Book Review – The Family Man

12 Tuesday Jul 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Kelly Eadon, The Family Man

The Family Man

by Kelly Eadon

TEMPTATION NEVER TASTED SO SWEET…

When life hands lemons to Beth Beverley, she makes mouthwatering lemon squares. Mostly because they’re coveted by the sexy single dad who owns Belmont’s most popular coffee shop. But that’s where her crush on Griffin has to end. Her sweet treats are selling like crazy cakes in his shop, and she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. Too bad his sinful smile has her flirting with the idea of forever.

Griffin Hall definitely needs to keep his eyes–and his hands–off Beth. Since he’s traded in late-night gigs and partying for bedtime stories with his little girl in his arms, he doesn’t have time for anything else. So why does Beth’s big heart and easy way with his daughter make him finally feel alive again? But there’s a little secret Beth doesn’t know, something he can’t bear to tell her . . .

I love that Eadon didn’t weigh her story down with a lot of extra drama. It’s a simple-ish story of two people who have been dancing around their attraction for a little bit and get to a point where they decide to act on it. They spend time together, getting their feet under them in regards to a new relationship, have a few bumps along the way, but figure it all out in the end.

I just wish we’d gotten a little more of the after. I don’t want to give too much away but they have their big moment, the thing that could break them up, and then we jump to the epilogue. It is an important thing for Griffin and had been weighing heavily on him so I think it needed just a little more time. I did like how Beth and Griffin handled the resolution though. It shows their maturity and lack of drama, which is always refreshing. Beth looks at things logically and thinks through them before making a potentially life-altering decision.

I also like how they find a way to make their worlds work together. How they find things that they are passionate about and weave them into a life that works for both of them, making them happy alone and together.

While I have to admit to loving The Wedding Date a little more than The Family Man, I’m excited by what Eadon has delivered so far and I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book. She’s got some great characters to work with, plus I’m sure she’ll introduce even more, so the potential is off the charts 🙂

Book Review – Conquer

11 Monday Jul 2016

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

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Angelique Voisen, Book Review, Conquer, Fearless

Something hot and emotional to kick off your week.

*****

Conquer

Fearless 2

by Angelique Voisen

Genre: MM romance

Publisher: All Romance eBooks

Date of Publication: July 1, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-945193-06-4

Word Count: 25000

Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill

Blurb:

Most people fear the dark. Some embrace it.

Blackened windows, a 400-square foot self-made prison, and a loyal Welsh corgi—that’s the extent of former soldier Matthew Ash’s world. Matt’s tasted hell’s battlefield. He wears the scars on his skin and soul to prove it. Matt’s agoraphobia keeps his demons out and that’s all that matters.

Burnt-out MMA fighter Will Grove is having the worst year of his life. His boyfriend broke up with him and he just lost the fight of the decade. He moves to a new town, seeking a fresh start. Everyone tells him to watch for the crazy recluse, but Will makes his own rules. One glimpse of Matt is all Will needs to recognize a man whose mind is fucked-up as his own.

Matt’s certain Will’s going to run. Will’s out to prove this is one fight he’s not going to lose.

ARe

*****

Excerpt:

I don’t like small talk, but that doesn’t mean I’m not good with it. After half an hour, I make up an excuse that I need to meet a friend. Before the Cumbers leave, Martha takes me aside and says five strange words.

“Watch for the crazy recluse.”

“Excuse me?”

Stuart winces. “Unit 311, next to yours. No one has seen the tenant since he moved in six months ago.”

“Ever? Even to take the morning paper?” I ask, unable to hide the intrigue in my voice.

Martha shakes her head. “He trained his dog to fetch it for him. These days, everything can be ordered online, including groceries. I think he allows the delivery guy in.”

“Don’t tell me we’re all holed up with a serial killer?” I joke, but they don’t find it funny. They look dead serious.

“Once, Old Ted from 312 came knocking. Tried to invite him to a floor party, but the guy shoved the barrel of a shotgun at Ted’s face. Nearly gave the old guy another heart attack,” Stuart says.

“And no one’s reported this to the police?” I ask.

Martha shakes her head. “He hasn’t hurt anyone yet. We thought he was secretly growing weed in there, but the cops came out clean, shaking their heads.”

“Yeah, okay, thanks for the tip.”

I close the door and sit myself in my empty kitchen. Stuart’s right. The pie’s amazing. I finish it off in a forkful of generous bites and down it with two bottles of the town’s locally brewed beer. Something this sinful screws with my diet, but I think I can afford a break. Later, when I have things sorted out, I’ll head to the supermarket and buy my essentials in bulk.

“Damn,” I mutter, still tasting the cold and smooth amber liquid down my throat. “They never said they make good beers, too. Maybe self-exile won’t be such a bad thing after all.”

Fuck. I might even pick up some hobby. Gardening or some relaxing shit to pass the time. Get my stress levels way down. Maybe, if I feel a little wild, I’ll swing by the roadhouse I spotted on the way here. Time to strap on a pair of balls and see if there are some rugged cowboys or lost young men looking for a night out.

My stomach churns at the thought of being with another man other than Gary.

I’ve been out of the dating game for half a decade, five fucking years down the drain just like that. Sixty months of manufactured memories. In the end, Gary made it plain he only valued me for one thing—for being a winner. It only took one loss for Gary to sever the bonds and move on, not caring about the scars he left behind.

I only need to look at my boxes to see bits and pieces of Gary poking out the cartons. Shows what a pussy I am, keeping reminders of him without his knowledge. I flinch at them all—Gary’s favorite Seahawks sweatshirt and the pair of cheap sunglasses I bought him when we vacationed in Rio. The gun-shaped lighter he loved, along with the button he earned from Nicotine Anonymous for staying clean for six months.

It never stuck. Gary doesn’t like consistency. He got his kicks then moved on, same with people. Any therapist will tell me that all this is unhealthy behavior. Better to forget the past and move on. I can’t. Gary’s things are puzzle pieces I need. Someday, I’ll piece them all up and understand why he left me.

I’m hopeful they might even contain answers on how I can win him back. For now, I’ll remain in Oakville. Get lean and back in shape. Good enough to win fights in the rings, and Gary.

The sound of clanging pans startles me back to reality. I narrow my eyes. My body tenses, ready to spring into action. A curse comes from next door, from the thin walls separating me from the psycho living there. I stand and press my ear against the wall.

A dog barks, followed by a gruff voice. My mysterious neighbor begins coaxing his pet in soothing tones. I can’t make out the words yet, but the stranger on the other side sparks my interest. Is he an old grump, some misunderstood vet who wants to be left alone? Can he be a disturbed young man, plotting something sinister?

I snort. “Look at me. I’ve got nothing better to do than eavesdrop on my neighbor. Oh, and talking to myself. All I need is to get a cat.”

Disgusted, I pull away. A list. I need one to be organized and remain sane. It takes me an hour to find a notepad and a working pen from my boxes. I plan what I need to do for the next few hours, days, and weeks. Work’s good. It helps elevate the pain and rage. Makes it easier to lock them up in a box and forget them for a while. Sooner or later, I’ll need to take out that box. Confront my fears, but not today.

Still, I check my phone for messages or emails from Burt Green, my manager, or Gary. I hate myself after, for allowing myself to feel self-pity.

“Home Depot then grocery shopping,” I mutter, glancing at my list. I grab my jacket and car keys.

Time to take the first step forward.

“If I’m still feeling lonely, I’ll stop by the pet shop and get myself a fat tabby to share my misery with.”

*****

Review:

Overall I liked this book but there were a few things that might be a deal breaker for other readers. So let’s get to it 🙂

There’s a biggish deal about how Will is damaged but I don’t see it. Yes, he got his pride bruised both in the ring and out but that’s about it. The man is strong, sure of himself, and all Alpha. He’s not broken, or even bent, he’s just feeling sorry for himself 🙂 But meeting Matt gives him something to concentrate on besides his failings.

I like the idea that Matt met someone who found him worthy of being stubborn about, who pushed into his life and made him get out of his own head. Mental health issues are a serious thing and should in no way be taken lightly. But I think Matt was allowed for too long to live only with himself & his dog for company. It didn’t seem like he had anyone who cared about him and was willing to help him want to get better. Not until he met Will. And that is the important part – Will didn’t fix him, he made him want to fix himself.

I do wish we were told more of why Matt was the way he was, what happened to him when he was serving. I also think that Voisen introduced some things that never get addressed. While I feel like I got a story with an end, I’m not sure that I got a complete one and wanted another couple of chapters to fill in some of that.

I know that some people are going to hate the fact that it seems like Will was able to fix Matt with sex, but that isn’t true. (Although there was scene that kinda didn’t work for me, but I kinda saw why it might fit with the rest of the story.) Will just got in his face and didn’t let him chase him off. Matt isn’t cured and he still has a lot of work ahead of him, plus he was already working with a trained professional therapist. It just took a relationship with Will to get him thinking about getting better.

Not perfect, Conquer is still a sizzling and sexy and enjoyable romantic read.

*****

Author Info:

Angelique Voisen is a bisexual, twenty-something, type-2 diabetic and multi-pubbed writer who favors LGBT and ménage pairings. She likes experimenting with different sub-genres and her stories may include cogs, fangs, space battles, kinky magic systems and happily-ever-afters. When Angel’s not writing, she’s gaming, watching B-rated action movies, or enjoying teatime with friends while enviously eyeing their cake.

For more information on other books by Angelique, visit her website:

http://angelvoisen.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/angelique.voisen

http://twitter.com/frances_ac

http://www.pinterest.com/angelvoisen/

*****

Giveaway:

3 winners to receive RAPTURE by Angelique Voisen

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc1384/

*****

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Book Review – Like That Endless Cambria Sky

08 Friday Jul 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Like That Endless Cambria Sky, Linda Seed, Main Street Merchants series

Like That Endless Cambria Sky

Main Street Merchants series

by Linda Seed

Genevieve Porter was forced to flee the art world of Manhattan after she blew the whistle on the shady practices of a powerful dealer. Now she owns a small gallery in the breathtaking beach town of Cambria, California. For Gen, this is a place to regroup; she’s poised to restore her reputation in the art world and return to New York in triumph. When she meets Ryan Delaney, a cattle rancher who’s more than he appears to be, she’s ready for a sexy roll in the hay-literally. But when her feelings for him become more than casual, she realizes that his roots on the Central Coast go back generations, and it’s going to be a challenge to lure him away from his family’s land. If these two are going to make a life together, one of them is going to have to give up old ideas, old goals-old feelings about what success means, and what makes a place a true home.

Set amid the crashing waves and rugged cliffs just south of Big Sur, Like That Endless Cambria Sky is Book 2 in Linda Seed’s Main Street Merchants series.

I love the feeling of family between the girls in this series. They have a closeness, understanding and support that most people hope to find.

I get why Genevieve wants so badly, and works so hard, to head back to NY. It was her goal and she had it taken away from her. Developing something with yummy rancher Ryan only complicates things … but he’s awfully hard to resist. He’s down-to-earth, caring and hardworking. Sexy and smart, he’s got a lot going for him.

I’m a little confused about the depth of the conflict toward the end. I’m not sure I totally understand why things blew up to QUITE the level they did – some of it, but not all of it. But I think that it is handled well and leads to a conclusion that works for everyone.

I’m definitely looking forward to what Seed has for us next. These women (and men) may be different personalities but they are all likeble, with a great bond, and are bound to have blast on their road to true love.

(Part of a series, but can definitely stand on its own. I do recommend picking up Moonstone Beach for a fun read.)

Spotlight – Always My Girl

07 Thursday Jul 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Always My Girl, Samantha Chase, The Shaughnessy Brothers series

The always wonderful Samantha Chase has a new book in her delightful Shaughnessy Brothers series … and I’m pretty sure that Quinn has no idea what about to happen to him 🙂

*****

Always My Girl

The Shaughnessy Brothers, #3

by Samantha Chase

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 5, 2016

Blurb:

Sometimes the love that’s closest to you is the hardest to see.

Quinn Shaughnessy’s two older brothers have found their true loves … but Quinn’s not about to join that parade. Nope, as he tells his best friend Anna, there’s a lot more to life than getting tied down to one person. He’s positive tomboy Anna will be on his side – except she’s inexplicably developing other interests – even dating! Suddenly Quinn is seeing Anna in a very different light.

Quinn has been Anna’s buddy since they were both five years old. She can tell him anything – except the one big secret she’s been hiding for years – that she’s fallen in love with him. Now Anna is determined to make a life for herself that doesn’t include pining for Quinn. Falling in love with your best friend? Easy. Telling them how you really feel? Impossible.

Add the book to your Goodreads Shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28591464-always-my-girl

Buy the Book:

*Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01AO207B0

*Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/28OHa9P

*iBooks: http://apple.co/28OHa9R

Also in the Series:

Book One: Made For Us

*Amazon: http://amzn.com/1492616222

*Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/28OGKk3

*iBooks: http://apple.co/1KVAiDC

Book Two: Love Walks In

*Amazon: http://amzn.com/1492616257

*Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/28OH9Tr

*iBooks: http://apple.co/28OGW2B

Pre-Order Book 4: This Is Our Song

*Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PicNW7

*Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/28OHlSz

*iBooks: http://apple.co/28OHdSY

*****

Excerpt:

Quinn reached out and tugged her away from the car before she could sit. “Dan who?”

“Dan Michaels. From high school. Remember him?”

Quinn thought for a moment. “Pretty boy. Played baseball with me junior year. When did you see him?”

“Tonight. That’s who I was with earlier. He’s looking at the Stanley’s place on the beach. The house is like a damn showplace—like something out of a magazine!—and if I can convince him to buy it, the commission will go a long way in giving me some breathing space. Now with this car thing? I need it more than ever.”

“So you dressed up for him in hopes of enticing him to buy?”

“What?” she cried with disbelief. This time she shoved at his chest with both hands. “What is the matter with you? What the hell have I ever done to you to make you be such a complete ass to me?” They were both breathing hard as they glared at one another.

Quinn cursed under his breath and stormed back into the shop through the garage. Anna quickly followed. It wasn’t an easy task in the dress and heels – which she cursed the entire time. She found him in his office, throwing the rag down on the desk.

“Hey,” she snapped, slamming the office door closed behind her. “I asked you a question. Quinn’s blue eyes flashed with fire as he looked at her. Anna had seen that look before, normally directed at other people. It was the first time she was on the receiving end of it and she wasn’t sure if it scared her or just served to make her madder.

“Oh, yeah? Well I asked you one earlier and you didn’t answer. I guess we’re even.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he waited her out – a smug expression on his face.

“Seriously? Are we really going there? The whole I’m rubber, you’re glue thing? Aren’t we getting too old for this crap?” And then the fight started to leave her. This wasn’t getting her anywhere. The man clearly had an issue with her that he wasn’t going to share and she was just tired of the whole thing. “You know what? Never mind. Just…never mind,” she said wearily and turned to open the office door and leave.

“Did you kiss him?” he called after her and waited until she turned around and looked at him. “Did you kiss him, too?”

Slowly Anna stepped back into the office and looked at Quinn as if he’d lost his mind. “Are you high or something? Kiss him? Kiss who? Could you please explain to me what the heck you’re talking about?” She was completely confused by the turn in the conversation. Did he think she’d kissed Jake? She hadn’t even been out on a date in what felt like forever, so what was he even referring to?

He moved in close and kept going until Anna’s back was against the wall. “Is that your new thing? Just kissing guys to pass the time?” Quinn’s breathing was ragged as he looked down into Anna’s wide eyes.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I…I haven’t kissed anyone,” she said shakily as her tongue came out to moisten her suddenly dry lips.

“You kissed me.”

