Book Reviews – Page 245

* Review * TYCOON COWBOY’S BABY SURPRISE by Katherine Garbera

May 5, 2017 2 Comments

Tycoon Cowboy's Baby Surprise by Katherine Garbera
Series: The Wild Caruthers Bachelors
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2017
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Wedding planner Kinley Quinten's luck runs out when her job brings her back to Texas—and face-to-face with her child's father, rancher Nate Caruthers. The passion that got them in trouble during a one-night stand three years ago is still there, too strong to deny.

Nate can't help it: Kinley gets under his skin. But what happened in Vegas really needs to stay there. Too bad that cliché only gets him so far as he falls for the woman whose baby secret will change everything!

Loved it! The plot moved fast and was easy to follow and the characters were a lot of fun to read. Their family and friends added nicely to the mix, and it was nice to see a few familiar faces in the group from previous books!

Wedding planner Kinley Quinten knows she’s in trouble when her job takes her back home to Texas for a few months. She’s kept her distance ever since she had a wild weekend in Vegas with Nate, one of the sons of her dad’s boss. Now being back in town, it doesn’t take long for them to cross paths, and their chemistry is still off the charts!

Nate Caruthers feels bad when he sees Kinley again because he totally blew her off 3 years ago when she tried to contact him after their weekend together. He was going through some issues at the time and just didn’t have time to bring more drama into his life. He hopes she’ll forgive him and agree to go out with him now that she’s in town … but when he finds out the secret she’s been hiding, he might not feel the same way!

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* Review * THE COWBOY’S ACCIDENTAL BABY by Marin Thomas

May 5, 2017 3 Comments

The Cowboy's Accidental Baby by Marin Thomas
Series: Cowboys of Stampede, Texas
Published by Harlequin Western Romance on May 1, 2017
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FROM PLAYBOY COWBOY TO…DADDY?

Bronc rider Gunner Hardell never plans past the next stop on the rodeo. When he's home in Stampede, Texas, he's part-time manager of the run-down Moonlight Motel, to get his crotchety grandpa off his back. Then he meets interior designer Lydia Canter—hired to renovate the motel—and suddenly the gig gets a whole lot more appealing…

Lydia is looking for love, but there's nothing wrong with some Mr. Right Now while she waits for Mr. Right. But one steamy night with Gunner has unexpected consequences. And she would rather raise their baby alone than give the good-time cowboy a chance to break her heart. When Gunner learns he's going to be a daddy, he's determined to prove to Lydia he really is her Mr. Right!

Really enjoyed this cute story! The characters have a fun chemistry and the story line was easy to follow. Not only did we have the main characters to follow as they stumbled their way into a relationship, but there was also the back story of their aunt/grandpa who knew each other and were constantly bickering in the background as well.

Rodeo cowboy Gunner Hardell is all about the good time! He never plans past the next rodeo on his schedule and the only job he even pretends to do is “managing” the run-down Moonlight Motel that his grandpa owns and nagged him into handling. He doesn’t plan to settle down or ever stop having fun!

Interior designer Lydia Carter is in Stampede, TX visiting her great aunt, and she gets roped into planning a redesign on the sad excuse for a motel in town. She can’t believe how laid back Gunner is about life. He’s fun, but he’s not what she’s looking for in a man. He’ll do mighty nicely for a temporary fling though! When that fling all of a sudden has them on their way to being parents, the fun and games are over. Gunner wants to step up and do right by her and the baby, but there’s no way Lydia is going to settle for a no-good husband or daddy … even if she has fallen head over heals for him!

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* Review * CONVENIENTLY WED TO THE GREEK by Kandy Shepherd

May 4, 2017 Leave a Comment

Conveniently Wed to the Greek by Kandy Shepherd
Published by Harlequin Romance on May 1, 2017
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A marriage for the sake of her baby…

When luxury hotelier Alex Mikhalis encounters the blogger who once nearly destroyed his reputation, he wants to get even. Only Adele Hudson isn't exactly as he remembers. She's pregnant and alone, and he can't stop his protective instincts kicking in!

After a difficult breakup, Adele is very wary of all relationships. She has no choice but to accept the Greek tycoon's offer of a job, despite their complicated past. But his next suggestion is much more intimate: becoming his convenient wife!

A sweet enemies to friends … and more story! There is an explosive past between these characters, and when it first starts out, you see the fireworks from both of their points of view, but it doesn’t take long to realize there’s a change in the volatility. We get to go along for the ride as they both heal from their past relationship and life circumstances and start to fall for each other. I really enjoyed their chemistry!

Alexios Mikhalis never expected to stumble across the woman that nearly ruined his flagship restaurant’s reputation after all this time! There was a bitter feud between them once … but too much has happened since then that has made him realize his ire was overblown. He can’t hold a grudge anymore, and he only hopes she can forgive his arrogance.

Adele Hudson enjoys blogging about food and loved her former job as a restaurant reviewer. Right now she’s recently divorced and at a lull of what to do with her life and this relaxation spa is just what she needed! She’s blown away when she realizes Alex is there too. It’s been years since their blow-up!

Alex is notably a changed man, and he actually takes the time to appreciate Dell’s knowledge on hospitality and food and offers her a job in a new project he has going on. She is hesitant to take it, but realizes it will be a great stepping stone into her future … especially once she realizes she’s pregnant and needs all the help she can get!

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* Review * A STRANGER SHE CAN TRUST by Regan Black

May 3, 2017 Leave a Comment

A Stranger She Can Trust by Regan Black
Series: Escape Club Heroes #2
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on May 1, 2017
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In USA TODAY bestselling author Regan Black's new Escape Club Heroes thriller, a guarded man builds a future with a woman without a past…

Outside of one of Philadelphia’s busiest nightclubs, a woman stumbles from her taxi. Beaten and bruised, Melissa Baxter is an amnesiac with a target on her back. Gun-shy, Melissa relies on a handsome hero to help her uncover who she really is.

Carson Lane—a paramedic with his own dark history—can’t help but bring this beautiful, vulnerable woman under his wing. Still reeling from his partner’s murder, he's no stranger to risk. But as he and Melissa begin unraveling the mystery of who she really is, Carson realizes falling in love could be the biggest risk of all.

Escape Club Heroes: Off-duty justice, full-time love…

The intrigue starts immediately and keeps us wondering who the bad guys are, and whether Carson and Lissa will make it out alive to pursue the relationship they are so obviously headed for! Great characters, an exciting story line and lots of who-dunnit to ponder on!

On-leave paramedic Carson Lane is taking on whatever work he can to keep him busy while he mourns the horrific death of his partner and tries to get back enough of his nerve to get back to work full-time. He’s heading out from a night working at the Escape Club when a taxi pulls up and leaves off an obviously beaten woman who can barely stand.

Melissa Baxter has no clue who she is, or what happened to her, but she somehow has the info to come to the club for help. Carson and his boss set out to help her figure out where she came from that night and who she is. Once memories start to surface and she knows the basics, they set out to find out what happened to the friend who was with her that night, and what the big cover-up is all about.

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* Review * THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT by Kat Cantrell

May 2, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT by Kat Cantrell

The Marriage Contract by Kat Cantrell
Series: Billionaires and Babies
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2017
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A Billionaire's Baby Plan

Desmond Pierce wants a child—but the conventional route won't do for the reclusive inventor. Enter McKenna Moore, a medical student willing to be a surrogate mom…and to marry by proxy without ever meeting her husband. But when the baby's health requires McKenna to not only face Desmond but also live with him, their chemistry explodes. Soon McKenna is in his bed, where he wants her to stay. But saying yes to making their marriage real puts McKenna's dreams at risk—and forces Desmond to reevaluate everything he's ever wanted…

Going after what you want, and getting it doesn’t always add up to happiness! A quick and easy read that has you smiling and hoping for a happy ending throughout! She’s kindhearted but stubborn, he’s socially awkward but such a sweetheart … can they make it work when it was the last thing they intended?

Nerdy genius Desmond Pierce has decided he’s ready to become a father, but since the traditional route of finding love and starting a family hasn’t worked out all that well for him, he’s decided to strike out on his own. He’s going the surrogate route, and will be a single father.

Med student McKenna Moore doesn’t want children of her own, she just wants to become the doctor she’s always dreamed of … but she does want to help others, and having the experience of being pregnant once in her life seems appealing as well. She marries Des by proxy, has the baby and is supposed to walk away with a divorce and a med school education paid for … until a slight health issue with the baby requires her help.

Can she really stand to live in the same house with Des and his son and not become attached? She’s doubly haunted when she starts to feel attracted to Des … and he makes it very clear he feels it too! Will she be able to walk away when the time comes?

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* Review * REUNITED WITH THE P.I. by Anna J. Stewart

May 1, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * REUNITED WITH THE P.I. by Anna J. Stewart

Reunited with the P.I. by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Honor Bound #2
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on May 1, 2017
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In this Honor Bound romance, a perilous change of heart looms for two former lovers...

