* Review * WILD CHILD by Christy McKellen

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WILD CHILD by Christy McKellenWild Child by Christy McKellen
Series: Sexy Little Secrets #1
Published by Harlequin Dare on November 1, 2018
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four-stars

Mixing business with pleasure…

…is a dangerous game!

Party girl Maya Darlington-Hume feels an illicit thrill when a gorgeous man walks in on her naked. When she discovers the sexy stranger is her father’s business associate and her new boss, she naughtily decides to turn up the heat—and Benedict Chivers can’t resist her for long. Maya could lose everything if her controlling father finds out, but each encounter leaves her begging for more!

 

Steamy sex and a story with a lot of heart! It’s all supposed to be sex between them, but each one has a back story that draws us deeper into their lives and enriches their connection. A fast read loaded with lots of fun!

Maya Darlington-Hume has worked hard to earn her carefree party-girl persona, and she’s not going to let her father and his manipulation stop her from having a good time! When he pawns her off into a temporary job for his new business associate, she decides she’s going to have a little fun with it … especially considering the guy just walked in on her naked!

Benedict Chivers might be attracted to Maya, but he’s not going to let her and her little games derail the biggest business deal of his life. He needs the success her father can bring him, but the more time he spends with her, the more he starts to see the real woman beneath the show … and he’s seriously drawn to her!

four-stars

* Review * MILLION DOLLAR BABY by Janice Maynard

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MILLION DOLLAR BABY by Janice MaynardMillion Dollar Baby by Janice Maynard
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction Book
Published by Harlequin Desire on November 1, 2018
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four-half-stars

After one night with an anonymous cowboy…

…there’s a little secret on the way!

Going home with a stranger isn’t sheltered heiress Brooke Goodman’s MO. Neither is falling back into bed with the same sinfully sexy man…or asking him to marry her so she can inherit millions. But now she’s pregnant, and Austin wants to wed for real! Should she trust a man who can promise her his name but not forever?

 

I was hooked from the first scene! An adorable connection, burning passion and a familiar setting makes for a very enjoyable book! The few parts about the other families in town felt somewhat disjointed in the flow of the story, but overall, a quick read with easy to like characters, and a great happily ever after!

It was only supposed to be one night. Brooke Goodman was tired of living her life for other people and decide to cut loose and go pick up a man from the bar. No names, no histories … just one night of anonymous passion. That was the plan at least … until he showed up in her town a few weeks later … just before she realized she’s pregnant!

Austin Bradshaw is in Royal, TX for a short-term job and never expects to see his one night beauty there. They quickly re-establish their attraction to each other and begin getting to know the other person. He has a past that holds him back, and she has a dream she can’t yet fulfill. When the idea of asking him to marry her temporarily so she can gain her inheritance comes to mind, she blurts it out without warning. He’s extremely gun shy about it … until they realize she’s pregnant from their first night together!

four-half-stars

* Review * BEAUTY AND THE GREEK BILLIONAIRE by Stefanie London

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BEAUTY AND THE GREEK BILLIONAIRE by Stefanie LondonBeauty and the Greek Billionaire by Stefanie London
Published by Entangled: Indulgence on October 29, 2018
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five-stars

Marianna Halsey has the most boring life in the world. With seven overprotective older brothers, she’s even ended up a virgin at twenty-four. But when a dark and sexy male prevents her from getting her wallet stolen on a Greek vacation, she decides it’s time for some adventure. She’s read a gazillion romance novels. How hard can it be to score a hook-up?

Greek billionaire and stock market whiz, Nico Galinas has built an empire from nothing. Literally. Orphaned as a baby, Nico trusts no one. Especially not the quirky, attractive woman using the worst pick up tricks in history. She wants something, and Nico decides to play along, even when she invites herself back to his place.

But what happens when "the beast" accidentally knocks up "beauty"?

 

An innocent seductress meets a gruff loner and passion ignites! She’s got one thing on her mind and running into such a tempting man is just what she had dreamed of. If only she had been prepared for the consequences! I really enjoyed the latest from Stefanie London! The characters are both enchanting in their own right with back stories that endear them to our hearts quickly. The plot is a take on a modern day fairy tale with no need for a play on magic to captivate the audience and have us hanging on every word just hoping for that happily-ever-after.  Well developed characters, a fast moving plot and enough strife and drama to keep our attention. Well done!

