Archives for April 2022

* Review * MONTANA DESIRE by Jose Jade and Janie Crouch

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MONTANA DESIRE by Jose Jade and Janie CrouchMontana Desire by Josie Jade, Janie Crouch
Series: Resting Warrior Ranch #3
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on April 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

No one is guaranteed tomorrow.

Grant Carter knows that fact intimately. The shrapnel sitting on his spine from an IED is a daily reminder.

But the constant pain won’t stop him from working at the Resting Warrior Ranch, training service and emotional support animals to help people with PTSD—something else he’s intimately familiar with.

He’ll fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When his neighbor, shy veterinarian Cori Jackson, is humiliated by her ex-boyfriend for things she’d like to experiment with in bed, Grant is more than happy to show her real men aren’t threatened by an adventurous spirit.

The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes the literal girl-next-door is the one for him. And when Cori finds herself in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy surrounding the animals she treats, Grant will make sure she makes it out alive.

He's a fighter. Was one in the Navy SEALs and still is one today. And he’ll fight for Cori.

Even if it costs him everything.

 

Grant and Cori are everything! The third book in the Resting Warrior Ranch series brings on all the feels as Grant and Cori electrify the pages with their sexual chemistry and warm our hearts with their sincerity. I loved every minute of their story and am looking forward to the next book to come in the series!

Grant is a sweetheart who puts everyone above himself even when he’s at a hard point in his life. I loved his kind heart.

Cori is adorable. She’s determined to succeed and refuses to let her problems derail her dreams.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a bit of a suspense mixed with a passionate love story with the strong back drop of a group of friends helping each other and those in need as they each settle into forever.

five-stars

* Review * WEDDING SEASON by Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WEDDING SEASON by Michelle MajorWedding Season by Michelle Major
Series: The Carolina Girls #3
Published by HQN Books on April 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

The last person she wants to see in Magnolia, North Carolina, could be exactly whom she’s been waiting for…

Mariella Jacob was one of the world’s premier bridal designers, but one viral PR disaster later, she’s trying to get her torpedoed career back on track in small-town Magnolia, North Carolina. With a secondhand store and a new business venture helping her friends turn the Wildflower Inn into a wedding venue, Mariella is finally putting at least one mistake behind her. Until that mistake—in the glowering, handsome form of Alex Ralsten—moves to Magnolia too.

Mariella ruined Alex’s wedding by announcing that his starlet bride-to-be was sleeping with Mariella’s fiancé. While he’s furious when they’re forced to work together, there’s no denying Mariella is hardworking, talented…and gorgeous. In fact, though Alex keeps reminding himself that they’re enemies, something deeper is growing…daring them to admit that a rocky past might lead to something unexpectedly wonderful.

 

Magnolia always entertains! The third book in The Carolina Girls series takes us back to small town Magnolia and the ladies planning weddings at the Wildflower Inn. I enjoyed the setting, the humor is always spot on and the romance is so yummy. I’m looking forward to more to come from the town!

Mariella is hardnosed and bitter, but she really shined in her story once she let her guard down a bit and let her soul begin to heal.

Alex is a doll. He’s successful, he’s heartfelt and he found just the right spot for Mariella in his heart.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a romance in a small town setting with tons of heart, chuckles galore and always such an endearing happily ever after.

four-half-stars

* Review * MAYBE WE WON’T by Melissa Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MAYBE WE WON’T by Melissa FosterMaybe We Won't by Melissa Foster
Series: Silver Harbor #3
Published by Montlake on April 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

When workaholic Boston attorney Deirdra de Messiéres is passed over for a well-deserved promotion, she takes a two-month hiatus to show her boss just how much he needs her and heads home to Silver Island. But beyond seeing her sisters happy, home is not where Deirdra’s heart is. She has no interest in their family restaurant, the Bistro, or reliving hurtful childhood memories, and absolutely no interest in spending a single second with Josiah “Jagger” Jones, the Bistro’s too-laid-back musician and chef. Sure, the hippie is hot, but he drives her nuts. The guy lives in a van with his dog, and he can’t even commit to a solid work schedule. To make matters worse, he’s always around. She needs to get off the island, stat.

Jagger has overcome his own personal trials to place stock in life’s pleasures: family, friends, peace…and if he has his way, one positively beautiful, absolutely uptight attorney. Jagger knows he’s the perfect person to help Deirdra deal with her hurtful past and find her way back to being happy.

A chance encounter leads to deep conversation, and night after liberating night, Deirdra lets down her guard. But neither has plans to stay on Silver Island. Free-spirited Jagger has wanderlust, and Deirdra has a career to return to. They’re on different paths, and plans for a future together don’t stand a chance. But when has anything gone according to plan?

 

OMG, they are too adorable for words! I always love a Melissa Foster couple, but every once in awhile there’s a magical one that tweaks my heart a little harder than normal and Deirdra and Jagger were one of those. Humorous and snarky chemistry, steamy hot passion and such a sweet, gentle love story that kept me devouring every single minute.

Deirdra is a tad different than your typical Foster heroine in that she’s not exactly sweet and open to love. She’s compartmentalized and on the cold side until you get to know the wounded little girl still living in her psyche. It was a joy getting to know her and watching her thrive.

Jagger is the sweetest, and even though he’s not the typical alpha hunk we see in a Foster novel, he carried himself as strong, capable and loving just the same and I adored him.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a smoking hot romance equally balanced with fun and laughter in a friend and family centric setting.

five-stars

* Review * BLACK TIE BACHELOR BID by Karen Booth

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BLACK TIE BACHELOR BID by Karen BoothBlack Tie Bachelor Bid by Karen Booth
Series: Little Black Book of Secrets #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

I paid quite a lot for time with you

and I intend to get my money’s worth.

Romance is not on socialite Taylor Klein’s mind when she wins a night with super-sexy Roman Scott in a charity bachelor auction. Buying a date is the only way to meet the famously reclusive hotelier—and pick his brain on how to launch her dream boutique hotel. Besides, Taylor’s done with romance. But sticking to business gets tough when their sparks explode into passion. And even tougher when the notorious gossip account Little Black Book threatens to expose all their steamy secrets…

 

Temptation and scandal come knocking! The second book in the Little Black Book of Secrets series kicks off with a bang when two branches of the rich and famous collide and sparks ignite! I highly enjoyed Taylor and Roman, but wanted more development into family, pasts, their future, etc. for the story to feel more complete and rounded. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.

Taylor is spoiled and entitled, but she’s a sweetheart and hard not to like.

Roman is successful and secretive and peeling away all of his layers was very satisfying.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a whole lot of drama mixed into their romance.

four-stars

* Review * STAKING A CLAIM by Janice Maynard

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * STAKING A CLAIM by Janice MaynardStaking a Claim by Janice Maynard
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

It’s a Lone Star matchmaking twin swap!

As a favor to his identical twin, Joshua Banks agrees to pose as his brother. The switch is supposed to last for just one “date” with Layla Grandin, their childhood friend. But dinner soon leads to much, much more. Trust is everything to Layla—she’s been burned before and secrets are destroying her ranching family. If Joshua stands any chance of staking a claim on relationship-wary Layla, the Texan has to confess so much more than his true identity. And risk losing more than he ever imagined…

 

Intriguing kickoff to a brand new Texas Cattleman’s Club spin-off! The first in the Ranchers and Rivals series is easy to sink your teeth into from the start. Various families and their members are introduced and is a tad overwhelming, but the groundwork is lain for the scandal that is about to rock this town. I’m looking forward to watching how the series plays out for sure.

Joshua is newly back in Royal and drama already seems to be attaching itself to him when his twin gets him mixed up in a touchy situation right off the bat.

Layla is a fun character and I enjoyed watching her relationship with Josh grow.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Texas Cattleman’s Club saga as each branch of mystery takes us on a journey of power, scandal and lust.

four-stars

* Review * LOST AND FOUND HEIR by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LOST AND FOUND HEIR by Joss WoodLost and Found Heir by Joss Wood
Series: Dynasties: DNA Dilemma #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

He’s inherited a family and a fortune.

The last thing he wants is complicated.

Until he meets her…

Venture capitalist Garrett Kaye has received the offer of a lifetime—become the CEO of a billion-dollar company…but only if he acknowledges he’s heir to his recently discovered birth family. To keep his mind off his choices, he lets his attraction to smart, headstrong mixologist Jules Carson sweep him away. But will “no strings” turn into the ties that bind as he faces the impossible choice between his birthright and his future?

 

Love when they least expect it! The third book in the Dynasties: DNA Dilemma series is spilling secrets and fueling flames and I loved every minute of it. The drama is high, the sexual chemistry is explosive and the feel good romance is spot on. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

Garrett is accomplished and satisfied in life, but drama seems to be knocking on his door when the family he didn’t exactly know he had steps into the picture.

Jules is fresh and fun and I really enjoyed seeing her let her guard down and prosper in her relationship with Garrett.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves family drama and high end scandal mixed into their romance.

five-stars

* Review * CINDERELLA’S INVITATION TO GREECE by Melanie Milburne

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CINDERELLA’S INVITATION TO GREECE by Melanie MilburneCinderella's Invitation to Greece by Melanie Milburne
Series: Weddings Worth Billions #1
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

The terms of his deal:

One week alone in paradise

Renowned billionaire Lucas Rothwell has a secret he will keep from the world’s media. And he’s shut everything and everyone out to do so. Until gentle wedding planner Ruby Pennington arrives on his mansion doorstep seeking his help—and discovers the truth.

In exchange Lucas requests payment in kind: a week on his private Greek island, where Ruby will assist in shielding him from the spotlight. But can this determined Cinderella convince Lucas she’s the one person he should let in when seven days become seven dangerously decadent nights?

 

Attention grabbing plot! The first book in the Weddings Worth Billions series is an interesting take on an unrequited crush story. The characters are easy enough to like, and the plot was entertaining but a bit choppy with a few spots that needed more development. Overall an enjoyable read.

Lucas is successful and in demand, but he’s hiding out in one of his luxury properties from real life for a bit. I enjoyed what we got to know of him.

Ruby is sweet with an innocence to her that aids in her likeability.

I recommend this book to anyone that likes a bit of a reunion story that centers on a past crush and the reconnection that makes them see more about each other than ever before.

four-stars

* Review * THE MAYOR’S BABY SURPRISE by Anna J Stewart

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE MAYOR’S BABY SURPRISE by Anna J StewartThe Mayor's Baby Surprise by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Butterfly Harbor Stories #12
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on April 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Could a surprise baby

Lead to a forever family?

Ineffective, shortsighted and self-centered—that’s what top family lawyer Leah Ellis thinks of Gil Hamilton. And that’s why she’s vying for his position as mayor of Butterfly Harbor. But when a six-month-old baby is left on Gil’s doorstep, he turns to her for help. Gil’s dedication to baby Eli shows Leah she was wrong about her rival. But can he win her vote for a future together?

 

A gorgeous, yet bittersweet conclusion! Butterfly Harbor quickly became a small town easy for a reader to sink their teeth into and remember each character throughout story after story like a homecoming each time we got to visit. With the final book in the series, I just knew Mayor Gil was going to somehow pull just the right inducement out of his pocket to make me fall hard for him and realize he wasn’t as bad as he’s been painted out to be all of these years … and he did not disappoint! I’m going to miss this series of characters, but I have wholeheartedly enjoyed each and every journey they have taken me along for!

