Archives for August 2019

* Review * THE AUSSIE NEXT DOOR by Stefanie London

August 26, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE AUSSIE NEXT DOOR by Stefanie London

The Aussie Next Door by Stefanie London
Series: Patterson's Bluff #1
Published by Entangled: Amara on August 27, 2019
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American Angie Donovan has never wanted much. When you grow up getting bounced from foster home to foster home, you learn not to become attached to anything, anyone, or any place. But it only took her two days to fall in love with Australia. With her visa clock ticking, surely she can fall in love with an Australian—and get hitched—in two months. Especially if he’s as hot and funny as her next-door neighbor…

Jace Walters has never wanted much—except a bathroom he didn’t have to share. The last cookie all to himself. And solitude. But when you grow up in a family of seven, you can kiss those things goodbye. He’s finally living alone and working on his syndicated comic strip in privacy. Sure, his American neighbor is distractingly sexy and annoyingly nosy, but she’ll be gone in a few months...

Except now she’s determined to find her perfect match by checking out every eligible male in the town, and her choices are even more distracting. So why does it suddenly feel like he—and his obnoxious tight-knit family, and even these two wayward dogs—could be exactly what she needs?

THE AUSSIE NEXT DOOR kicks off the brand new Patterson’s Bluff series by Stefanie London with a delightful opposites attract twist between a comic strip creator and a tourist who enjoys brightening people’s lives.

Angie is a complex character. She has a past that she doesn’t advertise and all that she wants is to stay in this delightful location that feels like home for maybe the first time ever … but she’s having visa problems. She sets out to fall in love and step into that happily ever after that every girl dreams of (in two months time of course!) … if only the quirky neighbor wasn’t catching her eye time and time again.

Jace is a heartwarming character. He’s unique and had this reader wrapped around his finger very quickly. I enjoyed watching him learn to let his guard down a little as Angie and her spunkiness became a part of his life.

I highly recommend you take a trip to Patterson’s Bluff if you enjoy a small town vibe with a side of sass, an adorable cast and a boatload of heart! Looking forward to more to come in the series.

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* Review * THE GREEK’S VIRGIN TEMPTATION by Susan Stephens

August 26, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Greek's Virgin Temptation by Susan Stephens
Published by Harlequin Presents on September 1, 2019
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A passionate kiss from an enticing stranger…

…ignites a craving she can’t deny!

Abandoned in paradise, jilted bride Kimmie Lancaster is adamant that she’ll still enjoy her honeymoon. But she doesn’t realize she is trespassing on billionaire Kristof Kaimos’s beach! His magnetic charisma encourages her to confide in him…and ignites a hunger that untouched Kimmie has never experienced. Soon she’s tempted to share her unspent wedding night with this irresistible Greek!

THE GREEK’S VIRGIN TEMPTATION is the newest Harlequin Presents out by Susan Stephens. It’s a twist on a second chance on love story and revolves around an exotic Greek island.

Kimmie drew our sympathy quickly from the situation she found herself in, and her naivety in situations was sort of sweet.

Kristof was an attention grabbing character as he walked onto the scene as if he owned it … but of course he did! … and captivated the reader. The time frame of the story line was fairly short, yet the dialogue drug a bit.

Overall the read was satisfying and I recommend it if you enjoy a good virgin heroine story where she’s whisked away by the rich mogul.

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* Review * TOP TROUBLE by Tara Sue Me

August 26, 2019 Leave a Comment

Top Trouble by Tara Sue Me
Series: Submissive Series
Published by After Six Publishing on August 20, 2019
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Some say they've been arguing for years.
Others say it's just a really long foreplay session.

When Kelly moves from Wilmington, Delaware to Dallas, Texas, Evan regrets all the time they spent arguing and knows he made a mistake in letting her go. A wedding allows them the opportunity to reconnect and they spend a passionate night together. Yet when morning comes Kelly seems further away than ever.

Kelly has her reasons for treating Evan the way she did, not to mention a secret or two she’s never shared with anyone. If she hurt Evan, she’s sorry but she had no other choice. Besides, they’re both Tops, and they’d never be right together.

An unexpected situation forces them back together, and for a couple who’s done little else than bicker, the danger they find themselves in might be what they need to finally admit how they feel for each other.

Or it might be what pulls them apart forever.

TOP TROUBLE is the next book in Tara Sue Me’s beloved Sumissive Series, and centers around two dominant personalities who finally succumb to their temptations in this enemies to lovers story.

I always love a return visit to this series because we always get a great update on all of the previous couples we loved and this was no exception. It’s like visiting old friends to reach for this book.

Kelly was particularly interesting from the start because even though she’s dominant and outspoken in public, she has secrets she doesn’t let be known by just everybody. Letting the walls down to let Evan in was difficult for her … but the reward eventually made it worth it!

Evan is a fun character. He brings sass and humor to the table, but flirts with a sternness at times that really brings him to life. Really enjoyed watching them let their guard down and live a little.