Australian beauty Marianna Halsey is tired of her life. She has seven ridiculously over-protective older brothers, and the fact that she’s twenty-four years old and still a virgin shows that she can’t get away with anything. While on vacation with only one of the self-proclaimed bodyguards of her virtue, she vows to slip away and find a handsome man to have a vacation fling with. She might still be going home to that same family, but she’ll have had fun beforehand!

Self-made billionaire Nico Galinas might go out of his way not to have to interact with people on a daily basis, but when he sees a solitary vacationer about to have her wallet stolen, he can’t help but step in to save the day. Suspicious once he realizes who she is, he can’t help but follow along with whatever game she’s playing, even when it’s clear she has set her sights on seducing him. He’ll let her think she’s pulling the wool over his eyes, but he’ll be the one in control of the situation … up until the day she returns claiming he’s the father of her baby-to-be that is!

five-stars

* Review * A DADDY SENT BY SANTA by Susan Carlisle

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A DADDY SENT BY SANTA by Susan CarlisleA Daddy Sent by Santa by Susan Carlisle
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on November 1, 2018
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five-stars

When a small-town mom…

Falls for a big-city doc…

Nurse Lauren Wilson is used to doctors coming and going in her Oklahoma town — and doesn’t expect prestigious Boston doc Paxton Samuels to be any different. Until they’re snowed in together and their sensual tension reaches boiling point! But knowing Paxton is due to leave after the festive season, can Lauren risk giving him her heart and her little boy a daddy for Christmas?

 

Adorable, heartwarming and seductive all rolled into one! When a big city doc takes a temp assignment in a small town, no one expects him to want to stay when it’s all said and done! The characters and story line drew me in from the first page, and kept my attention throughout. The medical episodes are exciting, the little boy brings a smile around every corner, and the romance brewing between the main characters warmed my heart. Really enjoyed this Christmas miracle!

Nurse Lauren Wilson has seen a lot of doctors come and go in her small town since their long-term doc retired, so she’s not expecting a lot when she hears a new one is on his way. He’ll be here for his prescribed time and then will be on his way while she picks up the slack as the only full-time medical professional in the immediate area.

Boston doctor Paxton Samuels needs a break from the grind of living under his powerful parents umbrella. A betrayal he wasn’t expecting leads him to question what he’s doing, and when he finds a short term opening here in Last Stop, Oklahoma, he takes it. He never expects to connect with the town the way he does, and when it comes to his nurse and her toddler son, he’s growing quite fond. Will he be as quick to return to Boston as he was to leave it, or will the attraction of this small town persuade him to consider making it his home?

five-stars

* Review * A CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Karen Booth

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Karen BoothA Christmas Temptation by Karen Booth
Series: The Eden Empire #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on November 1, 2018
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four-half-stars

Somewhere behind the expensive gifts and grand gestures…

was the man who had once been her whole world.

Sophie Eden refuses to sell her family’s legacy, especially not to Jake Wheeler. He and Sophie have history—a night of passion that first left her elated, then heartbroken. Now the New York heiress wants him to stay away. But when they’re snowed in for Christmas, they surrender to temptation. Meanwhile, a secret waits to tear them apart…

 

With the kick-off her brand new Eden Empire series, Karen Booth brings us the story of the first Eden sister as she tries to figure out a way to keep her family heritage while conflicting circumstances try to take it away. This book laid a great groundwork for the coming books with a big secret revealed toward the end that added another dimension for us to look forward to. Really enjoyed it!

Sophie Eden will do anything to be able to keep her grandmother’s department store running as the huge success she made it over the years. She not only has to contend with her sister over how to proceed, but now she has a familiar face from her past knocking at her door wanting to arrange an immediate buy out.

Jake Wheeler remembers Sophie fondly from their years spent at each other’s side in business school. He believes their connection give him a foot in the door that will have him snagging this deal before anyone else knows it’s even in play. Sophie however, isn’t portraying a warm fuzzy feeling when he reaches out to her. Turns out she cared more than he even realized back in the day and isn’t quick to forgive him for stomping all over her heart!

four-half-stars

* Review * KIDNAPPED AT CHRISTMAS by Barb Han

* Review * KIDNAPPED AT CHRISTMAS by Barb HanKidnapped at Christmas by Barb Han
Series: Crisis: Cattle Barge #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on October 1, 2018
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four-half-stars

This Christmas brings the revelation that he’s a father.

