Book Reviews – Page 256

* REVIEW * THE TEMPORARY MRS. MARCHETTI by Melanie Milburne

February 10, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* REVIEW * THE TEMPORARY MRS. MARCHETTI by Melanie Milburne

The Temporary Mrs. Marchetti by Melanie Milburne
Published by Harlequin Presents on March 1, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

The rules of engagement…

When Cristiano Marchetti proposes to former mistress Alice Piper, the deal has an expiry date. He has six months to fulfil the conditions of his grandmother's will. But the hotelier has another agenda—exacting revenge on Alice for daring to walk away seven years before!

Alice needs the financial security her enemy is providing, but soon their every clash is a shockingly tempting encounter. Yet as she uncovers the man beneath the hard-hearted exterior, the future Mrs. Marchetti wonders if she could break the rules of their engagement…and walk down the aisle as more than Cristiano's temporary bride!

A really great reunion story! The characters had a deep connection filled with steamy passion as well as an argumentative heat that made scenes between them really attention getting. I enjoyed them!

When hotelier Christiano Marchetti is handed the opportunity to exact revenge on his former lover who walked out on him seven years ago, he jumps at the chance. He has never been able to get her out of his mind, and now with a method of forcing her to marry him … temporarily … at his disposal, he is relishing the thought of revenge!

Alice Piper could definitely use the money she’s being offered for this short marriage to Christiano, but it goes against all that she’s ever believed in. Can she really bring herself to do it? And as they spend time together and she starts to see the man she never took the time to get to know all those years ago, she wonders if she made a grave mistake in walking out on his love back then. Can she convince him to make the marriage a real one?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* REVIEW * PRIMAL INSTINCT by Tara Wyatt

February 8, 2017 Leave a Comment

Primal Instinct by Tara Wyatt
Series: Bodyguard #2
Published by Forever on May 31, 2016
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

ROCK YOU ALL NIGHT LONG

The first time he lays eyes on Taylor Ross in a bar, Colt Priestley does something few men would dare to do. He approaches the world-famous singer, shamelessly flirts with her, and gives her a night in his bed that neither of them will soon forget.

When Taylor's record label hires a bodyguard to keep tabs on the out-of-control rocker, she's less than thrilled to find it's her off-the-charts one-night stand who shows up for the job. She's terrified of letting herself fall for the damaged ex-Army Ranger, and she's determined to push him away. Yet every moment they're together simmers with tension. As the danger from an obsessed stalker mounts, Taylor and Colt are tempted to cross that line again-baring their hearts and souls as well as their bodies-and there's no telling how hot this song will get.

I am really loving this Bodyguard series by Tara Wyatt! I thought she couldn’t top Sierra and Sean from the first book, but I loved the connection between Taylor and Colt even more! They were powerful and raw … sweet yet sexy as all get out … wounded yet strong enough to reach for what they wanted. Great supporting characters and a suspense laced plot aid in making this a well rounded story. I really enjoyed it!

Rock star Taylor Ross has been let down and had her heart broken one too many times … and she’s simply done! She lets loose and loses herself in anything she can find … a bottle, a quick screw, a fast car. Now all of a sudden her record label thinks they can’t trust her to get the job done on her next album and throw a bodyguard at her to keep her on the straight and narrow … oh, and just her luck? It’s the sex machine that just gave her the best one night stand of her life!

Former Army ranger Colt Priestly can’t believe that his life might actually be looking up when he is assigned to work with the woman he can’t stop thinking about. He might be haunted by his past and not capable of giving her everything she needs, but he can’t bring himself to turn away from the pull he feels towards her.

When danger rears it’s ugly head and Colt has to buckle down and keep Taylor safe, they decide they can’t deny their feelings for each other any longer … but will they be able to make it last for the long haul when outside forces interfere?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* REVIEW * CROSSING HEARTS by Kimberly Kincaid

February 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* REVIEW * CROSSING HEARTS by Kimberly Kincaid

Crossing Hearts by Kimberly Kincaid
Series: The Cross Creek Series Book 1
Published by Montlake Romance on February 7, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Hunter Cross has no regrets. Having left his football prospects behind the day he graduated high school, he’s happy to carry out his legacy on his family’s farm in the foothills of the Shenandoah. But when a shoulder injury puts him face-to-face with the high school sweetheart who abandoned town—and him—twelve years ago, Hunter’s simple life gets a lot more complicated.

Emerson Montgomery has secrets. Refusing to divulge why she left her job as a hotshot physical therapist for a pro football team, she struggles to readjust to life in the hometown she left behind. The more time she spends with Hunter, the more Emerson finds herself wanting to trust him with the diagnosis of MS that has turned her world upside down.

