Book Reviews – Page 163

* Review * ONE NIGHT WITH HER MILLIONAIRE BOSS by Kandy Shepherd

April 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

One Night with Her Millionaire Boss by Kandy Shepherd
Published by Harlequin Romance on April 1, 2020
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Always the groomsman, never the groom…

…until one night changes everything.

Ned Hudson has always known his destiny—to inherit and run his family’s rural Australian estate. Now, ready to settle down, his “wife wish list” is exact…so why can’t he get city-girl Freya Delaney off his mind? When Freya arrives to photograph his historic home, a spark ignites. And after one night of passion has unintended consequences, he might just find himself throwing the list out the window!

City meets country and passion ignites! ONE NIGHT WITH HER MILLIONAIRE BOSS by Kandy Shepherd is a delightful mix of opposites attract and a surprise baby story line and I enjoyed it very much.

Ned Hudson is an enjoyable character. He starts out a bit stuffy with his future laid out in his head to a tee, but it doesn’t take long for free-spirited Freya to shake up his plans and bring his world to life.

Freya Delaney is a fun character. She hasn’t had an easy life, but she chooses to see the bright side of things and brings an eclectic outlook to everything she touches. She’s there to photograph his historic house, but instant chemistry takes hold quickly.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a sweetish romance with an impossible to ignore connection. The characters were well developed and the tidbits here and there where their past intertwines in light ways was interesting to learn.

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* Review * TEMPTATION AT HIS DOOR by Joss Wood

April 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

Temptation at His Door by Joss Wood
Series: Murphy International #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2020
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Will he let love in?

“We both know that was a one-off.”
But stopping is out of the question…

Wealthy art auctioneer Ronan Murphy needs a nanny for his two little boys now. Gorgeous au pair Joa Jones would be perfect, but there’s a catch. He and Joa also have impossible-to-ignore chemistry. One night exploring that chemistry can’t hurt…right? Wrong. One night with Joa only leaves Ronan craving more. But more is the one thing he can’t have…

Seductively intriguing! With the second book in her Murphy International series Joss Wood takes us on a sweet journey with Ronan’s story in TEMPTATION AT HIS DOOR. This book is not only sensually pleasing, but it also showcases overcoming grief and accepting a new journey. Really loved their story!

Ronan Murphy is such a good guy. A reader instantly has a soft spot in their heart for him when we learn he lost his wife and is raising their two young sons on his own. Once we see the connection he has with Joa and how it affects him, he’s only more endearing.

Joa Jones is easy to like as well and we find ourselves rooting for her to get that happily ever after she obviously well deserves at this point in her life.

I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole to anyone who enjoys a fast paced read filled with a close-knit group of siblings and friends finding their forevers one character at a time.

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* Review * COLTON COWBOY JEOPARDY by Regan Black

April 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

Colton Cowboy Jeopardy by Regan Black
Series: The Coltons of Mustang Valley #8
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on April 1, 2020
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On the run from a sociopath…

And no one to trust

Mia Graves is in danger—and so is her baby. Jarvis Colton is exploring a family mystery when their paths cross on the outskirts of Rattlesnake Ridge Ranch. After the trauma of losing his parents, this businessman turned cowboy has no intention of making himself vulnerable ever again. Just this once, he can help a family, but can he protect Mia without falling in love?

Danger is right around the corner! With book eight in the Coltons of Mustang Valley series, Regan Black brings Jarvis’s story to life in COLTON COWBOY JEOPARDY.

Jarvis Colton is easy to like. He’s laid back and loyal to family and even though he’s on Rattlesnake Ridge Ranch for another reason than he states, he’s still working hard to better the ranch at the same time.

Mia Graves is attention grabbing. We quickly see the danger she perceives and watch her do anything in her power to protect her son. Stumbling upon Jarvis turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to her.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys lots of intrigue with their romance. I’m looking forward to getting answers in the shooting mystery as the series plays out.

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* Review * HER SURPRISE COWBOY by Claire McEwen

April 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

Her Surprise Cowboy by Claire McEwen
Series: Heroes of Shelter Creek #3
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on April 1, 2020
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Looking for redemption…

Finding a future

Rancher Liam Dale is in Shelter Creek to make amends for his troubled past. He had no idea vet assistant Trisha Gilbert would be there, too—and he’s even more shocked to discover he’s a daddy! Trisha has good reasons not to trust him and a baby boy to protect. But now that he knows he’s a father, Liam longs to transform this unexpected reunion into a true family.