I highly recommend this story to anyone wanting a fun-filled, light-hearted delve into the BDSM world with a cast of characters that are tight-knit and always like family. The characters are well developed and the passion is always steamy. Always a pleasure, and I always leave looking forward to that next book!

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* Review * WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT by Helen Lacey

August 24, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT by Helen Lacey

When You Least Expect It by Helen Lacey
Series: The Culhanes of Cedar River #1
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on September 1, 2019
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She was having his baby.

But why wouldn’t she be his wife?

After several failed pregnancies, Tess Fuller’s dreams of motherhood hadn’t worked out—until one memorable night with her ex-husband resulted in pregnancy! Take-charge rancher Mitch Culhane had never stopped loving Tess. Now he has the perfect solution: marriage, take two. But Tess isn’t so sure their love story can have a happily-ever-after…unless Mitch can prove he’s changed…

WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT is the first book in the brand new The Culhanes of Cedar River series by Helen Lacey and revolves around a rancher and his teacher ex-wife for a reunion story and a surprise baby all rolled into one!

Mitch is introduced as a solid guy who was left to raise his five younger siblings after his mom died and his dad fell apart years ago. He was quick to wrap himself around this reader’s heart, and I steadfastly supported him throughout the book.

Tess was hard to like at first because she was coming in with a major chip on her shoulder and causing discord with Mitch. It turns out a chance encounter that led to a night together several months ago led to a baby. Several failed pregnancies earlier led to their marriage falling apart, but can this one be the one that puts them back together again?

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good reunited love story with a heavy supporting cast of family. I’m looking to seeing more of this town and this family!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SHEIKH’S ROYAL BABY REVELATION by Annie West

August 24, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SHEIKH’S ROYAL BABY REVELATION by Annie West

Sheikh's Royal Baby Revelation by Annie West
Series: Secret Heirs of Billionaires #5
Published by Harlequin Presents on September 1, 2019
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Desert captives for one night

Bound forever by their unexpected baby

When desert prince Ashraf was kidnapped alongside geologist Tori, the desperation of their life-threatening situation led to passionate oblivion. Rescued the next day, Ash never knew Tori’s fate…but this powerful sheikh never stopped looking for her. Now he’s finally found Tori—and discovered she’s had his son! To claim them, Ashraf’s prepared to make Tori his queen…but can he offer more than his royal name?

Sheikh’s Royal Baby Revelation is the first book in Anne West’s latest Harlequin Presents series, Royal Brides for Desert Brothers and revolves around a desert prince and a geologist who are taken captive by the same people and find comfort in each other’s arms.

Ashraf and Tori were separated and neither of them knew who the other one really was, or if they had escaped their captors or not. As a reader, I was quickly drawn into the story because of the potential danger they were facing. We didn’t get to see a lot of their subsequent movement, but a few months down the road we meet them again as they reconnect and discuss their unexpected son.

I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a surprise baby story as well as a royal desert romance. Ms. West always portrays the settings of her books so beautifully in a reader’s mind and makes us feel like we were transported there with her characters. Looking forward to Karim’s story coming soon!

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* Review * FULL FORCE by Elle James

August 24, 2019 Leave a Comment

Full Force by Elle James
Series: Declan’s Defenders #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on September 1, 2019
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She saw something she shouldn’t have…
Now they want her dead.

Ever since she left the foreign embassy where she was working, translator Emily Chastain has been targeted by someone who wants to silence her permanently. Fearing for her life, Emily contacts Declan’s Defenders and is placed under former marine Mustang Ford’s protection. If only she could figure out why someone is trying to kill her—and how to contain her unlikely attraction to Mustang…

Full Force is book three in the Declan’s Defenders Harlequin Intrigue series by Elle James. The story centers around a translator and the former Marine turned Declan’s Defenders teammate who is sent to protect her in a bit of an opposites attract story.

Emily quickly became an intriguing character because the job she was leaving at the embassy seemed to be the catalyst to the danger she suddenly found herself in. Luckily she was friends with Grace who soon had her covered by the guys.

Frank (AKA Mustang) is a loyal guy who is all in to settling into this new venture he and the guys are branching out into. He jumps at the chance to help a friend of a friend and quickly has Emily’s back.

I recommend this book and this entire series to anyone who enjoys lots of intrigue with blasts of romance, and overall a top-notch group of characters who are as close as close can be and out to aid in making life right. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

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* Review * SHADOW by Janie Crouch

August 24, 2019 Leave a Comment

Shadow by Janie Crouch
Series: Linear Tactical #6
on August 16, 2019
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Dragging an innocent into his war was never a part of the plan.

Heath Kavanaugh lost years of his life working for a covert agency that ended up being the enemy. Knowing they put something inside his head--constant, incomprehensible whispers--is driving him crazy.

He needs answers, but they're nowhere to be found.

What he definitely doesn't need is to fall hard for his Linear teammate's younger sister, Jacquelyn--the adorable linguistics doctoral student who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Especially when Heath's attention puts her directly in the path of a danger he thought was gone for good. To stop it, they'll have to figure out what's in his head. And hope it doesn't destroy them all.

Shadow is book six in Janie Crouch’s exciting Linear Tactical series. Center of this story is Heath, an operative we have met in past books and the little sister of one of his best friends and teammates.

Heath is a very interesting character. We go in knowing he’s got issues in his head from programming that happened amidst a top-secret mission years ago, but we’re unclear on how much danger is still flying around until he’s knee deep into this mission.

Lyn sure doesn’t need another overprotective man in her life, but watching the attraction burn between the two of them when they are clueless as to who the other one is was a lot of fun.

I enjoyed Heath and Lyn’s story and recommend it to anyone looking for an action packed punch of intrigue with a strong group of background characters that play a large part in the story line. The entire series has been great, so you can’t go wrong with any of the six books already out.

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* Review * BLADE by Erin Trejo

August 24, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Blade by Erin Trejo
Series: Soulless Bastards MC Daytona Chapter #1
on September 6, 2019
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I wasn't happy in life. My role as President didn't give me the satisfaction I was seeking anymore. I wanted to move on but I didn't know how. Until she was dumped on my job. She was feisty and a challenge. One I liked to accept. Yet her secrets were hers. Until they were mine. Now I'm struggling to find the balance I need the most in my life.

Blade is the first book in Erin Trejo’s Daytona Chapter spin-off of her Soulless Bastards MC series, and it centers around the President of the club and the wayward soul that shows up on a job site injured and needing help.

Blade was quick to grab my attention because he was willing with no questions asked to take this woman in and simply let her heal and be safe for a change. He didn’t demand answers, he didn’t demand thanks, he simply supported her.

Lola started out being less than empowering, but quickly came into her own once she realized she could have a different life now.

Overall a satisfying read filled with passion, angst and lots of emotion. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast paced MC romance, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

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* Review * THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE by Katherine Center

August 24, 2019 Leave a Comment

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
Published by St. Martin's Press on August 13, 2019
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Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she's seen her fair share of them, and she's a total pro at other people's tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston, Cassie suddenly has an emergency of her own.

The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie's old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren't exactly thrilled to have a "lady" on the crew—even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the infatuation-inspiring rookie, who doesn't seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can't think about that. Because love is girly, and it’s not her thing. And don’t forget the advice her old captain gave her: Never date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping...and it means risking it all—the only job she’s ever loved, and the hero she’s worked like hell to become.

Things You Save in a Fire is an emotion filled forbidden love/family saga type of story about a female firefighter, the struggles she goes through both professionally and personally, and the rookie she bends the rules to fall for.

Cassie is a self-assured strong character who knows what she wants in life and goes for it. She had a couple of things in her life that inspired her to push past the negativity and become a powerhouse, and throughout this book she will confront both of those issues and reflect back on her life while forging through the new situation she finds herself in.

Owen becomes Cassie’s only ally in her new firehouse, and shows her the powerful support a man can bring to her life if she lets her walls down enough to let him in. He’s definitely a joy of a character.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a strong female heroine with an emotional story line with a bit of suspense, a bit of romance and a whole lot of heart. The plot was very interesting, and the way we are given bits of her life here and there keeps you reading to find out more. It was a bit slow moving in places, but overall a really solid story.

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* Blog Tour/Review/Giveaway * A FAMILY FOR JASON by Virginia McCullough

August 23, 2019 1 Comment

A Family for Jason by Virginia McCullough
Series: Back to Bluestone River #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on August 1, 2019
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She’s not home for keeps

Unless he proves first love is forever

Bluestone River is a minefield of memories for Mike Abbot—all involving Ruby Driscoll. Twenty years after scandal divided them, they’re both back in their hometown. Ruby’s visit is strictly temporary. But as she uses her trauma expertise to help his vulnerable son, Mike faces what his heart has always known. Ruby’s still his one and only. This time, can he convince her to stay?

A Family for Jason is the first book in Virginia McCullough’s brand new Back to Bluestone River series and centers around reunited first loves, a lawyer and a crisis specialist as they each return to their hometown twenty years after the tragedy that tore them apart.

The characters were intriguing from the start, but slow to develop as secrets from the past were held a bit up in the air for a good chunk of the book. Ruby was a bit hard to like because it seemed she wanted to bury her head in the sand and not confront the past. Mike earned my affection first because of the adorable little boy by his side and because of his desire to reconnect and work through the past. Slow in parts, but rewarding in the end.

I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a sweet romance filled with the back drop of a small town. It was deep, emotional and satisfying!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Family for Jason
(Back to Bluestone River #1)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’s not home for keeps

Unless he proves first love is forever

Bluestone River is a minefield of memories for Mike Abbot—all involving Ruby Driscoll. Twenty years after scandal divided them, they’re both back in their hometown. Ruby’s visit is strictly temporary. But as she uses her trauma expertise to help his vulnerable son, Mike faces what his heart has always known. Ruby’s still his one and only. This time, can he convince her to stay?

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About the Author

Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia McCullough has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.

Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a $25 Etsy eGift Card
– Open internationally for those who are eligible
– Ends August 28, 2019

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