Book Reviews – Page 196

* Review * LOVE SONGS AND LULLABIES by Amy Vastine

May 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Love Songs and Lullabies by Amy Vastine
Series: Grace Note Records
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on April 1, 2018
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Their engagement is a sham…

But their baby-to-be isn’t!

Country music stars Sawyer Stratton and Piper Starling are headed for the top of the charts. But then their course shifts unexpectedly…toward parenthood! The only way to keep Piper’s pregnancy from making the wrong headlines is to set the proverbial date. But how can Piper go through with a fake engagement when her feelings for Sawyer are anything but?

Sweet and sassy! With the next book in her Grace Note Records series, Amy Vastine takes us a journey of young love! We’ve met both Sawyer and Piper as side characters in previous books in the series. She’s already a country music super star while he’s a talented songwriter but new to the industry as a whole. They have several things working against them as they try to forge through the distractions to find a way to be together. I liked the characters in general, but their story fell a little flat. Not my favorite in the series, but an entertaining read none the less!

Sawyer Stratton thought he was falling in love, but Piper turned the tables on him when she said they were making a mistake and walked out on him. He’s still upset that she ended things and wonders if he can do anything to change her mind.

Piper Starling can’t believe her luck. She thought Sawyer wanted the same things she did, but then outside influences made her suspect it wasn’t the real deal, so she pulled the plug on their love affair and put her concentration back on her tour. Only problem is, she just found out she’s pregnant with his baby! To protect her squeaky clean reputation with her fans, they decide to fake an engagement … but real feelings get involved and pretty soon they’re trying to figure out if forever is a possibility!

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* Review * CROSSING PROMISES by Kimberly Kincaid

May 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid
Series: Cross Creek #3
Published by Kimberly Kincaid Romance on March 5, 2018
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For Owen Cross, the only thing that matters more than family is farming. As the oldest Cross brother, the land is his legacy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Cross Creek a success—including hiring local widow Cate McAllister to manage the bookkeeping tasks that are growing in his office like weeds. Cate’s as pragmatic as she is pretty, and she rattles his hard-fought composure at every turn.

Cate had known a lot of things about her husband before he died three years ago in a car accident, but how much debt he’d gotten them into wasn’t one of them. She needs her job at Cross Creek, even if her boss is both gruff and gorgeous. But Owen’s a family man, through and through, and the last thing Cate is interested in is anything—or anyone—with strings attached.

As Owen and Cate join forces to right the farm, they discover there’s more to the other than the surfaces shows, and that passion can be found in unexpected places. Can Cate heal from the loss of one family to gain the love of her life? Or will the past prove too much for the promise of the future?

Heartwarming & sexy all rolled into one! With the third book in the Cross Creek series, we finally get big brother Owen’s story. Throughout the series he’s been the most serious and brooding brother as he pushed everybody hard to keep the farm running no matter what. Now that they’ve had some success and there’s a promising future, he’s starting to feel a yearning for the happiness his brothers have settled into. When the woman he sets his heart on ends up being resistant to a happily ever after, can he convince her to take a chance on him? The main characters were a joy to get to know, and their connection was really sweet. I also enjoyed getting an update on some of our favorite previous characters. I couldn’t love the Cross’s more!

As the oldest Cross sibling, Owen has always been the one that felt the passion of the farm in his blood the most. He lives and breaths his work and will do anything to make sure Cross Creek not only survives but thrives for generations to come. The big thing holding him back at the moment is the back long of administrative duties piling up in the office. When he hears Cate is willing to take the job on, he jumps at the chance!

Cate McAllister works as many jobs as she can manage to try to pay down the debt her husband left behind when he died 3 years ago, so when Owen mentions a need, she offers her services. She’s basically just been going through the motions since she lost the family she had put so much effort into, so the attraction she feels towards Owen is surprising. She’s never planning to settle down again, but if he’s game for a no-strings fling, so is she!