Gil has been an attention grabbing character right from the start, but this book shows us a side to him we didn’t exactly get to see in the past. I really enjoyed watching his redemption come to life.

Leah is a real go-getter and has the town’s interests at heart, but she doesn’t know all that Gil has really been doing behind the scenes when she steps in to oust him as Mayor.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance filled to the top with heartfelt characters, emotional journeys and so many awe inspiring happily ever afters. I recommend you read the series in order for maximum enjoyment.

five-stars

* Review * TEXAS KILLER CONNECTION by Virginia Vaughan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TEXAS KILLER CONNECTION by Virginia VaughanTexas Killer Connection by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Cowboy Lawmen #5
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on April 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

To catch a killer

they’ll need to find the evidence.

When the investigation into her look-alike cousin’s death stalls, former army intelligence officer Brooke Moore arrives in Texas searching for justice—and is thrust into the middle of a deadly conspiracy. Now she must turn to her cousin’s ex, FBI agent Colby Avery, for help. But with every clue leading them deeper into danger, they must uncover the truth…before they are buried with it.

 

Highly addictive suspense! The fifth book in the Cowboy Lawmen series was quick to catch my attention and kept me guessing until the end. I didn’t connect quite as easily with this couple as I have some previously in the series, but the core plot was intriguing. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Brooke has a commanding personality and is intent on finding out exactly what happened to her cousin no matter what danger she might be putting herself into.

Colby is easy to like and I would have liked to have delved a little more into his family to set the scene a little more for anyone that hasn’t been reading the series in order.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a faith based romance with a strong intrigue plot.

four-stars

* Review * BEAUTIFUL by Danielle Steel

* Review * BEAUTIFUL by Danielle SteelBeautiful by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on April 19, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Veronique Vincent is a star. At age twenty-two, she is one of the most sought-after models in fashion, gracing the covers of magazines and walking the runways of haute couture shows across the globe. Yet, despite being the consummate professional, Veronique wants little of the glamorous life that modeling affords her. The beloved daughter of a hardworking single mother, she has always preferred spending time at home or with her kindhearted boyfriend to attending lavish parties. When a quick getaway presents a welcome break on the heels of Paris Fashion Week, and before a Vogue cover shoot in Tokyo, Veronique is thrilled, eager to escape the mayhem of her busy schedule. Then, out of nowhere, a tragic explosion at Zaventem Airport in Brussels changes her life forever.

The ruthless terrorist attack has the entire world on edge. Veronique finds herself hospitalized and alone, devastated to learn that the blast has killed both of the people she loved most. She is also forced to confront the harsh reality that she has been severely injured, her famous appearance forever altered. As she plunges into seclusion, the industry that once adored her believes her to have fallen off the map. In truth, she is struggling to find herself again after losing everything, and to discover what truly matters in life. But her mother’s will, accompanied by a letter Veronique never knew existed, reveals long-held secrets, introducing her to a world she hadn’t even known was possible.

As Veronique forges bonds old and new, she begins to see a light beyond the darkness she has come to inhabit, finding peace in opportunities to help others, and redefining for herself what beauty is, and what it truly means to be beautiful. Danielle Steel presents a story of one woman’s breathtaking perseverance in moving beyond tragedy to a life more meaningful than she could ever have imagined.

 

An emotional journey towards healing and rediscovery! Danielle Steel delivers a heartfelt tale in BEAUTIFUL that hooked me from the very start and kept me captivated until the end. Her main character is rich in substance and tenacity and gives the reader a strong platform to fixate on as she displays courage and perseverance throughout turmoil. Powerfully written and wholeheartedly enjoyed!

Veronique is an unforgettable character of strength and fortitude. She has the world at her fingertips when at the blink of an eye it all disappears and she’s left to pick up the shattered pieces. I admired her dignity and reveled in her new found cause.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story that delves into the emotional journey one must go on when life hands you a box full of lemons and demands you become creative.

five-stars