But revealing secrets comes with a price. Can Hunter and Emerson rekindle their past love? Or will the realities of the present—and the trust that goes with them—burn that bridge for good?

Sometimes you really can go home again! Such a heartwarming story! It’s a reunion with your one true love type of story, and also filled with emotion pulling moments as she relearns the importance of living her life when a life changing medical diagnosis shifts her future. Great characters, great connections, and I can’t wait for more from Cross Creek!

Hunter Cross might have never left the comfort of his home town of Millhaven, Virginia, but he has no regrets. He lives for the connection he enjoys working every day on his family farm with his father and brothers by his side. He wouldn’t have it any other way! When an accident takes him out of commission for awhile, he’s mighty unhappy about that … especially when he catches sight of who is going to be in charge of his physical therapy for the next few weeks!

Emerson Montgomery made a promise to herself a dozen years ago to never step foot back in this town again .. yet here she is … and running into her high school sweetheart right off the bat! She left her high powered job with an NFL team in Las Vegas to come back home and settle into a small side-practice with the local Doc while refusing to tell anyone why she’s suddenly downgrading her life.

As Hunter and Emerson spend time together for his therapy, they talk and begin to be friends again. When it slowly turns into wanting those same old things with each other, she finally trusts him enough to admit her medical issues. Will she find a way to let down her guard and move forward with a future with him, or will she keep putting up these walls and refusing to get the help that she needs from everyone around her?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* REVIEW * ZERO TO SIXTY by Marie Harte

February 6, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Zero to Sixty by Marie Harte
Series: Body Shop Bad Boys Book 3
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on February 7, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

BAD BOY SAM + GOOD GIRL IVY =
LEARNING TO LOVE AGAIN

After her last disaster of a relationship, Ivy Stephens is content being single. She has her job, her apartment-and the cute little puppy she's seen hanging around. When he escapes, she finds her search efforts aided by a big, burly, devastatingly handsome man. One who claims a prior claim on her dog.

Sam Hamilton is at loose ends since his best friend fell in love. He finds a sense of purpose in rescuing strays. The puppy who's stolen his heart just happens to run into blond, beautiful Ivy. And Sam can't help hoping she'll take in one more stray-him-for good.

If you’ve been following Marie Harte’s Body Shop Bad Boys series, you’ll recognize Sam quickly. We have known that he carried a lot of baggage from his past from seeing him in Foley’s book in particular, so it’s not surprising that this book brings a good bit of sadness and anger to the surface. He’s not easy to connect with, but you definitely want that happy ending for him. He’s such a good guy at heart.

Mechanic Sam Hamilton had a hard time adjusting when his best friend, who is also like a brother to him, found the love of his life and wasn’t his sidekick anymore, but he’s been doing some good with his extra time and helping stray animals get a safe place to stay and finding them forever homes. He’s on a mission for one cute puppy in particular when he approaches Ivy Stephens.

Ivy is a bit of a loner herself, so when she sees the adorable stray outside her massage clinic, she can’t resist taking him home with her. When Sam shows up looking for him, he has recently gotten loose again, so Sam agrees to help her find him. Sam’s an awkward guy, but she can’t help but be attracted to him … especially when he cares so much about this puppy!

As they spend time together and agree they are both interested in the other, will blending their lives together work out? Will the secrets of their past and the scars they both carry from their childhood blow up in their faces before they even get started, or will they find a way to get past it all and start a life together?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* REVIEW * ONE MORE KISS by Samantha Chase

February 6, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* REVIEW * ONE MORE KISS by Samantha Chase

One More Kiss by Samantha Chase
Series: Shaughnessy: Band on the Run Book 1
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on February 7, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

MATT REED IS HIDING
...from his fans
...from his past
...from a failure too painful to contemplate
Most of all, Matt is hiding from himself.

VIVIENNE FORRESTER IS A WOMAN WHO GIVES HER ALL
...to her friends and family
...to her online food blog
...to the man she loves

Vivienne will try anything and everything to coax Matt out of his self-imposed exile. But for this to work, Matt is going to have to meet her halfway...

A fun spin-off from Samantha Chase’s The Shaughnessy Brothers series finds us catching up with Riley Shaughnessy again as we get his friend and bandmates, Matt Reed’s story! I loved the characters and found it fun to see some of the behind the scenes action of their band. I look forward to more to come!

Matt Reed never expected to step foot back in his hometown voluntarily. He had a rough childhood, and left on the heals of the biggest blowout he’d ever been involved with and didn’t look back. Current circumstances have him searching for somewhere to lay low for awhile, and his best friend invites him to hide out at his place, so here he is!

Vivienne Forrester can’t believe her brother doesn’t give her a heads up that Matt is going to be staying with him. She’s mortified that her reckless night a couple of years ago is going to come back to bite her, but even more blown away when he looks at her as if he hasn’t seen her since they were kids. Unbelievable!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* REVIEW * CAVANAUGH IN THE ROUGH by Marie Ferrarella

February 6, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* REVIEW * CAVANAUGH IN THE ROUGH by Marie Ferrarella

Cavanaugh in the Rough by Marie Ferrarella
Series: Cavanaugh Justice
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on February 1, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

A crime-scene investigator and a gorgeous cop must track down a serial killer in USA TODAY bestselling author Marie Ferrarella's explosive new novel!

For Susannah Quinn, heartbreakingly handsome detective Christian Cavanaugh O'Bannon is trouble that she doesn't need. Still, her CSI instincts tell her a serial killer's on the loose, so she agrees to work this case with Chris through long days—and even hotter nights. But his reckless charm is allowing him perilously close to her darkest secrets.

Going by the book has never been freewheeling Chris's style, so an unofficial partnership with Susannah is just what he needs to stop a vicious murderer in his tracks. While he struggles to win the beautiful blonde's trust, mutual desire puts them both in harm's way…

Another delve into the Cavanaugh family brings us the usual great Detective finding his match and more!

Detective Christian Cavanaugh O’Bannon doesn’t know what to make of his most recent case. Especially when Crime Scene Investigator Susannah Quinn says she suspects they have a serial killer on their hands!

When Chris gets her to open up to why she suspects what she does, he starts to agree with her and they move forward in their investigation to find the answers, but along the way, Chris attempts to find out what Suzie is hiding. She’s a loner, and she’s secretive … what could be in her past that makes her keep to herself like that? And as they grow closer, will she decide to open up and explain her past to him?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* REVIEW * CONFESSION by Calista Fox

February 3, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Confession by Calista Fox
Series: Bayfront Billionaires
Published by Swerve on February 7, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

100 Shades of Sin...

Delicious and hot, the seductive Bayfront Billionaires need one thing, and one thing only: the woman made for them, the one woman on earth who can complete their trio of passion and desire.

Billionaire business partners Devon McMillan and Morgan Presley have spent the past two years on opposite coasts after nearly crossing a forbidden line during one of their steamier ménages. But when a lucrative business offer brings them back to Bayfront, something even more tempting will distract them both—their drop-dead gorgeous childhood best friend, Fallon Carteris. And these billionaires will do whatever they can to bring her to their bed!

Fallon has never been able to decide which man she desires more, nor could she ever choose between them—and quickly learns she doesn’t have to. When Fallon confesses she’s always wanted the two men, they both pursue her. As the love triangle heats up, their emotions become as entangled as their bodies. But is their love strong enough to keep their threesome together?

A fast paced novella takes us on a friends to lovers ride! Good characters, steamy sex and a happy ending! Must be okay with menage to enjoy!

Best friends and business partners Devon McMillan and Morgan Presley have been stearing clear of each other for awhile now. They used to do everything together, but after an awkward encounter during their last time of sharing a woman, they found excuses to stay on different coasts for awhile. Now they’re drawn back to Bayfront for a business proposition, and reunited with their childhood best friend.

Fallon Carteris has been crushing on her two childhood friends for as long as she can remember, and now that she’s done some growing up and experimenting, she’s ready to put herself out there in hopes that they will finally notice she’s an available woman! She doesn’t know which one she likes more, but from the rumors she’s heard over the years, she won’t have to choose between them at all!

Will the guys agree to put aside their awkwardness and differences to have a one of a kind reunion with Fallon or will this be the end of their business partnership .. as well as their shared extracurricular activies??

Filed Under: Book Reviews

FRIDAY FAVORITES with Kat Cantrell

February 3, 2017 1 Comment

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 Desire author KAT CANTRELL! Thanks for joining me and sharing some of your favorites Kat!

USA Today Bestselling Author Kat Cantrell read her first Harlequin novel in third grade and has been scribbling in notebooks since she learned to spell. What else would she write but romance? When she’s not writing about characters on the journey to happily ever after, she can be found at a soccer game, watching Friends or dancing with her kids to Duran Duran and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Kat, her husband and their two boys live in North Texas. She’s a proud member of Romance Writers of America^®. Kat was the 2011 Harlequin So You Think You Can Write winner and a 2012 RWA^® Golden Heart^® finalist for best unpublished series contemporary manuscript.

CONNECT WITH KAT:

My favorite color is … pink, but purple is a close second.

My favorite place to read is … on a plane. I don’t get interrupted!

My favorite snack is … pistachios, except for the shelling part.

My favorite type of music is … eighties new wave. Duran Duran forever!

My favorite hot beverage is … ooooh that’s tough. Coffee. But I like tea too.

My favorite type of flower is … Dendrobium Orchids.

My favorite time of day is … early morning before everyone gets up. I like being alone!

My favorite candy is … Ghirardelli Chocolate of any sort. I just visited the Mother Ship in San Francisco and it was awesome!

My favorite hobby is … wine. What? It is too a hobby.

My favorite place to vacation is … the beach.

Look for Kat’s latest release from Harlequin Desire, FROM ENEMIES TO EXPECTING, out now ..

BUY LINKS:

FROM ENEMIES TO EXPECTING
Love and Lipstick

Winning is nonnegotiable…and so is parenthood!

Marketing exec Trinity Forrester needs PR buzz. By-the-books baseball tycoon Logan McLaughlin needs ticket sales. Their plan is simple: embark on a pretend romance to boost publicity. But soon their reality-show kisses lead to explosive off-camera lovemaking…

Trinity knows her fling with her frustratingly handsome costar ends when the cameras stop rolling—not with a diamond ring and proposal. But when their fake romance yields a very real pregnancy, will the emotionally guarded duo choose winning…or wedding?

If you love a good military man, check out Kat’s website to learn about her ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights series filled with a sexy former SEAL team!

and COMING IN MAY from Kat …

PRE-ORDER LINKS:

THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT
Billionaires and Babies

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…

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* REVIEW * BE ON THE LOOKOUT: BODYGUARD by Tyler Anne Snell

February 2, 2017 Leave a Comment

Be on the Lookout: Bodyguard by Tyler Anne Snell
Series: Orion Security
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on August 1, 2016
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Protecting a woman who claimed she didn't need a bodyguard made his final case the most interesting of his career…

Before he settles down behind the desk, Orion Security bodyguard Jonathan Carmichael has one last assignment. One that might prove to be more than he bargained for. Because Kate Spears is adamant she doesn't need his protection. And a woman who doesn't want a bodyguard could be difficult, dangerous—and terribly intriguing.

Kate is used to taking care of herself. Unfortunately, her most recent scientific discovery has made someone intent on taking her research and her life. Now only one man stands between her and death. And while Jonathan is more than capable of protecting her body, she fears he could be the one man to wreak havok on her very soul.

An exciting, suspense filled read! We go on the run for their lives with Kate and her bodyguard Jonathan as whoever is hunting her seems to find her no matter where they go! The characters were compelling and I enjoyed being along for the ride.

Kate Spears is on the verge of creating a scientific masterpiece that could change the criminal justice system for the better. She’s due to present her work at a convention … if she makes it there in one piece!

Jonathan Carmichael has enjoyed his career as a field agent with Orion Security, but he’s reached a point in his life when he wants to be in one place for awhile, so this is going to be his last case as before he switches to a desk job … and it just might be life changing!

Kate swears she doesn’t need protection and is against having a bodyguard with her, but she soon realizes her mistake when an upgraded attack starts soon after Jonathan arrives. Will he be able to keep her safe to present her research, or will the bad guys get their hands on it first?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* REVIEW * HOOKED by Christina Phillips

February 1, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Hooked by Christina Phillips
Series: Viking Bastards MC
Published by Entangled: Scorched on February 6, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Zach…

I like my sex dirty and disposable. I'm not into commitment or chicks who want more than one night. My brothers and club come first, second and last.

Until she walks into my life. Classy, rich and so out of my league it's crazy. A week together should get her out of my system, but this good girl is so bad when we're all alone and I can't get enough of her.

I don't do forever, but she's hooked me so bad I don't ever want to let her go. Except there's no way a princess can live in my world and I sure as hell won't live in hers...

I loved this book! Yes, it was your typical “dirty talking biker devours poor little rich girl” story and it was all about sex, sex, sex … and that’s WHY I loved it!!! He might have been a rough biker before he met her, but for her, he was a giant teddy bear. They were sweet together. Don’t get me wrong, they were burn up the sheets HOT too, but there was a special connection there. Looking forward to more in the series! BTW … If you’re looking for the down and dirty behind the scenes MC business type of book, you won’t find it here … but you will find a very sexy dominant biker dude who likes what he sees and takes it.

Zach Reynolds loves his MC and his family … other than that, he couldn’t care less about anything else. And then she walks into his favorite hangout … alone, gorgeous, and way out of his league. She’s going to be his!

Grace Mulholland might not be satisfied with her life, but she never expected a huge, tattooed tough guy to be what made her life complete! She can’t deny the sex is out of this world … the best she’s ever had by far … but seriously, can she really see this guy in her world forever? Maybe!

Filed Under: Book Reviews