Book Reviews – Page 254

* Review * BOUND TO SUBMIT by Laura Kaye

June 3, 2017 Leave a Comment

Bound to Submit by Laura Kaye
Series: Blasphemy
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing on October 11, 2016
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From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

Not as gritty and raw as some BDSM series, but a moving connection between the friends and couples made for a good read! The characters were well developed and they dealt with real issues. Can’t wait to read about more of Blasphemy’s dominants!

Griffin Hudson has lived years haunted by the knowledge that his own immaturity and hesitation cost him the only woman he ever loved. He goes on about his daily life as one of the owners of Baltimore’s popular BDSM club, Blasphemy … but he has never forgotten her. One night he glances up after a scene and can’t believe his eyes … it’s her!

Kenna Sloane was devastated by Griffin all those years ago, but she found something to give herself to that made her feel more complete than ever before. Now her career as a Marine is over, and she’s carrying the scars, guilt and flashbacks that just might bring her to her knees. The only thing in life that has ever made her lose herself and feel free is submitting. She has to return to Blasphemy and see if it can bring her any peace … she’s just not sure if Griffin is still there … and if he will even be willing to help her!

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FRIDAY FAVORITES with Elizabeth Heiter!

June 2, 2017 3 Comments

Join me every Friday to see my spotlight on one of my favorite authors who will be sharing a few of their favorite things!

Featured today is Harlequin Intrigue author ELIZABETH HEITER! Thanks for joining me and sharing some of your favorites Liz!

Critically acclaimed and award-winning author ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists, and a little bit (or a lot!) of romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy’s shooting range. Her novels have been published in more than a dozen countries and translated into eight languages; they’ve also been shortlisted for the Daphne Du Maurier award, the National Readers’ Choice award and the Booksellers’ Best award and won the RT Reviewers’ Choice award.

Elizabeth graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English Literature. She’s a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America and Romance Writers of America. Elizabeth is also a regular columnist for International Thriller Writers at The Thrill Begins as part of “Murderers Row.”

The heroine of Elizabeth’s Profiler novels was called “one of the most amazing characters created in print” by Fresh Fiction. Her novels have received praise from Lee Child, J.T. Ellison, Jeffery Deaver, Tess Gerritsen, R.L. Stine, Allison Brennan, Laura Griffin, Suzanne Brockmann, Hank Phillippi Ryan and Zoë Sharp.

CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

My favorite color is … Red. Pretty much any shade of it!

My favorite place to read is … Laying sideways across an oversized chair with my back against one arm and my feet over the other.

My favorite snack is … Chocolate. Anything chocolate. Especially if it also involves coconut.

My favorite type of music is … My taste in music is pretty eclectic. I’ll listen to almost anything (& if it has a good string section, even better).

My favorite hot beverage is … A mocha latte. But typically, if I have one, I feel like I should be writing, too!

My favorite type of flower is … Orchids. I grow them, so I have a few too many.

My favorite time of day is … Sunset, especially if I’m near the ocean.

My favorite candy is … Dark chocolate truffles (filled with just about anything).

My favorite hobby is … Downhill skiing. I used to have some tricks on skis, but it’s been a while!

My favorite place to vacation is … St. Simons Island (off the coast of Georgia). I used to visit my grandparents there growing up and even thinking about the island makes me calm and happy.

Look for Elizabeth’s latest release, BODYGUARD WITH A BADGE

ORDER LINKS:

BODYGUARD WITH A BADGE
The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn

Take the shot…or take a chance?

FBI sniper Andre Diaz saved Juliette Lawson from a deadly hostage situation. But only hours later, he receives the surprise of his life when she takes him hostage in order to escape Quantico. Now the federal agent knows just how desperate Juliette is to stay hidden from her dangerous cop ex-husband.

Putting her trust in another law enforcement officer is difficult. Yet Juliette senses Andre is definitely one of the good guys. Perhaps he truly can protect her from the secrets she’s been running from—unless her deadly past catches up with them both first.

