Archives for September 16, 2018

* Review * TASTING FIRE by Kelsey Browning

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TASTING FIRE by Kelsey BrowningTasting Fire by Kelsey Browning
Series: Steele Ridge: The Kingstons #2
Published by Steele Ridge LLC on September 13, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Fire in one hand, ashes in the other...

Studious tutor Emmy McKay fell in love with Cash Kingston over a biology textbook, never expecting the high school football hero to give her a second thought. But his feelings for her burned just as hot. All too soon, Emmy’s choices destroyed their youthful relationship, reducing it to a pile of ash. Years later, she has landed her dream job as an ER doctor in her hometown. Now it’s time to win back her dream man.

As a firefighter and tactical medic, Cash Kingston is no stranger to white-knuckle situations. But when he learns his beautiful—and brilliant—ex-girlfriend has returned to Steele Ridge, he feels as if he’s standing on the roof of a blazing building. With no escape route in sight. Emmy is the only woman who’s ever had the power to build him up one minute and burn him down the next.

But when someone targets Emmy and they begin to suspect the danger stems from their past relationship, it’s impossible for Cash to stay detached. Will the struggle to untangle a web of half-truths bring them closer together, or will it tear them apart for good?

 

First love reunited! With the next books in the Steele Ridge: The Kingstons series, Kelsey Browning brings us Cash’s story! We all know and love Sheriff Maggie who’s been with us for the entire series, and Cash is her sexy firefighter brother. He had his heart broken by his first love and never quite recovered, and now here she comes barreling back into town. The characters had my attention quickly, the backstory was intriguing and the mystery and danger that soon pops into the story was a really great addition. Really enjoyed Cash and Emmy!

Emerson McKay met Cash Kingston as a tutoring assignment in high school, but a fast friendship and spark of first love was quick to follow their introduction. They were soon inseparable and everyone thought they were in it for the long haul … including Cash. Emmy’s ambition and career dreams led her to break his heart and go on to make a life for herself. Now she’s back .. and she wants the guy she left behind!

Cash loves his job as a firefighter and tactical medic, so when the promotion he’s been vying for is snatched up by returning Emmy, he’s spitting nails. First she dumps him and leaves him hanging his head in embarrassment, and now she takes the job that was supposed to be his? What more does this woman want from him?? When upset and danger seems to follow soon after she arrives in town, Cash sits up and takes notice.

four-half-stars

* Review * TAKING A SHOT by Taryn Leigh Taylor

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TAKING A SHOT by Taryn Leigh TaylorTaking A Shot by Taryn Leigh Taylor
Series: Montana Wolfpack
Published by Entangled: Brazen on September 10, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Hockey star Brett Sillinger's never been afraid of a little trouble. But when his personal life ends up in the tabloids, he knows his career is on thin ice. Luckily, a new team decides to take a chance on him. All he has to do is keep head in the game. But when temptation walks up wearing black knee-high boots, looking for one night of nameless, no-strings passion, well, what's a guy to do?

Chelsea London is looking to misbehave. What's being good ever gotten her, besides getting dumped and passed over for a big promotion at work? But her one delicious night of rebellion has unexpected consequences--her hot one-night stand is the latest addition to her father's hockey team. And suddenly, one night of bad-girldom isn't nearly enough.

But one false move, and Brett might spend this season in the penalty box...

 

Sexy steamy goodness! Not only does Taryn Leigh Taylor’s latest bring us a boatload of sexual chemistry, but tug after tug on our heartstrings as well! Really enjoyed following Brett and Chelsea towards their happily-ever-after! Great characters, well developed story line, and lots of life moments to be shared by all.

Hockey star Brett Sillinger had the misfortune of watching his private life implode in front of the press and found himself without a team. Luckily the Montana Wolfpack organization decides to take a chance on him, but he’s under strict orders to keep his private life in order … or else! He promises to be on the straight and narrow, but when sex on heels walks into the bar, all bets are off!

Chelsea London has lived her life following the rules and what does she have to show for it? Years wasted on a man who never deserved her, passed over for her dream job promotion, and she’s had enough! She’s going looking for slam-me-against-the-wall hot and steamy action for one night of debauchery! When it turns out her one night of fun is the latest addition to her dad’s hockey team, well, one night just might not be enough after all!

four-half-stars

* Review * ONE PERFECT KISS by Jaci Burton

* Review * ONE PERFECT KISS by Jaci BurtonOne Perfect Kiss by Jaci Burton
Series: Hope #8
Published by Berkley on September 4, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
three-half-stars

Josie Barnes has always craved a sense of home. She's found that in Hope, Oklahoma--she bought a house, has a new job as an English teacher at Hope High, she's made wonderful friends, and she's taking in stray animals that no one else wants. Now she's flirting with fellow teacher and hot high school football coach Zach Powers. But he's almost too good to be true, and Josie learned long ago not to trust in the too-good-to-be-true, because it has always let her down.

A former pro football player, Zach had to pull back when a career-ending knee injury forced him to rethink his future. Now he's happy calling plays as Coach. If he could just get Josie Barnes to stop benching his players for their poor grades, life would be perfect. Instead, she drives him crazy as the stern teacher at school and the sexy woman of his dreams outside of the classroom. He knows she's been hurt in the past, but he wants to be that guy she can trust.

The one thing Josie has never been able to count on is the people closest to her. But Zach intends to show her that what they have between them is a textbook case of love.

 

Sweet, subtle and satisfying! Seeing several of the past couples from previous books in this series is always a fun update. Josie and Zach had a lot of potential, but somehow they just fell flat. More depth to their relationship was needed to really grab my attention and make me become ingrained in their story. Still an entertaining read, just not awe inspiring.

Teacher Josie Barnes has finally found a slice of happiness in Hope, Oklahoma. She has a job she enjoys, a house of her own and a really great group of friends. She’s overcome many obstacles to get to where she is today and she’s finally satisfied. What’s she’s missing though, is the hottie she flirts with on occasion at friendly get togethers! If she could find a way to add him to her list of achievements, she’d be complete.

Former football player Zach Powers might have had his journey cut short with an injury, but he’s loving life as a teacher and football coach in Hope. A great group of friends and a homey town makes for a great setting. He can’t deny he has eyes on the pretty language arts teacher though … if only he could get her to stop benching his players for their grades in her class. She’s driving him crazy … in more ways than one!

 

three-half-stars