Archives for February 2020

* Review * THE PRINCE AND THE WEDDING PLANNER by Jennifer Faye

February 29, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE PRINCE AND THE WEDDING PLANNER by Jennifer Faye

The Prince and the Wedding Planner by Jennifer Faye
Series: The Bartolini Legacy #1
Published by Harlequin Romance on March 1, 2020
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When different worlds collide…

…sparks fly!

With her family name on the line, wedding planner Bianca Bartolini needs this royal wedding to go perfectly—she can’t afford distractions. Too bad the bride’s dashing brother has other plans! Duty-bound Crown Prince Leo has mere weeks to announce his own engagement, but none of the candidates measure up to Bianca. They’re the most unlikely match, but might that just make them perfect for one another?

A sweet connection! With the first book in her brand new The Bartolini Legacy series, Jennifer Faye takes us for a thrilling ride in THE PRINCE AND THE WEDDING PLANNER. He’s a Prince, she’s a commoner … but they can’t resist each other!

Bianca pulls our heartstrings with her family disconnect and hope that this job will be just the thing to put her wedding planning business on her family’s vineyard on the map. She never expects to be drawn to the prince who arranges her services for his sister.

Crown Prince Leopold is due to take a bride and assume the role of King any day now, but he can’t find a woman who measures up to Bianca no matter how much he searches. Could he dare break protocol and marry a non-royal?

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a dash of royal romance mixed in with a touch of family drama that is going to carry forward through the series. The characters were easy to connect with and I enjoyed getting to know them. Looking forward to more!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * FORTUNE’S TEXAS SURPRISE by Stella Bagwell

February 29, 2020 Leave a Comment

Fortune's Texas Surprise by Stella Bagwell
Series: The Fortunes of Texas: Rambling Rose #2
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on February 1, 2020
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The baby was unexpected. So was the cowboy.

This Fortune daughter is rich in the things that matter…

Veterinary assistant Stephanie Fortune has never been lucky in love—unless you count the furry kind. But now that she’s become a foster mom to a baby boy, she believes her heart is full. And then she meets Acton Donovan. The flirty cowboy charms everyone he meets, so why should Stephanie be any different? “Just friends” is all Stephanie dares to be. Acton, however, is intent on proving he can be the family man she truly needs…

Love when she least expects it! With the second book in The Fortunes of Texas: Rambling Rose series, Stella Bagwell picks up the story line right where we left off with Stephanie taking baby Linus in as a foster child in FORTUNE’S TEXAS SURPRISE. The story is fast paced, emotional and just what we were looking for.

Stephanie surprised everyone when she stepped up to take in an abandoned infant just when the town of Rambling Rose needed her. She’s learning the ropes as she goes, but this little boy has stolen her heart already.

Acton and his dog Seymour steal the show quickly as they bring a smile to the reader’s face with their antics. I enjoyed him and found him to be a great match for Stephanie.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt , emotional jaunt into the world of the Fortune’s. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.

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* Review * IN COLTON’S CUSTODY by Dana Nussio

February 29, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * IN COLTON’S CUSTODY by Dana Nussio

In Colton's Custody by Dana Nussio
Series: The Coltons of Mustang Valley #5
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on March 1, 2020
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A Colton must solve a DNA mystery…

…and save his family from ruin.

One phone call suddenly upends Asher Colton’s life. He discovers his baby daughter might have been switched with single mom Willow Merrill’s. Worse, the day care owner vehemently hates his family. But for the babies’ sake, they work to uncover the truth about the births as threats to the Colton family—and Willow’s business—mount. But can the truth set free a love-scarred rancher and his harshest enemy?

The mystery continues! With book five in The Colton’s of Mustang Valley series, Dana Nussio brings us Asher’s story with IN COLTON’S CUSTODY where we not only get more info into Ace’s birth mix-up but have to follow along as Asher’s baby girl is in question as well. The tension is high and drama is at it’s peak as we see what’s ahead for the Coltons!

Asher is a character who is quick to catch a reader’s eye because he is a hands on single father who works hard to keep up with his baby girl as well as his job as the ranch foreman of Rattlesnake Ridge Ranch.

Willow was a bit harder for me to like. She was headstrong in defending a stand her mother took years ago that ended in upset and still holds it against the Coltons. She warmed somewhat, but was a bit standoffish throughout.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys intrigue mixed with a bit of a family saga. I’m enjoying the series and looking forward to more to come.

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* Review * THE LOOK-ALIKE by Erica Spindler

February 29, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Look-Alike by Erica Spindler
Published by St. Martin's Press on January 28, 2020
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Sienna Scott grew up in the dark shadow of her mother’s paranoid delusions. Now, she's returned home to confront her past and the unsolved murder that altered the course of her life.

In her mother’s shuttered house, an old fear that has haunted Sienna for years rears its ugly head—that it was she who had been the killer’s target that night. And now, with it, a new fear—that the killer not only intended to remedy his past mistake—he’s already begun. But are these fears any different from the ones that torment her mother?

As the walls close in, the line between truth and lie, reality and delusion disintegrate. Has Sienna’s worst nightmare come true? Or will she unmask a killer and finally prove she may be her mother’s look-alike, but she’s not her clone?

Surprises around every corner! Erica Spindler drew me in from the very first page of THE LOOK-ALIKE when the depiction of a brutal crime scene started to unveil. With lots of surprises and twists, she kept me guessing and held my attention right up until the end.

Sienna’s plight of returning home a decade after stumbling upon a crime scene changed her life is well documented as we travel through the various characters she reconnects with and new ones who have an unknown connection to the past.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller that has a hint of romance and lots of characters who we’re not sure if they are involve in what’s going on or not. I enjoyed it!

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* Review * ROCK ME LONGER by Jenna Jacob

February 28, 2020 1 Comment

Rock Me Longer by Jenna Jacob
Series: Licks Of Leather #1
Published by Dream Words, LLC on November 19, 2019
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I might own the stage,
but no one owned my heart…
until I laid eyes on her.

Burk Jennings had everything a man could want—houses, cars, and an endless supply of willing women. As lead singer of the iconic rock band, Licks of Leather, fame and fortune had been more than generous. Still, he was restless, struggling with burnout, and pondering hanging up his microphone for some peace and privacy.

Sofia Jackson grew up poor and fast. After clawing her way out of the gutter, she worked diligently to earn a killer reputation in the music promotion industry, ensuring no one would ever have the power to drag her down again. Work was her life, which left her no room for frivolous fantasies, especially those about Burk.

But their forbidden fantasies can’t be contained, and their passion combusts, consuming Burk and Sofia. When secrets are spilled and trust is broken will betrayal destroy them both?

Love when they least expect it! With the first book in her Licks of Leather series, Jenna Jacob brings us Burk and Sofia’s story in ROCK ME LONGER. Fans of her Club Genesis series might recognize a cameo or two.

Burk is a likable character and is fairly down-to-earth even though he’s a wealthy super-star. He’s feeling burned out from the constant go, but having Sofia along on the tour bus has been brightening the view at least.

Sofia has worked long and hard to get as far as she has in her music promoter job and she can’t let anything derail her progress … but man she is tempted by Burk.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hint of forbidden love and a rock star lifestyle. The characters were a lot of fun to get to know and I’m looking forward to more in the series.

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* Review * RULE BREAKER by Joanne Rock

February 28, 2020 Leave a Comment

Rule Breaker by Joanne Rock
Series: Dynasties: Mesa Falls #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on February 1, 2020
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She’s strictly off-limits. That’s never stopped him before.
And he always gets what he wants…

Rebellious rancher Weston Rivera knows saving April Stephens during a blizzard at his luxury retreat is risky. But it’s not nearly as dangerous as the desire blazing between them. After all, Weston is a prime target of April’s current financial investigation at Mesa Falls—and he’s hiding secrets. Now their searing passion is melting the lines between business and pleasure…even as it threatens Weston’s entire world.

Family loyalties and passions collide in the Dynasties: Mesa Falls series:
The Rebel
The Rival
Rule Breaker
Heartbreaker

Secrets are unraveling! With RULE BREAKER, the next book in her Dynasties: Mesa Falls series, Joanne Rock delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Alonzo Salazar’s life and riches. This book centers around Mesa Falls part-owner Weston Rivera and the forensic expert sent by Devon Salazar to find out where his father’s money was spent.

Weston has been a mystery since the first book in the series. We’ve been able to read through him enough to know that he has secrets … we just didn’t know what they were and this book unravels some of them in a heated way.

April is on the ranch to uncover secrets, but she never expects to have such a heated attraction to the man she suspects of hiding things.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys powerful sexual chemistry with a lot of secrets and mystery to unravel. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

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* Review * THE BEST INTENTIONS by Michelle Major

February 28, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Best Intentions by Michelle Major
Series: Welcome to Starlight #1
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on March 1, 2020
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Is the new girl in town all she appears?

She needs a new start…

Not a new man.

Kaitlin Carmody is a woman with a past—one she’d like to forget. A string of bad choices led to a fresh start in the small town of Starlight, so when her boss shows signs of serious illness, she’s determined to help him the best she can. But Finn Samuelson, her boss’s handsome, headstrong son, is certain Kaitlin is taking advantage of his father and running his family’s bank into the ground. When attraction overcomes reason, Finn must decide if Kaitlin is really a threat to his family…or its salvation.

Small town romance at it’s best! Michelle Major has held our hearts with her Crimson, Colorado series for years, so readers will be delighted to see her weave her magic once again with the kick-off to her latest series Welcome to Starlight! In THE BEST INTENTIONS, we get the story of a woman who has turned over a new leaf since moving to Starlight a couple of years ago, and when her boss’s son threatens the life she now cherishes, she’s not going to take his attitude sitting down!

Kaitlin is delightful! She’s spent a lifetime making bad choices, but since moving to Starlight, she feels like she’s found her place. She loves her job, and the boss that took a chance on her will have her loyalty through anything.

It didn’t take long for Finn to redeem himself and make me like him. He’s shocked when he returns home to Starlight for the first time in a decade and sees the shape his family bank is in. His dad has always prided himself on his success, so what exactly is going on here?

I highly recommend this book to fans of small town romance with a kick of sass and a whole lot of heart. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

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* Review * BUCKED by Tara Sue Me

February 28, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Bucked by Tara Sue Me
Published by After Six Publishing on February 27, 2020
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As a child all Kiara Bowman wanted to do for a living was to become a nurse. For years after graduation, she considered herself one of the lucky few who truly loved their job. But now a powerful and vindictive ex-lover is making it impossible for her to work in her chosen profession. After being let go from her current job, she decides to head out of town and drives to her twin sister’s house.

Both her sister and her sister’s boyfriend work for Orson Kent. Kiara did as well for a few weeks during the summer. Though she wouldn’t have minded if things got a little hot between them, Orson didn’t look her way twice.

Or so she thought.

Orson has spent his adulthood trying to erase his childhood. Owning and running his ranch as a family friendly destination goes a long way in meeting that goal, as do the private kink weekends. But a freak accident has grounded him for six weeks. For a man used to doing everything, asking for help doesn’t come easy. Especially when that help is Kiara Bowman.

Orson Kent did all he could to keep the lively and vivacious Kiara at arm’s length over the summer. He’s not sure he can do it again, especially with her living under his roof. He’s not even sure he wants to. Besides, he’s not about to turn her down, not when what he’d really like to do is turn her over his knee or his bed or the dining room table…

But just as Orson and Kiara decide to give in to their desires, it becomes clear someone’s past isn’t content to remain in the shadows. They know it’ll be worth the temporary trouble that comes with bringing everything into the light. What they aren’t ready for is when it turns deadly.

Steamy chemistry! With her latest release BUCKED, Tara Sue Me dips us slightly back into her Submissive series by bringing us Kelly’s twin sister Kiara and Orson’s story. We get to see Kelly and Evan a little bit, but none of the previous characters play a part in this story line.

Kelly is a likable character who is trying to pick up the pieces of the life she has left after dealing with a difficult ex. She finds herself back on Orson’s ranch before she knows it, and this time she’s not going to accept him keeping her at a distance.

Orson has been closed off about his past for years, but Kelly has a way of digging herself into his heart and soon knows exactly what it is that makes him tick.

I recommend this story to fans of the series. It’s almost like going home again to read about this family of friends, and though this book doesn’t have as much depth as earlier ones in the series, I enjoyed it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt * BETTER THAN SEXY by Carly Phillips

February 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt * BETTER THAN SEXY by Carly Phillips

Better than Sexy by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sexy Series #3
Published by CP Publishing on February 25, 2020
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Insta-love only happens in the movies.
Insta-lust? That she’d buy into.
Until she meets take-charge club owner Landon Bennett and falls head over heels at a glance.

When hot as sin Landon Bennet offers sexy songstress Vivienne Clark a summer residency at his popular Manhattan nightclub, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and she can’t resist. Add in the man’s obvious interest and seductive attention and life is perfect. Until she puts together the pieces of his past. Fate might have brought them together, but is the intimate relationship they’ve been building strong enough to overcome the the secret Vivi is hiding?

Heartfelt and emotional! With book three in her much anticipated Sexy Series, Carly Phillips brings us Landon’s story in BETTER THAN SEXY. With the backstory we’ve had since this story line started, this book had the potential to tear a reader’s heart to pieces and then slowly put it back together again … sadly it didn’t achieve that depth, but it was highly entertaining and satisfying.

Readers of the series know that Landon is very complex. He’s a down to earth guy, but he has never recovered from losing his twin as a teen. Love his friends and family as he may, a part of him is always missing.

Vivienne had my attention from the first page, and once we learned her story, she was a shocking addition to the cast. I liked her and was pulling for her throughout.

I recommend this book and highly recommend the series as a whole if you’re looking for a close-knit cast of friends who put aside their fears and hang-ups to settle into their happily ever afters when the one they want crosses their path. The characters are very likable and the back story is attention grabbing. Loved these guys!

Insta-love only happens in the movies.
Insta-lust? That she’d buy into.

Better Than Sexy, an all-new sizzling and swoony standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips is out now!

Insta-love only happens in the movies.
Insta-lust? That she’d buy into.

Until she meets take-charge club owner Landon Bennett and falls head over heels at a glance.

When hot as sin Landon Bennet offers sexy songstress Vivienne Clark a summer residency at his popular Manhattan nightclub, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and she can’t resist. Add in the man’s obvious interest and seductive attention and life is perfect. Until she puts together the pieces of his past. Fate might have brought them together, but is the intimate relationship they’ve been building strong enough to overcome one painful fact. She’s the sister of the man who killed his twin.

Download your copy today!

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Nook: http://bit.ly/2sYgzVM
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Excerpt:

“So this is the bedroom,” she said, looking around the immaculate space.

“Yes, it is. Feel free to put your own touches on it for as long as you’re here.”The decorator had pulled together an apartment for three single men.

She treated him to a generous smile. “Thank you.”

Knowing he’d be tempting himself and not caring, he stepped closer until her feminine fragrance filled his nostrils. They stared at each other for a long, charged moment, desire he couldn’t escape building inside him.

She met his gaze and her lips parted. It wasn’t an invitation, but her eyes still held his, and she wasn’t backing away either.

He slid his hand behind her neck, cupping her soft skin. “I know I’m your boss, so no pressure,” he said as he applied a bit to her skin. “But I want to kiss you.”

She paused. Looked up at him. Then rose onto her toes. His mouth met hers. Warm and willing, her soft lips glided against his and his entire body came alive. He tightened his grip on her neck as he slid his tongue into her waiting mouth. She tasted sweet and he deepened the kiss, wanting more of her. With a moan, her body leaned against his, her breasts pressing against his chest.

Their tongues meshed and mingled. Their harsh breathing filled the room. The kiss went on and he was in no rush to end the moment. But suddenly she gasped and pulled away.

“We shouldn’t,” she said, brushing her damp lips with her hand.

“Because…?”

She swallowed hard. “I just … I need to focus on my work,” she said, turning away so he couldn’t see her face.

He narrowed his gaze, wondering if something more was at play. A woman didn’t kiss him like she did, then back off that easily. But he also wasn’t going to push her. He’d see how things between them played out during her time here and take his cues from her. Which didn’t mean he wouldn’t play up the charm and test her resolve.

“I think the apartment will work out well.” She headed for the door.

“Do you need help moving in?”

“I’ve got it but thank you,” she said in a strained voice.

“Who’s helping?” he persisted.

“Well, Ellie. Owen wouldn’t get his hands dirty moving my clothing over. It’s fine. We’ve got it. She’s borrowing her parents’ car.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’ll be over at eight a.m. tomorrow and we’ll get you moved in.

”He wasn’t going to leave the two women to drag all her things alone back and forth up to the apartment.

“We’ll get me moved in?”

He grinned. “I’ve got partners, don’t I? All you need to worry about is packing your things up. We’ll handle the rest.”

“But–”

He placed a finger to her lips, and damned if her eyes didn’t darken with desire. She might be focused on her career, but she was interested in him as well.

Meet Carly Phillips

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

Connect with Carly

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2FIG6FH
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Stay up to date with Carly by joining her mailing list:
http://bit.ly/2FKDasp
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Join Carly’s Addicts: http://bit.ly/2CM78tY
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Website: www.carlyphillips.com
Blog: http://bit.ly/2HQaYXg

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * THE TWO-DATE RULE by Tawna Fenske

February 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TWO-DATE RULE by Tawna Fenske

The Two-Date Rule by Tawna Fenske
Series: Smokejumper #1
Published by Entangled: Amara on February 25, 2020
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Willa Frank has one simple rule: never go on a date with anyone more than twice. Now that her business is providing the stability she’s always needed, she can’t afford distractions. Her two-date rule will protect her just fine…until she meets smokejumper Grady Billman.

After one date—one amazing, unforgettable date—Grady isn’t ready to call it quits, despite his own no-attachments policy, and he’s found a sneaky way around both their rules.

Throwing gutter balls with pitchers of beer? Not a real date. Everyone knows bowling doesn’t count.

Watching a band play at a local show? They just happen to have the same great taste in music. Definitely not a date.

Hiking? Nope. How can exercise be considered a date?

With every "non-date" Grady suggests, his reasoning gets more ridiculous, and Willa must admit she’s having fun playing along. But when their time together costs Willa two critical clients, it's clear she needs to focus on the only thing that matters—her future. And really, he should do the same.

But what is she supposed to do with a future that looks gray without Grady in it?

Highly entertaining! With the first book in her Smokejumpers series, Tawna Fenske delights readers with a delightful cast of characters, a steamy connection and so many laugh out loud moments in THE TWO-DATE RULE. I was hooked from the start and delighted time and again as this couple weaved their way into each others hearts.

Willa is easy to understand. She is a major workaholic, but as the reader is introduced to her past, we easily understand her motivation. She needs to keep things simple so she keeps her eye on the prize of maintaining stability … but she never expected a guy like Grady.

Grady is delightful! He’s from a large family, he has deep roots in his smokejumping community and he’s just a joy to be around. He won this reader’s heart as soon as he showed up on the pages.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that while touching on serious hang-ups still brings a lighthearted, fresh style to the mix. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews