Book Reviews – Page 134

* Review * DON’T TELL by Karen Rose

February 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

Don't Tell by Karen Rose
Series: Chicago Series #1
Published by Grand Central Publishing on July 1, 2003
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After faking her own death, a mother on the run from her abusive husband is desperate to start a new life -- but as a new romance blossoms, he threatens to track her down . . .

It was a desperate plan. But Mary Grace Winters knew the only way to save herself and her child from her abusive cop husband was to stage their own death. Now all that remains of their former life is at the bottom of a lake. Armed with a new identity in a new town, she and her son have found refuge hundreds of miles away. As Caroline Stewart, she has almost forgotten the nightmare she left behind nine years ago. She is even taking a chance on love with Max Hunter, a man with wounds of his own. But her past is about to collide with the present when her husband uncovers her trail and threatens her hard-won peace. Step by step, he's closing in on her -- and everything and everyone she loves.

Intense characterization will have you hooked quickly! When an abusive husband discovers his wife faked her death years ago to escape with his son, how far will he go to get them back? The set up is dramatic and keeps the reader on their toes throughout the book, but side characters and developing relationships also give a softer side to the story. I loved every minute of DON’T TELL and plan to continue catching up on the Chicago Series!

Caroline portrays the strong person she is today and it’s almost difficult to perceive her as the victim she fought so hard to leave behind. Enjoying her relationship with her best friend, her son and the growing romance with Max was heartwarming and comforting.

Tom grows up before our eyes as he has to come face to face with the nightmare that he hoped was gone forever, but the strength he puts forth is inspiring.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a twisted bad guy, but still a solid storyline of goodness rounding out the edges.

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* Review * THE FIANCE by Stefanie London

February 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Fiancé by Stefanie London
Series: Close Quarters #4
Published by Harlequin Dare on January 1, 2021
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I may be a barely employed, soon-to-be-homeless teacher/waitress, but that doesn’t mean I’ll marry any creep my mum brings around. Some guys like short and curvy! And I haven’t given up on the dream—the love of a man who makes me hotter than a Melbourne summer night.

Getting caught in a supply closet with CEO Daniel Moretti is the cherry on top of my day from hell…until the heat in his dark eyes makes me want to rip off my spaghetti-sauce-stained catering uniform. Daniel can’t risk more salacious rumors, so he proposes a deal—I agree to be his fake fiancée and he’ll help me get back on my feet.

Moving in to Daniel’s luxurious loft puts us in close quarters. And it’s not long before we’re saying yes all night long! But Daniel wants nothing to do with passionate love, and I won’t settle for anything less. Could a fake engagement lead to true love…or am I only fooling myself?

Intense emotions and steaming hot chemistry had me from the start! Book four in Stefanie London’s Close Quarters series was quick to snag my attention with unexpected family drama for the hero and humorous byplay with the heroine. This series has been a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to more to come!

Daniel was easy to sympathize with and a pleasure to get to know as he let his softer side show with Ava.

Ava was a delight. She hasn’t had things go her way all that much recently, but she keeps her sense of humor and doesn’t let the world get her down.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a steamy romance with lots of heart and a close knit group of friends who interfere, support and love hard.

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* Review * MAKING ROOM FOR THE RANCHER by Christy Jeffries

February 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MAKING ROOM FOR THE RANCHER by Christy Jeffries

Making Room for the Rancher by Christy Jeffries
Series: Twin Kings Ranch #2
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on March 1, 2021
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Finding love is the easy part…

To Dahlia King, Connor Remington is just another wannabe cowboy who’ll go back to the city by midwinter. But underneath that city-slicker shine is a dedicated horseman who’s already won the heart of Dahlia’s animal-loving little daughter. Before she knows it, Dahlia is one third of a happy trio. But when her ex returns, Connor must decide to step up with this family…or step out.

Another King sibling finds love in book two of the Twin Kings Ranch series by Christy Jeffries! With an adorably precocious little girl by her side, Dahlia manages to fall for her new neighbor while stomping her feet and resisting the majority of the way. Great connections, adorable sidekicks of animals and kiddos make for an entertaining addition to the series. Can’t wait for more Kings!

Connor is kindhearted and down to earth and watching him fall for little Amelia and then her mama is heartwarming.

