Book Reviews – Page 278

* Blog Tour / Book Review * ETHAN’S DAUGHTER by Rachel Brimble

August 3, 2017 1 Comment

Ethan's Daughter by Rachel Brimble
Series: Templeton Cove
Published by Harlequin Superromance on August 1, 2017
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There's safety in solitude…isn't there?

Single dad and best-selling thriller writer Ethan James has no problem being Templeton Cove's most famous recluse…until a surprise visit from the past plunges him into a real-life crime drama just as feisty nurse Leah Dixon barges her way into his world.

Ethan's first priority is to protect his daughter. His second priority is to keep Leah out of this dark web—and that means out of his bed. Except Leah isn't going anywhere; she's afraid little Daisy is in danger. Ethan couldn't live with himself if anything happened to Leah…but pushing her away may be even harder!

I always enjoy a visit back to Templeton Cove! I enjoyed the characters a lot, and the plot was interesting. I somehow wanted a little more from Ethan & Leah, but overall a good read!

Best selling author Ethan James is enjoying his life as a bit of a recluse as he pumps out his next thriller in Templeton Cove, but his daughter has other ideas when she brings home a visitor! ER nurse Leah Dixon is ready to give this child’s father a piece of her mind .. then she realizes who he is and winds up smack dab in the middle of chaos!

When danger surrounds this father and daughter, Leah can’t walk away without doing all that she can to make sure they stay safe … especially that little girl! Will Ethan be able to push Leah away so she won’t be caught up in this mess … or will the attraction they feel draw her in even closer?

Ethan’s Daughter
Templeton Cove #7

By: Rachel Brimble

Releasing August 8, 2017
Harlequin SuperRomance

BLURB

There’s safety in solitude isn’t there?

Single dad and best-selling thriller writer Ethan James has no problem being Templeton Cove’s most famous recluse until a surprise visit from the past plunges him into a real-life crime drama just as feisty nurse Leah Dixon barges her way into his world.

Ethan’s first priority is to protect his daughter. His second priority is to keep Leah out of this dark web and that means out of his bed. Except Leah isn’t going anywhere; she’s afraid little Daisy is in danger.

Ethan couldn’t live with himself if anything happened to Leah but pushing her away may be even harder!

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Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/ethans-daughter-rachel-brimble

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35093730-ethan-s-daughter

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/161969-templeton-cove

EXCERPT

On the other side of the front door, the kitchen/dining room stretched from the front to the back of the house. Even though it was in semi-darkness, Leah could see straight through to some French doors at the back, the only illumination coming from the overhead light of the stove as it glinted on steel toward the center of the room.

Snapping her gaze to Daisy, Leah’s opinions on personal tastes flew to the wayside. The little girl’s eyes were wide as she chewed her bottom lip. Leah frowned. “Are you all right, sweetheart? Do you want me to knock?”

Daisy nodded and raised her arms toward Leah as though asking to be picked up. “Yes, please. Daddy might be mad.”

“Oh, Daddy won’t be mad.” Leah bent down and picked her up, hitching her onto her hip as Daisy’s arms wound around her shoulders. “If Daddy’s mad, I’ll show him how to calm himself down real quick. Don’t you worry about that.” Leah lifted the brass knocker and let it fall a little harder than necessary.

No answer.

Narrowing her eyes, she knocked again.

She was readying to knock a third time when the door swung open.

“I told you to get the hell out of here and not come back.” The man’s dark hair sprouted from every angle, his raging eyes bulging and his right hand swathed in a blue and white¬¬––and bloodied––dishtowel. His gaze held Leah’s for a split-second before he snapped his attention to Daisy. “My God, Daisy. What are you…” He cupped Daisy under her armpits, wincing slightly as he pulled her from Leah’s arms to hold her close. He pressed a lingering kiss to her temple, his raging eyes hidden behind his closed lids.

Leah stared, completely stunned by this flannel-shirted, blue jeaned, incredibly good-looking man…despite the bulging eyes. She coughed in a bid to find her voice. “Mr. James?” She planted her hands on her hips. “You’re Daisy’s father, I presume?”

He opened his eyes and Leah stepped back.

Apparently when his eyes had softened and were filled with regret rather than rage, they looked good. Really good.

She stilled. Oh, good Lord. Be damned if those weren’t the eyes of Templeton’s reclusive novelist, Ethan James.

AUTHOR INFO

Rachel Brimble lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. Since 2013, she has had seven books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and an eight coming in Feb 2018. She also has four Victorian romances with eKensington/Lyrical Press.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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* Review * HEARTBREAKER by Stacey Kennedy

August 2, 2017 Leave a Comment

Heartbreaker by Stacey Kennedy
Series: Filthy Dirty Love #1
Published by EverAfter Romance on June 5, 2017
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Veteran cop Maddox Hunt is all about the job. Sure, there are women―lots of women, truth be told―but there’s no one special. Until a one-night stand from his past, rookie Joss O’Neil is assigned to his division. Suddenly, all he can think about is her. The scent of her. The taste of her.

Fresh out of field training, Joss has thrown herself into her job, determined to kick-start her career. And while police work has its thrills, her gorgeous new boss is what really gets her pulse pounding. Too bad he’s nothing but a distraction. Especially since he’s as devastatingly handsome as she remembers, and his sexy smile arrests her heart.

Loved, loved, loved the chemistry between these two! Great characters that draw us immediately into the story and keep us turning page after page as their passion explodes. Super steamy! Looking forward to Grey’s story!

Rookie Joss O’Neil has just been assigned her first job with the Seattle PD and is excited to begin her destined career … until she gets a look at her Lieutenant and recognizes him as her sexy, hot one night stand from a year ago!

Maddox Hunt is all about the job and having his own style of fun. He loves women … lots of women … but he never returns more than once … until Joss steps foot into his squad room. He never forgot her and the steaming passion they shared. Now it’s up to him to play it cool and keep things professional. The pull is awfully hard to resist though!

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* Review * PROTECTING HIS BEST FRIEND’S SISTER by Samantha Chase & Noelle Adams

August 1, 2017 1 Comment

Protecting His Best Friend's Sister by Samantha Chase and Noelle Adams
Series: The Protectors #1
on August 9, 2017

Protecting His Best Friend's Sister was originally published as Duty Bound. It has since been expanded, revised, and re-edited.

The only woman I want is the one I can never have.

Harper. My best friend’s sister. I've wanted her since I was eighteen, but she's always been off-limits. Now I'm home after years in the Marines, and nothing has changed--except everything has. Her brother is dead, and she’s on a hopeless quest for answers about his death.

And I want her just as much as ever.

Someone is trying to kill her now, and she won’t let me keep her safe. I have to protect her anyway, even if she doesn’t trust me, even if she hates me for it. A man protects what’s precious to him, whether or not he can ever claim her for his own.

And Harper has always been precious to me.

She’s feisty and determined to get answers. He needs to make sure the danger surrounding her doesn’t escalate. A connection between the two that they never acted on as teenagers … yet it is still flaring between them. An okay plot and likable characters.

Harper Murphy is determined to get the details about the accident that killed her Marine brother. She doesn’t care who’s cage she riles, she’s going to get an understanding of exactly what happened or she won’t give stop.

Levi was Gavin’s best friend and fellow Marine and he is going to watch over her just like he knows Gavin would have wanted him to, so when suspicious things start happening around her, he’s on top of keeping her out of harms way … only problem is, he’s been secretly lusting after her for all of his adult life … the only woman he wants is the one woman he can’t have.

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* Review * MISSION UNDERCOVER by Virginia Vaughan

August 1, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MISSION UNDERCOVER by Virginia Vaughan

Mission Undercover by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Rangers Under Fire
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on August 1, 2017
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COVERT ASSIGNMENT

When Blake Michaels's cover as a local cop is blown and a corrupt officer attempts to kill him, he's forced to go on the run. Under his protection is Holly Mathis, also a target for what she may know about her late husband's investigation into corruption on the police force. Blake can't complete his assignment without help from the beautiful widow, but getting close to a woman again is out of the question. Trapped inside the town limits by police barricades, Blake won't surrender the mission until he finds the source of the deadly drug ring that brought him here. But as he circles closer to his target, can he get his man—and save his woman—without sacrificing his own life?

Excitement and danger from the very first page! Great suspense as we go on the run of their lives with the main characters.

Holly Mathis lost her husband in the line of duty a year ago, and she’s just trying to exist these days as she picks up the pieces and moves on day by day. She never expects to find hidden information that will all of a sudden put her in danger, but when she does, she’s lucky that someone comes along to help her!

Blake Michael is undercover as a local cop trying to bring down a rumored drug ring. Just as his cover is blown, he sees that Holly is in danger as well and dashes in to rescue her and take her on the run with him. They are trapped in the town by barricades and must rely on each other’s quick thinking to duck and cover every time danger strikes. Will help make it to town soon enough to save them?

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* Review * CAVANAUGH ENCOUNTER by Marie Ferrarella

July 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * CAVANAUGH ENCOUNTER by Marie Ferrarella

Cavanaugh Encounter by Marie Ferrarella
Series: Cavanaugh Justice
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on August 1, 2017
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Playboy detective Luke Cavanaugh O'Bannon isn't excited to be paired with his polar opposite, introverted Francesca "Frankie" DeMarco, on a case. But when Frankie's cousin is found dead of a suspicious drug overdose, she and Luke must work together to pursue a serial killer who's struck again. And though they try to fight it, the two opposites attract…passionately!

