Book Reviews – Page 183

* Review * MARRIED FOR HIS ONE-NIGHT HEIR by Jennifer Hayward

November 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MARRIED FOR HIS ONE-NIGHT HEIR by Jennifer Hayward

Married for His One-Night Heir Series: Secret Heirs of Billionaires
Published by Harlequin Presents on December 1, 2018
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“You stole my son from me, Gia.”

Now she’ll wear Di Fiore’s ring!

Commanding Santo Di Fiore is stunned to see Giovanna Castiglione again. Her unexpected appearance at his luxurious party in the Bahamas leaves him craving answers. Why, after that one forbidden encounter, did she leave? But when Gia reveals their secret consequence, Santo won’t let her go a second time. The Italian will claim his son — and Gia as his wife!

Claiming his secret son! He never knew the consequence of their night of passion, but now that he does, he won’t let her walk back out of his life again … especially with his son! The storyline was quick to snag my attention and the well developed characters and drama kept me entertained throughout.

Santo Di Fiore knew the night he spent with Gia in Manhattan several years ago was something special. He intended to tell her so in the morning and propose a relationship, but she was gone without a trace when he awoke. Now he’s running into her at an important party to his future and hopes to reconnect.

Giovanna Castigilione settled into her new life well all those years ago, but now that she’s face to face with Santo again, she wonders if her choices could have been a mistake. He deserves to know he fathered her son, even if he will hate her for not telling him sooner. She made the decisions she felt she had to make, so she’ll have to learn to forgive him for doing the same once he finds out!

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* Review * A WEDDING ONE CHRISTMAS by Therese Beharrie

November 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

A Wedding One Christmas by Therese Beharrie
Published by Carina Press on November 19, 2018
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Of all the weddings in all the world, Angie Roux had to be mistaken for a bridesmaid in this one.

Caledon, South Africa, is supposed to be just a stop on the way to Christmas in Cape Town, part of Angie’s long-avoided homecoming. She never expected to star in a bizarre comedy of errors, but here she is: convincing a handsome stranger to be her fake boyfriend for the day.

Ezra Johnson, the handsome stranger in question, turns out to be a pleasant distraction from both the wedding and thoughts of her first family Christmas without her father. And he seems to loathe weddings just as much as she does. He’s the perfect temporary companion.

But a lot can happen in twenty-four hours. Including a connection so strong it tempts them both into thinking of something more permanent…

Finding love when they least expect it! A delightfully sweet connection between two wayward souls leads to more than they ever bargained for. The chemistry between this couple is there from the start as we follow them throughout one day together. It’s a fun premise to a story, but it really drug too much for my liking. The background and turmoil of each of their recent lives laid the groundwork for a story full of strife and drama, but the continual going over of the same feelings and expectations left a good bit of possibilities on the table instead of being developed. I was left wanting more to keep the storyline moving throughout, but with a satisfying conclusion in the end.

Angie Roux should have resisted temptation to stop at a family memory in Caledon, South Africa on her way home for her first holiday get-together in a few years. She’s dragging her feet because she knows chastisement and hurt probably await her in Cape Town, so a small side-trip won’t hurt. If only she had known she’d be mistaken as a bridesmaid in an on-going wedding and made to seek the aid of a stranger in the local cafe in order to diffuse the case of mistaken identity!

Ezra Johnson is enchanted with Angie from the moment she encroaches on his space and begins to tell her tale. He’s just passing through as well, but he can’t help but think he was placed in this cafe at this particular time for a reason. He’s not looking for a future, but it looks like fate might have just stepped in and found him one none-the-less!

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* Review * SNAP DECISION by Jami Davenport

November 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

Snap Decision by Jami Davenport
Series: The Originals, Seattle Steelheads
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on November 29, 2018
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Bad boy quarterback Tyler Harris plays ball for a living and breaks hearts for a hobby.

With two championships in as many years, Tyler is the best quarterback in the league. Gorgeous and rich, he's at the top of his game. Women love him. Men want to be him. Only Tyler's not feeling the love. In fact, he's not feeling anything at all. Licking his wounds after a scandal and a breakup with his long-time girlfriend, he retreats to a run-down mansion on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest. Once there, Tyler is blindsided by the sassy redhead next door. He knows that he's met his match and possibly his soulmate. There's one problem. She despises him.

Lavender Mead has a good reason to dislike jocks, namely an absentee father who deserted the family to coach college football. Maybe that explains her penchant for bad boys -- especially those who play ball. Her new neighbor seems just that type. Yet Tyler's not the shallow superstar she expected, and she's inexplicably drawn to football's bad boy. The two are so hot together, they're combustible.

