3 1/2 STARS!

Teague O’Malley is NOT happy when his father insists he is going to marry Callista Sheridan in order to bring together an alliance of their families.  Once he sets eyes on her and sees the bruises around her neck, he decides to take her under his wing and make sure no one ever hurts her again.

Callie is drawn to Teague from the first moment she sets eyes on him.  She’s knows his family is bad, but she can’t resist his appeal.

Will their families survive a union?

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

 

THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT

 by Katee Robert

When Teague O’ Malley and Callista Sheridan are ordered to marry they soon realize that there is much more at stake than money. Fans of Jackie Ashenden’s Make You and Kresley Cole’s The Master, Unexpected, will devour the super steamy and fast paced first book, The Marriage Contract in the O’ Malley series by NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Katee Robert.

Series: The O’Malley Series #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: Paperback- December 22, 2015 Digital- June 2, 2015
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing- Forever

 

SYNOPSIS:

Teague O’Malley hates pretty much everything associated with his family’s name. And when his father orders him to marry Callista Sheridan to create a “business” alliance, Teague’s ready to tell his dad exactly where he can stuff his millions. But then Teague actually meets his new fiancée, sees the bruises on her neck and the fight still left in her big blue eyes, and he decides he will do everything in his power to protect her.

Everyone knows the O’Malleys have a dangerous reputation. But Callie wasn’t aware of just what that meant until she saw Teague, the embodiment of lethal grace and coiled power. His slightest touch sizzles through her. The closer they get, though, the more trouble they’re in. Because Callie’s keeping a dark secret—and what Teague doesn’t know could get him killed.

 

Get More information at: Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

 

EXCERPT:

“Any other untoward habits I should know about in my future wife?” Future wife. Fuck if he didn’t love the sound of that, especially when it meant that four short weeks from now, Callie would be his. It was a savage thought, but he couldn’t shake it. Or deny exactly how much he wanted it.

“I love old movies.” That brought his attention back around to her, a moth to her flame. She twisted a lock of her blond hair around her finger. “If it has Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, or Audrey Hepburn in it, then I own it and have watched it entirely too many times to admit in public.”

He could see that. There was something about Callie that brought to mind the glamour and grace of actresses from that time period. He took a drink of his whiskey, enjoying the ease of their conversation. It didn’t matter that he’d convinced her to come out tonight in order to stop a war he was beginning to get the feeling there was no way to stop. Hell, he liked her. “I’d like us to be clear on something.”

“Yes?”

“This”—he motioned between them—“is a date.”

She gave him a look like she wasn’t sure if he was joking or not. “Okay…”

“Which means that we’re going to eat, and after that, I’m going to walk you to your car.” He leaned forward, crowding her a little. “Then I’m going to kiss you.”

Her eyes went wide. “And if I don’t want you to?”

He didn’t so much as twitch, because she looked like she was torn between bolting and actually liking the idea. He wanted to point out that, reasons for initiating it aside, she’d sure as fuck enjoyed their kiss in the alley. Not to mention the fact that they were getting married in a month, but that wasn’t a threat he was willing to utter. Neither of them had chosen this pairing, no matter how well they seemed to get along right now, and he couldn’t go into this expecting a certain outcome. But he could hope—and he could stack the deck in his favor as much as possible. “Do you?”

“I…” Her mouth opened and then closed, as if reconsidering whatever her knee-jerk reaction had been. “Yes.”

His breath left him in a whoosh. He’d thought she was just as interested as he was, but there was always the risk of miscommunication. No longer. Now he knew exactly where Callie stood. She wanted him, whether she was comfortable with the feeling or not. He took her hand and lifted it to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of her knuckles. “In that case, I hope you’re hungry, because here comes our food.”

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and it changed her life. When not writing sexy contemporary and speculative fiction romance novels, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her wee ones, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.  Connect with Katee at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | GoodReads | Instagram | Tumblr | Youtube

 

GIVEAWAY:

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5 STARS!

I enjoyed this book even more than the last one in the series!  It was nice to see Duncan and Sophie again after enjoying them in Share The Moon, but I really enjoyed meeting his brother Trent.  There’s just something about two injured souls finding each other that pulls at the heartstrings, so having him find Veronica was really comforting to read.

Trent Jamieson has had a dramatic life, but he’s finally coming into himself and finding that he’s happier being himself and living an honest life.  He has moved closer to his brother to take a new job for a Vineyard they are starting up, he has an interesting friendship with someone he met on-line, and he’s looking forward to the future.

Veronica Sussingham is a haunted soul due to past happenings in her life, so she has been leading a plain, unfulfilling life where she can feel safe and comfortable.  She has felt the first excitement in her life in many years by chatting with a guy online for the past 6 months.  He really gets her.  Then in walks Trent to add to the excitement with his sexy smile and glimmer in his eyes each time he teases her.

When they put two and two together and realize that they not only like each other in real life, but they are looking at the person that has been sharing their life with them virtually for months, will they be happy with who they see in front of them?

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

 

Harvest Moon
Blue Moon Lake #2
By: Sharon Struth
Releasing December 22, 2015
Lyrical Shine

 

BLURB:

 Getting past the librarian’s guard…

Trent Jamieson isn’t one for virtual romance, but there’s something about the intriguing woman he meets on the Internet he can’t resist. Then the small town bachelor discovers the mystery woman who shares her secrets with him online is the laced-up librarian in his self-defense class! Veronica Sussingham may just be his toughest student yet. Because how can he show the vulnerable beauty that some men areworth letting your guard down for?

Veronica returned to her hometown seeking shelter for her shattered spirit. The last thing she needs is a blue-eyed charmer who wants to show her how to live—and love—again. Then she discovers Trent is not just another admirer, but a man who knows her deepest secrets. Now Veronica must choose between running from her past—or finding future happiness with the kind of man she swore she’d never fall for….

 

Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/09/harvest-moon-blue-moon-lake-2-by-sharon.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25252888-harvest-moon?ac=1

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/150677-blue-moon-lake

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/tUXrrq2pLK8

 

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

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Harvest-Moon-Blue-Lake-Book-ebook/dp/B00VEG4T9M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442341652&sr=8-1&keywords=9781616506476

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/harvest-moon-sharon-struth/1121649536?ean=9781616506476

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sharon_Struth_Harvest_Moon?id=2DS3BwAAQBAJ

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/harvest-moon/id991697270?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/harvest-moon-34

 

EXCERPT:

This kiss. Oh, this heavenly kiss. Veronica patted herself on the back for pushing aside her first instinct to remove Jim’s hands from her waist in a public place. The way he’d whispered “sexy” drove a warm blast straight to the core of her belly.

This time when they kissed, his mouth molded perfectly to hers, not his usual awkward preamble. He was strong and demanding, yet not too pushy. His relaxed lips lulled her into a quick surrender, a surrender she strangely didn’t mind at all.

His hand slipped to the back of her head, and she sighed into his mouth, wishing this kiss would never end. Slowly and surely, however, he pulled away, but she kept her eyes closed, clinging to the sensation a few seconds longer as his breath landed near her ear.

“God, baby,” he said, low and husky. “I can’t wait to get out of here with you later.”

Not. Jim’s. Voice.

Her eyes flashed open. She slapped her palms to the stranger’s chest, pushed him away. “What the hell!”

He stumbled back a few steps, his mouth agape and brows furrowed. “You’re not Angie.”

“Well, you’re not Jim! How dare you touch—”

“Calm down. I thought you were my date.” He blinked a few times. “Hey, I know you. From—”

“The elevator.” Her head spun as she stared into his crystal blue eyes. His gaze swept her from head to toe, making his dark lashes flutter. “Thank God you kept your lips to yourself then.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” His smiled dropped. “I’d never do that to a stranger.” With a slight cock of his head, a grin creased his cheeks and he lowered his voice. “Although I’m pretty sure we both enjoyed what just happened.”

Her face burned, as if set on fire. “How dare you suggest that I—”

“Hey! You guys are early.” Sophie entered the bar area, Duncan in tow.

Veronica tried to speak but found herself more flabbergasted when Sophie walked right up to Hotlips and they hugged. “Hi, Trent.”

