I’m going to start the post by saying that The Season doesn’t feature contemporary category romances simply because I do not have the manpower to feature them ALL. Plus, eHarlequin.com already does a fabulous job showcasing the massive catalogue of their books on their website. But I got my start reading romances with Harlequin Presents, so I’m a category advocate. And when I spot an author I think stands out, I like to yell it from the rooftops–or my blog now, as it were.
That said, let’s talk Sarah Mayberry. I discovered Sarah back in 2006 with the release of her second Harlequin Blaze, Cruise Control. This book was sooooo good I had to email her and tell her (this was back when I never felt compelled to write an author if I loved their book). She was gracious as always and, of course, happy I loved her book. I then began to turn as many romance readers as I knew on to her. In short, I sang her MAJOR praises. Readers, she’s THAT GOOD! And with Cruise Control she became an ‘instant buy’ for me. Unfortunately, Cruise Control is out of print but I’ve linked the book cover to the e-book format available on eharlequin.com. If you love SERIOUS sexual tension, fabulous emotional conflict, and a fantastic romance, READ THIS BOOK! If you don’t read category romances and you’re willing to give them a try, I urge you to start here. (Honestly, the first scene in the limo when they first make eye contact…one word, HOT!)
Cruise Control
Author: Sarah Mayberry
Publisher: Harlequin Blaze
Pub. Date: May 2006
ISBN-13: 978-0263855968
256 pages
What good is a second chance if you don’t take a risk? That’s what limo driver Anna Jackson asks when the seriously hot Marc Lewis climbs in her car. She’s changed her looks, her career and now it’s time to shed the conservative habits of a lifetime. And seducing Marc is the best way to do that. Sure, he’s her client—sort of off-limits—but she’s not wrong about the invitation in his eyes.
All she has to do is remember three simple rules—never stay overnight, make no plans for the future and never, ever talk about emotions. Once they hit the sheets, however, the rules aren’t so easy to follow. And once they spend the night, can feelings be far behind?
What is it about Sarah’s books that have me completely hooked? She writes sexual tension, conflict, and a compelling romance like a pro. And your heart? Expect to have that organ wrung. You know that constricted ache in your heart you get when you’re completely immersed in the feelings and experiences of the characters. Yep, that’s what she does so well. She makes you care. She makes you feel. And the sexual tension, the sexual heat…well, let’s just say you won’t be disappointed. 
Some other memorables from Sarah are Amorous Liaisons, All Over You, Take On Me. Again, I’ve linked the covers to the e-book on eharlequin.com. I guarantee in all you will get Sarah’s trademark, heat, tension and compelling romance.
In March of 2009, I got news that Sarah had written a Super Romance. A Super Romance?? Wow. Now since I don’t usually read Super Romances I wondered what that book would be like. It would have less heat, I thought, for sure. Supers definitely aren’t as hot as Blazes. And aren’t they about home hearth and family. Not that there’s anything wrong with that (reliving an episode of Seinfeld right now). Would I be disappointed? I bought A Natural Father, sat down and read it straight through. Can this woman do no wrong? Does she not take one shaky step? Nope, Sarah pulled off her first Super Romance as if she’d mastered the darn thing years ago. So now I’m hooked on Sarah’s Supers too.
Which brings us to the focus of today’s review (which as you know, I don’t do): Home for the Holidays, which is Sarah’s second Super Romance. Dear readers, it is soooooo GOOD! If you don’t win a copy today, check your stores and see if any remain on the shelves (there are none at my local Walmart or Target anymore) because you need to buy it.
Home for the Holiday
Author: Sarah Mayberry
Publisher: Harlequin Super Romance
Pub. Date: November 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0373715992
256 pages
Joe Lawson has a thing for his new neighbor Hannah Napier. As a single dad, he shouldn’t be thinking what he is about her. Still, that doesn’t stop them from getting close. And the way she connects with his kids, it’s as if they’re a family.
Turns out it’s too good to be true. Seems Hannah has plans that don’t include staying in Melbourne. Joe won’t stand between her and her dreams, even though letting her go is nearly impossible. The holidays are looking grim, with him and his kids missing Hannah like crazy. But it is the season of surprises, and Hannah may have one for them!
What I love about Home for the Holidays is that Sarah takes these unconventional heroines and totally makes you connect with them. Hannah is a mechanic who rides a motorcycle and was recently dumped by her ex-fiance. Joe is a widower with two kids who just moved in next door. They meet over the loud roar of her motorcycle that she is fixing one night in her garage while his kids are trying to sleep. As you can imagine he’s none too pleased with her, her bike, and that is evident in their exchange. Needless, to say they don’t get off to a wonderful start. I’ll be the first one to admit, I’m a sucker for a book that starts with immediate animosity between the heroine and hero but an immediate physical attraction.
As expected, their attraction supersedes their animosity and eventually, after a sizzling kiss, they are ‘dating’. But all is not home free. Joe has two children and his thirteen-year-old son does not readily accept Hannah as the new woman in his father’s life. He has reasons and they wrench at your heart. Contrarily, Joe’s daughter thinks Hannah is the bees knees, that is why she’s utterly devastated when Hannah is intent on leaving to follow her dreams.
On both sides, there is family patching up that needs to go on (Hannah and her sister, Joe, his son and Hannah) before they can reach their HEA. What I love about Sarah’s books, is that she doesn’t get you there in the expected way. Right when you think you know what is going to happen, she drops something else on you that leaves you surprised, shocked, sometimes heartbroken. It takes the story to a whole different level, further engages you to take you on another emotional ride. That’s what she did here, and while my eyes smarted with tears, I threatened a boycott if she didn’t give us an epilogue. Of course, Sarah didn’t disappoint. She knows what must be done to give her readers a completely satisfying, emotional, and sexy read. With Home for the Holidays she masterfully succeeds.
My Rating: 9 / 10 Stars, Top Pick
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Rating: 7.4/10 (5 votes cast)
Fire away, Sarah will be stopping by to answer questions. Any delay on Sarah’s part is because she’s on deadline and she’s in New Zealand.
Two commenters will win a copy of her Super Romance, Home for the Holidays. Winners will be posted November 24 (early morning).
Yay!!! Sarah is also going to giveaway 2 (two) advance copies of her January Blaze release, Her Secret Fling. I WANT ONE!!! Here’s the blurb.
Jake Stevens – star reporter and celebrated literary genius – is a snake. How else to explain the way he turns Poppy Birmingham’s hero worship into loathing with a single conversation? So what if she’s got a lot to learn about journalism? Aren’t they coworkers now? On the same team? Jake can take his attitude and…
Then during a job-related road trip, their relationship goes from antagonistic to hedonistic in no time flat. And suddenly Poppy can’t think of anything more delicious than having a secret fling with Jake. But with all this intensity, can she really keep it no-strings-attached?
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