Book Reviews – Page 194

* Review * RECLAIMED BY THE POWERFUL SHEIKH by Pippa Roscoe

June 25, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RECLAIMED BY THE POWERFUL SHEIKH by Pippa Roscoe

Reclaimed by the Powerful Sheikh by Pippa Roscoe
Series: The Winners' Circle #3
Published by Harlequin Presents on July 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

“The past will never be forgotten.”

And his request won’t be denied…

Ten years ago, Mason McAulty was swept into an overwhelming affair with Prince Danyl Al Arain—which ended tragically. Now Danyl has arrived at her struggling Australian farm with a million-dollar demand to attend his royal gala. She cannot refuse—or deny their still-burning fire. As memories pull Mason back into the arms of the sheikh, will their secret pain be overcome by their intense desire?

A wealthy prince, a money-strapped commoner and a boat load of history between them! With the final book in The Winners’ Circle miniseries, Pippa Roscoe closes out the saga with Prince Danyl’s story. Years ago when he was in school in America, he met the delightful Mason and thought she would be his forever. A decade apart has done nothing to heal the pain of yesterday, nor dissuade his heart and soul from wanting her with every breath in his body. The characters were intense, the story line very catching and the passion was top-notch. Really enjoyed this book and the trilogy over-all was great!

Ten years ago Mason McAulty was on top of the world learning to be a top notch jockey just as she dreamed of and caught up in a passionate affair with Prince Danyl Al Arain that they both believed was heading towards forever. Until tragedy struck and she walked away heartbroken and amid scandal.

Danyl Al Arain isn’t prepared to take no for an answer when he arrives at Mason’s Australian farm to ask her to attend his mother’s gala. She walked back into his life several months ago and has been under his skin ever since, but he thinks it’s about time they air their past and get some resolution. What better time than when she’s captive amidst their travel to his home country?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * DEFENSIVE ACTION by Jenna Kernan

June 25, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEFENSIVE ACTION by Jenna Kernan

Defensive Action by Jenna Kernan
Series: Protectors at Heart #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on July 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

A daring CIA agent and a risk-averse I.T. expert
need to combine forces—like it or not.

Ryan Carr’s mission is to deliver top secret intel—not guard I.T. expert Haley Nobel, the unsuspecting woman who saved him while he was in a shoot-out. But with bullets flying, Ryan and Haley have no choice except to rely on each other and their survival instincts. With both of their lives on the line, will they find the best defensive action is total engagement?

Action packed! With the kick-off of her brand new Protectors at Heart series, Jenna Kernan quickly thrusts us into the danger coming towards her main characters when they meet for the first time. The story is fast paced, filled with intrigue and mystery and held my attention throughout. A solid read with lots of action and human interest.

CIA agent Ryan Carr’s assignment is to make sure top secret information is delivered in time to stop an attack. He’s not supposed to get sidetracked with a beautiful lady, but considering she reached out to help him when he was in a sticky situation, he figures he can’t easily walk away and leave her smack dab in the middle of the situation he just drug her into.

I.T. expert Haley Nobel is used to secrets and highly guarded intel, but she’s not used to being chased and shot at on a continual basis. What exactly is this guy in the middle of? She’s not sure, but she’s doing her best to hang tight and help in any way she can!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * JARED by Kat Mizera

June 25, 2019 Leave a Comment

Jared by Kat Mizera
Series: Las Vegas Sidewinders
on June 18, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

The game of love has no rule book...

Former hockey star Jared Wylde is tired of living life on the sidelines. Ten years ago, he lost it all... his career, his wife, his entire world. Everything changes when he's offered the job as head coach of the Las Vegas Sidewinders. It's taken him a long time to let go of the past, but it turns out the past isn't ready to let go of him.

Bestselling romance author Renee DeSantos lives life on her own terms. After overcoming being widowed and sending her daughter off to college, she's finally putting herself first. Everything is going great, until a one-night stand with a sexy stranger unveils what she's been missing. Now that she's had a taste, she's not ready to let go... of him, or the future they could have together.

When the past comes knocking, a son Jared never knew about turns everything upside down. Renee is no stranger to plot twists, but the stakes are higher than ever this time. This is one game Jared doesn't want to lose, but can they score a happily ever after?

Passion, turmoil and real life problems! With the next book in the Las Vegas Sidewinders series, we get another step forward in hockey life with the coach’s story. The main characters have reached the age where they want comfort and enjoyment of life and they seem to easily find that with each other, but the ever present drama in the lives of young adults and kids may be more than their relationship can withstand. Really enjoyed it!

Former pro hockey player Jared Wylde seemed to have lost it all a decade ago when an injury led to him losing his career at the same time that his marriage imploded and left him picking up the pieces of his body as well as his life afterwards. He went on to coach college hockey, but is now getting the opportunity of a lifetime with the offer of the head coach position for the Las Vegas Sidewinders.

Romance novelist Renee DeSantos thinks she’s living the good life after surviving the loss of her husband many years ago and going on to raise their daughter into adulthood while having a successful writing career. It’s only after she hooks up with Jared at a party for what they both say is just for a good time that she realizes what she’s been missing. There’s an easy connection there that she hasn’t felt in a really long time … but when a son he knew nothing about surfaces, it’s going to rock her stable life … maybe more than she can handle!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CREDIBLE ALIBI by Tyler Anne Snell

June 25, 2019 Leave a Comment

Credible Alibi by Tyler Anne Snell
Series: Winding Road Redemption #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on July 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Who knew a man from her past…
would save her from an unpredictable future?

Just as innkeeper Madeline Nash is wrongly accused of a crime, former lover Julian Mercer unexpectedly shows up and lies to give her an alibi. As Julian’s deceit draws him into the dangers and mysteries of Madi’s troubled past, their romance rekindles. Nothing can keep him from protecting the woman he never forgot—not even bullets.

Top notch intrigue! With the next book in her Winding Road Redemption series, Tyler Anne Snell snags our attention from the very start with a crime occurring quickly. The characters and the plot were very satisfying and although the transition into introducing new scenes or characters could occasionally be smoothed out a bit with a tad more backstory, the suspense is spot on and delivers a very enjoyable read!

Innkeeper Madeline Nash unexpectedly finds herself in a heap of trouble when she’s wrongfully accused of a crime and whisked off to jail. Lucky for her Julian walks back into her life just in time to give her an alibi!

Julian Mercer is fresh out of the Marines and pops back through Overlook, Tennessee on his way to the new job waiting on him in Alabama. He didn’t plan on bending the truth to get Madi out of trouble, but based on the circumstances, he didn’t have many options.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SISTERS OF SUMMER’S END by Lori Foster

June 23, 2019 Leave a Comment

Sisters of Summer's End by Lori Foster
Series: Summer Resort #2
Published by HQN Books on June 11, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

As the summer ends, friendship begins…

When single mom Joy Lee abandoned her old life to take a job at a lakeside resort, she found something that her family’s wealth and influence could never buy: peace of mind. Not easy to come by for the once-burned divorcée who keeps everyone at a distance. But when her new friend, Maris, dares her to take a chance with the drive-in’s charismatic new owner, everything changes for Joy and her young son.

A difficult childhood has left Maris Kennedy with definite priorities. Her job running Summer’s End, the camp store and café, comes first. Always. Nothing could ever make her risk that hard-won security—especially not her free-spirited colleague. But the more she encourages Joy to open herself up to new experiences, the more Maris begins to wonder what she, too, might be missing.

Learning how to trust will bring Joy and Maris together. And soon they form a friendship that leaves them as close as sisters—and open to love where they least expect it…in Summer’s End.

You just can’t read a book in this series and not walk away smiling! With the follow up to her beloved feel-good romance COOPER’S CHARM from last summer, Lori Foster brings us another trip to the homey RV resort to see a few more of the family of employees find their happily ever afters. Like the original book, this one also encompasses two couples and spotlights a close-knit friendship. We saw several familiar faces as we touched base with the couples from last year and brought a new character into the fold. Really enjoying the down-home feel of this vacation spot!

Single mom Joy Lee loves the life that working at Cooper’s Charm resort has brought to her and her young son. She’s not all that big on taking chances and shaking the boat, but when her knew best friend dares her to take a chance on the attraction she is feeling for the new drive-in owner Royce Nakirk, she decides to throw caution to the wind and lives a little!

Maris Kennedy isn’t all that good at practicing what she preaches. She lives and breaths running Summer’s End, her country store/cafe at the RV park. She came from a life of having little and she never wants to let her guard down and open herself up to being in that position again, but when Joy takes her advice and takes a chance on love, she feels like she has to do the same and finally give Daron the chance he’s been wanting for awhile now!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A SCANDALOUS MIDNIGHT IN MADRID by Susan Stephens

June 22, 2019 Leave a Comment

A Scandalous Midnight in Madrid by Susan Stephens
Series: Passion in Paradise #2
Published by Harlequin Presents on June 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Her body awakened…</b

By Madrid’s most eligible bachelor

Chef Sadie Montgomery’s life is changed forever by an intense moonlit encounter in Madrid with infamous Alejandro de Alegon. The sizzling anticipation he sparks tempts virgin Sadie all the way to his Spanish castle…and into his bed! She’s never known anything like the wild passion Alejandro unleashes. But their night of illicit pleasure soon turns Sadie into Spain’s most scandalous headline: Pregnant with Alejandro’s Baby!

Gorgeous setting! With the next in the Passion in Paradise series, Susan Stephens takes our breath away with her iterations of gorgeous Madrid, descriptive enough to make us wish we were there as we are reading. The premise of the story was promising, and their connection had a good spark to it, but the follow through of the story line fell a bit flat for me … still an enjoyable read!

Chef Sadie Montgomery hasn’t been showered with love and passion throughout her life, so she’s a bit taken aback with how much she desires Alejandro when she meets him. He’s arrogant, but kind and she wants to know more!

Alejandro de Alegon can’t deny he’s attracted to the feisty yet untouched chef, but he can’t believe his sister had the audacity to match make and send her to his mountain retreat! Well, she’s here and the sparks are flying heavily, so why not? Their passion has consequences though, and soon they will have to figure out how to make a future work together with a baby.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * NAUGHTY STRANGER by Stacey Kennedy

June 22, 2019 Leave a Comment
Naughty Stranger by Stacey Kennedy
Series: Dangerous Love #1
Published by Forever Yours on June 11, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

After a sudden tragedy blew her world apart, Peyton Kerr fled her big city career and started over in Stoney Creek, Maine. So far, she's loving small-town life--no one knows about her past, and her easy flirtation with Boone Knight gives her a reason to smile. But then someone is murdered in Peyton's store, and her quiet, anonymous existence is instantly destroyed. To make matters worse, Boone--a police detective--is assigned to the case, and Peyton knows she can't keep him at arm's length any longer. She's resisted the simmering heat between them--but now this gorgeous man is promising to keep her safe--and satisfied...

Boone Knight doesn't want the complications of a relationship. But when he volunteers to protect his town's newest--and sexiest--resident, he finally admits he'd like to explore their sizzling attraction. And after one incredible night, everything changes for Boone. Peyton is sweeter--and braver--than anyone he's ever met, and with her in his arms, everything makes sense. He just needs to convince her to trust him enough to reveal her secrets, or risk losing her to a merciless killer who seems to grow bolder with each passing day.

Small town life at it’s sexiest! Stacey Kennedy brings us a great rendition of her signature steamy read with a whole lot of heart and a twist of intrigue and mystery thrown in and it is HOT! Learning Peyton’s back story brings a lot to the picture as we start to watch the connection between she and Boone develop. There’s a touch of sadness mixed with a whole lot of spunk as she starts to fall harder than she ever thought was possible again. Loved this story!

Peyton Kerr picked up her life and started over after a major tragedy tore life as she knew it apart and left her with only heartbreaking memories. She’s enjoying the quiet pace of Stoney Creek, Maine where small town life is warm and comforting and best of all, no one greets her with pity in their eyes because they know about her past.

Police detective Boone Knight has been enjoying a subtle flirtation with Peyton whenever he runs into her in town, so when he’s called to the scene of a crime at her boutique, he’s concerned! The victim found dead in her store bears more than a little resemblance to Peyton … was it happenstance, or did someone get the wrong person when aiming for Peyton? He’s determined to keep her safe while he gets to the bottom of the murder!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SAY YOU’RE SORRY by Karen Rose

June 22, 2019 Leave a Comment
Say You're Sorry by Karen Rose
Series: Sacramento #1
Published by Berkley on February 12, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

There is a serial killer on the loose, preying on vulnerable women. The only identifiable mark the killer leaves are letters—sometimes one, sometimes two—all carved into the torsos of his victims. Together they spell “Sydney.”

When he grabs Daisy Dawson, he believes he has found his next victim. But despite her small stature, she fights back with an expertise that quickly frees her. Before fleeing the scene, Daisy also manages to grab what proves to be crucial evidence: a necklace from around the killer’s neck.

The necklace is more than a trivial item—it is a link to a cold case that Special Agent Gideon Reynolds has been tracking for seventeen years. With Daisy’s help, Gideon finally has the opportunity to get closer to the truth than ever before.

But they might not get the chance, as the serial killer has a new target: Gideon and Daisy.

Breathtaking action kicks off the new Sacramento spin-off series from Karen Rose! A thwarted kidnapping had me entrenched immediately as it played out before my eyes, and before I knew it I was inside the mind of a killer as he plotted his revenge. The characters were intriguing and kept me riveted to find out what was going to happen next. Can’t wait for more in the series!

Daisy Dawson can sense that someone is following her and when she turns to confront him, he attempts to abduct her. Little does she know that the man she’s struggling with all of her might against is a local serial killer satisfied that she’ll be his next victim since she got in his way. She manages to get away but not before snatching a piece of evidence from around his neck … a locket with a distinct design on it.

FBI Special Agent Gideon Reynolds receives a call that there has been a development on the symbol he has flagged to be notified about if it’s ever seen. He arrives on the scene to examine the locket and finds that it is definitely connected to the case he’s been trying to solve for 17 years.

Gideon and Daisy team up to find out more information as bodies begin to pile up around them, and when it becomes clear that the killer has his sights set on coming back for Daisy, Gideon will do anything to save the woman who’s coming to mean so much to him!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ONE NIGHT, WHITE LIES by Jessica Lemmon

June 22, 2019 Leave a Comment
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
One Night, White Lies by Jessica Lemmon
Series: The Bachelor Pact #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on July 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

She needs to kiss him…

before he figures out who she is!

Reid Singleton just had the best sex ever. When the brown-eyed bombshell turns out to be Drew Fleming—his best friend’s sister all grown-up—Reid can’t decide if he’s furious at her ruse or ready for round two! Drew is determined to tame this stubborn bachelor. But she isn’t the only person from Reid’s past who will change his future…

Sexy with a hint of intrigue! Forbidden passion exploded between Reid and Drew in the next book in The Bachelor Pact series. Reid made a pact to never fall in love with his two best friends Gage and Flynn, and although those two saps have fallen under the spell of a couple of terrific ladies, he’s determined to remain faithful enough to the vow for the three of them … until he comes across Drew again. They were really adorable together. Sexy as all get out, but also since knowing each other in their youth, they knew more about each other from the start than the average couple and it made for a really open connection between the two of them. I would have liked to have seen a little more development to the ending, but overall it was an entertaining read and added a lot to the series.

Drew Fleming knows who he is from across the room, and when she realizes he doesn’t recognize her from all those years ago, she’s determined to seduce him before he puts two and two together and calls a halt to their fun. After all, bro code doesn’t allow you to put your hands on your best friend’s sister!

Reid Singleton’s mind was just blown with how good the sex was with the seductive goddess he just met at a trade show, but when he realizes her true identity, he’s fit to be tied! Gage is going to kill him for getting it on with his sister … but since the deed has already been done, why not continue the fun??

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt * HOW TO LOSE A FIANCE by Stefanie London

June 20, 2019 Leave a Comment
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
How to Lose a Fiancé by Stefanie London
Series: Greek Billionaires #2
Published by Entangled: Indulgence on June 17, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Sophia Andreou has always been the “good daughter” who tried to keep her domineering father happy. She followed the rules and did everything that was asked of her. But this time, her father is asking too much. The family company is crumbling, and her father has arranged a marriage to a Greek billionaire who can save their property business. What?! Umm no thank you. If Cinderella can dress up to win a prince, surely Sophia can do the opposite and ditch hers...

Dion Kourakis has come a long way from being an orphan with only a single friend to his name. Now he runs a billion-dollar investment company and has the respect of everyone in Europe. His charming personality covers a lot of emotional scars, including his desire to make his mentor proud. Dion doesn’t exactly want a bride to go along with his next business deal, and he plans on letting the lass down gently when they meet...

Only, his future bride has turned out to be nothing like what he thought she’d be. She’s quirky and has a habit of turning up to social events in strange outfits. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what she’s up to, but the harder she tries to convince him she’d be an awful wife, the more he wants to convince her they’d be perfect together.

Quickly addictive and absolutely delightful! With the second book in her Greek Billionaires series, Stefanie London brings new meaning to laugh out loud funny! With a quirky addition to her heroine’s repertoire that reader’s won’t soon forget, she delights our imagination and tickles our funny bone time and again. I loved that it had so much humor woven in, yet was also very spot on in delivering a sensitive side to each of the main characters that drew us into their story. Lots of fun to read with a satisfying ending!

Sophia Andreou can’t believe what her domineering father is stooping to this time. She has put up with many of his schemes in her day in order to keep peace in the household, but this time he’s sunk to an all time low. He expects her to marry a total stranger to get his flailing business and debts taken care of. So what if he’s a gorgeous Greek billionaire … she’ll figure out a way to get rid of him!

Dion Kourakis isn’t interested in marrying anymore than she is, but he is interested in obtaining that company … if marriage is the only way to do it, he’ll make do. Once he meets Sophia and all of her quirky ways, he realizes he’s in for the ride of his life!

How to Lose a Fiancé by Stefanie London

Release Date: June 17, 2019

How to Lose a Fiancé, Book #2 in the Greek Billionaires contemporary romance series by USA Today Bestselling author Stefanie London.

Sophia Andreou has always been the “good daughter” who tried to keep her domineering father happy. She followed the rules and did everything that was asked of her. But this time, her father is asking too much. The family company is crumbling, and her father has arranged a marriage to a Greek billionaire who can save their property business. What?! Umm no thank you. If Cinderella can dress up to win a prince, surely Sophia can do the opposite and ditch hers…

Dion Kourakis has come a long way from being an orphan with only a single friend to his name. Now he runs a billion-dollar investment company and has the respect of everyone in Europe. His charming personality covers a lot of emotional scars, including his desire to make his mentor proud. Dion doesn’t exactly want a bride to go along with his next business deal, and he plans on letting the lass down gently when they meet…

Only, his future bride has turned out to be nothing like what he thought she’d be. She’s quirky and has a habit of turning up to social events in strange outfits. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what she’s up to, but the harder she tries to convince him she’d be an awful wife, the more he wants to convince her they’d be perfect together.

CAN THIS BE READ AS A STANDALONE?

Yes! Each book in this series features a different couple, so they can be read in any order.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YbYXzB
Amazon Worldwide: https://geni.us/4Budaf
Nook: http://bit.ly/2DVMF6P
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Jory0l
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2JlgukG

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2V9PBlM

Excerpt:

He expected some hesitation from her over the marriage thing. Hell, he’d hesitated himself. It had taken him a full two weeks to process her father’s offer—or rather, ultimatum—and come to grips with the idea of marrying a stranger. Seeing his mentor, Elias, hooked up to half a dozen different machines after having a fall in his home, with tubes coming out of every orifice, had finally pushed him over the edge.

Closure was now within Dion’s grasp, he could shut the final page of his father’s book. He wanted that feeling so bad he could taste it…so bad he would marry a stranger.

“We have plenty of time to get to know one another.” Dion motioned for her to follow him outside. “Your father told me that you’ve been working in the family business.”

“That’s right. I’ve been doing some general admin,” she replied. “And I have my own virtual assistant business, too.”

The sun had set some time ago, but the lights dotted around the garden brightened the front of the house. He unlocked the car and held the door for her.

“Ah, so you’re a businesswoman. I’m sure we’ll have a lot to talk about, then.”

“Sure, although it’s not real passion in life, to be honest.” She looked at him expectantly, as though wanting an invitation to elaborate.

“What would you rather be doing?” he asked.

The car’s engine rumbled as he pulled out of the circular path in front of the four-car garage. A warm breeze carried the salty tang of the ocean into the car.

“You know, I’m really passionate about taxidermy.” Sophia nodded as though this was the most normal thing to say. “There’s just something about animals that fascinates me.”

“Taxidermy?” He frowned. “Like, stuffing dead animals?”

“Stuffing or mounting,” she said. “It includes both.”

Was she for real? Her expression didn’t reveal even a sliver of amusement.

“I see it as a way to prolong an animal’s life,” she explained. “I know it might seem a little strange, but trust me. When I bring my collection over, you’ll see how wonderful it is.”

He gulped. “Your collection?”

“Yes, I have a huge collection. Squirrels and racoons and a couple of cats that I found. Strays, you know. Lots of people think they have time for a pet and then they just dump them. I even have a fox. She’s a real beauty. I was thinking we could put her in the living room. Or maybe the foyer, so she can greet guests.” She clapped her hands together. “Baroness Sasha Foxington III would absolutely love that.”

Baroness. Sasha. Foxington the fucking third.

Was he in a nightmare right now?

About Stefanie:

USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance with humour, heat and heart. Also llamas.

Originally from Melbourne, Australia Stefanie now lives in Toronto, Canada with her wonderful husband. She loves to read, collect lipsticks, watch zombie movies, and drink coffee.

Her bestselling book, Pretend It’s Love, is a 2016 Romantic Book of the Year finalist with the Romance Writers of Australia.

Connect with Stefanie:

Sign up for Stefanie’s newsletter and get a copy of A Kiss in Kite Harbour: http://stefanie-london.com/

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Vo8JBv
Website: https://stefanie-london.com/
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2DYVVHb
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/StefanieLondonAuthor/
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2DYXBjX
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/StefanieLondon

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews