Book Reviews – Page 141

* Review * HERS TO WIN by Avery Samson

November 6, 2020 Leave a Comment

Hers to Win by Avery Samson
Series: The Sideswiped Series #2
on November 1, 2020
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Lily Rhett has everything, a great family, her dream job, loving friends. She’s always been the take charge, jump in with both feet person everyone relies on to fight the good fight. It’s exhausting. Just once she craves to give someone else the responsibility of making the decisions. She would happily give up control for just a little while to get some peace. But she’s accepted that it won’t come from anyone she knows. It definitely won’t be the tall, quiet number cruncher from her friends office. He couldn’t be the one, right?

Matthew Gibson likes his sex rough and his woman compliant. Underneath his quiet, nerdy exterior is a man who likes to push the envelope. So what is it about the explosive blond has him intrigued from the moment he meets her? She is commanding, competitive and sexier than anyone he’s ever met. The more she challenges him, the more he wants her. Can he teach her that with submission comes power? Does she know he is the man to show her she can be both sides of the coin? Or does he throw away everything he thought he needed for the one thing he doesn’t want to live without?

A temporary fling turns into a sassy exploration of love and desire! With the second book in her Sideswiped series Avery Samson brings a tempting display of power exchange in HERS TO WIN. The characters are easy to like and get to know, and though this author’s craft needs a little polishing as she grows into her series, the concept of the story was great, and the follow through was satisfying. This was my first read from this author, but I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another.

Matthew is a nice guy. He likes sex a certain way, but he’s an easygoing boyfriend outside of the bedroom. I especially loved getting to see them interact with his family.

Lily is a sweetheart, but her newness to living outside the vanilla lifestyle leads her to run her mouth a little too much and causes an issue or two that have potential to ruin their relationship.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of dominance, bondage and BDSM in the midst of a cute relationship.

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* Review * ROOKIE INSTINCTS by Carol Ericson

November 6, 2020 Leave a Comment

Rookie Instincts by Carol Ericson
Series: Tactical Crime Division: Traverse City #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on November 1, 2020
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Two women dead…with the same ID?

Time to call the Tactical Crime Division.

New TCD team member Aria Calletti is determined to find out why women are turning up dead—especially since an infant was left at the most recent crime scene. Fortunately for the TCD’s newest operative, the baby’s uncle, Grayson Rhodes, has sacrificed everything to discover the truth following the disappearance of his half sister. But can a civilian-turned-undercover-dockworker and a brand-new agent take down a formidable drug kingpin?

A mysterious new case will keep you on the edge of your seat! With the first book in the new Tactical Crime Division: Traverse City series Carol Ericson takes us quickly into the heart of the crime in ROOKIE INSTINCTS. While I didn’t find the instant love between the two main characters believable with how little time they spent together, I thought the mystery and suspense throughout the building of the case was spot on. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Aria is an easy to like character, and as the newest member of the team, she proves her abilities quickly.

Grayson is willing to put himself out there however he needs to in order to find info about what happened to his half-sis.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a dramatic and suspenseful story with bit of romance mixed in.

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* Review * MISTLETOE COWBOY by Leigh Riker

November 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MISTLETOE COWBOY by Leigh Riker

Mistletoe Cowboy by Leigh Riker
Series: Kansas Cowboys #8
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on November 1, 2020
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The best Christmas gift…

is a second chance with her!

Cody Jones is a good cowboy with a bad past. But he’s paid for his mistakes and is finally coming home to Barren, Kansas. Only this time, ranch princess Willow Bodine won’t be waiting. She’s gotten engaged to another man: Cody’s enemy. Now Cody must prove that a bad boy cowboy can change his spurs…and become the man Willow truly deserves by Christmas.

A heartwarming story of forgiveness, rediscovery and redemption. With book eight in her always addictive Kansas Cowboys series, Leigh Riker brings us a tainted hero and the one that got away in MISTLETOE COWBOY. The characters and plot drew me into the story quickly and their connection kept me enchanted throughout.

Cody comes into the story needing redemption for the bad he’s done, but I found it really easy to forgive him once we get to know the guy he is now and hear his back story.

Willow was also easy to like and sympathize with, but she was also irritating with the way she let herself be walked over instead of listening to her heart.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance filled with a sexy cowboy, a gentle partner and a happily ever after to write home about.

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* Review * DIRTY SECRETS by Regina Kyle

November 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

Dirty Secrets by Regina Kyle
Published by Harlequin Dare on November 1, 2020
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Her brother’s best friend is hotter than sin and she’s about to show up at his luxury apartment. After a lifetime of good behavior, will Connor Dow be able to resist the ultimate temptation on his doorstep?

In New York, the city that never sleeps, Gabrielle “Brie” Lawson can’t get any shut-eye. Not as a struggling actress and definitely not with her longtime crush, Connor, now so close to her bedroom. The devastating, gorgeous club owner has always been off-limits to her. But given that he’s letting her stay with him, that means…well, he might be open to reworking certain sexual boundaries.

With a little private time, Brie is determined to seduce him, cooking him romantic meals and prancing around in lacy lingerie. He shouldn’t expect a creative beauty to be hemmed in by virtue—or clothing. So it doesn’t take long for Connor to trade some late hours at the office for sultry nights with Brie. He seems tailor-made for her in every way. From his well-ordered life to messing up the sheets, there’s no one else. But would he risk losing his best friend—and his business—for a chance at true love?

Bona fide sexy goodness! With a dashing jaunt into the forbidden Regina Kyle delights all our senses with DIRTY SECRETS. The characters are easy to connect with and delightful, the plot is pure temptation, and the laughter mixed in with pure affection is utterly delightful. There was a slightly too abrupt of an ending, but overall I couldn’t have loved them more!

Brie is pure joy. She’s sweet, she’s smart, she’s successful … and above all else, she loves with her whole heart.

I adored Connor. He is the ultimate version of a sexy nerd and he carried it well.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a heartfelt connection filled with lust, love and deep affection.

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* Review * THEIR ROYAL BABY GIFT by Kandy Shepherd

November 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THEIR ROYAL BABY GIFT by Kandy Shepherd

Their Royal Baby Gift by Kandy Shepherd
Series: Christmas at the Harrington Park Hotel #2
Published by Harlequin Romance on November 1, 2020
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Can two strangers…

…become one family?

Designer Sally Harrington falls—literally!—into the arms of a handsome stranger. And, after one spontaneous night, Sally’s life changes forever… She’s pregnant! But there’s another shock to come. Her mystery man turns out to be Prince Edward of Tianlipin! As their two worlds collide and family duty threatens the magic this pair share…there may be one more Christmas surprise coming their way…

A classic case of a gloriously sexy love at first sight! With the second book in the Christmas at the Harrington Park Hotel trilogy, it’s Kandy Shepherd’s turn to bring a magical connection to life as Sally Harrington finds her very own Prince Charming in THEIR ROYAL BABY GIFT. The characters were delightful, their love story was decadently forbidden yet super sweet, and their happily ever after was divine! I can’t wait for Hugo’s story to finish off the series.

Sally is a sweet character. She never expects a trip to Singapore to research gardens for the Harrington to bring the sexiest man she’s ever seen to literally sweep her off her feet.

Edward is refined and dashing and quite the gentleman. Finding out the woman he hasn’t been able to get off of his mind since their one night encounter is now carrying his child is unexpected, but he can’t deny his joy in seeing her again.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a family picking up the pieces from past heartache to bring them together and stronger than ever. The romance is spot on, and the family connection is sweet.

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* Review * SLOW BURN by Janice Maynard

November 2, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Slow Burn by Janice Maynard
Series: Dynasties: Seven Sins #7
Published by Harlequin Desire on November 1, 2020
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The prodigal playboy is back

and nothing is the same…

…except the attraction that still sizzles between Jake Lowell and the woman he left behind. But the globe-trotting bachelor is in for a surprise! Nikki Reardon is now a mother—to the daughter he never knew. He once blamed Nikki for the fall of his iconic family…now he can’t resist her. Will their slow burn spark a second chance or burn down all they hold dear?

With the dramatic conclusion of the Dynasties: Seven Sins series, Janice Maynard brings the prodigal Lowell son home to confront the past … and the daughter he didn’t know he had! With book seven in the highly emotional series we get some closure on the Black Crescent scandal as Vernon has to face his accusers once and for all. I loved the series as a whole, but would have liked a little epilogue to tie up lose ends of punishment, etc.

Jake Lowell is a complex character. He seems like a nice enough guy, but his indecision of how to address the daughter he didn’t know he had is a bit wishy washy for my liking.

I loved Nikki’s character. She’s strong and loyal to a tee, and even though she still loves Jake, she’s willing to sacrifice herself to make sure he can be happy with his decisions.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves drama with your romance. You will get more out of each book if you read them in order so you aren’t missing bits and pieces of the scandal.

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* Review * BAD MISTAKE by JC Harroway

November 2, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Bad Mistake by JC Harroway
Series: The Pleasure Pact #3
Published by Harlequin Dare on November 1, 2020
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Give in to the sinfully hot final book in bestselling author JC Harroway’s The Pleasure Pact series…

The truth is that the Pleasure Pact was my idea.

Not because I thought my friends needed to get laid (they did) or because margaritas were involved (they were), but because I know who I want: Nick Rivers. My big, brooding, mouth-wateringly hot bodyguard. It’s been torture, the way he watches me with those brown eyes shuttered and locked down. And that hard, muscled body that shields me from harm with the promise of raw, masculine heat.

All that control. All that restraint. And all I want to do is unleash it.

Now we’re in Milan, and I’m doing everything I can to break Nick’s iron will. Because I know I can trust him. I know he’s safe. And I know the fact that my being Lady Brooke Madden—London socialite, supermodel, businesswoman and even the victim of tabloid scandal—means nothing to him. He sees me. I see him. And we both like to watch. But wanting him means surrendering…

He wants to control everything. But Nick can’t control what’s happening between us…or what will happen when he shows me who he really is.

