Archives for December 2016

** Review ** ALEJANDRO’S SEXY SECRET Amy Ruttan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  ALEJANDRO’S SEXY SECRET  Amy RuttanAlejandro's Sexy Secret by Amy Ruttan
Series: Hot Latin Docs
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on January 1, 2017
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four-half-stars

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…

If only that were true! Surgeon Kiri Bhardwaj never expected to see sexy exotic dancer Alejandro Valentino again after their fantasy life-changing night together. But now they're face-to-face, and he's a specialist in her pediatric department!

Working with Kiri proves to Alejandro that they haven't finished what they started all those years ago. But to claim what he's lost he'll have to lay his heart on the line and prove to Kiri their chemistry is for keeps!


With the second book in the Hot Latin Docs series, Amy Ruttan brings us Alejandro’s story.  He’s kind, he’s caring and he’s oh so sexy!  A little bit of a different take on a reunion story with a lot of angst keeping them apart, even though the instant desire they felt for each other all those years ago still burns bright.

Years ago, Alejandro Valentino and Kiri Bhardwaj came into each other’s lives, far from home and for only one spectacular night.  They never forgot each other .. for different reasons … for that night was life-altering.

Fast forward to Kiri taking on a new job and finding out that one of the surgeons that reports to her in Pediatrics is the man she never thought she’d see again!  Years have passed and they have both done great things with their careers, but their personal lives are nothing to write home about.  Will being forced to be in the same vicinity of the other make their attraction flare up again?

four-half-stars

** Blog Tour / Book Review ** CATCH A FALLEN STAR Amy Vastine

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Blog Tour / Book Review **  CATCH A FALLEN STAR  Amy VastineCatch a Fallen Star by Amy Vastine
Series: Grace Note Records
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on December 1, 2016
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five-stars

He's got to save his career—and himself

Hitting rock bottom has landed country star Boone Williams in the middle of his worst nightmare: a recording studio on a horse therapy farm hours away from Nashville. He has no interest in dealing with his problems or writing a new album. And he's definitely not interested in the gorgeous, feisty mom of one of Helping Hooves's young clients. She doesn't even know who he is! But his record label is one tabloid story from cutting him loose, and Boone can't seem to turn around without bumping into Ruby and her daughter, Violet. Clearly, Boone's not going to get what he wants. Could Ruby be just what he needs?

 

 

 

 

Emotionally gripping!  With the latest in her Grace Note Records series, Amy Vastine brings us the story of a legendary country music singer who has lost his way in life and is now on the verge of losing everything that ever mattered to him.  The characters are flawed in a a “we’re all human” type of way, and are fighting their way up, trying to get their heads out of the ever sinking reality of their life.  It’s edgy, it’s sad, it’s sweet … and the sass on this teen will have you laughing out loud!  Loved it!

Once great country music star Boone Williams has stumbled one too many times in recently months, and his record label is at the end of their rope with him.  He’s making his way in the right direction finally, but they want assurances that they are going to get some new music out of him again, so insist he needs to leave Nashville and hang out on a horse therapy farm a couple of hours away to do some healing and song writing.

Feisty single mom Ruby Wynn doesn’t even know who Boone is when she runs into him, but she’s got enough on her plate with a mouthy teen in whose eyes she can do no right.  The last thing she needs is a man with an attitude piling more onto her!  Once Boone gets to know Ruby and her daughter Violet, they make a peace with each other, and end up bringing out the best in each other. Will this visit end up being just what they both needed?

 

 

 


On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Catch a Fallen StarCatch a Fallen Star
(Grace Note Records #2)
by Amy Vastine
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

December 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He’s got to save his career—and himself

Hitting rock bottom has landed country star Boone Williams in the middle of his worst nightmare: a recording studio on a horse therapy farm hours away from Nashville. He has no interest in dealing with his problems or writing a new album. And he’s definitely not interested in the gorgeous, feisty mom of one of Helping Hooves’s young clients. She doesn’t even know who he is! But his record label is one tabloid story from cutting him loose, and Boone can’t seem to turn around without bumping into Ruby and her daughter, Violet. Clearly, Boone’s not going to get what he wants. Could Ruby be just what he needs?

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Other Books in the Series

The Girl He Used to LoveThe Girl He Used to Love
(Grace Note Records #1)
by Amy Vastine
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
July 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

The past will always be between them

He swore he’d never return home. Then a flat tire lands Dean Presley back in Grass Lake, Tennessee, and he’s forced to confront the woman he left behind. Faith Stratton was once the love of his life. Now her gifted brother could be the rising Nashville star Dean needs for his struggling music label. But it means taking Sawyer away from the horse therapy farm that Faith’s so proud of. That won’t be easy, especially since those old feelings that started all the trouble… Well, let’s just say he can’t go back there, because he doesn’t want to relive the memories of the terrible accident that drove them apart.

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Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.

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Tour Schedule

December 12th: Launch
December 13th:
Harlie’s Books
Books, Dreams, Life
I Am A Reader
Nicole’s Book Musings
December 14th:
fuonlyknew
Zerina Blossom’s Books
Becky on Books
Book Lover in Florida
December 15th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Christy’s Cozy Corners
Falling Leaves
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
December 16th:
Thoughts of a Blonde
Rockin’ Book Reviews
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
Getting Your Read On
December 18th:
underneath the covers
Heidi Reads…
i blog 4 books
December 19th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will win a grand prize of The Girl He Used to Love, A Heartwarming Holiday anthology, winner’s choice of CD or MP3 of Tim McGraw’s album Damn Country Music, and a guitar Christmas ornament (US only)
5 winners will win an ebook of A Heartwarming Holiday anthology and a 20% off coupon for a Heartwarming novel of their choice from Harlequin.com (open internationally)
5 winners will win The Girl He Used to Love (paperbacks US, ebook international)
– Ends December 23rd

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five-stars

** Review ** DEFYING HER BILLIONAIRE PROTECTOR Angela Bissell

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  DEFYING HER BILLIONAIRE PROTECTOR  Angela BissellDefying Her Billionaire Protector by Angela Bissell
Series: Irresistible Mediterranean Tycoons
Published by Harlequin Presents on January 1, 2017
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four-half-stars

"You need me to keep you safe…"

Marietta Vincenti is furious when her brother's best friend—private security tycoon Nicolas César—takes her to his Mediterranean island to protect her from a stalker. Because Marietta isn't weak. She survived the accident that cruelly stole the use of her legs and she'll survive now.

Nico is battle-hardened and scarred, and Marietta crashes against the impenetrable shields that surround this powerful magnate, sensing a kindred spirit beneath. But Nico unearths a passion in her that threatens to expose hopes and dreams she'd buried long before…

Can she take a leap of faith with this man who could undo her completely?


With the second book in her Irresistible Mediterranean Tycoons duet, Angela Bissell takes us on a journey of healing and second chances.  The characters are scarred by past experiences that they each carry their own guilt about, and while coming together during danger, they help each other to heal as they begin a foray into the unknown.  I liked the story line a lot … the only thing I wanted more of was a more realistic account of life in a wheelchair, and I was also surprised that it didn’t include Leo having a fit about their relationship since he was so outspoken and protective of her previously.  Over all, a nice conclusion to the duet and a lovely happy ending!

Independent Marietta Vincenti is not happy when her brother and his security expert friend start taking over her life!  Yes, she has a stalker that is getting way too close for comfort, but that doesn’t mean she needs her life dictated to her!

Nicolas Cesar whisks her away to his Mediterranean island to keep her safe while his people investigate every aspect of her life to see who is tormenting her.  He has his own past that he likes to keep private, so he’s not too keen on letting someone into his private sanctuary, but the more time they spend together, the more they enjoy each other’s company.  Will this all be over as soon as her stalker is caught, or will they decide they want a future together?

four-half-stars

** Review ** ONE TOUGH TEXAN Barb Han

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  ONE TOUGH TEXAN  Barb HanOne Tough Texan by Barb Han
Series: Cattlemen Crime Club
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 1, 2017
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five-stars

Small-town Texas with high-stakes risks

Alice Green lives with ghosts. A rogue cop whose mistake led to the loss of a young girl's parents, Alice is haunted by the decisions that halted her sterling career. And now the same girl who lost her parents has been abducted. And Alice will stop at nothing to find her.

Joshua O'Brien doesn't want to tell his brothers—fellow inheritors of his deceased parents' ranch—that he has bigger plans. Applying to work for the FBI brings the possibility of an exciting and illustrious career. But when he meets Alice, whose beauty is only surpassed by her brain, it doesn't take long for things to heat up. And while helping her crack a case might save a life…it could also cost him his own.


With the next book out in her Cattlemen Crime Club series, Barb Han thrusts us into Joshua’s story with a heart stopping opening scene that sets the stage for a book filled with intrigue and romance!  Looking forward to learning more about the mystery of this family.

Joshua O’Brien has begrudgingly returned home to his family ranch in Bluff, Texas, but he doesn’t know how to break it to his brother’s that if his dream job that he’s been chasing becomes available, he’s not planning to stay and run the ranch with them.

Alice Green is on her own trying to track down a missing teenager when Joshua runs across her.  When he hears the situation, he sets out to use his connections to help her with her search, but also to protect her from herself when she continually endangers herself without a thought because of her guilt of a day gone wrong that changed that girl’s life forever.

five-stars

** Blog Tour / Book Review ** CHRISTMAS IN THE COVE Carol Ross

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Blog Tour / Book Review **  CHRISTMAS IN THE COVE  Carol RossChristmas in the Cove by Carol Ross
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on December 1, 2016
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four-stars

Nobody is going to hurt her—not on his watch

A DEA stealth mission has brought coast guard Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home. But when he ends up aiding rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn during her own harrowing mission, powerful emotions reignite between them. Except Aubrey doesn't want Eli's protection. She wants answers.

Twelve years ago, Eli broke up with Aubrey without telling her the real reason he was leaving Pacific Cove. How can he try for a second chance if he's forced to deceive her again? Amid suspected drug trafficking and a sabotaged Christmas contest, Eli must find a way to regain Aubrey's trust without compromising his career or endangering the woman he loves.

 

 

 

A sweet story about reconnecting with “the one that got away”.  Great characters showcasing a close-knit small town with interwoven family and friends.

An undercover investigation has brought Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home to Pacific Cove, Oregan after many years away.  He reconnects with many old friends … including a very special one that he let slip through his fingers.

Coast Guard rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn can’t believe it when she sees Eli.  She’s never forgotten her childhood best friend … and for a short time more.  She still wishes she had answers to why he left her all those years ago.

Will he be able to regain her trust and earn a second chance with her, or will the suspected drug trafficking case that he’s working on and can’t tell her details about derail them before they even get started?

 


On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Christmas in the CoveChristmas in the Cove
by Carol Ross
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
December 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

A DEA stealth mission has brought coast guard Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home. But when he ends up aiding rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn during her own harrowing mission, powerful emotions reignite between them. Except Aubrey doesn’t want Eli’s protection. She wants answers.

Twelve years ago, Eli broke up with Aubrey without telling her the real reason he was leaving Pacific Cove. How can he try for a second chance if he’s forced to deceive her again? Amid suspected drug trafficking and a sabotaged Christmas contest, Eli must find a way to regain Aubrey’s trust without compromising his career or endangering the woman he loves.

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequin

Carol Ross lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. She adores the Pacific Northwest because it provides her with endless opportunities for the activities she loves—hiking, running, skiing, and spending time outdoors. Although she enjoys reading in many genres, she writes what she loves the most—romance, especially light-hearted stories about the fun, flirty, and often-tumultuous path toward a happily ever after.

WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterPinterest

Other Books by the Author

Mountains Apart (Seasons of Alaska #1) A Case for Forgiveness (Seasons of Alaska #2) If Not for a Bee (Seasons of Alaska #3) A Family Like Hannah's (Seasons of Alaska #4)

Tour Schedule

December 13th: Launch
December 14th:
Thoughts of a Blonde
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
Bottles & Books Reviews
Paulette’s Papers
December 15th:
Harlie’s Books
Heidi Reads…
Falling Leaves
Rockin’ Book Reviews
beck valley books
December 16th:
Mel’s Shelves
Books, Dreams, Life
JoJo’s Corner
Nicole’s Book Musings
December 18th:
Christy’s Cozy Corners
I Am A Reader
i blog 4 books
Book Lover in Florida
With Love for Books
December 19th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
underneath the covers
Bookworm Lisa
Getting Your Read On
December 20th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and a copy of Christmas in the Cove (signed copy if US, ebook if international)
– Ends December 24th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grab Our Button!

