Book Reviews – Page 277

Review ON THE LINE Victoria Denault

December 3, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** ON THE LINE Victoria Denault

On the Line by Victoria Denault
Series: Hometown Players
Published by Forever Yours on December 6, 2016
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He had total control of his game--until she changed all the rules . . .

As one of the best players in the NHL and the "golden boy" of the league, Avery Westwood knows he has to keep his cool--on and off the ice. His whole life is a carefully constructed image of perfection for the media and his brand sponsors. Of course, that means he can never let his true feelings show. But when it comes to the sexy sister of his former teammate, Avery might be willing to make an exception . . . even if it means breaking all his own rules.

As far as Stephanie Deveau is concerned, having a thing for Avery is the equivalent of psychological napalm. Très bad idea. Then he moves in next door, all sexy smiles and a deliciously hot body that she can't resist. Something's happening between them--it's intense, a little (a lot) out of control, and real. Only Avery doesn't know everything about Stephanie's past. And the one exception to his rule might just be the one girl who could destroy his career.

Sexy, sweet and explosive! With the next in her Hometown Players hockey series, Victoria Denault brings us golden boy Avery Westwood’s story. There’s a sweet side to him that comes out only for Stephanie, and watching them fight their attraction and then fall hard is so much fun! Great group of main and supporting characters. Love these guys!

Avery Westwood is the league’s golden child and can do no wrong in the NHL, but he has worked long and hard to make and keep that pristine reputation! For once, he just wants to let his guard down and enjoy being his true self … and he knows just who brings that feeling out in him!

Stephanie Deveau is the sister of one of his former teammates and good friends, so setting his sights on her is dangerous, but she really gets him! Stephanie feels the pull as well, but she knows she is far from the type of girl Avery’s reputation dictates he be with, so she tries to hold back her feelings … but it’s impossible to resist him!

When secrets come to light, will there be a future for these two?

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Review SURRENDERING TO THE VENGEFUL ITALIAN Angela Bissell

December 3, 2016 Leave a Comment

Surrendering to the Vengeful Italian by Angela Bissell
Series: Irresistible Mediterranean Tycoons
Published by Harlequin Presents on December 1, 2016
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One step from surrender

For seven years, formidable Leo Vincenti has planned his vengeance on Douglas Shaw and nothing will stop him. Not even Shaw's stunning but treacherous daughter, Helena, who—right now—is pleading for leniency. Grim satisfaction spreads through him as he knows she would willingly never take up his challenge to return to his side.

But he has greatly underestimated Helena. Secrets drive her as if the very devil were on her heels. And suddenly the passion that left them undone years before is forcing them both to the brink of surrender…

A compelling reunion story! Enjoyable characters and an ending that was more than we could hope for when they first reconnected! Looking forward to reading the second book in the duet by this author!

Leo Vincenti is on the verge of seeing his just rewards in his revenge plot against Douglas Shaw after seven long years, when his rival’s daughter shows up on his doorstep. Never expecting to have seen Helena again, Leo strikes out with the venomous anger he’s festered for all of these years.

Helena Shaw had secrets 7 years ago when she let her father split her and Leo up, and she has even more now. She’s desperate to get Leo to give her more time before he seizes her father’s company … and she’s prepared to offer up anything he wants to get him to agree!

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Review MILLIONAIRE UNDER THE MISTLETOE Kandy Shepherd

December 1, 2016 Leave a Comment

Millionaire Under the Mistletoe by Kandy Shepherd
on November 18, 2016
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All they want for Christmas is a second chance…

London-based chef Carly de Luca and millionaire Dylan Burke broke each other’s hearts four years ago—but old feelings reignite in a steamy encounter when she makes a surprise visit home for Christmas.

Can the mistletoe weave its magic to help Carly and Dylan let go of past hurts and take a second chance on love—this time forever?

A super quick novella filled with an adorable reunion story! It’s sweet, it’s satisfying, and it’s sexy!

Successful London chef, Carly de Luca is back in Australia for a quick Christmas visit when she runs into her ex. She needed to do a little growing up and ventured out on her own, breaking his heart all those years ago, but she’s never forgotten him or found anyone else like him since.