Exactly why should P.I. Vince Sutton take his ex-wife's case? Because she, assistant district attorney Simone Armstrong, put his brother in jail? Because the ambitious spitfire still drives him crazy? No, he'll take it because "The Avenging Angel" makes him a deal he can't refuse. Sparks fly when Vince works all-too-closely with Simone to locate her missing key witness...but in the process, they are drawn into a cold case. As much as he tries, Vince can't deny that he's never gotten over beautiful Simone, but can he admit his feelings to her--and himself? And can he save her from the danger that's heading their way?

A great follow up in the series! We met Simone in her friend Eden’s story that kicked off the series. She’s a whirlwind of a prosecutor and doesn’t let up when she’s on to something. It was sweet seeing her re-connect with her ex and watch the sparks fly!

Vince Sutton might have been wrapped around his ex-wife, Simone’s finger once upon a time, but he has no inclination to step back into the investigative world to help her out now. He is perfectly happy to pretend she no longer exists from the sidelines … until she throws down the gauntlet and makes him an offer she knows he can’t refuse!

Assistant DA Simone Armstrong is desperately trying to locate the main witness in an important trial that just flew the coop on her, and with the weird things going on lately, she can’t figure out who to trust in her own office anymore. She desperately needs Vince! He was always a great P.I. and she knows if anyone can locate this young lady, it’s him. As the case heats up and danger arises, will Vince be able to help keep her safe until they figure out who the leader of the pack is?

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* Blog Tour / Book Review * HIS LAST RODEO by Claire McEwen

May 1, 2017 2 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Book Review * HIS LAST RODEO by Claire McEwen

His Last Rodeo by Claire McEwen
Series: Sierra Legacy, #4
Published by Harlequin Superromance on May 1, 2017
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Back in the saddle again…

Tyler Ellis catches Kit Hayes completely off guard when he swaggers back home and into the bar she manages. Since high school, he's been a champion rodeo star…a notorious playboy…and now, apparently, a bar owner. She accepts his offer of a hefty bonus and helps him transform the place because she's desperate to escape their tiny town in the Sierras. She doesn't expect him to work this hard beside her. Where's the cocky cowboy he's supposed to be? Instead she discovers he's still the sweet, genuine young man she once knew. And so much more…including a threat to the adventurous life she craves.

A sweet story about following your dreams and not settling for being made to feel less than you are! I really enjoyed Kit’s story. If you’ve been following along with the series, you will recognize her as the ex-girlfriend of Arch Hoffman from all those years ago who was still pining for him when he returned to town and fell for Mandy in the last book. I enjoyed getting to know the other side to her than what we saw in that book … and watching her find what she’d been looking for all along. I wanted the ending to go a little differently, but it was a beautifully written book and I really enjoyed it!

Rodeo star Tyler Ellis has hung up his saddle and returned home to Benson, CA much to the surprise of the town! He’s decided to strike out in his own venture and buy a local bar and transform it into his vision. Only problem is, his old friend Kit works there … and likes it like it is … and had her own ideas in mind for the place one day!

Kit Hayes remembers her childhood friend well, but figures he’s an uppity jerk now that he’s a big star. She reluctantly agrees to help him with the changes he wants to make at the bar, but only because he’s offering great money and she needs it to take her big adventure! What she doesn’t expect is to find that same sweet guy she used to know beneath the surface and watch him work hard right alongside her to achieve his dreams. When it’s all said and done, she’s afraid what she is coming to feel for him will stop her from following her heart!

His Last Rodeo
Sierra Legacy #4

By: Claire McEwen

Releasing May 1, 2017
Harlequin Superromance

BLURB:

Back in the saddle again…

Tyler Ellis catches Kit Hayes completely off guard when he swaggers back home and into the bar she manages. Since high school, he’s been a champion rodeo star…a notorious playboy…and now, apparently, a bar owner. She accepts his offer of a hefty bonus and helps him transform the place because she’s desperate to escape their tiny town in the Sierras. She doesn’t expect him to work this hard beside her. Where’s the cocky cowboy he’s supposed to be? Instead she discovers he’s still the sweet, genuine young man she once knew. And so much more…including a threat to the adventurous life she craves.

BUY LINKS: AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/2017/3/8/his-last-rodeo-claire-mcewen

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34513698-his-last-rodeo

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/178332-sierra-legacy

Kit glanced at his towel in horror. “Use the lint-free kind.” She handed him a towel from the stack on the shelf over the sink. “Jeez, you are green, aren’t you?”

“Green at this,” Tyler admitted. “But rumor has it I’m a pretty quick study.”

“Well, I guess we’ll find out if the rumors are true,” she teased. “It’s your first Friday night, isn’t it?”

“It sure is.” He tried to smile, but it felt a little weak. “I’m looking forward to it. But I’ve got a few nerves.”

“You should. You have no idea what you’re doing.” Her intoxicating combination of sass and mischief had the glass slipping out of his hand, so he had to hustle to catch it.

“Nice reflexes,” she murmured. “Maybe there’s hope for you yet.”

“If you help me out tonight, there is. I can pour a pint—”

“Barely.”

“—and measure out a shot. But if I get anything more complicated than that, I’m toast.”

“You don’t know your cocktails?”

“Don’t drink ’em myself. I’ve been reading recipes, but I’m more of a hands-on learner.” A nice way of saying that half the words he read made no sense. He glanced hopefully in her direction. “I just need a good teacher.”

“You want me to train you? You won’t be embarrassed?”

“When you rodeo, you learn by falling on your ass in front of hundreds of people. This can’t be more humiliating than that.”

She studied him from underneath her thick black lashes. “What’s in it for me?”

“A boss who’s not totally incompetent?”

Her slow smile could melt metal. “But that could be kind of fun to watch.”

“No shit-show is fun to watch for long. Plus I saw you with those customers. You pretend to be all tough, but you have a soft spot for the lost and lonely. I’m part of that club right now.”

“You?” She laughed, soft and bitter. He’d give a lot to know what put that resentment in her soul. “Not the words I’d ever use to describe someone like you.”

“Someone like me will pay you a training stipend. A hundred extra bucks each night.”

“Now you’re trying to buy my help?” She scrubbed the pint glass in her hand with extra vigor. “Not everything can be bought, you know. Loyalty, for example.”

“I’m not asking for your loyalty, though that would be nice,” Tyler said. “I’m trying to treat you like a professional. You have years of experience. I have none and I need to learn. So I pay you extra to share your expertise with me. It’s only right.”

“Fine,” she said quietly. “I’ll do it. But you have to be willing to move fast and do what I say.”

“I’m yours to command,” he said, liking the flush creeping up her cheeks at the tiny innuendo. “And I appreciate the help.”

She grabbed a stack of dry glasses. “Well, let’s get going then. It’s getting loud out there, which means it’s getting busy.”

They rounded the corner and Tyler was amazed to see a crowd that stretched almost to the door. A quick scan revealed a collection of some of the most rugged-looking folks he’d ever seen in one place. Bikers in leather, ranch hands in hats, jeans and bowlegs. Women in tight T-shirts and big hair. Kit glanced over her shoulder. “Welcome to the Dusty Saddle. Hope you’re ready to earn your spurs.”

AUTHOR INFO:

Claire McEwen lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. She loves writing stories where strong heroes and heroines take big, emotional journeys to find their happily-ever-afters. When not dreaming up new books, she can be found digging in her garden with a lot of enthusiasm but, unfortunately, no green thumb. She loves discovering flea-market treasures, walking on the beach, dancing, traveling and reading, of course!

Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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* Review * MORE THAN A LAWMAN by Anna J. Stewart

April 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

More Than a Lawman by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Honor Bound #1
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on November 1, 2016
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A journalist and a sexy detective team up to catch a serial killer in USA TODAY bestselling author Anna J. Stewart's new romance!

Haunted by the death of her childhood friend, journalist Eden St. Claire has dedicated her life to catching serial killers--and she's always done so alone. But when the lethal murderer Eden is tracking puts her in danger's crosshairs, she agrees to accept protection from longtime friend Detective Cole Delaney.

Cole has secretly carried a torch for Eden for years. She might not want to let anybody in, but the thought of losing her is unbearable. Passions flare as the threats intensify. Can Cole convince Eden to break her own rule to never fall in love...before the killer snuffs out their happily-ever-after?

Danger abounds from the first page! A great group of friends and coworkers make up the story as evil strikes too close to home. There’s action, there’s suspense and best of all, there’s a sweet love story for a strong-willed gal! Really enjoyed!

Eden St. Claire has suffered a lot of loss in her life, but instead of letting it bring her down, she’s used it to turn herself into an advocate for the victims. She doesn’t hold back when shining the light on serial killers on her blog and has been beneficial in digging up dirt on some cold cases. It seems she’s gotten too close to the Iceman these days … and he’s coming for her!

