Book Reviews – Page 154

* Review * SAFE IN HIS ARMS by Anna J. Stewart

September 8, 2019 Leave a Comment

Safe in His Arms by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Butterfly Harbor Stories #6
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on September 1, 2019
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She’s pushed everyone away…

…but is he her forever?

Ex-soldier Kendall craves solitude after a heartbreaking accident, and she finds it in the small town of Butterfly Harbor. That’s until handsome writer Hunter MacBride moves into town with his orphaned niece, Phoebe. Their arrival triggers painful memories for Kendall of the family and life she lost—but Hunter also shows her the promise of a life she could still have, if she’s prepared to take the risk…

SAFE IN HIS ARMS is book six in Anna J. Stewart’s Butterfly Harbor series and centers around a photojournalist and a war veteran in a second chance at love story.

Hunter was an easy character to grow fond of because his story is about taking in his orphaned niece and trying to help her forage through the grief of the loss of his sister and brother-in-law. He and Phoebe are well developed and bring a good bit of life to the story line.

Kendall is a familiar face to those following along in the series. She came to Butterfly Harbor because she was basically at the lowest point of her life and her friend Matt convinced her to try the town that brought helped rescue him. Her past is slow to evolve in the story and there are some holes left in it that left me wanting a little more, but overall she was a joy to watch come to life again.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves small town life and rediscovery after loss. Each book in this series brings forth a powerful story line and a great cast of characters that carry forward throughout. Highly recommend the entire series!

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* Review * BLACK TIE BILLIONAIRE by Naima Simone

September 3, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BLACK TIE BILLIONAIRE by Naima Simone

Black Tie Billionaire by Naima Simone
Series: Blackout Billionaires #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on September 1, 2019
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He’s everything she wants…and shouldn’t have.

His smile was slow, deliberate…sinful.
Has she just made a deal with the devil?

During a blackout at a black-tie gala, Shay Neal says yes to one night with billionaire Gideon Knight…not knowing he’s her brother’s enemy with plans for payback! Now, to save her brother, Shay must pretend to be in love with Gideon. But playing his game means resisting the very real desire that could destroy them both…

BLACK TIE BILLIONAIRE is book two in Naima Simone’s Blackout Billionaires series and centers around a billionaire and a socialite in a twist on an enemies to lovers story.

Shay is a complex character. She wants to keep peace and harmony, but she wants to be her own person as well. She’s in disguise when she meets a sexy man in the middle of a city-wide blackout that she can’t resist. The light of day and the return to the real world brings about the revelation that he’s willing to do anything to bring his mortal enemy down once and for all .. her brother.

Gideon comes across as a hard-nosed bully at first … until we get the reasoning behind his quest for revenge.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced, revenge driven plot with a strong hero and heroine who are quick to steal a reader’s heart. The entire series has been great so far, and I’m looking forward to more to come!

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* Review * BIG CHANCE COWBOY by Teri Anne Stanley

September 3, 2019 Leave a Comment

Big Chance Cowboy by Teri Anne Stanley
Series: Big Chance Dog Rescue #1
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on August 27, 2019
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At Big Chance Dog Rescue,
Even humans get a second chance
After a disastrous mistake disbanded his Army unit, Adam Collins has returned home to Big Chance, Texas. He just wants to sell the family ranch, set up his sister and grandfather with the funds, and then ride off into the sunset.

Lizzie Vanhook has landed back in her hometown, heartbroken and jobless. Adding to her troubles is the unruly stray who's claimed her as his own. Lizzie knows she's in over her head. Enter Adam—not only does he work with dogs, he's also tall, dark, handsome, and the one who got away...

Adam wants nothing to do with other people, much less dogs. But when his old flame asks him to help her train her scruffy dog, he can't say no. As his reluctant heart opens up, the impossible seems possible: a second chance with the woman he's always loved in a place where he, his friends, and the other strays who show up can heal and call home, Big Chance, Texas.

BIG CHANCE COWBOY is the first book in the delightful new Big Chance Dog Rescue series by Teri Anne Stanley and brings us the story of a former soldier and a fill-in realtor who are each returning home and reconnecting.

Adam catches a reader’s heart quickly with the pain he’s wearing on his sleeve when he returns home after his last mission gone wrong with a broken heart and soul. He wants nothing to do with anyone, but life just won’t leave him alone and keeps foisting one lost soul after another off on him to take care of.

Lizzie is a complex character who isn’t thrilled to be back in town either. Her dreams were shattered and now her dad’s sick and she needs to be useful. She crushed on Adam years ago, but the man who has returned home isn’t he man who left.

I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a band of soldiers with hearts of gold, some adorable animals in the mix, and most of all a gentle love story in the making as the world slowly falls into place. I’m looking forward to more to come in this heartwarming series!

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* Review * FALLING FOR THE SECRET PRINCESS by Kandy Shepherd

September 3, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FALLING FOR THE SECRET PRINCESS by Kandy Shepherd

Falling for the Secret Princess by Kandy Shepherd
Published by Harlequin Romance on September 1, 2019
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A reunion…

…fit for a princess in disguise!

At his friend’s wedding, millionaire Finn couldn’t take his eyes off the gorgeous stranger whose naivety intrigued his cynical heart…until she suddenly fled! So, while on business in Montovia, he’s shocked to come face-to-face with her — as Princess Natalia! Finn’s once again compelled by their instant connection, but Natalia’s duty makes a future impossible. Unless he can convince her their love is worth breaking a few royal rules for…

FALLING FOR THE SECRET PRINCESS is the latest Harlequin Romance from Kandy Shepherd and revolves around a secret princess and a millionaire businessman who catches her eye.

Princess Natalia goes undercover to attend a friend’s wedding and meets the man of her dreams … only she can’t tell him who she is!

Finn is intrigued by the beautiful stranger and ends up having a delightful night with her during the reception … until she flees when he least expects it.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a “royalty meets commoner” match-up with a detailed back story of delightful royal history. Kandy Shepherd always delights with her descriptive words to carry you into a foreign land and lifestyle.

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* Review * A BET WITH BENEFITS by Karen Booth

September 3, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A BET WITH BENEFITS by Karen Booth

A Bet with Benefits by Karen Booth
Series: The Eden Empire #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on September 1, 2019
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Can she stay away from her irresistible ex?

Don’t bet on it!

Mindy Eden’s on-again, off-again affair with Sam Blackwell left her with regrets. So when her sisters bet her she can’t attend a wedding as her gorgeous ex’s plus-one without falling for him again, Mindy stakes her future to prove she’s over Sam. Will a week of passion with Sam be the one gamble she’s ready to take?

A BET WITH BENEFITS is the third book in Karen Booth’s The Eden Empire series and revolves around the final sister Mindy and her on-again, off-again lover Sam.

Mindy has been vocal about wanting to be out from under the family business for the entire series, so she’s been an interesting character throughout. We watched her walk away from Sam when he threatened her sister’s happiness … but how he’s back, and she might not be able to resist him again.

Sam has an interesting back story that we learn through this book. It explains him and his cutthroat ways a bit more.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced, family centric delve into high powered business, diverse family dynamics and sexy connections. The entire series has been full of passion and strife, and I’m looking forward to more!

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* Review * WEARING THE GREEK MILLIONAIRE’S RING by Jennifer Faye

September 2, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WEARING THE GREEK MILLIONAIRE’S RING by Jennifer Faye

Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring by Jennifer Fay
Series: Greek Island Brides #3
Published by Harlequin Romance on September 1, 2019
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A convenient engagement…

An inconvenient attraction!

In this Greek Island Brides story, widow Stasia Marinakos is learning to enjoy life again aboard a Mediterranean cruise. Her chemistry with gorgeous Greek tycoon, Roberto Carrass, is a pleasant surprise - until she’s mistaken for his fiancée! Nevertheless, the guarded bachelor asks Stasia to continue the charade to stop his family matchmaking. As their attraction grows, their fake romance feels ever more real…but what will happen when the vacation ends?

WEARING THE GREEK MILLIONAIRE’S RING is book three in Jennifer Faye’s Greek Island Brides series and centers around a widow trying to find herself again and a Greek tycoon in a combination fake engagement, second chance on love and best friend’s sister story.

Stasia is trying to find enjoyment in life again after losing the love of her life young. Her brother sends her on a Mediterranean cruise never expecting her to begin a fling with his best friend

Roberto just wants to be able to live his life, but the constant matchmaking his grandmother subjects him to is taking it’s toll. Stasia comes to his rescue and leads his family to believe they are together … and soon it’s not actually a lie!

I recommend this story to anyone enjoying a laid-back approach to finding love when you least expect it. The characters were well-developed and watching their story build was fun. You can’t go wrong with any book in this series.

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* Review * CALIFORNIA SECRETS by Jules Bennett

September 2, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CALIFORNIA SECRETS by Jules Bennett

California Secrets by Jules Bennet
Series: Two Brothers #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on September 1, 2019
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Will he still love her every touch…

when he finds out who she really is?

For years, Ethan Michaels has plotted to reclaim the resort his mother founded. His plan never included a lover…or a pregnancy. But his desire-fueled fling with smart, stunning Harper Williams results in just that. Now he’s getting used to the idea of a baby…until he finds out Harper’s father is the very man who stole everything from him years ago.

CALIFORNIA SECRETS is the second book in the Two Brothers duet by Jules Bennett. In book one, we met Dane and in this book we meet his twin brother Ethan.

Ethan is a predictable character because we already knew from book one that he was trying to reclaim the resort that was stolen out from underneath him years ago. He thinks he’s simply passing time while he waits to make his final move, but the feelings he is starting to have for Harper are starting to blow his mind.

Harper is trying to forge a relationship with her father by improving the resort. She has no idea Ethan is there with any nefarious plan. Times get a little crazy when they figure out that they are expecting a baby, just slightly before the pieces fall into place that her father and the man he’s out to ruin are one and the same.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced, sexy escape with a hint of intrigue and a whole lot of sass. This duet was a fulfilling read, and it was especially heartwarming to see Dane and Ethan reconnecting in the end.

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* Review * HER DETECTIVE’S SECRET INTENT by Tara Taylor Quinn

September 2, 2019 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER DETECTIVE’S SECRET INTENT by Tara Taylor Quinn

Her Detective's Secret Intent by Tara Taylor Quinn
Series: Where Secrets are Safe #16
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on September 1, 2019
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He’s not the man she thinks he is…

And everything he knows about her is a lie!

On the run with her young son, Miranda Blake must stay off the grid. That means she can’t tell her would-be protector why she’s fleeing her secret past. Just the same, Detective Tad Newberry can’t tell Miranda why he’s protecting her. Just as the two start falling in love, shocking truths explode their fragile trust.

HER DETECTIVE’S SECRET INTENT is book sixteen in Tara Taylor Quinn’s beloved Where Secrets Are Safe series that is spanning into a second Harlequin line to continue bringing us stories of heart, strength and dedication.

Miranda was a powerful character. She is on the run with her young son from a past that we never expected, yet she went into a profession that puts her out there helping others on a daily basis. She’s strong, spirited and a really good person.

We are quickly let in on the secret that Tad is there watching her for someone. Protecting her and waiting until a reconciliation can improve her situation. Time spent together with this little family is quickly turning into more than he ever expected, but just as the parts are falling into place for them to be together, the truth explodes their happy little world and trust is thrown out the window.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of romance with their mystery. This entire series has been really great with story after story of characters who overcome a lot to get to a better place in their lives. Tara Taylor Quinn brings a voice to abuse in a gentle way that allows a viewer to get into the heart of the victim’s mind and soul without having the actions of the perpetrator glorified. It’s a powerful window to bring awareness to the forefront. I highly recommend this entire series!

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* Review * AFTER THE RODEO by Claire McEwen

September 1, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AFTER THE RODEO by Claire McEwen

After the Rodeo by Claire McEwen
Series: Heroes of Shelter Creek #2
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on September 1, 2019
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Her passion for her job…

…could cost him everything

Former rodeo champion Jace Hendricks has six weeks to turn his run-down ranch around or he could lose custody of his nieces and nephew. But biologist Vivian Reed has to survey his land first—and she won’t be rushed. Vivian’s optimism and wonder start to win over the kids…and even Jace. But with all that’s at stake, can he risk getting any more involved with Vivian?

AFTER THE RODEO is book two of Claire McEwen’s Heroes of Shelter Creek series and centers on a former rodeo champ turned rancher and a wildlife biologist in a heartwarming enemies to lovers story.

Jace and his predicament of needing a stable home for his nieces and nephews is quick to catch the readers attention and sympathy. He’s on a deadline to get his new home in order for these kids or he could lose them. Things would be going smoothly if it wasn’t for the wildlife study being demanded by the town.

Vivian isn’t sure why stepping back a minute and reevaluating part of his land is such a big deal to Jace, but she’s got a job to do and she’s going to do it. Falling for Jace and his kids wasn’t part of the plan, but just try telling her heart that.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a sweet romance filled with family drama and adorable cuteness. You can’t go wrong in picking up any book in this series so far, and I’m highly anticipating more to come!

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* Review * COLTON ON THE RUN by Anna J. Stewart

September 1, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * COLTON ON THE RUN by Anna J. Stewart

Colton on the Run by Anna J. Stewart
Series: The Coltons of Roaring Springs
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on September 1, 2019
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Where is Skye Colton?

One woman’s disappearance rocks Roaring Springs

When he finds a half-dead woman stranded in his barn, rancher Leo Slattery feels his blood run cold. Though she can’t remember who she is, she insists someone is trying to kill her. With his strong protective streak, Leo brings her into the fold and helps her heal. As they begin to solve the mystery of Jane Doe’s identity, a would-be killer works to eliminate her—forever.

COLTON ON THE RUN by Anna J. Stewart is the nine book in the beloved The Coltons of Roaring Springs series and centers around a rancher and the amnesia victim he finds on his property.

Skye is wrapped immediately around the reader’s heart as she brings her fear and peril to life in front of our eyes as the book opens. She fights her way to freedom and endears herself as a strong woman who has every reason to be terrified of her own shadow.

Leo and his dog Ollie are going about life on the ranch when they’re met with the surprise of a lifetime. They both quickly fall under Skye’s spell as they will do anything to protect her and help her find out who she is and get her home since she has amnesia.

I highly recommend this breath catching story of danger and intrigue to anyone who loves a story heavy on intrigue and heart. The action is intense and descriptive and the bond between Sky and Leo is spot on. Really enjoying this series and looking forward to more to come.

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