Book Reviews – Page 164

* Review * A SOLDIER’S RETURN by RaeAnne Thayne

January 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

A Soldier's Return by RaeAnne Thayne
Series: The Women of Brambleberry House
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on January 15, 2019
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The Women of Brambleberry House are back!

Returning home to Cannon Beach and living in Brambleberry House, a place where good things seemed destined to happen, had brought Melissa Fielding and her young daughter such joy. Perhaps it was no accident when the single mom “bumped” into Eli Sanderson, and discovered the handsome doctor was also back in town. The ex-soldier was still so captivating, but also more guarded. Was now the time to put old ghosts to rest?

A delightful return to Brambleberry House! I was quickly intrigued by Melissa’s back story and once Eli came into the picture, I was hooked! Great characters, filled with emotional upheavals and lots of feel good moments. Really enjoyed!

Returning to Cannon Beach, Oregon and moving into Brambleberry House with her daughter has been like a breath of fresh air for Melissa Fielding. She loves her neighbors, loves her job and loves the atmosphere of this coastal town. Dealing with the distraction of her ex though is a different story.

Circumstances line up just right to allow Eli Sanderson the opportunity to return to town to fill in for his doctor father for a few weeks. Running into Melissa and realizing she’s going to be his nurse while he’s in town is unexpected. He crushed on her in high school, but life took them in different directions. Now that they’re at different places in their lives, will anything come of their attraction to each other?

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* Review * THE VENETIAN ONE-NIGHT BABY by Melanie Milburne

January 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Venetian One-Night Baby by Melanie Milburne
Series: One Night With Consequences
Published by Harlequin Presents on February 1, 2019
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It was a sizzling encounter…

Then a baby binds them forever!

A hotel booking mix-up in Venice means wedding-dress designer Sabrina Midhurst must share a room with her nemesis: wealthy, brooding businessman Max Firbank. It’s infuriating—until an unexpected night of passion awakens a need Sabrina didn’t even know was possible! They’ve always battled their supercharged attraction, so when Sabrina confesses she’s pregnant, she’s stunned by Max’s demand: that she wear his ring!

Fast paced drama and easy to like characters! A surprise baby is sure to delight as two likely enemies join together to make the best of the twist life showed them. The story was fun, sassy and easy to read in one sitting!

He’s been a thorn in her side for years, but when wedding dress designer Sabrina Midhurst’s plans to attend her first expo in Venice go awry when she shows up to no hotel booking, he’s her savior!

Businessman Max Firbank is in town for a meeting and sees Sabrina having an issue trying to check-in and invites her to share his suite. Their parents are best friends and they’ve grown up hearing about the other’s accolades but they’ve agreed to dislike each other just on the possible matchmaking theory. All bets are off when an unexpected night of passion leads to a baby on the way though!

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* Review * KISSED BY THE COUNTRY DOC by Melinda Curtis

January 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * KISSED BY THE COUNTRY DOC by Melinda Curtis

Kissed by the Country Doc by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Mountain Monroes #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on February 1, 2019
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She came to sell a town…

But she found a home

Never in her wildest dreams could single mom Ella Monroe imagine co-inheriting the small town of Second Chance, Idaho—or falling for its curmudgeonly doctor, Noah Bishop. Despite his rough edges and protests for isolation, Noah has her believing in love at first sight again. But when she’s pressured to sell her stake, Ella is torn between family loyalty and following her heart.

Recognizing new beginnings! With the kick off to her new The Mountain Monroes series, Melinda Curtis brings us the story of Ella as she continues to learn how to move forward after loss. She isn’t always sure where her place is in the family, but she knows she won’t give up on the spirit of being a Monroe anytime soon. This book laid a good groundwork for the series and has me looking forward to more to come. Really enjoyed!

Ella Monroe treasures the family that she married into. As a widow raising a darling little girl, she still considers them her own, so when they need her to accompany them to the town they all inherited in Second Chance, Idaho, she’s there! Adjusting to a slow country life is easier than she imagined since there’s a handsome doctor catching her eye!

Doctor Noah Bishop isn’t living the life that he always dreamed of anymore, but he’s making do in Second Chance. Meeting Ella and Penny awakens a passion for life in him that he hasn’t recognized in a long time. Can this be the wake-up call that he needs to live the life he’s always wanted?

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* Review * TAKE ME AGAIN by Carly Phillips

January 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TAKE ME AGAIN by Carly Phillips

Take Me Again by Carly Phillips
Series: The Knight Brothers #1
Published by CP Publishing on January 22, 2019
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He’s alpha, he’s sexy, and he’s sure he’s got life in his hands … Until Ashley Easton returns, wanting nothing to do with the playboy who broke her heart.

Sebastian Knight is a closer. Be it a business deal or the woman of his choice, everything he wants is his for the taking. Sexy and irresistible, a wink, a smile, or a handshake always seals the deal. Until Ashley returns at the worst possible time, and everything unravels around him.

The Ashley who returns is sassy and sexy--everything Sebastian craves and he wants a second chance. Despite her reluctance, his sex appeal makes it harder and harder to keep him at arm’s length.

Sebastian might have a talent for sealing the deal, but Ashley is no longer easily charmed. This time he’s going to have to work to win.

Carly Phillips has delivered your next book boyfriend yet again! With the kick off to a new exciting series of the Knight brothers, she brings us the story of confident, sexy Sebastian. He’s made mistakes, but he’s trying to make up for them and earn his family’s respect along the way. Seeing Ashley again and starting to let those old feelings come back to life is life changing … if only he can get her to forgive him! Really enjoyed the introduction to this family and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all shakes out for his brothers in future books.

Sebastian Knight is confident and living the dream until a family tragedy brings a blast from the past back into his life and shakes his cozy little world to smithereens! He thought he was at the top of his game in the family business, but finding out he’s not quite as high on the totem pole as he thought knocks him for a loop. His discomfort at seeing Ashley and dealing with the guilt that it brings leads him to try to foster peace with her again.

Ashley Easton has been festering a hatred towards Sebastian for many years. He should have stood up for her all those years ago instead of throwing her under the bus so his life could continue in the teen party lifestyle he was accustomed to. She’s not about to forgive him because he smiles at her … if only she could convince her deceptively aroused body of that!

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* Release Blitz / Review * WRONG BED, RIGHT ROOMMATE by Rebecca Brooks

January 18, 2019 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz / Review * WRONG BED, RIGHT ROOMMATE by Rebecca Brooks

Wrong Bed, Right Roommate by Rebecca Brooks
Series: Accidental Love #1
Published by Entangled: Brazen on January 14, 2019
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It's not every day you wake up to a stranger getting into your bed.
Only, he isn't a stranger at all, he's my best friend's hot older brother…and apparently my new roommate.
Having him in my space, driving me crazy, isn't a problem at all. Nope.
All I need to do is keep control of the situation…

But that's easier said than done.
Shawn Lassiter is the kind of distraction I don't need.
First he accidentally gets into my bed, half-naked, the night before my first day at my new job.
Hello, muscles and tattoos!
Then he's there, in nothing but a towel, making me coffee in the morning.
It's more than any girl can resist. Right?
But Shawn is off-limits, even if his eyes are saying differently.

Years ago, back when I still had my crush, he destroyed friendships with his reckless playboy antics.
There's no way I'm touching those perfectly formed abs now. I don't care how nice and responsible he's acting.
I don't want a boyfriend anyway. That's what my trusty vibrator is for.
I'm the smart girl—the glasses-wearing, book-reading workaholic. I can totally do this.
After all, it's only for two and a half months.
I'll be on my best behavior...even if Shawn isn't.

Sassy goodness! The latest from Rebecca Brooks is a fast paced best friend’s older brother story with an easy to like couple. They’re both starting new jobs that are important to their futures, but the attraction that swiftly rears it’s head between them is sure to be a distraction. There were a few plot holes that could have been livened up a bit, but overall a solid read.

