Archives for December 20, 2021

* Review * THE BAD BOY EXPERIMENT by Reese Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BAD BOY EXPERIMENT by Reese RyanThe Bad Boy Experiment by Reese Ryan
Series: The Bourbon Brothers #6
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

What happens when you say yes to a bad boy?

Even if divorcée Renee Lockwood were willing to give love a second chance, she wouldn’t choose Cole Abbott. The sexy, successful real estate developer doesn’t do commitment. But he’s perfect for a no-strings fling—exactly what Ren needs now that she’s moved back home to raise her son. Mind-blowing pleasure with the man she once crushed on is harder to quit than Ren expected. Impossible, in fact. Is time running out before the bad boy bolts…or will the results of her experiment surprise her?

 

Witty banter, unbridled passion and so many feel-good moments! I’m sad to see the Bourbon Brothers series coming to an end with THE BAD BOY EXPERIMENT but I loved every single minute of it. Reese Ryan has this magical tone to her writing voice to make a character outgoing and sassy on the surface, yet you can simply feel the kind and gentle soul beneath. I have dearly loved getting to know this family and watching the happily ever afters pile on one after the other. I can’t wait to see what happens with the shocking secret!

Cole is simply adorable. Even though he’s a very successful man with a thriving business, there’s something about him that just makes you visualize a dimpled grin of a naughty guy around every corner and I LOVED that about him.

Renee is honest and forthright and isn’t afraid to say that she has the world setting on her shoulders as she tries to set up a new life for her young son and herself after a divorce. Seeing her reconnect with a former crush was really heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit successful family who isn’t about to let their strife and squabbles derail the company they’ve all put their heart and soul into. Each sibling finds their forever love and family drama is always outweighed by the multitude of love and laughter surrounding them all.

 

four-half-stars

* Review * FROZEN SOULS by Rita Herron

* Review * FROZEN SOULS by Rita HerronFrozen Souls by Rita Herron
Series: Detective Ellie Reeves #4
Published by Bookouture on October 28, 2021
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five-stars

She looked like an angel. She lay perfectly still, silky blonde hair falling to her pale shoulders. Icicles clung to her eyelashes as snowflakes fluttered to the frozen ground, burying her body.

As a snowstorm wreaks havoc in the mountain town of Crooked Creek, a woman is found buried in ice. Detective Ellie Reeves is first on the scene. Examining the body, she finds frozen blonde hair, pink nail polish and a silver heart necklace engraved with Mine Forever.

Ellie has first-hand experience of the monsters that lurk in the mountains––her childhood is testament to that. She vows to catch this one, but she’s up against the brutal weather, with snow covering footprints and making forensics impossible.

Frantically trawling through missing-person’s reports, Ellie identifies the victim. Nadine Houser disappeared eleven years ago. Where has she been all this time? Why was she only murdered now?

As storm clouds roll in, another girl is reported missing. Ellie retraces the steps of Ginger Weston who was renting a cabin in the mountains. She discovers a gold chain in the snow, spotted with blood. The killer is accelerating, and it’s just a matter of time before more innocent lives are robbed.

With the town blaming Ellie for the missing girl on her watch, and everyone fearing for their safety of their daughters, it’s down to Ellie to solve the toughest case of her career. But when the killer comes after her, will she live to save Crooked Creek from its ruthless monster?

 

Tantalizing intrigue and gut wrenching emotions as always! Rita Herron is really keeping me hooked with her Detective Ellie Reeves series. The crimes are always eerie and demented and the drama surrounding them holds my attention easily. As Ellie’s contentious relationship with her friendly neighborhood FBI agent heats up, the animosity the sheriff showers on her peaks to an all time high. I’m already looking forward to the next series release!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys an addictive serial killer series with emotional depth and surprising twists and turns around every corner.

five-stars

* Review * THE TRUE COWBOY OF SUNSET RIDGE by Maisey Yates

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TRUE COWBOY OF SUNSET RIDGE by Maisey YatesThe True Cowboy of Sunset Ridge by Maisey Yates
Series: Gold Valley #14
Published by HQN Books on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

When a bull-riding champion is left holding his friend’s baby, could it be time to put down roots in Gold Valley?

Midwife Mallory Chance is ready for a fresh start in Gold Valley. And when she locks eyes with a handsome cowboy across the saloon, it feels like fate. After too many years wasted on her cheating ex, good girl Mallory is read to cut loose and prioritize herself. But when the dust settles on their hot night together, it turns out that her mysterious one-night cowboy is none other than her new landlord—and someone she’ll be seeing very regularly around Gold Valley.

Bull rider Colt Daniels has a wild reputation, but after losing his friend on the rodeo circuit, he's left it all behind. If only he could walk away from his guilt as easily…or the temptation of Mallory. He can’t offer her the future she deserves—what does a cowboy with a heart as damaged as his know about forever? Then his friend's tiny daughter ends up in Colt's care. Colt has never wanted to rely on anyone, but he needs Mallory's help taking care of the baby he's beginning to love as his own. But is it all still temporary, or is it their chance at a forever family?

 

Fast-paced, heartwarming and delightful! With the next foray into her Gold Valley series Maisey Yates brings her reader Colt Daniels’ story in THE TRUE COWBOY OF SUNSET RIDGE and this wounded cowboy is sure to steal hearts. The opening scene had me hooked instantly and the emotional connection that followed kept me turning page after page. I really enjoyed Mallory and Colt and liked getting the final “sibling” on his way to his happily ever after.

Colt came across as disconnected from the family in the previous books, so watching him return home and be part of the inner circle again was really rewarding to watch.

Mallory has an emotional back story so watch her come into her own and finally believe in what she deserves in life is powerful.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a good cowboy, especially one that knows when to latch onto the good woman that crosses his path.

four-half-stars

* Review * FAST FORWARD by Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FAST FORWARD by Kat MizeraFast Forward by Kat Mizera
Series: ROCK HARD #4
on December 28, 2021
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five-stars

One night can change everything.

Musician Ford Malone left Texas, without so much as a backward glance—lured by the bright lights of L.A. and the all-consuming world of rock and roll. It’s taken a while, but his star is finally starting to shine. Ready to take the world by storm with his new band, Nobody’s Fool, nothing will stand in his way. Until he sees her again... the girl he left behind.

Since the death of her parents, Sydney Aiken has had no time for romance. Her entire life now revolves around being a full-time mom to her three much-younger siblings. And even if she were interested, the last person on earth she’d get involved with would be the jerk who broke her heart and walked away seven years ago.

A chance encounter brings them face to face and as the past and present collide, Sydney is caught between protecting her family and following her heart. Seven years is a long time, and Ford has no idea he’s about to untangle a web of ugly secrets. But the only woman he’s ever loved is about to slip through his fingers...for the second time. Will he realize that only she can play the melody of his heart?

 

Sexy, sensual and raw! I never would have thought that a tamed down version of Ford Malone would be appealing, but that man is an absolute doll! With the final book in the Rock Hard series Kat Mizera reunites Ford with the one he left behind and we’re quickly delving into the tangled web of secrets and lies that tore he and Sydney apart. The characters are endearing, the situation is drama-filled but sensitive and the family connection is top notch. I loved every minute of this series and wish there were more band members to come!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a player rocker who falls hard when the love of his life crosses his path.

five-stars

* Review * FROM FLORIDA FLING TO FOREVER by Susan Carlisle

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FROM FLORIDA FLING TO FOREVER by Susan CarlisleFrom Florida Fling to Forever by Susan Carlisle
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

Rule number one? Forget their fling

If only it was that easy!

Pioneering transplant surgeon Lily Evans is always cool under pressure. So why does the idea of working with ex-fling Max James have her so hot under the collar? Max is just passing through Florida, after all, and maintaining a professional relationship is top of their agenda. Yet Lily’s sensible head is being overruled by her unusually reckless heart as she begins to fall for more than just Max’s roguish charms…

 

Colleagues turn into much more in the latest from Susan Carlisle! FROM FLORIDA FLING TO FOREVER delivers a punch of warmth as chemistry leads to happily ever after for two surgeons. The added addition of her sister to the story added a sweet depth to an already satisfying connection and only made me love them together more. I would have liked a little more development of his family outside of the business realm, but overall a very satisfying read.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a medical setting in your romance with lots of chemistry, warmth and connection.

four-half-stars

* Review * THEIR NEW YEAR’S BEGINNING by Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THEIR NEW YEAR’S BEGINNING by Michelle MajorTheir New Year's Beginning by Michelle Major
Series: The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift #1
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 28, 2021
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five-stars

At the stroke of midnight,

A stranger’s kiss changes everything…

Brian Fortune doesn’t think he will ever find the woman he kissed at his brother's New Year's wedding. So when the search for the provenance of a mysterious gift leads him into a local antique store a few days later, he's stunned to find Emmaline Lewis, proprietor—and mystery kisser! Surprise turns to shock when he realizes that she's also six months pregnant. Brian has never been the type to commit—and he’s really not ready to become a family man in one fell swoop! But suddenly he knows he’ll do anything to stay at Emmaline's side—for good…

 

A delightful meet-cute sets the stage for the newest Fortunes of Texas spinoff! Michelle Major delivers an intriguing mystery along with a heartwarming love story with the first book in the Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift series, THEIR NEW YEAR’S BEGINNING. I loved the characters and their fast paced love story hooked me quickly. The added addition of some adorable kiddos in the picture was a smile worthy perk. I look forward to more to come in this series as a stellar mystery has been set.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a touch of mystery with enjoyable chemistry as another member of the Fortune family finds their happily ever after.

five-stars

* Review * THE RULES OF THEIR RED-HOT REUNION by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE RULES OF THEIR RED-HOT REUNION by Joss WoodThe Rules of Their Red-Hot Reunion by Joss Wood
Series: Harlequin Presents
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five-stars

Rule #1: their chemistry stays in the past
Rule #2: until they get to the bedroom!

When Aisha married Pasco Kildare, she was naively following her heart. But Pasco’s single-minded ambition led to them living separate lives. Thrust back in the South African billionaire’s world—as his business partner!—she’ll rewrite the terms of their relationship.

Now wildly successful, Pasco knows his workaholic ways caused irreparable damage. But Aisha has changed, too: her new strength shines. Keeping things professional is only sensible, but when their reunion takes a scorching turn, ripping up Aisha’s rule book is dangerously tempting…

 

A steamy reconnection with an ex! THE RULES OF THEIR RED-HOT REUNION by Joss Wood was quick to hook me as Aisha is surprised into an unwanted reunion with her ex-husband just as a promotion is looming in the job she loves so much. The characters are intriguing and the chemistry between them is still flaring bright.

Aisha is self-assured and accomplished in her career, but a blast from the past threatens to derail her when she is forced to work with the ex-husband she walked out on a decade ago.

Pasco is highly successful but is quick to realize the mistakes he made in their former relationship and wish he had a way to put the pieces back together.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a reconnection of former spouses with an emphasis on addressing what went wrong and figuring out together how to fix it.

five-stars

* Review * RETURN OF THE RANCHER by Janice Maynard

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RETURN OF THE RANCHER by Janice MaynardReturn of the Rancher by Janice Maynard
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

He let her go once.

Will his secrets tear them apart again?

Five years ago, ranching entrepreneur Farris Quinn let India Lamont walk away from their marriage. Now he needs her help caring for his ailing mother. India agrees to come to Wyoming—but only for his mother’s sake. For Farris, living under the same roof as India in the home they once shared is tempting torture, and it’s only a matter of time before she’s back in his bed. But he’s guarded his secrets for so long…will he break both their hearts a second time?

 

An emotional reunion story! RETURN OF THE RANCHER by Janice Maynard begins dramatically when India agrees to do a favor for her ex-husband which puts them under the same roof again after years apart. The tension is high, the characters are attention grabbing and the underlying reunion is heartwarming. I wanted a tad bit more at the end, but overall a really enjoyable read.

India is kind, accomplished and endearing. She steps in to help her ex because it involves his mother whom she loves. I was happy to see her get the ending she deserved.

Farris was a bit cold and obtuse, but as the story unfolded we understood him a bit better.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys seeing a couple overcome the adversity that split them up to remember the love they felt for each other and develop a stronger relationship going forward.

four-half-stars

* Review * WATCHING OVER YOU by Lori Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WATCHING OVER YOU by Lori FosterWatching Over You by Lori Foster
Series: The McKenzies of Ridge Trail #3
Published by HQN Books on December 28, 2021
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five-stars

While investigating a criminal network, Detective Crosby Albertson keeps crossing paths with members of the highly trained, suspiciously well-informed McKenzie family. They’re always one step ahead of him—especially their alarmingly attractive intel specialist, Madison. And Crosby needs to find out why.

Madison McKenzie is the tech and surveillance whiz of her family’s operation. A recent case introduced her to Detective Albertson. She finds herself irresistibly drawn to the sexy and mysterious cop. There’s just one problem. He’s a detective and her family’s work is secret. When Crosby starts digging for information about the McKenzies, Madison’s got to get him off the scent…while keeping him at a safe distance.

 

I simply adore this family! Lori Foster might just have saved the best for last when it comes to this highly addictive series of McKenzie family crime fighters when Madison meets her match with the cop she’s had her eye on. This series has been full of suspense and intrigue throughout and the amazing connection between the siblings and their mates while righting wrongs in the world is so satisfying. Filled with heart, sass and amazing love stories!

Madison is such a delight. She’s tough and  doesn’t take any lip off of anybody, but then she also loves with her whole heart and I just love that combination in her.

Crosby was so much more than I ever expected from our glimpses of him in the previous books. He too has an emotional back story and it added so much heartwarming depth to this book. Loved him!

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family trying to fight the injustice of the world one step at a time as each one finds their forever love. I’m sad to see the series end, but I loved every single minute of it!

five-stars

* Review * ANNIHILATION ROAD by Christine Feehan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ANNIHILATION ROAD by Christine FeehanAnnihilation Road by Christine Feehan
Series: Torpedo Ink #6
Published by Berkley on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

Savin “Savage” Pajari is convinced he’s not worth a damn thing. He’s not like his brothers. He’s a sadistic monster, a killer—a man no woman could truly love. So it completely throws him when a stranger risks her life for his, pushing him out of the way and taking the hit that would have sent him six feet under. If he had any kind of sense, he’d leave her alone, but Savage can’t get the woman with a smart mouth and no sense of self-preservation out of his head. With one kiss, he’s lost.

Seychelle Dubois has spent her entire life not feeling much of anything, until Savage comes along and sets her whole body on fire. Kissing him was a mistake. Letting him get close would be a catastrophe. He’s the most beautiful—and damaged—man she’s ever met. He has a way of getting under her skin, and what he’s offering is too tempting to resist.

Seychelle knows so little about Savage or the dangerous world of Torpedo Ink, but his darkness draws her like a moth to a flame. Loving him could mean losing herself completely to his needs—needs she doesn’t understand but is eager to learn. But what Savage teaches her could destroy her.

 

A wickedly raw addition to Christine Feehan’s Torpedo Ink series! ANNIHILATION ROAD brings us the long awaited story of Savage, the most damaged member of the family and it was just as emotional and heartbreaking as I was expecting. I feel like this book is best understood if you have read the previous books in the series because a lot of build up of the tortured life they led as children takes place along the way through various character’s stories. The family and club interaction was a tad light in this particular book, but Seychelle’s storyline added an additional depth. Overall an enjoyable read with lots of triggers and moments some won’t understand, but written in an emotional, strong voice that shows why he needs what he needs.

Savage has been festering in the background of every book prior in the series so I went into this knowing he was going to be the most haunted and scarred from the get go. I never expected his past to be filled with such loving sacrifice that he gives day in and day out to his family. He’s ending up to be one of my favorite characters even if he does have thought defying hang ups that make him distant.

Seychelle is a complex character. She too sacrifices herself for the good of others which is commendable, but she comes across as a bit too much like a head buried in the sand damsel in distress for my liking.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes a dark, tortured MC who is a solid family behind the scenes but lead tainted lives of emotional torture from their past.

four-half-stars