Category Archives: Pamela Morsi

Review: Mr. Right Goes Wrong by Pamela Morsi

mr rightTitle: Mr. Right Goes Wrong by Pamela Morsi
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

No More Mr. Nice Guy 

Like a bad-choice-making boomerang, Mazy Gulliver has returned to her mom’s tiny house in Brandt Mountain. But this time, she’s got her teenage son, Tru, in tow and no intention of messing up ever again.Mazy’s so determined to rebuild her life she hardly minds beingthe new loan collector, or even working for Tad, her ex. She’s not here to make friends—or fall in love.

Sweet, dependable Eli Latham has loved Mazy since they got pretend married in second grade. But after being burned by Mazy for two decades, Eli’s got a new strategy. Mazy likes bad boys, so a bad boy is what he’ll be. How hard can it be to act like a jerk?

Not for the first time, men are making Mazy crazy, though  she’s determined to do what’s right for her and Tru.  But breaking old habits is hard, and if she really wants things to change she’ll have to face her biggest adversary: herself.

The Review:

Mr. Right Goes Wrong by Pamela Morsi is a wonderful novel about starting over and finding love when least expected. Next door neighbors and childhood friends Mazy Gulliver and Eli Latham have had a couple of ill-fated romances in the past, but with Mazy’s sudden return, is it finally their chance for lasting happiness? Or will Mazy’s past and Eli’s doubts destroy their future together?

Moving back to her small hometown with her fourteen year old son, Tru, Mazy is determined to get her life back on track.  Unfortunately, the only person whom she can irrefutably count on to give her the job she desperately needs is her ex, Tad Driscoll. Her relief at her new beginning is tempered by the mistrust her new job as a loan collector engenders in the small town but luckily, she can count on her friendship with Eli to bolster her sometimes flagging self-confidence.

Mazy is painfully honest and refreshingly upfront about her past mistakes. There are a multitude of reasons behind her unfortunate selections when it comes to men, but she finally has a better idea of what precipitated her poor choices and she is not going to slip back into her old habits.  The first step in her new, improved life is renewing her friendship with Eli, and she is stunned at the changes in her perception of Eli. For the first time, she sees him as the sexy, attractive man he has become instead of the boy next door.

Eli has been in love with Mazy most of his life and despite how badly things ended between them years earlier, he harbors no ill will towards her. The two eagerly pick up where they left off, but this time around, Eli is not going to let Mazy slip through his fingers. After watching her fall for bad boy after bad boy, he devises what he thinks is a foolproof plan that will keep her from leaving him. Instead of being the nice, loving, thoughtful man he really is, Eli puts his harebrained scheme into motion and morphs into the insensitive, selfish, offensive boyfriend she is trying to avoid.

It is very difficult to watch the relationship between Mazy and Eli unfold. She is so hopeful that she is entering into a new phase in her life and the fact that Eli is willing to let her back in his life is an unexpected bonus. Her confusion over his conflicting behaviors is heartbreaking and I hated seeing her self-doubts return. Mazy put up with his bad behavior for far too long, but in end? It was completely worth it because it showed her how much she had truly changed from the person she used to be.

Eli is such a nice guy that he lets people take advantage of him and in the beginning, it is easy to overlook his horrendous decision. He takes some really bad advice to heart and his past experiences with Mazy also play a role in the conclusions he reaches. Some of his reasoning is well-intentioned, and he finds it very difficult to be deliberately hurtful. But things go a little too far when he begins to relish some of his hurtful actions and when his plan falls apart, I was thrilled by how Mazy handled the entire situation.

With Mr. Right Goes Wrong, Pamela Morsi delivers yet another thought-provoking and dynamic novel that is sweet, hopeful and just a little poignant. The characters are flawed and imperfect and although watching them deal with life’s harsher moments is sometimes painful, it is incredibly gratifying watching them triumph over their problems. The romance between Eli and Mazy is touching and although they endure a few rough spots, their happily ever after is definitely worth the heartache.

Mr. Right Goes Wrong is another delightful novel by one of my favorite authors that I highly recommend.

2 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Mr Right Goes Wrong, Pamela Morsi, Rated B+, Review, Romance

Review: Love Overdue by Pamela Morsi

Title: Love Overdue by Pamela Morsi
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 432 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Meet Dorothy Jarrow: devotedly unsexy librarian

Buttoned-up book lover DJ is all sensible shoes, drab skirts and studious glasses. After an ill-advised spring-break-fueled fling left her mortified, she’s committed to her prim and proper look. When she’s hired by a rural library in middle-of-nowhere Kansas, she finally has the lifestyle to match—and she can’t wait to get her admin on.

But it’s clear from day one that the small-town library is more interested in circulating rumors than books. DJ has to organize her unloved library, win over oddball employees and avoid her flamboyant landlady’s attempts to set her up with the town pharmacist. Especially that last part—because it turns out handsome Scott Sanderson is her old vacation fling! She is not sure whether to be relieved or offended when he doesn’t seem to recognize her. But with every meeting, DJ finds herself secretly wondering what it would be like to take off her glasses, unpin her bun and reveal the inner vixen she’s been hiding from everyone—including herself.

