* Review * PROTECTED by Elisabeth Naughton

March 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

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* Review * PROTECTED by Elisabeth Naughton

Protected by Elisabeth Naughton
Series: Deadly Secrets #3
Published by Montlake Romance on March 20, 2018
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Up-and-coming designer Kelsey McClane is on the cusp of success. Recently divorced, she should be enjoying her newfound freedom and glamorous future. Instead, she’s living in fear of the past. When she returns home to Portland on a press tour, danger creeps closer than ever. As threatening messages from her bitter ex-husband leave her vulnerable, a new man in her life makes her feel protected.

Former Army Ranger turned security professional Hunter O’Donnell is hired to guard Kelsey. When a shattering explosion rocks her world, Kelsey’s ex is the prime suspect, but Hunter speculates there’s more to the situation than Kelsey’s letting on. Intent on keeping her safe, he delves into Kelsey’s past. As the two work together to unmask her stalker’s identity, a fire ignites between them that they both struggle to contain.

While the investigation proceeds, it draws them closer not only to each other but also to a lethal plot that’s been in the works behind their backs. And with each new secret unveiled, it’s not just temptation putting them at risk—it’s a madman who will not stop until Kelsey is dead.

Explosively intense! When danger rears it’s ugly head, Kelsey finds herself being protected by an old friend and the sparks that fly between them have nothing to do with the danger chasing them at every turn! The story line is intense with a lot of mystery and a good bit of sexual tension as these two try to fight their attraction to each other. I wasn’t drawn in quite as completely as I was with the earlier books in the series, but still found it to be a fairly provocative tale with enough mystery to keep my guessing until the end. A satisfying read with lots of heat!

Up and coming fashion designer Kelsey McClane is newly divorced and should be basking in her new found freedom and success, but instead, she’s having to deal with a psychotic ex-husband who just might be stepping his nonsense up to a whole new level! Her brother’s have an old friend watching over her just in case, but no matter how cautious they all are, nothing can stop the danger that rains down on them!

Former Army Ranger turned security expert Hunter O’Donnell considers the McClane’s family, so of course he’ll be there to watch over Kelsey … but he isn’t going to share his burning attraction for her with her brother/his best friend anytime soon! When danger keeps popping up around every corner, they have to figure out a way to find out who’s behind it all … and why. Uncovering some mighty big secrets will lead them to more info than they ever expected!

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* Review * BLACKMAILED INTO THE MARRIAGE BED by Melanie Milburne

March 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

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* Review * BLACKMAILED INTO THE MARRIAGE BED by Melanie Milburne

Blackmailed into the Marriage Bed by Melanie Milburne
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 1, 2018
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Vinn Gagliardi has everything he desires…

Except for his wife!

Vinn wants his estranged wife, Ailsa, back on his arm. And given that she ran out of their marriage, he’s not above blackmailing her into agreeing to his plan—a temporary reunion that will end on his terms! But passionate Ailsa meets his fire with fire. Now the challenge is on for Vinn to entice her into succumbing to his scorching seduction!

A feisty reunion, a disturbing back story, and hope for a happy ending kept me riveted! I really enjoyed this story. They both had bits of their past that shaped them into what they are and what they believe they are worth at this point in their life, and they haven’t been overly forthcoming in sharing those histories with each other. The characters believed they were flawed, but in actuality are rather sweet and caring with each other.

Vinn Gagliardi might have let his wife walk away from their marriage two years ago now, but he’s not going to actually make getting a divorce too easy on her! He needs her back at his side and in his bed for a time, and he’s not above using blackmail to get her to bend to his will!

Ailsa has secrets that she has shared with no one that cause her to believe that she’s not worth a lot in life. She loved Vinn, but she couldn’t accept the life that they shared. Now he’s holding her brother over her head in order to get what he wants from her … but she’ll give as good as she gets in this battle of wills with him!

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* Review * TEMPTING LITTLE TEASE by Kendall Ryan

March 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

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* Review * TEMPTING LITTLE TEASE by Kendall Ryan

Tempting Little Tease by Kendall Ryan
Series: Forbidden Desires #4
on March 20, 2018
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She's the tutor I hired to teach me Italian.

She's way too young for me, but she's also gorgeous, bright and filled with a curiosity about life that I find incredibly refreshing.

It's fucking adorable.

I’m old enough to know better, but this pretty young thing tempts me beyond belief. And for the first time in my life, I can see myself falling.

***
Is this what it's like to be pursued by an older man? The complete confidence, the lack of expectations, the sincerity?

My God, it's exhilarating.

Quinn Kingsley is totally unexpected. I'm moving to Italy in three weeks to teach English, and while I never expected something so real to develop between us so quickly, our chemistry is undeniable.

There's something so sexy about this back and forth he and I share. Flirting with this man is like playing with fire, and I'm bound to get burned.

Io sono attratto da te. I'm attracted to you, he tells me.

But is our attraction enough to get us through the complications of a massive age gap and an international love affair?

Only one way to find out…

Forbidden temptation! We’ve been enjoying him from afar for awhile now, and finally we get to get Quinn’s story! The beginning of this Forbidden Desires series was super intense, a little seedy and secretive. With the last couple of brother’s stories, it’s mellowed out some and while they are still super alpha and sexy, they are more laid back and the story stays calmer. I have enjoyed the entire series! The characters of this one are really easy to like and the story flows quickly. There isn’t a lot of strife, but the love story is sweet and sexy. I really enjoyed it!

The bad boys of Forbidden Desires return with Quinn Kingsley’s story. He knows she’s way too young for the likes of him, but he simply cannot resist his sweet little Italian tutor. He has to make her his!

Alessandra is planning the move of a lifetime, but she never expected to meet a man like Quinn just beforehand. He’s successful, he’s sexy as all get out, and he really, really wants to be with HER! What’s a girl to do??

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* Review * A MOMMY FOR HIS DAUGHTER by Amy Ruttan

March 20, 2018 2 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A MOMMY FOR HIS DAUGHTER by Amy Ruttan

A Mommy for His Daughter by Amy Ruttan
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on April 1, 2018
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She’s never had a chance at a family…

But could happiness be found where she least expected?

Dr. Evelyn Saunders left her orphan past behind, along with the cold Alaskan climes of Wolf’s Harbor. But an unexpected posting back home brings her up close and personal with single dad GP Derek Taylor. Neither are looking for love, but could this doting dad and his little girl bring Evelyn the happy family she’s longed for?

Dazzling writing! Amy Ruttan always has a way with words that melts a story into our heart with ease, but she’s outdone herself with A MOMMY FOR HIS DAUGHTER! Evelyn makes a surprise journey home plagued by bittersweet memories along the way. When she meets Derek and his precious little girl, she can’t help but be taken by them. Each have their own past that haunts them and keeps them holding themselves back from life … but in this powerful story, we get to watch them overcome it all!

When Dr. Evelyn Saunders agrees to take a temporary posting to fill in for a friend, she has no idea it’s taking her back to the hometown she was torn away from all those years ago. Orphaned young, she left Wolfs Harbor, Alaska to live on the mainland, but the second she’s back, memories of home overcome her. She needs to get in and get out and not fall victim to remembering the good times that can never be again!

Dr. Derek Taylor isn’t thrilled to see yet another temporary Doc pass through his town, but a few days of working with Evelyn show him that she’s a little different than the norm. His little girl Monica is taken with her as well … and based on the life and loss they’ve lived in her short life, that’s not to be taken lightly!

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* Review * CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN by Pippa Roscoe

March 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

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* Review * CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN by Pippa Roscoe

Conquering His Virgin Queen by Pippa Roscoe
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 1, 2018
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Six months ago, their marriage ended…

He has twelve hours to claim her back!

Odir Farouk is about to become king—but to take his throne, he needs his errant wife by his side! Odir denied his hunger for Eloise, refusing to compromise power for passion. His rejection drove her away. Now Odir has until news of his succession breaks to win back his queen…and pleasure will be his most powerful weapon!

A royal reunion! With her debut Harlequin Presents novel, Pippa Roscoe takes us deep into the heart of a potential royal disaster … and the drama does NOT disappoint! Her characters have a richness to them that even though they are attempting to hold themselves aloof from their feelings, have the ability to show their tender side with each other, even when they may not want to. The plot is fast paced and attention grabbing from the start. I deem it a big success and look forward to watching her voice shine in future books!

Odir Farouk is hours away from being crowned King but needs his estranged wife by his side. Though their marriage was arranged, it had potential to become something special until he decided to guard his heart and treat her indifferently.

Eloise gave their marriage her best shot, but she couldn’t stand being shoved to the wayside and forgotten day after day after day. He couldn’t have made it more clear that he didn’t even want to spend time with her, much less share his life. When he needs her by his side for the good of his country, she’ll make a few demands of her own this time!

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* Review * A KISS, A DANCE & A DIAMOND by Helen Lacey

March 19, 2018 Leave a Comment

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* Review * A KISS, A DANCE & A DIAMOND by Helen Lacey

A Kiss, a Dance & a Diamond by Helen Lacey
Series: The Cedar River Cowboys
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on April 1, 2018
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Kieran O’Sullivan never let anything—or anyone—stand in his way.

Even the girl he claimed to love.

But fifteen years later, the successful doctor’s back in Cedar River. So is Nicola Radici, still as beautiful as the day he left her behind. The last thing Nicola wants is to forgive and forget. But when Kieran connects with her nephews, their guardian has to let him into their life. And maybe even her heart.

Home sweet home! Helen Lacey brings us a sweet and sassy reunion story with this continuation of her epic Cedar River Cowboys series! High school sweethearts who everyone thought would be together forever … until he broke her heart on graduation day! Back in Cedar River, Keiran wonders if Nic will ever forgive him for humiliating her and ruining all of their dreams. I loved their story. The characters were very appealing and I was invested quickly in seeing if they could make their way back to each other again. It’s always a joy to return to Cedar River, and this book was no exception!

Nicola Radici knows that her old high school boyfriend is back in town, but she doesn’t have to like it! When a visit to the ER introduces him to her orphaned nephews who now dominate her life, her youngest charge really takes a shine to him. She refuses to forgive him for what he pulled all those years ago, but how can she shun the man who is making her heartbroken nephew smile again?

Dr. Keiran O’Sullivan left Cedar River fifteen years ago with big dreams in his sight, but after a lot of living and a lot of heartache, here he is returning to his old stomping ground. He doesn’t blame Nic for despising him and how he treated her all those years ago, but just seeing her again takes his breath away. He doesn’t think she’ll ever find it in her heart to forgive him … but he has to try doesn’t he?

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* Review * CONSEQUENCE OF HIS REVENGE by Dani Collins

March 19, 2018 Leave a Comment

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* Review * CONSEQUENCE OF HIS REVENGE by Dani Collins

Consequence of His Revenge by Dani Collins
Series: One Night With Consequences
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 1, 2018
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In debt to the billionaire…

And bound forever by his vengeance!

Infamous Sicilian Dante Gallo takes great delight in firing Cami Fagan as punishment for her father’s theft. What he doesn’t expect is to desire her so intensely he can’t resist seducing her, and Dante soon discovers how deliciously innocent Cami really is! But what started as revenge could bind them forever when their inconvenient passion has long-lasting consequences…

A ruthless seduction! He believes she should continue to pay for her father’s sins up until the moment that he meets her and feels an instant burning need to make her his! She can’t believe he doubts her honesty when she’s trying her best to make things up to him. As the truth slowly starts coming out, things are not at all what they seemed. Can they find a way to continue their exploration of each other or will real life get in their way yet again? I really enjoyed this story! The characters were intriguing and the story line kept my interest throughout.

Cami Fagan believes she is about to start a new job when the offer is rescinded right at the last minute. She’s shocked, broke and without other arrangements, and can’t for the life of her figure out why … until she finds out the name of the new owner … Dante Gallo … she should have known he was behind this!

Successful businessman Dante Gallo has worked hard to overcome the hardship he faced early on in his career, and he’s not one to forgive and forget when wronged, so the fact that he made sure Cami was fired before her job even began should be of no surprise to her! When faced with her confronting him up close and personal, he forgets her father’s theft for a brief moment … just long enough to let his utter desire of her show through!

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* Review * TRIBAL BLOOD by Jenna Kernan

March 19, 2018 Leave a Comment

Tribal Blood by Jenna Kernan
Series: Apache Protectors: Wolf Den
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on March 1, 2018
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He will always fight to protect

those who cannot protect themselves.