Now he needs to keep his little family safe when they become a target…

When the blonde beauty who shared his bed a year ago tells him he’s a father, Wyatt Jackson is stunned. But the attempted abduction of their newborn daughter drives the Texas cowboy to uncover the dangerous secrets of Meg Anderson’s past. Can Wyatt crack a twenty-year-old cold case before Meg’s Christmas becomes her last?

 

A heartfelt story with tons of exciting intrigue! With the next book in her Crisis: Cattle Barge series, Barb Han brings us the story of another illegitimate child of Maverick Mike. The book is filled with drama regarding his estranged family, sweetness surrounding finding out he’s a dad and reuniting with Meg, and lots of suspense around what’s going on with her past and the danger knocking on her door! Really enjoyed!

Wyatt Jackson isn’t happy about being summoned to Cattle Barge to deal with a load of bull, but he is really tired of the attorney hassling him and just wants to get this all over with. The surprise he receives when he meets up with a beauty from his past is life changing though!

Meg Anderson kept the secret that she got pregnant with Wyatt’s baby after their night together a little longer than she intended to, but now she’s doing the right thing and telling him he has a daughter. He’s shocked, but anxious to get to know his baby … but before too much bonding has a chance to occur, someone attempts to abduct her! Wyatt will stop at nothing to protect Meg and their daughter … even it’s something from her past coming back to get revenge.

four-half-stars

* Review * MIDWIFE UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Karin Baine

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MIDWIFE UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Karin BaineMidwife Under the Mistletoe by Karin Baine
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on November 1, 2018
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four-stars

A kiss under the mistletoe…

A family for Christmas?

GP Fraser McColl longs to be part of a loving family, but past experience has taught him he’s better off alone. Only, thrown together with gorgeous yet guarded midwife Iona Munro, to care for two children at Christmas, he’s tempted to believe in miracles… After one passionate night together, can he persuade Iona that they deserve a lifetime of happiness—together?

 

A cute story! The kids are adorable, the brooding doc is attention grabbing, and the story line is appealing. I enjoyed it!

When Iona Munro agrees to take care of her friend and colleague’s two children during an emergency, she never expects to enjoy playing happy little family with Fraser so much! By the time it’s time to hand the children back over to their mother, she and Fraser are imagining a fairy tale in their minds.

Dr. Fraser McColl hasn’t had a great experience with family in his life. He was sent away to boarding school young and never had that family connection that most children yearn for. Now in adulthood, he doesn’t know how to live any other way. When Iona and the kids move in for their stay at his house, he begins to see what life can be like when you have warmth and love around you. Can he convince Iona that there might be a future in this for them?

four-stars

* Review * THE MAVERICK’S CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER by Christy Jeffries

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE MAVERICK’S CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER by Christy JeffriesThe Maverick's Christmas to Remember by Christy Jeffries
Series: Montana Mavericks: The Lonelyhearts Ranch
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on November 1, 2018
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four-stars

All She Wants for Christmas is a Cowboy!

Rust Creek Ramblings

A few weeks ago, local wedding planner Caroline Ruth took a tumble off a ladder, and when she came to, she believed Thunder Canyon cowboy Craig Clifton was her boyfriend. Trouble was, they’d never met before. What was an upstanding rancher to do? Now, until Caroline’s memory returns, Craig is acting as reluctant faux fiancé. But with Christmas around the corner, dear readers, we’re hoping for a real-life happy ending for this unexpected couple!

 

She’s all mixed up! With a fun little jaunt into an unusual situation, Christy Jeffries takes us to Rust Creek Falls, Montana for the next in the Montana Mavericks series. The book has a touch of humor to it since they’re in a bit of a forced situation, and the characters are interesting and keep our attention throughout the story line. Enjoyed it!

Wedding planner Caroline Ruth is convinced she’s engaged to the hunky cowboy standing next to her! Of course the fall off of a ladder and knock on the head could explain her confusion.

Thunder Canyon cowboy Craig Clifton has never seen this woman before, but she’s friendly with some of his friends and she seems so convinced, so how can he be a mean ogre and blow her mind at this sensitive time? He reluctantly finds himself staying by her side and letting her believe they are engaged until her bruised mind safely realizes the truth … only problem is, he actually starts to enjoy his time with her along the way!

four-stars

* Review * AMERICA’S SWEETHEART by Jessica Lemmon

* Review * AMERICA’S SWEETHEART by Jessica LemmonAmerica's Sweetheart by Jessica Lemmon
Series: Real Love #5
Published by Loveswept on October 2, 2018
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four-stars

Old flames burn bright. When a disgraced starlet returns home to lick her wounds, she discovers that her high school sweetheart is just as tempting as ever.

Allison: When I left for California, I gave myself a new name and never looked back. Now my carefully crafted good-girl image is getting torn to shreds in the press thanks to my Oscar-winning A-hole of an ex-boyfriend. So I escape to the only safe haven I know and trust—my hometown—to take a breather while I plot my triumphant Hollywood comeback. However, when I arrive at my parents’ house, Jackson Burke answers the door instead. And suddenly the past comes rushing back. . . .

Jackson: First kiss. First time. First love. Yep, Allison Murphy and I shared a lot of firsts back in the day. When she left, she took half my heart with her. Now she’s back in town, and even though I swore I’d keep my distance, her parents hired me to remodel their house, and I’m going to finish the job. But one hot kiss later, suddenly the press is calling us the next big celebrity couple. Sure, I’ll play the part, for Allison’s sake—but I refuse to let her close enough to break my heart all over again. . . .

 

The sexy, sweet memories of first love! They were high school sweethearts, destined to spend their lives together … until she changed the game plan and decided to become a star. Now she’s back, he’s better than ever and she finds herself doubting whether it was all worth it or not. The characters were well developed and quick to grab my attention. She was hard to like, but Jax was enough of a sweetheart to carry the load and make up for her unlike-ability. A fast moving plot and just generally a fun story!

When young Allison Murphy left her home on the East Coast all those years ago to make it big in Hollywood, she never expected to one day be returning home in disgrace as her face is splashed all over the tabloids. Now thanks to the lies told by an ex, that’s exactly what’s happening! She thinks a little comfort in the arms of her parents will do wonders for her wounded soul, but arrives home to the love of her life who she left behind all those years ago instead!

Jackson Burke agreed to do a big remodel for Allison’s parents while they were away, but had no clue their daughter would be returning home during the time he and his crew are there. He can’t deny that just seeing her is like another knife to his heart, but when photographers catch them sharing a moment and it’s now spreading around that she’s found a new love, he reluctantly agrees to help her pull off a ruse … but he’s going to be guarding his heart around every corner!

four-stars

* Review * BIG STICK by Kelly Jamieson

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BIG STICK by Kelly JamiesonBig Stick by Kelly Jamieson
Series: An Aces Hockey Novel
Published by Loveswept on October 23, 2018
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four-half-stars

A brooding hockey hunk learns to embrace life—and love—from a single mom who takes the world one puck at a time.

Big move . . . Jodie’s motto is “Don’t wait for the perfect moment—take the moment and make it perfect.” And that’s just what she decides to do when she moves to Chicago with her two-year-old daughter. Now all Jodie needs is a place to live, and her best friend’s boyfriend has just the answer.

Big stick . . . Nick Balachov has zero interest in socializing, partying, or flirting right now. It’s not that he doesn’t like women. He loves them. It’s just that hockey, casual hookups, and hanging out at home are enough for him these days. Now Nick has a big problem—because the woman living in his empty coach house is a major distraction.

Big deal? The more Nick tries to keep his distance, the more Jodie needs him—around the house, that is. First he helps with the snowstorm, then the power outage. Nick even finds himself trying to impress her little girl. What the hell is wrong with him? Jodie represents everything Nick doesn’t want. But maybe she’s just what he needs. . . .

 

Opposites attract when they least expect it! He’s not looking to be responsible for anybody but himself ever again, yet he finds himself being drawn to this gabby woman and her equally peppy toddler. They might have been the last thing in the world he was looking for, but it turns out the love they show him just might be exactly what he needs to be able to move forward with his life! Great characters that keep the story line moving.

Pro hockey player Nick Balachov doesn’t need any distraction right now. He’s still picking up the pieces of the turmoil life has been thrown at him in the last few years, and it’s just about all he can handle right now to concentrate on playing hockey, having time to himself and maybe an occasional casual hook-up. He never in his wildest dreams thought he’d be offering the guest house on his property to a single mom and her two year old daughter, but man, that just happened!

Jodie believes in living life to the fullest, so she didn’t let self-doubt railroad her out of picking up and moving with her kid from New York to Chicago! Her bestie and business partner Kendra has been the best at trying to get her settled, but she’s encroached on her love nest long enough and has to find her own place. Good thing Kendra’s hockey player boyfriend Max knows Nick will do him the solid of offering up his house.

four-half-stars