* Review * THE RANCHER’S BARGAIN by Joanne Rock

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE RANCHER’S BARGAIN by Joanne RockThe Rancher's Bargain by Joanne Rock
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction #5
Published by Harlequin Desire on January 1, 2019
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four-half-stars

Can a bachelor auction gone wrong…

mean temptation for the rich rancher?

James Harris needs a nanny for his nephew—now! So when Lydia Walker’s sister reneges on an extravagant bachelor-auction bid, the Texas Cattleman’s Club president has an idea. He’ll cover the debt, and Lydia will care for the baby. Neither is prepared for the passion that blindsides them. But is a permanent personal arrangement more than they bargained for?

 

The yummy next segment in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction saga is brought to us by Joanne Rock. James and Lydia were both strong-minded characters and quick to make me like them each individually, and as their stories unfold and they began to grow closer, the sweetness of their ready-made family stole the show. Really enjoyed them and their story! I find the Rose Clayton side story to be a distraction throughout this whole series and think it would have been more enjoyable as a whole if the auction was the sole connection. Overall a great book and a great continuing saga!

Lydia Walker can’t believe her irresponsible sister has gone so far as to pledge a huge amount of money to charity in the form of a Bachelor Auction that she can in no way, shape or form afford! She’s really tired of picking up the pieces of her dysfunctional family, yet she can’t in good conscience let this one slide. How is she going to come up with a payment method?

Texas Cattleman’s Club president James Harris has already made good on the charity payout so as not to put that kind of spotlight on the club when the bidder turned out to be a flake, but when Lydia walks in with the magic baby touch just when he’s desperate for a nanny for his orphaned nephew, he figures he just might be on to a solution here! He’ll forgive the debt if she takes over caring for his new charge … but how long will they be able to fight the attraction flaring between them?

four-half-stars

* Review * A SOLDIER’S HONOR by Regan Black

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A SOLDIER’S HONOR by Regan BlackA Soldier's Honor by Regan Black
Series: The Riley Code #1
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on January 1, 2019
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four-half-stars

One soldier’s long-lost secret is alive and well

Regan Black’s thrilling new miniseries: The Riley Code

When a security snafu turns his world upside down, Major Matt Riley reunites with his long-lost son. And fourteen years later, the military man is still captivated by his ex, Bethany Trent. Matt must convince her that their new family bond is for keeps—but first, he must keep them alive…

 

Heart-pounding danger mixes with the sexual tension of long lost love to bring Regan Black’s exciting new miniseries The Riley Code to life! A great groundwork is laid to continue the intrigue of who is out to get this family and why as we delve into the first sibling’s story.

When a security breach brings out a long-buried secret, Major Matthew Riley’s life will be changed forever. Fourteen years have passed since he was left behind by Bethany, but the years haven’t diminished his feelings for her. Getting to know their son is worth any amount of turmoil it stirs up in his life, he just has to find out who’s playing games in their lives so he can keep his family safe!

Bethany Trent loves her teenage son more than anything in this world, and if getting to know his father is this important to him, she has no other choice than to support it. She’s not so sure she’s ready to share his love, but she can’t deny that seeing him interact with Matt makes her wonder if she did the right thing by excluding him all those years ago. Danger is lurking and feelings are flowing in directions she never expected simultaneously … will they have a happy ending after all?

four-half-stars

* Review * MENTOR’S MATCH by Tara Sue Me

* Review * MENTOR’S MATCH by Tara Sue MeMentor's Match by Tara Sue Me
Series: Submissive #11
Published by After Six Publishing on May 30, 2018
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four-stars

One wild and crazy, we-won’t-tell-anyone, week of sex and submission was all old friends, Kate and Fritz, agreed to while in Berlin for work. When they wind up together on the same project in Delaware, Fritz makes it clear he’s more than happy to pick up where they left off.

But Kate had already decided it would be best for her to give up BDSM altogether and she doesn’t expect a hardcore Dom like Fritz to do the same. However, she soon finds out she’s vastly underestimated Fritz because he’s not about to give up on the woman he’s fantasized about for years.

 

Titillating temptation! Fans of Tara Sue Me’s Submissive series will be very familiar with the heroine in this story. We get to catch up with some of our old favorites, including Kate’s ex Cole as her story plays out. She is considering leaving the BDSM community but a strong pull towards Fritz has her wondering if they could ever put their differing needs together to be a successful couple. The story started out a little slow with light dialogue on what happened in Germany, but it picked up when Fritz comes to the US to continue what they started. Not as hands on in an ongoing relationship as some in the series, but enjoyable.

