Book Reviews – Page 314

Review CHRISTMAS IN THE COVE Carol Ross

November 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** CHRISTMAS IN THE COVE Carol Ross

Christmas in the Cove by Carol Ross
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on December 1, 2016
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Nobody is going to hurt her—not on his watch

A DEA stealth mission has brought coast guard Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home. But when he ends up aiding rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn during her own harrowing mission, powerful emotions reignite between them. Except Aubrey doesn't want Eli's protection. She wants answers.

Twelve years ago, Eli broke up with Aubrey without telling her the real reason he was leaving Pacific Cove. How can he try for a second chance if he's forced to deceive her again? Amid suspected drug trafficking and a sabotaged Christmas contest, Eli must find a way to regain Aubrey's trust without compromising his career or endangering the woman he loves.

A sweet story about reconnecting with “the one that got away”. Great characters showcasing a close-knit small town with interwoven family and friends.

An undercover investigation has brought Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home to Pacific Cove, Oregan after many years away. He reconnects with many old friends … including a very special one that he let slip through his fingers.

Coast Guard rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn can’t believe it when she sees Eli. She’s never forgotten her childhood best friend … and for a short time more. She still wishes she had answers to why he left her all those years ago.

Will he be able to regain her trust and earn a second chance with her, or will the suspected drug trafficking case that he’s working on and can’t tell her details about derail them before they even get started?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Review MAID UNDER THE MISTLETOE Maureen Child

November 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** MAID UNDER THE MISTLETOE Maureen Child

Maid Under the Mistletoe by Maureen Child
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 1, 2016
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

An upstairs-downstairs affair for Christmas…only from USA TODAY bestselling author Maureen Child!

Single mom Joy Curran needs this temporary holiday housekeeping job working for a reclusive billionaire. But her sexy, aloof boss pulls at Joy's heartstrings—and her long-denied desires—in unexpected ways…

Sam Henry never got over the loss of his wife and son, and he's shut himself off from happiness, love…and the holidays. But Joy and her sweet daughter bring laughter into his life. And living with his new maid ignites a passion he can't ignore. After one glorious night in Joy's arms, will this beauty be the Christmas miracle that changes the beast forever?

Gut wrenching! Maureen Child takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotion with her latest novel that showcases despair after loss, healing on the horizon and the sweet innocence of a child’s heart. The characters are real, the emotion is high, and the hope of bringing peace to a broken heart follow you through each page. Quick, easy read that you won’t want to put down!

Joy Curran really needs this temporary housekeeping job so she has somewhere to spend Christmas with her little girl, but the rumored gruffness of this reclusive billionaire has her a bit on edge.

Sam Henry locked himself away from the world and anything that reminded him of his old life after he lost his wife and son in an accident several years ago. He doesn’t want to befriend anyone, he doesn’t want to remember what the joy of a young child’s delight feels like, he doesn’t want to move on.

Will this be the Christmas blessing that he didn’t even know he needed?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Blog Tour / Book Review ONE SNOWY NIGHT by Jill Shalvis

November 18, 2016 1 Comment

4 STARS!

A sweet, sexy temptation to put you in the Christmas spirit! 🙂

Rory Andrews has finally agreed to go home for Christmas for the first time in years, but she wasn’t counting on her ride back to Tahoe being with the very sexy Max Stranton!

Max and Rory have history behind them. She crushed on him in high school while he was a bit of a jocky jerk, yet only he seems to know why he has seemed mad at her over the years. Hours together in his truck on stormy roads lead to plenty of time to catch up and iron out old grudges, but will the chemistry they can’t seem to deny come alive on that one snowy night?

ARC received via Tasty Book Tours

One Snowy Night
Heartbreaker Bay #2.5

By: Jill Shalvis

Releasing November 8, 2016
Avon Impulse

BLURB:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Heartbreaker Bay with a fun and festive holiday novella!

It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to the family she hasn’t seen in years. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, and his big, goofy, lovable dog Carl.

Hours stuck in a truck with the dead sexy Max sounds like a fate worse than death (not), but Rory’s out of options. She’s had a crush on Max since high school and she knows he’s attracted to her, too. But they have history… and Max is the only one who knows why it went south.