In the throes of labor, Kasey Doka escaped her captors and their underground surrogacy ring to find Colt Redhorse. Though he’d sought seclusion on the Apache reservation for months, Colt and Kasey share something that goes deeper than tribal blood. Colt’s time as a marine left him with nightmares, but his training also gave him a certain set of skills. No one is taking this woman…or this child.

Love … everlasting? No one has been able to reach him, but when his one true love needs his help, Colt answers her call! An exciting story that showcases the heart of the surrogacy ring this series has been leading up to. It’s a fast paced read and we get to know another Redhorse brother. Looking forward to more in the series!

The first person captive Kacey Doka thinks of to go to for help when she escapes her prison is Colt Redhorse. Her high school sweetheart, the man she thought she would spend her future with until he went off to war and left her behind, the man she still thinks of as her only love.

Colt Redhorse has been hiding out in a remote cabin for months, even from his own family because of the mental scars he brought back from Afghanistan with him. When Kacey approaches and he realizes she’s in labor and desperately in need of help, he can’t stand by and do nothing. He has to dig deep and find the strength to help the woman he still loves … and the baby she’s bringing into this world!

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* Review * A SEAL’S HONOR by JM Stewart

March 19, 2018 Leave a Comment

A SEAL's Honor by JM Stewart
Series: Military Match
Published by Forever Yours on January 16, 2018
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Rules are made to be broken . . .

When it comes to dating, ex-Navy SEAL Marcus Denali has a few simple rules. Never date a coworker. Never date a friend's sister. And never ever date a girl whose brother is a coworker, a friend, and a fellow SEAL. So why would Marcus dance so closely---and flirt so shamelessly---with Mandy Lawson? Simple. It's a Fourth of July masquerade ball. He doesn't know she's his buddy's little sister. And once the masks come off, the real fireworks begin . . .

Mandy doesn't care about the rules. She's been crushing on Marcus for years, and she's not giving up now that she has proof he wants her too. She has a plan to show this military man some moves he never learned in basic training. And Marcus is going to learn that some rules-the rules of attraction---are just too strong to fight.

Sweet and sassy! A blind date and a masquerade ball mixed into one can make for an exciting meet-up, but when he discovers the woman he’s feeling such an attraction to is his best friend’s little sister, Marcus realizes he’s in big trouble! I really enjoyed the connection between them and both the characters and the plot were well developed. This entire series has been great!

Former Navy SEAL Marcus Denali isn’t so sure about this whole dating scene idea, but he’s fallen to peer pressure and has agreed to get set up through Military Match dating site. When his perfect match winds up being trouble, what’s a man to do?

Mandy Lawson simply needs Marcus to forget about the fact that she’s younger than him and that she’s Trent’s little sister and she’ll be set! She wants everything he has to offer her … if only she can get him to let his guard down and stop using all of these excuses to push her away!

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* Blog Tour / Review * PLAYING HIS WAY by Erika Wilde

March 19, 2018 Leave a Comment

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* Blog Tour / Review * PLAYING HIS WAY by Erika Wilde

Playing His Way by Erika Wilde
Series: The Players Club #4
on March 13, 2018
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HE'S READY TO PLAY . . . ARE YOU?

As the new owner of The Players Club, Brent "Mac" MacMillan is all about dirty sex, wicked sin, and carnal pleasure . . . served up his way. After being burned in the past, he's always been careful to choose experienced females who enjoy submitting to his dark desires, and are willing to play by his demanding rules without expecting any emotional attachments in return.

Hiring beautiful interior designer Stephanie Randall to create fantasy bedrooms within his club is his first mistake. She's curious, flirtatious, and makes his blood run hotter than it ever has before. Innocent when it comes to all the debauchery this sinful world has to offer, she wants to take a walk on the wild side . . . with him.

His second mistake? Saying yes. And his third? Falling for the one woman he knows he can never have.

Delectably wicked! A steamy story of going for what you want, even if you’re not sure what it might entail! Brent and Stephanie were magical together. They each were fun to get to know on their own, and their chemistry together was super fun. This was a quick and easy read, with not a lot of depth into their back stories other than what we needed to know to set the stage, but it was a really fun read none-the-less!