After several false leads, their investigation points them to an online dating site where Frankie, despite Luke's objections, offers herself up as virtual bait. Will the killer reply with dinner and a deadly proposition? Will Luke realize he's met his match—offline?

Always a pleasure to visit the Cavanaugh family again! The murder case was interesting and caught my attention quickly, and even though the sass and snark between the main characters was fun, there just wasn’t a great connection pulling me in there. Still a pleasant read!

When her cousin is found dead of an apparent drug overdose, Detective Frankie DeMarco isn’t buying it. She sets her sights on finding out what really happened and winds up working what looks to be a serial killer case with Detective Luke Cavanaugh O’Bannon.

Luke isn’t happy when Frankie comes up with the idea to use herself as bate on a dating website they think the killer is finding his victims on, but she won’t take no for an answer. Can he manage to keep her safe when the killer comes knocking?

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* Review * A DAD FOR CHARLIE by Anna J. Stewart

July 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * A DAD FOR CHARLIE by Anna J. Stewart

A Dad for Charlie by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Butterfly Harbor
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on August 1, 2017
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Doesn't she know she can trust him with anything?

To Butterfly Harbor deputy sheriff Fletcher Bradley, Paige Cooper is a mystery he's dying to solve. Ever since the single mother and her equally irresistible young daughter showed up, life in his California town has changed for the better. Fletch isn't sure what Paige is running from; he only knows she's keeping some pretty serious secrets. Yet here she is, already a vital part of the community and working with him to crack a series of recent break-ins. Paige has to trust someone sometime. And it's going to be Fletch. Doesn't she know that she belongs here-with him?

Another great return to Butterfly Harbor! This is a small town that always pulls us in with new adventures, so I love my return visits.

Deputy Fletcher Bradley his job. Butterfly Harbor is a quaint, close-knit town and he enjoys getting to help protect it. Getting to the bottom of some recent vandalism has suddenly risen to the top of his to-do list, and having the mysterious Paige Cooper pop her nose in where it doesn’t belong is sure to make for an interesting adventure!

Paige and her daughter Charlie are recent transplants to the town and have become favorites of many. It’s clear the Paige is hiding something though, and Fletch is determined to find out what it is while he lets her trail along with him during this most recent investigation. When her secrets start to come out, will he rally around her, or find himself in a professional pickle?

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* Review * THE TYCOON’S FIANCEE DEAL by Katherine Garbera

July 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * THE TYCOON’S FIANCEE DEAL by Katherine Garbera

The Tycoon's Fiancée Deal by Katherine Garbera
Series: The Wild Caruthers Bachelors
Published by Harlequin Desire on August 1, 2017
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Dr. Derek Caruthers is up for the promotion of his life—if he can deflect his boss's romantic designs. His solution? Single mom Bianca Velasquez—longtime buddy turned fake fiancée. Unfortunately, he's feeling more passionate than platonic about beautiful Bianca…

She knows the engagement is only pretend, but seeing Derek with her son and having Derek's strong body next to hers at night feels way too real. Can she convince the stubborn bachelor that he's ready for a spouse?

Forgotten crushes reignite! A sweet & sassy reunion story between two people who were the best of friends through school, went on to live their own lives and now are reunited with lots of past behind them, and a little white lie forging them together for a future! Great characters, an adorable little boy, a fun plot and sexy attraction heating things up!

Surgeon Derek Caruthers is up for the promotion of a lifetime … if only the woman he’s been deflecting for ages now wasn’t in charge of making the decision! To waylay her once again, he tells her he’s engaged … and where will he find a quick fake fiancee? Why, his best friend of course!

Bianca Velasquez is willing to help him out … but as they start to play house, it feels all too real and feelings that she thought were pushed aside years ago start to fester and make her wish this life with him and her son was going to be forever!

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* Blog Tour / Book Review * WELL BUILT by Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde

July 27, 2017 Leave a Comment

Well Built by Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde
Published by CP Publishing on July 25, 2017
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When it comes to women, sexy, well-built Kyle Coleman has always been a lover, not a fighter. His one exception? The tempting, beautiful Ella Fisher. Her family and his share a tempestuous past, which make the two of them as a couple off-limits—despite the fact that she inspires some of his dirtiest fantasies. He's kept his hands off of her for years . . . until the lines between family loyalty and lust become irrevocably blurred one fateful evening and changes everything between them.

A sexy reunion with another of the Premier Realty hotties! You’ll recognize Kyle and his partners Connor, Wes & Max if you read either of the previous books in the series. I loved the sweet interaction between Kyle and Ella, and felt their past was explained well. Happy to see them get their happily ever after!

Heading back to his hometown of Woodmont, Illinois to work out a surprise for his Mom puts Kyle Coleman smack dab in the middle of Ella Fisher’s life again. She is the one that got away, the one he’s never forgotten, the one that is forbidden.

Ella’s family responsibilities have been weighing her down for 10 years now, and she’s dying for some relief … even if it’s only temporary, sinfully sexy relief!

Well Built by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde

Date of Publication: July 25, 2017

When it comes to women, sexy, well-built Kyle Coleman has always been a lover, not a fighter. His one exception? The sassy, tempting, smart-mouthed Ella Fisher. Her family and his are sworn enemies, which make the two of them off-limits—despite the fact that she’s inspired some of his dirtiest, most erotic fantasies for years. But when the lines between animosity and lust become irrevocably blurred one fateful evening, their one night stand leads to a very unexpected consequence—that changes everything between them forever.

Available From

Amazon (Kindle)
Amazon (Paperback)
iBooks
Nook
Kobo
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About Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde

***Carly Phillips***

Carly Phillips is the N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels featuring hot men, strong women and the emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. Carly is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs (two wheaten terriers and one mutant Havanese) who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at www.carlyphillips.com.

Website: http://www.carlyphillips.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10000.Carly_Phillips
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Carly-Phillips/e/B001I9W0MS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlyPhillipsFanPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlyphillips

***Erika Wilde***

Erika Wilde is the author of the sexy Marriage Diaries series and The Players Club series. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two daughters, and when she’s not writing you can find her exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. For more information on her upcoming releases, please visit her website at www.erikawilde.com.

Website: http://www.erikawilde.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5357264.Erika_Wilde
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Erika-Wilde/e/B00CVE4WSO
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikaWildeAuthorFanPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/erikawilde1

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * THE BOSS’S FAKE FIANCEE by Susan Meier

July 26, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BOSS’S FAKE FIANCEE by Susan Meier

The Boss's Fake Fiancée by Susan Meier
Published by Harlequin Romance on August 1, 2017
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The perfect fake fiancée—his assistant!

Billionaire Mitcham Ochoa never expected to be the best man for his brother and his own ex! But what better way to prove he's over her than to have his very own "fiancée" at his side?

PA Lila Ross has had a crush on her boss since day one, but surely pretending to be his fiancée is a step too far? She knows she'll be heartbroken when she has to walk away… Only Mitch is beginning to find Lila as indispensable in life as she is in the office!

An adorably sweet take on a dating the boss Cinderella style story! I really enjoyed both characters and the plot. It was fast moving and easy to read, some humor in there and a pleasant trip towards a happily ever after!

Mitcham Ochoa feels pressured into proving that he’s over his ex-girlfriend when he has to travel home to be the best man at her wedding … to his brother! When an oddball plan takes root to take a fake fiancee along for the trip, there’s only one option available … his mousy personal assistant!

Lila Ross has been crushing on her boss since the very first day she became his personal assistant, but he doesn’t know she’s alive other than as an employee. She’s not so sure she can pull this ruse off, but with the use of his credit cards, she performs a magical make-over that has him seeing her as a sexy companion that will surely convince his family he’s happily occupied elsewhere!

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* Review * THE CEO’S NANNY AFFAIR by Joss Wood

July 26, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE CEO’S NANNY AFFAIR by Joss Wood

The CEO's Nanny Affair by Joss Wood
Series: The Ballantyne Billionaires #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on August 1, 2017
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Sexy single-dad billionaire meets temporary nanny…

When Tate Harper's sister disappears, the globe-trotting TV host is suddenly the caregiver for her infant niece. She has to find her sister ASAP! Enter single father and sexy CEO Linc Ballantyne, her sister's ex. He's a family man to the core, and he'll help Tate—if she agrees to be his temporary live-in nanny.

Soon she's juggling a baby, a toddler and a growing attraction to the billionaire Ballantyne. But when it's time to go back to her real life, will she pack her bags or stay and find out what being a family really means?

Fiery attraction beats out common sense! He swore he’d never trust again … and when it’s another Harper woman in the picture, he ups the ante on that promise even more. She’s different though … her eyes show her feelings, her heart spreads kindness, she’s unique. We’re drawn to this couple and their story and can’t stop being invested until we see them get that happiy ending they both so desperately deserve.

Tate Harper can’t believe her irresponsible and flighty sister has done it again! She asked her to meet up with her and then ducked out, but left the present of a baby behind! She has to find her and there’s only one man to turn to for help!

Linc Ballantyne wishes he could say he was surprised, but he has his own toddler that was left behind by his ex, so he’s none too forgiving to the woman. They both find themselves in need of help … Tate needs to track down her sister and make her take her baby back … Linc needs a temporary nanny for his son. As they agree to help each other and settle into this temporary situation, sparks burn out of control … can they truly walk away from each other?

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