Archives for July 2017

* Review * COMPLICATING by Noelle Adams & Samantha Chase

July 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * COMPLICATING by Noelle Adams & Samantha Chase

Complicating by Noelle Adams & Samantha Chase
Series: Preston's Mill #3
on July 19, 2017
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Forget all those other accidental pregnancy romances you might have read.

Daisy and Carter don't have a one-night stand...because it's thirty minutes in a back room at a wedding reception. And Carter isn't a bad boy baby-daddy...except for the motorcycle, tattoos, and attitude. Daisy doesn't have the typical issues with her pregnancy...if you don't count the morning sickness, food cravings, and occasional horniness. And Carter doesn't hang around all the time, wanting both her and the baby...until he falls in love.

But they definitely don't become a happy family...right away.

Daisy has always been a good girl. She's never done anything wild or spontaneous until she has a little too much to drink at a wedding and has a fling with a sexy stranger. She thought they were careful, but accidents happen. And now she's going to have the baby of a man she barely knows.

Carter is her opposite in every way and completely the wrong man for her. They can still work out a reasonable arrangement regarding the baby. But the more time she spends with him, the less reasonable she feels. And he's acting all possessive and protective, so it gets harder and harder to convince herself that he's just the father of her baby.

She wants him to be so much more.

A quickie turns into forever! I enjoyed the story line, but I had a really hard time liking Daisy. Carter was a good guy right from the start, and I didn’t like the way she was constantly being wishy washy and jerking him around. Quick and easy read!

Daisy is a straight and narrow librarian. She’s always been a good girl and done what was expected of her, but one fun-filled night at a wedding reception, a quickie in a backroom and all of a sudden she’s pregnant by a man she hardly knows!

Carter is a good guy. He might ride a motorcycle, have longer hair and tattoos and look dangerous, but he’s nice, settled and kind-hearted. He’s all in and ready to help and be supportive when he learns they are going to have a baby, but he can only do what Daisy will allow him to do. Can he convince her that he might be different, but he can still be a good dad … and more?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * TO WIN HER SMILE by Mackenzie Crowne

July 18, 2017 3 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TO WIN HER SMILE by Mackenzie Crowne

To Win Her Smile by Mackenzie Crowne
Series: Players
Published by Lyrical Shine on July 18, 2017
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Sometimes love and luck collide . . .

When sultry British Baroness Piper Darrow falls on desperate times, she needs a diversion—and cash. As a talented photographer, she jumps at the chance to travel to the U.S. for a Manhattan Marauders football event. But she gets more than she bargained for when buff quarterback Wyatt Hunter’s errant pass lands . . . in her face. And when it results in Wyatt’s comeback of a lifetime, the superstitious athlete is convinced Piper is his good luck charm . . .

With his sights on the Super Bowl, Wyatt will do anything necessary to keep Piper close. The fact that she’s a feast for the eyes is a bonus. And as they get closer, he discovers that beneath her proper English surface is a sweet, sexy seductress. Soon the notorious playboy finds himself genuinely smitten, and surprisingly open to love—until his powerful family uncovers something about Piper that threatens to shatter his trust. Now he’ll have to decide whether to team up with his fears, or his heart.

A sexy pro baller plus a touch of British royalty equals the sassy ride of a lifetime! We recognize most of the supporting cast from previous books in the Players series, and enjoy jumping into their mix again. Lots of chemistry between characters and family turmoil abounds! Really fun and feisty read!

British Baroness Piper Darrow is undercover in Manhattan taking the opportunity to visit an old friend and take part in a charity event at the same time. She never expects to meet the sexy quarterback of the Manhattan Marauders in quite such a slamming way!

Wyatt Hunter is taken with Piper as soon as he sets eyes on her, and the fact that her misfortune on the sidelines of the game happened to be his turning point to a victory makes her this season’s good luck charm! He’ll do anything to convince her to stick around and help the team make it to the play-offs! When he offers her a deal she can’t refuse considering she’s a bit money strapped, will they use the opportunity to grow closer or will secrets tear them apart before they get the chance?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CLAIMING HIS PREGNANT PRINCESS by Annie O’Neil

July 17, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * CLAIMING HIS PREGNANT PRINCESS by Annie O’Neil

Claiming His Pregnant Princess by Annie O'Neil
Series: Italian Royals
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on August 1, 2017
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"Hello, Beatrice."

Face-to-face with the man she'd loved and lost two years ago, Dr. (and Princess) Bea di Jesolo knows she has no right to forgiveness, but she hopes they can call a truce for the sake of their patients.

Pediatrician Jamie Coutts had always seen the woman beneath the royal fanfare that surrounded Bea: at heart, she was more surgical gown than ball gown. But loving her had cost him once. Could he risk his heart again—especially when he discovers her secret?

The second half of Annie O’Neil’s Italian Royals duet brings us a sweet reunion story! Bea made choices based on family responsibilities and it came back to bite her. Now she has a chance to make it right with the man she always loved … but will he be willing to forgive her? The characters are down-to-earth with a touching connection. I really enjoyed getting to see Bea again … and getting to go along for the ride towards her happy ending this time!

Fleeing her nightmare of a wedding scandal, Princess Beatrice di Jesolo has settled for a short term job at a trauma center in Italy, when to her shocking surprise, in walks the love of her life that she dumped 2 years ago!

Pediatrician Jamie Coutts was heartbroken when Bea walked away from the life they had planned together. He’s not happy to see her, but he’s willing try to work peacefully alongside her while she’s here. When he finds out the circumstances behind her leaving and the outcome, will he decide he’s willing to forgive her? And will her big secret change anything when it comes out?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE KNIGHT’S SCARRED MAIDEN by Nicole Locke

July 17, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * THE KNIGHT’S SCARRED MAIDEN by Nicole Locke

The Knight's Scarred Maiden by Nicole Locke
Series: Lovers and Legends
Published by Harlequin Historical on August 1, 2017
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A maiden for the mercenary

Mercenary knight Rhain is living on borrowed time. With a vengeful warlord pursuing him, he has accepted his fate—though first he must get his men to safety.

When he rescues mysterious and deeply scarred Helissent from her attackers, Rhain soon wishes he wasn't marked for death. He can never be the man she deserves—his scandalous lineage alone dictates that—but Rhain can't resist the temptation to show this innocent maiden how beautiful she truly is…

Attention grabbing details intrigue you, and an intricately woven plot carries us away in this tale of unexpected love! The characters believe they each are flawed and undeserving, yet they each see a truer side in the other. I would have liked to see a bit more of the two of them developing their relationship and also would have liked to have seen his family story line have a bit more of a conclusion, but overall, a very nice read!

A traveling mercenary knight, determined to find info about his past … a hunted man destined to pay for his deeds … a kind-hearted man unable to turn away from someone in need. Rhain has a lot of duty sitting on his shoulders right now and he’s not going to back down until he accomplishes what he has set out to do.

Helissent leads a sheltered life of almost non-existence. She’s badly scarred and ignored by those around here … only her luck runs out and she’s all of a sudden the target of some bad men when Rhain steps in to rescue her. He takes her with him to get her to safety, but along the way they find themselves learning about each other in a way neither has told anyone else. Are they destined to be together … or meeting just to lose each other immediately?

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* Review * STOLEN KISSES WITH HER BOSS by Susan Carlisle

July 17, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * STOLEN KISSES WITH HER BOSS by Susan Carlisle

Stolen Kisses with Her Boss by Susan Carlisle
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on August 1, 2017
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After hours…

To medical transcriber Cynthia Markum, Dr. Sean Donovan is just a voice—a deliciously sexy one—in her earpiece…until he asks to meet in person. She's nervous and excited, but it's crazy to have feelings for a man she's never laid eyes on, right? Besides, he's her employer!

Stunning Cynthia couldn't be further from the woman Sean imagined her to be, and their attraction is mutual and instantaneous. Neither are ready for a relationship, but from the moment their lips meet there's just no going back…

A quick and easy read about finding love when you’re not even looking for it! A fun connection, lots of family drama and a sweet love story.

Medical transcriber Cynthia Marcum has a lot on her plate right now, but when she puts on her headphones to do the jobs on her docket for Dr. Sean Donovan, she gets pure pleasure out of it. She can’t believe she’s so drawn to a man she’s never even met, but … that voice!!!

Sean happens to need a big favor from Cynthia and requests she come by his office to talk about it. She’s not the type of woman he would normally go for, nor the type he thinks he even needs … but he can’t seem to resist being attracted to her! Will family obligations and mismatched ideals keep them apart or will they decide to work around the difference they have to see where a relationship could go?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour / Book Review * REBEL IN A SMALL TOWN by Kristina Knight

July 17, 2017 3 Comments

Rebel in a Small Town by Kristina Knight
Series: A Slippery Rock Novel
Published by Harlequin Superromance on July 1, 2017
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He's not giving up his family without a fight

James Calhoun has never been able to resist Mara Tyler, or her knack for mischief. Her reputation as a reckless teenager drove Mara from their hometown. So Slippery Rock is the last place James ever expected to see her, and Mara's timing couldn't be worse. With the upcoming election for sheriff, she threatens the squeaky-clean image James needs to win. Because Mara has brought with her the result of their steamy affair: his two-year-old son, Zeke. After the initial shock, James is determined to have both his family and career. He just needs to convince Mara that her home is where it's always been. With him.

Star-crossed lovers, town secrets and a surprise baby … just a few of the things that make this such a fun read! A visit to Slippery Rock is always satisfying!

Known for the mischief she used to cause as a teenager, Mara Tyler wasn’t sure she would ever return home to Slippery Rock, Missouri, but times have changed and it’s time. It’s time to make face the town, her family and James Calhoun. She has a baby that it’s past time she told people about … especially his father!

James always did have a hard time resisting his childhood friend, turned lover … and even though her return is at an inopportune time for him, there’s no way he’s going to let the Sheriff’s election and what the town thinks of him get in the way of him getting to know the son he didn’t know he had! Mara admits to her mistakes, and James admits to a few of his own, and as they spend time together again, they both have to admit they still adore each other. Will the townfolk run her back out of town, or will the love of a man and the support of her family be just what she needs to put down roots there?

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Rebel in a Small Town
(Slippery Rock #2)
Kristina Knight
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
July 1st 2017 by Harlequin Superromance

He’s not giving up his family without a fight

James Calhoun has never been able to resist Mara Tyler, or her knack for mischief. Her reputation as a reckless teenager drove Mara from their hometown. So Slippery Rock is the last place James ever expected to see her, and Mara’s timing couldn’t be worse. With the upcoming election for sheriff, she threatens the squeaky-clean image James needs to win. Because Mara has brought with her the result of their steamy affair: his two-year-old son, Zeke. After the initial shock, James is determined to have both his family and career. He just needs to convince Mara that her home is where it’s always been. With him.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

Other Books in the Series

Famous in a Small Town
(Slippery Rock #1)
Kristina Knight
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
May 1st 2017 by Harlequin Superromance

Lifestyles of the small-town famous

Forced to leave Nashville after a scandal, Savannah Walters has come home to Slippery Rock, Missouri, with a bruised ego and her singing career in jeopardy. As if that isn’t humiliating enough, on her way into town she’s rescued by her swoon-worthy childhood crush, Collin Tyler.

His hands are full running the family orchard and dealing with his delinquent teen sister, so Collin doesn’t need to get involved with someone as fiery and unpredictable as Savannah. But the intense attraction between them can’t be denied. And when disaster strikes, they’ll both be surprised by who’s still standing when the dust settles.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

And coming September 2017…

Breakup in a Small Town
(Slippery Rock #3)
Kristina Knight
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
September 1st 2017 by Harlequin Superromance

This isn’t the man she married…

Jenny Buchanan never considered what “for better or for worse” meant when she married Adam Buchanan at nineteen. Six years and two little boys later, “for worse” arrives in the form of a tornado that ravages Slippery Rock and injures Adam. Now he’s a stranger to his family…and love won’t be enough to bring him back.

Only when Jenny asks him to move out does Adam become the husband she needs…but Adam isn’t the only one who’s changed. As their attraction sparks back to life, Jenny and Adam must learn what it is to grow up—and grow together—before this small-town breakup lasts forever.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo

About the Author

Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police–no, she wasn’t a troublemaker, she was a journalist. Her career took her all over the United States, writing about everything from a serial killer’s capture to the National Finals Rodeo. Along the way, she found her very own Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots and an abiding love for romance novels. And just like the characters from her favorite books, she’s living her own happily ever after.

Kristina writes sassy contemporary romance novels; her books have appeared on Kindle Best Seller Lists. She loves hearing from readers, so drop her a line!

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│BookBub│Google+│Amazon

Other Harlequin Superromance Books by the Author

Tour Schedule

July 15th: Launch
July 16th:
Sylv.net
Beck Valley Books
Becky on Books
July 17th:
Hearts & Scribbles
underneath the covers
Thoughts of a Blonde
July 18th:
Mythical Books
Deal Sharing Aunt
Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford
July 19th:
It’s All About the Romance
Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader
July 20th:
Nicole’s Book Musings
Harlie’s Books
Always Reading
July 21st: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will receive a signed copy of Protecting the Quarterback and some fun swag
– US residents only
– Ends July 25th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * THE RANCHER’S UNEXPECTED FAMILY by Helen Lacey

July 16, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * THE RANCHER’S UNEXPECTED FAMILY by Helen Lacey

The Rancher's Unexpected Family by Helen Lacey
Series: The Cedar River Cowboys
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on August 1, 2017
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1 Cowgirl Cop + 1 Single Dad = Double the Desire!

Running a ranch for troubled kids, policing the town and raising a son—Ash McCune is in complete control of her hectic life. Till one sexy single dad arrives on her Cedar River ranch with his daughter. Cole Quartermaine is rich, successful, a good father. But in weeks, he's leaving. So why does he make her feel something she hasn't felt in years—like a woman?

Cole needs this ranch to connect with his newfound daughter. What he doesn't need is a jaw-dropping attraction to the cowgirl cop who runs it. Nor hero worship from her son. He's got three weeks to resist her and return to the city, a party of two…or stay and make a family of four.

A lesson in going with the flow and picking up the pieces when life drops surprises in your lap! Characters with a really fun connection with each other make this a great read. There’s laughter and tears, heartfelt emotions and bittersweet memories. Really enjoyed this return trip to Cedar River!

Cole Quartermaine didn’t expect to be here at this point in his life, yet here he is, a father to a newly discovered teenage daughter. He’s at his wits ends with how to deal with her, so he’s taken a friend’s advice and contacted Ash McCune. Not only is she a well-liked cop in Cedar River, South Dakota, but she’s also experienced in working with troubled teens on her ranch and getting through to them. Cole will do just about anything to be able to connect with his daughter and be the parent that she needs.

Neither of them are prepared for the massive attraction they both feel the moment they set eyes on each other. She’s a single mother and determined to never let herself be hurt by a man again, and he was already floundering with what he wanted to do with his life even before this surprise child came into his life. Will they be able to resist each other and concentrate only on the problem at hand, or will they muddy the water and try to figure out how to make a future together work?

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* Review * A RING FOR THE GREEK’S BABY by Melanie Milburne

July 16, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * A RING FOR THE GREEK’S BABY by Melanie Milburne

A Ring for the Greek's Baby by Melanie Milburne
Series: One Night With Consequences
Published by Harlequin Presents on August 1, 2017
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From no strings…

Notorious playboy Loukas Kyprianos cannot forget his wild night with sweet, innocent Emily Seymour. But when he arrives in London to offer a no-strings arrangement, Loukas uncovers a surprise consequence of their passion—Emily is expecting!

To wearing his ring!