Architect Kate Herrington is attempting to get her life in order after the big changes she’s made in the last year, and going to a major conference in Berlin feels like a great stepping stone to awakening her career. When a hotel snafu pops up at the last minute, she remembers that her ex Cole’s friend Fritz has a house in Berlin that might not be in use. She calls in the favor and winds up getting more than she bargained for with a decadent week in Germany!

Contractor Fritz Brose has been lusting after Kate since she was his best friend’s lady, so he’s not going to let the fact that she’s going to be staying at his house pass by without seeing her. An agreement to play together while she’s in town sets wheels in motion in his mind to claiming her as his own. Upon returning to the US, she’s hesitant to agree to that because she thinks leaving the lifestyle is the only solution for her.

four-stars

* Review * THE LAST TRUE COWBOY by Laura Drake

* Review * THE LAST TRUE COWBOY by Laura DrakeThe Last True Cowboy by Laura Drake
Series: Chestnut Creek #1
Published by Forever on December 4, 2018
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four-stars

This cowboy's got one last chance to prove himself.

Carly Beauchamp has loved cowboy Austin Davis since first grade. Ask anyone in their dusty, backwater New Mexico town of Unforgiven, and they'll say "Carly and Austin" the way some say "big trucks and country boys." But after years of waiting for a wedding ring, Carly's done with being a rodeo widow . . .

Austin never meant to put his career on the circuit before Carly. She's always been his future, his one and only. But now that she's moved on, he's beginning to see where he went wrong, and he'll do anything to win her back. The only thing is, Carly's suddenly acting differently, and she's definitely hiding a secret-one that will test the depth of their love and open up a whole new world of possibilities.

 

With the first book in a brand new series from Laura Drake, we are introduced to the town of Unforgiven, New Mexico and settle in to the story of the “it” couple in town. She’s running her family cafe just waiting for him to marry her, and he’s having too much fun traveling from one rodeo town to another to realize that she’s tired of waiting. The fallout from her walking away might be more than this couple can recover from, no matter how much they have always loved each other! The story is comprised of really interesting characters who were quick to grab my attention, and other than a few timeline tidbits that didn’t seem to add up it was a solid read. Looking forward to another visit to Unforgiven soon!

Carly Beauchamp never expected to still be waiting on that promised “forever” at almost thirty. She’s been in love with one man for her entire life, but she’s getting really tired of playing second fiddle to the rodeo. How many times can she hear “just one more year” before she explodes? She never wanted to walk away from him, but she just couldn’t handle being pushed to the wayside one more time … now she’s in a place she never wanted or expected. She’s dug herself so far into a hole, she’s not sure she can manage the climb out.

Rodeo cowboy Austin Davis thought Carly would always be there. He’s always planned to settle down with her after the thrill of the rodeo is over and start their own dream business while they grow old raising a family … but too little, too late is what he offered her. He can’t believe this time she really means she’s walking away, but as days pass without her in them, he starts to open his eyes … he really did take her for granted! Now he’s got to do everything in his power to win her back … and hope he’s not too late!

four-stars

* Review * SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT by Elle James

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT by Elle JamesSix Minutes to Midnight by Elle James
Series: Mission: Six #6
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 1, 2019
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four-stars

He’s a navy SEAL who’s highly trained for any assignment.

So why can’t he resist the woman he’s vowed to protect?

Navy SEAL “T-Mac” Trace McGuire is assigned to protect army specialist Kinsley Anderson and Agar, her IED-detecting dog. When they’re shot at and nearly blown up, T-Mac admires Kinsley’s ability to hold her own. On the run from terrorists, T-Mac is trained to ensure their safety and survival in the African desert. He’s prepared for every scenario but one: falling for the woman whose life is in his hands.

 

The final chapter! We’ve been on adventure after adventure with this closeknit group of SEALs, and it’s a pleasure to see Trace find his true love before they head stateside again! The entire series gave us an in depth look at the countryside of Africa as they traversed it, and gave us a glimpse into some of the unjust that could be happening at any time. It was a powerful series and I really enjoyed it. Great to get caught up with all of the other guys before it was all wrapped up!

When Navy SEAL Trace “T-Mac” McGuire encounters Army specialist Kinsley Anderson and her explosives detecting K-9 partner, he is awestruck. He’s not usually taken in just by the looks of a lady, but there’s something about how she carries herself as she’s working alongside them in a dangerous situation that really attracts him to her. When he’s assigned protection duty of the lovely dog handler and her canine, he takes his job seriously.

Kinsley doesn’t want any special treatment because she’s a woman. She’s trained hard with her canine Agar to come here to assist in saving as many of our guys as possible by stopping the bomb destruction before it can happen. T-Mac is quite the distraction … but a fairly welcome one in the end!

four-stars

* Review * BEFORE WE WERE STRANGERS by Brenda Novak

* Review * BEFORE WE WERE STRANGERS by Brenda NovakBefore We Were Strangers by Brenda Novak
Published by MIRA on December 4, 2018
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five-stars

Something happened to her mother that night. Something no one wants to talk about. But she’s determined to uncover her family’s dark secrets, even if they bury her.