Coming in July 2017 in the series …

PRE-ORDER LINKS:

POLICE PROTECTOR
The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn

She’s become his whole world – and she’s under fire

Ever since forensics analyst Shaye Mallory survived a police-station shootout, Detective Cole Walker has felt personally responsible for her wellbeing. Then another shooter takes aim at Shaye. Cole decides the only thing he can do is stay right by her side until he finds the man who wants her dead.

Cole knows that he must set aside his attraction to Shaye if he’s going to do his job. But as the days – and nights – go on, it becomes harder and harder to resist his feelings. And, as danger moves ever closer to them both, Shaye realizes that her safety might cost her the life of the man she loves.

Coming in August 2017 in the series …

PRE-ORDER LINKS:

SECRET AGENT SURRENDER
The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn

This undercover agent can’t disguise his true desire!

Undercover DEA agent Marcos Costa is shocked to see Brenna Hartwell—his very first crush—cozying up to the brutal drug lord he’s about to bust! He hasn’t seen her since childhood, but he never imagined she’d turn to a life of crime. What the hunky agent doesn’t know is that Brenna’s working her own bust as a rookie cop undercover.

Brenna didn’t think she’d ever see Marcos again, especially not on her first undercover mission! She knows she has to keep her distance…but while she and Marcos play out their daring ruse, their youthful passion reignites. One wrong move could blow their covers. Can two loners used to self-reliance trust their lives—and hearts—to each other?

Previously from Elizabeth … click on the cover for more on each book:

THE PROFILER SERIES

THE LAWMAN SERIES

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* Review * AIRMAN TO THE RESCUE by Heatherly Bell

June 1, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AIRMAN TO THE RESCUE by Heatherly Bell

Airman to the Rescue by Heatherly Bell
Series: Heroes of Fortune Valley
on June 1, 2017
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She's off-limits…and perfect for him!

It was supposed to be easy. Sarah Mcallister was going to flip her late father's house and head back to Colorado for a fresh start. But when her shady contractor gets arrested, taking most of her budget with him, she's at risk of losing everything. Enter Matt Conner…sexy pilot, single dad, Sarah's brother's best friend…and far too good with his hands for her peace of mind.

Moving into Sarah's spare bedroom is just asking for trouble, but Matt's trying to make amends with his troubled teen son, and a key step is finding a decent place to crash for as long as it takes. And the woman needs his help…

Strangers … to friends … to lovers? This is one of those books that makes you saw “aww” … a great guy that helps heal the emotional scars of his lady … and in the end, she helps him be a better man too! Great characters … and really fun to see Stone and Emily again from the last book in the series!

Sarah Mcallister is only in Fortune, California long enough to do some repairs on her late father’s house and sell it and then she’s heading back to her life in Fort Collins, Colorado … at least that’s the plan before she starts to feel a draw to the area … namely in the sexy man staying in her guest room!

Pilot Matt Conner might be her brother’s best friend, but that doesn’t stop her from lusting after him ever since she met him. He’s generous enough to step in and help her with her remodel when her contractor is arrested and leaves her hanging, so she can’t say no when he needs a place to stay while he tries to improve his relationship with his teenage son. Will their ever-changing relationship encourage them both to consider a future together … or is this just a temporary fling until she heads home to Colorado?

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* Review * GOALTENDING by Jami Davenport

May 31, 2017 1 Comment

Goaltending by Jami Davenport
Series: Game On in Seattle
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on May 25, 2017
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WANTED: Single dad needs nanny--In more ways than one.

Martin "Brick" Bricker is living the good life. He's playing the sport he loves, has all the women he can handle, and parties like a rock star. At twenty-six, he has no interest in slowing down or taking anything seriously--except hockey, of course.

Then a knock at his door changes everything.Suddenly he's the single father to a five-year-old daughter he didn't know he had, and he's trading his playboy ways for Barbies.

Amelia Stacey struggles to make ends meet and juggles her day-care job with a full load of college classes. When she's offered a temporary, two-week nanny position making more money than she imagines, she jumps at the chance. Before she knows it, she's in over her head, not just with her five-year-old charge but with the girl's hot single father.

Brick always goes after what he wants, and he wants Amelia. Only responsible Amelia doesn't want anything to do with the party boy. Struggling with fatherhood and his unexplainable attraction to his nanny, Brick has to figure out where his daughter and Amelia fit into his life.If they fit at all.

But one thing's for sure: Brick can't block this shot straight to his heart.

A big time player meets his match when he’s suddenly answering to Daddy! The adorable creation of this little family carries the story easily. Well developed characters, lots of family drama and an adorable kid we instantly fall in love with!

Martin “Brick” Bricker is living the good life when it all comes tumbling at his feet with one knock at the door. He’s suddenly a father to to a five year old that he knew nothing about, and his partying days are over!

Amelia Stacey is working hard to make ends meet while attending a full schedule at college. She can’t stand a player, but she can’t resist the money he’s offering when Brick wants to hire her to be his daughter’s temporary nanny. He’s hot, but she can resist temptation … no problem!

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* Review * MARRIED FOR HIS SECRET HEIR by Jennifer Faye

May 31, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MARRIED FOR HIS SECRET HEIR by Jennifer Faye

Married for His Secret Heir by Jennifer Faye
Series: Mirraccino Marriages #2
Published by Harlequin Romance on June 1, 2017
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From secret heir to secret vows…

Elena Ricci has always had a crush on Earl Luca DiSalvo—with his dark and stormy eyes, his protective nature and his royal bearing, who wouldn't? But she believed they were destined to only ever be friends, until one magical evening in Paris…that has dramatic consequences.

Luca is reluctant to marry…but a baby changes everything. So when beautiful Elena reveals her secret, his royal duty means he has no choice—he must make her his wife!

A sweet friends to lovers story! This is the second part of the Mirraccino Marriages duet and is Luca DiSalvo’s story. We met his sister Annabelle in the first half of the duet. The characters are fun and the plot is thick with tension. I read both books, so I understood the undertone of hearing about his Mother’s story … but if I was reading this as a stand-alone, I would have felt slighted in not getting more details of what had happened all those years ago.

Elena Ricci chased her dreams to Paris and is now an accomplished model. When her childhood friend Luca DiSalvo shows up with news from home on the night of a big modeling show, he whisks here off in a celebration of her accomplishments. The lasting effects from that night will change their life forever!

Luca DiSalvo, Earl of Halencia, distanced himself from life long ago, but when he learns Elena is carrying his baby, he can’t stay removed and in the background any longer. He offers to marry Elena and though she wishes it was for different reasons, she agrees to a secret wedding. Will a baby be able to keep them together when they are hiding how they really feel about each other?

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* Review * HER PREGNANCY BOMBSHELL by Liz Fielding

May 31, 2017 2 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER PREGNANCY BOMBSHELL by Liz Fielding

Her Pregnancy Bombshell by Liz Fielding
Series: Summer at Villa Rosa
Published by Harlequin Romance on June 1, 2017
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Expecting her boss's baby!

Pilot Miranda Marlowe is too sick to fly her plane, and she must face the truth: she's pregnant! She knows well enough that her boss, Cleve Finch, is still grieving for his late wife, so to think, she heads to her sister's new inheritance, Villa Rosa.

Despite the spiders and dust, the Mediterranean palazzo is as gorgeous as ever. Until Cleve turns up with a dramatic offer: a convenient marriage as soon as it can be arranged! It may be the sensible answer…but is it enough for Miranda?

A nice kick-off to the Summer at Villa Rosa series! The first sister whose story we dive into is Miranda Marlowe. The characters are interesting and the plot is diverse … I would have liked to see a little more development of their relationship once they decided to give it a go together, but the build up of the past was done well.

Andie Marlow has been crushing on her boss since the day she turned 18 years old, but he’s still heartbroken over his wife’s death. After an especially hard situation arose and she offered him the only comfort she could think to give, she finds out she’s pregnant and flees to her sister’s Mediterranean getaway.

Cleve Finch doesn’t know why Miranda is cutting off ties, but he’s not going to let her go without an explanation! Once he finds out they are expecting a baby, he offers marriage. Can she bring herself to marry him when she knows she’ll never have his heart? And as their wedding day draws near, will the secrets Cleve has been hiding come to the surface?

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* GIVEAWAY! * DOG COLLAR CHAOS by Adrienne Giordano

May 31, 2017 Leave a Comment

Dog Collar Chaos (A Lucie Rizzo Mystery)
by Adrienne Giordano
Date of Publication: June 6, 2017

Lucie Rizzo–Mafia princess-turned-dog accessory entrepreneur—is riding high after scoring a partnership with Buzzy Sneider, America’s leading craft and interior decorating mogul. A collaboration that is sure to move Lucie’s fledgling business into the next tax bracket.

When Buzzy turns up dead and Lucie’s BFF and business partner, Roseanne, is accused of the murder, Lucie will stop at nothing to prove Ro’s innocence. Even if it means keeping secrets from her new squeeze, sexy detective Tim O’Brien, who’s determined to keep Lucie from running one of her screwball investigations.

With Ro behind bars and Tim hot under the collar over Lucie’s meddling, Lucie is forced to accept her father’s help to clear Ro’s name and save their business. But will doing so put a killer hot on her heels?

Available From

B&N (Nook)
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About Adrienne Giordano

Adrienne Giordano is a USA Today bestselling author of over twenty romantic suspense and mystery novels. She is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Midwest with her workaholic husband, sports-obsessed son and Buddy the Wheaten Terrorist (Terrier). She is a cofounder of Romance University blog and Lady Jane’s Salon-Naperville, a reading series dedicated to romantic fiction.

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* Review * A DEEPER GRAVE by Debra Webb

May 30, 2017 5 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

A Deeper Grave by Debra Webb
Series: Shades of Death
Published by MIRA on May 30, 2017
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When the hunter becomes the hunted…

Serial-killer hunter Nick Shade built his legendary career chasing monsters—sadistic criminals with a gruesome thirst for death. When he rescued Montgomery detective Bobbie Gentry from horrific captivity and helped her reclaim her life, he didn't intend to be a hero. Or a target. But now a copycat murderer haunts him, and reuniting with Bobbie is his best chance at neutralizing the threat.

Bobbie can't forget the nightmares of her trauma—or the man who saved her. Working with Nick to outmaneuver the person behind a deadly vendetta feeds her hope that there's more to her world than ghosts and destruction. Maybe joining Nick's search for a killer is about gratitude. Maybe it's nothing more than cold revenge. But the only way they can protect themselves is to trust each other.

With this continuation of her Shades of Death series, Debra Webb gathers us near and takes us along for the ride as we wind up knee deep in a nasty serial killer investigation again. Emotions are raw, the murder scenes are gruesome and no one is safe!

Montgomery, AL detective Bobbie Gentry has been through so much in the last year, and thanks to Nick Shade rescuing her and giving her a little peace again, she has been able to heal somewhat from her trauma. She will never forget … she will never forgive … but she feels a little more free than she has since this whole nightmare started. Just as she starts to relax a little, a new demon starts to haunt the town.

Nick Shade has his own past that he’s running away from, but he now lives and breathes the completion of hunting down and helping capture serial killers. When he hears that Bobbie is in the middle of something again, it doesn’t take him long to arrive in town and reach out to her. Neither one of them can deny the connection that grew between them during their time together … and the healing she’s done since then is just making it even more comfortable between them this time. Will their combined force be enough to stop yet another killer before he starts taking out people they care about … including each other??

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* Review * SUMMER AT THE SHORE by Carol Ross

May 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SUMMER AT THE SHORE by Carol Ross

Summer at the Shore by Carol Ross
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on June 1, 2017
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Saving lives is who they are

Risking his life for others is all in a day's work for Coast Guard petty officer Jay Johnston. Until he comes to the rescue of Mia Frasier after her small plane goes down. Maybe it's because the empathetic blue-eyed vet wants to save the world just as passionately as Jay wants to create a safe haven for his five younger siblings, but there's no denying their bond. Despite his growing feelings for Mia, a romantic relationship isn't on Jay's radar. How can two people always on the move stay in one place long enough to create a family of their own?

Two wounded hearts collide and make for a wonderful “feel-good” romance! Both successful in their careers of helping others, Jay and Mia both have scars on their hearts and minds from the childhoods they led that they try to cover up and prosper from … but in meeting each other, each has to face their fear of admitting their feelings and figuring out if they can grow enough in their love for each other to be able to face their demons and conquer them once and for all. Great characters, an awesome story line, and a true pleasure to read! It was fun to see some familiar faces and catch up on their lives as well!

When Coast Guard petty officer Jay Johnston reels in a survivor of a small plane crash, it’s just another day on his high energy job … until he meets her eyes. There’s something about the connection they feel that neither can walk away from!

Veterinarian Mia Frasier was blessed that she and her mother and the pilot all survived their plane crash, and she’s thrilled to see Jay again at the hospital. Neither of them can deny the sizzle they feel when they see each other, but they both have guidelines they set for themselves over the years that just won’t allow a relationship to work. He has 5 younger siblings that he takes care of … but he doesn’t allow anyone into their inner circle. She loves her job and her life … but a military man is off-limits! Their hearts don’t agree with their rules though … after time together and growing closer every day, will they truly be able to walk away from this once in a lifetime connection?

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* Review * NO ONE BUT YOU by Brenda Novak

May 30, 2017 2 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * NO ONE BUT YOU by Brenda Novak

No One But You by Brenda Novak
Series: Silver Springs
Published by MIRA on May 30, 2017
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New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak welcomes you to Silver Springs, a picturesque small town in Southern California where even the hardest hearts can learn to love again…

Struggling to make ends meet after a messy divorce, Sadie Harris is at the end of her tether. Her waitressing gig isn't enough to pay the bills let alone secure primary custody of her son, Jayden, a battle she refuses to lose. Desperate, she accepts a position assisting Dawson Reed—the same Dawson Reed who recently stood trial for the murder of his adoptive parents. Joining him at his isolated farm seems risky, but Sadie is out of options.

Dawson has given small town Silver Springs plenty of reasons to be wary, but he's innocent of the charges against him. He wants to leave his painful past behind and fix up the family farm so he can finally bring his dependent sister home where she belongs.

As Sadie and Dawson's professional relationship grows into something undeniably personal, Sadie realizes there's more to Dawson than the bad boy everyone else sees—he has a good heart, one that might even be worth fighting for.

Another emotional journey into Brenda Novak’s latest fictional town, Silver Springs! Two disinheartened souls feel alone in the world as they fight the uphill battle to reclaim their lives. One through divorce and moving on from abuse and another through trying to pick up the pieces after he’s finally free from prison and home again .. but without the family he loved dearly. The characters are well defined with turmoil fueling their actions for much of the book. I am enjoying Silver Springs very much and look forward to the my next visit!

Sadie Harris’ divorce is almost complete and she just wants to move forward with her life with her young son. She isn’t looking for much … just a job that will allow her to keep their head above water and will sustain her full custody claim if he ex goes through with his threat to sue for custody. Her shifts at the diner just aren’t enough to make ends meet anymore. She is leery of answering the help wanted ad .. but what else can she do? She needs the money that this job will give her!

Dawson Reed is back home in Silver Springs and trying to pick up the smashed pieces of his so-called life. Yes, he finally got justice and was acquitted in his adoptive parents murders .. but the town still believes he did it, and are very clear in how unwelcome he is. He needs help … he has to get a caregiver in place so he can bring his dependent sister home again. When Sadie answers his ad and he sees her work ethic first-hand, he realizes he lucked into a great employee. He just hopes the things working against them will ease up so she’ll want to stay to do the job!

As Sadie comes to know Dawson, she realizes he’s a really kind man .. and she doesn’t believe for a second that he butchered his parents .. but believe it and proving it are two totally different things. No matter how many people she tells that he’s a good man, no one is going to believe it until they find who really did commit the murders. And how can they concentrate on doing that when Sadie’s ex keeps piling more trouble on their backs?

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