* Review * LOST IN YOU by Jules Bennett

April 2, 2017 Leave a Comment

Lost In You by Jules Bennett
Series: The Monroes #3
Published by Zebra on March 28, 2017
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The only thing that could bring Liam Monroe back to Haven, Georgia, is his loyalty to his late sister--so he’s agreed to serve as a chef at the resort his brothers have built in her honor. But he’s not staying. At least that’s the plan. . .

Macy Hayward always admired the Monroes. Adopting four kids—including the brooding, mysterious Liam—they were an example of the loving family she wanted for herself someday. Now, ironically, Macy’s got an unexpected new tenant in the apartment above her hardware store: none other than Liam.

Most of Liam’s furniture consists of weightlifting equipment, since he has no intention of settling in. He can’t wait to run away again, from his brothers and his bitter memories—and from Macy, with her relentlessly seductive curves. Still, while he’s around, he should do the poor woman a favor and teach her to cook, before she poisons someone. . .

Soon, their sessions in the kitchen are getting spicy. But Macy has roots in Haven, and she wants to plant more, including taking in a little girl who needs a home. Meanwhile, Liam has an opportunity for his own restaurant in Atlanta. Will choosing love mean giving up their separate dreams? Or will the heart find a way?. . .

The epitome of a happily-ever-after! I can’t even begin to tell you how many emotions this book stirs up. Not only is it the culmination of the 3rd brother finding love, but it’s a whole other feeling of completeness because Chelsea got her dream. Not only did her brothers bring her dream business to life, but in the midst of it, they became the close-knit family she always wanted them to be … with her memory and the love she showered on them in the short time they had together surrounding them all in their hearts. I loved this series so much … I only wished there were some more brothers so we’d get more books out of it! 🙂

Liam Monroe has always been the loner of the family. He loved his adopted family more than he could ever show, but a part of him was always locked away in memories of his past. He left their home of Haven, GA to strike out on his own years ago, and the only thing that will bring him back is Chelsea. After her death, his brothers rallied together to build her dream resort & spa in an old house she had bought and planned for before her death. Now he’s back to run the kitchen … but only temporarily!

Macy Hayward had a crush on Liam back in high school. Now she’s having to see him constantly because she got suckered into renting him the apartment above her hardware store. She still feels that draw to him every time she sees his handsome body. When circumstances draw them together and have him teaching her how to cook, things really heat up! When it comes time for Liam to pursue his own dreams and head out of town again, will he be able to walk away from all that Haven holds for him … not only family, but a new found love as well?

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* Review * MARRYING HER SEAL by Kat Cantrell

April 2, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MARRYING HER SEAL by Kat Cantrell

Marrying Her SEAL by Kat Cantrell
Series: ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights
Published by Alpe D'Huez Press on March 22, 2017
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Navy SEAL Jaxon Hyland can fix anything—except the inconvenient attraction he's always had for his gorgeous best friend. It was easy to maintain a hands-off policy when he was deployed half a world away but when Thora pops up on Duchess Island, the Caribbean paradise Jack calls home, everything changes. Emotionally bruised by a bad breakup, Thora needs Jack now more than ever. Jack has never been able to tell her no, not even when she asks him to marry her. It's supposed to be temporary. 100% fake. Platonic. But how long can that really last when she's the only woman he's ever wanted?

A decadently fun friends-to-lovers romance! We’ve seen glimpses of Jack & Thora previously in the series, and we just knew their story was going to be a blast … and it is! They have a super strong friend connection dating back more than 2 decades and know that when they look each other in the eye, they are seeing the one person that has their back no matter what. When they actually begin to let their attraction show through, it’s magic!

When a team of former Navy SEAL’s retired and decided to open up a business together in the Caribbean, we expected a lot of fun … and we sure have gotten it! These guys are finding their happily-ever-afters left and right, and this time it’s Jack’s turn! Jaxon Hyland’s one true stable in life has been his friendship with Thora. She is the only person that knows his secrets and loves him regardless. When she has a break-up and needs some place to nurse her wounds, it’s Jack she runs to.

Jack would do anything for her … but he doesn’t think he’s going to have to go quite THIS far to prove it. Marrying her .. in name only .. for a short amount of time? She’s really pulling on the strings of friendship with this one!

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* Review * HIS EX’S WELL-KEPT SECRET by Joss Wood

April 2, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS EX’S WELL-KEPT SECRET by Joss Wood

His Ex's Well-Kept Secret by Joss Wood
Series: The Ballantyne Billionaires
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2017
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She's keeping this billionaire's son a secret…

Down-on-her-luck heiress Piper Mills will do anything to help her baby—even strike a deal with the devil who impregnated her! Due to a car accident, Jaeger Ballantyne has no memory of the passionate night he and Piper shared…or that he's Ty's father. Purchasing Piper's heirloom sapphires is the only thing on his agenda…until seducing the green-eyed temptress takes over.

Piper's falling for the stubborn tycoon, even as she continues to guard her secret. Can a man with no memory of their past find a way to forgive her so they can create a future?

A shared night … but no memory of it … how is she supposed to tell him about their son? We are hooked from the beginning as the secrets begin to unravel and continue the more and more you read. Great characters including a super sweet and adorable baby … and a solid story line. Looking forward to more to come in this series of siblings!

Piper Mills approached Jaeger Ballantyne about a business deal, but they wound up having a fling abroad in Milan. When she tried to inform him she was pregnant afterwards, she was given a major run-around and assumed the info she heard in the press was true and he wanted nothing to do with children.

Jaeger Ballantyne can’t figure out why Piper is angry at him when he thinks he’s meeting her for the first time, then he realizes it must have something to do with the time-frame he can’t remember just prior to a serious car accident. Once she finds out what happens she forgives him and they agree to do business together … but she still hasn’t found a way to tell him that the adorable baby he’s seen her with is his son!

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* Review * THE TEN-DAY BABY TAKOVER by Karen Booth

April 2, 2017 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TEN-DAY BABY TAKOVER by Karen Booth

The Ten-Day Baby Takeover by Karen Booth
Series: Billionaires and Babies
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2017
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A billionaire's baby deal!

One look into his infant son's trusting blue gaze and Aiden Langford knows his wild, carefree days are over. If only he can get Sarah Daltrey, his son's temporary guardian, to give him daddy lessons… Certainly the soft-hearted entrepreneur will agree to his ten-day proposal to stay as the nanny. Aiden just needs to keep his mind on parenting and off Sarah's seductive curves…

Being in the handsome tycoon's arms puts up Sarah's emotional defenses even as her body begs her to let go. But being a babysitter with benefits isn't on her agenda—especially for a father and son who might steal her heart…

A surprise son, a tempting nanny and a yearning for both of them puts Aiden Langford in the middle of a life-changing time right off the bat! We saw him in the previous books in the series, and we weren’t sure what to make of him. Little did we expect him to be an awesomely sweet Daddy from the get-go! Loved the connection he made with his son and watching him woo the Sarah!

Aiden Langford might yearn for a connection with his family, but he never expected to be handed an instant son! He has no clue what to do with him, so he needs help right away!

Sarah Daltrey doesn’t want to spend one more minute falling for this adorable baby boy than she has to. She’s already feeling her heart breaking at the thought of walking away from him, but she can’t argue that Aiden needs to learn to take care of him before she can head back home. She agrees to 10 days of daddy lessons … and then she’s moving on to the future she has waiting for her. Will she be able to walk away from the adorable combination of father and son?

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* Review * HER BABY, HIS LOVE by Lynne Marshall

March 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER BABY, HIS LOVE by Lynne Marshall

Her Baby, His Love by Lynne Marshall
Published by Tule Publishing on March 27, 2017
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All Taylor Clark ever wanted was a normal life and a traditional family, but so far she’s had neither. Soon after discovering that her boyfriend was secretly engaged and she moves to Charity, Montana for a fresh start, she realizes she’s pregnant. As her new friendly and sexy landlord helps her settle in, they become friends, although Taylor has to keep reminding herself to keep her distance. The last thing she needs is to start something new.