Veronica pinched herself in a bid to wake from this surreal dream. Before she could gather her bearings, Duncan surrounded her in one of his big bear hugs. “Ronnie, you look beautiful. New dress?”

She blinked, nodded.

Sophie came over and hugged Veronica. “You okay?” she whispered in Veronica’s ear.

“I’m fine. Happy birthday.” From over Sophie’s shoulder, Trent watched them. Veronica narrowed her gaze, but he only grinned, like the devil might if he learned your biggest secret.

Duncan slung an arm around Trent’s shoulders. “I see you’ve met my brother.”

“Yes. I have.” The heat of her cheeks still simmered.

Trent winked in her direction, and a sizzling blast assaulted every inch of her skin.

“Pearls made me feel right at home.”

“Pearl? That’s not my name.”

“Pearls,” he corrected, an extra emphasis on the s. “Like your necklace.”

She reached up and touched the smooth, hard jewels near her collarbone. A few other guests arrived and snagged Sophie and Duncan’s attention. While she clutched the hard beads and tried to digest what just went down, she glanced at Trent. He watched her closely, but a playful twinkle in his eyes suggested the case-of-mistaken-identity kiss hadn’t upset him a bit.

 

AUTHOR INFO:

“Heart-tugging small town romance with real emotion. Struth is an author to watch!” —Laura Drake, author of RITA-award winning The Sweet Spot

Sharon Struth is an award-winning author who believes it’s never too late for a second chance in love or life. When she’s not writing, she and her husband happily sip their way through the scenic towns of the Connecticut Wine Trail. Sharon writes from the small town of Bethel, Connecticut, the friendliest place she’s ever lived. For more information, including where to find her other novels and published essays, please visit her website.

 

Author Links:  Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Website:  http://www.sharonstruth.com/
Blog: http://www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharon-Struth-Author-Page/139641182749036
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/sharonstruth
GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823760.Sharon_Struth

 

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3 1/2 STARS!

I enjoyed meeting Declan & Maura and watching them wade through life together.  This book shows you that you can overcome tragedy and go on to lead just as good, if not better of a life down the road.  My biggest negative of the book, was there were several abrupt time changes when switching scenes.  Like one thing would be happening, then bam it was days or weeks later, and there wasn’t cohesive closure to one scene before it was off to another.  I just found it a little strange.  Overall, I enjoyed the book and would say it’s definitely worth sitting down with and getting to enjoy sexy Declan!

Master Chief Declan Swifton loves his life as a member of SEAL Team Five, and enjoys training hard to do it.  He’s noticed his neighbor, Maura Maxwell several times, but no matter how much he reaches out, she’s always stand-offish.

Maura is so mad at herself every time she interacts with Declan.  She wants to talk to him, but she’s just so shy.  When he helps her one evening on the beach, she vows to step up and make an effort in the future.

When Declan comes back from a hard mission a changed man, Maura is there to help him see life through her eyes and decide what it has to offer for the future.

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

 

A SEAL Forever by Anne Elizabeth
West Coast Navy SEALs, Book 3
ISBN: 9781402268960
Release date: December 1, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Summary

Even a hero needs someone to believe in him…

Parkour instructor Maura Maxwell has always denied her attraction for her bachelor neighbor because she’s seen his revolving door of women and doesn’t want to become another notch on his belt. But the man who rescues her from a sudden storm isn’t the one she thinks she knows—he’s Master Chief Declan Swifton of SEAL Team Five, and he literally sweeps Maura off her feet.

Just as his teasing and tenderness start to work their way into Maura’s heart, Declan and his team are called in for a dangerous op in the Middle East. The man who returns is facing the toughest fight of his life, and he needs Maura by his side more than ever…

 

Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MAFrDB

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1O3JffD

Apple: http://apple.co/1M6H7Dj

Books a Million: http://bit.ly/1M6Hrlt

Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/1O3JEPe

 

EXCERPT:

Master Chief Declan Swifton of SEAL Team Five rolled over the side of the Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boat and slid soundlessly into the Pacific Ocean. The RIB took off without even a comment from the operator, leaving Declan to sink farther into the drink.

