Book Reviews – Page 199

* Review * STRONG HOLD by Sarah Castille

August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

Strong Hold by Sarah Castille
Series: Redemption
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on July 3, 2018
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"Shayla?"
For the longest moment Zack's brain couldn't process the sight in front of him.
Seven years, ten months and twenty-seven days. That was how long it had been since he'd seen her. That was how long it had been since he'd lived a life without regret.

Fight promoter Zack Grayson is on the prowl for a rising star. As the top recruiter of a prestigious MMA promotion company, he wants to take someone where he was never able to go: the top of the professional league. He didn't expect that someone to be the woman he loved...and left.

Top-ranked MMA amateur fighter Shayla "Shilla the Killa" Tyler built walls around her heart when Zack left her seven years ago—and again when her husband turned violent. Now, seeing Zack is nearly enough to send those walls crumbling. But she can't risk the exposure of the limelight, and she definitely can't risk another heartbreak.

As Shayla and Zack grow closer, though, business turns personal. And once their passion unleashes, there's no going back...

First love reunited! This entire series has been a lot of fun to read with some great characters and connections, but this book right here has topped it all for me. There’s just something about Shayla and Zack and the young love they once knew that made me sit up and watch with baited breath to see how it was all going to play out. How was he going to feel when he found out the life she’d been dealt after he left her? How was she going to feel when she learned why he walked away? And most importantly of all, were they going to find a way to get past all of the pain and just love each other again? Really loved their story!

Amateur MMA fighter Shayla Tanner never expected to see her teenage love again. They had big plans for after she graduated, but in the blink of an eye, Zach told her he was leaving and she should move on with her life. She never got over the heartbreak he dished out, but she tried to pick up the pieces and move forward. Sadly the next man she trusted wound up breaking her heart too when he turned into an abusive husband. She’s finally picking up the pieces for herself and herself only … she doesn’t need anybody anymore, just the thrill of the fight!

Fight promoter Zack Grayson walks into Redemption gym looking for the next big thing to promote through the professional MMA circuit, but he’s jaw dropping shocked to bump into his ex Shayla after almost eight years. He had a great career climbing the ranks of the MMA lifestyle after he left her, until it all fell apart at his fingertips. Still high regarded and working behind the scenes these days, Zach is still doing well for himself. He can’t believe Shayla is a fighter now … and he also can’t believe the attitude change in her from the girl he knew and loved.

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* Review * CAVANAUGH’S SECRET DELIVERY by Marie Ferrarella

August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

Cavanaugh's Secret Delivery by Marie Ferrarella
Series: Top Secret Deliveries, Cavanaugh Justice
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on July 1, 2018
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This Cavanaugh detective guards his ready-made family

A brand-new Top Secret Deliveries thriller

Delivering a stranded woman’s baby? All in a day’s work for Detective Dugan Cavanaugh. But the new mother is investigative reporter Toni O’Keefe, who’s hot on the trail of the drug cartel Dugan is tracking. Now with infant Heather and Toni in the cartel’s lethal sights, Toni’s fragile trust in Dugan is their only shot to get Cavanaugh justice!

Unexpected delivery! With a dip into the Top Secret Deliveries series, we get to go along for the ride of yet another sexy Cavanaugh cop as he tries to rid the streets of the bad guys. The story started off exciting, and the characters were an interesting pair, but sadly this was not a favorite for me by this author. I’m sure we’ll see another great one next time, but this one fell flat for me with too little plot development.

Detective Dugan Cavanaugh is more than happy to assist when he finds a woman about to give birth on the side of the parking lot with no assistance. He manages to calm her down and delivery her baby before getting them on their way to the hospital with a promise of stopping in to check on them.

Investigative reporter Toni O’Keefe didn’t exactly plan this crazy birth going the way it did, but she’s super thankful for Dugan’s help. When they finally get a chance to connect again, it’s beneficial because she just so happens to have a lot of info on the drug cartel he’s trying to bust. Will he be able to use the info she can give him and still keep her and her little family safe?

