Book Reviews – Page 190

* Review * BACK IN DR. XENAKIS’ ARMS by Amalie Berlin

June 26, 2018 Leave a Comment

Back in Dr. Xenakis' Arms by Amalie Berlin
Series: Hot Greek Docs
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on July 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

She can’t resist the doc from her past!

But do they have a future?

In this Hot Greek Docs story, obstetrician Erianthe Nikolaides is returning home to Mythelios and dreading seeing her sinfully hot ex, Dr. Ares Xenakis! She’s still haunted by the devastating circumstances of their breakup. To truly heal she must share her pain with Ares, but when a scorching kiss reignites their desire, dare Eri risk her heart a second time?

Can reuniting with her first love heal the heartbreak she never got over? Amalie Berlin brings us the next book in the Hot Greek Docs series with Ares as the hero. It’s very emotional as their past packs a powerful punch to our emotions. Really good read!

When Erianthe Nikolaides makes the journey home to the Greek isle of Mythelios for the first time in a decade, she is dreading dredging up the past by seeing the people who hurt her the most all of those years ago. If it wasn’t for her brother Theo needing her doctoring skills at the clinic after the big earthquake, she wouldn’t be here.

Doctor Ares Xenakis is Theo’s best friend and was Eri’s secret first love. He’s never forgiven himself for the way it ended with her, and returns home as seldom as possible himself. Seeing her again brings back that same old love that always claimed his heart when she was near. Forced proximity is going to make them iron out the past once and for all … will it bring peace and the possibility of a reunion?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * DOWN DEEP by Kimberly Kincaid

June 26, 2018 Leave a Comment

Down Deep by Kimberly Kincaid
Series: A Station Seventeen Engine Novel
Published by Kimberly Kincaid Romance on June 18, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Ian Gamble has a past he’d rather forget—which is exactly what he’s doing at The Crooked Angel Bar and Grill when the place catches fire. Between his active duty in the Marines and his experience as a firefighter, his instincts get him and hot, headstrong bar manager, Kennedy Matthews, to safety. But those same instincts kick into high gear when the fire is ruled an arson, and he discovers Kennedy’s got secrets of her own.

The only thing that matters more to Kennedy than her bar is her brother. When she finds out he’s in over his head with a dangerous arsonist, she’ll do anything to keep him safe—even if it means teaming up with Gamble, who’s too sharp-eyed and hard-bodied for his own good. With every step, their attraction flares hotter and the risks grow more dangerous. Can Gamble and Kennedy face their fears—and their secrets—to catch a terrifying enemy? Or will they go down in flames?

Dangerous, exciting and oh so sexy! With the next installment in Kimberly Kincaid’s ever-hot Station Seventeen series, we get sexy Lieutenant Gamble’s story! I knew when I saw that he was getting mixed up with the sassy Kennedy that it would be a spicy, fun read … and it did not disappoint! This entire series has been a really enjoyable read with close-knit characters, danger and intrigue at the forefront and hot romantic connections galore!

Firefighter Ian Gamble is busy drinking the past off his mind at the station’s favorite hangout, The Crooked Angel when the place catches fire. His experience with fire and danger allows him to lead the way to safety for feisty bar manager Kennedy Matthews. When an investigation leads to an arson call, Gamble is determined to get to the bottom of who is messing with his territory … especially when Kennedy starts acting shifty!

Kennedy Matthews comes from a hard background, and the one person that she would do anything for is her little brother. When she catches sight of the fact that he’s somehow mixed up with a dangerous arsonist, she’s determined to find a way to help him, no matter what. Gamble doesn’t want her putting herself into danger, so he insists on riding shotgun on her adventure … and you know close proximity between two firecrackers like that is going to lead to sparks that will more than sizzle!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A DEFENDER’S HEART by Tara Taylor Quinn

June 26, 2018 Leave a Comment

A Defender's Heart by Tara Taylor Quinn
Series: Where Secrets are Safe
Published by Harlequin Superromance on June 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Her forgiveness is the only win that matters

Former defense attorney Cedar Wilson is on a mission for redemption. After losing sight of everything but winning, he betrayed the love of his life, Heather Michaels, to help a guilty man go free—a wrong he finally has a chance to make right when a potential new witness checks into The Lemonade Stand shelter.

Cedar needs Heather’s help as a top polygraphist to uncover the truth. And while he has no right to expect her forgiveness, the passion between them makes Cedar believe they could still have a future together. Maybe solving one case can fix two mistakes…

Redemption after betrayal! It’s sadly the end of an era as Tara Taylor Quinn’s last book in the famed Harlequin Superromance line is upon us. I personally have devoured and adored book after book from her for years on end, and it’s sad to see the line end. Never fear! We do have more books to look forward to soon, just under a different Harlequin line. That said, sadly this book fell a little flat for me. You might think that the person that did the betrayal would be the one making it hard to connect with in this couple, but in reality, I felt more connected to Cedar than I did to the victim, Heather. There were redeeming qualities to the story, and the big unexpected spin towards the end was an “a-ha!” moment indeed. Looking forward to seeing the The Lemonade Stand in the future.

Former defense attorney Cedar Wilson is on a mission to right the wrongs he created in life when he lost sight of why he became an attorney in the first place and started caring only about the win and the prestige. He lost the love of his life when he manipulated a situation in which he had asked for her help on a case … and it opened his eyes to the person he had become.

Polygraphist Heather Michaels walked away from the relationship she thought would last forever when Cedar showed a side to him she wanted no part of. She isn’t sure why he’s reaching out to her now, but she really has no trust left for his word at this point. When she learns of the mission he’s wanting help with, she agrees to go to The Lemonade Stand shelter and talk to the person who may hold the answers they need. She really hopes this doesn’t come back to bite her!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * KNOCKED UP by Stacey Lynn

June 24, 2018 Leave a Comment

Knocked Up by Stacey Lynn
Series: Crazy Love #2
Published by Loveswept on June 12, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes baby in a baby carriage. Just not necessarily in that order. . . .

Braxton: I should probably be dead or in jail right now. Instead, thanks to some tough love, I worked my ass off and now I own a string of tattoo parlors throughout the Pacific Northwest. And yet the one thing I’ve always wanted—a family—still seems out of reach. When my best friend gets married, I’m just hoping to blow off some steam with the super-hot maid of honor. But after Cara Thompson tracks me down to tell me she’s pregnant, she’s more surprised than I am when I tell her I’m all in.

Cara: For the first time in my life, I’m living for myself—not for my parents and their ridiculous expectations. I gave up on my MBA, dropped out of the Ivy League, and moved to Portland to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. And what’s the first thing I do? Get knocked up. For a tatted-up sex god, Braxton Henley seems way too eager to “be there for me.” Is this guy serious? Maybe. He sure is patient. Because he won’t back down until I admit what I know in my heart: that our one night stand might’ve led me to the one.

Straight talking, sexy and oh so fun! They might have started out as just a fling, but watching Braxton and Cara tiptoe their way though getting to know each other and deciding if they can make a relationship work is really fun. They’re both strong-minded people, but both want that person who will make them their everything. Enjoyed it!

Wouldn’t you know it! She finally decides to throw caution to the wind and enjoy her first one-night stand after her best friend’s wedding … and she winds up pregnant! Cara Thompson certainly wasn’t planning on being a mom at this time in her life. She recently walked away from her parents stringent expectations, dropped out of college and is now pursuing her artistic dreams. She has to admit though, she’s excited about this baby.

Tattoo shop owner Braxton Henley isn’t shy about the fact that he enjoys women. When he sets out to have a wicked night with the gorgeous bridesmaid at his best friend’s wedding, he certainly doesn’t expect her to show up at his shop a few weeks later to tell him he’s going to be a daddy. He can tell that he doesn’t fit into her hoity toity world, but he’s not going to walk away from the one thing he’s always wanted … a family!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * TEMPTED BY DR. PATERA by Tina Beckett

June 24, 2018 Leave a Comment

Tempted by Dr. Patera by Tina Beckett
Series: Hot Greek Docs
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on June 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

He’s gotten right under her skin…

But will she end up getting burned?

In this Hot Greek Docs story, since losing her fiancé, Dr. Lea Risi doesn’t do complicated. But helping after an earthquake, Lea’s thrown together with Dr. Deakin Patera in all his sexy, rugged glory! Scarred inside and out, Deakin’s everything Lea’s tried to avoid—but she’s still tempted. As their chemistry becomes something deeper, can Lea help him leave the past behind?

With the second book in the Hot Greek Docs series, Tina Beckett brings us Deakin’s story. It’s fun, fresh and appealing. There were a few plot holes left that I would have liked to have gotten some answers to, but overall, a very enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next two books in the series!

On vacation when an earthquake hit the Greek island of Mythelios, psychiatrist Dr. Leanora Risi stepped up and volunteered at the clinic in town when a call was made needing doctors. She’s a bit out of her element on the medical side of things since it’s not her specialty, but she’s become very useful helping the townspeople through the trauma they have suffered because of the quake.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Deakin Patera doesn’t enjoy coming home to Mythelios because of his past there, but when his partner in the clinic tells him he needs him to come help, he makes his way there as quickly as he possibly can. Memories of times past still haunt him, but meeting Lea turns out to be a breath of fresh air!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * TYCOON’S FORBIDDEN CINDERELLA by Melanie Milburne

June 24, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TYCOON’S FORBIDDEN CINDERELLA by Melanie Milburne

Tycoon's Forbidden Cinderella by Melanie Milburne
Published by Harlequin Presents on July 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

An illicit temptation…

A desire too strong to resist!

Love is a weakness that billionaire Lucien Fox refuses to indulge in. But delectable Audrey Merrington tests his formidable control! With their families united by marriage, Audrey has always been utterly off-limits, yet her shy innocence holds an enticing appeal for cynical Lucien. When a scandal forces them together, Lucien proposes a temporary solution to their inconvenient craving—total, delicious surrender!

Fast paced, intriguing and delightful! I was quickly drawn into this story and read it straight through to see what was going to happen. I loved the two of them together and was really happy when they finally stopped dodging each other and gave in to their attraction. The back story of their past and their parents story was a nice aspect of the story. Really enjoyed!

Audrey Merrington has been crushing on Lucien Fox ever since she met him when she was a teenager. She’s made the drunken mistake of trying to show him how she felt two times during the duration of their relationship and she’s bound and determined that she won’t make that mistake again … ever!

Lucien Fox has been drawn to Audrey for years as well, but a family connection by marriage, in addition to her youth led him to keep her at arms length. Now they are thrown together by circumstances and decide to once and for all throw caution to the wind and see where this attraction will take them!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE DOCTOR’S CINDERELLA by Susanne Hampton

June 24, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE DOCTOR’S CINDERELLA by Susanne Hampton

The Doctor's Cinderella by Susanne Hampton
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on July 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

One magical night…

…could change their lives forever!

After her ex leaves her penniless, nurse Molly Murphy takes an admin job in doctor Ryan’s practice. When Ryan needs a date for a charity ball, Molly finds herself wearing a gorgeous gown and sipping champagne for one sparkling night. But her Prince Charming guards his emotions closely. Dare they trust what’s in their hearts to find their own fairy-tale ending?

Finding a forever! This book was fairly light on the medical aspect, but it had a very heartwarming plot that grabbed my attention fairly quickly. I loved the underlying story of the two family’s coming together with so many similarities, but the romance fell a bit flat. Overall, an enjoyable book.

Nurse Molly Murphy finds herself finds herself needing to step back from her career for awhile and lucks into the perfect temp position as an administrative assistant at Dr. McFetridge’s practice. She a bit disillusioned with life right now, but it doesn’t take her long to see that beneath the showiness lies a very kind-hearted man!

Dr. Ryan McFetridge has his hands a bit full at this point in his life, but he really wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s enjoying himself tremendously and though he doesn’t have time for much in the way of a love life, he can’t help but find his new admin attractive. When circumstances throw them together for a magical night on the town together, who is he to contradict?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * MAJOR CRIMES by Janie Crouch

June 22, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Major Crimes by Janie Crouch
Series: Omega Sector: Under Siege
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on July 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

If he wanted her help catching a killer... he probably shouldn't have seduced her then thrown her in prison.

Hayley Green never wanted to see Omega special agent Cain Bennett again. Ever. He seduced her, then sent her to prison for hacking, and Hayley's only just started piecing her life back together. Except now Cain needs Hayley's help to catch a murderer. Their past is colliding with their still-smoldering attraction...and the only thing more dangerous than the killer is the secrets Hayley's been keeping.

Secrets abound in this nail-biter from Janie Crouch! With the next book in the Omega Sector: Under Siege series, we’re getting one step closer to finding out who the mole is inside Omega Sector! Cain Bennett is brought to the forefront to try to secretly track the movements of the traitor, but to do so, he needs the help of his former love … only she isn’t exactly free to help him right now! The story line was exciting throughout, and we got to step away from the action we’re used to and solve another case. I enjoyed it!

Omega Sector agent Cain Bennett knows the person that can help him uncover the traitor, but he’s not so sure she’s going to agree to help him. She was once his high school sweetheart, and when they met up again a few years later, he just happened to send her to prison for hacking!

Hayley Green knows she committed a crime and has now paid her dues for it. She’s barely out of prison when Cain shows up out of the blue. She knows he was just doing his job in arresting her as part of the cyber crime ring, but she’ll never forgive him for sleeping with her just to get information! She might be forced to help him with this case … because the money will most definitely come in handy … but she won’t voluntarily be sharing her secrets!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * MISTER TONIGHT by Kendall Ryan

June 21, 2018 Leave a Comment

Mister Tonight by Kendall Ryan
Published by Dream Press on June 18, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Last night was the most embarrassing night of my life.

I was that girl.

You know, the highly intoxicated chick celebrating her thirtieth birthday with her two best friends—who are happily married. And the more I drank, the more I wanted to do something reckless to celebrate.

By reckless, I mean the sexy and alluring man dressed in a business suit standing near the bar. You know his type—tall, dark, handsome. I was sure he was out of my league, but I’d had just enough alcohol that things like that no longer seemed to matter. I’m not fat, mind you, but you can tell I like french fries, so there’s that.

He took me home, and I enjoyed the hottest birthday sex of my life. Well, until it came to a screeching and rather unwelcome halt.

There’s nothing quite like being interrupted mid-ride with a little voice asking, “What are you doing to my daddy?”

Just kill me now . . . or so I thought.

Come to find out, the man I rode like a bull at the rodeo is my new landlord.

Kendall Ryan never disappoints! Picking up one of her books, you’re always guaranteed a super fun read. Steamy sex, feisty connections between the characters and laugh out loud moments. I loved this story!

She’s out celebrating turning thirty with her best friends when a sexy guy standing by the bar catches her eye. She’s had that one drink too many that makes her think she can get any man she wants … even though he’s totally out of her league! What do you know … he’s actually interested!

He’s a single dad, out for the night and takes the chance on having fun with the hot lady propositioning him at the bar. They’re in the middle of a lusty encounter when every parent’s worst nightmare happens … his toddler walks into his bedroom mid-act! Talk about mortified … he’s never seen a woman run out of his house so fast. He’s sure he’ll never see her again … oh but wait … come to find out, she’s the lady who wants to rent his garage apartment!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HIS MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE PROPOSAL by Jennifer Hayward

June 21, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE PROPOSAL by Jennifer Hayward

His Million-Dollar Marriage Proposal by Jennifer Hayward
Series: The Powerful Di Fiore Tycoons
Published by Harlequin Presents on July 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

“I have a business proposition for you.”

Sealed with a million-dollar ring!

To win the most important deal of his life, Lazzero Di Fiore needs a fake fiancée. He strikes a pact with his gorgeous but guarded local barista Chiara: he’ll save her father from bankruptcy, if she agrees to wear his ring! But any convenience is consumed by their explosive attraction. Now Lazzero is determined to see his diamond on Chiara’s finger—for good!

Fast paced, flirty and delightful! With the next book in The Powerful Di Fiore Tycoons series, we get to watch Lazzero fall head over heals for the woman least likely to be by his side at a luxurious event. She’s tough as nails, but he can’t resist her sensitive side. He’s all business, but the man beneath the suit is irresistible! I really liked them together. Their relationship developed really quickly, but it was quite entertaining.

Lazzero Di Fiore will do just about anything to take the empire he has built with his brothers to the next level of success … even put a ring on a virtual stranger’s finger! He needs a make-believe fiancee and the woman who has been delighting him on a daily basis for months now seems like an ideal choice!

Barista Chiara Ferrante has a personal grudge against the entitled lifestyle of extremely wealthy people, so when Lazzero first approaches her with his request, she’s adamantly against it … until she finds out he will save her father’s bakery from financial ruin for just a few days of time. How can she refuse?

Filed Under: Book Reviews