Love when they least expect it! With the third book in her Heroes of Shelter Creek series Claire McEwen delights her readers with a surprise baby story line. The characters are flawed, but withstand a sweet redemption. Really enjoyed!

Liam Dale caught my heart quickly with his comeback story and the love he shares with his family. Once he gets to Shelter Creek and reunites with Trisha, all bets are off and he’s coming in strong!

Trisha is a bit of a conundrum. I understand where she’s coming from with the resentment she holds towards Liam, but her attitude towards him was a little hard to forgive sometimes.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a sweet small town romance with a group of highly entertaining characters and lots of love and drama.

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* Review * TOO TEXAN TO TAME by Janice Maynard

April 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

Too Texan to Tame by Janice Maynard
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Inheritance #5
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2020
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She makes him want
to break the rules…

He’s back in town…
and back in her bed?

Rancher Vaughn Blackwood is only back home in Royal, Texas, for his sister’s wedding. Then he runs into Brielle Gunderson—and learns he’s the father of her baby. A fake engagement would secure his newfound daughter’s claim to the Blackwood legacy. But Brie has doubts about the plan even as their passion reignites. Can Vaughn change…or will Brie become the girl who got away—twice?

Full of unraveling secrets! With the fifth book in the ever dramatic Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance series, Janice Maynard brings Blackwood bad boy Vaughn home to Royal for his little sister’s wedding … only he gets more than he bargained for upon his return!

Vaughn already peaked a reader’s interest if you’ve been following along with the Inheritance series because he wants no part in fighting his father’s will leaving his wicked stepmother everything. He loves his family, but his days on Blackwood Hollow are long gone.

Brielle is kindhearted, but it’s a little hard to get over her secrets. She worked for his father and had a relationship with Vaughn years ago, and failed to make much of an effort to tell him she was carrying his child when she hightailed it out of town.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone loving a high drama family saga bringing happily ever afters to one family member at a time. I’m really enjoying it and looking forward to the conclusion to the series soon.

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* Review * THE SEA GLASS COTTAGE by RaeAnne Thayne

April 10, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne
Published by HQN Books on March 17, 2020
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The story of an emotional homecoming that brings hope and healing to three generations of women.

The life Olivia Harper always dreamed of isn’t so dreamy these days. The 16-hour work days are unfulfilling and so are things with her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when she hears that her estranged mother, Juliet, has been seriously injured, Liv has no choice but to pack up her life and head home to beautiful Cape Sanctuary on the Northern California coast.

It’s just for a few months—that’s what Liv keeps telling herself. But the closer she gets to Cape Sanctuary, the painful memories start flooding back: Natalie, her vibrant, passionate older sister who downward-spiraled into addiction. The fights with her mother who enabled her sister at every turn. The overdose that took Natalie, leaving her now-teenaged daughter, Caitlin, an orphan.

As Liv tries to balance her own needs with those of her injured mother and an obstinate, resentful fifteen-year-old, it becomes clear that all three Harper women have been keeping heartbreaking secrets from one another. And as those secrets are revealed, Liv, Juliet, and Caitlin will see that it’s never too late—or too early—to heal family wounds and find forgiveness.

RaeAnne Thayne never fails to satisfy! With a treasured voice made for detailing heart-wrenching family drama in such a poetic way, she takes us on an emotional journey of strength, healing and forgiveness with her latest THE SEA GLASS COTTAGE and it does not disappoint!

From the start the reader is taken into the heart of three characters … a grown daughter returning home to help her mother through an injury, an aging mother who doesn’t like for one second that her body is betraying her and taking her away from her daily life and a moody teenager who’s trying to find answers to the mysteries of her past. Each character has a side to their story and we get a feel for what’s going on quickly and are soon hooked.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story that connects with an imperfect family as they travel the roads of life. It’s emotional, it’s sweet and it’s oh so satisfying!

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* Review * COLTON’S DEADLY DISGUISE by Geri Krotow

April 10, 2020 Leave a Comment

Colton's Deadly Disguise by Geri Krotow
Series: The Coltons of Mustang Valley #7
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on April 1, 2020
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For an undercover duo,

investigating a beauty pageant turns ugly.

When Bella Colton undergoes a makeover to enter a beauty pageant, she’s on a mission. She’s determined to find out why her best friend died. Enter undercover FBI agent Holden St. Clair. Holden’s hot on the heels of a serial killer, who has Bella in his crosshairs. As the chemistry between Bella and Holden sparks, can they capture the murderer in their midst?

A killer in their midst! With book seven in the ever-exciting Coltons of Mustang Valley series it’s Geri Krotow’s turn to continue the spiel and introduce us to more of the family. The beauty pageant setting wasn’t my normal cup of tea, but the characters were intriguing and brought us to a fitting conclusion though I felt like there was a bigger disconnect than normal from the ongoing Colton mystery.

Isabella Colton kicks off this story on a mission to right a wrong towards her late best friend. She’s feisty and strong and not afraid to put herself in danger for the cause.

Holden St. Clair is an undercover FBI agent and has to step in to keep Bella safe while she’s putting herself in the cross-hairs of a serial killer. He’s kind-hearted and loyal.

I recommend this book and this series as a whole to anyone who enjoys a bit of romance with their suspense. I’m enjoying the series and looking forward to getting answers in the Colton mystery!

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* Review * AN UNEXPECTED SCANDAL by Jules Bennett

April 9, 2020 Leave a Comment

An Unexpected Scandal by Jules Bennett
Series: Lockwood Lightning #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2020
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When one late night changes everything!

They work so well together
in so many ways…

Nick Campbell’s life has been upended. His hated rival is the father he never knew, and his top-notch architect, Silvia Lane, is having his baby. It’s time for the billionaire to regain control. First step: get Silvia to marry him. But she’s not having it. She has her own plans for how things should go, and she wants real love or nothing!

An attention grabbing first in series! Kicking off her new Lockwood Lightning series Jules Bennett takes us knee deep into drama with AN UNEXPECTED SCANDAL and it is so much fun! I’m looking forward to more to come in this family saga.

Nick Campbell is quickly endeared to a reader’s heart when we learn that he’s only just found out that his crooked nemesis in the business world is none other than his dear old dad.

Silvia Lane is an accomplished businesswoman and though it goes against her normal mode of operation, she can’t resist a night of passion with Nick that leads to a shocking discovery a few weeks later … there’s a baby on the way!

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a fast paced plot filled with secrets, passion and the groundwork of an interesting story moving forward. Really enjoyed!

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* Review * A MATCH MADE PERFECT by Anna J. Stewart

April 9, 2020 Leave a Comment

A Match Made Perfect by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Butterfly Harbor Stories #8
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on April 1, 2020
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Fifteen years later…

Are they still a perfect match?

After a near-fatal accident, Brooke Ardell’s return to Butterfly Harbor sends shock waves around the small town. Years ago, she walked away from the love of her life, Sebastian Evans, and their baby daughter—and she never looked back. Now it’s finally time for her to right those wrongs. Sebastian wants to trust Brooke again…but can he risk his daughter’s heart as well as his own?

An addictive story of redemption! With book eight in her beloved Butterfly Harbor Stories series, Anna J. Stewart continues to delight readers with this fictional small town filled with endearing characters in A MATCH MADE PERFECT. This turned out to be one of my favorites in the series and while the lack of resentment in the story line is somewhat unrealistic, the depth of the connection between the characters had me hoping for that happily ever after from the start!

We are brought into this story line on the shoulder of a character we are not so sure can be redeemed. Brooke committed the ultimate sin of walking away from her child, but along the way we learn what motivated her to take such a drastic action and how her life turned out because of it. Ms. Stewart does a great job of making us understand the turmoil in her mind both then and now as she returns to try to make amends.

Sebastian is trustworthy and lovable and seems too good to be true … but his reaction to her return further shows what an understanding guy he is. His relationship with his daughter is everything!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town filled with close knit and quirky characters that always brings a major dose of heart to the surface on that quest towards happily ever after!

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* Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt * SCORING OFF THE ICE by Stacey Lynn

April 9, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt * SCORING OFF THE ICE by Stacey Lynn

Scoring Off The Ice by Stacey Lynn
Series: Ice Kings #2
Published by Stacey Lynn Books on April 7, 2020
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Sometimes scoring off the ice leads to the greatest rewards.

I’ve had only one goal in life since I first strapped on a pair of skates—make America’s pro hockey league.

I left Denmark. I made it to the top. Now, I’m determined to be the best. No distractions. I eat, sleep, and breathe hockey.

Until my birthday when my teammates convince me to live a little.
But living a little takes on a whole new meaning when less than a year later I’m confronted with a crying baby on my doorstep, drooling on a note that declares he’s mine.

Suddenly, I'm a single dad in way over my head.
There is no playbook for situations like this.

Luckily, I have Paisley.
My gorgeous neighbor, my long-time crush, and now—my savior.
She’s there any time I need her.
Helping. Guiding. Gazing at me with those green eyes that make me feel capable of this after all.

With her at my side, I’m quickly learning there’s more to life than winning a hockey game.

Down to earth and delicious! With book two in her Ice Kings hockey series, Stacey Lynn delights her readers with another dip into the life of the North Carolina Ice Kings franchise. The hockey action was a little light in this book, but the support of the team and the heart of the situation was spot on.

Micah’s predicament endears him to us right away. He’s passionate about his career and hockey is life to him, but when he discovers his one night of debauchery has made him a Dad, he is quick to step up and own it.

Paisley shines as soon as she steps into the pages. She’s a hard-working student on the cusp of achieving the degree she’s been striving for, but doesn’t hesitate to step in and help a wayward soul with a baby he knows nothing about.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes the brotherhood of a sports romance mixed with a whole lot of heart and lots of sexy times. There were a few places I would have liked to have seen developed a bit more, but overall I really enjoyed Micah and Paisley’s story!

There is no playbook for situations like this.

Scoring Off the Ice, an all-new steamy, surprise single dad romance with all the feels by Stacey Lynn, is available now!

Sometimes scoring off the ice leads to the greatest rewards.

I’ve had only one goal in life since I first strapped on a pair of skates—make America’s pro hockey league.

I left Denmark. I made it to the top. Now, I’m determined to be the best. No distractions. I eat, sleep, and breathe hockey.

Until my birthday when my teammates convince me to live a little.
But living a little takes on a whole new meaning when less than a year later I’m confronted with a crying baby on my doorstep, drooling on a note that declares he’s mine.

Suddenly, I’m a single dad in way over my head.
There is no playbook for situations like this.

Luckily, I have Paisley.
My gorgeous neighbor, my long-time crush, and now—my savior.
She’s there any time I need her.
Helping. Guiding. Gazing at me with those green eyes that make me feel capable of this after all.

With her at my side, I’m quickly learning there’s more to life than winning a hockey game.

Download your copy today!
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Excerpt:

“Who are you?” I don’t like calling her the woman. I’ve wondered her name for months since she started appearing in that doorway so close to mine.

She turns to me and in her arms is the baby. She’s holding a bottle and the baby is drinking. Quiet little sounds come from it and she grins down at the baby in her arms before tilting her head at me.

“What?”

“You. What is your name?”

“Paisley. Are you Mikah?”

She must want money if she knows my name. Perhaps she’s a fan. A puck bunny—that’s what my teammates call the girls who follow players and only want one thing from them.

“How did you know?” I wish she wasn’t so pretty. Sometimes it hurts to talk when all I want to do is look at her.

She points to an envelope on the table. The note.

“It’s on the outside. I didn’t know if it was your name or the baby’s, so I took a guess. Are you… are you okay?”

“A stranger shows up at my door with a baby in her arms, saying it’s mine. How okay am I supposed to be?” I wander to the table while I ask.

I’m surprised by her gentle laugh.

“I suppose this isn’t your typical Friday night.”

She is funny. If I didn’t think I might throw up, I might laugh. No. This is not my typical Friday night. Mine are for resting. Not life-changing drama.

I say nothing and grab the envelope. I stare at it for a moment. Perhaps if I do not open it, I can pretend this didn’t happen. My fingers shake as I tear it open.

The envelope is larger than normal and thick and I’m careful as I pull out several folded papers.

The top one is the most important though as I instantly see my name, written in scrolling black ink.

MIKAH,

His name is Angelo.

Meet Stacey Lynn:

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connect with Stacey:

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