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* Review * DILF DIARIES: OH BABY by Stephanie St. Klaire

August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

DILF Diaries: Oh Baby by Stephanie St. Klaire
Series: DILF Diaries
on July 12, 2018
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He likes to find them hot, and leave them wet…

Women are setting their lawns on fire and sticking cats in trees all so they can dial 911 and get a glimpse of Jack Decker’s…hose. When a firefighter looks like he does, it’s no wonder panties are melting, and hearts are ablaze all over the city because he is H-O-T…hot! Jack might put out fires like a regular hero, but it doesn’t stop him from heating up the sheets and letting them smolder.

In a burning twist of fate, Jack finds himself up all night long for an entirely new reason, a reason that’s anything but smoldering. That is until the feisty firecracker next door threatens to ignite a fire he doesn’t know how to battle…Oh Baby!

Dad's doing it all...night...long!

Fresh, exciting and laugh out loud funny! With the first book in the DILF DIARIES series, we meet sexy fireman Jack Decker and watch him meander his way through hilarious situations all while wooing the girl next door and settling into a new lifestyle. The characters are a lot of fun, and the story is downright sweet. Really enjoyed it!

Fireman Jack Decker is the talk of the town! Men want to be like him, women want to be with him. From old ladies calling with their cat up a tree to mommy clubs walking by his house to hot women throwing themselves at him every where he goes … he’s the man in demand! Yet the one woman he needs to woo hates him.

ER nurse Juliet Walker can’t stand her neighbor! His egotistical frat boy like behavior is so demeaning. Loud parties, barely dressed women hanging all over, recounts of his escapades all over town … what a jerk! When an unexpected surprise shows up that sends Jack scurrying to her door to beg for her help, Juliet for the first time has some leverage to get the partying to stop interrupting her peace and quiet … but as she gets to know Jack, she comes to realize he’s more than just the rumors!

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* Review * COLD CASE COVER-UP by Virginia Vaughan

August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * COLD CASE COVER-UP by Virginia Vaughan

Cold Case Cover-Up by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Covert Operatives
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on August 1, 2018
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She’ll risk everything to uncover her past

The first thrilling Covert Operatives tale

An infant is believed to have been murdered thirty years ago—but investigative journalist Dana Lang is convinced she’s that baby. Now someone’s willing to kill to stop her investigation. And only secretive deputy Quinn Dawson, whose grandfather may have faked Dana’s death to protect her, can keep her safe. But a killer’s dead set on burying the past—and them—for good.

Explosive secrets are uncovered! My attention was grabbed from the very start when the details of this cold case began to emerge. The story line was riveting and the characters well developed and personable. Really enjoyed it!

Investigative TV journalist Dana Lang is well known for her tenacity in getting her story, but this time, the thing she’s intent on investigating is personal! She’s found information that leads her to believe she’s the infant that was believed dead in small town West Bend, Missouri thirty years ago. She’s going to find answers of who she really is, even though things have started to happen ever since she arrived in town!

Security specialist Quinn Dawson finds himself drawn to Dana the first time he meets her, so when he hears that someone is targeting her, he’s determined to get to the bottom of it … especially when he realizes his grandfather may have been involved in whatever cover-up happened all those years ago. Danger is circling around them and determined that she won’t uncover the truth … will he be able to keep her safe while she does?

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* Review * SURPRISE BABY, SECOND CHANCE by Therese Beharrie

August 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SURPRISE BABY, SECOND CHANCE by Therese Beharrie

Surprise Baby, Second Chance by Therese Beharrie
Published by Harlequin Romance on August 1, 2018
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Reunited for one night…

Bound forever by the consequence!

Determined never to become a burden on the person she’s loves most, Rosa walked away from her husband, Aaron. Now she’s back on his island home for a family party, and they end up stranded together during a storm! Forced to confront the past and their infinite attraction, a kiss leads to one more night… And when she discovers she’s pregnant, Rosa knows it’s time to fight for their future.

Reunited! Fast paced and intriguing story about a couple who were drawn together because of a common bond, but who didn’t share their inner most thoughts and feelings well enough before marrying. The characters are both interesting and you find yourself liking them both and pulling for them to get over the hurdle to a reconciliation. The story line has good bones, but it almost feels like you’re coming in mid-scene with the way it begins and carries forward. A tad flat in the presentation, but enjoyable none-the-less!

When Rosa Spencer says she’ll attend a family party at the behest of her mother-in-law, she doesn’t know that its a set-up to get she and her estranged husband in the same room again. She left him a few months ago with no explanation, but not because of anything he had done wrong. She’s trying to protect him from the day she becomes a burden.

Aaron Spencer would have fixed anything she had a problem with if Rosa had only told him why she was unhappy enough to leave. When coming face to face with her again, all of the same love and desire flares to the surface. Stranded together in a storm, they agree to enjoy one more night before she walks away again, but when it leads to consequences, she finally figures out it’s time to fight for her marriage and the life that she wants to be leading!

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* Review * PROTECTED SECRETS by Heather Woodhaven

August 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PROTECTED SECRETS by Heather Woodhaven

Protected Secrets by Heather Woodhaven
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on August 1, 2018
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Safeguarding the witness…

And his adopted little girl

US Marshal Delaney Patton’s assignment: protect murder witness Bruce Walker and his daughter—a little girl Delaney suspects is the child she gave up for adoption years ago. But before she can explore a possible reunion, Delaney must outsmart the deadly criminal organization tracking their every move. Can she shield them long enough to find the truth…and possibly become part of the family she’s falling for?

Captivating! My attention was grabbed instantly with this book. The intrigue and danger felt real, the characters had a lot of heart and their situations brought forth feelings of sorrow and empathy. I enjoyed the adorable little girl so much! Great read!

US Marshal Delaney Patton is returning to her hometown, and gets thrown into a case sooner than she expected. She has to protect a murder witness until he can testify … but he has an adorable little girl … one that is a similar age to what her’s would have been had she not made the biggest mistake of her life in giving her up during a dark time in her life. She’s not sure she can stand being around her, but when danger seems to be around every corner, she can’t walk away and leave her in peril either!

Businessman Bruce Walker never expected to walk into the middle of a crime at his own office, then have it worsen by watching a murder take place in front of his eyes. He’s still in disbelief when Delaney swoops in to take him and his daughter to a safe house. As the bad guys seem to be able to track his every move, they race against time to find safety time and again. Along the way, he and Delaney grow close, but when she starts to recognize things in his daughter, will it all fall apart in front of his eyes?

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* Review * THE RANCHER’S TWINS by Carol Ross

August 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Rancher's Twins by Carol Ross
Series: Return of the Blackwell Brothers
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on August 1, 2018
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She’s not the country nanny he advertised for

But she could be perfect for him…

Jon Blackwell needs a woman ready to tackle the duties of a cattle ranch and two lively, take-no-prisoners twin girls. But ever since Lydia Newbury showed up at his six-generation Montana spread, the frazzled single father is rethinking, well, everything. The Philadelphia dazzler is a marvel. What he doesn’t know is the secret that has Lydia on the run…

Love when they least expected it! With the kick off to a new Harlequin Heartwarming series, Carol Ross brings us the story of the eldest Blackwell brother. He’s the only one left in the town they grew up in, and he’s still hard at work in the ranching life. The siblings are fairly estranged, and Jon finds himself missing the camaraderie they once knew, and the support system around him. Not only did this book bring us Jon and Lydia’s sweet love story, but it also laid the foundation for the sibling stories to come. The characters we were developed and captured my attention quickly. The adorable girls had me smiling often, and the added intrigue of Lydia’s past was an interesting twist. Really enjoyed and looking forward to the next brother’s story!

Montana rancher Jon Blackwell is running out of steam! He’s a single father to two rambunctious little girls, trying to run a cattle ranch at prime birthing season and pick up the slack at his grandfather’s place while he’s gone MIA … he needs help! He’s sure that the nanny agency he has sending him the perfect candidate will be the answer to his prayers … and sanity! After all, they advertised that they could match him with whatever he needs … and he needs a nanny that is familiar with life on a ranch.

Lydia Newbury is thrilled to have a job that will take her somewhere far away from Philadelphia, but she’s familiar with teens, not toddlers so this might be a hard job to pull off. When Jon tells her that he wanted a country nanny who knows ranching life, she promises to learn everything she needs to learn quickly because she needs this job. She manages to pull off a miracle and make his more than a handful twins into well behaved angels, and Jon finds himself enjoying her more than he should … but when her past catches up with her, what will the fallout be?

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* Blog Tour/Book Review * BUTTERFACE by Avery Flynn

July 31, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour/Book Review * BUTTERFACE by Avery Flynn

Butterface by Avery Flynn
Series: The Hartigans
Published by Entangled: Amara on July 30, 2018
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It’s true. I’m not what most people would call “pretty” and, well, high school was rough. Fast forward ten years and life is good…

Until a bunch of jerks think it’s hilarious to put the “butterface” (AKA me) on a wedding Kiss Cam with the hottest guy ever—and that old humiliation hits hard.

I recognize him immediately. The sexiest cop in Waterbury and totally out of my league.

But then he kisses me. And we totally forget the room, the crowd, everything.

Then he tells everyone we’ve been dating for months.

Soon everything starts to feel too real, from adorable fights over “necessary” tools to fix my broken porch to surviving a free-for-all dinner with his six siblings to picking up where our last kiss left off.

But there’s something he’s not telling me about why he’s really hanging around, and I’m pretty sure it has to do with my mob-connected brothers.

Because this is not a make-over story, and Cinderella is only a fairy tale…

What a delicious story! So on the average day, we pick up a novel depicting a gorgeous heroine who turns every head around right? Well, our dear Avery Flynn has decided to give it to us straight and showcase one of us that isn’t so perfect for a change! It’s fun, it’s sad, it’s oh so true … and best yet, it teaches a message if you’re willing to open your eyes and see it. Words hurt people … and we all deserve love and true friends as much as the next person! I adored Gina and Ford together, the secondary cast of family and friends were great additions, and the overall plot was interesting. Looking forward to more in the series!

Wedding planner Gina Luca knows she’s not pretty. Life has been one hard lesson after another in what’s expected and acceptable and she’s just simply not it, but she’s top notch at what she does, dependable, and the bomb when it comes to being a friend, so it’s not all bad! She thought she was over the mob mentality anxiety that grew from her childhood trauma at the hands of the other not so nice kids, but when she has the bad luck of being stuck by the most handsome man in the room on a Kiss Cam at a wedding, she’s mortified! They can’t expect this guy to kiss her … he’d never live it down!

Detective Ford Hartigan is only too happy to get his hands on her, but isn’t sure why she seems so put off by him. Once he catches wind of the razzing she gets on a fairly regular basis, he gets why she thinks he wouldn’t take her seriously … but he’s here to tell her that he does. He likes her … a lot! Only problem is, his job just might be pushing him in her direction as well to see what kind of info might be floating around about her mobster brothers!

“I love the heck out of this book! It’s super fresh and hysterical.” — Helena Hunting, New York Times bestselling author

Butterface, a hot romantic comedy from USA Today bestselling author Avery Flynn, is AVAILABLE NOW!

Synopsis

Looks aren’t everything.

