Book Reviews – Page 293

* Review * THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT by Kat Cantrell

May 2, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT by Kat Cantrell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 1, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 1, 2017 2 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

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

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

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

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

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

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

His Last Rodeo
Sierra Legacy #4

By: Claire McEwen

Releasing May 1, 2017
Harlequin Superromance

BLURB:

Back in the saddle again…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Barely.”

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

“You don’t know your cocktails?”

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

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

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

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

“A boss who’s not totally incompetent?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AUTHOR INFO:

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

Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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

April 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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* Review * PLAYING THE SPANISH BILLIONAIRE by MK Meredith

April 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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* Review * BREAKING FREE by Adrienne Giordano

April 28, 2017 Leave a Comment

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* Review * BREAKING FREE by Adrienne Giordano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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* Review * TEMPTING KATE by Jennifer Snow

April 28, 2017 Leave a Comment

Tempting Kate by Jennifer Snow
Series: Wild Wedding Nights
Published by Harlequin Blaze on May 1, 2017
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Everything depends on this one day

Would anyone hire a wedding planner who was left at the altar? The answer, Kate Hartley has found out, is no. It's been nearly a year since her fiancé abandoned her at their destination wedding, and Kate's career is nearly toast. Unless she can pull off the wedding of the century for her new clients, a Hollywood power couple. So why is the groom's brother, sexy-as-hell resort owner Scott Dillon, trying to stop the wedding?

Scott wants to do the right thing—the bride-to-be is keeping a secret and Scott's brother deserves the truth before he says "I do." But if Scott doesn't stop trying to stall the wedding, he'll ruin Kate's career, not to mention any chance he has of being with her.

Finally a happy ending for Kate! If you read the first book in the series, you will definitely recognize her as the one who was jilted at the altar on her destination wedding in Maui. What a bummer right? In the end, not so much! The jilting ex turns out to be even worse than we thought, and she winds up stumbling across a keeper of a man in the end! They are funny together, yet oh so steamy when it’s sexy time! Loved them together.

Kate Hartley’s career as wedding planner to the stars has suffered horribly since her own wedding failed to go off without a hitch. She’s trying everything to repair her reputation, and when she’s finally handed the opportunity of a lifetime, she won’t let anything get in the way of a perfectly executed wedding!

Scott Dillon is the upcoming groom’s brother, as well as the owner of the resort where they want to hold the wedding. He wants nothing more than his brother’s happiness but he knows the bride-to-be is keeping a big secret from him that has to come out … or he can’t let the wedding go on!

Kate and Scott fight like cats and dogs, but they have a heat between them that they can’t control! As they reluctantly grow closer, will they each be able to see the other’s point of view and come to a meeting of the minds that won’t ruin the wedding … and her business?

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* Blog Tour / Book Review * TO HAVE AND TO HOLD by Arell Rivers

April 27, 2017 1 Comment

To Have and to Hold by Arell Rivers
Series: The Hold Series #3
Published by Tarnished Halo Publishing LLC on December 16, 2016
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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.

A bittersweet ending to the emotionally riveting story of Cole Manchester and Rose Morgan! I highly recommend you read Book 1 and Book 2 in this series first to have a full appreciation for what has happened thus far in their relationship. The characters are great, their connection is deep and they have a big likability factor going for them. I really enjoyed their love story, and I’m hoping for glimpses of their future as we head into Wills and Emilie’s story next!

The last place rock star Cole Manchester wants to be right now is the other side of the world from Rose, but he knows she would be really mad at him if he didn’t go on the big World Tour she worked so hard to plan for him. He’s counting the days until he gets home to see here again, and praying every day that it will be the day she opens her eyes.

While he’s away, Rose Morgan fights her way back to the world. Her memories are scrambled, and she doesn’t know who or what to believe is real anymore. She feels like Cole is a danger to her and pushes him away, but as her head starts to heal and she starts to listen to her heart, she realizes she made a mistake. Can their love survive not only her scrambled brain and outside influence, but the return of his stalker? No one is safe when she rears her ugly head again!

Synopsis:

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.

To Have and to Hold (Book #3 in The Hold Series)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2hS4mKs
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2hXfZx3
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2hSf5ol
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2h7zAMv
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2hR2QpI
iBooks: http://apple.co/2h9CD8H

Excerpt – To Have and to Hold

Grabbing a Lakers cap from the backseat, I shove it on my head and race into the main entrance, Jared at my heels. The guy at security asks for my identification, which I hand him. Jared turns his over to the other security guy.

After checking my face against the photo, he asks, “Who are you visiting today, Mr. Manchester?”

“Rose Morgan, I mean Bloomer.”

He nods and flips some pages. I tap a beat on my leg. Hurry up. He glances at the clock on the wall and says, “I’ll clear you, but you only have twenty minutes before visiting hours are over.”