Jessie Santana never expected to wake up to a strange man climbing into her bed, but when she flips on the light and sees who it actually is, it’s even worse! Her childhood crush who also happens to be her roomie best friend’s older brother stands before her in all of his muscular glory! She can’t believe she’s going to be stuck with him for more than two months!

Shawn Lassiter is finally starting to grow up and figure out a little bit about how the big bad world works, and moving to New York is a new opportunity for him with the extended job that he’s starting. Finding a friendly face at his sister’s house would have been nice, but Jessie is anything but excited to see him … until the sparks start to fly!

Wrong Bed, Right Roommate
Rebecca Brooks
Published by: Entangled: Brazen
Publication date: January 14th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

It’s not every day you wake up to a stranger getting into your bed.
Only, he isn’t a stranger at all, he’s my best friend’s hot older brother…and apparently my new roommate.
Having him in my space, driving me crazy, isn’t a problem at all. Nope.
All I need to do is keep control of the situation…

But that’s easier said than done.
Shawn Lassiter is the kind of distraction I don’t need.
First he accidentally gets into my bed, half-naked, the night before my first day at my new job.
Hello, muscles and tattoos!
Then he’s there, in nothing but a towel, making me coffee in the morning.
It’s more than any girl can resist. Right?
But Shawn is off-limits, even if his eyes are saying differently.

Years ago, back when I still had my crush, he destroyed friendships with his reckless playboy antics.
There’s no way I’m touching those perfectly formed abs now. I don’t care how nice and responsible he’s acting.
I don’t want a boyfriend anyway. That’s what my trusty vibrator is for.
I’m the smart girl—the glasses-wearing, book-reading workaholic. I can totally do this.
After all, it’s only for two and a half months.
I’ll be on my best behavior…even if Shawn isn’t.

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Author Bio:

Rebecca Brooks lives in New York City in an apartment filled with books. She received a PhD in English but decided it was more fun to write books than write about them. She has backpacked alone through India and Brazil, traveled by cargo boat down the Amazon River, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, explored ice caves in Peru, trekked to the source of the Ganges, and sunbathed in Burma, but she always likes coming home to a cold beer and her hot husband in the Bronx. Her books are about independent women who leave their old lives behind to try something new–and find the passion, excitement and purpose they didn’t know they’d been missing. Learn more at http://rebeccabrooksromance.com. To sign-up for her newsletter, sign-up at http://rebeccabrooksromance.com/newsletter.

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* Release Blitz / Review * ONE CHANCE, FANCY by Lani Lynn Vale

January 17, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz / Review * ONE CHANCE, FANCY by Lani Lynn Vale

One Chance, Fancy by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: The Bear Bottom Guardians MC #5
on January 15, 2019
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Benson Bayou Beauregard is the president of the Bear Bottom Guardians MC, and the grandson of the Sergeant at Arms for the Dixie Wardens MC. He’s a mountain of a man and the warden of a prison, and there’s only one thing that can scare him—being told that he’s the father of a three-year-old little girl.

A three-year-old little girl that has no clue who he is. Hell, he only finds out about the little cherub when a woman from child protective services comes by and rocks his world before leaving the girl in his shocked arms.

Every single thing he thinks he knows goes up in a cloud of smoke.

To make matters worse, the woman that he’s been trying to convince to give him a chance takes one look at the little girl and tells him that he’s just not in the right place to handle both of them.

But Bayou was never one to back down from a challenge.

He can handle a three-year-old girl that acts exactly like him, and he can more than take on the fiery red-head that sets flame to his blood while he’s at it.

Sweet, touching and steamy-licious! With the next book in the Bear Bottom Guardians MC series, Bayou is front and center. We know him as the quiet but steady friend to all of his MC, a solid leader as president of the club and warden at the prison. We learn more about him personally and where his past led him. There’s really no MC part to this book, but it’s a really great taming of the tough guy with the haunted past sort of story. Really enjoyed it!

Bear Bottom Guardians MC president Benson “Bayou” Beauregard is shocked when a social worker shows up handing him a three year old little girl who his crazy ex never told him about. He’s not sure he’s good enough to be the parent she needs, but it doesn’t take long for the woman he’s got eyes for to set him straight and ease him on the path of being the best Daddy ever.

Phoebe Mackenzie met Bayou when she was fifteen years old, and made a huge impact on his life. She shows up at the prison to apply for a job and gets up close and personal with him again. He doesn’t believe she could possible be interested in someone like him … but little does he know that he’s all she’s ever wanted!

Benson Bayou Beauregard is the president of the Bear Bottom Guardians MC, and the grandson of the Sergeant at Arms for the Dixie Wardens MC. He’s a mountain of a man and the warden of a prison, and there’s only one thing that can scare him—being told that he’s the father of a three-year-old little girl.

A three-year-old little girl that has no clue who he is. Hell, he only finds out about the little cherub when a woman from child protective services comes by and rocks his world before leaving the girl in his shocked arms.

Every single thing he thinks he knows goes up in a cloud of smoke.

To make matters worse, the woman that he’s been trying to convince to give him a chance takes one look at the little girl and tells him that he’s just not in the right place to handle both of them.

But Bayou was never one to back down from a challenge.

He can handle a three-year-old girl that acts exactly like him, and he can more than take on the fiery red-head that sets flame to his blood while he’s at it.

ADD TO GOODREADS

AVAILABLE NOW

AMAZON | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU | AMAZON CA | B&N | APPLE

Lani Lynn Vale is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * ONE NIGHT GAMBLE by Katherine Garbera

January 16, 2019 Leave a Comment

One Night Gamble by Katherine Garbera
Series: Joker's Wild #1
Published by Entangled: Brazen on January 14, 2019
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Talia Spencer’s life is the epitome of boring and predictable. But then she meets him…

The first time she meets Casey Waltham, she’s buying condoms…for her grandmother. And of course drops them accidentally at his feet. Face plant.

The second time she sees him, she’s this close to landing her dream job and is celebrating at a club. Two chance encounters in the same day--that’s got to be a sign, right?

He’s charming and flirty and just what Talia needs for the night.

But it was just supposed to be a hook-up. At least, that’s what she thought...until he turns out to be her new boss...

Steamy, fresh and full of angst! I really enjoyed the kick-off to the Joker’s Wild series! It’s encompassed with a unique hero and the journey towards happily ever after even when it seems like the cards might be stacked against him. There was a rich background given on both main characters and a plot that moved at an adequate pace to keep our attention and yet keep us guessing at the same time. Looking forward to more in the series!

Talia Spencer can’t believe she meets a hot guy and immediately embarrasses herself by dropping condoms at his feet. To later run into him when she’s out at a club celebrating her possible new job just seems like a sign to her. Why not live it up and have a wild night with a sexy stranger? It’s not until the next day that she realizes it’s a bad idea … when he walks into the interview as her potential new boss!

Casey Waltham owns the brand new Vegas casino Jokers Wild with his two best friends. He’s determined to make a success of their newest venture, and they all agree that Talia is just what they need in the social media marketing position … even if he can’t keep his thoughts from turning lusty at the very sight of her! Can he manage to convince her that what he does for a living isn’t all that bad?

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* Review * RULES IN RESCUE by Nichole Severn

January 15, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RULES IN RESCUE by Nichole Severn

Rules in Rescue by Nichole Severn
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 1, 2019
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She walked away from him once.

Now he’s her only hope.

Blackhawk Security weapons expert Anthony Harris has trained for any contingency. Except the return of his ex-fiancée. Glennon Chase walked out on the former ranger five years ago. And now the CID special agent needs Anthony’s help with a deadly investigation into her partner’s disappearance. Dodging bullets he can handle, but pairing up with his ex is flat-out dangerous. Especially when Anthony discovers that the secret Glennon is keeping could get them both killed.