four-stars

** Review ** A CHILD CLAIMED BY GOLD Rachael Thomas

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  A CHILD CLAIMED BY GOLD  Rachael ThomasA Child Claimed by Gold by Rachael Thomas
Series: One Night With Consequences
Published by Harlequin Presents on January 1, 2017
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four-stars

A scandal of their own making

Nikolai Cunningham has kept his family history secret for seventeen years. So when photographer Emma Sanders is granted exclusive access to his childhood home, he returns to Russia to ensure it stays hidden.

Though she tries to keep her eye on the story, Nikolai's potent sexuality proves too much for Emma's untouched body to resist! But, convinced she only wanted a scoop, Nikolai casts Emma out, unaware she's pregnant!

When the consequence of their recklessness is revealed, Nikolai will legitimize his heir—with a gold wedding ring!


A blustery winter in Russia sets the scene for the main characters to meet, share a connection and end up with a future on the way!

Nikolai Cunningham hasn’t returned to Russia since he left as a child, and he’s not happy at being forced to do so for an intrusive interview!  He sets out to distract the photographer wanting to do a story on his family history so she doesn’t uncover the secrets he wants to remain hidden, but along the way, he finds her irresistible!

Emma Sanders has no ulterior motives, but Nikolai seems to think the worst of her.  She just wants to get some decent pictures to be published … but spending time with him only leads to the sparks they feel igniting!  When he puts her back at arms length and wants her gone, they have no idea they had just made a baby!

four-stars

** Review ** SANCTUARY COVE Kate James

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  SANCTUARY COVE  Kate JamesSanctuary Cove by Kate James
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on March 1, 2017
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four-half-stars

Can his safe haven be enough for her?

Emma Meadows never imagined that sticking to her principles against an act of corruption by a New York senator would cost her her job as VP of communications. Heartbroken, she retreats to her cottage in the Adirondacks to lick her wounds and, in the process, rescues an injured dog that only Josh Whitmore can save.

The veterinarian works diligently to bring dog and woman back to full fighting form, until allegations against the senator become more serious. Seeing Emma's reaction to the increasing pressure, Josh realizes that inevitably she'll find a way back to the top…and he'll likely lose her for good.


With her upcoming release, Kate James takes us on a journey of political corruption, shocking deceit, and finding the strength to stand up for what you believe in!  With her usual style of weaving emotion with intrigue, she shows us a wounded soul who still finds the strength to step up and do the morally right thing even when faced with a tarnished reputation, intimidation and the fear of exposure.

Happenstance of stumbling upon an injured dog brings veterinarian Josh Whitmore into Emma Meadows world shortly after she seeks the refuge of her vacation cottage in the Adirondacks.  She has come here yearning for peace while she heals from a controlling relationship that ended badly while taking her career and reputation down with it.  Little did Emma know that the scandal would follow her here as the charges against the Senator worsen and drag her deeper into the underworld of political corruption.

Josh enjoys his quiet life and practice here in the mountains, and getting to know Emma’s kind spirit only manages to intrigue him, so he’s not willing to give up on her even though she seems a bit skittish when he asks her out.  Over time, she relaxes and their bond over their dogs, their work and life in general grows and blossoms into a sweet relationship.  While Josh sees her through this recent crisis and hopes for a future with her, will Emma decide to stay and enjoy her happily ever after with him, or will she return to her former executive glory once her reputation recovers from the beating it took?

four-half-stars

** Review ** SANTIAGO’S CONVENIENT FIANCEE Annie O’Neil

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  SANTIAGO’S CONVENIENT FIANCEE  Annie O’NeilSantiago's Convenient Fiancée by Annie O'Neil
Series: Hot Latin Docs
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on January 1, 2017
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four-stars

Can a convenient arrangement last forever?

Saoirse Murphy came to Miami to bury herself in work, determined to forget the canceled wedding she left behind her, and she wants to stay… But only a green card will do!

Enter former combat doc Santiago Valentino. Having reluctantly returned to face his dark past, he's only too happy to be distracted by his paramedic partner and her shocking proposal.