Those brown eyes got impossibly wider as she softly gasped. “No I didn’t.”

Wait…did I? Was that not a dream the other night?

“Yeah, you did,” he said lowly. “You fell asleep on the couch and then I carried you to bed and you kissed me.”

She shook her head no, unable to find her voice. But even as she tried to deny it, the image came to her mind that she would have sworn had just been a dream. Not that she was going to share that bit of information with Quinn.

He continued to watch her, his eyes never leaving hers. “Yes. You. Did.”

“I…I don’t believe you,” she stammered, wishing like hell she could just escape and die of embarrassment.

“Let me remind you,” he growled fiercely as he closed the distance between them so they were pressed together from head to toe. His hand reached up and anchored itself around her nape as his mouth crashed down on hers.

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

With twenty-three titles currently to her name, she has no plans to slow down. The success of the Montgomery Brothers series has her working on six new titles in that collection as well as two new exciting series set to start popping up on bookshelves in 2015. You won’t find her books with the erotica or paranormal titles, all of her works are pure contemporary romances.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, blogging, playing way too many games of Scrabble on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

Facebook | Twitter | Google + | Amazon | Website

*****

Giveaway:

Win your own copy of the first 3 books in the series

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7996b6c5324/

*****

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Spotlight – Deceived

06 Wednesday Jul 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Dark Alliance series, Deceived, Kate SeRine

I loved SeRine’s redone fairy tales so I was stoked to here she’s got a new series. Looks super good!

*****

Deceived

Dark Alliance #1

by Kate SeRine

Releasing June 28, 2016

Zebra

Blurb:

Luke Rogan’s assignment is simple: secure young Elijah Scoffield and his mother and bring them back to headquarters–just an ordinary mission for an operative of the Dark Alliance. But Elijah is no ordinary kid. He’s the grandson of one of the country’s most influential politicians–a man privy to the Alliance’s most valuable secrets, including its centuries-long connection to the Knights Templar. And someone else is attempting to capture the boy–someone who’s proven he doesn’t give a damn about collateral damage. . .

Heartbroken at the lies that tore her world apart, Sarah Scoffield will do anything to protect her son–even if that means teaming up with a deadly stranger. But Sarah soon finds herself falling in love with her dark hero. And as danger stalks ever closer, the fiery desire that claims them awakens in Sarah passions she’d thought dead and buried long ago. . .

Praise for Kate Serine

“Dark, dangerous, edgy, and deliciously sexy!” –Julie Ann Walker, New York Times bestselling author

“Kate SeRine knows how to pack a punch!” –Donna Grant, New York Times bestselling author

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27204470-deceived

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

*****

Excerpt:

“I thought we were safe here,” Sarah said, her arms crossed over her chest.

“We’re as safe here as anywhere until we get to my place,” Luke assured her.

She lifted a brow. “Yet you’re acting like you expect someone to come barging in and attack us at any moment.”

He took a step closer and immediately realized his mistake when his heart started pounding at the nearness of her. Shit. He shoved his hands into his pockets to keep from touching her. “If being paranoid is what’s going to keep you and your son alive,” he said, “then guilty as charged.”

“Please don’t take this the wrong way, Luke,” she began, edging closer, damn it all, “but why does it matter so much to you if Eli and I are safe? You don’t know us. I get that you’ve been given an order, but I also heard you talking to your commander and know you’d rather be somewhere else. If you’d insisted that someone else watch over us, I would’ve understood. I can just go to the police, tell them what happened. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

Luke stared at her for a long moment, trying to figure out the answer to her question. Hell if he knew why it mattered so much to him that he keep them safe. In the technical sense, he protected people every day and had for going on fifteen years when he added up his time in the military and then working for the government and now with the Alliance. But she was right—this assignment was hitting him on a level he hadn’t anticipated.

“I guess because, when I wasn’t much older than Eli, someone took my mother and me in, watched over us when we needed it,” he finally said, not sure where the explanation was even coming from. “And someone else did the same thing for me again a few years ago when I was in a really dark place—except this time the enemy I was up against was myself. If it wasn’t for that person stepping in, I don’t know where I’d be. But dead is a damned good bet.”

Sarah straightened. “Oh. God. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Luke told her. He shook his head as his vision went a little blurry. Suddenly too tired to stand, he leaned against the edge of the sink. “I made a promise to keep you and Eli safe, Sarah. I’ll keep it. There’s no way I’d abandon you, so don’t worry about it.”

The next thing he knew, Sarah’s arms were around his neck, hugging him tightly. He resisted the urge to wrap his arms around her and hold her close, to bury his face in her hair and let the warmth of her wash over him. But when she pressed a kiss to his cheek and whispered, “Thank you,” in his ear, he almost gave in.

Fortunately, before he could move, she stepped away and hurried back into the room with Eli, leaving Luke gaping at the empty doorway and wondering exactly what the hell he’d gotten himself into…

*****

Author Info:

Kate SeRine (pronounced “serene”) is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in true love that lasts forever. So it’s no surprise that when she began writing her own stories, Kate vowed her characters would always have a happily ever after.

Kate lives in a smallish, quintessentially Midwestern town with her husband and two sons, who share her love of storytelling. She never tires of creating new worlds to share and is even now working on her next project—probably while consuming way too much coffee.