Dylan Burke became a successful businessman, but no amount of money has brought the fulfillment to his life that being with Carly did. They are shocked to see each other again and there’s a lot of awkwardness, but neither can deny how they still feel about each other. Will they find forgiveness in their hearts this holiday and decide to be together again?

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Review THE COWBOY SEAL’S JINGLE BELL BABY Laura Marie Altom

December 1, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** THE COWBOY SEAL’S JINGLE BELL BABY Laura Marie Altom

The Cowboy SEAL's Jingle Bell Baby by Laura Marie Altom
Published by Harlequin Western Romance on December 1, 2016
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A BABY FOR CHRISTMAS?

Tiffany Lawson promised herself that she would never, ever give her heart to a man again. Now she's a pregnant former rodeo queen and ex-debutante struggling to support her mother and grandmother. She's already picked out the perfect adoptive parents, but cowboy Navy SEAL Rowdy Jones isn't letting anyone take his child.

Rowdy loves the rush that comes from being a Navy SEAL, but finding out he's about to become a dad? That trumps everything. While he and Tiffany shared only one night, Rowdy's determined to do right by her and their baby. His next mission—to win Tiffany and keep his son—might be his toughest yet…

An interesting plot centering around a subject that isn’t touched on too much in romance novels … whether to give your baby up for adoption or not. I was happy with the ending, and I liked the characters most of the time, but I did find myself wanting more. More chemistry and connection to help them agree on their future, and less dragging it out and changing each others minds time and again.

Tiffany Lawson hasn’t been having things easy lately. She swore off men after being let down by the ones in her life previously, so how did she now find herself pregnant by a one-night stand cowboy when all she should be doing is making ends meet to support her mom and grandma? She doesn’t have a lot of options with what the immediate future holds, so she has found the perfect family to adopt her son.

Navy SEAL Rowdy Jones didn’t expect to find a message telling him he was going to be a daddy when he got back from his latest deployment! He’s footloose and fancy free and loves his thrill seeking job, but when he hears her say the words that she’s giving his son to someone else, he jumps into action. He’s determined to do right by Tiffany and their baby, but will her valid points about their future have him second guessing himself and what’s right?

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Review THE BABY PROPOSAL Andrea Laurence

November 30, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** THE BABY PROPOSAL Andrea Laurence

The Baby Proposal by Andrea Laurence
Series: Billionaires and Babies
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 1, 2016
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Faking a marriage for baby's sake…

When Lana Hale asks hotel tycoon Kal Bishop to marry her, he can't let his best friend down! To keep her sister's baby out of the foster-care system, Lana needs Kal to pose as her husband. Soon his luxury Hawaiian resort sets the stage for an unexpectedly passionate honeymoon…

Before they know it, playing the part of lovers turns into the real thing. And once the need for their ruse ends, Kal faces losing a wife he didn't even know he wanted. Will the reluctant husband take the ultimate risk and make a proposal of his own?

The latest from Andrea Laurence brings a familiar face. We previously met Kalani Bishop as a side note of his brother Mano’s story when we vacationed on Waikiki Beach, Oahu with Mano and the lovely Paige. Now we’re heading to Ka’anapali Beach, Maui to get Kal’s story! He’s a man with a haunted past that leads him to keep himself distanced from enjoying life to it’s fullest, but he does enjoy his hotel and his best friend’s company. The story is sweet, yet sexy … sad, yet satisfying. I really enjoyed the characters and getting to see Mano & Paige again!

Desperate times call for desperate measures, so when Lanakila Hale needs help from her best friend, he’s there for her!

Lana Hale is desperate to keep her sister’s baby out of foster care, so she asks Kal to be her temporary husband! Kal adores Lana and will do anything he can to help her, so he says yes. They agree to ending it when the need is over, and to being just friends throughout … but when close quarters and sexy temptation become too much for them, passion ignites! Will Kal still be able to walk away from his lovely wife in the end, or will he be proposing a marriage for keeps?

