Archives for October 2020

* Review * GETTING DIRTY by Rachael Stewart

* Review * GETTING DIRTY by Rachael StewartGetting Dirty by Rachael Stewart
Published by Harlequin Dare on February 1, 2020
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four-stars

A drop-dead sexy private investigator is about to discover that digging for dirt can expose some seriously naughty little secrets…in this sizzlingly wicked novel from author Rachael Stewart.

Being a private investigator means that if there’s dirt, I always find it. Only, right now “work” is sitting across from me—a naughty little princess in London’s most exclusive, extra-posh sex club. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted—and tried to avoid—for so long, from that haughty, elegant poise to those perfect lips. Only, socialite Coco Lauren isn’t my client. She’s my target.

I’ve been hired by Coco’s brother to find out all of her dirty little secrets. All it takes is one moment of weakness and I’m done for, just so I can hear her moan in my ear, taste her on my lips. She’s already getting under my skin, with her contrast of vulnerable innocent and hidden temptress who’s so ready to talk—and play—dirty.

Now I’m on the wrong side. I’m the bad guy. And every moment we’re tangled up together, things get more complicated. I don’t know where my deception starts and the ruined mess of my heart begins. We’ve gotten good and dirty, but I’m running out of options and time.

How do I tell Coco the truth…especially when coming clean means losing her?

 

GETTING DIRTY by Rachael Stewart is a fast paced story of forbidden delight! The characters are quick to connect and steam up the story with their instant attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed their connection and watching them fall for each other. I felt the ending lacked a little information, but overall I liked Coco and Ash a lot.

Ash is serious about his job and seems like a down-to-earth guy, but it doesn’t take long for his job to slip to the wayside when he gets to know the real Coco and fall for her. I liked him a lot even though he kept his secret too long.

Coco is easy to like. She’s going through an emotional turmoil and even though she’s painted as childish and wild, she actually has a heart of gold and I enjoyed getting to know her.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a heartfelt story with a lot of steamy goodness mixed in.

four-stars

* Review * INTO THE FIRE by Adrienne Giordano

* Review * INTO THE FIRE by Adrienne GiordanoInto The Fire by Adrienne Giordano
Series: A Rose Trudeau Mystery #1
Published by ALG Publishing on October 27, 2020
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five-stars

As a junior reporter ostracized by her coworkers and community in North Dakota, RaeLynn Demming has something to prove. A decades-old arson that killed over one hundred people on the island of La Paradisio might be her career-saving story, but she needs cooperation from Rose Trudeau, Hollywood socialite and survivor of the legendary Grande Hotel fire.

Rose understands loss. For thirty years, she’s refused to discuss the Grande tragedy and still mourns her closest friend who perished in the blaze. Hungry for justice, Rose wants the arsonist and murderer caught. When RaeLynn shows up at Rose’s estate begging for a scoop on the fire, Rose can’t help but admire the young woman’s determination and agrees to help.
The investigation takes the pair to La Paradisio, where the local police urge them to leave the sleuthing to the professionals. Friends and family members, too, warn them to stay clear of the case, or else.

Then the threats start.

Undaunted, the unlikely pair dig further into the Grande’s sordid history. As determined as they are to find closure for Rose, they face an enemy just as willing to do whatever it takes to keep the Grande’s secrets buried.

 

Adrienne Giordano is spreading her wings like never before with her latest release INTO THE FIRE, and man did she soar! Her voice has always been strong and relatable in the romance and quirky mystery stories I’ve read by her over the years and that stands true in this book as well, but with an added level of an almost journalistic quality. Her characters have heart and let it show through, but the detailed renditions of the crime scene, the aftermath and the investigation makes her reader feel like they’ve stepped back in time to physically be in the midst of the fire themselves. Her character development was great, the setting and follow through of this horrific fire was amazing and overall I couldn’t have loved this story more.

RaeLynn caught my attention from the first page when the depth of her yearning to tell this story came through instantly. She’s upbeat and dedicated, but was sensitive and caring towards Rose’s pain. I enjoyed her character.

Rose was a spitfire and only made the reader wish we could have lived her life with her along the way. She was a joy to watch and my heart went out to her as secrets begin to unravel that change the past she lived.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the solving of a cold case and unraveling of a powerful mystery.

five-stars

* Review * JUST A LITTLE BET by Tawna Fenske

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST A LITTLE BET by Tawna FenskeJust a Little Bet by Tawna Fenske
Series: Where There’s Smoke #2
Published by Entangled: Amara on October 26, 2020
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five-stars

After a night of too many drinks, smokejumper Tony Warren and his best friend, photographer Kayla Gladney, come to the realization that they’re both bad at love. They even tried dating each other, but that crashed and burned, too. Now he’s got the hangover from hell and the certain conclusion he’s just a shit boyfriend. But Kayla thinks he’s a straight-up commitment-phobe.

So they make a bet—they’re going to hunt down his exes and decide once and for all why he’s so unlucky in love. Terrible boyfriend or commitment-phobe. Why does either answer feel like he’s still losing?

But between roadside burgers and late night detours, they discover some fires never burn out—like the one slowly smoldering between them. And suddenly losing feels a whole lot like winning again.

 

Full of laugh-out-loud moments, emotional soul searching and so much steamy goodness! With the second book in her quickly becoming addictive Where There’s Smoke series, Tawna Fenske continues to delight her reader with her signature sass and a slew of characters to fall in love with. I’m so looking forward to more in the series!

Kayla is a fun character. She’s tough and sassy in her own right, but she’s loyal and loving to those around her. I adored her connection with Tony.

Tony is a doll. We knew even before we knew all of the details of his past that he was putting up walls when it came to relationships. He thinks he’s just a bad boyfriend, but Kayla thinks he’s afraid to commit.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a lot of humor and feisty characters with their romance. You’ll laugh, smile and enjoy the feel-good moments getting to that HEA.

five-stars

* Review * NEUROSURGEON’S CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER by Traci Douglass

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * NEUROSURGEON’S CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER by Traci DouglassNeurosurgeon's Christmas to Remember by Traci Douglass
Series: Royal Christmas at Seattle General #3
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on November 1, 2020
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four-stars

Christmastime with a stranger—

A lifetime together?

Neurosurgeon Maxwell is determined to atone for the one life he couldn’t save…his late wife’s. Set to perform delicate surgery on a king, Max finds himself shadowed by PR director Ayanna. They must work together to keep the king’s case a secret. But when Ayanna temporarily moves in to Max’s apartment, they face a very different type of tension—their undeniable attraction!

 

Heartfelt and satisfying! With book two in the Royal Christmas at Seattle General series, Traci Douglass keeps the romance alive in NEUROSURGEON’S CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER as the surgeon brought in to perform the King’s surgery in book one falls for the hospital’s PR guru. The pace was a bit slower, but the magic of watching her bring the holiday season to life again in his heart was rewarding. I’m looking forward to the continuation of the series!

Max is quite the complex character. He’s all business at first but then as he begins to warm up and let himself relax, he’s quite a kindhearted soul.

Ayanna was easy enough to like, but I felt that her backstory wasn’t completely fleshed out. One party that wronged her was mentioned often with feelings and thoughts being displayed, but the second party was barely named and no inflection of that betrayal was portrayed in her story.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a medical based romance series full of drama and strife as the couples find their way towards forever.

four-stars

* Release Blast/Review * CODE NAME: ROOK by Sawyer Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review * CODE NAME: ROOK by Sawyer BennettCode Name: Rook by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Jameson Force Security #6
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on October 27, 2020
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four-half-stars

Being a highly skilled operative for a company like Jameson Force Security is exhilarating and important work…until it comes time to date. I like to keep my profession under wraps for a number of reasons. Some of what we do is top secret, most of what we do is dangerous, and more than one woman has tried to latch onto me because she was more enamored with what I do than who Cage Murdock really is. And since I’m more of a ‘here for the night’ than a ‘here for forever’ kind of guy, what’s the harm in a little white lie about my job?

My harmless deceit has never failed me. Until now. Because I met the most amazing woman and did the unthinkable. I married her. And now my beautiful, unsuspecting, probably-going-to-leave-my-sorry-behind-when-she-finds-out-the-truth wife doesn’t know that I’m not a used car salesman like I told her when we met.

As it typically does with lies, the truth is about to come out in a big way when Jaime unwittingly gets herself mixed up with some unsavory characters and I, along with the team at Jameson, have to intervene. Now I need to save my girl and hope I can save my marriage too. Let’s just say I have some serious explaining to do.

 

An impromptu wedding leads to an emotionally dramatic love story in Sawyer Bennett’s latest! With book six in her always exciting Jameson Force Security series, Cage Murdock’s story comes to life in CODE NAME: ROOK and it’s decadently sexy!

Cage has been a favorite character of mine in the series ever since he became such good friends with Jimmy’s widow Anna. He’s sweet, he’s funny and he’s loyal as all get out. He just happens to be in over his head when his fast talking player ways come back to bite him when he falls hard for his latest pick up.

Jaime is a sweetheart and I was pulling for them as a couple all the way. Her family drama added a great mix to the passion and seriousness of the plot.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a romantic suspense series centering around an alpha group of security specialists as they each find their happily ever afters.

 

 

 

 

Code Name: Rook (Jameson Force Security, Book #6)
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: October 27, 2020

 

Synopsis:
Being a highly skilled operative for a company like Jameson Force Security is exhilarating and important work…until it comes time to date. I like to keep my profession under wraps for a number of reasons. Some of what we do is top secret, most of what we do is dangerous, and more than one woman has tried to latch onto me because she was more enamored with what I do than who Cage Murdock really is. And since I’m more of a ‘here for the night’ than a ‘here for forever’ kind of guy, what’s the harm in a little white lie about my job?

My harmless deceit has never failed me. Until now. Because I met the most amazing woman and did the unthinkable. I married her. And now my beautiful, unsuspecting, probably-going-to-leave-my-sorry-behind-when-she-finds-out-the-truth wife doesn’t know that I’m not a used car salesman like I told her when we met.

As it typically does with lies, the truth is about to come out in a big way when Jaime unwittingly gets herself mixed up with some unsavory characters and I, along with the team at Jameson, have to intervene. Now I need to save my girl and hope I can save my marriage too. Let’s just say I have some serious explaining to do.

 

Download Code Name: Rook:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Print | Audible (narrated by John Lane and Emma Wilder)

 

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

 

Connect with Sawyer:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon
Newsletter | Master Blogger List

 

four-half-stars

* Review * MERRY CHRISTMAS, COWBOY by Charlene Sands

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MERRY CHRISTMAS, COWBOY by Charlene SandsMerry Christmas, Cowboy by Charlene Sands
Series: Home to Texas #2
Published by Tule Publishing on October 27, 2020
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four-half-stars

He flips houses. She flips hearts…

Independent contractor Garrett Brown hopes to survive Christmas in Last Stand, Texas, without too much fuss. Not interested in the rancher lifestyle, he plans to flip the house he inherited on Cottonwood Ranch and move onto his next project. Little Cody, the nephew he’s raising, needs stability, and he’s got a home waiting for them in California. The last thing Garrett needs is to become attached to anyone—or any place—or to get involved with silly Christmas festivities.

Kindergarten teacher Nicole Russell adores Christmas and is counting on the holiday to get her through her recent at-the-altar break up. Tired of pitying looks from the townsfolk, she decides to chair the Honeysuckle Holiday Fundraiser. When she reaches out to the new owner of Cottonwood Ranch, the perfect venue site, she expects cooperation, not stonewalling. Undeterred, Nicole makes her case with persuasive arguments that the too-handsome stranger in town cannot dodge and they strike a bargain.

Nicole and Garrett are at odds, but their holiday pact and the power of Christmas may change both of their lives forever.

 

This sweet Christmas romance is sure to please as hearts are healed and dreams are made! With book two in her emotionally riveting Home to Texas series Charlene Sands delights her reader yet again with MERRY CHRISTMAS, COWBOY. The back stories of the main characters set an emotionally charged setting for their meeting and eventual pact to get through the holiday season and the holiday fundraiser. I enjoyed their stories and their connection.

Garrett has a sad soul and is quick to garner our attention and our sympathies. He’s got a heart of gold, but life hasn’t been easy on him and he doesn’t trust much anymore.

Nicole is a delight. Life has hit her a good one a time or two, but she’s still out there giving it her all and being a great friend to all she encounters.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a sweet romance in a small town filled with kind-hearted characters and the town that loves them.

four-half-stars

* Review * INNOCENT IN THE SHEIKH’S PALACE by Dani Collins

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * INNOCENT IN THE SHEIKH’S PALACE by Dani CollinsInnocent in the Sheikh's Palace by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 1, 2020
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five-stars

His desert vow…to crown the virgin’s baby!

Having failed to find Mr. Right, plain librarian Hannah Meeks decided to start the family she’s desperately wanted on her own. Only to discover that her miracle baby is actually the heir to the throne of Baaqi…

Sheikh Akin Sarraf was the unwanted spare. Now, finding out his late brother had unknowingly fathered a child, Akin’s duty is to bring Hannah to his palace and make her his wife! Marrying for love was always out of the question. But Hannah’s independent spirit is exasperating…until it’s intoxicating…

 

A royal romance with so many feels! INNOCENT IN THE SHEIKH’S PALACE by Dani Collins does not disappoint! I immediately was drawn to the story of this fertility mix-up and as drama unfolded page after page I found it hard to put down. Definitely an exciting read!

Hannah is a joy. She’s self-assured and kind-hearted, so when learning of the circumstances of her baby’s conception, she agrees to accompany Akin back to his home country.

Akin started out as gruff and demanding and I thought for sure I was going to have to dislike him, but as we begin to unravel his backstory and learn the place he’s held in his family for so many years, I couldn’t help but sympathize. The side of him that Hannah brings to life is beautiful.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a complex royal romance with lots of drama and temptation.

five-stars

* Review * HIS CHRISTMAS CINDERELLA by Christy Jeffries

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS CHRISTMAS CINDERELLA by Christy JeffriesHis Christmas Cinderella by Christy Jeffries
Series: His Christmas Cinderella #5
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on November 1, 2020
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five-stars

An enchanted evening with a stranger leaves him wanting more…

A gift money can’t buy…

Super-rich rancher Jordan Taylor has it all—except someone to share his life with. What he really wants for Christmas is to win the heart of Camilla Sanchez, the hardworking waitress he met at a charity ball. Camilla thinks they are too different to make it work, but Jordan is determined to prove her wrong. She grants him his wish: three weeks to convince her he is worthy of her love. Perhaps this will be the holiday that changes everything…

 

This sinfully decadent modern day Cinderella story has him hoping upon hope that he’ll be able to locate the woman who might just have stolen his heart! With book five in the always entertaining Montana Mavericks: What Happened to Beatrix series Christy Jeffries brings us HIS CHRISTMAS CINDERELLA and I loved it! The characters were both delightful, their connection spot-on and their happily ever after brings all the feels!

Jordan is a doll. He’s rich and successful and should have just about everything his heart desires, but meeting Camilla at the ball feels like a sucker punch to the gut with emotions he never expected. He’s determined to find her and make her his as soon as possible!

Camilla has big dreams and the guts to put herself out there to try to achieve them. She’s convinced that Jordan is only interested because she’s a novelty, but she’s willing to give him the time to come to his senses and see that their lifestyles don’t mix … she just never expects to enjoy the time along the way so much.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves emotional stories of love, loss and happily ever afters as we try to solve the big mystery that spans the series.

five-stars

* Review * PLAYING THE BILLIONAIRE’S GAME by Pippa Roscoe

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PLAYING THE BILLIONAIRE’S GAME by Pippa RoscoePlaying the Billionaire's Game by Pippa Roscoe
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 1, 2020
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four-stars

“You’re playing a dangerous game.”

But is she playing for business…or pleasure?

Fourteen days. That’s how long exiled duke Sebastian gives art valuer Sia Keating to try to prove he stole a famous painting. Once she has proof, she’ll demand her job back! She’s worked too hard to build her reputation and throw off her father’s corrupt shadow. She won’t go down without a fight.

But having complete access to his life doesn’t mean Sia can breach the gap Sebastian keeps between himself and the world. That’s something only embracing their dangerous attraction can do…

 

A quirky take on an enemies to lovers romance that will have you intrigued! PLAYING THE BILLIONAIRE’S GAME by Pippa Roscoe begins a bit slow, but as we become entrenched into the background of both characters, things get real rather quickly and the pace picks up. I enjoyed their connection!

Sia is a complex character. She’s worked hard to overcome her father’s reputation in the art industry to carve out a place of her own, but the games being played are threatening the life she’s built for herself and she’s not going to stand for it.

Sebastian has a kind heart. He didn’t mean to bring Sia down with his plan for justice, but he can’t undo what’s been done without hurting other people he cares about. I enjoyed watching them find their way through it all to come out on the other side.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys art and romance. The characters are intriguing and the story line is fresh.

four-stars

* Review * FALLING FOR THE SECRET PRINCE by Alison Roberts

* Review * FALLING FOR THE SECRET PRINCE by Alison RobertsFalling for the Secret Prince by Alison Roberts
Series: Royal Christmas at Seattle General #1
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on November 1, 2020
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four-half-stars

Revealing his past…

is a risk worth taking!

Dr. Dom di Rossi’s world literally crashes through the ER doors when his father, the king of Isola Verde, is involved in a car crash. Until now, Dom’s royal connection has been carefully guarded. But when Dr. Emilia Featherstone, his old medical school rival, recognizes a previously unseen vulnerability behind his delicious eyes, she unintentionally becomes the keeper of his secret—and his heart!

 

A whirlwind of emotions and turmoil turns up the heat in this enemies to lovers medical romance! With the first book in the brand new Royal Christmas at Seattle General series, Alison Roberts kicks off the story line with FALLING FOR THE SECRET PRINCE and the drama is fast paced and exciting from the very start! Great bones and a stellar follow through makes for a very enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to continuing the series.

Dom is easy to sympathize with and understand his predicament, but he also brings a self-assuredness to the table that is comforting. I liked him as a person and I liked his family loyalty.

Emilia was a fun character. The sparks they generated as rivals played into the attraction they felt for each other and made for a great connection.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a secret royal romance and a medical romance all rolled into one. The premise for the story is great and the set up for more in the series is shining bright already.

four-half-stars