As the clock ticks down, can they commit to each other forever? Or will they both fall short of the goal at the last minute?

Originally published in 2012 as "Forward Passes." This version has been re-written and repackaged.

This bad boy just might have met his match! Tyler needs to get away from life for awhile, and when an opportunity falls into his lap, he takes it. He might complain about it while doing so, but he’s needing this time away more than anything. His feisty neighbor on the other hand, might be just what he needs indeed! I had a hard time connecting with these two at first. There was a good bit of a drag for awhile, but eventually their personalities started to meld and I found myself rooting for them. A little slow, but a solid read in the end.

Star quarterback Tyler Harris is coming off of the high of winning two Super Bowls, but he’s not feeling the excitement that he should. He’s losing his love the game, and he needs to try to get his head back into it before anyone notices. The inheritance of a run-down family home on a hard to reach island might be just the down-time that he needs … especially once he catches sight of his sexy neighbor!

Lavender Mead despises self-absorbed jocks! She was abandoned by one as a child, dumped by a few along the way and she’s officially sworn off of them in recent years. Now she’s got the most egotistical one of all smack dab in the middle of her peace and quiet. If she can run him out of town quickly she might be okay … but having to spend time with him just might be her downfall!

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* Review * HUNKY HEARTBREAKER by Kendall Ryan

November 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

Hunky Heartbreaker by Kendall Ryan
Series: A Whiskey Kisses Novella
Published by Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated on November 27, 2018
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Everything’s bigger in Texas.

And that includes Duke Wilder’s sexual appetite.

Together with his twin brother, he runs a whiskey distillery, and when their business takes off—suddenly he’s got it all. Success. Money. Family. But he doesn’t have a woman to share it with.

When Valentina storms into his life, her presence is only supposed to be temporary. She’s a feisty attorney hired to help clean up his company’s recent legal mess. He never counted on her being the one to turn his whole world upside down.

After spending most of his life living in the shadow of his brother, Duke has something to prove, and he’s not about to let this distraction get in the way of his plans, no matter how hot things get.

Decadently sinful! She’s supposed to help him out with a legal snafu and quietly back away, but even knowing the type of player he is can’t stop the pull of this sexual connection. He’s a temporary guy, but they’re suddenly thinking about forever and nobody’s complaining! Great characters, a believable conquest and a fairly developed plot. I quite enjoyed it!

Whiskey distiller Duke Wilder finds himself in a bit of a pickle that the sexy Valentina just might be able to help him with. She’s in town for a visit with his twin brother’s love and willing to help them out while she’s there. No one expects Duke to fall for her like a ton of bricks … or be willing to cut out his womanizing ways to settle for just one!

Valentina knows his reputation, but she can’t resist the pull to him. He’s a hopeless flirt, but he’s also a really nice guy underneath his playboy ways.

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* Review * CLAIMING HIS CHRISTMAS WIFE by Dani Collins

November 23, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CLAIMING HIS CHRISTMAS WIFE by Dani Collins

Claiming His Christmas Wife by Dani Collins
Series: Conveniently Wed!
Published by Harlequin Presents on December 1, 2018
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It’s just until Christmas...

Until he wants her — forever!

After their secret marriage ended in heartbreak, billionaire Travis Sanders never wanted to see Imogen again. Yet when Imogen faints in the cold New York snow, Travis is called to her very public rescue! To avoid a media scandal, they must agree to a temporary reconciliation—at least until Christmas. But with their intense heat still burning, Travis is tempted to reclaim his wife—for good!

Reunited … for Christmas! A story of a short-lived relationship which ended because each one assumed something erroneous about the other … now back together, even if for a short time, they can’t seem to control the passion that was always there. Travis and Imogen were a memorable connection! I was drawn into their story from the start and the drama and scenery kept my attention quite easily. Really enjoyed!

After a secret marriage that ended faster than it began four years ago, Travis Sanders never wanted to see his ex again. That doesn’t stop him from rushing to her side when he receives a call that she’s collapsed in the street in New York. He believes she used him just for what she could get out of him previously, but when scandal threatens, he has no choice but to keep her by his side temporarily.

Imogen Gantry is just about at her lowest point when she awakes to find her ex-husband by her hospital bed. A hospital bed she can’t begin to afford by the way, so she demands release no matter what’s wrong with her. Forced together for a time, they begin to realize each other’s side of view from their short union years ago, and feelings begin to re-emerge. Can they make forever out of their reconciliation.

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* Review * THEIR CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER by Amalie Berlin

November 23, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THEIR CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER by Amalie Berlin

Their Christmas to Remember by Amalie Berlin
Series: Scottish Docs in New York #1
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on December 1, 2018
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A Christmas kiss…

…with the rebel surgeon!

In this Scottish Docs in New York story, Dr. Angel Conley will do anything to bring the joy of Christmas to her young patients! Only she doesn’t count on gorgeous Scottish surgeon Wolfe McKeag being her reluctant partner in crime! They’ve both spent their lives running from relationships, but as their passion for each other turns into so much more, dare they believe in the magic of Christmas?

Scottish Docs in New York duet

Book 1 — Their Christmas to Remember

Book 2 — Healed Under the Mistletoe

Magical moments of Christmas can heal all! With the first book in her Scottish Docs in New York duet, Amalie Berlin brings us the first McKeog brother’s story. Wolfe grew up amidst constant turmoil and scandal and came out of it with a hardened outlook on life. He’s the first to enjoy a good time, but he just isn’t a permanence kind of guy. This book was a really fun read. We got a mix of holiday cheer mixed in with heartfelt emotions. Really enjoyed it!

Doctor Angel Conley is determined to bring happiness at Christmastime to a young patient that holds a special place in her heart. She never expects to be paired up with the sexy Scot who’s been the object of her secret infatuation for close to a year now!

Pediatric surgeon Wolfe McKeog truly wants nothing to do with Christmas. A past filled with turmoil and disappointment left him with no illusion of the magic of the season, and he’s happy to let it pass on by with no recognition, but when his patient twists his arm to accompany Angel on a mission for her enjoyment, he finds it hard to resist. One outing leads to another and another and soon he’s not hating the excursions anymore … especially the time with Angel!

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* Review * UNSPEAKABLE by Elisabeth Naughton

November 23, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * UNSPEAKABLE by Elisabeth Naughton

Unspeakable by Elisabeth Naughton
Series: Deadly Secrets #4
Published by Montlake Romance on November 20, 2018
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All his siblings have moved on from their troubling pasts, but Rusty McClane can’t leave his behind. Not even when his freedom is in jeopardy.

Legal investigator Harper Blake can sense a bad boy. She’s drawn to them—like she is to her mysterious and brooding new client. The police believe that Rusty is involved with the case of a missing underage girl. Harper’s job is to find evidence to defend him. But is her sexy suspect a predator…or something else?

If Rusty is guilty of anything, it’s of stirring something primitive in Harper. The closer they get, the harder it is to believe the worst of him.

But in an underworld filled with sex trafficking, kidnapping, and murder, Harper will need to be cautious about whom she trusts. Because Rusty isn’t the only one with secrets.

A mystery that turns into more than they ever bargained for! With the next book in the Deadly Secrets series, we get the story of another of the McClane siblings. Rusty is the quiet one. Always there when his siblings need him, but keeps to himself a lot. Never one to light up the room with a smile, he adores his family, but he’s still eaten away by the past and things he could have done differently. Now he’s in the crosshairs of some powerful people who want to bring him down … whether he’s guilty or not! I wasn’t drawn in as deeply with this book as I was with ones previously in the series, but it was still a very entertaining read filled with intrigue, drama and romance.

Rusty McClane lucked into joining a wonderful family when his world fell apart all those years ago, but as much as he’s tried, he can’t move past the trauma he experienced as a child. The guilt eats him up inside as he lies on a regular basis to his family about what he does when he’s not with them. His secrets might not be so secret anymore when the cops show up at his parents door!

Investigator Harper Blake isn’t sure what to make of Rusty when she’s called in on his defense. She’s attracted to him almost immediately and she’s usually a magnet for a major bad boy, but she senses there’s something going on with him that isn’t exactly showing on the surface. Is he involved in why this underage girl is all of a sudden missing, or is there more to his story?

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* Review * DEADLY CHRISTMAS DUTY by Virginia Vaughan

November 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

Deadly Christmas Duty by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Covert Operatives #2
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on November 1, 2018
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This Christmas could be her last…

Unless Covert Operatives shield her

Prosecutor and single mom Melinda Steele thought her nightmare ended when her abusive husband died, but now someone wants her dead by Christmas. Navy SEAL turned security operative Noah Cason needs her to get justice in his sister’s disappearance, but first he’ll have to keep her alive. And his mission shifts from difficult to almost impossible when Melinda reveals who she suspects is really after her.

Exciting from beginning to end! We’re quickly thrust into the heart of the story when Melinda finds herself in danger and Noah is nearby to help. The suspense keeps us guessing, throughout. Great characters, and attention grabbing story line and an overall joy to read!

Prosecutor and single Mom Melinda Steele finds herself in danger when she least expects it! She’s not sure if this has to do with a criminal she’s put away or if somehow the husband she presumed dead is back to torment her, but she needs it handled … and fast!

Security operative Noah Cason happens to be in the right place at the right time to whisk Melinda out of danger, but when they discover that her predicament might interfere with the case he came to talk to her about, they set out to figure out who’s trying to get rid of her while at the same time trying to narrow down what truly happened to his sister.

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* Review * AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS BABY by Tara Taylor Quinn

November 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

An Unexpected Christmas Baby by Tara Taylor Quinn
Series: The Daycare Chronicles #2
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on November 1, 2018
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She’s searching for the man defrauding her father.

Not for the love of her life.

It’s not such a merry Christmas for Tamara Owens, tapped to discover who’s been stealing from her family business. Suspect number one: tantalizing top trader Flint Collins, who’s suddenly thrust into fatherhood when his orphaned baby sister arrives. Tamara’s sworn off babies forever, but she has the magic touch with infant Diamond. And Flint, too, is soon under her spell…at least until he finds out the truth.

A ready made family! The latest from Tara Taylor Quinn is a great read. It has a little bit of everything rolled into one with a sweet romance, an adorable baby, a nice touch of mystery, and best of all that happily ever after we all adore. The characters were quick to snag my attention and the interesting story line kept me intrigued throughout. Really enjoyed!

Tamara Owens is happy to be moving home to San Diego in time to spend the holidays with her parents, but when she learns that there’s a thief damaging her father’s company, she sets out to find out who it is! Any subterfuge is worth it if it saves her Dad from worrying!

Flint Collins was on the verge of venturing out on his own when he got the news that he was in inheriting a little sister to raise as his own. For now, adjusting to life with this baby is going to be at the top of his to do list … and it just so happens that Tamara seems to have the magic touch with her!

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* Review * DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION by Lori Foster

November 19, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION by Lori Foster

Driven to Distraction by Lori Foster
Series: Road to Love #1
Published by HQN Books on November 20, 2018
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When desire gets this hot, you’d better buckle up…

Mary Daniels doesn’t let anything get in the way of her job acquiring rare artifacts for her wealthy boss. But this particular obstacle—huge, hard-muscled, unashamedly masculine—is impossible to ignore. Stuck in a cramped car with Brodie Crews for hours en route to their new assignment, Mary feels her carefully crafted persona—and her trademark self-control—is slipping, and she won’t allow it.

Brodie can’t imagine what secret in Mary’s past has left her so buttoned-up, though he’d dearly love to find out. Maybe then she’d trust him enough to explore their explosive chemistry. But he needs this job, so he’ll play by her rules and bide his time…until an enemy determined to outwit them strikes and he needs to get close—in every way—to protect her. Otherwise they could lose much more than a precious collectible. They could lose it all.

Lori Foster has done it again! She has this wicked way of winding a leading man around our heart that has us swooning and turning the pages faster and faster just to see more of him! Brodie was simply a delight to read. He’s cocky, but adorable … funny, yet endearing … just an all around great guy! The touch of intrigue was just enough to keep me invested in the story. I wasn’t overjoyed with the strange collection part of the story, but the character connection and overall love of seeing them together was enough to make me overlook a slightly dragging in parts plot. Overall, I really enjoyed Brodie and Mary and I look forward to Jack’s story!

Mary Daniels enjoys working for her eccentric boss in obtaining the rare collectibles he seeks, but this time she’s not so sure he’s making a good choice! When she shows up to hire the driver at Mustang Transport that he insists upon, she’s not impressed! He’s blatantly hung-over, has a woman hanging all over him in public, and just doesn’t seem like he’s going to get the job done.

Brodie Crews needs this job in order to keep his business running smoothly, so he’s not about to let this uppity woman ruin things for him. If her boss wants him, he’s got him … and he’ll do the job correctly! Then again, riding around in the car for hours with this woman just might be too much temptation for him. Yes, she’s wicked controlling .. but he finds it kind of hot! It’s all fun and games until danger shows up in their rear-view mirror, then they need to play to win!

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