The sinfully seductive conclusion to The Pleasure Pact trilogy is here! BAD MISTAKE by JC Harroway is sure to delight with a delve into the forbidden as Brooke shows the cards she’s been holding close to her chest after devising the pact with her two besties. She knew who she wanted, she just had to figure out how to get him to lose control. Loved the characters and loved the series!

Lady Brooke Madden is divine. She’s sexy, self-assured and a strong, independent career woman who isn’t afraid to go after what she wants … like that sexy hunk of a man who’s been guarding her body with a brooding scowl and unbearable heat in his stare.

Bodyguard Nick Rivers is dreamy! He’s a tough guy with a heart of gold. He’s been traumatized by a past that he’d give just about anything in the world to be able to change, but he refuses to ever let his guard down again.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a decadent dip into temptation as three sexy ladies set out to go after what they want and end up finding their forevers along the way.

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* Review * IN HOT PURSUIT by Geri Krotow

November 2, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * IN HOT PURSUIT by Geri Krotow

In Hot Pursuit by Geri Krotow
Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids #5
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on November 1, 2020
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On the run for their lives…and straight toward a killer.

Sergeant Flynn Cruz-Street’s estranged half brother is a threat to society. To catch him, Flynn must join forces with JAG paralegal Vikki Colton. Vikki proves to be a brilliant investigator, and what starts as a reluctant partnership soon blossoms into an irresistible attraction. But as they work tirelessly to track down the dangerous criminal, Flynn and Vikki must resist the sparks between them…or risk losing their very lives.

Lots of twists and turns in this mad dash against time! With book five in the Colton 911: Grand Rapids series Geri Krotow takes the reigns and takes her reader on a thrill ride as we continue to hunt down the evil forces endangering lives with the RevitaYou scandal. A nice addition to the series brings closure to some aspects of the story and ends with a big twist to hook us on the next book in the series!

Flynn Cruz-Street nabs our attention quickly when he becomes a target in an unexpected attack that leads him to partner with Vicki to get answers and hunt for the bad guys.

Vicki Colton is self-assured and competent in her job as a JAG paralegal/investigator. She’s quick to jump into the fray of getting some of the missing pieces in this mystery that seems to be holding her family hostage.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a high action mystery mixed with a satisfying happily ever after. I’m looking forward to more in the series.

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* Review * MONTANA MATCH by Carol Ross

November 2, 2020 Leave a Comment

Montana Match by Carol Ross
Series: The Blackwell Sisters #4
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on November 1, 2020
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Thanksgiving in Montana

Is about family—and love!

Thanksgiving is the perfect time for Fiona Harrison to turn her life around. And she is sure finding a suitable husband will please her newfound family in Montana. When a dating app sends her every dud in town, handsome bartender Simon Clarke offers to be her matchmaker. If only Simon fit her criteria… Learning the truth about the twinkle-eyed charmer could change everything—but for better or worse?

A sweet romance filled with humor, heartstring pulling and a hardy happily ever after is sure to please as Carol Ross picks up The Blackwell Sisters series with book four MONTANA MATCH. I loved the camaraderie and companionship that Fiona and Simon struck up from the very start of the book and enjoyed the humor of her dating attempts. Great addition to the series!

Baby sister Fiona is a doll. She’s sweet and sassy and quite the people pleaser. She feels pressure to settle down and get her life on track like her sisters before her, but she’s finding the pickings are slim when the guy who has really caught her eye is unavailable.

Simon is an awesome guy. He’s kind, he’s sweet and he’s got a great head on his shoulders for business. He can see what a catch Fiona is right from the beginning, but the past has him believing there’s no future in forever for a guy like him.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a whole lot of heart with your romance. This family is especially heartwarming and watching a new member struggle towards the love of their life is always rewarding.

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* Review * ALL HE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS by Karen Booth

November 2, 2020 Leave a Comment

All He Wants for Christmas by Karen Booth
Series: The Sterling Wives #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on November 1, 2020
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A holiday rendezvous leads to unexpected attraction…

for his brother’s widow.

For months, real estate developer Andrew Sterling has been laser focused on destroying Sterling Enterprises and bringing down his brother. But Johnathan’s sudden death changes everything—especially when Andrew learns his brother’s widow is pregnant. Andrew has never really seen Miranda Sterling…until now. As they get closer, he must fight the forbidden feelings that threaten more than his bottom line…

Scandalously forbidden! ALL HE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS is the third and final book in Karen Booth’s The Sterling Wives series and it wrapped up the storyline well. I recommend you read each book in the series in order because they all tell new tidbits in the ongoing saga of Johnathon Sterling’s death and estate settling.

Miranda was an interesting character. She seems heartbroken over the death of her husband from the start of the series, but yet seemed to adjust well to various truths that she knew nothing about. Starting to have feelings for his brother leads her to examine what she truly had with her husband.

Andrew might have had revenge in mind when he originally concocted the plan to go after his brother’s company, but in this book he has already decided he can no longer hold ill will and comes across as just a kindhearted guy falling for his former sister-in-law.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a dramatic backdrop of family saga mixed with passionate happily ever afters for all involved.

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