Book Reviews – Page 160

* Review * ALASKAN DREAMS by Beth Carpenter

May 12, 2020 1 Comment

Alaskan Dreams by Beth Carpenter
Series: Northern Lights #6
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on May 1, 2020
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The dream she wants

The love she found

Lauren Shepherd has traded her hectic office job for a quiet life working on an elderly friend’s farm. Risking everything to move to Alaska might just be the perfect opportunity for her—if Lauren can convince handsome and fiercely protective Patrick O’Shea that she’s not swindling his grandmother. But when financial troubles threaten her dream, Lauren and Patrick unite in a hunt for a legendary treasure…only to discover something between them more precious than gold.

A delightful journey to Alaska! With book six in her Northern Lights series Beth Carpenter brings a lighthearted story to life with ALASKAN DREAMS. It’s a slow burning sweet romance with a fair share of Alaskan folklore/history mixed in.

Lauren Shepherd is a strong and encouraging character. She shows her wit and strong will often as she jumps right in to start up her goat farm immediately upon arriving in Alaska.

Patrick O’Shea is devoted to the woman in his life … his Gran. She’s feisty and determined to live life her way and he loves that spunkiness, but he needs her to be safe, and he needs people to not be taking advantage of her kindness.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quirky small town filled with unique characters who inspire many chuckles as they find their way towards happily ever after.

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* Review * A HIDDEN HEIR TO REDEEM HIM by Dani Collins

May 12, 2020 Leave a Comment

A Hidden Heir to Redeem Him by Dani Collins
Series: Feuding Billionaire Brothers #1
Published by Harlequin Presents on May 1, 2020
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She kept their child hidden… Now the secret’s out!

Valentino Casale is outraged to find Kiara kept their daughter a secret from him for two years! Forever branded by his own illegitimacy, the hardened billionaire wants to do things differently…

Kiara could never regret the consequence of her one delicious night with Val. Even if he turned out to be every bit as coldhearted as their night was hot! Yet behind Val’s reputation is another man—revealed only in their passionate moments alone. Could she give that man a second chance?

An unexpected reunion! With the first book in her new Feuding Billionaire Brothers duet, Dani Collins brings us a powerful story of forgiveness in A HIDDEN HEIR TO REDEEM HIM. The situation is quick to catch a reader’s attention and as we delve into the characters and their past, the story starts to unravel deliciously.

Valentino Casale seems cold and bitter when we first meet him, and as his story unfolds, we understand what made him the person he has been. Watching him soften as he lets Kiara and their child into his life shows what love can bring out in even the hardest heart.

Kiara O’Neill is flawed. She kept the child conceived during their one-night together from him in a major way when she did so with the help of the man he despised most in the world … the father who refused to ever claim him. As we learn her history and her reasoning behind her actions, it’s easy to soften towards her and see the goodness in her heart.

I recommend this story to anyone who likes an intense story line filled with secrets, lies and betrayal on that way towards happily ever after. I really enjoyed watching them fall for each other and fall into the family they were always meant for. I’m looking forward to Javiero and Scarlett’s story!

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* Book Tour/Excerpt/Giveaway * ALASKAN DREAMS by Beth Carpenter

May 11, 2020 3 Comments

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to my tour stop! The author is also running a scavenger hunt with an additional giveaway. Grab a clue from each stop on the tour (including mine below) and enter it here.

Alaskan Dreams (Northern Lights #6)
By Beth Carpenter
May 1st 2020
Harlequin Heartwarming

The dream she wants

The love she found

Lauren Shepherd has traded her hectic office job for a quiet life working on an elderly friend’s farm. Risking everything to move to Alaska might just be the perfect opportunity for her—if Lauren can convince handsome and fiercely protective Patrick O’Shea that she’s not swindling his grandmother. But when financial troubles threaten her dream, Lauren and Patrick unite in a hunt for a legendary treasure…only to discover something between them more precious than gold.

Excerpt

The first time she’d looked out the window of her camper to see the goats swiping the grapes she’d left on the picnic table, she thought she must have neglected to latch the gate. The second time, when Spritz showed up in the middle of a walk with Biscotti and Muffin, Lauren knew she’d latched it, but she hadn’t bothered to fasten the safety hasp, and hadn’t realized Spritz knew how to pull out a pin. Today, before she’d gone to the bathhouse, Lauren had latched the gate, sealed it with a cotter pin, and fastened the hasp that should have been impossible for anyone without opposable thumbs to operate. And yet here they were.