Kate is also the author of the award-winning Transplanted Tales paranormal romance series and the Protect & Serve romantic suspense series.

Connect with Kate at www.kateserine.com, Facebook.com/kateserine, or on Twitter @KateSeRine.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

a $25.00 Amazon or B&N eGift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81080/

*****

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Book Review – Winning the Billionaire

05 Tuesday Jul 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, JM Stewart, Seattle Bachelors series, Winning the Billionaire

Winning the Billionaire

A Seattle Bachelors Novel

by JM Stewart

In the tradition of E.L. James and Sylvia Day comes a sultry new series starring women who want to live out their wildest dreams . . .

When it comes to love, this billionaire is all business . . .

Software mogul Christina McKenzie has loved billionaire Sebastian Blake since they were kids. So when Seattle’s most famous bachelor-and perennial playboy-finally asks Christina out, her fantasies kick into overdrive. Things become hot and heavy . . . but what’s she supposed to do when she starts to fall for him? Sebastian’s never been one to settle down, and Christina knows she’s just another notch in his bedpost.

Sebastian knows that smart, kind Christina deserves better than him. But after the mind-blowing night they just shared, he’s ready to turn a sexy fling into the real deal. Keeping his freedom is one thing, yet keeping Christina in his bed-and in his life-is all Sebastian can think about . . .

The sibling’s best friend trope is one of my favorites and Stewart handles it so very well. I appreciate that things aren’t drawn out overlong – yes, it’s been simmering for years, but once the cats out of the bag things get rolling quickly.

Sebastian has issues with relationships, thanks to his parents, so he’s already hesitant to get involved with Christina. Add in that she’s his best friend’s twin, that they all practically grew up together, and it makes a complicated situation even worse. But the death of his father has him experiencing all sorts of emotions and he lets down his walls, acting on his feelings … which could be the best or worst thing he’s ever done 🙂

Having been burned by a player in the past, Christina’s not too anxious to let down her guard with commitment-phobic Sebastian. And she’s gotten real good about hiding the depth of her feelings for him. But when he starts with the full force of his attentions on her, continuing to resist gets harder and harder.

I love these two together – they’ve got the history of decades of friendship, mixed in with repressed feelings now let out, it’s a chemical reaction just waiting to go off. But they never truly forget the love and respect they have for each other. Even in denial or full-fledged retreat, they still have that basis to work with.

(Story is part of a series but can stand on its own.)

Book Review – Under an Adirondack Sky

04 Monday Jul 2016

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

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Book Review, Karen Rock, Under an Adirondack Sky, Walsh Family series

Harlequin has four amazing books from their Heartwarming series on tour in July & August and I got the pleasure of reading one of them!

*****

Under an Adirondack Sky

A Walsh Family Story

by Karen Rock

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming (July 1, 2016)

Blurb:

Can he juggle everything…including her?

After raising his siblings and running the family pub for more than a decade, Aiden Walsh has set his own dreams aside. Until the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen stumbles into his bar, and his arms. Too bad Rebecca Day is the school psychologist in charge of his brother’s future. Who’s he kidding? He doesn’t have room in his full life for romance anyway. But forced to join Rebecca and her group of troubled teens on an Adirondack retreat, he realizes keeping his family afloat isn’t enough for him…not by a long shot.

Harlequin | Barnes & Noble| Amazon| Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

Read the first three chapters on Wattpad!

*****

Review:

I feel so bad for Aiden, trying to take on all the extra responsibilities for his family can’t have been easy. And he was so young when he did it. He’s a dedicated family man, doing everything he can to keep things afloat but all the juggling he’s had to do has let him have very little time to slow down and look at life around him. While he’s a good guy at heart it has led to him having very little time to really see himself and those around him. But given the opportunity he does us proud and steps up to really take on the challenge of changing things to make them better for his family.

Rebecca may be a psychologist, with a great outlook on life and a sunny personality, but that doesn’t stop her from having a few blinders about things. It’s great that Rock gives her this opportunity to grow along with Aiden and her kids, who add some extra liveliness to a fun story. She didn’t have the best childhood and that’s left some scars but taking this time out with others, helping them see deeper into themselves, also gives her a change to look at herself and realize that maybe there is more going on than what she thinks.

It was enjoyable to see both Aiden & Rebecca grow throughout the course of the book, as they got to know each other they also had a chance to look deeper into themselves. They didn’t change drastically, which is realistic, but they did have an opportunity to see themselves from someone else’s viewpoint and outside situations.

Under an Adirondack Sky is a heartwarming story about two people finding themselves and each other, learning and growing together while falling in love.

(Part of a series, this book can easily stand on its own. But I am curious about Aiden’s siblings and will be checking out the series for other great reads.)

*****

Author Info:

Award-winning author Karen Rock is both sweet and spicy–at least when it comes to her writing! The author of both YA and adult contemporary books writes red-hot novels for Harlequin Blaze and small-town romances for Harlequin Heartwarming. A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile. When she’s not writing, Karen is an avid reader who’s typically immersed in three different books at a time, all in different genres. She also loves cooking her grandmother’s Italian recipes, baking, Christmas (no need to specify–she loves every bit of it), and having the Adirondack Park wilderness as her backyard, where she lives with her husband, daughter, dog and cat who keep her life interesting and complete.

