Archives for May 2020

* Review * RUTHLESS PRIDE by Naima Simone

May 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

Ruthless Pride by Naima Simone
Series: Dynasties: Seven Sins #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2020
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Some men are meant to sin…

Pride made him what he is.

But desire might change him forever…

Millionaire CEO Joshua Lowell earned his icy reserve and arrogant pride through painful experience. He refuses to allow gorgeous but determined reporter Sophie Armstrong to dredge up his family’s dark past—or circulate rumors of his secret child. But Joshua’s fierce pride is at war with his heated desire for Sophie, the only woman who could ruin him…or save him from himself.

Opposites attract with a heated punch! With the first book in the highly anticipated Dynasties: Seven Sins series, Naima Simone kicks it all off with an unlikely match in RUTHLESS PRIDE. The characters are appealing and the story was fast paced. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.

Joshua Lowell is dedicated. He’s determined to right the wrongs from the past and was willing to give up his dreams to do so. When a reporter starts nosing around, he’s determined to stop the ruckus from stirring up around his family again.

Sophie Armstrong comes across as fair and honest the minute she meets Josh. She wants to tell stories that mean something, not just sell sensationalism. She gets off on the wrong foot with him, but he slowly starts to understand that maybe there’s more to her than he expected.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a fast paced, dramatic romance. There’s a continuation happening in this series that should bring answers to some of the mysteries along the way. Looking forward to it!

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* Review * SCORING POSITION by Joanne Rock

May 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

Scoring Position by Joanne Rock
Series: Texas Playmakers #3
Published by Tule Publishing on May 7, 2020
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She’s playing the field…

Emma Garcia is ready to put down roots in Last Stand, Texas, and she’s ready for love – but only with someone settled and responsible. Professional wanderers like her ex-boyfriend, ballplayer Wes Ramsey, are exactly what she doesn’t need. Except when Wes walks into the local dance hall during her date with someone else, Emma can’t think about anyone but her sexy ex.

He's ready to score…

Wes is ready for the ride of his life now that his baseball career is taking off. He just needs to tie up loose ends at his family’s farm before spring training, a task he can’t focus on when the hometown rumor mill informs him that Emma is speed dating her way through the Last Stand locals in a bid to settle down. Wes knows he should leave well enough alone. But one hot look from his ex has him rethinking their split – and determined to show her what she’s missing!

They say you never forget your first love … and Wes Ramsey’s arrival back in Last Stand, TX proves that’s true! With the third book in her Texas Playmakers series, Joanne Rock brings us the final Ramsey brother’s story in SCORING POSITION. If you’ve read the previous two books, you’ll recognize lots of familiar faces and be able to pick up the ongoing story lines without a problem. I enjoyed their reunion!

Wes has the world at his fingertips now that his baseball career is heating up, and spending his last little bit of time back home in Last Stand becomes more and more attractive when he sees Emma almost as soon as he hits town.

Emma Garcia simply wants to have a home to put down roots in, but being attached to Wes meant seeing his dreams first hand and they don’t include staying put in Last Stand. She might love him, but she can’t give up herself just to be with him.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town atmosphere but is also a sports romance fan. Great characters, touching story lines and lots of feel good moments.

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* Review * THEIR MOUNTAIN REUNION by Patricia Johns

May 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

Their Mountain Reunion by Patricia Johns
Series: The Second Chance Club #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on May 1, 2020
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A new start…

With an old flame?

Fifteen years in an unhappy marriage showed Melanie Isaacs exactly what she didn’t want. Now she’s in Mountain Springs to figure out the rest of her life—even if it means facing her former sweetheart, Logan McTavish. The spark between Logan and Melanie is stronger than ever. But is it enough to heal two weary, damaged hearts…and show them the way to a new happiness?

Starting over … with a blast from the past?? With the first book in her The Second Chance Club series, Patricia Johns takes her reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions in THEIR MOUNTAIN REUNION. The characters are easy to like, they both have baggage that has brought them back to the place they shared as high school sweethearts and the drama is fast paced. I enjoyed their story!