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Review THE PREGNANCY PROJECT Kat Cantrell

November 30, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** THE PREGNANCY PROJECT Kat Cantrell

The Pregnancy Project by Kat Cantrell
Series: Love and Lipstick
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 1, 2016
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He'll prove his seduction theories work—even on his pregnant best friend!

On TV, Dr. Dante Gates teaches the science of attraction. Now this wealthy genius is using his expertise on best friend Dr. Harper Livingston. His theory: one kiss will extinguish that distracting spark between them. Reality proves hotter than any fantasy…until he learns Harper's expecting…

She chose pregnancy by sperm donor before her best friend became Dr. Sexy. Now, if she wants all he can give, she has to stay emotionally detached—or risk losing his friendship and her cosmetics company. But as she surrenders to his masterful seduction, she admits some things are worth the risk…

With the next book in her Love and Lipstick series, Kat Cantrell brings us Harper’s story, and it’s a fun one! It’s a friends-to-lovers story with loads of chemistry with a bit of nerdy sass thrown in to boot! We get a glimpse at the other Fyra Cosmetics gals, and we get to go on the journey of clueless to happily ever after!

Harper Livingston and Dante Gates have been best friends since back in their college days. They are each other’s go to person to be there for any problem, no matter what. They are both scientifically driven and adore their geekdom! Now, all of a sudden Dante is trying to change the game and throw attraction and lust into the mix. As if! Harper has never had an attraction a day in her life … but wait … what was all that craziness she felt when he kissed her??

Right in the midst of all of this new exploration, is Harper’s news that she’s pregnant! How was she to know that just after she had a successful artificial insemination, she’d actually want to have sex for real with her hunky best friend? Will this experiment be the best thing that ever happened to them and their friendship, or will it all blow up in their faces?

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Blog Tour / Book Review SEASIDE WHISPERS Melissa Foster

November 30, 2016 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Blog Tour / Book Review ** SEASIDE WHISPERS Melissa Foster

Seaside Whispers by Melissa Foster
Series: Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers
on November 30, 2016
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Having a mad crush on her boss’s son, Matt Lacroux—an intriguing mix of proper gentleman and flirtatious bad boy—is probably not the smartest idea for single mother Mira Savage. Especially when the company, and her job, is already on shaky ground. But as a Princeton professor, Matt’s life is hours away from Mira’s home on Cape Cod, keeping him safely in the fantasy-only zone. And as a single mother to six-year-old Hagen, with a floundering company to save, fantasies are all she has time for.

With hopes of becoming dean off the table, and too many months of longing for a woman who lived too far away to pursue, Matt’s publishing contract couldn’t have come at a better time. He heads home to Cape Cod on a brief sabbatical, intent on starting his book, and finally getting his arms around sweet, seductive Mira.

A surprise encounter leads to white-hot passions and midnight confessions. The more time Matt and Mira spend together, the deeper their relationship grows, and the love and attention Matt showers on Hagen is more than she has ever dreamed of. But Matt’s sabbatical is only temporary, and Mira’s not saving his father’s company so she can leave it behind. Will their whispers of love be enough for one of them to change their life forever?

With another fun delve into the Seaside Summers series, we get to see the last Lacroux brother find his happily ever after. This family and group of friends are always fun to read and give us a great dip into being part of a big, loving family. The characters are great, the romance is sweet, and the chemistry is steamy hot!

We got a hint of something between Matt Lacroux and his dad’s employee, Mira Savage in the last book at the big family engagement party, so it’s great to pick up this book and see their flirty friendship continued once they returned home. Matt ends up taking a sabbatical from teaching and heads home to Cape Cod to reconnect with his family and concentrate on writing his book … it doesn’t hurt that he hasn’t stopped thinking about Mira since they met almost a year ago either!

Mira is hesitant to act on her attraction to Matt because his father is her boss and her job is already on shaky ground, but she’s also a single mother with a lot of responsibility. But Matt isn’t taking it lying down, and every time she sees him treat her son in such a gentle manner, her heart melts! After a chance encounter leads to a magical night together, they decide that taking a chance on the connection they are feeling might be dangerous, but they can’t resist!

Seaside Whispers (Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers) by Melissa Foster

Date of Publication: November 30, 2016

Blurb

Seaside Summers is a series of stand-alone romances that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger Love in Bloom series.

“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

Having a mad crush on her boss’s son, Matt Lacroux–an intriguing mix of proper gentleman and flirtatious bad boy–is probably not the smartest idea for single mother Mira Savage. Especially when the company, and her job, is already on shaky ground. But as a Princeton professor, Matt’s life is hours away from Mira’s home on Cape Cod, keeping him safely in the fantasy-only zone. And as a single mother to six-year-old Hagen, with a floundering company to save, fantasies are all she has time for.

With hopes of becoming dean off the table, and too many months of longing for a woman who lived too far away to pursue, Matt’s publishing contract couldn’t have come at a better time. He heads home to Cape Cod on a brief sabbatical, intent on starting his book, and finally getting his arms around sweet, seductive Mira.

A surprise encounter leads to white-hot passions and midnight confessions. The more time Matt and Mira spend together, the deeper their relationship grows, and the love and attention Matt showers on Hagen is more than she has ever dreamed of. But Matt’s sabbatical is only temporary, and Mira’s not saving his father’s company so she can leave it behind. Will their whispers of love be enough for one of them to change their life forever?

“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

“With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!” New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner

“Like Nora Roberts, Melissa Foster has captivated me with her fantastic, sexy, romantic stories.” K. Winning

***

WANT MORE SEASIDE SUMMERS? All Seaside books can be read as stand-alone novels or as part of the series:

SEASIDE SUMMERS

Seaside Dreams (Bella)

Seaside Hearts (Jenna)

Seaside Sunsets (Jamie)

Seaside Secrets (Amy)

Seaside Nights (Sky)

Seaside Embrace (Hunter)

Seaside Lovers (Grayson)

Seaside Whispers (Matt)

***

Read the complete LOVE IN BLOOM series:

SNOW SISTERS

THE BRADENS (at Weston, CO)

THE REMINGTONS

THE BRADENS (at Trusty, CO)

THE BRADENS (at Peaceful Harbor)

SEASIDE SUMMERS

WILD BOYS AFTER DARK

For a complete reading guide, family tree, checklists, and more, visit Melissa’s website.

NOTE FROM AUTHOR – This book has explicit sexual references. If that is not your cup of tea, please do not feel obliged to review, thankyou x

Available From

Amazon (Kindle)
Kobo
Google Play
iBooks
Smashwords
Amazon Paperback (US)

About Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Find Melissa Foster Online

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Review MISTLETOE REUNION THREAT Virginia Vaughan

November 29, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** MISTLETOE REUNION THREAT Virginia Vaughan

Mistletoe Reunion Threat by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Rangers Under Fire
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on December 1, 2016
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MISSING CHILD

Someone wants Mississippi prosecutor Ashlynn Morris dead…and they've taken her son to get to her. The only person she can trust to get him back is his father, a man who doesn't even know about their secret child. When grief and survivor guilt pushed army ranger Garrett Lewis to run out on their wedding five years ago, he knew he was leaving behind the love of his life. But a son? Finding out he's a father has him reeling, especially since his little boy is missing. But now the tormented ex-soldier has a new mission, one that can't fail. Protect the woman he's never stopped loving…and bring her son—their son—home for Christmas.

Lots of intrigue in this faith-based Christmas novel! The characters are strong and very easy to relate to, and the plot is exciting as we second guess every person they think they can trust because someone is obviously deceiving them! A big lesson in forgiveness of others and even in yourself plays a big part in the dynamics of this book.

Ashlynn Morris is going about her every day life as an assistant district attorney in Jackson, Mississippi when all of a sudden her life is turned on end. Someone tries to kill her, and then her young son is abducted! She’s desperate for help, and willing to accept it from even the last person on earth she would have wanted to see right now … the man who crushed her heart when he walked out on her and their son 5 years ago!

Grief and survivor’s guilt after a mission gone horribly wrong left Army ranger Garrett Lewis reeling and punishing himself by walking away from his future happiness. He knew he was walking away from the love of his life when he abandoned their wedding plans, but he didn’t know he was also walking away from his son. Now he’s back when Ash needs him the most … can she count on him to stick around this time?

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Review THE TEXAN’S ONE-NIGHT STANDOFF Charlene Sands

November 28, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** THE TEXAN’S ONE-NIGHT STANDOFF Charlene Sands

The Texan's One-Night Standoff by Charlene Sands
Series: Dynasties: The Newports
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 1, 2016
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Chicago real estate hotshot Brooks Newport is on a quest to find his true father. But tracking him to a small Texas town puts Brooks on a collision course with horse trainer Ruby Lopez. After a no-strings-attached night together, he's on his way.

When Brooks finally meets the father he never knew, he must come to grips with the past—and the very shocking present. Because Ruby works for the man. And she has a secret of her own—not only is Brooks finding his father, he's about to become one!

The Texan's One-Night Standoff is part of the Dynasties: The Newports series.

A fun read that was hard to put down! It’s sexy, it’s sassy and it gives the heartstrings quite a few pulls as we see this family come together after being separated for so long!

Chicago real estate developer Brooks Newport is making a journey to Texas to finally meet his long-lost biological father. Through no fault of their own, they have been kept apart for all these years and now that they have learned of each other’s existence, they are eager to establish a relationship.

Ruby Lopez works for his father on his ranch, and is like part of the family, but he and Ruby meet the night before he arrives at the ranch and share a heated night of passion. They each go on their way never expecting to see each other again, so imagine their shock when they see each other for the first time on the ranch. Will they decide to sweep their past meeting under the rug and keep things professional now that his father is in the picture, or will they be unable to resist the temptation of each other … and what will happen when a surprise baby is thrown into the mix?

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Review CAUGHT UP IN YOU Jules Bennett

November 28, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** CAUGHT UP IN YOU Jules Bennett

Caught Up In You by Jules Bennett
Series: The Monroes
Published by Zebra on November 29, 2016
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The Monroe brothers have their differences, but one project unites them: turning an antebellum mansion in their Haven, Georgia, hometown into a peaceful spa. It was the dream of their late sister—and it’s about to set off a major renovation in the life of middle brother Braxton. . .

Braxton Monroe’s taking a break from teaching to do some strenuous work on a Civil War–era house, and feeling the strain in every rock-hard muscle. Good thing he has to interview massage therapists for the spa—even if it’s embarrassing to meet a job candidate in his boxers. Cora Buchanan has hands so talented—and a voice so sultry—he wants to hire her before he even lifts his head from the table. But he’s shocked to meet her outside the massage room—with her seeing-eye dog, Heidi the yellow lab.

Cora has left her family—and fiancé—in Atlanta to make her way in this small town. All her parents’ money can’t restore her sight, but it’s up to her to restore her independence. Though she bristles at Braxton’s protectiveness, she too feels lingering effects from their intimate touch. Now that he’s her boss, it’s strictly hands-off. . . .Until a secret she’s keeping destroys his fragile trust, and they must find the courage to knock down the walls between them.

With the next book out in “The Monroes” series, Jules Bennett brings us Braxton’s story. We met and fell in love with this family in book one where we learned the back story of the spa they are working on opening, and this book brings us more family angst, feisty hook-ups and just a real connection with the members of this family. Love them!

Braxton Monroe has his day job on hold for awhile to do a lot of manual labor around the spa with his brothers to make sure they get it opened up on time. He’s not over-joyed to be stuck going to get a massage and catching the ribbing from the guys for it, but he drew the short end of the stick, so off he goes to interview the masseuse.

Cora Buchanan doesn’t want the fact that she’s blind to hinder her from living the independent life that she wants, so she’s hopeful at getting this job and keeping the life that she ran away from in Atlanta a part of her past. When she and Braxton start to spend time together, neither can deny the powerful attraction they are feeling around each other. Will they be able to ignore it and keep it all business like they want, or will they give in to temptation?

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