Once she’d positioned herself between the goats and the woods, Lauren approached them, slowly. Spritz spotted her and ambled in her direction. “That’s a good girl,” Lauren crooned. “Just come a little closer.”

Spritz took another step toward her, a gleam in her eye. Lauren eased out a hand. The halter was almost within Lauren’s reach but Spritz jerked back at the last second. Lauren dove toward her, caught her flip-flop on a rock, and landed face down on the grass. Spritz and the other goats pranced around her, their bleats sounding suspiciously like laughter.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Once upon a time …

when Beth Carpenter was a little girl, she read everything she could get her hands on, and entertained herself on the school bus by making up stories in her head. Not a lot has changed. She’s still consuming books like M&Ms, and spends her days creating happily-ever-afters for her imaginary friends.

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a signed print copy of An Alaskan Proposal and a $25 Amazon Gift Card US only Ends May 20, 2020

Don’t forget to also enter the author’s scavenger hunt giveaway by grabbing clues from each stop on the tour and entering them HERE.

ENTER HERE

*Treasure Hunt Clue #2: Highest mountain peak in North America. Enter HERE

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* Review * RUTHLESS PRIDE by Naima Simone

May 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

Ruthless Pride by Naima Simone
Series: Dynasties: Seven Sins #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2020
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Some men are meant to sin…

Pride made him what he is.

But desire might change him forever…

Millionaire CEO Joshua Lowell earned his icy reserve and arrogant pride through painful experience. He refuses to allow gorgeous but determined reporter Sophie Armstrong to dredge up his family’s dark past—or circulate rumors of his secret child. But Joshua’s fierce pride is at war with his heated desire for Sophie, the only woman who could ruin him…or save him from himself.

Opposites attract with a heated punch! With the first book in the highly anticipated Dynasties: Seven Sins series, Naima Simone kicks it all off with an unlikely match in RUTHLESS PRIDE. The characters are appealing and the story was fast paced. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.

Joshua Lowell is dedicated. He’s determined to right the wrongs from the past and was willing to give up his dreams to do so. When a reporter starts nosing around, he’s determined to stop the ruckus from stirring up around his family again.

Sophie Armstrong comes across as fair and honest the minute she meets Josh. She wants to tell stories that mean something, not just sell sensationalism. She gets off on the wrong foot with him, but he slowly starts to understand that maybe there’s more to her than he expected.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a fast paced, dramatic romance. There’s a continuation happening in this series that should bring answers to some of the mysteries along the way. Looking forward to it!

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* Review * SCORING POSITION by Joanne Rock

May 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

Scoring Position by Joanne Rock
Series: Texas Playmakers #3
Published by Tule Publishing on May 7, 2020
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She’s playing the field…

Emma Garcia is ready to put down roots in Last Stand, Texas, and she’s ready for love – but only with someone settled and responsible. Professional wanderers like her ex-boyfriend, ballplayer Wes Ramsey, are exactly what she doesn’t need. Except when Wes walks into the local dance hall during her date with someone else, Emma can’t think about anyone but her sexy ex.

He's ready to score…

Wes is ready for the ride of his life now that his baseball career is taking off. He just needs to tie up loose ends at his family’s farm before spring training, a task he can’t focus on when the hometown rumor mill informs him that Emma is speed dating her way through the Last Stand locals in a bid to settle down. Wes knows he should leave well enough alone. But one hot look from his ex has him rethinking their split – and determined to show her what she’s missing!

They say you never forget your first love … and Wes Ramsey’s arrival back in Last Stand, TX proves that’s true! With the third book in her Texas Playmakers series, Joanne Rock brings us the final Ramsey brother’s story in SCORING POSITION. If you’ve read the previous two books, you’ll recognize lots of familiar faces and be able to pick up the ongoing story lines without a problem. I enjoyed their reunion!

Wes has the world at his fingertips now that his baseball career is heating up, and spending his last little bit of time back home in Last Stand becomes more and more attractive when he sees Emma almost as soon as he hits town.

Emma Garcia simply wants to have a home to put down roots in, but being attached to Wes meant seeing his dreams first hand and they don’t include staying put in Last Stand. She might love him, but she can’t give up herself just to be with him.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town atmosphere but is also a sports romance fan. Great characters, touching story lines and lots of feel good moments.

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* Review * THEIR MOUNTAIN REUNION by Patricia Johns

May 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

Their Mountain Reunion by Patricia Johns
Series: The Second Chance Club #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on May 1, 2020
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A new start…

With an old flame?

Fifteen years in an unhappy marriage showed Melanie Isaacs exactly what she didn’t want. Now she’s in Mountain Springs to figure out the rest of her life—even if it means facing her former sweetheart, Logan McTavish. The spark between Logan and Melanie is stronger than ever. But is it enough to heal two weary, damaged hearts…and show them the way to a new happiness?

Starting over … with a blast from the past?? With the first book in her The Second Chance Club series, Patricia Johns takes her reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions in THEIR MOUNTAIN REUNION. The characters are easy to like, they both have baggage that has brought them back to the place they shared as high school sweethearts and the drama is fast paced. I enjoyed their story!

Melanie earns her stamp on a reader’s heart from the very beginning. She’s looking to heal after ending her fifteen year marriage and setting out on her own without her ex and the step-kids she raised. Reconnecting with her first love might be more than she bargained for.

Logan is doing some soul-searching of his own and reconnecting with Melanie in the house where he spent some of his childhood brings back more memories than he was expecting. He’s not sure where life is taking him, but he’s enjoying having her along for the ride for this leg.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance filled with lots of family drama, past wounds that need to heal and the reconnecting of friends and more. Emotional and satisfying!

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* Review * ROCK ME HARDER by Jenna Jacob

May 5, 2020 Leave a Comment

Rock Me Harder by Jenna Jacob
Series: Licks of Leather #2
Published by Dream Words, LLC on January 21, 2020
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I dazzle the world when I play the guitar,

But I never let anyone dazzle my heart…

Until I spent one night with her.

Darren Ash is living the dream. As lead guitarist for iconic rock band Licks of Leather, he seemingly has it all. But secretly he’s struggling to forget the woman he shared a scorching encounter with over two years ago. Every time he closes his eyes, he sees her shattering in ecstasy, feels her soft body beneath him, and hears her screaming his name. Unable to purge his ache, he resolves to find and claim her. There’s just one problem… He doesn’t know her name.

Tori Combs can never forget foolishly tumbling into bed with bad-boy rocker Darren Ash. Every day, she sees his face. Every night, she’s haunted by memories of his addictive kiss and masterful touch. Thankfully, he’ll never find her; she made sure of that. If he did, he would destroy the new life she’s created…with the son he knows nothing about.

But Darren refuses to let her go. Soon, he’s at her door, demanding answers—and her heart. Though Tori tries to resist him, their undeniable passion explodes. But when he learns the shocking truth, can they recapture the chemistry they once shared. Or will her betrayal keep them apart forever?

A passionate heart! With the second book in her Licks of Leather rock star series, Jenna Jacob brings us Darren’s story. This was my favorite in the series so far … not only does it have a passionate love story, but it has a major case of feels as well.

Darren Ash is the lead guitarist for Licks of Leather and has been laying low mooning over a one night encounter for more than two years now. The guys in the band know nothing about the woman he met, but he can’t get her off his mind. When a P.I. he hired comes up with a lead, he’s got to see if it’s truly her!

Tori Combs hasn’t forgotten Darren either, but that would be almost impossible for her to do when a little boy who looks just like him is the center of her world. She never thought she’d see him again, but she can’t resist him when she does … but when he finds out what truly happened that night, will he be able to forgive her?

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series. This group of guys is close-knit and caring, so the drama surrounding them each finding their happily ever after is satisfying to read.

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* Review * DIRTY WORK by Regina Kyle

May 5, 2020 Leave a Comment

Dirty Work by Regina Kyle
Published by Harlequin Dare on May 1, 2020
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Millionaire nightclub owner Jake Lawson works hard, but executive concierge Ainsley Scott is showing him how to let loose…in the sexiest possible way!

I knew I was in trouble the moment millionaire Jake Lawson walked through the door of his swanky Tribeca loft. The definition of tall, dark and handsome, he’s hired me to take care of his parents’ Irish wolfhound. But one game of strip Scrabble later and we’re taking care of each other all night long…

Starting my concierge business was my way out of the rat race I ran as a lawyer until it cost me my fiancé. And Jake is a full-on workaholic, certain his high-end nightclub will fall apart if he loses focus for a second. We couldn’t be more different. But the chemistry between us is off the charts!

From drag-queen karaoke to movies at Hudson River Park, I’m showing Jake how to lighten up and enjoy everything New York City has to offer. But I can’t help wondering if blowing each other’s minds in bed is enough to make up for our different values. Can Jake step away from his smartphone long enough to give us a chance?

Sizzling chemistry! DIRTY WORK by Regina Kyle is so much fun to read! An adorable (or not!) meet-cute involving a dog has this couple under each other’s skin from the first moment they meet and it’s simply delightful.

Ainsley Scott is a breath of fresh air. She is simply doing a favor for a friend when she agrees to add a dog to her list of chores every day for a few months, but never once did she think said friend’s brother would sweep her off her feet and into a hot and heavy affair … but she’s gotta admit, she’s loving it!

Jake Lawson is sex on a stick the second we meet him. He’s a successful nightclub owner and knows just how tempting he is from the word go. Their passion begins as a slow burn but once it ignites, it’s game over.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced, sexy read with lots of heart and humor throughout. Really enjoyed it.

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* Review * CHASING SECRETS by Heather Woodhaven

May 5, 2020 Leave a Comment

Chasing Secrets by Heather Woodhaven
Series: True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn #2
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on May 1, 2020
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When a witness becomes a target…

Can this K-9 track down the killer?

After Karenna Pressley stumbles upon a ruthless drug dealer trying to drown her best friend, she’s on his hit list—and out of places to run. Her ex-boyfriend, K-9 officer Ray Morrow, is determined to keep her safe with his drug-detecting spaniel, Abby. But with danger stalking them, will their reunion be a chance for a fresh start or the end for them both?

Non-stop action! With the second book in the True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn series, Heather Woodhaven takes us for an exciting ride as danger comes for Ray’s ex-girlfriend! We’re familiar with him from the first book in the series and now we get to ride along as he and his K-9 partner Abby step in to keep the one he left behind safe.

Karenna Pressley turns up in the wrong place at the right time to save her best friend from an attempted murder, but now she’s in the madman’s sights and she needs protection!

Ray Morrow didn’t expect to see his ex-girlfriend as one of the victims when he walks onto a case, but he’s determined to make sure he personally keeps her safe when he does.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series so far to anyone who likes an action packed, high energy faith-based romance. I’m looking forward to what’s to come in the series.

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* Review * SCANDALOUS REUNION by Jules Bennett

May 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

Scandalous Reunion by Jules Bennett
Series: Lockwood Lightning #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2020
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Is his on-again lover

plotting his downfall?

“Did you think I’d kiss you

and then agree to your terms?”

Back in town after sixteen years, Tennessee attorney Maty Taylor has to persuade her ex-lover—billionaire bourbon maker Sam Hawkins—to sell his priceless distillery. The stakes are high, since Maty’s being blackmailed to persuade him. Sensing trouble, Sam refuses the offer, even as renewed desire surges between them. But will his hidden agenda cost him a second chance with Maty?

Temptation galore! Returning with book two in her Lockwood Lightning series, Jules Bennett brings SCANDALOUS REUNION to life with the introduction of Maty Taylor returning to Green Valley after leaving Sam Hawkins 16 years ago. This reunion of first loves is quick to catch the reader’s eye as the characters are captivating and the plot development is fast paced. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

If you read the first book in the series you will be familiar with bourbon maker Sam from his interaction with Nick to try to take Rusty Lockwood down. He’s easy to connect with and earned my loyalty from the start.

Maty however has to redeem herself a little bit. She left Sam heartbroken years ago to pursue her career and now she’s back in town with the sole reason of convincing him to sell his beloved dream company because she’s being blackmailed.

I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole to anyone who enjoys a fast paced story line that involves romance, drama and a family saga in the making.

Filed Under: Book Reviews