Book Reviews – Page 88

* Review * KIDNAPPED IN ALASKA by Beth Carpenter

July 25, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * KIDNAPPED IN ALASKA by Beth Carpenter

Kidnapped in Alaska by Beth Carpenter
Published by Inspirational Mountain Rescue Collection on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

From hiking and camping…

To hiding from kidnappers!

Alexis Mahoney is prepared for bears and bad weather on a rafting trip, not kidnappers trying to snatch her niece! Or needing to trust a wilderness recluse to keep them safe. Zeke Soto lives alone, haunted by the past. But when Alexis and Keira stumble upon his cabin, he offers protection—a dangerous move, because someone has no intention of letting the pair get off the mountain…

Pulse pounding intrigue! I was quickly enchanted with this story of danger when they least expect it. The characters are well developed, the plot is fast paced and fresh and the sweet relationships are very heartwarming. I loved it from start to finish!

Alexis is versed in adventure and an interesting character to get to know.

Zeke has one of those heart wrenching back stories that has him taking refuge in your heart very quickly.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an inspirational adventure filled with danger, addictive characters and a sweet happily ever after.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HIS DESERT BRIDE BY DEMAND by Lela May Wight

July 25, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS DESERT BRIDE BY DEMAND by Lela May Wight

His Desert Bride by Demand by Lela May Wight
Published by Harlequin Presents on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

The desert prince will finally make her his bride in this dramatic reunion romance by debut author Lela May Wight!

He asked for a night
Now he requires her hand!

Newly orphaned Charlotte Hegarty is ready to start living her life. She’s determined a reckless encounter with her first love, Prince Akeem, will free her from the past. Maybe then she’ll be able to forget him…

Akeem wants to show Charlotte what she gave up when she turned her back on him. So he sweeps her away to his desert kingdom, intent on seduction. Yet when their secret tryst threatens to become a scandal, duty-bound Akeem makes an outrageous demand: Charlotte will be his queen!

A promising debut! This reunion of first loves is sure to hook fans of a royal romance. The characters have interesting back stories and the current situation they find themselves in is compelling enough to nab attention quickly. I felt there were some areas that could have used a little more development, but overall a solid read for a debut novel.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * IT STARTED WITH A PUPPY by Christy Jeffries

July 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * IT STARTED WITH A PUPPY by Christy Jeffries

It Started with a Puppy by Christy Jeffries
Series: Furever Yours #12
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

The matchmaker wore a collar…

Elise Mackenzie is committed to making the Furever Paws fundraiser a huge success. She’s even roped in her landlord and new boss, Harris Vega, for help. But spending so much time with Harris, especially around an adorable puppy named Pancake, is giving the usually shy Elise ideas she shouldn’t be having. Could a man like Harris really think twice about a woman more comfortable with flour on her face than lipstick?

Heartfelt, addictive and simply adorable! With the final book in the Furever Yours series Christy Jeffries brings us a romance filled to the brim with heart and I loved every minute of it. The characters are endearing and the redemption of Elise is beautiful.

Elise is a total sweetheart and sincere as all get out, but she’s socially awkward and thinks she’s at her best when she’s blending into the background.

Harris won my heart when he showed her kindness and saw her worth right from the very beginning.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with a hint of mystery, a passel of heart and so much cuteness.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CROSSING TWO LITTLE LINES by Joss Wood

July 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CROSSING TWO LITTLE LINES by Joss Wood

Crossing Two Little Lines by Joss Wood
Published by Harlequin Desire on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Just a little fling with the blue-collar billionaire?

What could go wrong?

Advertising executive Jamie Bacall is a woman who knows exactly what she wants: starting with a no-strings affair with irresistible, earthy real estate developer Rowan Cowper. He's on board, too—until Jamie gets pregnant. Now Mr. Independent wants something serious. Jamie's history has her convinced that commitment is a four-letter word, but Rowan is determined to prove they really can have it all. Can he convince Jamie to cross one more line?

Highly addictive and down-to-earth! I couldn’t have loved the characters of this story more. Each has a strong past that built them into who they are today and I enjoyed watching them accidently fall in love in the midst of what was supposed to be a casual fling.

Jamie is successful and self-assured, but the past has left it’s mark on her and left her believing her time for more than work is over.

Rowan is a self-proclaimed workaholic and regrets nothing. I loved seeing the side of him that Jamie awakened.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a power couple who exceed in all they put their hands on but who have to admit weakness now and again and learn to cope with it together.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * LAKESIDE MYSTERY by Carol Ericson

July 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LAKESIDE MYSTERY by Carol Ericson

Lakeside Mystery by Carol Ericson
Series: The Lost Girls #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

He’ll have to trust a woman who knows too much

To solve his biggest homicide case yet

LAPD detective Denver Holt doesn’t know what to make of true crime blogger Ashlynn Hughes—no matter how attracted he is to her. The stubborn writer has inside information that can help him crack his biggest homicide case yet. But as anonymous tips carry them further into danger, Denver wonders if he can keep a target off Ashlynn’s back…or if she’ll be silenced for good.

An intricate mystery! The second book in The Lost Girls series brought a new mystery to the forefront that held ties to ongoing drama. I enjoyed the characters and the course of their investigation quite a bit but I felt like there were some holes that weren’t developed and a very abrupt ending without a real relationship foundation.

Ashlynn is a compelling character with both the sympathy aspect as well as the intrigue going for her.

Denver is interesting, but to truly delve into him I wanted to know more about his past and particularly why Sean was throwing his mother under the bus in his dad’s case.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a high amount of intrigue mixed with a hint of romance and tidbits of family drama.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * INNOCENT IN HER ENEMY’S BED by Dani Collins

July 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * INNOCENT IN HER ENEMY’S BED by Dani Collins

Innocent in Her Enemy's Bed by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Keeping her enemy close…
…means getting far closer than she thought!

Ilona Callas is aware that Leander Vasilou will do anything for revenge against her stepfamily. She just never pictured herself becoming the formidable Greek businessman’s ally! Yet uniting with Leander will give Ilona freedom and financial independence for the first time.

Since clawing his way to the top after being betrayed, Leander exists alone. Ilona should be his ticket to vengeance…until an explosive moment of intimacy changes everything. So begins a sensual back-and-forth that will lead to one place: their marriage bed!

This enemies-to-lovers story comes to life quickly and does not disappoint! With a cast of formidable players, I was quickly drawn into the sweet innocence of Ilona and the steadfast relentlessness of Leander. I was hooked from start to finish and really enjoyed their story.

Ilona is an accomplished, sweet woman who has been mistreated a lot throughout her life, so to see her have an awakening of what life will be like out from under the cloud she’s existed in is very satisfying.

Leander is cold and calculating in his vendetta for revenge, but Ilona brings out a warmth in him that even he doesn’t recognize.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys family drama mixed with vengeful lust and attraction as they find themselves falling into an amazing happily ever after.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BODY HEAT by Carly Phillips

July 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Body Heat by Carly Phillips
Series: Simply Series #4
Published by CP Publishing on July 19, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Not much has stirred Detective Jake Lowell’s interest since a perp put a bullet in his shoulder, killed his partner, then walked on a technicality. Until a sexy waitress at a tiny neighborhood café catches his eye.

Physical therapy is the last thing on Jake’s want-to-do list, but he needs it to get back on the street and track down the killer. But what’s a guy to do when he meets his new PT—and it’s his smoking hot café angel?

Working two jobs, Brianne Nelson never expected to do more than fantasize about Mr. Tall, Tanned and Gorgeous. But when her new private PT client turns out to be the man who fuels her fantasies, she realizes she’s going to be seeing a lot more of him—in the flesh—than she bargained for.

It’s not long before skin-on-skin contact turns into a hot summer fling. But the killer Jake is after isn’t going down without a fight and more than their hearts could get caught in the crossfire…

Note: This title was originally published in 2002 by Harlequin Blaze. It appears here in its original glory, without substantial revision.

A classic case of instant attraction! Interesting characters, a hint of danger throughout and satisfying chemistry. This is a re-release of a Harlequin Blaze by Carly Phillips that was released a couple of decades ago, and while satisfying, it’s not what a current reader typically expects from Phillips. Her writing style has grown stronger over the years and this one felt a little flat because of it’s age. I enjoyed it, just not my fav by the author.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * WYOMING PROMISE by Anna J. Stewart

July 14, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WYOMING PROMISE by Anna J. Stewart

Wyoming Promise by Anna J. Stewart
Series: The Blackwells of Eagle Springs #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

A reunion with a twist…
May save the day!

After a near-fatal day on the job, firefighter Ryder Talbot's finally back in Eagle Springs, Wyoming, and ready for a new start with his daughter. Seeing Corliss Blackwell again stirs up old feelings he tried to leave behind. Now that Corliss needs his help to close a deal on a loan that will save her gran’s ranch, can he finally prove they’re worth taking a chance on?

Dreams do come true! From the moment I met sly, cantankerous Elias Blackwell in the first Return of the Blackwell Brothers series from Harlequin Heartwarming in 2018, I have been addicted to this family and their loving drama. I adored the Blackwell Sisters series in 2020 and I hoped we’d see this family again and I’m so so happy to have a third installment with another branch of the family intermingling with Big E and the gang with this new Blackwells of Eagle Springs kickoff! The characters are endearing and addictive, the drama is subtle yet highly motivating and the happily ever after was such a satisfying reward! I can’t wait for more of the Flying Spurs Ranch!

Corliss and her devout belief that she can save their struggling ranch hooked me to the story quickly. She’s accomplished and steadfast and easy to like and root for.

Ryder is the loyalest best friend a gal could have and having him come back to town to heal and reconnect with his daughter with friends and family by his side is very rewarding.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with loads of family drama going on as love sneaks up on them and shows them they are worth it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * RHETT REDEEMED by Chantal Fernando

July 14, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RHETT REDEEMED by Chantal Fernando

Rhett Redeemed by Chantal Fernando
Series: Knights & Dragons MC #2
Published by Carina Press on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Life is about choices. He had a history of making bad ones.

Ready for a New Start

United with her newly discovered half sister, Constance Wilder finally has a family. She should be happy, but she’s not. Instead, she’s even lonelier, which is why a one-night stand with a sexy biker is just what she needs. A few hours of wild sex won’t just bring her pleasure—it will help her forget.

A Series of Bad Choices

Rhett did what was necessary to step into his role as leader of the Wind Dragons MC, which included cutting ties with the woman he loved. He wouldn’t change it, but that doesn’t make it easier. Thankfully, the beautiful woman across the bar is a welcome distraction. He never expected her to light a spark inside him, leaving him wanting more.

Destined for Disaster

Constance falls hard for Rhett. Not only is she pretty sure he’s her soul mate, but he’s the one person she has connected to in a long time. But when it is revealed that Rhett is her sister’s ex, Constance is faced with losing her newly found family, making happily-ever-after seem damn near impossible.

Highly addictive and sensually satisfying! With the second book in the Knights and Dragons MC series Chantal Fernando brings a familiar face to the forefront and reunites Rhett with love and happiness when his life after Cara turns dramatic when he accidently falls for her half-sister Constance! The characters are down-to-earth and real and the situation is dramatic yet comforting. I would recommend that you read the first book in the series so you are familiar with Rhett’s past and get to know the story behind Cara and Decker and company before reading this one so you’ll get the full affect.

Con is a sweetheart and really is misunderstand and judged way more than she deserves. I really enjoyed seeing her fall for Rhett and get to be loved for herself.

Rhett made decisions that made him the bad guy, but his heart is good and seeing him with Con is really sweet.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a laid back MC romance that has a group of close knit friends and family who will do anything for the other as love comes knocking when they least expect it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH WHISKEY by Melissa Foster

July 14, 2022 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH WHISKEY by Melissa Foster

The Trouble with Whiskey by Melissa Foster
Series: The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch #1
Published by World Literary Press on July 20, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

She’s the only woman he’s ever loved, and the one he could never have…
Years after losing one of their best friends to a dare gone wrong, Devlin “Dare” Whiskey continues to live up to his name, endlessly testing fate, while Billie Mancini buried the best parts of herself. Billie is beautiful and tough, and battling demons Dare has no idea exist. But Dare is done watching her pretend to be something she’s not and takes on his most important challenge yet—showing the woman he loves that some dares are worth the risk.

I don’t know where Melissa Foster keeps coming up with these sexy, sweet, and heart melting men she creates, but I’m here for every single one of them! Redemption Ranch might just be my new favorite hangout if all of the men residing there are going to be as yummy as Dare. He stole my heart early in the book and didn’t let go throughout. Highly emotional, sexually scrumptious and addictive as all get out!

Devlin “Dare” Whiskey is the epitome of a good-hearted man. He loves hard and he doesn’t forget it a day of his life.

Billie is easy to understand even though she walked away from so much in her life when tragedy struck. I enjoyed seeing her work through healing and re-engaging with those who love her so much.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sexy as sin hero who has a heart of gold and isn’t afraid to shout his love from the rooftops.

THE TROUBLE WITH WHISKEY

The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch

Melissa Foster

Releasing July 20, 2022

World Literary Press

Blurb:

From New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch, a new small-town, big-family series of standalone romance novels featuring fiercely loyal, insanely sexy bikers who give horses—and people—a second chance. Buckle up for a wild ride in Hope Ridge, Colorado, as these big-hearted badasses and their sassy sisters wrangle in their forever loves. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and always a happily ever after.

She’s the only woman he’s ever loved, and the one he could never have…

Years after losing one of their best friends to a dare gone wrong, Devlin “Dare” Whiskey continues to live up to his name, endlessly testing fate, while Billie Mancini buried the best parts of herself. Billie is beautiful and tough, and battling demons Dare has no idea exist. But Dare is done watching her pretend to be something she’s not and takes on his most important challenge yet—showing the woman he loves that some dares are worth the risk.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58754487-the-trouble-with-whiskey

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/324539

Sneak Peek: https://melissafoster.com/the-trouble-with-whiskey-sneak-peek/

Buy Link

➜Kindle US: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_Kindle

➜Kindle worldwide: https://smarturl.it/TWW_Kindle

➜Apple: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_Apple

➜Nook: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_BN

➜Kobo: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_Kobo

➜GPlay: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_GPlay

➜Standard Paperback: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW

➜Special edition paperbacks / hardbacks with bonus content: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW

➜Audible: COMING SOON (narrated by Jacob Morgan and Savannah Peachwood)

Author Info
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:
Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster
Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author