Brent “Mac” MacMillan has big plans as the new owner of The Players Club. He wants to jazz the place up and bring in an even more top notch clientele to his favorite sex club, so he’s planning to bring in the best to do a little remodeling … only problem is, the best is temptation personified!

Stephanie Randall has been a thorn in Mac’s side ever since he met her. She’s got a sassy mouth and flirts like nobody’s business … and he likes it! Only problem is, he only pays with people experienced in the lifestyle he enjoys, and though she seems very curious, she is a novice! As she digs her heals in on the remodel project, she can’t help but tempt Mac on a regular basis, and eventually they agree to have a little fun, but only on a temporary basis. How temporary will it remain when they both start to feel more than they were ever supposed to for each other?

Playing His Way, an all-new sexy standalone from Erika Wilde is now LIVE!

HE’S READY TO PLAY . . . ARE YOU?

As the new owner of The Players Club, Brent “Mac” MacMillan is all about dirty sex, wicked sin and carnal pleasure . . . served up his way. After being burned in the past, he’s always been careful to choose experienced females who enjoy submitting to his dark desires, and are willing to play by his demanding rules without expecting any emotional attachments in return.

Hiring beautiful interior designer Stephanie Randall to create fantasy bedrooms within his club is his first mistake. She’s curious, flirtatious, and makes his blood run hotter than it ever has before. Innocent when it comes to all the debauchery his sinful world has to offer, she wants to take a walk on the wild side . . . with him.

His second mistake? Saying yes. And his third? Falling for the one woman he knows he can never have.

Excerpt

Stephanie strolled toward Mac, a mischievous glimmer suddenly brightening her gorgeous blue eyes, putting him on alert. “I’d like to attend the Masquerade party at The Players Club on Saturday, to get a better feel for the club and what other fantasy elements might work for your members.”

He stiffened at her unexpected request. The temptation of having her in this domain—wanting her but refusing to touch her—wasn’t something he wanted to endure. And watching her possibly hook up with someone else, like Rick? Complete fucking agony.

He shook his head. “I don’t think attending the Masquerade party is necessary. I’m sure you can come up with a few other ideas without being here when everything is in full swing, which is probably going to be more distracting, than helpful.”

“What if I want to be here?” the little vixen proposed, her voice holding a hint of a challenge. “You know, to mix a little business with pleasure?”

His expression remained composed, his resolve, firm. “I’m going to have to say no.”

She tipped her head to the side, studying him much too astutely. “I can always get an invitation from Jillian, you know,” she said as she came closer and closer.

“No, you can’t,” he countered. “I put a freeze on any new invitations until I’m done going through the current membership.”

She laughed softly, huskily, the sound like a stroke along his cock. Much like her hand was suddenly stroking down the length of his tie before giving it a playful tug. “Do I make you nervous, Mac?”

His hands curled into fists in his pockets, because it was taking extreme effort not to grasp her face in his palms and kiss that soft, plush, impudent mouth of hers—hot and hard and deep. “Do I look like a man who’d be intimidated by any woman?” he asked, his voice surprisingly steady.

She thought about that for a brief moment before giving her hair a subtle toss and replying. “Intimidated, no.” Then a sexy, knowing smile curved her lips. “Nervous, definitely, because if you weren’t a little uneasy about whatever this thing is between us, you wouldn’t have an issue with me coming to the Masquerade party and being at the club.”

“The last thing you make me feel is uneasy.” Instead, her presence had lust pumping through him like a heady surge of adrenaline. She was certainly testing his control.

Her free hand came back up and splayed on his chest, the heat of her touch searing him through his dress shirt. “If I don’t make you nervous, then prove it,” she cajoled. “Let me come to the party on Saturday. I promise not to be too shocked by what I see.”

His jaw clenched as she met his gaze and held it, so bold and brazen when she really had no idea what she was messing with, or what he was capable of. This woman was no shrinking violet, and she was the furthest thing from the kind of submissive, obedient female he preferred—and Jesus, Christ, his dick was hard as stone for her. This was a woman who liked having the advantage, who enjoyed a little power play, and fuck if that didn’t make him want to pin her against the wall behind her and make it very clear who really had the upper hand between them.

“So, what will it be, Mr. MacMillan?” she murmured huskily. “Inviting me to the club on Saturday, or are you going to chicken out?”