Jared gets his clearance as I’m retrieving my driver’s license. We sprint through the lobby to the elevator. I repeatedly press the call button. Finally, a cab arrives and whisks us up to the fifth-floor lobby. Her floor.

Roberto stands when he sees us. I wave at him, but don’t have time to check in. I run to the small security booth at the entrance to the restricted wing. This officer checks my pass from the first checkpoint, makes a notation on it and nods. He presses a button and the door buzzes open. As soon as it’s almost wide enough, I rush down the hall and come to a halt outside her door.

The door is open. Pop music plays softly in the room.

For some reason, now that I’m here, I can’t put one foot in front of another to cross the threshold. It’s like I’ve been turned to stone, and only my rapidly beating heart distinguishes me from one of those marble statues in the Tuileries. I want to see her so badly. But, I don’t want her to be lying lifeless on a hospital bed. I want my Rose back.

Over the PA system, a woman announces fifteen minutes until the end of visiting hours. I need to go to my girlfriend and talk to her, even if I’m the only one doing the talking. Inhaling, I step through the door.

And freeze.

Facing the windows by the bed, a woman with long, limp brown hair is standing with her back to me. Her leg’s in a cast. She’s dancing. Well, sort of.

“Rose?”

The woman turns around.

Holy. Fuck.

About the Author:

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: http://www.arellrivers.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArellRivers
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ArellRivers
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=arell+rivers

Playlist – To Have and to Hold

v Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran ~ Cole loves Rose this much!

v Unconditionally, Katy Perry ~ Rose is right there with Cole!

v All of Me, John Legend ~ I could see Cole singing this on the first leg of his world tour

v Breakeven, The Script ~ Bad things happen for a reason, right?

v Look Away, Eli Lieb and Steve Grand ~ The first leg of his world tour left Cole singing with half his heart

v Like I’m Gonna Lose You, Meghan Trainor, feat. John Legend ~ Rose and Cole both know life is precious

v Invincible, Kelly Clarkson ~ Rose’s theme song

v Salute, Little Mix ~ Rose and Shari take on Greta (and the world!)

v I Gotta Feeling, Black Eyed Peas ~ for RM Publicity’s debut party

v Marry Me, Train ~ you need to get to the end of the book and you’ll understand

v Sunday Morning, Maroon 5 ~ such a sexy song for a sexy couple

To watch this playlist, go to http://bit.ly/ToHaveAndToHoldPlaylist

Previously in the series:

No One to Hold (Book #1 in The Hold Series)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2hMNWmJ
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2icL1QJ
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2icMXbT
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Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2icMarE
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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.

Hard to Hold (Book #2 in The Hold Series)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2icQZRH
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2hXkh7J
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2icEh5o
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2hXg6ZD
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iBooks: http://apple.co/2hSdyP5

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.

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* Blog Tour / Book Review * COVERT KISSES by Jane Godman

April 26, 2017 Leave a Comment

Covert Kisses by Jane Godman
Series: Sons of Stillwater
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on April 1, 2017
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Sons of Stillwater: Jane Godman's heart-stopping new miniseries where no one is who they seem…

Coincidence? The beauty who washes up on Mayor Cameron Delaney's private beach eerily resembles his dead girlfriend, Carla. But Laurie Carter, Carla's lookalike cousin, is actually an undercover detective. She's on the job, investigating Cameron's connection to a human-trafficking ring. Laurie knows she must keep her cover—but she's struggling to deceive the man she finds irresistible…

When Cameron discovers why Laurie is in town, he's furious to realize he's being framed—and stunned at his sudden feelings for the lovely agent. But as they uncover the traffickers, a savage serial killer targets Laurie. Can Cameron save the life of the woman he's come to care for…and unmask the threat haunting his family and Stillwater?

A web of deceit unravels slowly as we try to figure out the pieces of the puzzle surrounding this story! We go in with one possible crime to solve, and wind up knee deep in trouble as a serial killer is uncovered and sets his sights on the heroine. An interesting group of characters who made for a compelling story. A couple of aspects weren’t quite believable, but overall I enjoyed the book and dove in to try to solve the crimes!

When a look-a-like to his dead girlfriend washes up on his private beach, Mayor Cameron Delaney is thrown for a bit of a loop. He can’t believe what he’s seeing, and initially helps her in order to have that face close to him again.

Undercover detective Laurie Carter is happy to use the fact that she looks like her cousin in order to get close enough to Cameron to investigate him and his transportation business for suspicious activity in a possible human trafficking and drug smuggling ring! When Cameron finds what she’s doing there and that he’s being set up to look like a criminal, he’s really mad about it, but before they can set out to solve the case, they stumble across a serial killer determined to help himself to Laurie!

Title: COVERT KISSES
Author: Jane Godman
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 288
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Coincidence? The beauty who washes up on Mayor Cameron Delaney’s private beach eerily resembles his dead girlfriend, Carla. But Laurie Carter, Carla’s lookalike cousin, is actually an undercover detective. She’s on the job, investigating Cameron’s connection to a human-trafficking ring. Laurie knows she must keep her cover—but she’s struggling to deceive the man she finds irresistible…

When Cameron discovers why Laurie is in town, he’s furious to realize he’s being framed—and stunned at his sudden feelings for the lovely agent. But as they uncover the traffickers, a savage serial killer targets Laurie. Can Cameron save the life of the woman he’s come to care for…and unmask the threat haunting his family and Stillwater?

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Book Excerpt:

Take his breath away.

That was her one and only aim for this first encounter, and Laurie Carter had three things working in her favor as she kept the target in her sights.

First, there was the understated designer swimsuit that molded itself to her curves, while also cleverly drawing attention to the length of her legs.

Then there was the fact that she was wading ashore onto his private lakeside property. As he sprang to his feet from the rock where he had been sitting gazing out across the water, no doubt he was about to point that fact out to her. Laurie did a rapid check, reconciling this man’s physical attributes with the photographs she had carefully memorized. Dark, wavy hair, swept back from a broad brow and worn slightly long so that it curled onto his neck. Deep-set eyes above high, Slavic cheekbones. A hawk-like nose and lips that were contrastingly full. She had the right man. There was no mistaking him. Tall and powerfully built, he moved toward her with the grace of an athlete, a frown line pulling his dark eyebrows together.

Judging the distance between them to perfection, Laurie waited until he was close enough. As she fell into a pretend faint, she saw shock and something more register in the hazel depths of Cameron Delaney’s eyes. Advantage number three was always going to be the one that clinched it. As his reflexes kicked in and he scooped her up into his arms, Laurie let her head flop back, allowing him a clear view of her face.

His exhalation was an audible hiss. Mission accomplished. The fact that she was trespassing on his land had been the thing that made him notice her. The swimsuit had drawn his attention to her curves and kept him looking. Neither of those things had succeeded in driving the breath from his lungs. That had been achieved for one reason only…because she was the mirror image of his dead girlfriend.

About the Author

Jane Godman writes paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne and SMP Swerve, thrillers for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and steamy historical romance for Samhain Publishing.

Jane also writes erotic romance as Amanda Stewart.

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* Review * SLOW BURN COWBOY by Maisey Yates

April 23, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SLOW BURN COWBOY by Maisey Yates

Slow Burn Cowboy by Maisey Yates
Series: Copper Ridge
Published by HQN Books on April 18, 2017
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In Copper Ridge, Oregon, a cowboy's best friend might turn out to be the woman of his dreams…

If Finn Donnelly makes a plan, he sticks to it. After his brothers left Copper Ridge, Finn stayed behind, determined to keep their ranch going by himself. And when he realized his feelings for Lane Jensen were more than platonic, he shoved that inconvenient desire away. It was easy…until it wasn't. Suddenly his brothers are coming home to claim their share of the property. And Lane is no longer just in his fantasies. She's in his arms, and their friendship is on the line…

He's been her buddy, her handyman, her rock. But until that one breathtaking kiss, Lane somehow overlooked the most important thing about Finn Donnelly—he's all man. They're right together, no matter how much his volatile past has bruised him. Finn wants to hold Lane's body, but he doesn't want to hold her heart. But Lane is falling fast and now she's got a plan of her own…to show Finn there's nothing hotter than friendship turned to slow-burning love.

Feisty meets dependable as best friends take a second look at their decade long friendship and decide to add a little fun to the mix! This was a super fun read. I had a smile on my face throughout from the sass that came out of not only Lane’s mouth, but also from the interaction between the brothers. Emotions are flaring as we go on a roller coaster through their history and watch them come out on the other side of the pain to see a brighter future.

Cowboy Finn Donnelly has spent his entire adult life working hard at his family farm in Copper Ridge, Oregon to make it all that it could be … while his brothers have been out making it in the big bad world. Now they are all scurrying home to claim a piece of the pie and it really makes him mad. He built this business, not them!

Lane Jensen is trying to be there for her best friend Finn, but she’s not sure how to help stave off the tension between the brothers, and when Finn throws another twist her way, she’s really confused. He’s telling her he wants her … as more than a friend … and always has! What?! They’ve been best friends for years … just friends … how can he want to change that now?

One simple kiss turns their lives upside down. They’re now fighting to save their friendship … and opening doors that have always been closed. Finn wants to have her in his bed, but not in his heart … and now that he’s opened her eyes, she’s falling hard! Will they be able to move forward together … even as friends?

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