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* Review * INKED by Anne Marsh

May 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Inked by Anne Marsh
Series: Hard Riders MC #2
Published by Harlequin Dare on April 1, 2018
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Bankers and bad boys don’t mix

So why is she getting under his skin?

Harper, a buttoned-up banker, is a tattoo virgin before Vik draws her first ink. And once the bad-boy biker lays his hands on the beautiful canvas of her body, he’s addicted! Harper says the two of them could never mix outside of the bedroom—but she’s finding that she wants the feeling of Vik’s touch to last forever.

Cute, hot and sexy! With the next book in the Hard Riders MC series, we get bad boy Vik’s story. He’s a major player, but he just might make an exception when he meets a good girl too hard to resist! I loved the characters and their cute connection. There’s really very little MC lifestyle shown in the book, but overall I enjoyed it!

Investment banker Harper is tired of living the laid back, staid lifestyle that has left her alone and looking to start over. She’s going to shake things up and live it up for once … starting with her first tattoo!

Tattoo artist and motorcycle club member Vik isn’t one for settling into a relationship, but one look at Harper has him sitting up and taking notice. Add the fact that he gets to touch her and make his permanent mark on her? Oh yeah, he’s ready to get down to business with this chick!

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* Review * SHUTDOWN PLAYER by Jami Davenport

May 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Shutdown Player by Jami Davenport
Series: Seattle Sockeyes Hockey
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on April 27, 2018
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After a brief marriage to an unfaithful, gold-digging wife, Jared Roderick is looking for the perfect good girl, and he thinks he’s found her. Sweet, quiet, prim Stephanie Clarke is exactly the woman he wants and nothing like his cheating ex. Now to convince a reluctant Steph they were meant to be together.

Steph has had enough of men controlling her life from her preacher father to her abusive boyfriend. She wants to regain the innocence she lost and ignore the ugliness of her recent past. She’s not the pure and sheltered virgin Jared is looking for and fends off his advances despite the sizzling chemistry between them.

Jared is as determined to win Steph over as he is to win hockey games; but when his fantasy becomes tarnished, does he have the strength to skate the distance?

With the next book in the Seattle Sockeyes hockey series, we get Jared & Steph’s story. We’re familiar with them both from previously in the series, so the story flows well even from the start of the book. We get to see check in on some of our favorite previous characters along the way and watch Jared & Steph finagle their way through difficulties from their past still haunting them and seeing if they can overcome it all to be the support each other needs to move forward in a relationship. It wasn’t my favorite in the series, but I enjoyed it and it was a solid read!

Jared “Hot Rod” Roderick might still be feeling the pain from his recently ended marriage to a cheating gold-digger, but he’s not one to serial date or remain single for long. He loves being half of a relationship, so he’s setting his sights on finding the woman of his dreams. A sweet and loyal good girl … and he thinks he’s just met her!

Stephanie Clarke is doing whatever it takes to make ends meet while she picks up the pieces of her stomped on life. She recently got away from an abusive boyfriend and wants to turn her life around to be more of the person she truly wants to be instead of the things he coerced her into becoming. She’s far from the innocent angel that Jared is looking for, but he’s such a nice guy that she figures what can it hurt if he doesn’t know her past for just a little while.

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* Review * UNWRITTEN by Rachel Lacey

May 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Unwritten by Rachel Lacey
Series: Rock Star Duet #1
Published by Rachel Lacey on May 1, 2018
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Pop sensation and Hollywood star Katherine Hayes has worked hard to maintain her squeaky-clean image. But with nude photos going viral on the internet, the ensuing smear campaign threatens to ruin everything.

A chance meeting with a handsome college professor—who’s adorably clueless about her identity—is a rare break from the stress. But when shocked recognition dawns in his eyes, her survival mechanism kicks in. She can’t simply let him walk away to add grist to the rumor mill.

Josh Randall has already loved and lost his soulmate. Yet when he witnesses Kate in a vulnerable moment, he can’t deny the pull between them. Even though he believes down to his bones that true love doesn’t come twice in a lifetime.