They’ve done a good job of ignoring their chemistry so far, but a long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past… and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2016/10/one-snowy-night-heartbreaker-bay-25-by.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29505399-one-snowy-night
Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/169076-heartbreaker-bay

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0062463578/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-snowy-night-jill-shalvis/1124296729?ean=9780062463579
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jill_Shalvis
_One_Snowy_Night?id=HuS8CwAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/one-snowy-night/id1093053622?mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/one-snowy-night-3

EXCERPT:

Christmas Eve had the nerve to show up just like it did every year: way too quickly and with ridiculous fanfare.

The nerve.

Rory Andrews stood in the courtyard of the Pacific Pier Building in San Francisco, surrounded by sparkly holiday lights and enough garlands to give the place its own ozone, and told herself things could be worse.

She just wasn’t sure how.

It was the unknown, she decided. Because this year, unlike the past six, she’d be spending Christmas with her family, a thought that caused a swarm of butterflies to take flight in her belly.

Not an uncommon feeling since she’d turned twenty-three a few months back and decided it was time to become a person she could be proud of if it killed her. And given the guy leaning against one of the lamp poles clearly waiting for her, arms crossed, frown in place, it just might.

Max Stranton. At his side sat Carl, his huge, eternally hungry, adorable Doberman.

“No,” she said, not to Carl but to Carl’s owner. Who was not lovable. “No way.”

As always when their gazes locked, Max’s was a disconcerting mix of heat and . . . something else that she couldn’t quite figure out, as he was good at hiding when he wanted to be. She never quite knew how to take the heat because it seemed reluctant. He was attracted to her but didn’t want to be.

Ditto. He made her knees wobble. And also a couple of other inner reactions that shouldn’t be happening in public.

“Merry Christmas to you too, Rory,” he said, and damn. It wasn’t just his eyes. His voice was rough and sexy, and for that matter, so was the rest of him.

He worked for an investigations and security firm in the building. Basically he and the rest of his team were fixers and finders for hire. To say that Max was good at his job was an understatement. He stood there looking like sex on a stick with a duffle bag slung over a broad shoulder, his dark hair two weeks past needing a cut, and the icy wind of an incoming storm plastering his clothes to a body that could be registered as a lethal weapon.

“What are you doing here?” she asked calmly even if her heart was anything but, pounding all the way up to her throat and ears because she knew. She knew exactly why he was here. “I don’t need a ride home.”

A flash of wry humor slid in with all that sizzling heat. “Because you’d rather take two buses and a train than get into my truck with me?” he asked.

Well yes, actually.

AUTHOR INFO:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras with her family and far too many assorted quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental.

Look for Jill’s latest, SWEET LITTLE LIES on shelves and e-readers now, and get all her bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold.

Visit Jill’s website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Website: http://jillshalvis.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jill-Shalvis/315956498871
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JillShalvis/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22370.Jill_Shalvis

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:

a print set of the first two Heartbreaker Bay Novels, SWEET LITTLE LIES and THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

Review A DI SIONE FOR THE GREEK’S PLEASURE Kate Hewitt

November 18, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** A DI SIONE FOR THE GREEK’S PLEASURE Kate Hewitt

A Di Sione for the Greek's Pleasure by Kate Hewitt
Series: The Billionaire's Legacy
Published by Harlequin Presents on December 1, 2016
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

"Finding my book will take you on a journey in more ways than one."

Natalia is trembling. She hasn't left the Di Sione estate in years, but must retrieve her grandfather's lost book of poems from formidable tycoon Angelos Menas—who's just mistaken her for his daughter's new nanny!

The brooding Greek and his precious daughter were scarred in the fire that claimed his wife, and Talia is drawn to the man beneath the damaged exterior. She knows the untold pleasure Angelos offers is limited, but when she leaves with the book, will her heart remain behind on the island?

An emotional journey of healing for 3 scarred souls!

Natalia Di Sione has rarely left her home in 7 years. She stays behind the walls, away from people .. where she’s safe. That changes however, when she can’t deny the grandfather she adores his request that she go on a journey to find a prized book that he lost along the way, and sets out for Greece.

Angelos Menas assumes the bedraggled woman insisting on a meeting with him is there to apply for the temporary nanny position. Natalia can’t figure out how to approach this gruff man about the book, so she goes along with his assumption and lands the job.

Both Angelos and his daughter are still carrying scars from the fire that killed his wife several years ago. Talia has her own trauma that she’s trying to live with. Will these three be able to help each other heal? And when it’s time for her to go home, will she leave her heart there on the island?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Review OVER THE EDGE Meredith Wild

November 17, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** OVER THE EDGE Meredith Wild

Over The Edge by Meredith Wild
Series: Bridge Series
Published by Waterhouse Press on November 22, 2016
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Olivia Bridge has always been a good girl—good grades, good friends, and a good job that her wealthy parents handed her. Desperate to carve out a life that is truly hers, Liv walks away from it all and takes on the challenge of helping her brothers open a chain of fitness centers in New York City. Just as she’s beginning to find her footing in a new place, she’s caught between two men who couldn’t be more determined to turn all her goodness inside out.

Will Donovan has the capital to make the Bridge brothers’ entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Taking their uptight sister to bed seems a reasonable perk for the risk. Liv is the smartest, sexiest prude Will’s ever met, and he can’t wait to break her down.

Life is too short for Ian Savo to play by anyone’s rules. Sharing women with his best friend isn’t anything new, so when Will introduces him to Liv, he can’t wait to get a taste. But falling for the same girl, or falling at all, was never in the plans...

A seriously sexy jump back into Meredith Wild’s Bridge Series with Olivia Bridge’s story! You must be okay with menage to enjoy this book, but YUM … these guys are some super HOT hunks of testosterone! I loved the character connection. She found it hard to fight against the restraints placed on her to go for what she wanted until she met what she’d been subconsciously looking for all of her life. Each of these two guys had a different depth to them, yet a common yearning for her. One was alpha and dominant … the other while equally attention getting, was softer and gentle in his approach. It’s a fast read because there’s so much excitement happening, and my only complaint was that I wanted more time with them!

Olivia Bridge has always been a people pleaser. A good girl who had only the best handed to her and was expected to perform in a way upholding to her social standing. When she saw the opportunity of something bigger out there, she jumped at the chance to walk away from it all and get in on helping her brothers open their new fitness centers in NYC. Now, just as she’s enjoying what she’s doing and excelling at it, she finds herself torn between two men … both of whom she knows will tear her good girl persona to shreds!

Real estate developer Will Donovan has a thing for tearing down the walls that prima donna rich girls have erected around them. When he meets Liv and sees her stomping her feet and demanding her way, he decides then and there that he’s going to have her caving to what he wants before she knows what hit her.

Fireman Ian Sovo deemed Liv untouchable ages ago when he met her through her brother Darren, but when his best friend brings her home, all bets are off! Sharing women with Will is nothing new, but the feelings they both develop for Liv certainly is!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Review HARD COMPROMISE Samanthe Beck

November 16, 2016 2 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** HARD COMPROMISE Samanthe Beck

Hard Compromise by Samanthe Beck
Series: Compromise Me #2
Published by Entangled Publishing on November 21, 2016
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Laurie Peterson assumes her impulsive one-night stand with sinfully sexy Sheriff Ethan Booker is the biggest surprise of the year…until her bakery burns down while she’s basking in the afterglow. It looks like her dreams are up in smoke, but then Ethan proposes a deal too tempting to resist.

Ethan has no intention of settling for a one-night stand with Laurie. Nor does he want anything to do with the women his wealthy family wants him to meet. Not when he’s waited ten years for his chance to make his move. His deal might have strings—and Laurie may not know the stakes—but nothing will stop this sexy cop from staking a real claim on her body and her heart.

*NOTE* Each book in the Compromise Me series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.

Series Order:
Book #1 Compromising Her Position
Book #2 Hard Compromise

A fun, sexy read! With the second book in her Compromise Me series, Samanthe Beck brings the Montenido crowd to life again with Chelsea’s (from Book 1) BFF Laurie playing front and center this time. She’s fun and sassy, but a bit broken underneath. It’s a pleasure watching her flourish into the person she wants to be once the right person is standing beside her!

The new year starts off with a bang for Lauralie Peterson when she has a one-night stand with the sexy Sheriff on New Year’s Eve, only to have her bakery go up in flames the next morning!

Ethan Booker humors Laurie by letting her think they are a one time thing, but he’s been waiting 10 years to make her his woman, and he isn’t about to stop now! Now that her business is in dire straits, he finds a way to keep her in his arms for awhile as he helps her out. Will he get his wish and keep her there forever?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Review OVERWHELMING FORCE by Janie Crouch

November 15, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** OVERWHELMING FORCE by Janie Crouch

Overwhelming Force by Janie Crouch
Series: Omega Sector: Critical Response
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on December 1, 2016
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

He lost her once. He won't lose her again.