It’s true. I’m not what most people would call “pretty” and, well, high school was rough. Fast forward ten years and life is good…

Until a bunch of jerks think it’s hilarious to put the “butterface” (AKA me) on a wedding Kiss Cam with the hottest guy ever-and that old humiliation hits hard.

I recognize him immediately. The hottest cop in Waterbury and totally out of my league.
But then he kisses me.
And we totally forget the room, the crowd, everything.
Then he tells everyone we’ve been dating for months.

Soon everything starts to feel too real, from adorable fights over “necessary” tools to fix my broken porch to surviving a free-for-all dinner with his six siblings to picking up where our last kiss left off.

But there’s something he’s not telling me about why he’s really hanging around, and I’m pretty sure it has to do with my mob-connected brothers.

Because this is not a makeover story, and Cinderella is only a fairy tale…

Download Your Copy Today!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2ykgQEa
Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/Butterface
iBooks: https://apple.co/2yo2dQd
Nook: https://bit.ly/2tmqf8m
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2K3Cn8U

Add to GoodReads: https://bit.ly/2sSXjEL

Excerpt:

“Do not disrespect the Kiss Cam, Hartigan!” someone bellowed out as the chanting crowd grew more restless. And louder.

“One quick kiss,” he said, his tone grim with a thread of something more vulnerable underneath. “Then, they’ll leave us alone.”

That’s when Gina’s gaze moved from her own face, blotchy with embarrassment on the screen, over to him. The tips of his ears were scarlet, and he was tapping the tips of his middle finger and thumb together like he was keeping rhythm for a ska band.

He was hiding it better, but the reality was he wasn’t enjoying this anymore than she was.

Glancing from the screen to the actual man himself, her lungs tightened. He was a big guy, and she wasn’t just talking about his broad shoulders that filled out his tux to a mouthwatering degree. He had to have at least four inches on her own five foot ten.

He glanced down, making eye contact, and for a second they weren’t the hottie and the nottie. They were two people stuck in a completely socially awkward situation that they had no control over.

She nibbled the inside of her cheek and considered her options before deciding that Ford was right. A quick peck would get the videographer out of their faces and divert the boisterous crowd’s attention to another couple happier to indulge in this bit of insanity. Then, she could finish up the last of her duties and go home to her peaceful, if totally messy, mid-renovation Victorian.

She let out a shaky breath, not sure she was making the right decision. “Fine. A kiss. Whatever.”

Gina had barely gotten the words out when his large hands cupped her face, sending electric shock waves through her that made her lips part slightly with surprise. He dipped his head down-and he kissed her.

The roar of approval from the crowd faded to almost nothing when he seemed to groan involuntarily. Her body approved and made an answering sound of its own. At her encouragement, his tongue slicked across her bottom lip, and her mind lost all reasonable thought. Teasing her senses and sending her heartbeat into overdrive, she softened against him, practically melting against his hard, muscular chest. Somewhere in the back of her mind she registered that people were cheering. She just couldn’t for the life of her care. The world turned electric as the air practically vibrated against her skin as he deepened the kiss. His tongue swept against hers in a brief but oh-so-potent move that had her clutching his lapel before she’d even realized she’d lifted her hands.

Then, almost as soon as it began, he lifted his head and stepped back, breaking the connection.

Dazed, she released his tuxedo jacket and looked around, catching sight of herself on the giant screen. Her face was flushed and her eyes hazy. She pressed her fingers to her still-tingling lips. She looked like a woman who’d been kissed senseless, which made sense because that was exactly what had just happened.

About Avery
USA Today bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.

Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

Connect with Avery
Website: http://averyflynn.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/avery-flynn
Mailing List: http://averyflynn.com/newsletter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AveryFlynnAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/averyflynn
GoodReads: https://bit.ly/2f1waY4
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/averyflynnbooks/
Join the Flynnbots: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Flynnbots/
http://averyflynn.com

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * GONE by Shirlee McCoy

July 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

Gone by Shirlee McCoy
Series: FBI: Special Crimes Unit #2
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on July 1, 2018
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Agent Undercover…Identity Exposed

The FBI: Special Crimes Unit series continues

FBI agent Sam Sheridan’s mission is to take down a human trafficking ring and save missing teens—until he witnesses a kidnapping. Blowing his cover, Sam rescues Ella McIntire. But she’s not safe yet. While searching for the truth about her cousin’s death, Ella came too close to a dangerous secret. And now only Sam can protect her from the men determined to silence her.

Gripping intrigue! We’re quickly pulled into the story as the second book in Shirlee McCoy’s FBI: Special Crimes Unit series kicks off. The characterization is strong as this pair try to figure out who’s guilty of what and whether they can count on each other to help get the bad guys. An entertaining read for sure!

FBI Special Agent Sam Sheridon is undercover on a missing teen/human trafficking assignment when he sees a woman being kidnapped and blows his cover to rescue her.

Ella McIntire doesn’t believe the stories that are being told about her cousin’s death, so while she’s in town packing up her belongings, she’s doing some investigation on her own. She never expects to get hit over the head and kidnapped in doing so! She’s super thankful Sam was there to save her, but she’s not sure how much info she can trust him with.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * WHEN YOU KNEW by Jamie Beck

July 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

When You Knew by Jamie Beck
Series: The Cabots #3
Published by Montlake Romance on June 26, 2018
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An unlikely couple must decide what truly defines family.

Gentry Cabot’s rebellious life comes to a screeching halt when a one-night stand leads to a sobering new reality: motherhood. Exhausted and overwhelmed, the former wild child struggles to raise an infant on her own. After a lifetime of feeling like the odd Cabot out, Gentry knows that what her son needs most is family. For his sake, she plans to rebuild bridges with them, but first she needs a little help on the home front.

Humanitarian worker Ian Crawford has devoted his life to service. Forced to temporarily return stateside, he’s eager to head back to Haiti to expand the nonprofit he just founded in his late father’s honor. He can’t do that without money, so when Gentry offers a hefty paycheck for a short-term gig as a live-in nanny, he can’t afford to say no. Ian expects to deal with a barrage of privileged problems. What he doesn’t expect is how quickly being a makeshift father transforms him.

Despite his growing attachment to Gentry and her child, Ian still has his dreams, and Gentry wants a full-time dad for her son. When the baby’s father reenters the picture, will Gentry and Ian embrace the family they’ve formed or end up worlds apart?

Heartfelt, adorable and sexy to boot! We are quickly drawn in to the story of a mom who’s crying baby is grating on her nerves, then help arrives in the form of a sexy man who has the magic baby whisperer touch! The characters are both flawed in their thinking about themselves, but help each other to see another side that they didn’t realize existed. I loved them together … and the added mix of another man coming back into the picture really gave them a run for their money! Good story!!

Wild child Gentry Cabot has spent a lifetime living down to people’s expectations for her. She’s the black sheep of the family, the one no one thinks will amount to much, the one that will always bring the drama. A one-night stand leaves her with the unexpected blessing of a son who though he tries her patience and sanity, she adores. She has to get back to work soon or her family is going to use that against her too … but she has to find someone she trusts to leave Colton with!

EMT and humanitarian worker Ian Crawford happens to be in Portland visiting his Mom before he heads back to Haiti to continue his life’s dream of dedicating a training facility to his father in honor of his work helping ravaged countries. He finds himself needing some fast cash, so when Gentry offers him a temporary live-in nanny position, he can’t really pass up a free place to live and cash in his pocket to fund his trip back to Haiti. Only trouble is, he starts to really enjoy this read-made family he’s living in. She’s a dream come true, that baby’s a doll … but can he give up his dream for them? And when the baby’s father re-enters the picture, what kind of wrench will that throw into the scenario?

Filed Under: Book Reviews