Book Reviews – Page 137

* Review * THE BEST INTENTIONS by Michelle Major

February 28, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Best Intentions by Michelle Major
Series: Welcome to Starlight #1
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on March 1, 2020
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Is the new girl in town all she appears?

She needs a new start…

Not a new man.

Kaitlin Carmody is a woman with a past—one she’d like to forget. A string of bad choices led to a fresh start in the small town of Starlight, so when her boss shows signs of serious illness, she’s determined to help him the best she can. But Finn Samuelson, her boss’s handsome, headstrong son, is certain Kaitlin is taking advantage of his father and running his family’s bank into the ground. When attraction overcomes reason, Finn must decide if Kaitlin is really a threat to his family…or its salvation.

Small town romance at it’s best! Michelle Major has held our hearts with her Crimson, Colorado series for years, so readers will be delighted to see her weave her magic once again with the kick-off to her latest series Welcome to Starlight! In THE BEST INTENTIONS, we get the story of a woman who has turned over a new leaf since moving to Starlight a couple of years ago, and when her boss’s son threatens the life she now cherishes, she’s not going to take his attitude sitting down!

Kaitlin is delightful! She’s spent a lifetime making bad choices, but since moving to Starlight, she feels like she’s found her place. She loves her job, and the boss that took a chance on her will have her loyalty through anything.

It didn’t take long for Finn to redeem himself and make me like him. He’s shocked when he returns home to Starlight for the first time in a decade and sees the shape his family bank is in. His dad has always prided himself on his success, so what exactly is going on here?

I highly recommend this book to fans of small town romance with a kick of sass and a whole lot of heart. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BUCKED by Tara Sue Me

February 28, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Bucked by Tara Sue Me
Published by After Six Publishing on February 27, 2020
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As a child all Kiara Bowman wanted to do for a living was to become a nurse. For years after graduation, she considered herself one of the lucky few who truly loved their job. But now a powerful and vindictive ex-lover is making it impossible for her to work in her chosen profession. After being let go from her current job, she decides to head out of town and drives to her twin sister’s house.

Both her sister and her sister’s boyfriend work for Orson Kent. Kiara did as well for a few weeks during the summer. Though she wouldn’t have minded if things got a little hot between them, Orson didn’t look her way twice.

Or so she thought.

Orson has spent his adulthood trying to erase his childhood. Owning and running his ranch as a family friendly destination goes a long way in meeting that goal, as do the private kink weekends. But a freak accident has grounded him for six weeks. For a man used to doing everything, asking for help doesn’t come easy. Especially when that help is Kiara Bowman.

Orson Kent did all he could to keep the lively and vivacious Kiara at arm’s length over the summer. He’s not sure he can do it again, especially with her living under his roof. He’s not even sure he wants to. Besides, he’s not about to turn her down, not when what he’d really like to do is turn her over his knee or his bed or the dining room table…

But just as Orson and Kiara decide to give in to their desires, it becomes clear someone’s past isn’t content to remain in the shadows. They know it’ll be worth the temporary trouble that comes with bringing everything into the light. What they aren’t ready for is when it turns deadly.

Steamy chemistry! With her latest release BUCKED, Tara Sue Me dips us slightly back into her Submissive series by bringing us Kelly’s twin sister Kiara and Orson’s story. We get to see Kelly and Evan a little bit, but none of the previous characters play a part in this story line.

Kelly is a likable character who is trying to pick up the pieces of the life she has left after dealing with a difficult ex. She finds herself back on Orson’s ranch before she knows it, and this time she’s not going to accept him keeping her at a distance.

Orson has been closed off about his past for years, but Kelly has a way of digging herself into his heart and soon knows exactly what it is that makes him tick.

I recommend this story to fans of the series. It’s almost like going home again to read about this family of friends, and though this book doesn’t have as much depth as earlier ones in the series, I enjoyed it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt * BETTER THAN SEXY by Carly Phillips

February 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt * BETTER THAN SEXY by Carly Phillips

Better than Sexy by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sexy Series #3
Published by CP Publishing on February 25, 2020
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Insta-love only happens in the movies.
Insta-lust? That she’d buy into.
Until she meets take-charge club owner Landon Bennett and falls head over heels at a glance.

When hot as sin Landon Bennet offers sexy songstress Vivienne Clark a summer residency at his popular Manhattan nightclub, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and she can’t resist. Add in the man’s obvious interest and seductive attention and life is perfect. Until she puts together the pieces of his past. Fate might have brought them together, but is the intimate relationship they’ve been building strong enough to overcome the the secret Vivi is hiding?

Heartfelt and emotional! With book three in her much anticipated Sexy Series, Carly Phillips brings us Landon’s story in BETTER THAN SEXY. With the backstory we’ve had since this story line started, this book had the potential to tear a reader’s heart to pieces and then slowly put it back together again … sadly it didn’t achieve that depth, but it was highly entertaining and satisfying.

Readers of the series know that Landon is very complex. He’s a down to earth guy, but he has never recovered from losing his twin as a teen. Love his friends and family as he may, a part of him is always missing.

Vivienne had my attention from the first page, and once we learned her story, she was a shocking addition to the cast. I liked her and was pulling for her throughout.

I recommend this book and highly recommend the series as a whole if you’re looking for a close-knit cast of friends who put aside their fears and hang-ups to settle into their happily ever afters when the one they want crosses their path. The characters are very likable and the back story is attention grabbing. Loved these guys!

Insta-love only happens in the movies.
Insta-lust? That she’d buy into.

Better Than Sexy, an all-new sizzling and swoony standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips is out now!

Insta-love only happens in the movies.
Insta-lust? That she’d buy into.

Until she meets take-charge club owner Landon Bennett and falls head over heels at a glance.

When hot as sin Landon Bennet offers sexy songstress Vivienne Clark a summer residency at his popular Manhattan nightclub, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and she can’t resist. Add in the man’s obvious interest and seductive attention and life is perfect. Until she puts together the pieces of his past. Fate might have brought them together, but is the intimate relationship they’ve been building strong enough to overcome one painful fact. She’s the sister of the man who killed his twin.

Download your copy today!

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Excerpt:

“So this is the bedroom,” she said, looking around the immaculate space.

“Yes, it is. Feel free to put your own touches on it for as long as you’re here.”The decorator had pulled together an apartment for three single men.

She treated him to a generous smile. “Thank you.”

Knowing he’d be tempting himself and not caring, he stepped closer until her feminine fragrance filled his nostrils. They stared at each other for a long, charged moment, desire he couldn’t escape building inside him.

She met his gaze and her lips parted. It wasn’t an invitation, but her eyes still held his, and she wasn’t backing away either.

He slid his hand behind her neck, cupping her soft skin. “I know I’m your boss, so no pressure,” he said as he applied a bit to her skin. “But I want to kiss you.”

She paused. Looked up at him. Then rose onto her toes. His mouth met hers. Warm and willing, her soft lips glided against his and his entire body came alive. He tightened his grip on her neck as he slid his tongue into her waiting mouth. She tasted sweet and he deepened the kiss, wanting more of her. With a moan, her body leaned against his, her breasts pressing against his chest.

Their tongues meshed and mingled. Their harsh breathing filled the room. The kiss went on and he was in no rush to end the moment. But suddenly she gasped and pulled away.

“We shouldn’t,” she said, brushing her damp lips with her hand.

“Because…?”

She swallowed hard. “I just … I need to focus on my work,” she said, turning away so he couldn’t see her face.

He narrowed his gaze, wondering if something more was at play. A woman didn’t kiss him like she did, then back off that easily. But he also wasn’t going to push her. He’d see how things between them played out during her time here and take his cues from her. Which didn’t mean he wouldn’t play up the charm and test her resolve.

“I think the apartment will work out well.” She headed for the door.

“Do you need help moving in?”

“I’ve got it but thank you,” she said in a strained voice.

“Who’s helping?” he persisted.

“Well, Ellie. Owen wouldn’t get his hands dirty moving my clothing over. It’s fine. We’ve got it. She’s borrowing her parents’ car.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’ll be over at eight a.m. tomorrow and we’ll get you moved in.

”He wasn’t going to leave the two women to drag all her things alone back and forth up to the apartment.

“We’ll get me moved in?”

He grinned. “I’ve got partners, don’t I? All you need to worry about is packing your things up. We’ll handle the rest.”

“But–”

He placed a finger to her lips, and damned if her eyes didn’t darken with desire. She might be focused on her career, but she was interested in him as well.

Meet Carly Phillips

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

Connect with Carly

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2FIG6FH
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Facebook: http://bit.ly/2Nk4bID
Stay up to date with Carly by joining her mailing list:
http://bit.ly/2FKDasp
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Join Carly’s Addicts: http://bit.ly/2CM78tY
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Website: www.carlyphillips.com
Blog: http://bit.ly/2HQaYXg

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * THE TWO-DATE RULE by Tawna Fenske

February 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TWO-DATE RULE by Tawna Fenske

The Two-Date Rule by Tawna Fenske
Series: Smokejumper #1
Published by Entangled: Amara on February 25, 2020
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Willa Frank has one simple rule: never go on a date with anyone more than twice. Now that her business is providing the stability she’s always needed, she can’t afford distractions. Her two-date rule will protect her just fine…until she meets smokejumper Grady Billman.

After one date—one amazing, unforgettable date—Grady isn’t ready to call it quits, despite his own no-attachments policy, and he’s found a sneaky way around both their rules.

Throwing gutter balls with pitchers of beer? Not a real date. Everyone knows bowling doesn’t count.

Watching a band play at a local show? They just happen to have the same great taste in music. Definitely not a date.

Hiking? Nope. How can exercise be considered a date?

With every "non-date" Grady suggests, his reasoning gets more ridiculous, and Willa must admit she’s having fun playing along. But when their time together costs Willa two critical clients, it's clear she needs to focus on the only thing that matters—her future. And really, he should do the same.

But what is she supposed to do with a future that looks gray without Grady in it?

Highly entertaining! With the first book in her Smokejumpers series, Tawna Fenske delights readers with a delightful cast of characters, a steamy connection and so many laugh out loud moments in THE TWO-DATE RULE. I was hooked from the start and delighted time and again as this couple weaved their way into each others hearts.

Willa is easy to understand. She is a major workaholic, but as the reader is introduced to her past, we easily understand her motivation. She needs to keep things simple so she keeps her eye on the prize of maintaining stability … but she never expected a guy like Grady.

Grady is delightful! He’s from a large family, he has deep roots in his smokejumping community and he’s just a joy to be around. He won this reader’s heart as soon as he showed up on the pages.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that while touching on serious hang-ups still brings a lighthearted, fresh style to the mix. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE RETURN OF HER BILLIONAIRE HUSBAND by Melanie Milburne

February 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE RETURN OF HER BILLIONAIRE HUSBAND by Melanie Milburne

The Return of Her Billionaire Husband by Melanie Milburne
Published by Harlequin Presents on March 1, 2020
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Their marriage was lost…

But then he walked back into her life!

Juliette is determined to forget her short-lived marriage to Italian tycoon Joe Allegranza. It began with an intense passion she’d only ever dreamed of, and ended in heartbreak. Now it’s time to go their separate ways…or is it?

Because reunited at a lavish wedding, Juliette is unable to hide from their desire, or the realization of how little she knew her husband. Drawn together by their connection, she’s torn: rekindling their spark could spell disaster, or it could make them stronger than before…

Reunited … but can it last? Melanie Milburne brings an estranged couple back together in THE RETURN OF HER BILLIONAIRE HUSBAND under the lure of taking part in their best friend’s lavish wedding.

Juliette pushed her new husband Joe away when tragedy struck their fledgling relationship and plans to pursue a divorce in order to get on with her life. She’s been resistant to talking through their past because it’s still too painful for her. The rush of their relationship felt a bit off.

Joe is easy to sympathize with, but as we learn more of his background and get her side of how she felt during his reactions to situations that arose between them, we can understand why she felt about him the way she did.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional reunion of a couple who both deserve good things. I enjoyed their story.

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* Review * DEMANDING HIS BILLION-DOLLAR HEIR by Pippa Roscoe

February 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEMANDING HIS BILLION-DOLLAR HEIR by Pippa Roscoe

Demanding His Billion-Dollar Heir by Pippa Roscoe
Published by Harlequin Presents on March 1, 2020
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The woman he can’t forget…

The child he can’t deny!

Wild. Powerful. Ultrarich. Matthieu’s reputation was infamous. And he wanted to keep it that way! It was a way to shelter from the pain of his traumatic past. Until enchanting Maria entered his world of unimaginable wealth…and unraveled his carefully ordered life with a night of blistering passion.

She was the only woman to see the man behind the scars. Yet, to protect her, Matthieu pushed her away. Now Maria is back, with an announcement that leads him to question everything: “I’m pregnant.”

One night turns into forever! DEMANDING HIS BILLION-DOLLAR HEIR by Pippa Roscoe is an emotional journey of healing for two lost souls.

Maria has been pushed to the wayside once to often for her to have not been scarred by rejection and turmoil. She searches for love in every interaction, but only manages to set herself up for failure time and again. She’s a tad flighty, but with her back story, we easily forgive it.

Matthieu is successful and commanding and easily swayed me to like him when he reached out to Maria one night when he could tell she was upset. That night was meant to be a one night reprieve from the world, but she’s shortly searching him out to announce she’s pregnant.

I recommend this story to anyone looking for a fast paced story of a marriage between strangers that soon turns into forever. I quite enjoyed his character in particular.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HER KNIGHT WORE SCRUBS by Lynne Marshall

February 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

Her Knight Wore Scrubs by Lynne Marshall
Series: Mercy, Inc. #1
on February 1, 2020
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Her surprise Knight in the ER

China Seabury needs a host for her latest charity event to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted teen driving -- something that is very close to her heart.

It looks as though she's going to have to grit her teeth and ask for help from the Mercy, Inc. Emergency Department's infamous playboy, Eric Morell.

Eric is delighted when China asks for his help -- now he has the chance to use his easy charm to persuade the one woman in the ER who hasn't fallen at his feet to go out with him. Eric knows China is scared to let go of her heart, but he is determined to earn her trust -- in fact he's prepared to come to her rescue in more ways than she could ever have imagined!

** Previously published by a Harlequin Medical Romance in 2007 as HER L.A. Knight -- now updated and re-releasing **

When two unlikely hearts collide, there’s magic to be made! With the first book in her Mercy, Inc. series, Lynn Marshall brings us the story of an ER nurse and a physician’s assistant in HER KNIGHT WORE SCRUBS. The characters each have an intriguing back story and their banter catches a reader’s attention quickly.

It seems China is nice to everyone except for Eric when we first meet her, but we soon realize she simply has no patience for what she sees as conceit. She drives herself hard to raise funding for a cause near and dear to her heart, so when Eric becomes a driving force in that nature, she finally sees him for the man he truly is.

Eric is a fun character. He’s always ready with a smile to delight a patient or ease someone’s stress, but he doesn’t like that China thinks poorly of him. He makes it his goal to get her to warm up to him and say yes to a date.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good medical romance with equal parts medical emergencies, character drama and love blossoming before our eyes. I enjoyed China and Eric!

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* Review * RISK IT ALL by Katie Ruggle

February 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

Risk It All by Katie Ruggle
Series: Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters #2
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on December 31, 2019
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Five bounty-hunting sisters
Deep in the heart of the Rockies
Fighting to save each other
...and the men who steal their hearts

Cara Pax never wanted to be a bounty hunter. She's happy to leave chasing criminals and tackling skips to her sisters. But if she wants her dreams of escaping the family business to come true, she's got one last job to finish... Only problem is, she doesn't think her bounty is guilty.

Henry Kavenski is a man with innocence to prove. When he realizes that Cara believes him, he'll do anything to keep her out of harm's way. Escaping criminals and dodging cops might not be the best time to fall in love, but Henry and Cara won't give up, not when there's a chance at a new life ahead--if they can survive the fall.

Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters:
In Her Sights (Book 1)
Risk It All (Book 2)

Love where she never expected it! With book two in her Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters series, Katie Ruggle takes us knee deep into trouble with Cara and the accused murderer she’s set her sights on catching.

Cara has no interest in being a bounty hunter like her sisters, but if she wants the family business to keep carrying the bills while she studies to be a kindergarten teacher, she needs to step up and bring in some dough. She might not be as smooth as her sisters, but she’s hunted her prey and is making her move.

Henry can’t help but be amused at how obvious Cara is when she’s hunting him. He’d be a nice guy and let her earn the money for taking him in if he didn’t still have so much to accomplish to get out of this mess that he’s gotten himself into.

I’ve been highly entertained by both books in this series so far and look forward to seeing more of the sisters find their happily ever after and watching them bring their mom her just desserts. I recommend this book to anyone liking a drama filled intrigue with a close-knit family of bounty hunters and a whole lot of heart involved.

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* Review * DOMINIK by Sawyer Bennett

February 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Dominik by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Arizona Vengeance #6
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on February 18, 2020
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I built myself up from nothing. A product of the foster care system, I learned early on how to fight hard to get what I want. Whether it was starting my first company in college, earning my first billion, or buying my first professional sports team, I know how to get what I want, when I want it.

Until now.

Willow Monahan is fierce, independent, and hot as hell. She also takes great pleasure in shutting down my advances. The younger sister of one of my star players, Willow intrigues me to my very core. And while she may have willingly given me her body, she is hesitant to offer up more. Now I’m on a mission to find out why.

I’ve decided to approach my desire for Willow like I’ve approached much of my life; with persistence, determination, and a whole lot of that Dominik Carlson alpha charm. Buying a hockey expansion team, building the Arizona Vengeance from the ground up, and bringing home a championship may prove to be an easier feat than winning Willow’s heart.

But I’ve never been a quitter.

Willow Monahan… I’m coming for you.

With DOMINIK, the sixth book in her Arizona Vengeance series, Sawyer Bennett brings us the scorching hot story of team owner Dominik and the sister of one of his players! We’ve seen the hinting in a previous book or two about their hook-ups, but nothing has prepared us for this hunky man.

Dominik built himself up from nothing, and he appreciates every single minute of his life. He’s suave, he’s dashing and he’s utterly charming in how much he just plain cares about his employees, friends and team members. I adored him!

Willow just needs someone to wallop her with a pillow a time or two. She has a bit of a past that we haven’t heard about previously and she is living in her head way too much and about to miss out on this dream of a man who is really into her. It all starts as a good time, but before long it’s more serious than anything they’ve ever experienced.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series. It’s not only explosive hockey, but this team is filled with drama, love and friendship. I leave every book hoping that the next isn’t too far down the road. Highly recommend the Arizona Vengeance!

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* Review * HER HOMECOMING WISH by Jo McNally

February 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

Her Homecoming Wish by Jo McNally
Series: Gallant Lake Stories #3
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on February 1, 2020
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She’s ready to shed her good-girl ways…

“You’re all about following the rules now? Pity.”

Mackenzie Wallace hopes there’s still some bad boy lurking beneath single father Danny Adams’s upright exterior. Being the proverbial good girl left her brokenhearted and alone in the past. Now she’s back in town and wants excitement with her high school crush—not love. Dan knows their connection runs deep, despite Mackenzie’s protests. But will their new personas work together—especially when Dan’s secret is exposed?

Going home again isn’t always what you expected! With the third book in her Gallant Lake Stories series, Jo McNally brings a happily ever after Sheriff Dan’s way in HER HOMECOMING WISH. The characters are fun to get to know and there was an added addition of some intrigue in the plot.

Dan is a dream of a guy. He’s a loving father, he’s all about doing good for his community, and he’s sexy as all get out.

Mack is tired of being the people pleaser and wants to live it up for once in her life. What better way than taking a ride on the wild side with her former crush … only Danger Dan is now straight and narrow Dan and she’s not so sure she wants that side of him.

I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a fast paced small town romance with a touch of intrigue.

Filed Under: Book Reviews