Book Reviews – Page 152

* Review * AN ALASKAN CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Snow

September 23, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AN ALASKAN CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Snow

An Alaskan Christmas by Jennifer Snow
Series: Wild River #1
Published by HQN Books on September 24, 2019
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In Alaska, it’s always a white Christmas—but the sparks flying between two reunited friends could turn it red-hot…

If there’s one gift Erika Sheraton does not want for Christmas, it’s a vacation. Ordered to take time off, the workaholic surgeon reluctantly trades in her scrubs for a ski suit and heads to Wild River, Alaska. Her friend Cassie owns a tour company that offers adventures to fit every visitor. But nothing compares to the adrenaline rush Erika feels on being reunited with Cassie’s brother, Reed Reynolds.

Gone is the buttoned-up girl Reed remembers. His sister’s best friend has blossomed into a strong, skilled, confident woman. She’s exactly what his search-and-rescue team needs—and everything he didn’t know he craved. The gulf between his life in Wild River and her big-city career is wide. But it’s no match for a desire powerful enough to melt two stubborn hearts…

AN ALASKAN CHRISTMAS is the first book in Jennifer Snow’s brand new Wild River series and is sure to delight fans of action packed story lines. It revolves around a surgeon and search and rescue leader, their family drama and and a shot at a happily ever after when they least expect it.

Erika was a tough cookie to get to know. She was a powerful surgeon and get it done type of person, but her softer side was a mystery I enjoyed unraveling as the book developed. She sought acceptance, yet found it hard to let down her guard when the love she had always craved was knocking at her door.

Reed was a fun-loving guy and had me smiling throughout. He’s a powerful force on the mountain, but doesn’t let the job control him. He has quite the interest in Erika, but he’s not so sure he’ll be able to hold her attention once she’s back to work.

I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a down home type of town to fall in love with. The town is tight and the characters are endearing. There were a few places when the plot could have been filled in a little, but overall it was a great read and I look forward to the next book in the series!

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* Review * BURNING ACHE by Adrienne Giordano

September 23, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BURNING ACHE by Adrienne Giordano

Burning Ache by Adrienne Giordano
Series: The Kingstons #5
Published by Steele Ridge Publishing on September 23, 2019
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A CIA psychologist on the trail of a deadly weapon falls for her prime suspect and discovers she’s not the only one who has him in her sights…

Way Kingston craves the peaceful solitude of the open road. Just him and the roar of a motorcycle. The kind of alone time that’s hard to find in his tight-knit family. Too tight for his liking. Way’s a grown-ass, former Marine. He doesn’t need their collective noses in his business. Back in Steele Ridge, Way’s building a new career as a gunsmith. Clients pay big bucks for his expertise, ingenuity…and discretion. Especially when national security is at stake. So when a smoking hot stranger with the swagger of a government agent walks into his workshop, Way knows her questions are fully loaded.

Roni Fenwick grew up in the foster system. With no family to watch her back, she can’t afford to lose the few friends she has. Which is why it kills her to lie to Maggie Kingston. But the sheriff’s not-so-little brother designed a game-changing bullet for the CIA. A bullet that’s hit the streets. Now, the agency believes Way double-crossed them and has sent Roni to prove it. Except Way is tougher to crack than she anticipated. And much easier to fall for. His kisses drive her to distraction—something she can’t risk with a killer at large.

As the investigation turns personal, Roni begins to trust in Way’s innocence. But if he’s not behind the top-secret leak, who is? Finding the truth could end her career…or both their lives.

BURNING ACHE is book five in the Steele Ridge: The Kingstons sub-series and centers around former Marine turned gunsmith Waylon Kingston and undercover CIA agent Roni Fenwick.

The Kingstons prove in book after book what an interesting family they are, so we already knew that Way was going to be a bit of a loner trying to stay out from under his over-bearing family’s thumb. He would happily live on the back of his motorcycle cruising the open road if he could, but when trouble comes knocking at his door, that’s beginning to look less and less likely.

Roni is a complex character that we find difficult to read at first as she reluctantly sets out to pull the wool over her friend Maggie’s eyes when she supposedly pops into Steele Ridge for a visit when in reality she’s been sent to spy on Way and figure out if he’s the reason the hugh-hush bullet he secretly developed for the government is now showing up on the streets.

I recommend this book to anyone loving a suspenseful read with lots of heart and emotion that is backed by a close-knit family. You can’t go wrong with any book you pick up in this series and I always heartily look forward to the next book to come.

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* Review * DEVOTED TO LOVE by Shayla Black

September 23, 2019 Leave a Comment

Devoted to Love by Shayla Black
Series: Devoted Lovers #2
Published by Berkley on July 2, 2019
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He was sent to guard her body… he didn’t expect her to steal his heart.

Her sister’s wedding was hardly the place to find a hook up, but after one look at friend-of-the-groom and special operative Josiah Grant, small-town Texas beauty Magnolia West immediately fell in lust. After a stunningly sensual night together, Maggie is prepared for the two of them to go their separate ways. After all, she’s not a happily-ever-after kind of girl. But Josiah—and danger—change her plans.

Josiah isn’t looking for love…but Maggie rouses his body and stirs his heart like no other woman. She’s got a rocky romantic past, and a smart man would steer clear. But when the murder quotient in Kendall County rises and all signs point to a mysterious group nearby who have been harassing Maggie’s family, he can’t leave her unprotected—especially when he realizes he’s fallen hard for her.

As tension mounts and the menace closes in, Josiah will do anything to prove to Maggie that their love is real…but can they stay alive long enough to share it?

DEVOTED TO LOVE is book two in Shayla Black’s suspense filled Devoted Lovers series and centers around Shealyn from the first book’s sister and personal assistant Maggie and security expert Josiah. A one night fling just might turn into forever when danger strikes and circumstances change.

Maggie at first seems like a put-together character, but as we get to know her better, we see the flaws that stem from her tumultuous childhood and how she goes about trying to make herself whole. Some will find it hard to forgive her misdeeds, but I found her redeemable.

Josiah was an easy character to like. He was there to help out a friend, and meeting Maggie brought a newness to his life that he wasn’t expecting. He spotlights his dependability and strength around every turn and watching their connection grow is rewarding.

I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good bit of suspense with their romance. Both books in the series so far have been solid reads.

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* Release Blitz/Review * BAYSIDE ROMANCE by Melissa Foster

September 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BAYSIDE ROMANCE by Melissa Foster

Bayside Romance by Melissa Foster
Series: Bayside Summers #5
Published by World Literary Press on September 18, 2019
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Gavin is about to find out that Harper really does exist—and she's going to knock his socks off! Find out for yourself in Bayside Romance!

When screenwriter Harper Garner got a shot at the big-time in LA, she celebrated her brave cross-country move with her first and only one-night stand—connecting so deeply with the sexy, brilliant man, she broke the number-one rule of one-night stands and left her phone number. Not hearing from him was only the first in a long line of hope-shattering, confidence-busting blows. Ten months later, Harper is done with men and done with LA. She pulls up her big-girl panties and heads home to Cape Cod to start over.

On the surface, interior designer Gavin Wheeler has it all: a successful business, a loving family, and a close-knit group of friends. But Gavin once endured a heartbreak so painful, he was sure he'd never feel anything for a woman again. A chance encounter at a music festival with a gorgeous, down-to-earth blonde proved him wrong, but when morning came, the woman who made him crave more was gone.

A serendipitous evening reunites Harper with her devastatingly delicious one-night stand, and the connection is just as intense as she remembered. Harper's life is too unsettled for a relationship, but Gavin is determined to help her find her way, especially if it leads straight to his heart. Moonlight conversations lead to steamy kisses, and as romance blooms, it stirs a love too real to deny. But when Gavin's past collides with the life they're building, it has the power to ruin everything.

BAYSIDE ROMANCE is book five in Melissa Foster’s beloved Bayside Summers series and revolves around a screenwriter and an interior decorator in a sweet and sassy reunion story.

Harper snags our attention and draws us quickly into life at the Cape as she returns home discouraged and downtrodden from LA. We are soon entrenched in a budding love story upon her return and a realization that her one night stand is now a member of her group of best friends.

Gavin will be quickly recognized by previous fans of the series as Serena’s business partner. He moved to the Cape from Boston shortly after his encounter with Harper at a music festival and hasn’t been able to get the sexy lady out of his mind since. He’s thrilled to see her walk into the door, and he can’t wait to pick up where they left off!

