Book Review – Worked Up

25 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Made in Jersey series, Tessa Bailey, Worked Up

I can hardly wait for you guys to meet Duke … he’s sitting at the top of my book boyfriend list and it is going to take a lot to bump him off 🙂

*****

Worked Up

Made in Jersey #3

by Tessa Bailey

Publication Date: August 1, 2016

Genres: Adult, Entangled: Brazen, Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Factory mechanic Duke Crawford just wants to watch SportsCenter in peace. Unfortunately, living with four divorcee sisters doesn’t provide much silence, nor does it change his stance on relationships. But when a fellow commitment-phobe stumbles into his life, getting him good and worked up, he can’t deny his protective instincts.

Samantha Waverly’s brother just put her in an impossible situation. The only way out? Marry huge, gruff, gladiator look-alike Duke—for show, of course. She doesn’t make promises—she knows too well how easily they can be broken—and this is no exception.

As the blistering attraction between them grows, the lines around the no-strings relationship blur. But Duke and Samantha’s marriage is only for show…or is it?

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QPWO3QcVFA

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2bb2Ygm

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2bb2E12

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aPocQi

B&N: http://bit.ly/29R8UJ1

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2av4JmX

iBooks: http://apple.co/2aHgNEY

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1XQo44B

*****

ARE YOU WORKED UP? DON’T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE MADE IN JERSEY SERIES….

CRASHED OUT (Made in Jersey, #1)

Blurb:

His inspiration. His torment. And his temptation…

Jasmine Taveras is the reason Sarge Purcell grabbed his six-string and bailed the hell out of New Jersey four years ago. She’s the fuel for every song he’s ever written-each one laced with bitter, hard-edged, hungry lust. Now, with his hugely successful band is on temporary hiatus, Sarge is determined to prove to Jasmine that this “kid” turned into every inch the man she’s always needed…

Men are slim pickings for a single factory girl in Hook, New Jersey…until tall, broad-shouldered hotness walks-or ratherstorms-into Jasmine’s life. Sarge’s return shouldn’t affect her this way. He’s her best friend’s much younger kid brother, and the kind of rough, gritty, sexiness Jasmine has no right to taste for herself. Even if he lets her.

But lust is a blinding, insatiable force. And when it crashes, it will take both Sarge and Jasmine down with it…

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aDpKBF

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2aqjEU3

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2av4PuV

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aHgYAd

B&N: http://bit.ly/1i2V8YI

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2b47OwB

iBooks: http://apple.co/2b47qOP

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2b2hLhs

THROWN DOWN (Made in Jersey, #2)

Blurb:

He has one last chance to deserve the girl of his dreams…

Overachiever River Purcell was never supposed to be a struggling single mom, working double shifts just to make ends meet. Nor was she supposed to be abandoned by her high school sweetheart, breaking her heart into a thousand jagged pieces. Now Vaughn De Matteo is back in town, his sights set onher…and River is in danger of drowning a second time.

No one believed Hook’s resident bad boy was good enough for River. Not even Vaughn himself. But he’ll fight like hell to win back the woman he never stopped loving, to keep the daughter he never expected, and convince himself he’s worth their love in the process–even if he has to rely on their fierce and undeniable sexual chemistry.

But even as River’s body arches under his hungered touch, the demons of the past lurk in the shadows. Waiting for Vaughn to repeat his mistakes one last time…

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aD8Zne

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2aPpk6H

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aC6b6D

B&N: http://bit.ly/1N8vo8n

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1NfGUwf

iBooks: http://apple.co/2aPpMSd

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2aHh8rj

*****

Excerpt:

Unbelievable. First, Duke couldn’t get a damn moment of peace in his house, now his only refuge, The Third Shift, had been invaded. Was it so much to ask in life for a sporting event to go uninterrupted by a woman? Granted, the doe-eyed brunette hadn’t asked for his assistance—and she was a far cry from the four sisters terrorizing his household indefinitely—but an interruption was an interruption, no matter how you sliced it.

He couldn’t help but notice this particular disruption was…pretty. Too pretty for him. Not that her appearance mattered one way or another to Duke. Facts were facts, though. She had a way of moving. Long, graceful moves that ran smack into uncertainty. As if she kept forming courses of action only to change her mind halfway through the execution stage. Ask him why he’d taken the time to form such a detailed observation and his answer probably wouldn’t make much sense. Unfortunately, noticing her way of operating had led to…other observations. Impolite ones that would’ve surrounded the freckles on her cheeks with pink instead of flawless ivory.