Five-year-old Sloane McBride couldn’t sleep that night. Her parents were arguing again, their harsh words heating the cool autumn air. And then there was that other sound—the ominous thump before all went quiet.

In the morning, her mother was gone.

The official story was that she left. Her loving, devoted mother! That hadn’t sat any better at the time than it did when Sloane moved out at eighteen, anxious to leave her small Texas hometown in search of anywhere else. But not even a fresh start working as a model in New York could keep the nightmares at bay. Or her fears that the domineering father she grew up with wasn’t just difficult—he was deadly.

Now another traumatic loss forces Sloane to realize she owes it to her mother to find out the truth, even if it means returning to a small town full of secrets and lies, a jilted ex-boyfriend, and a father and brother who’d rather see her silenced. But as Sloane starts digging into the past, the question isn’t whether she can uncover what really happened that night…it’s what will remain of her family if she does?

 

A riveting, deeply entrenching read! I was hooked immediately! We get to know Sloane little by little before she reveals why she is returning home after all these years and what’s she’s hoping to find there. The story takes many unexpected turns, and even when you think you know what happened, you will be shocked once again. Really great book filled with richly built characters, in depth development of past events and a captivating delve into the current life spinning on it’s axle around her. Loved it!

Model Sloane McBride might have left home to head to the bright lights of New York a decade ago, but some parts of Millcreek would never leave her mind. Like the memories and dreams that continue to haunt her. She’s not so sure she wants to know the answers, but the churning fear in her gut won’t be silenced any longer. She has to find out what happened to her mother that night. She might have only been five years old, but she remembers things. Voices, fighting, things that were said, a loud thump, then silence … and the next morning Mom was gone … forever.

The return to town is just as volatile as she expects. Her high school best friend is trying to act like no time has passed, her ex-boyfriend still holds an obvious grudge for her leaving, her father tries to run her out of town before she even gets there, and her brother is making it clear he has no wish to dredge up the past alongside her. It seems like everyone is against her … but she’s determined to bring her mother peace once and for all, regardless of the danger that starts to swirl!

five-stars

* Review * BULLETPROOF CHRISTMAS by Barb Han

* Review * BULLETPROOF CHRISTMAS by Barb HanBulletproof Christmas by Barb Han
Series: Crisis: Cattle Barge #6
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on December 1, 2018
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four-stars

Where there’s a will…there’s murder.

Crisis: Cattle Barge reaches its exciting Christmas finale!

When the Butlers gather for the Christmas reading of their murdered father’s will, tracker Rory Scott is focused on finding the killer targeting his ex, Cadence Butler. He’s shocked to find the ranch heiress pregnant…with his twins. Wild spirit Rory has never “done” love, but keeping Cadence safe on the run threatens to tame his untamable heart.

 

Secrets are exposed and truths are revealed! With the finale of the Crisis: Cattle Barge series, we finally get some answers as to what’s been going on around Hereford Ranch for all of these months, and the last prodigal child returns to gather around the family for the reading of Maverick Mike’s will. The book felt somewhat anticlimactic, but it was nice to get to know the final sibling we’ve heard so much about and get some answers … at least partial ones. Really enjoyed the series as a whole!

Heiress Cadence Butler doesn’t have any choice but to return home for the Christmas Eve reading of her murdered father’s will. She’s been laying low since the media circus began around the ranch, other than the trouble she got into trying to scare off her newly minted half sister. She’s got news to share with her family, but she’s not looking forward to it!

Tracker Rory Scott owes the Butler family a lot for taking him in and treating him like one of their own all those years ago, and he’s feeling a tad guilty because the last thing he felt from Maverick Mike was disappointment when he discovered he was having a fling with his daughter. What Rory doesn’t know is that said daughter is heading home … carrying his unborn babies right along with her!

four-stars

* Review * CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE by Annie Rains

* Review * CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE by Annie RainsChristmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains
Series: Sweetwater Springs #1
Published by Forever on September 25, 2018
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five-stars

Christmas is coming to the North Carolina mountains, and the air is fresh and crisp and filled with promise. After the devastating loss of her job in the big city, the small town of Sweetwater Springs feels like heaven to Kaitlyn Russo. She's inherited her grandparents' charming (if a little rundown) bed and breakfast, and it's just the new lease on life she needs. Only "heaven" comes with a catch-and a handsome and completely infuriating one at that.