Despite their exquisite encounter, Emily knows Loukas can't give her the fairy tale she dreams of—so when he insists they wed, she agrees for their child's sake alone. But their engagement fuels their hunger, and when the irresistible Greek's protection turns to seduction it's only a matter of time before Emily succumbs to his touch!

A short and sweet story about finding love when you least expect it! The characters are enjoyable, and the story line is good.

Loukous Kyprianos isn’t used to not being able to forget a woman, but ever since his time with Emily Seymour, he can’t get her off of his mind. When he has business to attend to close to where she lives, he calls to invite her to dinner … and hopefully more! He’s in for a huge shock instead, because Emily just found out that she’s pregnant! They both have scars from their childhood that make them doubt themselves as parents, and as being able to commit to someone … but for this innocent baby about to come into the world, they are willing to try!

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* Review * WIVES OF WAR by Soraya M. Lane

July 13, 2017 2 Comments

Wives of War by Soraya M. Lane
Published by Lake Union Publishing on July 1, 2017
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London, 1944. Two young nurses meet at a train station with a common purpose: to join the war effort. Scarlet longs for the chance to find her missing fiancé, Thomas, and to prove to her family—and to herself—that she’s stronger than everybody thinks. Nursing is in Ellie’s blood, but her humble background is vastly different from Scarlet’s privileged upbringing. Though Ellie puts on a brave face, she’s just as nervous as Scarlet about what awaits them in France.

In Normandy, the two friends soon encounter the seemingly unflappable Lucy. Scarlet and Ellie are in awe of her courage and competence, but the experienced nurse is well aware of the dangers of the job they’ve chosen—and even she is terrified they won’t make it home alive.

Pushed to their limits by the brutality of a world at war, Scarlet, Ellie and Lucy will need to rely on each other—and the power of their friendship—to survive.

Great book! The characters draw you in and take you on the journey of life with them. Well developed characters, a multi-level plot and just a genuine good feeling of friendship.

When newly minted nurses Scarlet and Ellie meet on the beginning of their journey to be part of the war effort during World War II, they instantly latch on to each other and become fast friends. They are thrust into the deep end as soon as they step foot into the field and must depend on each other to keep up their spirits against the horrible things they experience. Once they make it to Normandy, they make a third friend Lucy and try their best to stay strong and save as many as they can. Along the way, they take on life, love and loss.

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* Review * SUMMER IN MANHATTAN by Katherine Garbera

July 13, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * SUMMER IN MANHATTAN by Katherine Garbera

Summer in Manhattan by Katherine Garbera
Published by HarperImpulse on July 14, 2017
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A summer to remember…

When Cici Johnson falls for the charms of American big shot Rich Maguire, their drunken one night stand results in an unexpected pregnancy. Rich wants nothing to do with the baby or Cici, but she's determined to give their child the love of two parents on her own.

Jason Hooper's spent his whole life wondering what family really means. In and out of the foster care system, he never gets too close to anyone; just in case they walk away. But then he meets Cici and he feels as if he's finally home.

For both of them, the summer they share in Manhattan couldn't be sweeter. If only he'll let his guard down, Hoop's own happy-ever-after might not be make-believe anymore…

Sweet & satisfying! Two scarred souls, sizzling attraction … yet life gets in their way over and over again. Can they manage to overcome their individual hang-ups in order to make a relationship work? They both really want to … but insecurity and fear is a compelling argument against forever!

Cici Johnson hasn’t exactly felt like she fit in with her surroundings for most of her life, but she’s finally happy in a business with her two best friends and is looking forward to a bright future. Unfortunately her impulsiveness has gotten herself into quite the fix! When a drunken one-night stand leaves her pregnant, she’s going to have to learn how to handle it all on her own because the father wants nothing to do with either of them.

Jason Hooper grew up in the foster care system, and even in adulthood, he finds himself expecting people to still turn him away. He tried keeping Cici at arms length even though there was a massive attraction between them when they met, and now when he’s having second thoughts, he finds out she’s pregnant with another man’s baby! He’s not sure this is something he can handle, and in all honesty, with the life he’s lived, he’s not sure he even wants to.

Filed Under: Book Reviews