plans, and I found myself rooting for her to go for it.

Some of my favorite books explore female relationships, so I particularly enjoyed Jennifer with her mom and Sam. Maybe because I read Dianne Venetta's Lust on the Rocks first, where Sam is the main character, I was drawn to Sam's character and her free spirited ways throughout. Jax and Jennifer had rooting value, but I wanted more heat sooner.

The writing is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the romance believable. Venetta has a breeziness to her writing that draws you in and makes you feel at home. I just found her Lust on the Rocks more exciting and memorable. It was the choice between heat and comfort, and I liked the heat but certainly understand there are times for comfort.

(My complete review of Lust on the Rocks can be found here.)

Rating: 3 stars

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes from A Cozy Reader’s Corner Reviews. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. This review is part of a blog tour.

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Lust on the Rocks, Dianne Venetta (4 stars)

From Amazon: One case away from partnership, Samantha Rawlings is forced to share her high-profile case with a sexy younger man, whose eyes are on a different prize. In the best interests of her client, Sam opens the door to his strategy. Turns out, a little too far...

Victor Marin has ulterior motives. The defendant in her case holds the key to his revenge, and his last chance for justice. But as he chases old demons, he uncovers a powerful woman with no inhibitions, one he wants to possess for himself. But decidedly single, Sam wants no part.

Until Vic walks away.

Samantha is a focused career woman angling to make partner, and Vic is a man bent on revenge. They come together with a combined goal, and heat and desire soon follow. Steamy love scenes and sexy scenery abound.

Thanks to the title, I expected sexy and steamy, and I was not disappointed. What I did not expect were such well-developed and interesting characters. There is nothing one-dimensional about this story.

The author builds the main characters by showing us their other relationships. Vic and his family were devastated by loss, one that defines the man he is now. Then there’s Samantha and her college-aged sister, Jessica. A story within a story is created when Jessica shows up on Samantha’s doorstep pregnant and not sure what to do.

I must admit… I hope there’s a story involving Jessica in the author’s pipeline. She’s young and damaged, but strong. However, I can see where readers could part ways on the pro-life versus pro-choice debate that ensues, even though I thought both sides were represented.

A guilty pleasure with the bonus of character development, I highly recommend it to readers who appreciate both romantic heat and story. Those readers who prefer a more straight-forward and light romance novel might need to skim through the moments of heavier material.

Rating: 4 stars

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes from A Cozy Reader’s Corner Reviews. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. This review is part of a blog tour.