Detective Cole Delaney was Eden’s brother’s best friend and has been a great friend and advocate for her through the years. He really wishes he could get her to take her own safety more seriously … and he just might get his wish after the terror that is to come! Will he be able to keep her safe when she’s in the killer’s sites? And when strange occurrences start to happen, will they realize they have another killer in the picture as well?

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* Review * PLAYING THE SPANISH BILLIONAIRE by MK Meredith

April 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

Playing the Spanish Billionaire by MK Meredith
Series: International Temptation
Published by Entangled: Indulgence on April 24, 2017
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Mateu Espasa, CEO of Barcelona’s most luxurious hotel, knows how to deliver a five-star experience. When he learns the identity of hotel reviewer, London Montgomery, it seems harmless to play as her local tour guide to make sure she enjoys her stay and places his hotel back in the running for the Elites Travel and Life Magazine's hotel of fame. But every moment with London makes Mateu want her just as much as he needs that review.

Constantly working to cover her mother’s medical bills, London needs to have a little fun on this vacation. First on her list: Kiss a hot Spaniard, and her knight-in-shining-Armani at the train station seems to fit that bill—he’s local and definitely hot! But when she discovers the man charming her is really CEO of the hotel she’s reviewing—supposedly secretly—she decides to see how far he’ll go to make her dream vacation a once in a lifetime experience.

Mateu shows her the romance of his city and his soul, but when the truth comes out, the fun is over, and it turns out nobody wins in a game of hearts.

A fun jaunt to Barcelona! A misunderstanding starts this book off and continues until everything is cleared up at the end … it’s fun and sassy, sweet and sexy and a nice dip into some foreign culture.

When Mateu Espasa gains some secret knowledge that a famous hotel reviewer is going to be staying at his hotel in Barcelona, he sets out to make her stay top notch without letting on that he knows who she is.

London Montgomery works hard to support herself and her mother through her medical issues. She’s been saving for years for a dream vacation, and is finally taking the time to do it. She’s chosen to stay at one of her favorite hotels and is looking forward to her time of relaxation. When she discovers that Mateu is trying to pull a fast one on her because he thinks she’s there to do a review. She decides to push his buttons and see how far he’ll take it to make sure she has a dream vacation!

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* Review * BREAKING FREE by Adrienne Giordano

April 28, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BREAKING FREE by Adrienne Giordano

Breaking Free by Adrienne Giordano
Series: Steele Ridge # 5
Published by Steele Ridge LLC on April 25, 2017
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As the black sheep of the Steele brood, Micki Steele craves one thing: the love of her family. Working as a hacker for a ruthless fixer, Micki has done things she'll never be proud of. When she flees Vegas and returns to her hometown, she brings along her boss’s secrets and plenty of danger. At least until he arrives in Steele Ridge, intent on hauling her back to Vegas—or burying her in North Carolina.

Former Green Beret and family friend Gage Barber has been Mr. Fix-It his entire life, but now a war wound leaves him struggling with simple tasks. And when the mysterious and sexy Micki shows up and pulls him into the middle of her family drama, his loyalty to the Steele family is tested. Although he’s sworn off his need to play hero, his undeniable attraction to Micki leaves him with only one option—convincing her to break free of her ruthless boss.

Torn over protecting the man she’s falling in love with and her yearning for a normal life, Micki must choose between staying trapped in Vegas or a life of freedom in Steele Ridge. Even if breaking free leads straight to heartbreak…and prison.

The long lost sibling returns as we visit Steel Ridge, NC again! If you’ve been following along in the series, you know that there was obviously something going on with the sister that was never around and rarely mentioned. Now we’re learning the secrets as Micki returns home with danger following right on her heals! She’s independent and sassy, and a force to be reckoned with! I loved that no matter what she has been through, and how tough she is, she’s still a soft, gentle soul when it comes to Gage.

Mikayla Steele left the comforts of her family home ten years ago to go work for a shady guy in Las Vegas. She’s rarely seen or heard from, and it’s like she just turned her back on the lot of them. When she shows up back in town unexpectedly, it’s time for some answers as her boss follows her home to get her and the secrets she knows back under his control.

Former Green Beret Gage Barber loves the Steele family like his own, so when he can tell Micki is keeping secrets from the moment he meets her, he tries to get to the bottom of it. When decade long secrets come to the surface, will he be able to figure out a way to keep her safe … and out of prison? And as feeling grow between the two of them, will Micki be able to hold strong and not be bullied into returning to Vegas even though she sees the damage it could do to Gage … and her family?

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