Archives for March 20, 2018

* Review * VIERI’S CONVENIENT VOWS by Andie Brock

March 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * VIERI’S CONVENIENT VOWS by Andie Brock

Vieri's Convenient Vows by Andie Brock
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 1, 2018
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A deal sends them to the altar…

But desire leads them to the bedroom!

Harper has no choice but to honor her runaway sister’s agreement—even though becoming the fake fiancée to formidable tycoon Vieri Romano sets her heart racing! After she’s stolen away to his Sicilian castle, Harper is at the mercy of their mutual longing. But when consummating their vows has consequences, she must decide: Dare she trust Vieri with more than her body?

Switching places is more than she bargained for! A delightful story of twin sisters where one finds herself always cleaning up after her wayward twin, and this time just might be the catalyst to make her put her foot down! The story was fast paced and the characters were easy to be drawn in by. There were a few spots where the plot could have been developed a tad more, but overall it was an enjoyable read!

Harper McDonald would do just about anything for her twin sister, but finding herself stuck living up to a bargain in her place with a ruthless international tycoon seems to be going too far! She’s willing to play the part, but when the stakes are raised, will she be able to live up to his expectations?

Vieri Romano might agree to let Harper fill in for her sister in the pretend fiancee deal that they had made on his trip to Sicily, but it doesn’t take him long to figure out that they are nothing alike. It’s clear he has gotten the better end of the bargain when he begins to see what a genuine soul she truly is, but when consequences come out of their time spent together, will he mistake her intentions or be patient enough to see her goodness through it all?

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* Review * SOLDIER, HANDYMAN, FAMILY MAN by Lynne Marshall

March 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SOLDIER, HANDYMAN, FAMILY MAN by Lynne Marshall

Soldier, Handyman, Family Man by Lynne Marshall
Series: American Heroes, Delaney's of Sandpiper Beach #2
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on April 1, 2018
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He’s all kinds of man. But is he a family man?

It’s good to be home! But civilian life isn’t easy for Mark Delaney. The former surf champ copes by carving California waves and working solo as the handyman for his family’s beachfront hotel. Until Laurel Prescott, pretty owner of the new B and B—and widowed mother of three—asks for his help. One small task leads to another and another, and suddenly Mark is knee-deep in kids, responsibility…and a love he never dreamed possible.

A picture perfect rendition of life’s second chances! With the second book in her Delaney’s of Sandpiper Beach series, Lynne Marshall spins the tale of how two people who have both suffered heartache can pick up the pieces and move forward with life while healing together. Both of their stories are touching and how they play out together keeps us entrenched in drama, feel good family moments and hopes of a happily ever after! A heartwarmingly good story!

Mark Delaney’s reintroduction to life as a civilian after so many years in the Army isn’t easy. He likes to spend a good bit of time by himself as he adjusts and makes sure his former surf champion lifestyle is kept alive and well as he spends the afternoons relaxing on the waves. When a new neighbor catches his eye, he might soon find himself busy with more than he ever expected!

Laurel Prescott’s move to Sandpiper Beach was meant to be a healing step for her and her three kids. It’s a big undertaking, but remodeling a glorious old Victorian house into her very own bed and breakfast seems to be a perfect solution for her little family. When she meets Mark at just the right time to get his help on a few projects, it seems it was meant to be … but the more time he spends with her and the kids, the more of a connection they all forge together. Can this really be her second chance at a happy ending?

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* Blog Tour / Review * A DANGEROUS GAME by Heather Graham

March 20, 2018 2 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * A DANGEROUS GAME by Heather Graham

A Dangerous Game by Heather Graham
Series: New York Confidential #3
Published by MIRA on March 13, 2018
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TROUBLE ALWAYS FINDS HER…

Wrapping up a normal day at the office, criminal psychologist Kieran Finnegan is accosted by a desperate woman who shoves an infant into her arms and then flees, only to be murdered minutes later on a busy Manhattan street.