As an ex-con, Joe Collins knows a little something about fresh starts. Despite his determination to keep his head down, he can’t ignore Taylor’s natural beauty or obvious vulnerability. In short time, a tentative friendship blooms along with something more precious—trust.

When Taylor’s ex comes to town, he threatens everything that Joe and Taylor have built together. Joe steps up to care for and protect her, even though he risks losing more than the woman he loves.

A sweet story of redemption. Finding a reason to trust again after a lifetime of disappointment leads to a new chance on life for Taylor, and Joe finds a way to forgive himself for past mistakes by becoming a good and honest man. They’re an adorable couple … and it’s a pleasure watching them find their way to each other.

Taylor Clark is looking for a fresh start after finding out that yet another man has let her down in life, so she moves to Charity, Montana. From the start, she’s attracted to the property manager of the house she’s renting, but she’s not ready to let another man into her life again … and when she shockingly realizes she’s pregnant with her ex’s baby, it just complicates the situation even more!

Joe Collins is attracted to Taylor as well, but he leads a different type of life here in this small town, and he’s not sure about adding a relationship to the mix. They agree to be friends and tell each other their secrets, but along the way they continue to rely on each other and grow closer. Taylor is able to overcome the fact that Joe is an ex-con, and Joe is willing to step up and care for her more than anyone ever has.

When her ex shows up in town making waves, will their fledgling relationship be over, or will they find a way to get their happily-ever-after?

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* Review * DEFENSIVE ZONE by Catherine Gayle

March 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * DEFENSIVE ZONE by Catherine Gayle

Defensive Zone by Catherine Gayle
Series: Portland Storm #15
Published by Night Shift Publishing on March 23, 2017
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Portland Storm defenseman Cody “Harry” Williams owes his coach everything—especially for bailing him out of trouble in the past. How does he want Cody to repay him? By keeping his hands to himself around the coach’s sensual and mischievous daughter. All signs point to this task being easier said than done…

Up-and-coming fashion designer Dani Weber always gets what she wants—and she wants Cody Williams. Cody’s sexy, geeky-chic bowties and hard-to-get attitude only make her want him more, and now Cody’s resistance is fading…and fast.

One call is all it would take to land Cody on the trading block, ending their flirtation before it gains any traction. Cody is squarely in the Defensive Zone, but the only way for the two of them to obtain what they really want is to go on the offensive—together.

Relentlessly pursued … and loving every minute of it! Dani isn’t going to take no for an answer, and the way she pushes Cody’s buttons, he doesn’t really want her to. We caught a glimpse of them in a previous book and it was fun to get their story now!

Portland Storm defenseman Cody “Harry” Williams is all about control. He needs his hockey career to go smoothly so he can take care of his family as needed. When the coach’s daughter starts making waves in her pursuit of him … just after her dad had to bail him out of trouble … he’s trying his very best to keep her at arms length so her dad doesn’t trade him.

On the cusp of getting a fashion designing career of the ground, Dani Weber is happy to be back home in Portland again … and close to Harry. She wants him … more than just about anything ever … and she’s really getting irritated that he won’t give in and give her what she wants! She’ll keep her father under control … if only she can get Cody into her bed!

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* Blog Tour / Book Review * CRAZY FOR YOU by Rachel Lacey

March 30, 2017 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Book Review * CRAZY FOR YOU by Rachel Lacey

Crazy for You by Rachel Lacey
Series: Risking It All #2
Published by Forever on March 28, 2017
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SHE'S TAKING A WALK ON HIS WILD SIDE

Emma Rush can't remember a time when she didn't have a thing for Ryan Blake. Haven's resident bad boy is just so freakin' hot-with tattoos, a motorcycle, and enough rough-around-the-edges sexiness to melt all her self-control. Now that Emma's over being a "good girl," she needs a little help being naughty . . . and she knows just where to start.