Good thing he wasn’t looking for a woman. Not for one night. Not for nothing.

With resolve firm in his mind, Duke focused on the problem at hand. Namely, the issue distracting him from America’s game. The two men harassing Doe Eyes were machinery mechanics who worked under him at the factory, and after his brief directive to fuck off, they wasted no time shuffling away, beer bottles held up like little white flags.

“Sorry, Duke.”

“No problem, Duke.”

He grunted, watching them enviously as they rejoined their friends in front of the giant flat-screen. At least someone would get to watch baseball now, huh? As for him, he appeared to be stuck. For as long as Doe Eyes graced The Third Shift with her not-from-around-here presence, that is. Because if it wasn’t the knuckleheads looking to purchase her drinks, it would be someone else. And after he’d watched her flounder over a simple drink order and whack her noggin on the bar, he figured she deserved some peace and quiet.

Which she would get, so long as she let him watch the motherloving game.

Duke grabbed the closest stool, flipping it around and repositioning it behind Doe Eyes. Trying not to wince over the loud creaking as he climbed on, Duke crossed his arms and went back to watching the game, bottle of Bud in hand.

He should have known the silence wouldn’t last. It never did.

“Did you just…set yourself up as a roadblock?”

*****

Review:

Bet none of you see this coming … but I’ve not read anything else in this series *gasp*! Lucky for me, it worked out again because I don’t think anything from the previous stories really will impact you enjoying this one. It looks like Duke may have made an appearance or two but I didn’t notice anything missing.

Let’s start with how unbelievably HAWT Duke is for being a not so typical hero. He’s a terse, mountain of a man who isn’t built or handsome in the traditional hero way (he’s even hairy with a bit of a paunch), but there’s just something about him. For all his gruffness, he’s protective, hard working and dedicated to his friends and family. And he’s got a mouth on him … oh, man, does he know how to speak the dirty talk! Knows how to back it up too – whew, baby!

I think that some may find his high-handedness a little off-putting but it works for him and Samantha, which is all that matters. The insta-attraction might also be a no-no but I think that Bailey makes it work. While the timeline is very short, there’s something really believable about their interactions, developing feelings and motivations.

The other thing that definitely works is how absolutely adorable Samantha is. She’s quirky, funny and, while she’s distrustful of relationships, she had a huge heart that yearns for family. Meeting big softy Duke, who would do just about anything for his sisters and who takes her under his wing, has her conflicted on getting involved.

While they get together under unusual circumstances, Duke and Samantha quickly find themselves in a situation that is not what they expected … and maybe more they can handle. Funny, touching, sexy and sweet, Worked Up is a fantastically fun read that had me by the heart from the very first and never let go.

*****

Author Info:

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Amazon Gift Card

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354845/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – Hanky Spanky

18 Thursday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Erotically Bound series, Francesca Hawley, Hanky Spanky

Hanky Spanky

Erotically Bound Book 2

by Francesca Hawley

Curious Sub seeking the perfect Dom…

Karen Eckberg has spent months in front of a webcam, writhing and moaning, dutifully performing to Master Lars’ voiced commands. She’s sexually alive for the first time in her life but when her perfect Dom turns out to be none-other than her high school crush “Aw Shucks” Andy Larson, life takes an even more sensual turn than she’d ever expected.

Karen is everything Andy Larson has ever wanted in a sub, achingly responsive and eager to please her Master in every way. Unfortunately, their red-hot affair both in and out of the dungeon draws unwanted attention from his possessive ex-wife fueling Andy’s protective streak.

And now there’s no safe word that can protect Karen from a woman scorned.

While I know this book isn’t going to be for everyone, I think that those that do give it a chance are going to enjoy themselves. We get a bit of the kink out of the way early on, with a trip to a BDSM club, but after that it is mostly just really hot sex (with the occasional Sir or Master thrown in). The main story though is about finding the match for you and weathering some rough times. It’s nice to see Andy find someone that fits so well with him, especially after how unfulfilling his first marriage was. And he does a great job supporting Karen and showing her what a fantastic person he thinks she is. I liked watching them develop their relationship into something that works for them. And as awful as she is, I also liked seeing them handle his ex together.

You should know what you are getting into from the title, so there should be no surprises there. And while it isn’t my main genre of romance, I’m not the type to turn away from a little of the heavy stuff J I’m sure there are those who are more in tune with this scene who may have issues with the way the BDSM is handled (again, not my major thing so I just go with what works for me) or those that just don’t like it all (aaand you should know that going in) but as a novice who just enjoys an entertaining story I was more than pleased.

Book Review – Till I Kissed You

17 Wednesday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Cottonbloom series, Laura Trentham, Till I Kissed You

Till I Kissed You

Cottonbloom #3

by Laura Trentham

It’s summertime in Cottonbloom, where two lovers find themselves at a crossroads just as things start to heat up. . .

Regan Lovell grew up on the wealthy Mississippi side of Cottonbloom—and now, as mayor, she’s determined to save it from the fate of so many small towns. Part of her plan to help the local economy is the Labor Day tomato festival. If only she wasn’t being undermined by Sawyer Fournette, who’s planning a crayfish-themed celebration on the Louisiana side of the river on the very same weekend. The pranks and sabotage are getting out of hand, and she’s had it with him—no matter how much she enjoyed those stolen hours in his truck bed, so many years ago…

Sawyer knows that Regan’s never forgiven him for breaking her heart—but despite his reputation as a low-class swamp rat, he’d never hurt the woman who still secretly drives him crazy with desire. Someone in Cottonbloom has it out for her, though, and Sawyer intends to watch her back…and the rest of her too, if she can ever let go of her distrust. But will a common enemy be enough to unite them—and finally fulfill the promises they made one passionate night under the stars?

I hate to say it but it took me a little bit to get into this book. I absolutely loved the first two in this series (Kiss Me That Way & Then He Kissed Me) and was so excited at the idea of finally getting this couple’s story … and it was because of that that I kept at it until I got hooked. I can’t put my finger on exactly why, maybe it was because I was so anxious to get their HEA that the build-up just got to me, but whatever it was I was very happy that I didn’t give up. Once it did get going I had a hard time putting it down.

I love Sawyer. He’s got a good heart, cares about his family and his community. His only big weaknesses are his feelings for Regan and how his insecurities from his childhood still cause him moments of doubt. Especially with the wealthier ‘Sips (most importantly Regan’s mom).

Regan isn’t my favorite of the heroines but she grew on me as we find out her secrets and fears. She’s a complicated person but she’s spent her whole life hiding every little thing and putting on a “face” for everyone. I think that it causes her to be misunderstood by not only those around her but the readers as well. As we get to see beneath the surface we start to understand her more.

The threat to Regan wasn’t as big of a deal as I expected it to be after having it be a part of all three stories – if you’ve read the others, it pretty much continued on in the same vein, but of course we finally get to find out who is behind it, which worked very well with what we’ve seen so far. I was also thrilled to get the resolution on what happened to Regan & Sawyer all those years ago, causing such bad feelings between the two of them. Unfortunately those emotions are still present and give them all sorts of trouble in the present. But it was fun seeing them try to fight it out!

As is to be expected from Trentham, complex personal interactions and layered personalities are present in the last of the Fournette stories. These stories are so much more than just a romance – it’s the chance to get to know people and love them like family. I’m happy that there are more coming (most especially a HEA for my favorite Alabama transplant) and I definitely am looking forward to the new & sure-to-be interesting characters we will have the pleasure of meeting 🙂

(This is part of a series but can stand on its own with minor overlap to other stories, which are explained well so you can easily keep up if this is your first book.)

Book Review – Knocked Out By Love

16 Tuesday Aug 2016

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Abby Niles, Book Review, Knocked Out By Love, Love to the Extreme series

Knocked Out By Love

A Love to the Extreme Novel

by Abby Niles

Brody Minton has loved Scarlett Harris for years. But she’s his best friend’s wife, so he’s worked hard to keep his distance. Hearing the marriage is over shouldn’t change anything. Only an ass would make a move on a friend’s ex… Except Scarlett wants help getting back in the dating game, and Brody’s torn. If he helps her out, he can keep an eye on her and guard her vulnerable heart. But having the woman he’s longed for for years in arms’ reach is hell on a man’s restraint, no matter how iron strong his will.

But loving Scarlett is only half the fight.

All Scarlett Harris wants is to get away for a while and rethink her life after filing for divorce from her lying, cheating bastard of a husband. The gorgeous Bahamas sounds like the perfect escape, except she’s booked in very resort Brody “The Iron” Minton is staying at for his sister’s wedding. Now her ex’s best friend is dogging her every move, and is a witness to her first pathetic attempts at flirting in years. If Brody isn’t going to leave her alone, then she’ll just recruit him to help get her reacquainted with her single self.

There are stories that you enjoy but are difficult to get into and then there are stories that suck you in. This is definitely the latter – I was absolutely stunned to look up and realize I was over halfway thru the book and had no intention of putting it down any time soon!

I totally see where Brody is coming from with his attraction to Scarlett. He’s spent months avoiding her because she was his best friend’s wife but just because she’s divorcing him it doesn’t make it any easier to turn off those feelings of guilt. I like him as a man even more for it. He’s got things he feels strongly about – family, friends, loyalty. It is hard for him to ignore them … until he finds out exactly what happened. I love the way he’s there to support Scarlett, both before and after the Bahamas vacation. She needs someone to be there for her and he does it so well. And so sexily 🙂

Scarlett finds herself single, beaten down and unsure of herself. Trying to get her single girl mojo back isn’t working and even more so once Brody is in the picture again. Until she finds herself attracted to her old friend … and figures out that it could be mutual. I totally get where she’s coming from too – her insecurities and fears. I’m going to give a minor spoiler in saying that I loved how she was able to resolve things with her ex at a time when they both needed it most. There is something freeing in that interaction that could color so much for her and Brody, while it also helps her figure things out on what she needs to do to have a happy future.

There are some serious issues at play here but Niles handles them very well. I also appreciate how she gives the two of them a supportive relationship – both of them are there for each other in ways that matters, understanding what is needed and providing the support that the other needs. The last few chapters are just fantastic and I think the ending is just too darn adorable.

I read the first couple of stories in this series, but then I skipped a couple. This one can definitely stand on its own, although it looks like there’s some set up here for future stories. And I’m definitely gonna keep my eye out for what she brings next.

Book Review – Kickin’ Up Dust

15 Monday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Em Patrova, Kickin' Up Dust, Operation Cowboy series

Y’all, we’ve got a cowboy as hot as Texas in July … and he’s not afraid to show you 🙂

*****

Kickin’ Up Dust

Operation Cowboy Book 1

by Em Patrova

July 19, 2016

Blurb:

This Marine follows the rules. This cowgirl is all about breaking them.

After losing his best friend and CO, Matt, in combat, Brodie Bell didn’t think his spirits could sink any lower. He was wrong. One look at his and Matt’s storm-flattened hometown nearly levels him.

Los Vista needs a leader, and as Brodie takes the weight of the world on his shoulders, he comes up with a plan. Merge the two ranches left standing, pray for a good calving season…and keep his hands too busy to get busy with Matt’s sexy little sister.

Danica was in pigtails when Brodie and Matt went off chasing glory. Now she’s a woman with a broken heart, but if Matt knew of the depraved cravings Brodie ignites in her body, he’d haunt her from the grave.

As they work to mend miles of broken fences, Brodie fights to ignore Danica’s tiny cutoff shorts and mile-long legs—and to ignore the “weapon” that’s locked and loaded in his Levis. Because the last thing he wants is to dishonor his friend’s memory by ravishing the sweetest little cowgirl he’s ever laid eyes on.

Warning: Involves a sweet and sassy ranch girl who knows her way around a rope, and a Marine turned cowboy who’d like to tie her down and spank her until she begs for more.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28514351-kickin-up-dust

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/29qUFfO

B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/29qUYaA

Kobo: http://bit.ly/29pp42j

iBooks: http://apple.co/29l8UAI

Google Play: http://bit.ly/29tHJYc

*****

Review:

So, I just have to say I have absolutely NO idea why no one thought it was a good idea to tell these 4 guys that their entire town (including some of their homes) was leveled by a tornado. It isn’t like it happened in the last couple of days … I get that they were away at war and really couldn’t do anything about it, plus they’d just lost their close friend, but wow! I would be so beyond ticked off if I came home to something like that completely unawares.

But I did appreciate the way that Patrova picked it up from there – the way that the guys pitched in, the actions of the townsfolk, and the feeling of community as they all tried to work something out. In a place like that where you have to support each other, that doesn’t go away just because you lose your house It is highlighted in times of hardship.

My other trouble spot was why Brodie would think that he wasn’t good enough for Danica. I get that they held Matt in such high regard that after his death they would put his little sister on his pedestal but he’s a good man and has a lot to offer her. If he’d given any indication that he was just trying to play her I might feel a little different about it, but he genuinely cares. And he’s a pretty good catch 🙂 The military taught him a thing or two about being in control, which he brings to all areas of his life … ALL areas. Mix in his sexy cowboy-ness and *whew* scorcher!

Danica is strong in her own right but has always had a soft spot for Brodie. Having him come back in her life looking as hot as can be and taking charge makes him almost irresistible. Unfortunately he seems determined to stay friends but she’s cowgirl enough to take him on!

The grief from Matt’s death does weigh on the both and I feel that Patrova handles it pretty well. Fortunately they have a lot to deal with that keeps them from dwelling and allows them to take their time to work through it all. It’s a lot to hit them with all at once but they are strong Texas folk and easily up to handling it.

We get glimpses of the rest of the men, enough to know that they all have their strengths as well. I’m curious to see what they have in store for them as they work to setting their town back to rights … and finding that special someone to help & support them.

*****

Author Info:

Em Petrova lives in Backwoods, Pennsylvania, where she raises 4 kids and a Labradoodle named Daisy Hasselhoff. Her dream is to find an old pickup and travel small-town USA, meeting new people. Her heroes are hardworking–in bed and out–and she is known for panty-scorching erotic romance.

She also writes lesbian romance as Hallie Knight.

Website: http://www.empetrova.com/

Newsletter: http://www.empetrova.com/subscribe.html

Twitter: http://twitter.com/empetrova

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/empet16/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4342760.Em_Petrova

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29xEkYLIY

*****

Click the link below to check out the rest of the stops on the tour

http://rockstarlit.com/content/kickin-up-dust-operation-cowboy-book-1/

Book Review – This Loving Feeling

12 Friday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Miranda Liasson, Mirror Lake series, This Loving Feeling

This Loving Feeling

A Mirror Lake Novel

by Miranda Liasson

Samantha Rushford’s future looks bright: the high school art teacher is getting ready to leave Mirror Lake and move to Boston with her ambitious boyfriend, and she hopes a diamond ring is just around the corner. But her past still has a hold on her—especially the bittersweet memory of her rebellious ex, who kissed her passionately before he left town without a word.

Since then, Lukas Spikonos has parlayed his rebel ways into life as an up-and-coming recording artist. When he shows up for a surprise gig at the high school prom, Sam is more dumbstruck than starstruck—he used the words of a poem she wrote about their breakup to create a number one hit. But Lukas hasn’t returned just to impress students; he’s facing some real-life responsibilities and needs Sam’s help. But she has her own unresolved issues about the life she wants to lead. Will the music—and the pull of true love and family—put their hearts back in harmony?

I remember Lukas & Sam from This Love of Mine and that I couldn’t wait to find out how they come back together again. And Liasson delivers a winner.

It’s quite a few years later and Sam’s ready to start a life with someone else … then Lukas comes back into town. Even though she’s tried very hard to move on, having Lukas nearby is throwing everything into turmoil.

Lukas has worked very hard to be successful. A foster kid who never really knew love or family, he doesn’t believe that he’s got what it takes to be in a relationship. He’s convinced that leaving was the best thing he could do for Sam. Until he sees her again.

I adored these two together. Sam tries so hard to be the good girl but she’s hiding her spirit and trying to fit into what she thinks she should want, not necessarily what she does want. Having her sexy and oh-so-tempting ex around, showing her what a great man he’s grown up to be, definitely isn’t helping things.

And while Lukas may not think he has what it takes to be a family man, especially with the crazy life of an up-and-coming rock star, his actions definitely speak loudly. He may not have had the best childhood but he’s turned into a kind and caring man. He just has to learn to believe in himself.

It is so great seeing these two come together again. While they have a few bumps getting there, they manage to figure out what works for them and throw everything they have into making it work. Knowing that things will work out makes it easier to sit back and see them work through their issues. Those growing moments just grabbed my heart and didn’t let go.

Book Review – Welcoming the Bad Boy

11 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Annie Rains, Book Review, Hero's Welcome series, Welcoming the Bad Boy

Y’all, who doesn’t love a bad boy in uniform?!?!

*****

Welcoming the Bad Boy

Hero’s Welcome #3

by Annie Rains

Releasing August 2, 2016

Loveswept

Blurb:

From the bestselling author of Welcome to Forever (“Full of heart and emotion!”—Lori Wilde) comes a sweet, sexy novel about breaking all the rules. In Seaside, North Carolina, the boys on the base are heroes—but that doesn’t mean they’re always well-behaved.

As a preacher’s daughter, Valerie Hunt only dates the very respectable, very boring men who meet her father’s strict standards. In private, however, she leads a double life as a romance writer of steamy stories about the least respectable sorts of men. Valerie has always kept her hottest fantasies separate from her real life, but when she nearly runs a hot-blooded biker off the road, the lines begin to blur.

Even though Valerie almost killed him, Griffin Black can’t be angry after he learns the reason for her distracted driving: an unruly puppy belonging to her ailing friend. As a member of the military police K-9 unit, Griffin insists on training the dog himself. But he soon wonders how he’s ever going to stay disciplined around the most alluring, down-to-earth, and totally unattainable woman he’s ever met. Valerie is the ultimate good girl. And Griffin is going to need all his old tricks to unleash her wild side.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27774343-welcoming-the-bad-boy

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/154832-hero-s-welcome

Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“Damn.” He tipped her chin up with his index, looking at her with his dark molasses eyes. “I’m serious. I want to go out on a date tomorrow. No sex.”

“No sex?” she asked.

“Just flowers and chocolates. And lots of kissing. Say yes to me,” he said, kissing her mouth again, making it impossible for her to tell him no.

“But there is more sex tonight, right?” she asked, moaning as he lowered his mouth to cover one breast.

“Say yes, Val,” he said, as the rough, unshaven edge of his jaw scraped against her skin, feeding her arousal.

“Yes,” she said through shortened breaths. “I say yes.”

He emitted a low laugh that tickled against her skin. Then he thrust himself inside her again, making up for the arrangement they’d just made for tomorrow. Making up for all the lonely nights she’d endured until this one. Making up for all the lonely nights she would endure after he was gone.

*****

Review:

(This is the third book in this series – after Welcome to Forever and Welcome Home Cowboy – but it can be read on its own. Val and Griffin are friends with the couples from the first two books, and they make the occasional appearance, but their storylines don’t come into play here. Although it is nice to get an update on their relationships 🙂 )

I did find this one to be a little lighter of a read than the first two books. Griffin has issues with his mom and Val has a difficult relationship with her dad, but overall this came off as a little more of a traditional contemporary romance than what we’ve seen before.

Since they have friends that are in relationships together, Griffin and Val are aware of each other but they haven’t spent any time together. A freak meeting puts them on a collision course that quickly turns flirtatious. It’s a slow burn as they get to know each other and we get to know them a little better. Spending time together has them evaluating a few things and making some decisions about their lives & the relationships that they hold dear.

Val is keeping her career as an author secret from everyone and you know that some how that is going to bite her. I will say that I didn’t feel that part of the book was handled completely. And she also makes some decisions that doesn’t make that much sense if she wants to keep it a secret … although maybe she was just aching to get caught.

The parts with her relationship with Griffin and her time with the people at the retirement community, even the stuff with her dad that needed to be addressed before she could truly be free (and which needed about three more paragraphs to really satisfy me), are wonderful. But the author thing only worked for me in spots. It wasn’t enough to cause me trouble but it did make me shake my head here and there 🙂

With sexy and fun characters, entertaining and flirtatious interactions mixed with heart and emotion when it comes to those who mean the most to them, Rains delivers another heart warming love story. And you just know she’s got a couple more good ones up her sleeve.

*****

Author Info:

Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina.

Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

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Book Review – To Have and to Hold

10 Wednesday Aug 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Returning Home series, Serena Bell, To Have and to Hold

To Have and to Hold

A Returning Home Novel

by Serena Bell

In this emotionally charged novel from the bestselling author of Hold on Tight (“Sweet, sexy, and real.”—Jessica Scott), a war hero fights to remember the love he left behind—and the woman who refuses to fade away.

The reunion is supposed to be the start of the rest of their lives. But when Trina Levine sees the soldier she promised to love forever, Hunter Cross looks at her like she’s a stranger. The connection is gone, lost in the blank stare of those soulful brown eyes. Hunter remembers his young daughter but not Trina, and he certainly can’t recall why Trina and her own child are living in his house. Although his lean, rugged frame bears the scars of battle, his mind took the worst hit.

But Hunter Cross hasn’t forgotten everything. His body remembers caressing Trina’s delicate curves, holding her close, never wanting to let go. Was it just a dream, or was it real life? Now, as he tries to put the pieces back together, Trina’s the one who comforts him when his night terrors strike. It’s Trina whose warm touch rekindles a connection no man could deny. Even with the odds stacked against them, Hunter wants to believe. Because passion has the power to awaken the past—and remake the future.

Based on the blurb, I think I expected something a little different than what I got. For some reason I read that as Trina fighting for Hunter but in reality it is something so much more complicated.

We start with Hunter coming home and not recognizing Trina, but at that time he doesn’t realize that he’s lost a year of his memory. With all the hub-bub of getting him healthy and home no one recognized that there were gaps … until he comes back and finds Trina waiting for him, obvious signs that she’s more than just a friend.

I feel so bad for both Hunter and Trina. He’s freaked out by the memory loss and because of his first marriage very hesitant about giving his heart to anyone again. Finding that he’d apparently started a relationship with Trina sometime during his missing year only adds to his stress. Without any basis for it, and only remembering what happened with his wife, he’s not ready to try to rekindle anything.

Trina doesn’t have a good history with men. She got pregnant in high school, only to have the boy chase his dreams and leave her & the baby behind. She wasn’t necessarily looking to fall in love but Hunter convinced her to trust him with her heart … only to break it when he doesn’t remember her. With an opportunity to go to California so her daughter can be near her dad, and without Hunter as a reason to stay, Trina starts packing.

But first Hunter talks her into staying just until he can get comfortable in his home and with his daughter again. Lots has changed in a year, especially with a preteen girl, and he needs a little help to get settled. The only problem is having Trina in his home, and knowing that they had something together, makes the situation even more complicated.

There’s such a jumbled mess of emotions in this house – the girls don’t want to be separated (from each other or Trina & Hunter), Trina started to love again only to have it turn on its head, and Hunter is scared and confused. Bell does a fantastic job of showing their confusion, heartache and hope. And of delivering a fantastic HEA ending.

Book Review – Worth the Trouble

09 Tuesday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Jamie Beck, Worth the Trouble

Worth the Trouble

by Jamie Beck

Cover girl Cat St. James’s picture-perfect life is anything but flawless. Luckily, she’s a master of hiding the truth from the camera. Relying on that skill, she conceals her latest secret from her family while attending her brother’s wedding. Her only trouble now is Hank Mitchell—the soft-spoken carpenter she’d once brushed aside. Seeing him at the reception underscores her private heartache and ignites unwelcome longing, which she promptly drowns in champagne.

Hank is no stranger to sacrifice, having set aside his own ambitions to take care of his family. One thing he won’t forsake is his pride, which Cat already wounded once. But when the maddening beauty’s reckless behavior forces him to rush to her rescue, he sets in motion a series of events that leads Cat to make a business proposal granting him his dream job.

When Cat and Hank mix business with pleasure, promises and secrets unravel, and each must decide if and what they’ll surrender for love.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Worth the Wait, and I’m really not sure why it took me so long to get around to reading this one. Maybe because I didn’t remember liking Cat all that much (actually I’m not really all that sure how I felt about her) but I think that I expected her to be difficult to like in her own story.

I was seriously wrong. She’s flawed, full of pride and neurosis, but she’s also caring. She works in a world that is all about her image and her dad has never seen her as more than just a pretty face. It’s easy to see why she gets so hung up on what will happen to her now that she’s older and how she can prove herself to be more than just a trophy. Unfortunately a disastrous relationship and a serious secret has her hesitant to give her heart to any guy again.

Hank definitely sees more than just her beauty. He’s a sensitive, loving person who unfortunately has been dealt a very difficult hand. Shortly after his dad died his mom started displaying symptoms of Alzheimer’s so he’s had to support his family since a very young age, giving up many of his dreams. It also means he doesn’t have a lot of time or energy to give to a relationship. He thought something might have developed with Cat but she threw him over for someone else … and now that she’s single again he might be tempted but he’s also very hesitant to be hurt again.

I would have thought that Cat’s attitude would have gotten to me but Beck does a fantastic job of giving her readers a couple they can relate to and care about. I found myself turning page after page hoping that they would find some way to get past their history and issues to be together. When things go sour for them (as you’d expect), it made me sad for them – although I was definitely more on Hank’s side than Cat’s. But they manage to get it all together finally and get that HEA they so need. And I definitely can’t wait to see what comes next.

Book Review – Just Kiss Me

04 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Book Review, Just Kiss Me, Rachel Gibson

I see Rachel Gibson’s name and I know I’m in for a good time 🙂

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Just Kiss Me

by Rachel Gibson

Release Date: July 26, 2016

Publisher: Avon Books

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Paperback/Ebook/Audio

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Gibson returns with this dazzling love story filled with sizzle, sass, and just a bit of southern charm . . .

“Hello, Ms. Vivian . . . it’s been a long time.”

And with those words, Vivian Leigh Rochet nearly melted. It’s been years since she last saw Harrison Whitley-Shuler. She was a teenager scrubbing houses for a living. He was the gorgeous son of rich parents, not fit for the likes of her.

Vivian had vowed to get out of Charleston, become a big Hollywood star, and stick it to the snooty girls who made her cry.

She got what she wanted—and more—but why does her glamorous life seem so trivial?

Harrison got out too . . . making it all the way to Wall Street, until a heart attack forced him to trade in his cufflinks for a good set of hand tools.

Making furniture soothes his soul, but escaping the Whitley-Shuler heritage is nearly impossible. And now he’s come face-to-face with the one who got away. He’s not looking for love. He’s not even looking for sex . . . so why is resisting her the hardest thing he’s ever done?

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Review:

(BTW, I received an advanced copy of this book, which is one of the reasons I love what I do 🙂 In my copy the male lead is Henry but in the blurb it is shown as Harrison. I’m not sure which is right in the the release so I’m going to go with what was in my book.)

This story is so much more than just a romance. Like any good Southern story, there are a lot of family secrets, past hurts, and long held beliefs that need to be re-evaluated.

Vivian is back in town for her mother’s funeral and to put her things to rights before heading back to her life in Hollywood. Unfortunately that also puts her in the sphere of the Whitley-Shulers again, the last place she wants to be. Growing up in their carriage house led to a lot of mixed up feelings and resentment for the wealthy family in the big house. Only things seem much different seen through grown up eyes.

Henry towed the family line for more than 30 years but a heart attack sent him back home to a quiet life. While it isn’t what his mother expects of him, working with his hands makes him happy and he’s managed to make a life that works for him. Until Vivian comes home in all her bigger-than-life glory, throwing things into a tailspin and threatening a lot of long-buried secrets.

Thrown together Henry and Vivian start getting close, pushing each other’s buttons and creating sparks. But while they fight their developing feelings, there’s also the chance to get to know each other as adults – with adult issues but also with adult understanding.

Vivian also gets to know Henry’s mother a little better, seeing her as more than the scary force she was in her young life. Unfortunately it also shows her a new view of her own beloved mother. One that shines a light on some things that she might not want to look at any closer.

I don’t think you can have a South Carolina story without skeletons in the closet and Gibson gives us some doozies. With mint julep charm and a lot of Bless Your Hearts, Just Kiss Me is definitely the perfect summer read and the start of a great new series. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

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Author Info:

Rachel Gibson is a New York Timesand USA TODAY bestselling author of fast-paced contemporary romance novels. Publisher’s Weeklyproclaims Rachel’s “clever, snappy dialog amuses at every turn” and “With humor and eloquent prose, Gibson brings substance and depth . . . to modern day romance.”

Four of her novels were named among the Top Ten Favorite Books of The Year by Romance Writers of America. Two of her novels, True Confessions and Not Another Bad Date, were awarded the RITA, Romance Writers of America’s highest honor of excellence. Some of Rachel’s other awards and achievements include The Golden Heart Award, the National Reader’s Choice, Amazon Editor’s Top Pick, Publisher Weekly’s Quill nominee, Borders bestselling romantic comedy and Romantic Time’s Career Achievement award.

When not writing, Rachel can be found shopping for shoes or looking for strange and unusual flowers to plant in her garden.

You can visit her website at http://rachelgibson.com

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