The Review:

Pamela Morsi’s Love Overdue is an absolutely fabulous novel and I savored every word of this entertaining and engaging story. This captivating romance is full of charming and quirky characters that are incredibly life-life and likable. The small town setting gives the story a warm, cozy feeling and adds to the story’s appeal.

Scott Sanderson and D.J. (Dorothy Jarrow) are wonderfully developed protagonists. Both have emotional baggage from their respective pasts but they are both pretty well adjusted and happy with the direction their lives have taken. D.J. is introverted but she is not shy. While she is a little overwhelmed by the town’s attention when she first arrives, she is enthusiastic about her new job and ready to put down roots in the small town.

Scott is an endearing hero and an all around great guy. He is close to his family and he loves carrying on the tradition of working in the family pharmacy. His marriage to his high school sweetheart ended in divorce and while he has been involved in a casual fling or two, Scott is no hurry to settle down again.

The secondary cast of characters is also superbly developed. One of my favorites is Scott’s mom, Viv. She is still deeply grieving the loss of her husband, and she is is having a difficult time moving on. She has an ulterior motive for hiring D.J. and she is quite determined to play matchmaker for D.J. and Scott.

The romance between D.J. and Scott is slow moving and takes a backseat for most of the novel. D.J. misinterprets some key information about Scott and she definitely has the wrong impression of him for a lot of the story. However D.J. slowly lets down her guard and an easy friendship develops between them. There is plenty of sexual tension as both of them fight their attraction to one another.

Love Overdue is a light, angst free novel. In a refreshing change of pace, there are no big emotional scenes and no big misunderstandings between Scott and D.J. The resolution of one of the storylines feels a little abrupt, but the timing of it makes it a non-issue for Scott and D.J. Pamela Morsi wraps up the story with a lovely epilogue that is quite heartwarming.

5 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Love Overdue, Pamela Morsi, Rated B+, Review, Romance

The Lovesick Cure by Pamela Morsi

Title: The Lovesick Cure by Pamela Morsi
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

What do you do when your groom gets cold feet?

For Jesse Winsloe, the answer is clear: head into hiding. Single again laid off from work, Jesse flees Onery Cabin to lick her wounds her ancient aunt Will—a Granny woman with the secret to healing the lovelorn.

Sure, Onery Cabin may be right out of Hollywood’s Lifestyles of the Poor and Hillbilly, but Marrying Stone Mountain has its charm—including the local physician’s assistant, Piney Baxley, a past recipient of Aunt Will’s pungent “heartbreak poultice.”

Between folk remedies and a “no strings attached” romance, Jesse is beginning to think she’s found her own brand of lovesick cure—because there’s nothing like a pinch of confidence and a dash of attraction to mend a broken heart.

The Review:

Pamela Morsi can always be counted on to deliver a heartfelt and thought-provoking novel with a charming cast of characters that will capture your heart and The Lovesick Cure is no exception. The romance between Jesse Winsloe and Piney Baxley is sweet yet steamy but it is Aunt Will who shines the brightest in this outstanding story set in the Ozark Mountains.

If you are a longtime fan of Ms. Morsi, you will recognize the setting of Marrying Stone from two of her previous historical novels, Marrying Stone and Simple Jess. It is wonderful to revisit the small Ozark town, catch up on the family and see the impact the past has on the present. It is not necessary to read these books to enjoy The Lovesick Cure but for those who have, it adds an extra layer to this contemporary story.

Laid off from her teaching job and nursing a broken heart when her fiancé marries someone else, Jesse Winsloe heads to Marrying Stone for a short visit with her Aunt Will. Is Aunt Will’s lovesick cure (a stinky poultice) just what Jesse needs to fix her broken heart? Is she just too busy reconnecting with a slew of relatives and learning to subsistence farm to moon over her ex? Or is her friends with benefits fling with sexy physician’s assistant Piney Baxley responsible for mending her wounded heart?

Piney Baxley has had his heart broken in the past, and it took Aunt Will’s lovesick cure to fix it. A single father raising his teenage son, Tree, Piney is dedicated to his job and loves living in Marrying Stone. But living in a small town where he is related to half the residents, there is a definite lack of eligible women for Piney to date. Jesse does not have to do much talking to convince Piney a short term affair is just what the doctor ordered.

Aunt Will is the heart and soul of The Lovesick Cure. Full of wisdom, this granny woman is revered by most of the townspeople. She is practical, no nonsense and not afraid to speak her mind. While on the surface, she appears to be an open book, she is actually harboring a few surprising secrets.

The Lovesick Cure is a beautiful journey that takes the reader through the ups and downs of life, love and family. Jesse and Piney’s romance is sweet and slow growing and plays out in the midst of all of life’s joys and sorrows. There is a delightful secondary romance between Tree and his girlfriend Camryn that reflects Piney’s strong influence on his son and Tree’s maturity.

I found The Lovesick Cure easy to relate to and an accurate depiction of life in the Ozarks. I grew up around and lived in some of the towns mentioned and I have relatives who resemble some of Ms. Morsi’s characters. Everyone should be so lucky as to have an Aunt Will in their lives.

Ms. Morsi does a wonderful job capturing the differences between the generations. Coming from an older generation, Aunt Will keeps her private life private and carries her secrets close to her heart. The storyline with Camryn and Tree is realistic and the resolution is perfect.

The Lovesick Cure is wonderful romance with a lot of heart. Pamela Morsi is a favorite author of mine that I highly recommend. As always, I am eagerly anticipating her next novel.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Pamela Morsi, Rated B, Romance, The Lovesick Cure

The Bentleys Buy a Buick by Pamela Morsi

Title: The Bentleys Buy a Buick by Pamela Morsi
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Think you can trust your husband? Think again!

That’s what the gossipy types at Erica Bentley’s new job say. Even her (multi–divorced) mom agrees. But Erica’s sure she knows her husband, Tom, better than that. He says he loves her, and shows it in a million ways. Except…he has been working extra–late these days. And he’s been kinda quiet. Even secretive.

Happily married Tom Bentley never thought his head could be turned—until he saw Clara. Her sleek body has him longing, and he can’t get her 127″ wheelbase out of his mind. That’s right. Erica’s “competition” is…a car.

The beautiful Buick has Tom completely car–crazy. And Erica’s sleuthing is making her just plain crazy. One of them needs to come clean with their newest obsessions, before Clara drives their happy marriage into a ditch!

The Review:

The Bentleys Buy a Buick by Pamela Morsi is a delightful romance that is sweet, humorous and, sometimes, a little poignant.

At the book’s opening, all is well with Tom and Erica Bentley’s marriage. However, Tom’s loyalty to a long time friend, Erica’s gossipy, catty co-workers and Tom’s sudden long hours at work quickly cause Erica to doubt his fidelity.

Ms. Morsi writes strong character driven novels, and The Bentleys Buy a Buick is no exception. Her characters are ordinary people living a common everyday life. None of them are perfect, but that adds to their appeal and makes them easy to relate to.

The Bentleys Buy a Buick by Pamela Morsi is a well written book that is romantic and realistic. It is a charming and understated story that slowly sweeps the reader deep into the heart of the Bentley’s marriage and their day to day life. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who enjoys relationship based novels.

This review is also posted at The Readers Roundtable

Comments Off on The Bentleys Buy a Buick by Pamela Morsi

Filed under Contemporary, Mira, Pamela Morsi, Rated B, Romance, The Bentleys Buy a Buick

Friday Feature: Author Pamela Morsi

I became hooked on Pamela Morsi’s novels back in 1991 when she was an author of historical romances. I snatched up her books as fast as they hit the store shelves and devoured them in one sitting.

Then, in 2002, Ms. Morsi shifted from historical to contemporary romance. I admit, I was skeptical. In the past when favorite authors of mine switched from one genre to another, I discovered I didn’t particularly care for the books in the new genre. But since I loved Ms. Morsi’s writing so much, I gave in and bought Doing Good and all I can say is WOW! Ms. Morsi completely and totally blew me away with the emotional depth and amazing story line of Doing Good. To this day, she continues to astound me with her powerful and compelling stories and I still buy her books on release day, clear my schedule and sit down to read them cover to cover.

While I love all of her books, two recent novels of her stand out in my mind, and I heartily recommend them:

Title: Last Dance at the Jitterbug Lounge
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Relationships
Length: 448 pages

Summary:

Jack and Claire Crabtree were once happily married, but separate interests have left each one dancing to their own tune. She refuses to move into the brand-new house he built for the family. He spends too much time at work with a colleague whom she considers a threat to any man’s fidelity. When Jack is summoned back to Oklahoma to see his ailing grandpa Bud, Claire only makes the trip at the last minute.

Bud and Geri Crabtree danced through life together for seventy years as friends, lovers and devoted spouses. They always knew what mattered most in life—and the laughter and tears come naturally when their family gathers together. And if Jack and Claire can remember the bond they once shared, they might be able to rediscover what’s wonderful about love.…


Title: Red’s Hot Honky-Tonk Bar
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length:368 pages

Summary:

Unruly Red knows she’s no one’s idea of a sweet old granny. But with one long-distance phone call, the fortysomething bar owner with the tattoos and tight jeans is suddenly responsible for two young grandchildren she hardly knows.

Red’s rowdy friends, late-night lifestyle and tiny apartment above her San Antonio saloon definitely aren’t kidproof. And Red’s pretty sure the hot young fiddle player she’s been dallying with will run for the hills when he learns she has a daughter, let alone grandkids.

But Red is about to learn that age doesn’t necessarily come with wisdom. That a nine-year-old girl can be as exacting as the strictest parent. That the school of hard knocks never had bake sales. And that her boy toy is more of an adult than she is.


If you haven’t discovered Pamela Morsi, you are missing out on a truly gifted writer.

2 Comments

Filed under Friday Feature, Pamela Morsi