The temperature cooled as he swam away from the surface. Fish skirted the edges of his thighs, small shimmers of movement against his skin. He scissor-kicked his way forward. The ocean currents caught him, dragging him in the direction they wanted to go, toward shore. He lay with his arms at his sides, frog-kicking only. Above him, he could see the afternoon sunlight glistening and frothy foam chasing away the glassy surface. Down here things were different…calmer. Peaceful, in a way few souls would understand, and yet he knew that even he would have to surface soon.

His lungs would start to ache and burn, his gut would begin to feel as if it would cave in, and that would force him to either head topside or drink in the salt water. But there was still time. This was the water in front of Imperial Beach and the apartment he lived in. He knew it very well.

Scanning the ocean floor, he gauged it would be about thirty seconds until he reached one of the many rocky sandbars out here. He’d have to pull up before then, or the force of the current would smack him against the side.

As his body began to complain, he used both arms and legs to draw himself upward. Breaking the surface, he opened his mouth and drew in air like a thirsty man would gulp water.

The waves bounced him like a buoy. The tide was coming in and the wind was picking up momentum. Looking at the sky to the east, he could see that there would most likely be a storm today. Over his should, to the west, he spied a wave coming his way large enough to take him to shore. It would reach him in about thirty seconds.

Dec took a long, slow breath and appreciated the sun dropping into the horizon. The colors were extraordinary; orange and gold dappled the horizon as the blazing ball of light attempted to sink before the moon lifted higher in the sky.

His hands flexed, cupping the water. It had been a hot day, and the sun’s rays had heated the top of the ocean, making the surface feel like a warm bath, loosening his muscles. Three months ago, he’d been in waters so frigid, with actual ice caps—the memory still made him cold. But here, the Pacific Ocean off California’s Imperial Beach, was a slice of heaven.

Coming in from the east were some nasty-looking cumulonimbus clouds. Seeing the lightning arc way off toward the distant desert, he decided it was time to go in, and right on cue, here came a perfect wave.

Swimming at top speed, Declan pushed his way through another changing current, one that sought to drag him into faster-moving waters. He went over a higher sandbar, having no intention of going to Mexico today, and increased the reach of his stroke. With single-mindedness he worked his way into the more placid surf as he homed in on a large stretch of beach.

The SEAL felt a few sea lions swimming around him, and one nosed him in the gut and another in his back a few times, assessing whether or not he’d play. Not this time, my friends. He continued swimming without engaging. If he stopped to play, he’d be out there for hours.

Switching to the breaststroke, his arms protested. His platoon had switched their training this month to desert-warfare techniques, and he’d been sweating his balls off in the heat. He managed to learn a thing or two, even now, after all of his years in the Teams. But it felt good to be back in the ocean, his element. He’d live in the deep blue like a Jules Verne character if he could.

 

Author Bio

New York Times bestselling author Anne Elizabeth is an award-winning romance author and comic creator. With a BS in business and MS in communications from Boston University, she is a regular presenter at conventions as well as a member of The Author’s Guild and Romance Writers of America. Anne lives with her husband, a retired Navy SEAL, in the mountains above San Diego.

 

Social Networking Links

Website: http://www.anneelizabeth.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aeauthorfanpage/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aeanneelizabeth

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/732316.Anne_Elizabeth

 

A Navy SEALs Fun Fact from Anne Elizabeth

Teammates use humor to push each other up and forward. Healthy teasing goes a long way, especially when they know it comes from a good place.

 

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4 STARS!

A touching story about redeeming yourself after a past you are not proud of.

Luke Saxon is back in Butterfly Harbor after more than a decade away.  He’s taking over as Sheriff for a partial term.

Holly Campbell is NOT happy when she sees Luke is back in town.  She holds a lot of resentment towards him for something he did as a teenager and does not believe he could have changed.

Luke understands Holly’s anger, and doesn’t blame her one bit.  But that doesn’t stop him from liking her and wishing she’d see him as a  better person than she has held in her mind all these years.

When Holly sees Luke helping out the town and being a good person towards her own family, will she cut him a break and be able to forgive him for a mistake he made years ago?

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **