Book Reviews – Page 177

* Review * LEGEND by Sawyer Bennett

February 13, 2019 Leave a Comment

Legend by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Arizona Vengeance #3
Published by Loveswept on February 5, 2019
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Everything is clicking for the Vengeance. We may be new, but we’re well on our way to winning the championship, and I’m having the time of my life headlining the sports media as the hottest goalie—hell, player—ever. I for one am going to live up to my name . . . because I am Legend Bay.

Dragging my ass home from the gym, I’m blinded by some gaudy, glowing holiday lights. As usual, my hot-as-hell neighbor Pepper Nantais has gone way over the top. But just as I’m about to tell her off, something else catches my eye . . . Seems like Santa left me a present, and not one I was expecting.

As life takes an unexpected turn, I realize that there’s much more to Pepper than meets the eye. Sure, she’s gorgeous. And exasperating. And her taste in decorating may be a bit . . . unique.

But beneath her carefree demeanor is a fierce determination and a heart of gold. And before I know it I’ve fallen for her. Hard . . .

Pepper is exactly the woman I never knew I needed.

Steamy goodness! I loved this story! Lots of surprises keep the reader on the edge of their seat throughout, as we watch this adorable couple meander the roadblocks popping up around every corner. They’re great together. I can’t wait to read the next couple of books in this series. So much is happening!

Arizona Vengeance goalie Legend Bay is living life and enjoying every moment of it. The team’s doing great and the only thing he has to gripe about is his annoying neighbor. She is so over-the-top that every little thing she does just drives him bananas, but when an unexpected discovery leaves him at her mercy, she comes through for him top notch. He can’t bring himself to hate on her anymore … especially once he gets to know what a really nice woman she is.

Pepper Nantais has been crushing on Legend for while now, but there’s no way she’s going to let the arrogant jerk know that. She’ll help him out of this mess he finds himself in, but she doesn’t have to like it. Until she starts to … a little too much!

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* Review * THE SURGEON’S ONE NIGHT TO FOREVER by Ann McIntosh

February 13, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Surgeon's One Night to Forever by Ann McIntosh
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on January 1, 2019
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One Night in Mexico…

Second chance in New York!

ER doctor Liz Prudhomme is stunned that nomadic, ex-army doc Cort Smith is her hospital’s new trauma surgeon. Instantly she’s transported back to that amazing night when he showed her unimaginable pleasure! Their passion quickly reignites and Cort realigns Liz’s career-focused world. Before he moves on again, can she help the sexy but damaged doc realize they have something worth staying for?

Attention grabbing! I enjoyed experiencing New York through Liz and Cort’s eyes as they spend time together throughout the city. Their relationship is very endearing, and I found myself pulling for them from the start. There are several side stories that were a bit distracting and disjointed in the flow of the book, but overall a really nice read.

New York doctor Eliza Prudhomme is shocked when the new trauma surgeon at the hospital she works at turns out to be the guy she had a one-night fling with in Mexico a few months ago. She never expected to see him again, and now she’ll be working with him day in and day out.

Surgeon Cort Smith isn’t disappointed to be reunited with Liz. He’s not planning a long venture here in NY, but it’s nice to see a friendly face. As they spend time getting to know each other, their passion is quick to flare up and reignite. Will she be able to be the family he’s always wished for?

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* Review * BEST FRIENDS, SECRET LOVERS by Jessica Lemmon

February 12, 2019 Leave a Comment

Best Friends, Secret Lovers by Jessica Lemmon
Series: The Bachelor Pact #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on February 1, 2019
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The leap from friends to lovers means they have everything to gain…

or everything to lose…

Colleagues, confidants and best friends for years, Flynn and Sabrina have never crossed that line. Until one searing Valentine’s Day kiss. And when circumstances force Sabrina to move in with Flynn…that line disappears. But becoming friends with benefits must stay a secret. Because if word gets out, they’ll be risking their professional reputations and their relationship…

Deliciously sexy! A best friends to lovers story was an excellent way to kick off the Bachelor Pact series! We meet Flynn and Sabrina, but also get to know the other guys involved in the pact who will be in the future books. The characters were developed well with a believable air to the transition of their relationship. Fast paced, sexy and oh so fun! Cant’ wait for more in the series!

Flynn Parker needs his best friend Sabrina by his side desperately right now, so when she offers to be his side-kick in a spell away from the office that he’s not looking forward to, he agrees to her plan. They set out to spend their days together, but a spur of the moment kiss on Valentine’s Day leads to a change in stature mighty quick!

Sabrina Douglas adores Flynn. She’ll do just about anything to get him over this hump he’s about to hurdle, but discovering they have an attraction between them is quite a distraction. They can’t let this get out or they’ll never be able to work together again. Will their time together be enough, or will they still be hungry by the time their fling is up?

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* 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
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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.

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* 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
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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

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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
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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!

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* 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
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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?

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* 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
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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.

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* 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
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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?

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* 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
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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