A no-strings fling sounds like the perfect solution. But Kate never expected Josh to see the woman hiding behind the celebrity—or that the paparazzi would catch on to their sizzling passion so quickly. Making it hard to keep their tangled emotions from tearing their hearts apart when it’s time to say goodbye…

Sweet, sensual and electrifyingly real! With the first book in her brand new Rock Star Duet, Rachel Lacey dazzles us with the story of a down-to-earth pop star facing ugly scandal and a harsh past coming back to bite her when she least expects it. As if he was sent to her at the time she was going to need him most, she meets an unbelievably kind soul of a man that she just instantly connects with. She’s hesitant to trust anyone with her secrets, and he doesn’t think love can strike twice, but the two of them together sparkle in a magical way that just works. It felt a little long as I was reading it, but the drama was spaced well throughout to keep our attention, and the characters were easy to become enthralled with. Detailed descriptions of settings and feelings left the picture painted in our mind as we traveled this trying path with Kate and hoped against hope that she’d get that happy ending she so richly deserved. Loved it!

Pop star Katherine Hayes has worked unbelievably hard to reach the top in her career. She adores her fans, and loves the work that put her on top, but fake nude pictures being spread across the internet are threatening to tank her career! She’s anxious to set the record straight and get out from under this ugly cloud, but just when it seems things are on the right track, surprise after surprise pops out of the woodwork to derail her progress!

College professor Josh Randall has no idea who Kate is when he meets her during a walk through Central Park. They strike up a conversation and really enjoy each other’s company, but once she’s outed as a superstar, he backs away. Lucky for him Kate is persistent and insists that he have dinner with her to let her apologize for pulling the wool over his eyes. Josh lost the love of his life two years ago, and he knows he’ll never feel that way about another person again … but when Kate suggests a two week fling while she’s in New York, how can he resist this gorgeous dynamo??

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* Review * ONE NIGHT TO FOREVER by Joss Wood

April 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE NIGHT TO FOREVER by Joss Wood

One Night to Forever by Joss Wood
Series: The Ballantyne Billionaires
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2018
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He’s put family first for years. Now he wants to be wild.

So his best friend’s little sister is off-limits. Right?

Lachlyn Latimore is the long-lost Ballantyne daughter, but she wants no part of her famous family. Too bad the paparazzi missed the memo. Enter Reame Jepsen, the wealthy security expert who’s vowed to keep his best friend’s sister safe. Even if that means moving in, staying close and giving in to the forbidden…

An emotional roller coaster of a book! With the last book in her Ballantyne Billionaires series, Joss Wood manages once again to tug on our heartstrings. It’s been a joy getting to know each sibling and hearing about their connections with each other and with Conner, so to get the chance to see his secret daughter now brought into the fold of the family he helped build is pretty special. The main characters have an instantaneous chemistry and watching them fall in love even thought they are fighting it tooth and nail is fun to see. Getting to watch the rest of the family move forward and start new chapters was as well was a joy. I loved this book and the entire series!

When Lachlyn Latimore is outed as the long-lost Ballantyne sibling, she’s thrust into a media spotlight she wants nothing to do with. Her new-found family is anxious to right a wrong and pull her into their family unit but she’s dragging her feet and resisting at every turn! Her life was totally different from theirs, and she learned to do for herself … so to now have people want her to be a part of their lives is a big change to try to accept.

Security expert Reame Jepsen is always available when his best friend Linc needs him, so protecting his newly found sister should be a piece of cake … right? As soon as he lays eyes on her, attraction roars through him. He might move heaven and earth to keep her safe, but he can’t act on this rogue feeling that’s taken over his body … Linc would never forgive him!

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* Review * COLTON P.I. PROTECTOR by Regan Black

April 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * COLTON P.I. PROTECTOR by Regan Black

Colton P.I. Protector by Regan Black
Series: The Coltons of Red Ridge
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on May 1, 2018
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He’s claiming redemption—and the woman he wants

A riveting Coltons of Red Ridge romance

A sudden attack and a dognapping leave K-9 trainer Danica Gage shaken to her core. Even more surprising is her rescuer: P.I. Shane Colton. Years ago her family stole Shane’s freedom, but now Danica needs him to catch a criminal. And she must fight the urge to run into his arms…because wanting him could be a deadly mistake.

Attention grabbing intrigue! With the next book in The Coltons of Red Ridge series, Regan Black continues the thrilling build-up of trying to find out who the Groom Killer is, and solving a new crime on the side! With an interesting back story, we watch Danica & Shane feel their way into a quasi friendship that doesn’t take long to turn into more. The overall mystery of the series is built up well, and the secondary story line keeps our attention throughout. Quick to read and easy to love!

K-9 trainer Danica Gage never expects to become a victim in her own stomping ground, but when she finds herself needing a hand, she’s surprised to see Shane be the one to ride to her rescue! Her family did him wrong years ago and it ended up stealing more from him than she can ever make up for, so she doesn’t blame him for his dislike of her and her family one bit!

P.I. Shane Colton has no love loss for any member of the Gage family, but when he stumbles across Danica needing assistance, there’s no way he can walk away. Thrust together to try to solve this crime has them working through the past and gaining a new appreciation of each other!

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* Review * TEMPTED BY THE BILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR by Therese Beharrie

April 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TEMPTED BY THE BILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR by Therese Beharrie

Tempted by the Billionaire Next Door by Therese Beharrie
Published by Harlequin Romance on May 1, 2018
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He’s the one man who’s off-limits…

But could he be her Mr. Right?

When Jessica Steyn learns her delicious new neighbor is actually her best friend’s brother, billionaire bad boy Dylan Nel, she’s torn. After all, she’s just become his sister’s surrogate! Acting on their attraction would complicate things, but they’re soon growing closer. Overcoming Dylan’s troubled family history—and Jessica’s pregnancy—seems impossible, but could the answer to their heartaches be just next door?

A heartfelt story of healing, forgiveness and family dynamics! Jess and Dylan are drawn to each other almost as soon as they meet, but the hidden complexities of the world around them give them a little run for their money when secrets are told and roadblocks emerge in front of them. It’s rewarding to watch how hard the characters work to heal their relationships and deal with the consequences their actions caused instead of trying to sweep them under the rug. A quick and easy read with an uplifting message!

When Jessica Steyn’s new favorite past time becomes watching the hottie neighbor next door, never in her wildest dreams would she have guessed he was her best friend’s brother! Their family relationship has been strained for the couple of years that she’s been in Anja’s life, so she’s not so sure about getting friendly with him … not to mention, she’s currently carrying a baby for his sister!

Dylan Nel had his reasons for walking away from his life and staying gone for longer than his sister would have liked, but he’s home now and looking to make amends and get back the close relationship he used to have with her. Only problem is, she’s not in town, and her house guest/BFF is attracting all of his attention! When he finds out the big news of an addition to the family, how will he feel about it?

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* Review * BRO CODE by Kendall Ryan

April 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Bro Code by Kendall Ryan
Published by Dream Press on May 1, 2018
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There’s pretty much only one rule when you’re a guy.

Don’t be a douche.

Turns out, the fastest way to break that rule is to fall for your best friend’s sister.

Ava’s brilliant, sharp-tongued, gorgeous, and five years younger than me.

She’s the sexual equivalent of running with scissors. In a word, she’s dangerous. And completely off-limits.

Falling for her could ruin everything.

Yet I can’t seem to stop, even when her company is threatened by a lawsuit, and my promotion hinges on representing the opposing client—and winning.

I can’t see a way out of this mess that doesn’t end in a broken friendship, a broken heart, or a ruined career.

I may have broken the bro code when I fell for Ava. But do I have the balls to handle what comes next?

Steamy, forbidden and oh so sexy! Kendall Ryan’s latest is a super fun read! Ava and Barrett are both great characters with a lot of chemistry and watching them try to fight their feelings for each other is quite entertaining.

Every guy knows the score … the bro code … never get with your friend’s ex, and by no means EVER look at his sister! Attorney Barrett Wilson practically grew up at his best friend Nick’s house and was treated more like family in that household than he ever was at his own home. That’s why he’s always turned his head and ignored his feelings … but being back in town for a long weekend and in close proximity again makes resisting the pull being around her has on him next to impossible!

Ava Saunders crushed on Barrett hard when she was a teenager, but he never gave any indication that she was anything other than his BFF’s bratty little sister … until now! There’s no way she can ignore the heat in his eyes when they look at each other. Wow! She’s more than game to give him a whirl, but is he willing to put his friendship and the only family he’s ever truly had on the line?

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* Blog Tour / Review * THE DOCTOR’S RECOVERY by Cari Lynn Webb

April 30, 2018 3 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * THE DOCTOR’S RECOVERY by Cari Lynn Webb

The Doctor's Recovery by Cari Lynn Webb
Series: City by the Bay Stories
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on May 1, 2018
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When a doctor and a filmmaker reconnect…

Just who is healing whom?

Two years ago, Dr. Wyatt Reid shared an unforgettable goodbye kiss with Mia Fiore. Now a scuba diving accident brings the daredevil documentary filmmaker into his San Francisco ER. Could this be their shot at a real relationship? But Wyatt, haunted by family tragedy, saves lives, and Mia risks hers every day. Can they find the way to a future on both their terms?

An emotional journey towards forgiveness, redemption and happily ever afters! We’re quickly drawn in as the story of Mia and Wyatt unfold. They’ve both experienced loss that they are still struggling with how to live with. Outside influences are at the top of their minds in getting settled into their new normal, but letting go and actually seeing the world around them again aids in both of their healing. The characters are intriguing and keep us wanting to know more. The story line is a bit distracting, yet satisfying in it’s own way. Overall, a heart tugging story with a twist that is very enjoyable!

When she walked away from their short time together, Dr. Wyatt Reid never expected to see Mia Fiore again, yet here she is two years later being rushed into his ER. She’s bound and determined to rush her recovery after a diving accident and get right back out there making films and risking her life to do it, but life has another plan for her and intends to make her slow down and weigh what she really wants going forward.

Wyatt has issues of his own he’s still trying to bury his head in the sand about, but he can’t make himself go off and forget he ever saw Mia again. There’s a connection there that can’t quickly be pushed aside while she’s in his space. Will she be able to help him find the peace he so desperately needs?

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Doctor’s Recovery
(City by the Bay Stories #1)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
May 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

When a doctor and a filmmaker reconnect…

Just who is healing whom?

Two years ago, Dr. Wyatt Reid shared an unforgettable goodbye kiss with Mia Fiore. Now a scuba diving accident brings the daredevil documentary filmmaker into his San Francisco ER. Could this be their shot at a real relationship? But Wyatt, haunted by family tragedy, saves lives, and Mia risks hers every day. Can they find the way to a future on both their terms?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Other Heartwarming Books by the Author

Tour Schedule

April 30th:
Launch
Heidi Reads…
Harlequin Junkie – Spotlight & Exclusive Giveaway
Nicole’s Book Musings
Thoughts of a Blonde
May 1st:
Colorimetry
The Power of Words
Reading Is My SuperPower
May 2nd:
Wishful Endings
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Hardcover Feedback
Hearts & Scribbles
May 3rd:
Book Lover in Florida
Locks, Hooks and Books
It’s All About the Romance
May 4th:
I Am A Reader
Britt Reads Fiction
underneath the covers
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader
May 5th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will receive a signed copy of The Charm Offensive, a Two Tone Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Heartbeat Necklace, and some Spring Candy (open to US only)
– 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift (open internationally)
– Ends May 9th

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