Before Emma's brother enlisted in the military, he made Ryan promise that he would protect her from everything--including himself. When her brother doesn't come home, Ryan needs to turn his screwed-up life around to honor his pledge. But he knows he's still not the right kind of guy for someone as sweet as Emma. Only he can't stop wanting to be with her. Wanting her. Falling in love with a good girl may be the craziest risk this bad boy can take . . .

An adorably hot couple, a group of friends and lots of laughs! Rachel Lacey has slayed the friends to lovers trope with this latest installment in her Risking It All series. I love this group of friends in general, but Emma and Ryan together just tore up the pages! STEAMY! Can’t wait for more out of Haven, NC!

Good girl Emma Rush has a hankering for a bad boy … and she knows just where to find one!

Ryan Blake is a bad boy personified! The sexy swagger, the no commitment attitude, the motorcycle, the tattoos … HOT! He came back to Haven, NC a few months ago to open up an outdoor sporting facility with his buddies Ethan and Mark. They are having the time of their lives getting this thing up and running, but being around Emma again after all these years is sweet torture! He was best friends with her brother back in high school and when he went off to join the military, he promised him he’d take care of her for him … that might have been a dozen years ago, and her brother might have never made it home, but Ryan still feels the weight of that promise to his core. He might want to get his hands on the sexy doll she’s become, but he can’t do that to his friend … it would be wrong … wouldn’t it??

Crazy for You
Risking It All #2

By: Rachel Lacey

Releasing: March 28, 2017
Forever

BLURB:

“Rachel Lacey is a sure-fire star.” — Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author

SHE’S TAKING A WALK ON HIS WILD SIDE

Emma Rush can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a thing for Ryan Blake. Haven’s resident bad boy is just so freakin’ hot-with tattoos, a motorcycle, and enough rough-around-the-edges sexiness to melt all her self-control. Now that Emma’s over being a “good girl,” she needs a little help being naughty . . . and she knows just where to start.

Before Emma’s brother enlisted in the military, he made Ryan promise that he would protect her from everything–including himself. When her brother doesn’t come home, Ryan needs to turn his screwed-up life around to honor his pledge. But he knows he’s still not the right kind of guy for someone as sweet as Emma. Only he can’t stop wanting to be with her. Wanting her. Falling in love with a good girl may be the craziest risk this bad boy can take . . .

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/2016/12/27/crazy-for-you-risking-it-all-2-by-rachel-lacey

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30842422-crazy-for-you

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/180210-risking-it-all

Buy Links: AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

EXCERPT:

Whoa. Emma closed her eyes and let out a shriek as Ryan guided the motorcycle onto Main Street and picked up speed. The cold wind whipped her face, taking her breath away. Beneath her, the engine rumbled and roared like a wild thing. Holy sh*t. She was on the back of Ryan Blake’s bike, and it was amazing.

The wind bit through her thin, knit gloves, hitting her fingers with an icy blast. Actually, every part of her was freezing, but she didn’t care. She wrapped her arms more firmly around Ryan’s waist, anchoring herself to him so she didn’t tumble off the back of the bike, and somehow her hands slipped beneath his jacket. Ahh. That was better. Toasty warm, and also…her hands were on his T-shirt. Even through her gloves, she felt the hard contour of his abs, and nope, she wasn’t cold now.

And this was absolutely freaking amazing.

She hung on tight as he guided them over Haven’s twisting mountain roads, deserted at this hour. Overhead the moon shone like a beacon, illuminating the night in its soft, silvery glow. The roar of the engine and the slap of the wind against her face shocked her senses. It was thrilling, invigorating, so completely different from riding inside a car.

She’d never have done this if Mandy hadn’t dared her, and now she felt like her eyes were open for the first time in years. This was what she needed. Somewhere along the way, as she sat at the bar talking to Ryan, she’d realized she was having fun, really having fun. And she wanted more. She wanted it all, every last wild and crazy fantasy.

All too soon, her building came into view. Ryan cut the engine and guided them quietly into the driveway, coming to a stop behind her silver Toyota RAV4. He turned his head to look at her, so sexy in his helmet and riding glasses. “So how was it?”