After what he hopes will be a quick trip, Mitch Hargrove wants nothing more than to put his hometown in the rearview mirror. But his plans get derailed when he learns he's now half-owner of the Sweetwater B&B. The fact that he's given only two months to make the inn a success is a huge problem, but it's his pretty-and incredibly headstrong-partner who's the real challenge. With the holiday fast approaching and a grand re-opening looming, will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past . . . or will he realize the true gift he's been given?

Includes the bonus short story "Midnight Clear" by Hope Ramsay!

A good old fashioned down-home Christmas! With the first book in the Sweetwater Springs series, we’re taken into the heart of small town living as two unlikely partners enter into the journey of getting an inn fixed up before continuing on with their separate lives. Only problem is, they never expected to fall in love along the way! Great characters, a heartfelt story line and tons of small town charm!

When Kaitlyn Russo finds out she’s inheriting her grandparents bed and breakfast in cozy Sweetwater Springs, NC just after her big city job has fallen apart in New York, she figures fate must be looking out for her and vows to make this new venture a success no matter the cost. There’s just one little hiccup in her plans … she didn’t know she was only inheriting half of the inn!

Recently discharged military man Mitch Hargrove makes a stop through Sweetwater Springs to settle the paperwork on the inn and visit his Mom on his way to the new security job he has waiting on him in Virginia. He didn’t know there was a stipulation on the inheritance saying he had to help run the place for two months before he could sell his half!

five-stars

* Review * FIVE WAYS TO SURRENDER by Elle James

* Review * FIVE WAYS TO SURRENDER by Elle JamesFive Ways to Surrender by Elle James
Series: Mission: Six #5
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on December 1, 2018
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four-half-stars

His life is dedicated to the SEALs.

His heart is dedicated to her.

Their mission was clear: do not engage! But when his SEAL team is ambushed, “Big Jake” Schuler sacrifices his safety to draw the terrorists away from his unit. When village missionary teacher Alexandria Parker runs right into Jake’s arms, they must hide together in the wild hills of Niger, causing Jake to discover that Alex is as tough as she is beautiful. This mission he’ll engage with feelings he thought he buried a lifetime ago.

 

A chance meeting turns into forever! With the continued story of a SEAL team in the heart of Africa, we get to watch Jake fall hook, line and sinker for the pretty American teacher. This entire series has brought a great picture of the African’s countryside and attention grabbing intrigue. Loving it!

Navy SEAL Jake “Big Jake” Schuler knows his orders are not to engage, but when his team walks into an ambush because a local informant double crosses them, they have to do what they can to survive. Big Jake orders his team to safety while he diverts the rebel forces away from them. He’s finding his ways through the hills to a meet point to reconnect when a woman walks straight into his arms!

American missionary teacher Alexandria Parker gets a warning that a dangerous man is coming to their village and is instructed to get the children to safety. She scrambles through the hills until she has them safely stowed in a cave, but when she tries to return to attempt to get the elderly Reverend and his wife out, she’s runs into danger … and then smack dab into the arms of safety!

four-half-stars

* Review * THE TYCOON’S SHOCK HEIR by Bella Frances

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TYCOON’S SHOCK HEIR by Bella FrancesThe Tycoon's Shock Heir by Bella Frances
Published by Harlequin Presents on January 1, 2019
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four-half-stars

She’s carrying the Rossini baby…

Will she become the billionaire’s bride?

Restoring his family’s legacy is all that’s important to Italian tycoon Matteo Rossini. Until captivating ballerina Ruby Martin tempts him to abandon his pursuit for a night of fiery pleasure! Yet when sweet Ruby confesses she’s pregnant, Matteo demands his child. But with heat still burning between them, can Matteo ignore his desire for Ruby, too?

 

Opposites attract in the latest from Bella Frances! He runs in the big leagues, she spends her time in a dance studio, but attraction is quick to flare when they find themselves in close proximity! When a baby winds up being on the way, how will they learn to coincide? The story was fast paced, attention grabbing and what a character connection!

Italian billionaire Matteo Rossini once had big dreams for where he was going to go in life, but family obligations closed some doors and placed him at the helm of the family empire. He has a lot to overcome, but he’s determined to bring the bank back to it’s glory and have his family’s name back at the top again, no matter how many hours in a day he has to work to achieve it!

Ballerina Ruby Martin happens to be in the wrong place at the right time to stumble into an introduction to Matteo when she’s foisted into the job of showing him the ins and outs of a big performance. She’s recovering from an injury, but can’t wait to be back up there on the stage herself … and her passion for the field comes through loud and clear to Matteo, sparking an interest in her he had no idea would flare. It’s all chalked up to momentary fun until she comes to tell him some news … they’re pregnant!

four-half-stars