Who was the woman? Where did the baby come from? Kieran can’t stop thinking about the child and the victim, so her boyfriend, Craig Frasier, does what any good special agent boyfriend would do—he gets the FBI involved. And asks Kieran to keep out of it.

But the Finnegans have a knack for getting into trouble, and Kieran won’t sit idle when a lead surfaces through her family’s pub. Investigating on her own, she uncovers a dangerous group that plays fast and loose with human lives and will stop at nothing to keep their secrets—and they plan to silence Kieran before she can expose their deadly enterprise.

Delectably enticing! From the first page, we are thrust into the middle of a complex crime and taken for a ride throughout New York, various crime scenes, various law enforcement agencies and multiple possible scenarios! The basis of the plot is good, but there are so many secondary characters brought into the mix that it dilutes the plot a lot. The main couple are intriguing, but spend the majority of the story chasing leads without showing their connection a great deal. Perhaps it was shown stronger earlier in the series, as this is the third book surrounding this family, but only the first that I’m reading. For me, it had promise, but was missing some substance. An okay read.

To say that she’s a magnet for trouble might be putting it mildly as Kieran Finnegan finds herself once again thrust smack dab in the middle of a crime! She truly was just minding her own business wrapping up a normal day of business as a criminal psychologist when a woman approaches her by name and thrusts a baby into her arms. Attempting to catch up with her as she flees down the street, Keiran is shocked to see that she has been murdered practically in front of her!

With a heartfelt connection to this innocent baby, she sets out to try to find out what in the world is going on in this city and brings in her boyfriend, FBI Special Agent Craig Frasier to help her out. He agrees something is fishy and goes about investigating … but attempting to keep Kieran safely on the sidelines doesn’t work out that well.

About A Dangerous Game

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: MIRA (March 13, 2018)

TROUBLE ALWAYS FINDS HER…

Wrapping up a normal day at the office, criminal psychologist Kieran Finnegan is accosted by a desperate woman who shoves an infant into her arms and then flees, only to be murdered minutes later on a busy Manhattan street.

Who was the woman? Where did the baby come from? Kieran can’t stop thinking about the child and the victim, so her boyfriend, Craig Frasier, does what any good special agent boyfriend would do—he gets the FBI involved. And asks Kieran to keep out of it.

But the Finnegans have a knack for getting into trouble, and Kieran won’t sit idle when a lead surfaces through her family’s pub. Investigating on her own, she uncovers a dangerous group that plays fast and loose with human lives and will stop at nothing to keep their secrets—and they plan to silence Kieran before she can expose their deadly enterprise.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Previous Books in the Series:

About Heather Graham

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Heather Graham has written more than a hundred novels. She’s a winner of the RWA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Thriller Writers’ Silver Bullet. She is an active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. For more information on Heather and her work, check out her websites:

TheOriginalHeatherGraham.com, eHeatherGraham.com, and HeatherGraham.tv. You can also find Heather on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * PROTECTED by Elisabeth Naughton

March 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PROTECTED by Elisabeth Naughton

Protected by Elisabeth Naughton
Series: Deadly Secrets #3
Published by Montlake Romance on March 20, 2018
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Up-and-coming designer Kelsey McClane is on the cusp of success. Recently divorced, she should be enjoying her newfound freedom and glamorous future. Instead, she’s living in fear of the past. When she returns home to Portland on a press tour, danger creeps closer than ever. As threatening messages from her bitter ex-husband leave her vulnerable, a new man in her life makes her feel protected.

Former Army Ranger turned security professional Hunter O’Donnell is hired to guard Kelsey. When a shattering explosion rocks her world, Kelsey’s ex is the prime suspect, but Hunter speculates there’s more to the situation than Kelsey’s letting on. Intent on keeping her safe, he delves into Kelsey’s past. As the two work together to unmask her stalker’s identity, a fire ignites between them that they both struggle to contain.

While the investigation proceeds, it draws them closer not only to each other but also to a lethal plot that’s been in the works behind their backs. And with each new secret unveiled, it’s not just temptation putting them at risk—it’s a madman who will not stop until Kelsey is dead.

Explosively intense! When danger rears it’s ugly head, Kelsey finds herself being protected by an old friend and the sparks that fly between them have nothing to do with the danger chasing them at every turn! The story line is intense with a lot of mystery and a good bit of sexual tension as these two try to fight their attraction to each other. I wasn’t drawn in quite as completely as I was with the earlier books in the series, but still found it to be a fairly provocative tale with enough mystery to keep my guessing until the end. A satisfying read with lots of heat!

Up and coming fashion designer Kelsey McClane is newly divorced and should be basking in her new found freedom and success, but instead, she’s having to deal with a psychotic ex-husband who just might be stepping his nonsense up to a whole new level! Her brother’s have an old friend watching over her just in case, but no matter how cautious they all are, nothing can stop the danger that rains down on them!

Former Army Ranger turned security expert Hunter O’Donnell considers the McClane’s family, so of course he’ll be there to watch over Kelsey … but he isn’t going to share his burning attraction for her with her brother/his best friend anytime soon! When danger keeps popping up around every corner, they have to figure out a way to find out who’s behind it all … and why. Uncovering some mighty big secrets will lead them to more info than they ever expected!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BLACKMAILED INTO THE MARRIAGE BED by Melanie Milburne

March 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BLACKMAILED INTO THE MARRIAGE BED by Melanie Milburne

Blackmailed into the Marriage Bed by Melanie Milburne
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 1, 2018
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Vinn Gagliardi has everything he desires…

Except for his wife!

Vinn wants his estranged wife, Ailsa, back on his arm. And given that she ran out of their marriage, he’s not above blackmailing her into agreeing to his plan—a temporary reunion that will end on his terms! But passionate Ailsa meets his fire with fire. Now the challenge is on for Vinn to entice her into succumbing to his scorching seduction!

A feisty reunion, a disturbing back story, and hope for a happy ending kept me riveted! I really enjoyed this story. They both had bits of their past that shaped them into what they are and what they believe they are worth at this point in their life, and they haven’t been overly forthcoming in sharing those histories with each other. The characters believed they were flawed, but in actuality are rather sweet and caring with each other.

Vinn Gagliardi might have let his wife walk away from their marriage two years ago now, but he’s not going to actually make getting a divorce too easy on her! He needs her back at his side and in his bed for a time, and he’s not above using blackmail to get her to bend to his will!

Ailsa has secrets that she has shared with no one that cause her to believe that she’s not worth a lot in life. She loved Vinn, but she couldn’t accept the life that they shared. Now he’s holding her brother over her head in order to get what he wants from her … but she’ll give as good as she gets in this battle of wills with him!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * TEMPTING LITTLE TEASE by Kendall Ryan

March 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TEMPTING LITTLE TEASE by Kendall Ryan

Tempting Little Tease by Kendall Ryan
Series: Forbidden Desires #4
on March 20, 2018
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She's the tutor I hired to teach me Italian.

She's way too young for me, but she's also gorgeous, bright and filled with a curiosity about life that I find incredibly refreshing.

It's fucking adorable.

I’m old enough to know better, but this pretty young thing tempts me beyond belief. And for the first time in my life, I can see myself falling.

***
Is this what it's like to be pursued by an older man? The complete confidence, the lack of expectations, the sincerity?

My God, it's exhilarating.

Quinn Kingsley is totally unexpected. I'm moving to Italy in three weeks to teach English, and while I never expected something so real to develop between us so quickly, our chemistry is undeniable.

There's something so sexy about this back and forth he and I share. Flirting with this man is like playing with fire, and I'm bound to get burned.

Io sono attratto da te. I'm attracted to you, he tells me.

But is our attraction enough to get us through the complications of a massive age gap and an international love affair?

Only one way to find out…

Forbidden temptation! We’ve been enjoying him from afar for awhile now, and finally we get to get Quinn’s story! The beginning of this Forbidden Desires series was super intense, a little seedy and secretive. With the last couple of brother’s stories, it’s mellowed out some and while they are still super alpha and sexy, they are more laid back and the story stays calmer. I have enjoyed the entire series! The characters of this one are really easy to like and the story flows quickly. There isn’t a lot of strife, but the love story is sweet and sexy. I really enjoyed it!

The bad boys of Forbidden Desires return with Quinn Kingsley’s story. He knows she’s way too young for the likes of him, but he simply cannot resist his sweet little Italian tutor. He has to make her his!

Alessandra is planning the move of a lifetime, but she never expected to meet a man like Quinn just beforehand. He’s successful, he’s sexy as all get out, and he really, really wants to be with HER! What’s a girl to do??

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A MOMMY FOR HIS DAUGHTER by Amy Ruttan

March 20, 2018 2 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A MOMMY FOR HIS DAUGHTER by Amy Ruttan

A Mommy for His Daughter by Amy Ruttan
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on April 1, 2018
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She’s never had a chance at a family…

But could happiness be found where she least expected?

Dr. Evelyn Saunders left her orphan past behind, along with the cold Alaskan climes of Wolf’s Harbor. But an unexpected posting back home brings her up close and personal with single dad GP Derek Taylor. Neither are looking for love, but could this doting dad and his little girl bring Evelyn the happy family she’s longed for?

Dazzling writing! Amy Ruttan always has a way with words that melts a story into our heart with ease, but she’s outdone herself with A MOMMY FOR HIS DAUGHTER! Evelyn makes a surprise journey home plagued by bittersweet memories along the way. When she meets Derek and his precious little girl, she can’t help but be taken by them. Each have their own past that haunts them and keeps them holding themselves back from life … but in this powerful story, we get to watch them overcome it all!

When Dr. Evelyn Saunders agrees to take a temporary posting to fill in for a friend, she has no idea it’s taking her back to the hometown she was torn away from all those years ago. Orphaned young, she left Wolfs Harbor, Alaska to live on the mainland, but the second she’s back, memories of home overcome her. She needs to get in and get out and not fall victim to remembering the good times that can never be again!

Dr. Derek Taylor isn’t thrilled to see yet another temporary Doc pass through his town, but a few days of working with Evelyn show him that she’s a little different than the norm. His little girl Monica is taken with her as well … and based on the life and loss they’ve lived in her short life, that’s not to be taken lightly!

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* Review * CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN by Pippa Roscoe

March 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN by Pippa Roscoe

Conquering His Virgin Queen by Pippa Roscoe
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 1, 2018
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Six months ago, their marriage ended…

He has twelve hours to claim her back!

Odir Farouk is about to become king—but to take his throne, he needs his errant wife by his side! Odir denied his hunger for Eloise, refusing to compromise power for passion. His rejection drove her away. Now Odir has until news of his succession breaks to win back his queen…and pleasure will be his most powerful weapon!

A royal reunion! With her debut Harlequin Presents novel, Pippa Roscoe takes us deep into the heart of a potential royal disaster … and the drama does NOT disappoint! Her characters have a richness to them that even though they are attempting to hold themselves aloof from their feelings, have the ability to show their tender side with each other, even when they may not want to. The plot is fast paced and attention grabbing from the start. I deem it a big success and look forward to watching her voice shine in future books!

Odir Farouk is hours away from being crowned King but needs his estranged wife by his side. Though their marriage was arranged, it had potential to become something special until he decided to guard his heart and treat her indifferently.

Eloise gave their marriage her best shot, but she couldn’t stand being shoved to the wayside and forgotten day after day after day. He couldn’t have made it more clear that he didn’t even want to spend time with her, much less share his life. When he needs her by his side for the good of his country, she’ll make a few demands of her own this time!

Filed Under: Book Reviews