“Even better than I thought it would be.” She gulped for air. His lips were way too close to hers, and she was still a little bit drunk on beer and a whole lot drunk on her first motorcycle ride. Mandy’s words echoed in her ears. Bonus points if you kiss him. Just stand up a bit, lean over his shoulder, and…

Emma leaned forward, her chest sliding up his back as she tipped her face to his. Holy hell, she had completely lost her mind, but she was going for it. Every nerve in her body went haywire.

Clunk. Her helmet smacked into his, drawing her up an inch short of his lips.

AUTHOR INFO:

Rachel Lacey is a contemporary romance author and semi-reformed travel junkie. She’s been climbed by a monkey on a mountain in Japan, gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and camped out overnight in New York City for a chance to be an extra in a movie. These days, the majority of her adventures take place on the pages of the books she writes. She lives in warm and sunny North Carolina with her husband, son, and a variety of rescue pets.

Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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* Blog Tour / Book Review * HARD TO HOLD by Arell Rivers

March 29, 2017 1 Comment

Hard to Hold by Arell Rivers
Series: The Hold Series #2
Published by Tarnished Halo Publishing LLC on December 16, 2016
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Cheer for Rose Morgan—strong, determined and driven—a brilliant publicist who thought she had finally overcome her tragic past when, once again, her life is turned upside down. Rose and Cole’s passionate love story continues in this second full-length novel in The Hold series.

Distraught by news of Cole’s unexpected marriage, Rose Morgan tries to pick up the pieces of her life, only to be confronted by Cole at every turn. With her PR career in serious jeopardy, Rose can’t escape his orbit and is forced to continue working on his account. Under snowballing pressure, she seeks solace from unlikely sources.

Reeling from the disastrous fallout after his drunken night in Las Vegas, rock star Cole Manchester is a tormented man. He reaches out to Rose, the one woman who has always fixed his mistakes, only to realize that he might have pushed her away forever. Now, he’ll do whatever it takes to get her back.

Rose and Cole each must face their deepest fears if their love is to survive. But Cole’s stalker is becoming increasingly unhinged … and dangerous. In the end, Rose and Cole must decide if some things are just too Hard to Hold.

The continuation of Rose and Cole’s story is an exciting read! The story builds on the same characters as the first book with a few new faces mixed in. It too ends on a cliffhanger, and we are left anticipating the third and final installment!

Publicist Rose Morgan is distraught when it appears her boyfriend married someone else! Yes, she had doubts and gave him reason to be upset, but to go off and marry someone else? She can’t believe he’d do this to her!

Rock star Cole Manchester swears he didn’t marry anyone! Yes, he got drunk and went off with this woman who he later figured out was his stalker, but he wasn’t crazy enough to marry her … was he?

Rose’s job is on the line as she tries to fix this mess of Cole’s image. Can she believe him when he swears he didn’t do anything with this woman or is he only further lying to her? As the stalker becomes more enraged, will the bodyguards be able to keep them safe?

Hard to Hold

by Arell Rivers
The Hold Series
Publication Date: December 16, 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Hard to Hold – Excerpt

… I grab my purse and yank the door open. Of course, one of my nails breaks in the effort, but I’m beyond caring. I just need to escape. I rush past the cubicles toward the elevator. I’m sure no one even noticed that I left, except maybe Kim, who probably feels triumphant.

A heavy hand lands on my arm, abruptly halting my progress toward the lobby and freedom. A deep male voice growls in my ear. “I said stop.”

When I look up, angry green eyes bore down into me. Cole glances around and pulls us into an unoccupied office.

“Rose.”

I reply through gritted teeth, “Cole.”

“We need to talk.”

“This isn’t the time or the place.”

“I don’t give a fuck.” He runs a hand through his hair. His eyes now register hurt and anger in equal measure. My defenses start to lower, so I work double-time to shore them back up. “Ro, this is killing me.”

“You don’t think it’s killing me, too?” Refusing to look back into his eyes, I feign a sudden fascination with my hand, rubbing my broken nail over my index finger. Polish has chipped off that nail, too.

“The photos. Mom. Us. It’s too much.”

“Kim can provide an objective eye. Let her help you.”

He takes hold of my shoulders. “Fuck, I can’t do that. Everything is so out of whack. I need you.”

Refusing to look at him, I close my eyes. Which only intensifies my awareness of him. The heat emanating from his body, the way his fingers tighten and loosen on my shoulders. His musky scent. I could step forward and be in his embrace. It would comfort both of us. But no, he has to go through those photos. I need him to focus on the task at hand.

“Can you please help me with the photos? Nothing more. I just. Can’t. Think.” His large frame shudders.

Julie was a wonderful woman. Those photographs show her love for him. I can’t let him go through this alone.

“Yes,” I whisper, surprising us both.

He wraps me in his embrace. Being surrounded by his arms is heaven. I inhale his intoxicating scent, allowing myself to enjoy being here, my face pressed against his chest, his chin on top of my head.

A few moments pass. I need to stop this. We’re not a couple anymore. The words “Mrs. Starr Manchester” flash before my closed eyes.

Succumb to Cole Manchester—talented, witty, charming, sexy and oh-so flawed—a womanizing rock star whose shallow life is transformed when he experiences love for the first time.

From the outside, Cole Manchester seems to have it all: looks, fame, money, awards and women. When tragedy strikes, he realizes how hollow his life is, and opens the door to the one thing he’s never considered … finding love. He’s inexplicably drawn to the quiet wallflower who works on his team, a line he knows he shouldn’t cross.

After devastating heartbreaks, all Rose Morgan wants is to blend into the woodwork. Working at her dream job as a publicist, she’s safely hiding in plain sight. Until her client, the sexy Cole Manchester, notices her. Rose must ignore her desires in order to protect her bruised heart … and keep her prized career.

Cole needs Rose to teach him how to love. Rose needs Cole to teach her how to trust. Together, they form a bond ignited by passion but fueled by insecurities. When her mother’s interference collides with his fan’s twisted plot, Cole and Rose may find themselves with No One To Hold.

Cheer for Rose Morgan—strong, determined and driven—a brilliant publicist who thought she had finally overcome her tragic past when, once again, her life is turned upside down. Rose and Cole’s passionate love story continues in this second full-length novel in The Hold Series.

Distraught by news of Cole’s unexpected marriage, Rose Morgan tries to pick up the pieces of her life, only to be confronted by Cole at every turn. With her PR career in serious jeopardy, Rose can’t escape his orbit and is forced to continue working on his account. Under snowballing pressure, she seeks solace from unlikely sources.

Reeling from the disastrous fallout after his drunken night in Las Vegas, rock star Cole Manchester is a tormented man. He reaches out to Rose, the one woman who has always fixed his mistakes, only to realize that he might have pushed her away forever. Now, he’ll do whatever it takes to get her back.

Rose and Cole each must face their deepest fears if their love is to survive. But Cole’s stalker is becoming increasingly unhinged … and dangerous. In the end, Rose and Cole must decide if some things are just too Hard to Hold.

Rally around Cole Manchester and Rose Morgan: the rock star and his publicist are about to face their most perilous trials yet. Cole and Rose’s passionate love story culminates in this third full-length novel in The Hold Series.

Back in the spotlight for his world tour, Cole Manchester performs hit after hit before delighted fans. However, his heart remains firmly in Los Angeles with Rose, whose condition remains critical following their terrible car wreck.

After lying unconscious for weeks, Rose Morgan awakens to find herself professionally and personally adrift. Her scrambled memories have convinced her Cole is dangerous, compelling her to shut him out and face an uncertain future on her own.

With nothing left to lose, Cole’s crazed stalker executes her final desperate act. After an explosive finale, who will survive her deadly rampage?

Destinies will be altered. Intentions stripped bare. Rose and Cole must face all of their remaining demons if their love is to survive. In the trilogy’s thrilling conclusion, they’ll discover if they truly have each other forever To Have and To Hold.

About Arell Rivers

For as long as I can remember, I have been lost in a book. During my senior year in college, I picked up a Danielle Steel novel … and instantly was hooked on romance.