Despite an illustrious career as a top hostage negotiator, Joe Matarazzo is haunted by the past. It was a year ago that three innocent lives were lost under his watch. But Joe isn't the only one who remembers that day. When Joe's exes begin to fall victim to a violent stalker, Joe seeks the help of Laura Birchwood—a lawyer and the woman he once loved. Despite old wounds, Laura agrees to help Joe find out who's framing him. And while they expect to be met with danger, they're unprepared for passion that still burns strong, and their determination to give what was between them a second chance.

With the continuation of her exciting Omega Sector: Critical Response series, Janie Crouch takes us into the mind of a psychopath who is weaving a plot of revenge against one of the Omega teammates. We’re taken along for the ride as the drama builds and lives become more endangered as several familiar faces step up to help clear the name of one of their own.

Sexy playboy Joe Matarazzo might have given up his carefree life to becoming one of Omega’s top hostage negotiators a few years ago, but he didn’t do it without leaving a past behind him. He’s never forgotten “the one that got away” due to his own youthful mistakes, so when happenstance puts her back in his sights again, he’s happy to capitalize on it!

Attorney Laura Birchwood would have been happy to never see Joe’s face again, but his quick thinking helps her out of a jam, so when he finds himself needing legal counsel, she decides it’s only right to return the favor. It turns out Joe is haunted by a failed case from a year ago, and he’s not the only one that has it on their mind. When a stalker sets out to victimize some of Joe’s exes and makes sure he’s set up to take the fall, the team races against the clock to figure out who is doing it and why!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Book Review THIS IS OUR SONG by Samantha Chase

November 14, 2016 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Book Review ** THIS IS OUR SONG by Samantha Chase

This Is Our Song by Samantha Chase
Series: The Shaughnessy Brothers
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on December 6, 2016
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

She knows him by reputation
Riley Shaughnessy knew that to stand out in his large family, he'd have to go big. Making a name for himself as a musician wasn't easy, but he followed his dreams to rock-star success. But the relentless expectations of fans is not helping the slump he's in now. So of course the person who attracts him is the woman who is not impressed by fame.

Which gives Riley Shaughnessy a lot to prove
Entertainment reporter Savannah Daly is completely unfazed by pretty-boy rock stars. She's just here to get her interview and write her story. But spending an entire month with the Shaughnessys is going to show Savannah a side of Riley she never could have guessed.

With the next story in The Shaughnessy Brothers series, Samantha Chase continues her unique way of weaving a story that has us falling in love with this big, boisterous family again and again! We got a good look at the rock star of the family with a couple of the previous brother’s stories, so we already knew we were going to love Riley, we just didn’t know exactly how much. He’s sweet, he’s kind and underneath all of the glitz and glamour, he’s just a real guy hoping for a happy ending just like the rest of us. I was especially touched by the scenes depicting his closeness with their Mom that we’ve heard so much about. Great story!

Riley Shaughnessy went out and made that rock star name for himself that he always dreamed of, but when it came time that he wanted a break and wanted to tone it back a bit to a more laid back approach to his music, he had the horrible luck of hitting a slump! He’s at a loss of what to do to get his mojo back again, when he’s faced with being forced to do a big interview or catch a fit from his record label.

Savannah Daly enjoys her job as an entertainment reporter, but she isn’t blown away by the typical egotistical rock stars, so when she’s handed Riley as an assignment, she’s not exactly thrilled. She sets out to do her job and get it done … but there’s much more to Riley than she ever expected! Will a month spent with the big Shaughnessy brood have her wishing she were an honorary member?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Blog Tour / Book Review NIC by J.M. Stewart

November 14, 2016 2 Comments

4 1/2 STARS!

Shattered from years of abuse, a young woman sets out to find peace for her daughter … and lucks into finding a gentle, kind soul who won’t let them live in fear anymore! Easy to like characters who bring a realness to the story make you have a vested interest in seeing them through to a happy ending.

On the run from her abusive ex-husband for years, Anna Thompson just wants a real home and consistent life for her young daughter. She thought she was getting settled, and then he found her again. Now she’s hit an all time low with no job, no money and no place to stay when she lands in Angel Bay, Washington. She hears of a possible job opening, and sets out to try to get it.

When Nic Rossi sees the women and child in his restaurant, he can tell they are in dire straights. He can tell someone has hurt them before and they need a gentle hand to help them. He gives her a job and sets her up with a safe place to stay and shows them kindness. They all relax into this safe place they have forged until danger gets near again.

When her ex finds her again, will she find the strength to stay and fight for the life she’s made here, or will her fear of endangering Nic and his young daughter make her flee and start over again?

ARC received via Tasty Book Tours

NIC
Rossi Brothers #2

By: JM Stewart

Releasing November 14, 2016
Crimson Romance

BLURB:

Single father Nic Rossi’s only desire is to raise his little girl with the same love and security his grandparents gave him and his siblings. That is, until Anna Thompson and her frightened daughter walk into his family restaurant, looking for employment, and turn his carefully ordered world upside down.

On the run from her abusive ex, Anna wants one thing: a quiet place like Angel Bay to raise her daughter. But she needs a job to pay for that dream, even if her new boss is a man whose sheer size makes her tremble. Yet Nic’s capacity for kindness leaves her feeling safe for the first time in years, and the gentle giant slowly awakens her long-dormant passion.

Then her ex-husband turns up like a bad penny, threatening not only Anna’s safe haven but Nic’s daughter in the bargain, forcing them to choose between love and family.

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/2016/08/nic-rossi-brothers-2-by-jm-stewarthtml

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31484477-nic

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Google

Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01M2YIY44
B&N: http://bit.ly/2e0VTBf
iTunes: http://apple.co/2etp2o5
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/nic
Google: http://bit.ly/2dzNqpp

EXCERPT:

She blew out her held breath, pushed her plate away, and offered him a smile. “Thanks for the meal. I will repay you. I need to get her to bed. What time would you like me to be here tomorrow?”

She scooted out of the booth, but his hand caught her arm before she could turn to pick up Lacey. Blood whooshed in her ears, and breathing became impossible as panic clawed its way through her chest. Tony’s face lodged itself in her mind. Eyes narrowed and staring her down. The way he looked right before his fist came down on her …

He’s not Tony. He’s not Tony. She repeated the long-held mantra over and over and drew slow, deep breaths in an effort to put a lid back on the panic. Still the room around her spun as the past closed in on her.

“The meal’s on me, remember? You can pay me back by letting me help you.”

Nic’s voice jerked her back to the present. She lifted her head to find him watching her, gentle concern in his searching eyes. Was he really this nice? Or was this just a ruse, the way it had been for Tony? She didn’t know, but she had no desire to find out. She didn’t need his help. She just needed a job.

She glared at Nic. “What is it with you? Do you have a thing for taking in strays or something, Mr. Rossi?”

“My name is Nic, and yes, actually I do. My nonna used to roll her eyes every time I brought home a stray cat or dog.” Amusement laced his tone, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

God, did nothing faze the man?

His expression sobered. “Let me help. Because I can.”

She blew out a defeated breath. “Why do you even care?”

“Why do I scare you so much?”

Touché.

Nic released her arm and folded his hands on the table instead. “You want the God’s honest truth? That’s why I give a damn. Because I terrify the both of you, and I hate it. Every time I look at your daughter, I see my own.”

She wrapped her arms around herself. The man left her feeling open and exposed. He offered her something she didn’t know if she could ever repay: human decency. “I can’t ask you to do that for me.”

“Then do it for her.” He nodded in Lacey’s direction.

AUTHOR INFO:

J.M. Stewart is a coffee and chocolate addict who lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two sons and two very spoiled dogs. She’s a hopeless romantic who believes everybody should have their happily ever after and has been devouring romance novels for as long as she can remember. Writing them has become her obsession.

Author Links: Website /Twitter /Facebook / Goodreads

Website: http://authorjmstewart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjmstewart
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JMStewartWriter
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3159044.J_M_Stewart
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/0RIa9

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:

Win a $25.00 Amazon or B&N eGift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Book Review THE DESERT KING’S SECRET HEIR by Annie West

November 12, 2016 Leave a Comment

4 1/2 STARS!

An attention grabbing read with a powerful sheikh and the one that got away!

The last person Arden Wills expects to see at a society party she’s talked into attending is her one and only love! She learns he is royalty as a name she doesn’t recognize.

Sheikh Idris Baddour is surprised to see Arden, and can’t resist looking her up after the party. Imagine his surprise when it turns into a media frenzy that alerts him to a son he knew nothing about! To avoid further scandal and unrest in his country, he needs to marry her and legitimize his heir.

The attraction flares between them like it was only yesterday that they were lovers, but years have passed and hurt has festered. Are they only fooling themselves that they can make this work for their son?

ARC received via the Author

Filed Under: Book Reviews