Melanie earns her stamp on a reader’s heart from the very beginning. She’s looking to heal after ending her fifteen year marriage and setting out on her own without her ex and the step-kids she raised. Reconnecting with her first love might be more than she bargained for.

Logan is doing some soul-searching of his own and reconnecting with Melanie in the house where he spent some of his childhood brings back more memories than he was expecting. He’s not sure where life is taking him, but he’s enjoying having her along for the ride for this leg.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance filled with lots of family drama, past wounds that need to heal and the reconnecting of friends and more. Emotional and satisfying!

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* Review * ROCK ME HARDER by Jenna Jacob

May 5, 2020 Leave a Comment

Rock Me Harder by Jenna Jacob
Series: Licks of Leather #2
Published by Dream Words, LLC on January 21, 2020
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I dazzle the world when I play the guitar,

But I never let anyone dazzle my heart…

Until I spent one night with her.

Darren Ash is living the dream. As lead guitarist for iconic rock band Licks of Leather, he seemingly has it all. But secretly he’s struggling to forget the woman he shared a scorching encounter with over two years ago. Every time he closes his eyes, he sees her shattering in ecstasy, feels her soft body beneath him, and hears her screaming his name. Unable to purge his ache, he resolves to find and claim her. There’s just one problem… He doesn’t know her name.

Tori Combs can never forget foolishly tumbling into bed with bad-boy rocker Darren Ash. Every day, she sees his face. Every night, she’s haunted by memories of his addictive kiss and masterful touch. Thankfully, he’ll never find her; she made sure of that. If he did, he would destroy the new life she’s created…with the son he knows nothing about.

But Darren refuses to let her go. Soon, he’s at her door, demanding answers—and her heart. Though Tori tries to resist him, their undeniable passion explodes. But when he learns the shocking truth, can they recapture the chemistry they once shared. Or will her betrayal keep them apart forever?

A passionate heart! With the second book in her Licks of Leather rock star series, Jenna Jacob brings us Darren’s story. This was my favorite in the series so far … not only does it have a passionate love story, but it has a major case of feels as well.

Darren Ash is the lead guitarist for Licks of Leather and has been laying low mooning over a one night encounter for more than two years now. The guys in the band know nothing about the woman he met, but he can’t get her off his mind. When a P.I. he hired comes up with a lead, he’s got to see if it’s truly her!

Tori Combs hasn’t forgotten Darren either, but that would be almost impossible for her to do when a little boy who looks just like him is the center of her world. She never thought she’d see him again, but she can’t resist him when she does … but when he finds out what truly happened that night, will he be able to forgive her?

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series. This group of guys is close-knit and caring, so the drama surrounding them each finding their happily ever after is satisfying to read.

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* Review * DIRTY WORK by Regina Kyle

May 5, 2020 Leave a Comment

Dirty Work by Regina Kyle
Published by Harlequin Dare on May 1, 2020
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Millionaire nightclub owner Jake Lawson works hard, but executive concierge Ainsley Scott is showing him how to let loose…in the sexiest possible way!

I knew I was in trouble the moment millionaire Jake Lawson walked through the door of his swanky Tribeca loft. The definition of tall, dark and handsome, he’s hired me to take care of his parents’ Irish wolfhound. But one game of strip Scrabble later and we’re taking care of each other all night long…

Starting my concierge business was my way out of the rat race I ran as a lawyer until it cost me my fiancé. And Jake is a full-on workaholic, certain his high-end nightclub will fall apart if he loses focus for a second. We couldn’t be more different. But the chemistry between us is off the charts!

From drag-queen karaoke to movies at Hudson River Park, I’m showing Jake how to lighten up and enjoy everything New York City has to offer. But I can’t help wondering if blowing each other’s minds in bed is enough to make up for our different values. Can Jake step away from his smartphone long enough to give us a chance?

Sizzling chemistry! DIRTY WORK by Regina Kyle is so much fun to read! An adorable (or not!) meet-cute involving a dog has this couple under each other’s skin from the first moment they meet and it’s simply delightful.

Ainsley Scott is a breath of fresh air. She is simply doing a favor for a friend when she agrees to add a dog to her list of chores every day for a few months, but never once did she think said friend’s brother would sweep her off her feet and into a hot and heavy affair … but she’s gotta admit, she’s loving it!

Jake Lawson is sex on a stick the second we meet him. He’s a successful nightclub owner and knows just how tempting he is from the word go. Their passion begins as a slow burn but once it ignites, it’s game over.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced, sexy read with lots of heart and humor throughout. Really enjoyed it.

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* Review * CHASING SECRETS by Heather Woodhaven

May 5, 2020 Leave a Comment

Chasing Secrets by Heather Woodhaven
Series: True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn #2
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on May 1, 2020
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When a witness becomes a target…

Can this K-9 track down the killer?

After Karenna Pressley stumbles upon a ruthless drug dealer trying to drown her best friend, she’s on his hit list—and out of places to run. Her ex-boyfriend, K-9 officer Ray Morrow, is determined to keep her safe with his drug-detecting spaniel, Abby. But with danger stalking them, will their reunion be a chance for a fresh start or the end for them both?

Non-stop action! With the second book in the True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn series, Heather Woodhaven takes us for an exciting ride as danger comes for Ray’s ex-girlfriend! We’re familiar with him from the first book in the series and now we get to ride along as he and his K-9 partner Abby step in to keep the one he left behind safe.

Karenna Pressley turns up in the wrong place at the right time to save her best friend from an attempted murder, but now she’s in the madman’s sights and she needs protection!

Ray Morrow didn’t expect to see his ex-girlfriend as one of the victims when he walks onto a case, but he’s determined to make sure he personally keeps her safe when he does.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series so far to anyone who likes an action packed, high energy faith-based romance. I’m looking forward to what’s to come in the series.

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* Review * SCANDALOUS REUNION by Jules Bennett

May 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

Scandalous Reunion by Jules Bennett
Series: Lockwood Lightning #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2020
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Is his on-again lover

plotting his downfall?

“Did you think I’d kiss you

and then agree to your terms?”

Back in town after sixteen years, Tennessee attorney Maty Taylor has to persuade her ex-lover—billionaire bourbon maker Sam Hawkins—to sell his priceless distillery. The stakes are high, since Maty’s being blackmailed to persuade him. Sensing trouble, Sam refuses the offer, even as renewed desire surges between them. But will his hidden agenda cost him a second chance with Maty?

Temptation galore! Returning with book two in her Lockwood Lightning series, Jules Bennett brings SCANDALOUS REUNION to life with the introduction of Maty Taylor returning to Green Valley after leaving Sam Hawkins 16 years ago. This reunion of first loves is quick to catch the reader’s eye as the characters are captivating and the plot development is fast paced. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

If you read the first book in the series you will be familiar with bourbon maker Sam from his interaction with Nick to try to take Rusty Lockwood down. He’s easy to connect with and earned my loyalty from the start.

Maty however has to redeem herself a little bit. She left Sam heartbroken years ago to pursue her career and now she’s back in town with the sole reason of convincing him to sell his beloved dream company because she’s being blackmailed.

I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole to anyone who enjoys a fast paced story line that involves romance, drama and a family saga in the making.

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* Review * AFTER HOURS SEDUCTION by Janice Maynard

May 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

After Hours Seduction by Janice Maynard
Series: The Men of Stone River #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2020
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Long hours alone with her ex.

What could go wrong?

Wanting him was a mistake,

And still she said yes…

When Katie Duncan agrees to work with her boss’s brother, she knows she’s stepping into the lion’s den. The man she’ll be living with is her former lover, billionaire Quinten Stone. Their passion sizzled until Katie couldn’t accept Quinten’s wealthy world. She’d walked away to save herself. Now the alpha CEO is back in her life, tempting as ever…and hell-bent on seducing Katie back into his bed…

A decadent reunion! With the first book in her brand new The Men of Stone River series, Janice Maynard delights her readers with a new family dynasty to sink their teeth into. The Stone brothers spend their days running their successful outdoor gear company and their nights enjoying life … or not. With this first book, we get Quin’s story and meet his brothers. I loved their dynamic and look forward to more in the series!

Quinten Stone is easy to like. He’s recovering from an accident that change his life forever, and he’s anxious to get out and enjoy the world again. To avoid an over-eager backslide, his brothers decide to send the job to him in his isolated Maine home.

Katie Duncan is a strong, sassy character. She can’t really believe she let her boss Farrell convince her to go stay with Quin during his recovery to get some work taken care of … but considering he didn’t know about her secret love affair with his brother, she couldn’t exactly use the awkward factor as a reason not to go.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romantic reunion. The book was fast paced and had lots of interaction and plot points. I really enjoyed it and look forward to Farrell’s story next.

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* Review * BAD BUSINESS by JC Harroway

May 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

Bad Business by JC Harroway
Series: The Pleasure Pact #1
Published by Harlequin Dare on May 1, 2020
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After my sister died, I knew I owed it to her and myself to get out there and start living. First order—calling off my wedding to a man I didn’t love. Then a margarita-filled night led to an agreement with my best friends: The Pleasure Pact. We’ve all agreed to live in the moment, which means behaving badly, embracing passion and saying yes to every adventure…even a red-hot holiday fling.

When I agreed to go honeymooning solo in sunny Fiji, I didn’t expect to find a gorgeous paddleboard instructor ready and waiting to take my mind off the mundanity of real life. The mysterious Ryan Dempsey is exactly what I need: no rings, no romance, just raw sex appeal. His enigmatic past has turned him off love—now he’s all about lust and spontaneity.

Ryan might be set on keeping things casual, but each electrifying encounter with him only shows me that our scorching chemistry goes beyond the physical. Can I convince this sworn bachelor that risking our tropical affair for a deeper connection is worth it?

Smokin’ hot and oh so yummy! With the first book in her brand new The Pleasure Pact series JC Harroway takes us on a tropical lust-filled adventure. The premise of the story is fun and flirty, it’s fast paced and steamy and the characters are easy to like.

Grace Metcalf has decided to let her sassy side fly as she changes her life to live for the moment after suffering great loss. She’s no longer going to settle, she’s going to live life to it’s fullest and enjoy it all.

Ryan Dempsey is divine. He’s attractive, kind and adores his grandmother, so what’s not to love? Oh, did I forget to mention he breaks out in hives at the thought of commitment?

I recommend this book to anyone wanting an easy, steamy read with a happily ever after. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

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* Review * HER TEXAS RENEGADE by Joanne Rock

May 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

Her Texas Renegade by Joanne Rock
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Inheritance #6
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2020
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Will she give in to temptation with her ex?

Mixing business and pleasure with a former flame,

she’s bound to get burned…

Wealthy widow and business owner Miranda Dupree needs a security expert, and her ex, bad-boy-hacker-turned-security-magnate, Kai Maddox, is perfect for the job. But can they keep their steamy, tumultuous romance in the past when the renegade billionaire is so darned tempting? Miranda can’t help herself, and soon an innocent business proposition leads to a replay of passion beyond their control…

Irresistibly appealing! With the sixth and final book in the exciting Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance series, Joanne Rock brings a happily ever after for the ever-elusive Miranda in HER TEXAS RENEGADE. Many loose ends were tied up and a reunion of first loves made this final chapter in the story line dazzling.

Miranda has held our attention throughout the series because from the very first chapter of the first book she was being hung out to dry as the enemy … as the books progressed, we learned that simply wasn’t true and she had secrets behind this inheritance that she wasn’t telling. In this book we learn the truth, and we learn more about her.

Kai was her first love, so that made him intriguing to us since he was first brought into the picture in the previous book. He’s instantly dismissive of working with her, but it doesn’t take long for that old flame to reignite.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a family saga chocked full of love, desire, deceit and eventual happily ever afters. It was quite an attention grabbing, entertaining series. Really enjoyed!

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