Danger and intrigue from start to finish! I was quickly drawn into the lives of the characters as their unexpected reunion leads to rediscovering who the other is after all of these years apart. It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly again, but letting their guard down may lead to more than they ever expected. Good character connection, exciting action and an overall heart-pounding read!

Her partner has disappeared and now danger is knocking at her door! Glennon Close knows that she and her partner must have stumbled across something serious in their latest investigation for him to up and vanish like this, and there’s only one man she trusts to keep her safe while she heads into the fire to find him.

Blackhawk Security agent Anthony Harris never expected to see her again after she walked out on him with no warning five years ago, but now his ex-fiance has contacted him in the middle of the night for help. When bullets start flying before he even gets the intel out of her, he knows this is going to be more serious than he ever expected!

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* Review * AT THE CEO’S PLEASURE by Yahrah St. John

January 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

At the CEO's Pleasure by Yahrah St. John
Series: The Stewart Heirs #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on January 1, 2019
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“What do you want from me?”

“I want you back.”

He’d broken his “no office affair” policy once and lost his best assistant. Now rich businessman Ayden Stewart needs Maya Richardson back…at any price. Taking the job, Maya tells herself the years apart have cooled their chemistry. So why are they breaking rule number one again…and again? Ayden makes her want what she can never have—real love. Will it be different this time?

Ruggedly raw chemistry! With the first book in The Stewart Heirs series, Yahrah St. John makes her Harlequin Desire debut and her voice shines! The story line grabbed my attention from the start and the characters brought the story to life on the pages. There were a tad too many plot twists trying to steal the scene here and there, and an almost raunchy feel in a couple of spots, but overall a really entrenching read. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to more from the Stewarts!

When Ayden Stewart finds himself in need of an assistant, he can think of no one better than the one he let slip through his fingers five years ago. Temptation led to a night of passion and the fallout had Maya leaving her job. Now he’ll promise her just about anything to get her to return to the company fold!

Maya Richardson never expected to get to live out her most secret fantasy of a night spent with the guy she’d been crushing on for years, but that’s exactly what happened … but the way he reacted the next morning broke her heart. Her life was enough of a roller coaster at the time without adding awkward days at the office to the list, so she found another job. Now Ayden wants her back, and she happens to need the ridiculous money he’s promising her.

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* Review * COLTON COWBOY STANDOFF by Marie Ferrarella

January 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

Colton Cowboy Standoff by Marie Ferrarella
Series: The Coltons of Roaring Springs #1
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on January 1, 2019
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Two exes reunite as danger rocks the family ranch.

A Coltons of Roaring Springs romance

Years after ending her relationship with her husband, Wyatt Colton, Bailey Norton shows up on his doorstep with an unexpected request: to father her child. Unresolved passion sets off sparks between them, but Bailey must resist Wyatt’s undiminished allure—and show her true grit when the Colton ranch is mysteriously sabotaged. Can this Colton cowboy lasso the culprit and a forever family?

With the first book in The Colton’s of Roaring Springs series, Marie Ferrarella brings us Wyatt Colton’s story. He lost the love of his life, but now she’s back asking for his help. They find themselves knee-deep in trouble when things start happening around the ranch that no one expected. Overall, the story was an entertaining read. There were several plot holes that could have made for a more developed story had they been filled in, but the underlying story was laid to carry forward into the series. I enjoyed it.

Rancher Wyatt Colton can’t believe his eyes when he opens his door to find his ex-wife standing on his doorstep. She up and left him six years ago with no explanation, but here she comes calling when she needs a favor … if you can even call it that … it’s a life-changing request!

Bailey Norton left the Crooked C to chase the dreams she left unfulfilled when she married Wyatt, it wasn’t because she didn’t love him anymore. Now time is running out on her and she is here to ask the best man she ever knew if he will help her with the final thing she’s missing in her life … having the baby she always dreamed of!

Filed Under: Book Reviews