But when their "convenient" engagement tips into a very inconvenient passion, Santiago wonders…will she be his forever wife?


With the kick-off to the new “Hot Latin Docs” series, Annie O’Neil brings us the first Valentino brother’s story!  The characters were sassy and fun and it was a quick, easy read.  Can’t wait to delve further into this family with the future books in the series!

After fleeing a wedding that didn’t happy, Irish beauty Saoirse Murphy came to Miami to do something new with her life.  She’s loving it there and wants to stay, but needs a green card to do it!

Santiago Valentino is running from memories too, but he’s finally coming home after years in the service, and starting to settle in to a paramedic job.  He’s drawn to his new partner, and when he hears that her temporary visa is about to expire, he offers to marry her.  When their supposedly fake relationship starts to feel real, will they run for the hills or decide to have a future together?

four-stars

** Review ** BATTLE TESTED Janie Crouch

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  BATTLE TESTED  Janie CrouchBattle Tested by Janie Crouch
Series: Omega Sector: Critical Response
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 1, 2017
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five-stars

Someone WAS always watching her…

Everywhere she went, Rosalyn Mellinger had eyes on her. The Watcher followed her everywhere. It seemed hopeless, inescapable…especially when she met Steve Drackett on vacation. Another person to be hurt by her stalker. But Rosalyn didn't know Steve was part of Omega Sector—there was literally no one better to protect her, if she'd just open up to him. He had years of experience, and while the Watcher preyed upon Rosalyn, Steve would beat him at his own game.

But Rosalyn had a secret even Steve couldn't see coming: a baby from their vacation romance…


With her typical attention getting style, Janie Crouch hooks us yet again from the very start of this newest release in her Omega Sector: Critical Response series!  It’s hard to put down as things happen when you least expect it and you’re constantly trying to figure out who the bad guy is.  Love this group of characters and the life mates they find along the way!

If you’ve read the previous books, you’ll recognize the boss of Omega Sector, Steve Drackett. The one time they convince him to get out of the office and actually take a vacation, they should have known that trouble would follow him home!

Rosalyn Mellinger happens upon Steve when she needs a friend most, and they spend a couple of days enjoying each other’s company.  She’s been living in terror for months, so actually being with someone that seems to get her is a joy.  Until she realizes he’s out there … watching … yet again.  She has no clue that Steve is actually law enforcement and actually might be able to help her, so she runs in order to protect him.

Months pass, but Steve doesn’t forget about Rosalyn.  When she crosses his path again, he sets out to find out the truth about what’s going on with her … and when he does, he also finds out the surprise she has for him … the baby they are expecting!

five-stars

** Review ** COMPLETELY YOURS Erin Nicholas

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  COMPLETELY YOURS  Erin NicholasCompletely Yours by Erin Nicholas
Series: Opposites Attract
Published by Forever on December 20, 2016
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four-stars

Kiera Connelly leads a quiet life, and that's just how she likes it. She's built a name as a graphic designer and meets up with her friends online, all from the comfort of her living room couch. But when a rare outing turns disastrous, Kiera finds herself up close and way too personal with an unbelievably hot real-life hero.

Zach Ashley doesn't see himself as a hero. He's just a regular guy who gets to help people every day as an EMT. But when he's called to a scene and has to treat his most gorgeous patient ever, he finds himself mixing work with pleasure. He never hesitates to put his life on the line...but will he ever risk his heart?

black
A quirky read that will have you smiling!  The story line is fun and the characters are appealing.

Graphic designer Kiera Connelly keeps to herself a lot and is perfectly happy with her life on the couch interacting with her friends online.  On the one day she’s nagged to get out and do something, disaster strikes!  But she can’t complain too much, because it leads her to a super hot EMT.

Zach Ashley was born to be a do-gooder.  He sets out to help anyone he can, and feels it is his responsibility to make sure everyone around him is happy.  He can’t believe his luck when he stumbles across his most gorgeous patient ever …. so what if it’s in a strange way!

Their lives don’t exactly mesh, but Kiera and Zach can’t deny the pull of attraction between them.  When they let their guard down and decide to spend some time together, will a future together be far behind??

four-stars