Archives for January 2021

* Review * FOLLOW ME UNDER by Helen Hardt

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FOLLOW ME UNDER by Helen HardtFollow Me Under by Helen Hardt
Series: Follow Me #2
Published by Entangled: Amara on January 26, 2021
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four-stars

She gave him control in the bedroom. But is she losing control of her identity?

Dating Boston’s billionaire bachelor has opened up a new world for Skye Manning. Opportunities are suddenly everywhere, her new career is flourishing, and she experiences luxury she’s only seen in the pages of magazines. So why does she feel like she’s losing herself?

Braden Black never meant to fall for Skye, and he still tries to resist a relationship he knows he’s not wired for. But not only has Skye awoken something inside him—he’s stirring something dark and forbidden inside his Cinderella. Something even he can’t control…

The Follow Me series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Follow Me Darkly
Book #2 Follow Me Under

 

Raw passion and delectable characters! With the second book in her Follow Me series Helen Hardt once again takes us into the world of Skye and Braden and the journey is delightful! The intensity of their relationship is high and the passion is on fire. I missed some of the depth to the plot that the first book had outside of the bedroom, but overall I enjoyed the continuation of their story. I’m looking forward to book three!

Skye keeps her down to earth attitude even though fame is knocking on her door. She tries to juggle all of the aspects of her life now that she’s part of Braden’s world, but she keeps dropping balls and trying to figure out what place she really holds in every situation.

Braden is intense and sultry. He might have opened a door that even he’s not ready for when the hunted becomes the prey.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a dominant man showing his new love the way into the world he enjoys.

four-stars

* Review * NO HOLDING BACK by Lori Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * NO HOLDING BACK by Lori FosterNo Holding Back by Lori Foster
Series: The McKenzies of Ridge Trail #2
Published by HQN Books on January 26, 2021
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five-stars

Not needing him won’t stop her from wanting him…

Trucker Sterling (Star) Parson is no stranger to the challenges a woman faces, both in her industry and in life. But she can take care of herself. She’s never needed—or wanted—a man around...until she meets Cade McKenzie. The take-charge bar owner sets off all kinds of alarm bells for Sterling, but he also sets her heart racing.

Cade’s lived in Ridge Trail long enough to know trouble when he sees it, and the moment Sterling—Star—walks into his bar, he knows trouble’s come to call. Secrets run deep in the small town and Cade can tell Star’s got as many as he does, leaving him itching to uncover every last one. But finding common ground will mean trusting one another, further feeding an intense attraction that’s growing impossible to resist.

 

This brand new series from Lori Foster will draw you in quickly and won’t let go! With the first book in The McKenzies of Ridge Trail series Foster brings captivating characters to life in a romantic suspense like no other. The back stories are mysterious, the tension is high and the romance is just what we needed. I can’t wait for more!

Sterling is quick to intrigue us as we slowly learn her story. She’s tough and strong and doesn’t like to take direction, but she has a heart of gold.

Cade is the epitome of smokin’ hot! He’s strong, he’s protective and he’s a big ol’ teddy bear where Sterling is concerned.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a tight-knit family who is constantly in each other’s business, but who will do anything for each other as they each settle into their own happily ever after.

five-stars

* Review * A STOLEN KISS WITH THE MIDWIFE by Juliette Hyland

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A STOLEN KISS WITH THE MIDWIFE by Juliette HylandA Stolen Kiss with the Midwife by Juliette Hyland
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on February 1, 2021
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five-stars

Dare these best friends…

…risk it all? Midwife Quinn Davis and Dr. Milo Russell have been friends forever. So why is it now that they’re working together things have become…awkward? Quinn can’t get Milo out of her mind—and when they share an explosive kiss, she’s left questioning everything! Free-spirited Quinn never planned on settling down…and Milo has a life plan of his own. Are they ready to think about a new life—together?

 

An emotionally intense love story! Juliette Hyland shines once again with her third novel in the Harlequin Medical Romance line. Her characters are richly developed with intriguing back stories and the mix of medical situations with the budding romance is always spot on. Always looking forward to more from this endearing voice.

Quinn wrapped herself around my heart quickly. She hasn’t had an easy life, but the love she’s felt during her friendship with Milo has sustained her to make so many dreams come true. Reconnecting with him after all of these years away has never felt so special.

Milo’s easy-going attitude mixed with his reliability and strength in his field makes for a well rounded man.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a medical setting with complex characters, emotional interactions and a well-deserved happily ever after.

five-stars

* Review * THE PLAYBOY PRINCE OF SCANDAL by Susan Stephens

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE PLAYBOY PRINCE OF SCANDAL by Susan StephensThe Playboy Prince of Scandal by Susan Stephens
Series: The Acostas! #9
Published by Harlequin Presents on February 1, 2021
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three-half-stars

His innocent enemy…

…could be his ultimate undoing!

Prince Cesar will never forgive Sofia Acosta for the article branding him a playboy! But to avoid further scandal, he has no choice but to invite her to his lavish banquet in Rome—where he’s confronted by her unexpected apology and the very obvious electricity!

Sofia was blackmailed into writing that article. She’ll risk her hard-fought career to make it right. But surrendering to undeniable temptation wasn’t part of the plan! Because that means putting her trust in the man behind the outrageous reputation…

 

Love when they least expect it! With book nine in her richly portrayed The Acostas! series Susan Stephens brings us Sofia’s story. She finds herself on the wrong side of a Prince when she puts her trust in the wrong place and brings scandal to even her beloved brothers. The book drug a pit plot wise, but was an enjoyable reconnection with this pivotal family.

Sofia is strong-willed and easy to like, and her independent nature and strong polo skills were refreshing to see.

Cesar has an interesting back story and was a bit of a softie beneath his gruff. I enjoyed him.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a royal romance with a side of family drama.

three-half-stars

* Review * SONG FOR A COWBOY by Sasha Summers

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SONG FOR A COWBOY by Sasha SummersSong for a Cowboy by Sasha Summers
Series: Kings of Country #2
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on January 26, 2021
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four-stars

Country star Emmy Lou King is singing the blues over the cowboy who got away...

Emmy Lou King's whole family is legendary in country music. When she lands the opportunity to sing the American Football League anthem and serve on one of the AFL's anti-drug charities, she's sure she can handle working with Brock Watson. She was charmed by the cowboy once upon a time—and she's never loved anyone else—but she can handle it. Right?

Brock Watson is feeling the pressure. From dealing with his father's declining health, to keeping their ranch running, staying in game-ready shape, and his dedication to the charity that changed his life, there's no time for anything else. Emmy Lou included. After six years, he'd like to think she couldn't mess with his head anymore. But one look, one smile—and he knows she's as dangerous as ever. He can't resist her—he never could.

The more time Emmy Lou spends with Brock, the harder it is for them to keep their distance.

 

A family filled with secrets, success and drama galore! With book two in her Kings of Country series Sasha Summers delights her readers with the second King sibling’s story in SONG FOR A COWBOY and it’s guaranteed to nab your attention quickly. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Emmy Lou is a sweetheart. Sometimes too much of one … mainly when it comes to her manipulative Mamma who she let’s get away with just about anything.

Brock was easy to like and learning the details of their history together made for a fulfilling reunion.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a close knit family who share ups and downs along the road towards happily ever after for each sibling.

four-stars

* Review * DARE TO STAY by Carly Phillips

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DARE TO STAY by Carly PhillipsDare To Stay by Carly Phillips
Series: Dare Nation #4
Published by CP Publishing on January 26, 2021
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five-stars

He’s the one who left.
She’s the one he left behind.

Willow James, athletic trainer for the Miami Thunder football team, knows abandonment and hurt. A child of foster care, she’s been moved around and left behind more times than she cares to count. Just when she was starting to let her guard down with Braden Prescott, he left for a two year stint with Doctors Without Borders. Now he’s back.

Dr. Braden Prescott always felt like an outsider in his family of professional sports players. He’s traveled the world and is better for it, but now he’s home with a job for the Miami Thunder. When he comes face to face with the woman he left behind, their chemistry still smolders. She’ll give him her body again but not her heart.

He knows leaving her once was the biggest mistake of his life. Can Willow learn to trust him not to leave, especially when adventure comes calling again?

 

An emotional reunion of two wounded souls! With book four in her highly addictive Dare Nation series Carly Phillips brings a more sensitive side to the series with misfit brother Braden and his former love. I love everything about this family and every book brings an emotional depth that endears them more and more to my heart.

Braden is a solid guy who let his hang ups about needing to find a place where he fits in life lead him to hurt the person he cared about most. He’s getting a second chance to try to heal that rift, but it’s not going to be easy!

Willow is so easy to love. The fact that she feels the pain of being left behind so much in life is gut wrenching and makes her story all the more powerful.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a close knit family, a sports driven atmosphere and so much love and heart that you’ll adore them all!

five-stars

* Review * THE WITNESS by Nichole Severn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE WITNESS by Nichole SevernThe Witness by Nichole Severn
Series: Marshal Law #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 1, 2021
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four-stars

She’s not out of danger

…even with his 24/7 protection.

Checking in on his witness in protective custody, marshal Finn Reed finds Camille Goodman fighting an attacker. Has the Carver come back to finish what he started? Finn is determined to keep the strong-willed redhead alive…and keep his professional distance. But as barriers between them fall, a serial killer’s twisted game plays out—one that the deputy and his fearless witness may not win.

 

Exhilarating from start to finish! Nichole Severn begins book two in her Marshal Law series with a bang as we’re quickly thrust into a crime scene with THE WITNESS. The characters are easy to like and held my attention. I’m enjoying the series and looking forward to more to come!

Finn is a powerful character. He walks in blind to what’s happening in the first scene and draws the readers attention quickly. He’s easy to connect with and a solid character.

Camille had my heart from the start. She’s been through a lot in the last year and just when she thinks it’s settling down, the world explodes around her. The strength she finds to carry forward for justice is awe inspiring.

I recommend this book and the series as a whole to anyone who loves a romance filled with lots of intrigue and attention grabbing characters.

four-stars

* Review * FOLLOW ME DARKLY by Helen Hardt

* Review * FOLLOW ME DARKLY by Helen HardtFollow Me Darkly by Helen Hardt
Series: Follow Me #1
Published by Entangled: Amara on September 29, 2020
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four-half-stars

She’s a take-charge woman. But he’s a master of control.

Skye Manning knows what she wants. Her job as assistant and photographer for a major social media influencer isn’t perfect, but it’s a rung on the ladder to bigger and better things. She’s confident she’ll one day take feature photos for National Geographic.

Self-made billionaire Braden Black didn’t get where he is by taking no for an answer. When a chance encounter with the refreshingly innocent and beautiful Skye piques his interest in more ways than one, he’s determined to make her submit.

Dating a billionaire soon has Skye in the middle of a Cinderella story…until the clock strikes midnight and Braden reveals his dark side. Heat sizzles between them, and Skye finds herself falling hard.

But Braden Black is no Prince Charming, and his dark desires are far from his only secret.

 

Decadently erotic! Braden Black had me from hello … and so did Helen Hardt with the first in her Follow Me series! FOLLOW ME DARKLY is a fresh take on a Fifty Shades-esque story line of a less experienced and unworldly young lady meeting an uber rich, more experienced man of the world. The characters are interesting, the plot is exciting and follow through is not far from perfect. You get a happy-for-now ending and a bit of a cliffhanger for the 2nd of three books about this same couple. I’m looking forward to more Skye and Braden!

Skye is a sweetheart. She’s a small town convert now living in Boston and using her job as an assistant to a social media influencer to get a leg up in her dream career of photography. One meeting with a mystery man is all it takes to woo her into a life of luxury and decadence.

Braden is strong-willed and secretive, but that’s what intrigues him to the reader the most. We know he’s got secrets, but he’s forthcoming with so many of his wants and desires that it makes him a treasure trove of emotions and dreams.

I highly recommend this book to fans of BDSM and emotional drama mixed with your romance.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE PATH TO SUNSHINE COVE by RaeAnne Thayne

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE PATH TO SUNSHINE COVE by RaeAnne ThayneThe Path to Sunshine Cove by RaeAnne Thayne
Published by HQN Books on March 30, 2021
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four-half-stars

She knows what’s best for everyone but herself…

With a past like hers, Jessica Clayton feels safer in a life spent on the road. She’s made a career out of helping others downsize—because she’s learned the hard way that the less “stuff,” the better, a policy she applies equally to her relationships. But a new client is taking Jess back to Cape Sanctuary, a town she once called home…and that her little sister, Rachel, still does. The years apart haven’t made a dent in the guilt Jess still carries after a handgun took the lives of both their parents and changed everything between them.

While Jess couldn’t wait to put the miles between her and Cape Sanctuary, Rachel put down roots, content for the world—and her sister—to think she has a picture-perfect life. But with the demands of her youngest child’s disability, Rachel’s marriage has begun to fray at the seams. She needs her sister now more than ever, yet she’s learned from painful experience that Jessica doesn’t do family, and she shouldn’t count on her now.

Against her judgment, Jess finds herself becoming attached—to her sister and her family, even to her client’s interfering son, Nate—and it’s time to put everything on the line. Does she continue running from her painful past, or stay put and make room for the love and joy that come along with it?

 

RaeAnne Thayne always makes us feel like we are right there in the middle of the family! In her upcoming release THE PATH TO SUNSHINE COVE, she delves into the strained connection between two adult sisters who were torn apart by tragedy as teens and who are stumbling into a reconnection just when things seem to be falling down around one of their heads. There were a couple of items from the past that weren’t fleshed out and addressed fully, but overall it was a phenomenal story with wonderful characters, intense storylines and so many feel good moments.

Jess and Rachel are both strong, determined women who went about finding their happiness in totally different ways. Jess feels the hurt of the past with a different bite than Rachel does, and Rachel feels like Jess’s way of coping is a dig at her. Watching them work to reconnect is heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of family drama mixed with a whole lot of heart and a side of romance or two.

four-half-stars

* Review * TORE by Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TORE by Kat MizeraTORE by Kat Mizera
Series: Sidewinders: Generations #2
on January 19, 2021
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four-half-stars

Swedish-born hockey player Tore Brekken thought he’d be a bachelor for life. The parties, the women, the lavish vacations— and the Ferrari. He had everything he could ever want, but his extreme lifestyle has been taking a toll. As much as he hated to admit it, he needed to settle down. He just didn’t expect to go from seriously single to daddy material overnight.

Single mom Margot Delgado’s life revolves around her four-year-old daughter Gracie. Tired of being let down, she doesn’t have time to waste dating men she can’t count on. Especially some hotshot hockey player with a playboy reputation as big as his... bank account.

But when the annual Fantasy Night rolls around, Margot decides to let her hair down— and for once she isn’t just someone’s mom, but someone’s wildest fantasy. From the first taste she knows she could get drunk on the way Tore makes her feel, and one night with him will never be enough.

When reality comes crashing down, and things get complicated, will they both be willing to risk it all for a chance to win big?

 

Yowza! The steamiest book in the series yet is utterly pleasing! Book two in Kat Mizera’s Sidewinders: Generations hockey series will knock your socks off when a single mom meets her fantasy head on. I loved the characters, I loved their connection and I absolutely loved little Gracie!

Margot is a single mom giving her all to making her little girl happy and giving her a life she deserves and I simply adored them both.

Tore is a doll. He’s been lusting after Margot for awhile and when the yearly fantasy night at a local club brings them together in ways neither ever expected, he can’t pass up the opportunity to finally get a chance to win her heart.

I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole to anyone who loves hockey romance and smoking hot connections on that way towards happily ever after.

four-half-stars