Book Reviews – Page 175

* Review * THE CONSPIRACY by Kat Martin

February 12, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Conspiracy by Kat Martin
Series: Maximum Security #1
Published by HQN Books on January 22, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Harper Winston’s brother has disappeared. Pursuing his dream of sailing the Caribbean, Michael hasn’t responded to texts or emails in days. When even the Coast Guard can’t find him, Harper is forced to take desperate measures. Which means going to Chase Garrett, once her brother’s best friend, now the only man she can trust…or so she hopes.

As the successful owner of Maximum Security, Chase has learned to trust his gut. He knows Harper’s father is mixed up in a deadly business, and suspects there’s more to Michael’s disappearance than meets the eye. Getting involved again with the Winstons goes against everything he stands for, yet old loyalties die hard. As the case draws him closer to Harper and deeper into the Winstons’ snarled crime family, he is forced to put everything on the line to keep Harper safe…and both of them alive.

Exciting suspense! The action starts quickly with this book and continues throughout. The characters are interesting and well-developed, and the story line kept my attention. A solid read!

Harper Winston needs help. Her brother set out to sail the Caribbean alone and she hasn’t heard from him in days. She knows something has happened because she made Michael promise to keep in touch and she knows he wouldn’t be playing games like this … not with her. She knows just the man to contact, but she’s not sure he’s going to agree to help her.

Chase Garrett was once Michael’s best friend, until destruction and lifestyles didn’t exactly mesh between them anymore. As the owner of Maximum Security, he understands why Harper comes asking for help, he’s just not so sure he wants to get mixed up in her family drama again. He has no doubt that her brother is in danger, but his biggest suspicion leads right back to the shady business dealings of their father.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour/Review/Giveaway * WINNING THE COWBOY’S HEART by Karen Rock

February 8, 2019 4 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Winning the Cowboy's Heart by Karen Rock
Series: Rocky Mountain Cowboys #5
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on February 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Jewel Cade wants two things—

One is Heath Loveland

The Rocky Mountain cowgirl has her heart set on becoming range boss of the Cade ranch. But first she has to accompany the son of her family’s longtime enemy—and her off-limits secret crush—on a cattle drive across Colorado. Discovering Heath shares her attraction only makes for a rockier road. Because Jewel has a sneaking suspicion that if she drops her guard, the cowboy might ride off with her heart.

It’s like coming home again! Every time I open the latest book in Karen Rock’s Rocky Mountain Cowboy’s series, it’s like being among family. The Cades have been warming out hearts for awhile now, and in the last couple of books, we’re getting to know and love the Lovelands as well. Jewel and Heath are a joy to watch as they set out on that journey to forever. I loved the complexity of their situation, and getting to catch up with news from how our favorite past couples are doing. Great characters, compelling drama and a sweet happily ever after … loved Jewel & Heath!

Jewel Cade doesn’t want much in life. She wants the title of Range Boss on her family ranch, and she wants Heath Loveland! Two seemingly impossible dreams. Getting her brother James to give up one iota of control is looking pretty unlikely, and the fact that she’s crushing on the enemy isn’t going to endear her to the family.

Heath has the world set out in front of him, but isn’t so sure anymore if he’s doing the things he does because he wants to or because it’s easier than rocking the boat by admitting he wants something different. He still carries the scars of the world in his heart from hard times with his Mama, but one day soon he’s going to have to pull himself out from under all of that baggage to let himself have the life he secretly dreams of.

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Winning the Cowboy’s Heart
(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #5)
By Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 379 Pages
February 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Jewel Cade wants two things—

One is Heath Loveland

The Rocky Mountain cowgirl has her heart set on becoming range boss of the Cade ranch. But first she has to accompany the son of her family’s longtime enemy—and her off-limits secret crush—on a cattle drive across Colorado. Discovering Heath shares her attraction only makes for a rockier road. Because Jewel has a sneaking suspicion that if she drops her guard, the cowboy might ride off with her heart.

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│iBooks│Kobo│Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

And coming in April 2019…

About the Author

Award-winning author Karen Rock is both sweet and spicy—at least when it comes to her writing! The author of both YA and adult contemporary books writes sexy suspense novels and small-town romances for Harlequin and Kensington publishing. A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile. When she’s not writing, Karen is an avid reader who also loves cooking her grandmother’s Italian recipes, baking and having the Adirondack Park wilderness as her backyard, where she lives with her husband, daughter, dog and cat who keep her life interesting and complete. Learn more about her at http://www.karenrock.com or follow her on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Google+│Tumblr│Pinterest│BookBub│Amazon

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card – Open Internationally
– 1 winner will receive signed, print copies of the first four books in the Rocky Mountain Cowboys series (Christmas at Cade Ranch, Falling for a Cowboy, Bad Boy Rancher & A Cowboy’s Pride) – US Only
– Ends February 13, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * INCOGNITO by Adrienne Giordano

February 6, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * INCOGNITO by Adrienne Giordano

Incognito by Adrienne Giordano
Series: Lucie Rizzo Mystery #7
Published by ALG Publishing on February 5, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Mob princess Lucie Rizzo can’t catch a break. Or take one. Building a business empire is hard work, even without her family’s notoriety. Staying out of trouble isn’t exactly her forte. Still, Lucie could use a vacation from Chicago winters and the town where everybody knows her father’s name. So when a certain Irish cop promises warmer days—and hotter nights—Lucie sees an offer she can’t refuse.

Detective O’Hottie sweeps her away to the land of sun, sand, and…retirees? Before the real romantic getaway begins, Tim wants to visit his Uncle Henry. Or, to be exact, Tim’s mom wants the goods on Henry’s new girlfriend. Ha! Family drama without a Rizzo involved. What could a sweet, 50-something woman be hiding? Not a lot, judging by the amount of cleavage on display. Holy cannoli, Henry’s Mattie could give Lucie’s bombshell BFF a run for her money.

It’s more than just the skintight leopard print making Tim do a double take. The details don’t add up. Mattie’s not being completely honest—and Lucie smells a rat. Uncle Henry’s gal pal isn’t who she claims to be. But is Mattie playing a long con, or is she the victim? Either way, Lucie is getting caught in a dangerous game.

Hilarity ensues when Lucie Rizzo and her sidekicks return! Just when Tim thinks things have quieted down on the home front and he and his girl are going to sneak away on a vacation together, issues start popping up left and right. If you’ve been reading this series, you will quickly recognize most of the characters and be quick to remember all of the mischief that has been the motto of this gnarly gang of misfits. I felt it missed a little something from the pace of some of the other books, but enjoyed it none-the-less. Looking forward to more to come!

Lucie Rizzo finally agrees to put down the reigns of her business and slip away for a vacation with Tim, but it doesn’t take long for a mystery to fall into their laps when they stop to visit Tim’s Uncle Henry and his new love Mattie.

Tim isn’t sure what to make of this woman his Uncle is taken with, but when things start to not add up in the stories he’s hearing, he sets out to find out what’s truly going on here. With surprises around every corner and danger soon lurking, it looks like Tim is going along for the ride in a Lucie-like escapade!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE MILITARY WIFE by Laura Trentham

February 6, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE MILITARY WIFE by Laura Trentham

The Military Wife by Laura Trentham
Series: Heart of a Hero #1
Published by St. Martin's Griffin on February 5, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Harper Lee Wilcox has been marking time in her hometown of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina since her husband, Noah Wilcox’s death, nearly five years earlier. With her son Ben turning five and living at home with her mother, Harper fights a growing restlessness, worried that moving on means leaving the memory of her husband behind.

Her best friend, Allison Teague, is dealing with struggles of her own. Her husband, a former SEAL that served with Noah, was injured while deployed and has come home physically healed but fighting PTSD. With three children underfoot and unable to help her husband, Allison is at her wit’s end.

In an effort to reenergize her own life, Harper sees an opportunity to help not only Allison but a network of other military wives eager to support her idea of starting a string of coffee houses close to military bases around the country.

In her pursuit of her dream, Harper crosses paths with Bennett Caldwell, Noah’s best friend and SEAL brother. A man who has a promise to keep, entangling their lives in ways neither of them can foresee. As her business grows so does an unexpected relationship with Bennett. Can Harper let go of her grief and build a future with Bennett even as the man they both loved haunts their pasts?

Emotionally enchanting! With a delve into a different type of story line than her norm, Laura Trentham brings us a realistic look into the lives of a group of military wives and how they learn to pick up the pieces of life after deployments, moves, injuries and even death. The plot was thick with emotions and the characters were interesting. I was not fond of the back and forth in time span, and I felt like there were a few plot holes, but overall an enjoyable read.

Harper Lee Wilcox has just been scooting by with life since her husband Noah’s death five years ago. She returned home to Kitty Hawk, NC to be close to her Mom as she gave birth to the son her husband always wanted and never got to see. She’s finally coming out of the cocoon she surrounded herself with in order to survive, and she’s noticing things around her again.

Here best friend Allison Teague is fighting her own demons. With three young children, and a husband who returned from war more emotionally wounded than ever before, she’s not sure how long she can walk on the eggshells her house has become. Something’s got to give, and she hopes it will be her husbands resistance to admitting the PTSD is out of control this time and he needs to get help.

With the reawakening of her realism that things happened that she never got answers about, Harper seeks out Noah’s best friend Bennett Caldwell. Bennett was with Noah at the end and made promises he’s never forgotten, but in admitting the things that are awakening inside him, he’ll be coming close to betraying the best friend he ever had’s trust. Can he step up and fill the shoes of the man he’ll never forget?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HARD-RIDING COWBOY by Stacey Kennedy

February 6, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HARD-RIDING COWBOY by Stacey Kennedy

Hard-Riding Cowboy by Stacey Kennedy
Series: Kinky Spurs #3
Published by Swerve on February 5, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Megan Harrison is the owner of Kinky Spurs. She’s mortgaged up to her eyeballs and works long days and nights, but she’s living life on her terms, not on her wealthy father’s. She’s done being in the cattle rancher’s shadow. She’s got it all figured out, except for the part that involves Nash Blackshaw. He’s a sexy as hell cowboy whose smile can easily charm her out of her tight jeans. The only problem is—their fathers were business rivals, and Megan and Nash have been taught to hate each other since birth.

Nash Blackshaw, a retired professional bull rider, has responsibilities on top of responsibilities. With his PBR career over due to back injury, and his focus narrowed on heading up the Blackshaw Cattle Company’s Guest Ranch, he shouldn’t have time to think about all the ways he wants Megan. But it’s all he thinks of around the sassy and sweet woman. She might be forbidden to him, but Nash wants to take her for a hard, kinky ride.

But small towns have a way of spreading gossip like wildfire, and not everyone is happy about their relationship. Especially when Megan drops a bombshell on Nash after one heated night between them. As much as Megan and Nash want to forget the old feud between their fathers and lose each other in explosive passion, they can’t escape reality. They are meant to be enemies, and Nash’s sizzling, dominant touch might not be enough to keep them together.

Steamy, forbidden and oh so sweet! The sexy temptation blossoming between Megan and Nash is electrifying on the pages from the start, and the sweetness when we see them together just makes it all even better. They’re really adorable together! My first of the series, but it was easy to pick up on the rest of the family. Really enjoyed it!

Megan Harrison is living life on her terms now that she’s starting to make a success of her bar Kinky Spurs. She’s put long hours and everything she owns into the place, so she can’t let up for a minute or it will slip through her fingers. One distraction that she doesn’t seem to be able to kick is Nash Blackshaw.

Nash has been off-limits for all of her life because of a family feud lasting more than their lifetimes. She knows she shouldn’t be interested, but what’s a girl to do when the only one to push all of her buttons in just the right kinda way is bad boy Nash. When the one night they gave in to their passion leads to a shocking announcement, they have to figure out if they are all in regardless of the fireworks it’s going to start between their families … or all out.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * REVENGE WITH BENEFITS by Cat Schield

February 2, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * REVENGE WITH BENEFITS by Cat Schield

Revenge with Benefits by Cat Schield
Series: Sweet Tea and Scandal
Published by Harlequin Desire on February 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Will she reap the benefits of betrayal…

with a man impossible to resist?

Reeling from a bad divorce, Zoe Alston makes a pact with two women similarly scorned. Her mission: take down gorgeous businessman Ryan Dailey by sabotaging his sister’s political campaign. The problem: the white-hot chemistry sizzling between them. Now she’s caught between her promise and the man who’s bringing her back to life. How far will she go for revenge…or love?

A new dalliance shrouded in deception! Bitter divorcee seeks revenge on mankind, but ends up having feelings for her mark! The characters were easy to like, and the story line had good bones. I would have liked a bit more development in certain areas, but overall a really enjoyable read!

Bitter Zoe Alston finds herself among a couple of like-minded women when a plot hatches to find revenge on the men who did them wrong. Her assignment is to infiltrate Ryan Dailey’s sisters political campaign to sabotage it.

Ryan Dailey is interested the moment he sets eyes on his sister’s latest campaign volunteer. He can tell she’s holding back, but little does he know she’s been sent there to seek revenge for a woman scorned. Feelings quickly arise between them, but she finds herself in a dilemma … does she complete her sabotage or does she choose the man?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HIS UNTIL MIDNIGHT by Reese Ryan

February 1, 2019 Leave a Comment

His Until Midnight by Reese Ryan
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

To the highest bidder goes…

A friendship with benefits?

When Tessa Noble takes the stage at a charity auction after a sexy makeover, her best friend, Ryan Bateman, must place the winning bid. It’s definitely not because he’s jealous. Their weekend getaway is a ploy for positive press…or so the rancher tells himself. But soon things take an unexpected turn from platonic to passionate, catapulting the couple far beyond the friend zone…

A great friends-to-lovers story! Reese Ryan’s foray into joining the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction series was a great success in this reader’s eyes. Tessa and Ryan’s story is fast paced, humorous and heartfelt. Really enjoyed it!

When Tessa Noble’s brother Tripp becomes sick just before his jaunt across the bachelor auction stage, Tessa somehow talks herself into getting dolled up and taking his place. She’s a tomboy at heart, so to glam herself up like this is so far outside of her comfort zone that her anxiety level is through the roof!

Best friend to the rescue is the demand that Tessa puts on Ryan Bateman. Of course he’s there for her no matter what, but when the guys start bidding on her, a seriously jealous feeling pounds through his bloodstream. The date they end up going on might be built up for the sake of the charity, but the feelings that start coming out of the woodwork certainly aren’t fake!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SEDUCTION ON HIS TERMS by Sarah M. Anderson

February 1, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SEDUCTION ON HIS TERMS by Sarah M. Anderson

Seduction on His Terms by Sarah M. Anderson
Series: Billionaires and Babies
Published by Harlequin Desire on February 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

“Tell me what’s wrong so I can fix it.”

But on what terms?

When bartender Jeannie Kaufman leaves her job to care for her infant niece, Dr. Robert Wyatt, her favorite customer, offers the help she so desperately needs. Yet as sparks fly, the gruff, gorgeous heir to a fortune still holds back. Does Robert think she’ll never fit in his high-powered world? Or is there danger lurking if they take their romance too far?

Sarah M. Anderson is at the top of her game with her brand new release! I’ve read a lot of category romance through the thirty plus years that I’ve been a romance reader, and this is by far the most tortured hero that I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching evolve in the short span of this size of book. To be able to take such an emotionally stunted man and redeem him this quickly and so well took a tremendous amount of talent. Kudos Ms. Anderson!

When a family issue leaves bartender Jeannie Kaufman having to take a few days away from Trenton’s bar, she knows her favorite customer isn’t going to be happy. She’s the only one he wants to approach him, the only one who can make his drink correctly, the only one he talks to. Every weekday, at the exact same time of day, no exceptions.

Doctor Robert Wyatt needs Jeannie. When she doesn’t return to the bar the night she promised him she would, he knows something must be wrong. He tracks her down and finds that she’s unexpectedly been made the guardian of her brand new niece and sets out to help her when he sees how overwhelmed she is. It doesn’t take long for their attraction to flare into more as they work side by side, but he has a dangerous secret past that she knows nothing about. Can he bring himself to be honest with her and open her up to the ugly sins of his family?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour/Review * THE MARINE’S RETURN by Rula Sinara

February 1, 2019 2 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour/Review * THE MARINE’S RETURN by Rula Sinara

The Marine's Return by Rula Sinara
Series: From Kenya, with Love #6
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on January 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

He can’t be her hero…

But he made a promise to keep her safe

Wounded marine Chad Corallis just wants to be left alone. Until he discovers his best friend’s very pregnant widow is in danger. A dedicated nurse, she refuses to leave her Serengeti medical clinic when it’s threatened by poachers. Chad is honor-bound to protect her, but who will save him from falling for his best friend’s wife?

A great ending to the From Kenya, With Love series! With the final book in this eye-opening, emotional series, Rula Sinara brings back a familiar character, all grown up and facing the fight of a lifetime. The story line was quickly entrenched in emotions and intrigue, and watching Chad and Lexi connect was rewarding. Getting to catch up with so many of the past members of the series was a wonderfully fitting ending. Absolutely loved it and sorry to see the series end!

When Chad Corallis returns home to Africa he isn’t the same young man with stars in his eyes that left. He’s physically and emotionally wounded and facing the challenge of a lifetime. He honestly just wants to be left alone to wallow in despair, but when he gets word that his best friend’s widow is in danger, it seems the fates are working against him.

Nurse Lexi Galen met and married a wonderful man, but lost him before they even knew they were expecting a baby. She continued on with their plan to return to the African nation where he grew up and aid with much needed medical services. She’s manning one of Hope’s medical clinics, but as her due date quickly approaches, an over-zealous and dangerous group of poachers are encroaching on the safety of the clinic.

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Marine’s Return
(From Kenya, with Love #6)
By Rula Sinara
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
January 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He can’t be her hero…

But he made a promise to keep her safe

Wounded marine Chad Corallis just wants to be left alone. Until he discovers his best friend’s very pregnant widow is in danger. A dedicated nurse, she refuses to leave her Serengeti medical clinic when it’s threatened by poachers. Chad is honor-bound to protect her, but who will save him from falling for his best friend’s wife?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

National and USA Today Bestselling author Rula Sinara lives in rural Virginia with her family and crazy but endearing pets. She loves organic gardening, attracting wildlife to her yard, planting trees, raising backyard chickens and drinking more coffee than she’ll ever admit to. Rula’s writing has earned her a National Readers Choice Award and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, among other honors. You can discover more about Rula at her blog A Writer’s Rush, on Twitter, on Facebook as RulaSinaraAuthor or on her website www.RulaSinara.com, where you can also sign up for her newsletter.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

January 28th:
Launch
Christy’s Cozy Corners
underneath the covers
Rockin’ Book Reviews
Hearts & Scribbles
January 29th:
Splashes of Joy
Among the Reads
The Power of Words
Deal Sharing Aunt
January 30th:
Baroness Book Trove
E-Romance News
EmpowerMoms
Becky on Books
January 31st:
Harlie’s Books
Book Reviews & More by Kathy
Remembrancy
Locks, Hooks and Books
February 1st:
Thoughts of a Blonde
Reading Is My SuperPower
Hallie Reads
Wishful Endings
February 2nd:
Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1 WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
– Autographed print copies of the first three books of the ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series – The Promise of Rain, After the Silence and Through the Storm.
– A set of three, 15x15in canvas tote bags featuring the first 3 covers of the ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series.
– A 12×18 Harlequin Heartwarming tote bag
– A ‘Teenie Beanie Baby’ (TY trademark) elephant named ‘Peanut’
– Bookmarks

Open internationally
Ends February 6, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * SURPRISE BABY FOR THE HEIR by Ellie Darkins

January 30, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SURPRISE BABY FOR THE HEIR by Ellie Darkins

Surprise Baby for the Heir by Ellie Darkins
Published by Harlequin Romance on February 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

From perfect strangers…

To mommy and daddy!

One night with a gorgeous stranger is the perfect distraction for Elspeth from the happy-ever-after that will never be hers. The trainee doctor and carer has no room in her life for romance, until a surprise pregnancy catapults her back into Fraser’s world… She soon discovers that the man whose touch she can’t forget is a laird and the baby she’s carrying is heir to a Scottish castle!

From one night, to forever! The latest from Ellie Darkins is fast paced and enjoyable. Two lonely hearts collide for a night of passion that neither of them expect to go any further … until she finds out a few weeks later that they are having a baby! There were a few plot holes here and there and lacked a bit of authenticity in the dialect of a true Scot, but overall it was a solid read with a heartfelt story line.

Elspeth has responsibility coming out of her ears, so when she gets the chance to let her hair down for one night, she decides to let caution fly to the wind. Unfortunately fate decided she needed a good laugh and now she’s having to track down that one night stand to tell him he’s going to be a daddy!

Fraser hasn’t had a great example of fatherhood throughout his life, so when he learns he’s about to become one, he’s a bit nervous. Elspeth isn’t exactly enthralled about making this ready-made family work with him, but he’s determined to show her that she can juggle it all like the best of them.

Filed Under: Book Reviews