Connect with Karen

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

*****

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Book Review – The Billionaire Bachelor

01 Friday Jul 2016

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

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Tags

Billionaire Bad Boys series, Book Review, Jessica Lemmon, The Billionaire Bachelor

We’ve had Jessica Lemmon’s books on here before and I was super excited to find out she was starting a new series.

*****

The Billionaire Bachelor

Billionaire Bad Boys series

by Jessica Lemmon

On Sale: June 28, 2016

Publisher: Forever

Formats: Mass Market & eBook

Price: $5.99 USD

Add to Goodreads

Blurb:

Manwhore. That’s what the board of directors—and the tabloids—thinks of billionaire bachelor Reese Crane. Ordinarily he couldn’t care less, but his playboy past is preventing the board from naming him CEO of Crane Hotels. Nothing—and no one—will keep him from his life’s legacy. They want a settled man to lead the company? Then that’s exactly what he’ll give them.

Merina Van Heusen will do anything to get her parents’ funky boutique hotel back—even marry cold-as-ice-but-sexy-as-hell Reese Crane. It’s a simple business contract—six months of marriage, absolute secrecy, and the Van Heusen is all hers again. But when sparks fly between them, their passion quickly moves from the boardroom to the bedroom. And soon Merina is living her worst nightmare: falling in love with her husband…

THE FULL BILLIONAIRE BAD BOYS SERIES

The Billionaire Bachelor, #1

The Billionaire Next Door, #2

The Bastard Billionaire, #3

Series Page on Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

The Van Heusen Hotel was the love of Merina Van Heusen’s life. The historical building dominated the corner of Rush and East Chicago Avenue, regal and beautiful, a living work of art.

Her parents’ hotel had once been the Bell Terrace, home away from home to celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Sammy Davis Jr., and more recently, Lady Gaga and the late Robin Williams. The original structure perished in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, only to be resurrected bigger, better, and more beautiful.

There was a life lesson in there.

Latte in hand, Merina breathed in the air in the lobby, a mix of vanilla and cinnamon. Faint but reminiscent of the famed dessert invented in the hotel’s kitchen: the snicker- doodle. On her way past Arnold, who stood checking a guest into the hotel, she snagged one of the fresh-baked cookies off a plate and winked at him

The dark-skinned older man slid her a smile and winked back. Having practically grown up here, the VH was a second home to her. Arnold had started out as a bellman and had worked here for as long she could remember. He was as good as family.

She dumped her purse in her office and finished her cookie, holding on to the latte while she meandered down the hallways, checking to make sure there were no trays outside the doors that needed collecting. At the end of the corridor on the first floor, she saw a man outside one of the rooms, drill whirring away.

“Excuse me,” she called. Then had to call again to be heard over the sound. When she came into view, he paused the drilling and looked up at her.

He wore a tool belt and navy uniform, and the antique doorknob was sitting on the floor at his feet along with a small pile of sawdust.

“What are you doing?” she asked, bending to pick up the heavy brass. Her parents had done away with “real keys” the moment they took over, installing the popular keycard entry hotels now used, but the antique doorknobs remained.

“Installing the fingerprint entry.” From his pocket, the uniformed man pulled out a small silver pad with a black opening, then went back to drilling.

“No, no, no.” She placed the doorknob back on the ground and dusted her hand on her skirt. “We’re not doing any fingerprint entry.” She offered a patient smile. “You need to double-check your work order.”

He gave her a confused look. “Ma’am?” He was looking at Merina, but his voice was raised.

Merina’s mother, Jolie, appeared from behind the hotel room door, her eyebrows raising into hair that used to be the same honeyed shade of blond as Merina’s but now was more blond to hide the gray.

“Oh, Merina!” Her mother smiled, but her expression looked a little pained.

“Can you give me a minute with my daughter, Gary?” Like she was Gary’s mother, Jolie fished a five-dollar bill from her pocket and pressed it into his palm. “Go to the restaurant and have Sharon make you a caramel macchiato. You won’t be sorry.”

Gary frowned but took the cash. Merina shook her head as he walked away.

“Sweetheart.” Jolie offered another smile. A tight- lipped one meaning there was bad news. Like when Merina’s cat, Sherwood, had been hit by a car and Jolie had to break it to her. “Come in. Sit.” She popped open the door and Merina entered the guest room.

White duvets and molded woodwork, modern flat-screen televisions and artwork. Red, gold, and deep orange accents added to the richness of the palette and were meant to show that a fire may have taken down the original building but couldn’t keep it down.

Jolie gestured to the chair by the desk. Merina refused to sit.

“Mom. What’s going on?”

On the end of a sigh that didn’t make Merina feel any better, her mother spoke.

“Several changes have been ordered for the Van Heusen in order to modernize it. Fingerprint entry is just one of them. Also, the elevators will be replaced.”

“Why?” Merina pictured the gold decorative doors with a Phoenix, the mythical bird that arose from the ashes of its predecessor, emblazoned on them. If there was a beating heart in the Van Heusen, it was that symbol. Her stomach turned.

Instead of answering, Jolie continued. “Then there’s the carpeting. The tapestry design won’t fit in with the new scheme. And probably the molding and ceiling medallions will all be replaced.” She sighed again. “It’s a new era.”

“When did you take to day-drinking?” Merina asked, only half kidding.

Her mother laughed, but it was brief and faded almost instantly. She touched Merina’s arm gently. “Sweetheart. We were going to tell you, but we wanted to make sure there really was no going back. I didn’t expect the lock- smith to arrive today.” Her eyes strayed to the door.

Merina’s patience fizzled. “Tell me what?”

“Your father and I sold the Van Heusen to Alexander Crane six months ago. At the time, he had no plans on making any changes at all, but now that he’s retiring, the hotel has fallen to his oldest son. Evidently, Reese had different ideas.”

At that pronouncement, Jolie’s normally sunny attitude clouded over. Merina knew the Cranes. The Crane Hotel was the biggest corporate hotel outfit in the city, the second biggest in the nation. Alexander (better known as “Big Crane”) and his sons ran it, local celebrities of sorts. She’d also read about Big Crane’s retirement and Reese’s likely ascension to CEO.

But none of that mattered. There was only one newly learned fact bouncing around in her brain. “You sold the Van Heusen?”

She needed that chair after all. She sank into it, mind blanking of everything except for one name: Reese Crane.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Merina stood up again. She couldn’t sit. She could not remain still while this was happening. Correction: This had happened. “Why didn’t you talk to me first?”

“You know we’d never include you in our financial difficulties, Merina.” Jolie clucked her tongue.

Financial difficulties?

“Bankruptcy was not an option,” her mom said. “Plus, selling gave us the best of both worlds. No financial responsibility and we keep our jobs.”

“With Reese Crane as your boss!” Her mind spun after she said it aloud. My God. They would be answering to that arrogant, idiotic . . . “No.” Merina shook her head as she strode past her mother. “This is a mistake.”

And there had to be a way to undo it.

*****

Review:

So we all pretty much know where this one is going – a marriage of convenience that ends up being not so convenient after all. Doesn’t mean that it has to be blah 🙂

Reese is your typical modern rake. He had some things happen that has him deciding that commitment and relationships aren’t for him. But there is something he wants and marriage to Merina is the only way that he can think to get it. Blackmail, power struggle, blah blah blah, together for show only.

But he’s no match for her vibrancy. I enjoyed watching him slowly fall under her spell and show himself to not be as cold as he comes across. While we know that he’s going to screw it all up out of fear, he definitely knows how to give a woman his heart once he’s ready.

Merina has a lot of spunk and she’s not willing to let Reese get away with too much. She’s sweet and caring and fun and mouthy and the perfect person to have Reese letting down his walls just a little. Unfortunately it isn’t enough and I have to give her credit for pushing for more. She’s strong and not willing to settle for second best.

Lemmon takes a pretty well established trope and with skill & flair makes it enticing. While we’ve seen heroes like Reese many times he’s got just that little extra oomph to him to make him not feel recycled. And Merina’s spunkiness has me pulling for her every step of the way. I’ve loved Lemmon’s Bad Boys before and I’m starting to think her Billionaires will give them a run for their money.

*****

Author Info:

A former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

FOLLOW FOREVER ONLINE

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

*****

Giveaway:

Win your own copy of the book

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*****

Tour Schedule:

6/27/2016
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6/27/2016
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6/27/2016
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The Biblio-Files: Confessions of a Book Whore
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Book You Very Much
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Life With Two Boys
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Novels In Heels
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6/29/2016
EverAfter Romance
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Book Review – Lily’s List

30 Thursday Jun 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Lily's List, N. J. Walters, Summersville Secrets series

Lily’s List

Summersville Secrets, Book 3

by N. J. Walters

Fans of steamy small-town romance will love the third book in the sexy Summersville Secrets series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author N. J. Walters!

Ready to explore her fantasies . . .

When Lily Summers was left to raise her son alone, she threw herself into her work as a florist and secretly began writing erotic romance novels. Relying solely on fantasies about the impossibly sexy Carson Granger for material, the single mom has a long list of sexual scenarios she needs to research to make her stories catch fire. When Carson discovers the list and offers some hands-on help, Lily’s immediately aroused by his primal power and the elemental attraction that ignites between them, but she’s terrified of surrendering control to a man she’s wanted for so long, especially one who’s younger than she is.

Desperate to show her so much more . . .

Carson always knew that Lily had shut herself off from men after a bad marriage, but he also knew the quietly sensuous florist had a secret side, and he wanted to be the man to tap into that reserve of passion. When he discovers her hidden wish list, he knows it’s his chance to initiate her into a world of sexual abandon before revealing a secret of his own. As they indulge in each new item on Lily’s list, she can’t deny the burning desire and need beating inside her, and with tender patience and sexual finesse, Carson is breaking down her barriers and drawing one step closer to turning her short-term explorations into a lifetime of devoted pleasure.

This is a fully revised edition of a book originally published as Lily Blossoms.

I love the care that Carson puts into wooing Lily. He’s waited a long time, and she’s skittish, so he takes advantage of an opportunity when it falls into his lap 🙂 He displays a lot of understanding in how he handles her – taking it slow and easing her into each step. Of course he makes a couple of miscalculations but I like that Walters doesn’t make it into too much of an issues. The drama when it happens is low-key and handled in a realistic manner.

Of course, he’s not the only one that has uh-ohs. Lily follows Carson’s lead but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t let her fears get the better of her a time or two, hurting Carson in the process. But she comes through when it is important and takes care of business.

My only complaint is that I’m selfish and I want to know what is in store for these two down the road. Lily’s concerns for getting involved with Carson are valid – while 7 years isn’t a big gap at their ages, they are in different stages of their lives and that could cause complications. I would have liked a little more time to work thru those things, but being a romance we can just assume that they work it out and live HEA 🙂

Steamy, introspective and heartfelt, Lily’s List has something for just about everyone.

(Part of a series, but can stand on its own with a few minor references to other stories.)

Spotlight – Driven to Temptation

29 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Drive to Love series, Driven to Temptation, Melia Alexander

This book just looks too much fun! A quirky heroine and a reticent hero thrown together on a road trip … trouble is inevitable.

*****

Driven to Temptation

A Driven to Love Story

by Melia Alexander

Released June 13, 2016

Entangled Lovestruck

Blurb:

Aidan Ross might be an engineering genius, but people skills? Not this soldier’s forte. Thankfully, a trusted friend is accompanying him to a make-or-break tradeshow…but then a bubbly redhead hops into his truck, claiming to be his new road trip buddy. She’s a gorgeous distraction he can’t afford. Or ignore.

Delaney Harper comes from a family of engineers—male engineers. With several impressive projects under her belt, she’s on a mission to prove she can hang with the big boys, too. But cracking the sexy, closed-off CEO is tougher than she expects…and hotter than she could have imagined.

With the tempting woman disrupting his carefully planned schedule, Aidan can’t focus on the road, much less their upcoming presentation. The future of his company is riding on this trip, and if they’re to land a huge account, he has to keep his head—and his heart—in the game…

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30080152-driven-to-temptation

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

*****

Excerpt:

Her stomach rumbled a reminder she hadn’t eaten today. Much. Fortunately, she’d packed a supply of snacks.

He loaded up the last of the easels and display charts in the bed of his truck. By the time he slammed the custom cover closed and locked it, she’d pulled a bag of corn chips from her handbag and torn it open. She shoved a couple of chips into her mouth and tossed her handbag onto the front seat as she crunched down.

Aidan’s voice cut through her thoughts. “What are you doing?”

“What? Oh. Sorry. How rude of me.” She held the opened bag toward where he sat in the driver’s seat. “I didn’t get a chance to eat anything this morning. Want some?”

“No, thanks.” His voice sounded tight as he fastened his seat belt. “I don’t eat in my truck.”

“Okay.” She took out a chip and crunched on it, corn yumminess exploding in her mouth. It might not be breakfast material, but if Harold could eat sushi, she could definitely justify corn chips.

“I don’t think you get it. No one eats in my truck.”

Great. They were still at the office and she’d already managed to piss him off. While she had to stay on his good side, it wouldn’t make sense if she keeled over from hunger before they even crossed the state line into Washington.

“I’m hungry,” she said firmly, exactly the way her favorite college professor had taught her. “And since I wasn’t able to eat because I was getting ready for this trip, I think I should be allowed to have something. Want to wait a few minutes?

Or maybe we can stop for a quick bite. There’s a Bobby Jo’s a couple of blocks away. They make great chili dogs.”

No mistaking the cringe across Aidan’s face.

“What? Do you not like chili dogs or something? I’ll buy.”

“No.”

“No, you don’t like chili dogs, or no, you don’t want me to buy?” she asked before quickly shoving more chips in her mouth.

“Both.” His tone was clipped as he continued to stare at her.

“Does this mean you aren’t going to stop?” she asked a moment later.

“Yes.”

Okay. Let’s try this again, shall we? She kept her voice calm. “Yes, you’re going to stop, or yes, you’re not going to stop? Because if you’re not going to stop, I’m telling you right now, there’s no way I’m gonna last six more hours without food.”

And a hungry Delaney wasn’t someone he’d want to deal with. She stared at him intently, tried to telegraph that fact into his ever-so-hot and ever-so-stubborn profile.

“I’m not stopping.”

“Look.” She blew out an exasperated breath. “I’ll eat over the bag so there won’t be any crumbs.”

“There are always crumbs, no matter how careful you are.”

“Okay.” Yeesh. Was he always so anal? Maybe it was a good thing he didn’t hang around the office at all. “What if I vacuum the cab out when we get back to Milestone?”

He blew out a breath even as he nodded. “I suppose that’d work.”

Thank God for small favors.

“Is it okay to drink, too?” She pulled out a bottle of Gatorade and shot him her most charming smile.

“Fine. Just get in the truck,” the man practically growled at her. “We’re behind schedule.”

And he was grumpy, too. Wasn’t this going to be a blast?

*****

Author Info:

Melia Alexander is the author of sassy, sexy, fun contemporary romances, but is also fortunate to spend her week days at The Male Observation Lab (a.k.a. her job at a construction company) where she gets to observe guys in their natural habitat. Though they often behave like typical alpha males, in many instances she’s seen through their personas to the heart of who they really are – the heroes of their own stories. A native of Guam, Melia traded in warm, tropical breezes for the rainy Pacific Northwest. She’s an avid reader who also loves romantic comedies – preferably with a glass of CabSauv and a box of chocolates nearby. In her free time, she’s busy conquering her CrossFit fears: ring dips, muscle snatches, and the dreaded 800 meter run. Her family appreciates her attempts at cooking and cleaning, although she spends it mostly daydreaming about her characters, which sometimes results in a burnt meal and a half-cleaned house.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

A Driven to Temptation Gift Basket

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*****

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