Archives for September 2020

* Review * LOSING CONTROL by Rachael Stewart

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LOSING CONTROL by Rachael StewartLosing Control by Rachael Stewart
Published by Harlequin Dare on September 1, 2020
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four-half-stars

I was always the black sheep of my family. My father blatantly favoring my brother in our family’s business empire was the last straw. I had to leave, even if that meant deserting the love of my life, Alexa. What I didn’t expect was for her to betray me, too…by falling into the arms of my brother.

Now my brother and father have died in an accident, and Alexa is leading our family business during the crisis. Having made my own billions, I finally have the chance to return and claim what’s rightly mine—the family business and the woman who traded me for it.

But my revenge is derailed by the raging chemistry between me and Alexa, which is hotter than ever before. Working side by side with her, I struggle to control my feelings—and then I discover a secret that sheds new light on Alexa’s betrayal. But even if I bring myself to forgive her, is it too late to try again?

 

A passionate reunion filled with emotion, angst and oh so many feels! LOSING CONTROL by Rachael Stewart brings so many feelings to the surface you won’t know which way to turn for a bit. There’s abandonment, loss and betrayal but behind it all there’s a steadfast love that never died and a sweet future just waiting to be lived. I really enjoyed their story!

Cain O’Conner is a joy to read. He’s self-assured, but beneath it all he’s that son still blighting from the feeling of never matching up to his perfect brother. He never expected that his first trip home after walking away from them all years ago would be for the dual funeral of his father and brother.

Alexa is easy enough to like, but there was a small part of me that was annoyed with how she handled the years after Cain left her. I understood her pain and despair, but I wanted her to pick up the pieces and actually live her life faster. Now that he’s returned, the flair of attraction is raging and secrets are about to be uncovered.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a romance filled with sensuous attraction but also mixed with a lot of emotion and heart.

four-half-stars

* Review * RECKLESS ENVY by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RECKLESS ENVY by Joss WoodReckless Envy by Joss Wood
Series: Dynasties: Seven Sins #5
Published by Harlequin Desire on September 1, 2020
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four-half-stars

Feel the drama and passion in the Dynasties: Seven Sins series!

The woman he craves is engaged to the man he loathes. But that’s not stopping him…
He’ll do whatever it takes to win this game of love.

Matt Velez has everything a man could want: money, success and his pick of gorgeous women. Well, almost everything. The affections of tantalizingly sexy good girl Emily Arnott remain strictly off-limits—because she’s engaged to Matt’s bitterest rival. Will jealousy consume him…or does Emily hold the secret key to set them both free?

 

Decadently irresistible! With book five in the Dynasties: Seven Sins series Joss Wood brings the heat in RECKLESS ENVY and it’s sure to please fans of the series. We’re quickly thrust into a story of unrequited lust with a twist as the town bad boy returns and plans to right a wrong. I enjoyed the ups and downs of their story as well as the subterfuge that was uncovered. Fans of the series are in for a shocker at the end!

Matt Velez is endearing. He overcame the reputation he worked hard to give himself as an angry teen to become a highly successful businessman in his own right. Now interviewing for the elusive CEO position at Black Crescent, he reconnects with the dashing damsel he’s never forgotten.

Emily Arnott is easy to like. She can’t deny she’s still attracted to Matt, but she’s in the middle of a family crisis and finds herself engaged to his nemesis instead. Awkward!

I highly recommend this book as well as the series as a whole to anyone who loves a drama-filled read filled with strong characters, angst ridden scenarios and lots of lust filled moments.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE REBOUND by Stefanie London

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE REBOUND by Stefanie LondonThe Rebound by Stefanie London
Series: Close Quarters #3
Published by Harlequin Dare on September 1, 2020
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four-stars

Bolting from the church half-naked was not part of the official wedding program…until I learned my husband-to-be was marrying me only for his father’s approval. How was I to know my incredibly hot getaway driver was the groom’s evil stepbrother? Or that diving into his sleek black Mercedes would be the first step on my journey to the dark side?

Wealthy executive Sebastian Foster is a bad decision waiting to happen—all hard muscles, square jaw and eyes that strip me bare. But I’m done being the good girl, done following the rules. It’s time to give up my perfectly planned life and embrace my inner siren.

Soon Sebastian is my sexy sidekick at Melbourne’s most exclusive nightclubs. Dancing burlesque for him makes us both crave a night of sensual sin. I’m starting to think this forbidden rebound may lead to something much deeper. But when I learn he’s hunting for information about my ex, I can’t help wondering—is he just another ambitious man using me to get ahead?

 

Sexy, sinful and satisfying! With the third book in her always spicy Close Quarters series Stefanie London delights once again with a fast paced, easy to hook you story. I felt like Presley’s background other than her relationships could have used a bit more development, and I wasn’t a fan of how Sebastian’s family dilemma was left hanging somewhat, but overall I really enjoyed their story!

Presley Richardson is endearing. She found herself disappointed on her wedding day with the quality of man she was about to marry and had no option but to run. How was she to know the stranger she got to help her was the evil stepbrother she’s heard so much about?

Sebastian Foster is a sweetheart. I enjoyed him from the start and really felt for him and the family dilemma he is going through.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a sensual read that is fast paced and filled with laughter, drama and happily ever afters.

four-stars

* Review * PENTHOUSE PRINCE by Kendall Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PENTHOUSE PRINCE by Kendall RyanPenthouse Prince by Kendall Ryan
on September 1, 2020
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five-stars

Lexington Dane was my brother’s best friend growing up.

We did everything together.

He taught me how to throw a punch, how to change a tire…and he taught me how to kiss. I fell hard and fast, and gave him all my firsts.

I promised I’d wait for him…

But I’m done waiting, because he went off to college and never came back. He took his fancy business degree and moved to New York City, where he promptly became a real estate mogul—turning every penthouse and apartment project he touched into gold.

It’s been ten years, and now he’s back and needs a favor…someone to watch his little girl. That’s right, the cocky penthouse prince and heartbreaker extraordinaire Lexington is back with an adorable two-year-old daughter. Guess who he wants to watch her?

I’ve never been able to say no to him. I might agree to be the nanny for his precious little angel, but there’s no way in hell I’m falling for her hot-as-sin daddy.

 

Hot single dad alert! Kendall Ryan has outdone herself with this sexy hero. He has to work to redeem himself a bit, but he’s kind-hearted and delicious so I found him easy to like. The story is emotional, yet sexy and fun. I really enjoyed them!

Lexington is yummy! He’s self-assured and big city accomplished but beneath it all he’s still the easy-going guy he’s always been when he returns home to North Carolina. He doesn’t have the right to ask for favors after the hurt he left behind, but he’s in a pickle and really needs a helping hand!

Corrigan is a character who you want to hug. Lex broke her heart and she’s never gotten over him, but she’s quick to step in and help with his daughter when he really needs it. I really enjoyed seeing him shower her with love.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced romance filled with humor, heart and lots of sexiness!

five-stars

* Book Tour/Review/Excerpt/Giveaway * TRUST FUND FIANCE by Naima Simone

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Book Tour/Review/Excerpt/Giveaway * TRUST FUND FIANCE by Naima SimoneTrust Fund Fiancé by Naima Simone
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Rags to Riches #4
Published by Harlequin Desire on September 1, 2020
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five-stars

An intriguing proposal
mixes romance and finance…

His friend needs a fiancé to claim a fortune.

But they both know it’s about more than money…

Ezekiel Holloway’s proposition could save his friend Reagan Sinclair’s inheritance and give her the freedom she craves. But when family scandals force Ezekiel to end their fake engagement, the heiress comes up with a counterproposal—and they elope to Vegas after all! Is there something more than mere convenience at stake here?

 

Attention grabbing chemistry! A fake relationship turns oh so real in Naima Simone’s scrumptious jump into the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Rags To Riches world! With the fourth book in the series Zeke and Reagan come to life in TRUST FUND FIANCE and I couldn’t have loved them more. Easily relatable with sympathetic back stories, their story is fast paced and very satisfying. Can’t wait for more in the series!

Reagan quickly became a favorite as her story unfolds early in the story. She’s strong and capable and has so many dreams of helping people she relates with, she just needs the funding to do it.

Zeke is swoon worthy! He’s sexy and accomplished and has a heart of gold. Throughout the struggles of life he’s maintained a can-do attitude and worked to overcome every roadblock thrown in front of him. As he slowly starts to let some of his walls down, the connection between he and Ray is beautiful.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys drama-filled dialogue with intense love and passion paving the way to happily ever afters.

 

 

 

 

TRUST FUND FIANCE BY NAIMA SIMONE


An intriguing proposal mixes romance and finance…

His friend needs a fiancé to claim a fortune.

But they both know it’s about more than money…

Ezekiel Holloway’s proposition could save his friend Reagan Sinclair’s inheritance and give her the freedom she craves. But when family scandals force Ezekiel to end their fake engagement, the heiress comes up with a counterproposal—and they elope to Vegas after all! Is there something more than mere convenience at stake here?

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EXCERPT

“Marry me.”

Ezekiel stared at Regan, struck speechless. Dozens of questions bombarded him, and he mentally waded through them, finally settling on the most important one. “What?”

“Marry me,” she repeated, closing the short distance between them, not stopping until her hands fisted the lapels of his suit jacket, her thighs braced against his and that honeysuckle scent embraced him like a long-lost lover.

He swallowed a groan at her nearness, at the feel of her body pressed to his. Lust, hot and hungry, punched him in the gut, then streamed through him in a swollen flood. Desperate to place distance between them so he could f*cking think, he gripped her hips to set her away from him. But touching her backfired. Instead of pushing her back, he held her close, his body rebelling and taking control. Two weeks. It’d been two long weeks.

“Reagan,” he rumbled.

“No, Zeke. Don’t give me all the reasons why we shouldn’t. I don’t care. Do you know where I just came from?” she asked, switching topics with a lightning speed that left him floundering. Between that and his *ick finding cushion against her stomach, he couldn’t keep up. “I just left a restaurant where my father arranged for me to have lunch with Justin McCoy.”

“The hell?” His grip on her tightened. Douglas had set her up with that a**hole?

“Yes.” Reagan nodded as if reading his mind. “Apparently my father considered him a more suitable match than you. A man who uses and throws away women for his own gain rather than you, a man who has been nothing but honorable and unfailingly kind and respectful. I had enough. I walked away from him and his machinations. I’m through allowing him to run my life, to make choices for me out of guilt and loyalty.”

Guilt? What the hell did that mean?

Shoving the questions aside for the moment, he refocused on her. “I understand your anger, believe me, I do, but take a moment and think this through before you make a mistake you can’t take back. This decision will cost you your inheritance. It could damage your relationship with your parents. Is this rebellion worth that? Because you’re not in…” He couldn’t finish that sentence. Couldn’t fathom it.

“No, Zeke, I’m not in love with you,” she assured him, and he exhaled a heavy breath. Even as an unidentifiable emotion twisted in his chest. “And maybe this is a little bit of rebellion on my part, but it’s so much more. I’m taking control—of my choices, my mind, my life. I respect you, Zeke. But this isn’t about you. It’s about me. About finally becoming the woman I’ve been too afraid to own. So, from now on, I’m making my own decisions,” she continued. “And that includes you. I choose you, Zeke. And I want you to marry me.”

Jesus, did she know what a delicious temptation she was? How he’d fought following after her that evening he’d let her walk out of his house? That had required strength he hadn’t realized he possessed. Doing it a second time…

No, she might feel certain here in this office, but she was still upset. Could feel very differently in the morning, hell, hours from now. Maybe after they talked this out, she would see—

She rose on her toes and crushed her mouth to his.

Oh f*ck.

His control snapped.

Like a flash fire, the press of her lips to his poured gasoline over the lust that had been steadily simmering. He took possession of that sweet siren’s mouth, claiming it with a thrust of his tongue. Possessing it with a long, wet lick. Corrupting it with an erotic tangle and suck that left little to the imagination about what he wanted from her.

And he wanted it all. In this moment where the lines between platonic friendship and desire incinerated beneath his greedy mouth and her needy whimpers, he wanted everything she had to give him.

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ABOUT NAIMA SIMONE

Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”  She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

five-stars

* Review * DETECTIVE ON CALL by Regan Black

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DETECTIVE ON CALL by Regan BlackDetective on Call by Regan Black
Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids #3
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on September 1, 2020
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four-stars

Two bitter rivals unite to track a deadly killer

Detective Emmanuel Iglesias does his duty at all costs, even if that means going up against Pippa Colton. The stubborn attorney insists her client is innocent, but Emmanuel knows that his case is rock-solid. That is, until Pippa becomes a target herself. Is the real killer still at large? As their mutual distrust turns into an undeniable attraction, the murderer becomes bolder—and more menacing…

 

High octane suspense! With the third book in the Colton 911: Grand Rapids series Regan Black throws her reader quickly into the heart of a showdown between headstrong lawyer Pippa Colton and the cop working on her high profile new case. The characters are easy to like, the danger around every corner theme keeps a readers attention and the happily ever after is sweetly satisfying. Looking forward to more in the series!

Pippa is strong and capable and not willing to remain quiet against injustice no matter the danger.

Emmanuel is an accomplished detective, but when Pippa begins to find clues that point in a direction he never suspected, he’s more than willing to help find the answers to make sure justice is served.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family each finding their happily ever afters as danger and intrigue flies out from behind every dark corner.

four-stars

* Review * AS YOU CRAVE IT by J. Margot Critch

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AS YOU CRAVE IT by J. Margot CritchAs You Crave It by J. Margot Critch
Series: Miami Heat #2
Published by Harlequin Dare on September 1, 2020
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four-stars

The second book in J. Margot Critch’s sizzling Miami Heat miniseries will light you on fire!

If she’s going to have him, it’s going to be on her terms…

When it comes to sexy, wickedly gorgeous and horribly commitment-phobic Quin Rexford, Celia Evans can’t help herself. They used to be best friends—until she confessed her love for him, and he responded by shattering her computer-nerd heart. Eight years later, Celia is one hundred percent hotness, smart as hell and doesn’t take any crap from men. But the instant she sees Quin again, she wants him more than ever.

And the lust isn’t just mutual. It’s electric.

Just friends. That was the deal. When his kiss breaks their resolve, it ignites an inferno of want. There is no way in hell Celia will say no to one night with Quin Rexford. Only, now Celia’s predatory boss—who wants a business deal with Quin, and Celia in his bed—has invited them both on a decadent cruise to St. Maarten aboard a private yacht.

Celia knows her heart can’t afford one more night with Quin. But it’s already too late.

Because Quin Rexford knows just what Celia’s body craves…and just the way she likes it.

 

Hot, sexy and decadently sinful! With the second book in her Miami Heat series J. Margot Critch brings the second Rexford sibling to life in a former best friends to lovers story that is sure to please! AS YOU CRAVE IT takes pretty boy Quin down a notch when he’s forced to face his not so award winning actions of the past. I am really enjoying this family and the distillery story line. I can’t wait for Gemma’s story!

Celia Evans is an enjoyable character. She’s feisty and head-strong and isn’t willing to settle for being treated poorly anymore. Running into her college best friend again years after their fallout shouldn’t be that big of a deal … if only the lust she felt for him all of those years ago didn’t come roaring back the second he’s within grabbing distance!

Quin Rexford is a player who loves the good life. He can party with the best of them, but his family and their business always comes first. Seeing Celia again after all of these years brings his biggest shame back to the surface and he is going to have to find a way to make her forgive him for being the biggest idiot in the world.

I recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a bit of family drama mixed into their steamy romantic connections.

four-stars

* Review * MONTANA WISHES by Amy Vastine

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MONTANA WISHES by Amy VastineMontana Wishes by Amy Vastine
Series: The Blackwell Sisters #2
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on September 1, 2020
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five-stars

Caught between friendship

and falling in love…

Amanda Harrison’s life is changing way too fast. Discovering that she’s really one of the Montana Blackwells was hard enough. Now Blake Collins—her best friend and the guy Amanda’s secretly in love with—is engaged to someone else. But Montana cowboy country has a way of claiming its own. And being a Blackwell means Amanda must learn how to fight for herself…and for the love she deserves.

 

True love will find a way! With the second book in the Blackwell Sisters series Amy Vastine brings the epitome of a friends to lovers story to life in MONTANA WISHES and I could not have loved it more! The characters had me from hello, the setting was gorgeous and the love they secretly felt for each other was breathtaking to watch blossom. I’m looking forward to the next sister’s story!

Amanda Harrison prides herself on being calm and collected no matter the situation, but learning that her twin sis is moving to Montana at the same time she learns the best friend she’s been secretly in love with for years is engaged to someone else just might be her downfall!

Blake Collins is an endearing guy … just a bit short-sighted to what’s been right in front of his face for so many years.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a family filled story of strife, close knit connections and so much love and support you don’t know what to do with it all.

five-stars

* Review * ONCE FORBIDDEN, TWICE TEMPTED by Karen Booth

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONCE FORBIDDEN, TWICE TEMPTED by Karen BoothOnce Forbidden, Twice Tempted by Karen Booth
Series: The Sterling Wives #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on September 1, 2020
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four-half-stars

Torn between loyalty and lust…

A relationship so off-limits,

It could cost her everything…

Real estate agent Tara Sterling jumps at the chance to start fresh when she inherits part of her late ex-husband’s company. But claiming her rightful place at Sterling Enterprises means working side-by-side with CEO Grant Singleton, her ex’s best friend. Their long-simmering heat spells trouble as both vie for control of the business—and lose control of their thirst for each other…

 

Such a fresh concept! With the first book in her brand new Sterling Wives series Karen Booth takes her reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion as an unusual set-up comes into play that is oh so juicy. In ONCE FORBIDDEN, TWICE TEMPTED we meet Tara Sterling who steps in to help run Sterling Enterprises with her ex-husband’s best friend. The ending was abrupt, but overall I loved the concept, the characters and the happily ever after! Looking forward to the next in the series.

Tara is the epitome of class. She’s self-assured and successful and has a heart of gold. Watching her come into her own and shine is very rewarding.

Grant is such a nice guy. He has wanted Tara for years, but always respected his best friend and stayed away. Circumstances now have them working side by side and the temptation is overpowering.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast paced romance with a mental connection in addition to the passionate draw of the couple with lots of drama in the background to set the stage.

four-half-stars