Dahlia was a little too offsetting at first for my liking but she soon realized she couldn’t keep a distance from this guy for long and softened her heart.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close-knit family who is always full of love, drama and hard earned happily ever afters!

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* Review * CONJUGAL VISITS by Lane Lynn Vale

February 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CONJUGAL VISITS by Lane Lynn Vale

Conjugal Visits by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Souls Chapel Revenants MC #2
on February 23, 2021
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Don’t ever, ever, ever go near that boy. Not unless you want to be a single mother at seventeen. That boy is Bad with a capital B.

The words that my father spoke to me when it came to Trouper Aoki didn’t scare me like they probably should.

In fact, they only made me intrigued all the more.

When it came to Troup, there was just no resisting fate when it came to the two of us.

Even at eighteen, when we went our separate ways with the promise to come back to each other once we were done pursuing our careers, I knew he would always be it for me.

And color me surprised when eight years after making that pact with Trouper, we were once again reunited. Only this time in an undercover FBI investigation—me, the FBI officer, and Troup call sign ‘State’ as a military liaison.

Trouble always finds him. You’d do better to run far, far away.

Truer words had never been spoken.

From the time Troup was a young boy, he’d been in some kind of trouble.

So it only goes to show when he winds up in the FBI investigation with none other than Beckham Spurlock, his high school sweetheart, things are bound to go wrong.

Only, he has no idea how wrong until things go bad. Really, really bad.

All it takes is saving her by hurting another for him to see the wrong side of a jail cell.

To make matters worse, he has to live the next fifteen years in prison knowing that his son will grow up without him. And the woman he loves will likely move on to a man that isn’t so much trouble.

Lani Lynn Vale might have just handed us her most loyal couple of all time in an emotionally riveting way! With book two in her new Souls Chapel Revenants MC series we get Trouper and Beckham’s story in CONJUGAL VISITS and it does not disappoint! While the timeline spread is a little wonky of them finding each other again and getting to be together once and for all, their dedication and love for each other makes it all worth it. Loved them!

Trouper and Beckham are attention grabbing characters and the journey of getting to know them from their teenage selves to the grown version of each one after going on to earn the career of their dreams is fulfilling. The turmoil they find themselves going through in order to be together only makes them stronger and more determined to have their forever love. Though told in stages throughout the book, the character development winds up being fairly complete and satisfying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a connection of unlikely characters who are learning to be a team and coming together to right wrongs while reconnecting with the lives they left behind. I’m looking forward to so much more in the series!

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* Release Blast/Review * HOT FOR LOVE by Melissa Foster

February 17, 2021 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review * HOT FOR LOVE by Melissa Foster

Hot for Love by Melissa Foster
Series: The Bradens & Montgomerys: Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls #7
Published by World Literary Press on February 17, 2021
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Trixie Jericho is on a mission to start her own miniature horse business. She’s sick of being told her idea is cute and wants nothing more than to be taken seriously. When rancher and sought-after freestyle horse trainer Nick Braden offers an opportunity she can’t refuse, Trixie jumps on it. The problem is, she also wants to jump on him, but the bullheaded, big-muscled, motorcycle-riding cowboy doesn't mix business with pleasure. Little does he know, Trixie has never backed down from a challenge, especially one she wants more than her next breath. Saddle up, big boy, because this boot-stompin’, risk-taking, Daisy Duke-wearing cowgirl isn’t afraid to play dirty.

You’ll be hooked from the first page! Feisty and sweet takes on hunky and broody when Trixie Jericho hooks up with Nick Braden in HOT FOR LOVE! Melissa Foster continues to delight her reader with one steamy love story after another in her Bradens and Montgomerys series. Always relatable, always emotional and guaranteed to steam up your windows!

Trixie is a sweetheart. As the only female in her pack of brothers, she’s overprotected and overlooked. She’s determined to get her new business started off on the right foot, and she knows she needs to get away from home to do it!

Nick’s love of animals is endearing, and watching him fall head over heals for Trixie is super satisfying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a tight knit group of friends and siblings who are finding their happily ever afters one by one as love, drama and family swirl around.

Trixie Jericho is on a mission to start her own miniature horse business. She’s sick of being told her idea is cute and wants nothing more than to be taken seriously. When rancher and sought-after freestyle horse trainer Nick Braden offers an opportunity she can’t refuse, Trixie jumps on it. The problem is, she also wants to jump on him, but the bullheaded, big-muscled, motorcycle-riding cowboy doesn’t mix business with pleasure. Little does he know, Trixie has never backed down from a challenge, especially one she wants more than her next breath. Saddle up, big boy, because this boot-stompin’, risk-taking, Daisy Duke-wearing cowgirl isn’t afraid to play dirty.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25317318-hot-for-love

Goodreads series link:

https://www.goodreads.com/series/151180-the-bradens-montgomerys-pleasant-hill—oak-falls

Read Sneak Peek: https://melissafoster.com/hot-for-love-sneak-peek/

BUY LINKS:

➜KINDLE: http://smarturl.it/HFL_Kindle
➜APPLE: http://smarturl.it/HFL_Apple
➜NOOK: http://smarturl.it/HFL_Nook
➜KOBO: http://smarturl.it/HFL_Kobo
➜GPLAY: http://smarturl.it/HFL_GPlay
➜PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/HFL_Pb

Audio, narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Snow
➜AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/HFLa_Amazon
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/HFLa_Apple
➜AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/HFLa_Audible

Author Info
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:
Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster
Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/

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* Review * HIS SECRET STARLIGHT BABY by Michelle Major

February 16, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS SECRET STARLIGHT BABY by Michelle Major

His Secret Starlight Baby by Michelle Major
Series: Welcome to Starlight #4
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on March 1, 2021
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Coparenting this baby

Is going to take teamwork

Former professional football player Jordan Schaeffer’s game plan was simple: retire from football and set up a quiet life in Starlight. But when Cory Hall arrives with their infant son, Jordan not only gets a surprise but has to devise a new life strategy. And Cory finds herself agreeing to be his fake fiancée until they work out a coparenting plan. Jordan may have rewritten the dating playbook…but will it be enough to bring this team together?

A visit to Starlight is always satisfying! With book four in her Welcome to Starlight series Michelle Major brings a surprise baby storyline to life like a charm. The characters are attention grabbing, the story line is fulfilling and the happily ever after is divine! Looking forward to more in the series as always.

Cory is a complex character. She’s bringing Jordan’s infant son to meet him and work out a co-parenting plan, but she has a bit of baggage that she has to explain first. She’s fairly easily redeemed even if a bit gullible in the past.

Jordan is accomplished and satisfied with where his life led him, but he’s even happier when Cory and Ben become a part of his life. I enjoyed them together.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance filled with close-knit residents who occasionally mingle and cheer each other on as they each find their happily ever afters.

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* Review * TERMS OF THEIR COSTA RICAN TEMPTATION by Pippa Roscoe

February 16, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TERMS OF THEIR COSTA RICAN TEMPTATION by Pippa Roscoe

Terms of Their Costa Rican Temptation by Pippa Roscoe
Series: The Diamond Inheritance #1
Published by Harlequin Presents on March 1, 2021
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A deal forged in paradise

A connection built to last?

Skye Soames’s search for her family’s long-lost diamonds leads her to Benoit Chalendar’s mansion in the Costa Rican rain forest. The billionaire offers to help her find the diamonds—if she agrees to marry him! To remain CEO of his company, he must look like he’s settling down.

For Benoit, watching prim and proper Skye discover her adventurous side among the wildlife and waterfalls is an unexpected thrill. It only fans the flames of their potent attraction. But can their pact survive the test when they return to reality?

An unexpected connection is sure to please! With the first book in her brand new The Diamond Inheritance series Pippa Roscoe gives us the background of the lost family jewels of the Soames family and starts the first journey the sisters partake in to claim their family heritage in TERMS OF THEIR COSTA RICAN TEMPTATION. I was intrigued throughout, and while the story lacked a little bit in relationship development, I enjoyed Sky and Benoit very much and look forward to continuing the family journey in the next sister’s book.

Sky is caring and determined, so watching her put the effort in to find the jewels that will help her family out so much is really touching.

Benoit is charismatic when he wants to be, but Sky catches him just when he’s escaping to get some me time, so he’s not exactly thrilled to be interrupted.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of a royal feel to their romance and a journey to a lush destination as the back drop.

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* Review * THE PROSECUTOR by Nichole Severn

February 16, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE PROSECUTOR by Nichole Severn

The Prosecutor by Nichole Severn
Series: Marshal Law #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on March 1, 2021
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If she wins her case

…she could lose her life.

Prosecuting the notorious Rip City Bomber, pregnant Deputy DA Madison Gray is stunned to find Marshal Jonah Watson as her security detail. He’s the child’s father, but circumstances forced her to walk away months ago. Then a series of bombings threatens Madison, and she reluctantly must trust the one man she vowed never to depend on.

Heart pounding action! Nichole Severn does not disappoint with the third book in her Marshal Law series THE PROSECUTOR. The tension is high from the very start of the book and doesn’t stop throughout. Fast paced, attention grabbing and has intriguing characters.

Madison is career oriented and heading towards the top of her game, so she’s not about to let a criminal mastermind interfere with the biggest case of her career. Reuniting with the father of her unborn child isn’t in her plans though. I liked the premise of who she was, but she was quite selfish and unfair to Jonah and I couldn’t forget that.

Jonah is just the sweetest. He’s tough and burly when his job calls for it, but is a gentle teddy bear when he’s taking care of Maddi. I really loved him.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery filled with tension, romance and happily ever afters.

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* Review * TORQUE by Gillian Archer

February 16, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Torque by Gillian Archer
Series: Burns Brothers #4
on February 18, 2021
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She’s his little sister’s best friend—totally off limits. But then again, this tattooed bad boy has never followed the rules.

Maddie:
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t in love with Nathan Burns. We met when I was six and twenty years later, I love him still. But he’ll never see me as anything other than his little sister’s best friend—a pest—if he even thinks of me that much. I’ve got to face facts. He’s not into me. He’ll never be into me.

It’s beyond time to move on.

Nathan:
I swear I blinked and my little sister’s best friend—a woman who’s about as off-limits as it can get—grew up. And she’s hot as hell. When did that happen? It doesn’t help that she’s everywhere now—at our weekly family dinner nights, sleeping on my brother’s couch next door, lying out in our complex’s swimming pool in a barely-there bikini. And who are these losers hanging around her lately? None of them are worthy of the woman she’s become. Then again, neither am I.

And when I stumble across her profile on a hook up app, all bets are off.

Off the charts chemistry! With book four in her Burns Brothers series, Gillian Archer delivers a spot on best friend’s older bro storyline. I love the Burns family and adored Nate and Maddie but I don’t think enough of the family and the past storyline was carried forward to make this a fulfilling read for someone reading it as a standalone instead of in series order. I’m looking forward to more from the family!

Maddie is adorable and you find yourself loving her and crossing your fingers that Nathan will notice her quickly.

Nate is sizzling hot and has an ego to go with it, but he’s got a heart of gold to anyone he lets in it.

I highly recommend this series to anyone that loves a tight knit group of family that isn’t afraid to lay it all out there when they don’t agree with one another.

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* Review * REUNITED WITH HER DAREDEVIL DOC by Susan Carlisle

February 16, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * REUNITED WITH HER DAREDEVIL DOC by Susan Carlisle

Reunited with Her Daredevil Doc by Susan Carlisle
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on March 1, 2021
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An old flame…

…a new beginning?

Dana Warren almost doesn’t recognize the man Dr. Travis Russell has become. He’s far from the carefree guy she once spent an unforgettable summer with years ago as they trained to save lives and fight wildfires. Now an experienced smoke jumper, Dana must take the guarded doc through stunning but dangerous wilderness to reach a vulnerable patient—and take care not to lose her own scarred heart along the way…

An unforgettable reunion! REUNITED WITH HER DAREDEVIL DOC by Susan Carlisle brings the story of a career smokejumper to life as she reconnects with an old crush who needs her help. The plot was intriguing, the story was fast paced and interesting and the characters were really easy to connect with. Really enjoyed their story!

Dana is a self-reliant character who puts her life on the line every day for the good of others. Seeing her show emotional depth when she reconnects with the one that got away is inspiring.

Travis is a nice guy with a heart of gold and reconnecting with Dana brings a warmth to his life that he didn’t even realize he was missing.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a romance with a hint of turmoil and a high energy rescue playing out in the background.

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