I started writing my first novel, No One to Hold, because the characters were screaming at me to do so. The story started coming out in my dreams and attacking me in the shower, so I took to the computer to shut them up. But they kept talking.

Born and raised in New Jersey, I have what some may call a “checkered past.” Prior to discovering my passion for writing romance, I practiced law, was a wedding and event planner and even dabbled in marketing. I live with a very supportive husband and two mischievous cats. When not in my writing cave, I can be found making dinner in the crock pot, working out with Shaun T or hitting the beach.

I hope you enjoy my stories about driven men, strong women and the passions that ignite!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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* Review * SO WRONG IT MUST BE RIGHT by Nicole Helm

March 28, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SO WRONG IT MUST BE RIGHT by Nicole Helm

So Wrong It Must Be Right by Nicole Helm
Series: Gallagher & Ivy
Published by Lyrical Press on March 21, 201
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It’s all fun and games until fantasy gets real . . .

At twenty-seven, Dinah Gallagher thought she’d have it all figured out. Instead, she’s having mind-blowing online sex with a man she knows nothing about and fighting for her rightful place in the family business. Part of that battle means expanding their century-old restaurant by getting the stubborn urban farmer next door to sell them his lot.

But Carter Trask is tired of being pushed around—especially by rich families like the Gallaghers. All he has left is the little farm he’s scratched out of his grandmother’s yard. At least he can blow off steam with the anonymous woman he’s been emailing for the past eight months, who makes his every sexual fantasy come alive—even if it’s only online.

When Dinah suddenly realizes that Carter’s gardens look just like some of her mystery man’s photos, she can’t resist trying to turn her dreams into reality. Against his better judgment, Carter joins in the game. But in real life, passion has a way of becoming very complicated, very quickly. And sometimes the wrong choice can turn out to be oh so right . . .

An online hook-up starts to feel all too real with this pair of secret lovers! The premise of the book was fun … who wouldn’t freak out when figuring out that the person they were having an online fling with was actually standing right in front of them! … but it fell a bit flat. I liked the characters and could even have enjoyed a relationship between them, but I felt like the story drug on a bit and too much emphasis went into the family instead of into the relationship building. Still a good read, it just didn’t blow me away.

Dinah Gallagher has spent her life working towards taking over her family business. It’s her heart and soul and she breathes Gallagher’s Tap Room, so when she needs to get the adjoining land out from under the guy living there in order to get one up on her Uncle and get her rightful job, that’s what she’s going to do!

Urban farmer Carter Trask has lost a lot in his life and he’s finally happy with his little nook in the world, happily growing his produce and surviving on the land left over from his grandmother. The neighbor has been trying to buy the land, but he has no interest … no matter how much they want it. When Dinah comes over and tries to sweeten the deal, he again has no interest … until she puts two and two together and let’s him know that she’s the secret “D” that he “C” has been emailing and heating up the keyboard with for months now!

When their online fling turns real, will these battling neighbors be able to call or truce?

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* Blog Tour / Book Review * PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM by Catherine Lanigan

March 27, 2017 7 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Book Review * PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM by Catherine Lanigan

Protecting the Single Mom by Catherine Lanigan
Series: Shores of Indian Lake
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on April 1, 2017
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Getting involved shouldn't be this dangerous…

Cate Sullivan is no damsel in distress. She's kept herself and her son safe for six long years. Built a good life in Indian Lake. But now that her drug-dealing ex-husband is moving his operation here, that life is about to explode.

Her instincts tell her to trust Detective Trent Davis. That he's more than just a handsome cop doing his duty. The former Green Beret has even formed a fast bond with her son. But there's something he's not telling her. Some darkness that keeps him from giving in to the feelings she knows are growing between them. Cate trusts Trent to keep her safe, but the real question is whether he'll trust himself with her heart.

When danger rears it’s ugly head, a mother will do anything to protect! We are quickly drawn in to the story of a woman on the run who thought she could finally relax and enjoy life again … only to have her maniac of an ex show back up to terrorize her. A cast of great characters, many of whom we’ve gotten to know in past books in the series, makes a solid story.

Detective Trent Davis has been working hard to shut down the drug infiltration that has been happening in his small town of Indian Lake. They almost catch their guy, but he slips away at the last minute. Imagine Trent’s surprise when he finds out that the guy has a connection to one of his very own residents … one who has been keeping secrets!

Cate Sullivan fled her old life more than 6 years ago and settled in at Indian Lake to raise her son. They’ve been enjoying a good life with close friends and neighbors in a genuinely good town … and now her drug-dealing ex-husband has found them. She will do anything to keep her son safe … but can she bring herself to trust someone else with the job of protecting him? Trent seems like a good guy, and she can’t deny there’s something special about him when their eyes meet … but he almost seems haunted. What could he possibly be hiding? Can she trust her heart to what-if’s?

Protecting the Single Mom
(Shores of Indian Lake #7)
Catherine Lanigan

Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
April 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Getting involved shouldn’t be this dangerous…

Cate Sullivan is no damsel in distress. She’s kept herself and her son safe for six long years. Built a good life in Indian Lake. But now that her drug-dealing ex-husband is moving his operation here, that life is about to explode.

Her instincts tell her to trust Detective Trent Davis. That he’s more than just a handsome cop doing his duty. The former Green Beret has even formed a fast bond with her son. But there’s something he’s not telling her. Some darkness that keeps him from giving in to the feelings she knows are growing between them. Cate trusts Trent to keep her safe, but the real question is whether he’ll trust himself with her heart.

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Advanced Review for Protecting the Single Mom

This is an exceptional romantic fiction novel that inspires women to achieve their dreams and warms the hearts of the romantics. It is a beautifully well-written story with a clean context. It is suitable for anybody who loves a good romance and yearns to be inspired to make a change in their circumstances. – Susan Sewell for Readers’ Favorite

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of forty published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile, as well as over half a dozen anthologies, including “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living your Dream”, “Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul”, and more. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into dozens of languages including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese. Ms. Lanigan’s novels are also available in E-books on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Store, Mobi and Kobo. Several of her titles have been chosen for The Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Clubs. Her Vietnam war-based novel, The Christmas Star, won the Gold Medal Award Top Pick from Romantic Times Magazine and has also won Book of the Year Romance Gold Award from ForeWord Magazine as well as Book of the Year Romance from Reader’s Preference.

Lanigan is the author of a trilogy of non- fiction books regarding angelic intervention in human life: Angel Watch, Divine Nudges and Angel Tales published by HCI and Cedar Fort. Skyhorse published Lanigan’s “how-to” book on writing: Writing the Great American Romance Novel. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid Foundation to write a non-fiction book addressing teen addictions. Ms. Lanigan’s first Young Adult adventure novel, The Adventures of Lillie and Zane: The Golden Flute, was published by Cedar Fort.

Currently, she has published seven novels in the Shores of Indian Lake series for Harlequin Heartwarming: Love Shadows, Heart’s Desire, A Fine Year for Love, Katia’s Promise, Fear of Falling and Sophie’s Path. Protecting the Single Mom pubs April, 2016. She has recently contracted for two more in the series: Wedding for Isabelle and A Bride for Mica.

As a cancer survivor, Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. (THE EVOLVING WOMAN). She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs.

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Tour Schedule

March 26th: Launch

March 27th: Thoughts of a Blonde & Katie’s Clean Book Collection

March 28th: Rockin’ Book Reviews & Book Lover in Florida

March 29th: Rainy Day Reviews & Zerina Blossom’s Books

March 30th: Hearts & Scribbles & Harlie’s Books

April 2nd: Hardcover Feedback & Reading Is My SuperPower

April 3rd: Mel’s Shelves & Kati’s Bookaholic Rambling Reviews

April 4th: underneath the covers & Wishful Endings

April 5th: The Silver Dagger Scriptorium, Heidi Reads… & Singing Librarian Books

April 6th: Nicole’s Book Musings & Becky on Books