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet yet super sexy love story that involves a slow build and then knocks your socks off. This entire series has been great and you can’t go wrong with any book in it. Looking forward to more to come as always!

🔥🔥 HOT NEW RELEASE 🔥🔥

Bayside Romance by New York Times Bestselling author Melissa Foster is LIVE! One-click today!!

BOOK BLURB

Gavin is about to find out that Harper really does exist-and she’s going to knock his socks off! Find out for yourself in Bayside Romance!

When screenwriter Harper Garner got a shot at the big-time in LA, she celebrated her brave cross-country move with her first and only one-night stand—connecting so deeply with the sexy, brilliant man, she broke the number-one rule of one-night stands and left her phone number. Not hearing from him was only the first in a long line of hope-shattering, confidence-busting blows. Ten months later, Harper is done with men and done with LA. She pulls up her big-girl panties and heads home to Cape Cod to start over.

On the surface, interior designer Gavin Wheeler has it all: a successful business, a loving family, and a close-knit group of friends. But Gavin once endured a heartbreak so painful, he was sure he’d never feel anything for a woman again. A chance encounter at a music festival with a gorgeous, down-to-earth blonde proved him wrong, but when morning came, the woman who made him crave more was gone.

A serendipitous evening reunites Harper with her devastatingly delicious one-night stand, and the connection is just as intense as she remembered. Harper’s life is too unsettled for a relationship, but Gavin is determined to help her find her way, especially if it leads straight to his heart. Moonlight conversations lead to steamy kisses, and as romance blooms, it stirs a love too real to deny. But when Gavin’s past collides with the life they’re building, it has the power to ruin everything.

Add to your Goodreads TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43549414-bayside-romance

PURCHASE LINKS

➜KINDLE: http://smarturl.it/BR_Kindle
➜APPLE: http://smarturl.it/BR_iBooks
➜KOBO: http://smarturl.it/BR_Kobo
➜NOOK: http://smarturl.it/BR_Nook
➜GPLAY: http://smarturl.it/BR_GPlay
➜PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/BR_Pb

Audio pre-order coming soon

➜Amazon – https://smarturl.it/BRa_Amazon
➜Apple – https://smarturl.it/BRa_Apple
➜Audible – https://smarturl.it/BRa_Audible

TEASERS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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/

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * LANDER RIDGE by Diane J. Reed

September 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

Lander Ridge by Diane J. Reed
Series: Iron Feather Brothers #3
Published by Bandits Ranch Books on May 17, 2019
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For the cutthroat cowboy who wins at everything, losing his heart to the only woman who can reach his soul is the greatest risk of all...Lander Iron Feather's fierce business strategies have made him one of the richest ranchers in the West, dominating all that he touches. But when the beautiful former model Nicky Box returns to Bandits Hollow to reform the Wilson Ranch School for Wayward Boys and Girls, suddenly Lander is forced to face the terrible abuse he suffered there as a teen. Lander's seething hatred for the school's wealthy owner is largely responsible for fueling his business success, yet now he has the chance to combine forces with Nicky to turn the place around for the sake of the school's orphans. But doing so means opening his heart--to the kids, to the wounds inside himself, and most of all, to Nicky. When the school is confronted with a shocking closure, Lander must dig deep inside to redefine what "winning", and the magic of falling in love, really means.
Lander Ridge is Book 3 in the Iron Feather Brothers contemporary western romance series.

Iron Feather Brothers Series: Meet the Iron Feather brothers--they're tough, they're dangerous, and family means everything to them. Whether it's living up to their ancestor's outlaw reputation or brandishing their own style of justice, these men have each other's backs. And it takes very special women to get under their skin and untangle their barbed-wire hearts in order to find love in this contemporary western romance series set in the Rocky Mountains.

LANDER RIDGE is book three in Diane J. Reed’s Iron Feather Brother series and revolves around an successful rancher and a former model in a twist on an enemies to lovers story.

If you’ve been reading this series, you will quickly recognize Lander as the successful brother of Dillon and Barrett who we met in the earlier books. He’s a bit of a hot head, but everything he touches in the business world seems to turn to gold. He was an easy character to like even though there is a large ego in the picture.

Nicky comes across as good-hearted right from the start, and as a big change occurs in her life, we see her step up and try to turn the school they all attended in their life into a better, productive place.

I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a cowboy story with a whole lot of heart and some angst with your romance. This entire series has been very enjoyable and you won’t be disappointed with any of the books in it.

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* Review * OUT OF THE SHADOW by Arell Rivers

September 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * OUT OF THE SHADOW by Arell Rivers

Out of the Shadow by Arell Rivers
Series: The Hunte Family Series #2
Published by Tarnished Halo Publishing LLC on September 14, 2019
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All’s fair in love, war…and reality TV

Nothing ever came easy to Angie Russo. Hard work, loyalty, and sheer grit made her the kick-ass realtor she is today. But when her best still isn’t good enough, Angie decides to try something different. Maybe a stint on the new real estate reality show can give her the notoriety she needs to push her firm to #1. Her chances of winning the show’s prize are high…until she meets the entitled, cavalier, and all-too-sexy jerk she’s competing against.

Angie’s big chance is King Hunte’s rock bottom. He screwed up big, and he needs money fast. The silly real estate competition should be a breeze to win. Or, at least it would be, if not for the sassy, determined, and ridiculously desirable Angie. King’s suddenly forced to work harder than he ever has, and he’s shocked to find that he actually enjoys it…almost as much as he savors the combustible chemistry he shares with his prickly co-star.

Just as Angie discovers there’s more to King than meets the eye, King realizes Angie could be the key to the life he’s always secretly wanted. When a ghost from the past emerges to threaten their future together, Angie and King must overcome the obstacles the show—and life—throw at them, or see their shot at love end before the first commercial break.

OUT OF THE SHADOW is book two in The Hunte Family series by Arell Rivers and centers around a realtor out to make her mark in the world and the son of rock royalty who has to learn to live in the real world for a change in this delightful enemies to lovers story.

For anyone who read the first book in the series, you will recognize King as rocker Braxton Hunte’s son, all grown up and entitled. He quickly showed his spoiled side and we had to really dislike him at first, but as time goes by he begins to emerge as his own person and steps outside of the stigma he immersed himself in for so many years.

Angie steps into the scene as strong willed, yet broken from the start. We know she has a heartbreak she’s trying to overcome, but we’re not sure exactly how it all went down for awhile. I liked Angie, but I also felt like she was too entrenched in the past.

I recommend this book to anyone loving a rediscovery from two broken souls. I’ll admit, after falling for Braxton in the first book of the series I wasn’t a huge fan of the bad light this book put him into for most of the time, but I did see King’s side of things too. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

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* Review * RISK EVERYTHING by Janie Crouch

September 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RISK EVERYTHING by Janie Crouch

Risk Everything by Janie Crouch
Series: The Risk Series: A Bree and Tanner Thriller #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on October 1, 2019
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The wedding is two weeks away

If they survive until then…

Following a fire at the New Journeys women’s shelter, Deputy Tanner Dempsey is on high alert, and his fiancée, Bree Daniels, fears that one of the shelter’s clients is being targeted. Outmanned and outgunned, Tanner and Bree must make a last stand for justice and unravel the twisted plot of a dangerous sociopath. Will it be “’til death do us part” before they can say “I do”?

RISK EVERYTHING is the fourth and final book in Janie Crouch’s Risk Series revolving around Bree and Tanner and their never ending escapades. I really enjoyed this entire series, and loved that even though we were dealing with the same couple throughout all four books, we always had an ongoing HEA at the end of each book.

This was a first in it’s kind series from Harlequin Intrigue and I have to say that I enjoyed it quite a bit. Not only did we get to see their relationship develop slower than normal in a category length book, but we also got to embark on more terror and adventure than we normally would. You can’t go wrong with any book in the series, but to get a full picture of the couple, I recommend reading them all and in order.

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* Review * UNDERCOVER TWIN by Heather Woodhaven

September 19, 2019 Leave a Comment

Undercover Twin by Heather Woodhaven
Series: Twins Separated at Birth #1
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on September 1, 2019
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A deadly identity swap…

The first exciting Twins Separated at Birth novel

Audrey Clark never knew she was a twin—until she stumbled onto a covert operation. Now with her FBI agent sister shot and in critical condition, going undercover with Agent Lee Benson is the only way to protect her newfound twin. And as her pretend husband, Lee must keep Audrey safe…or pay twice the deadly price.

UNDERCOVER TWIN is the first book in Heather Woodhaven’s electrifying new series Twins Separated at Birth!

As a reader, I was quickly drawn into the mystery of this story when we learned within the first chapter that Audrey had a twin sister she didn’t even know about. The excitement Lee brings to the foreground when he believes she’s his partner in the FBI (the twin, Kendra) sets us up for a quick paced delve into a ruse she only hopes she can keep up.

Overall, this was a satisfying story with an attention grabbing plot. I would have liked to have seen more time for an emotional connection between Audrey and Kendra to be developed, but hopefully we will see more of that in the conclusion of the duet, coming soon! Recommended to lovers of intrigue and sweet romance!

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* Review * MAKE ME NEED by Katee Robert

September 19, 2019 Leave a Comment

Make Me Need by Katee Robert
Series: Make Me #4
Published by Harlequin Dare on July 1, 2019
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In this red-hot scorcher from New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert, Trish Livingston meets her unlikely match in her brother’s best friend, the gorgeous Cameron O’Clery. They’re complete opposites—but that only makes the temptation hotter!

Trish Livingston desperately needs cash, so when her brother offers her a job while he’s on paternity leave, she snaps it up. She’s even willing to put up with his best friend and business partner, the notoriously grumpy Cameron O’Clery—especially when she finds out he’s very easy on the eyes.

Cameron hates people: especially peppy, happy people like Trish. He avoids her at all costs, until a raunchy late-night encounter in an elevator shows him that there’s a fine line between hate and lust. Cameron knows he’s broken the rules—and is resolved to keep his distance from her.

But Trish doesn’t make it easy. A work trip places them in adjoining hotel bedrooms, giving her the chance to put on a sizzling show just for him! When Cameron’s left wanting more, Trish is delighted to give him exactly that… Can either of them walk away from something that feels this good?

MAKE ME NEED is book four in the smoking hot Make Me series by Katee Robert and centers around a fashion maven wannabe and the security expert who just happens to be her brothers best friend and business partner.

Trish is an interesting character. She knows what she wants in life, she just doesn’t think she’s at a place to reach out and grab it just yet. It doesn’t take her long to get some confidence when she’s bringing the sexy man in the office next door to his knees though.

Cameron tries to be someone we dislike with his hard exterior, but he had me interested pretty quickly. He knows his best friend is going to flip his lid, but he simply can’t resist Trish. Watching them find their way past all of the obstacles around them is pure magic!

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced, steamy read with lots of snark weaved into the mix. Every book in this series has been quite yummy, and this particular one holds true to form.

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* Review * DEMANDING HIS DESERT QUEEN by Annie West

September 17, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEMANDING HIS DESERT QUEEN by Annie West

Demanding His Desert Queen by Annie West
Series: Royal Brides for Desert Brothers #2
Published by Harlequin Presents on October 1, 2019
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Duty bound at the altar…

Passionately reunited in his bed!

Desert prince Karim needs a bride to ensure his smooth ascension to the throne. Intelligent, captivating Queen Safiyah is the perfect choice, yet the pain of their broken engagement remains.

This time Karim’s demands are simple: a diplomatic agreement, nothing more, for their country’s sake. But Safiyah’s reunion with Karim, the man she was forbidden from loving, is anything but convenient! Duty may have brought them back together, but it’s their undeniable bond that will force them to confront a still-burning desire…

DEMANDING HIS DESERT QUEEN is the second book in the Royal Brides for Desert Brothers duet by Annie West and takes us through the ultimate setting for a reunion story.

If you read the first book in this duet, you will recognize Karim and know his back story a bit already. Years ago a secret was exposed that led to Karim abdicating the throne and leaving his country. In the midst of the turmoil, the woman he planned to marry was thrust from his life.

Safiyah never got over losing Karim but was forced to go on with the life she was dealt. Now things have changed yet again and she needs Karim to agree to rule her kingdom to keep peace. She never expected him to angrily demand she marry him in return!

I enjoyed both books in this series and recommend them to anyone enjoying a royal romance with lots of emotions and turmoil bringing the characters to life.

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